What do faculties specializing in brain and neural sciences think about, and how do they approach, brain-friendly teaching-learning in Iran?

Objective: to investigate the perspectives and experiences of the faculties specializing in brain and neural sciences regarding brain-friendly teaching-learning in Iran. Methods: 17 faculties from 5 universities were selected by purposive sampling (2018). In-depth semi-structured interviews with directed content analysis were used. Results: 31 sub-subcategories, 10 subcategories, and 4 categories were formed according to the “General teaching model”. “Mentorship” was a newly added category. Conclusions: A neuro-educational approach that consider the roles of the learner’s brain uniqueness, executive function facilitation, and the valence system are important to learning. Such learning can be facilitated through cognitive load considerations, repetition, deep questioning, visualization, feedback, and reflection. The contextualized, problem-oriented, social, multi-sensory, experiential, spaced learning, and brain-friendly evaluation must be considered. Mentorship is important for coaching and emotional facilitation

What do faculties specializing in brain and neural sciences think about, and how do they approach, brain-friendly teaching-learning in Iran?

Objective: to investigate the perspectives and experiences of the faculties specializing in brain and neural sciences regarding brain-friendly teaching-learning in Iran. Methods: 17 faculties from 5 universities were selected by purposive sampling (2018). In-depth semi-structured interviews with directed content analysis were used. Results: 31 sub-subcategories, 10 subcategories, and 4 categories were formed according to the “General teaching model”. “Mentorship” was a newly added category. Conclusions: A neuro-educational approach that consider the roles of the learner’s brain uniqueness, executive function facilitation, and the valence system are important to learning. Such learning can be facilitated through cognitive load considerations, repetition, deep questioning, visualization, feedback, and reflection. The contextualized, problem-oriented, social, multi-sensory, experiential, spaced learning, and brain-friendly evaluation must be considered. Mentorship is important for coaching and emotional facilitation

Experiences of Multiple Sclerosis Patients about Leisure Time Activities

Introduction: motor, cognitive perceptual and psychosocial abilities and can influence most performance areas. Occupational therapy sees leisure time and related activities among the most important parts of human life. This qualitative research was performed to describe the attitudes and experiences of people with MS in Ahvaz, Iran about leisure time activities. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological disease that affects sensory Method: from members of MS Association of Khuzestan province and occupational and physiotherapy clinics in Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (2011). Data saturation was achieved with 11 interviews. The study involved secondary analysis of in-depth transcribed semi-structured interview data, using Colaizzi's method. This descriptive phenomenological study used purposeful sampling to select subjects Results: (themes) emerged from the analysis of the subthemes in one main domain of attitude and experience of people with MS about leisure time activities. The participants categorized the effects of leisure on human performance into 2 subthemes (physical and mental performance) resulting in one theme (importance and aim of leisure). Besides, based on their ways of passing leisure time (individual style and group style) 3 subthemes and thus one theme (style of spending leisure) were extracted. In addition, 3 subthemes were mentioned for barriers (individual, social, and environmental barriers) that resulted in "leisure obstacles" as a theme. Finally, 2 subthemes were suggested for improving leisure time (personal and social role to leisure improvement) that demonstrated a theme (leisure suggestions). Nine preliminary structural elements (subthemes) and 4 essential structural elements Conclusion: physical and mental performance limitations in people with MS. Experiences of participants in this study expressed the importance of leisure from different aspects. Moreover, although these people spend their leisure time in individual or group activities, they face several obstacles including personal, social, and environmental barriers. In order to improve the quality of leisure for MS patients, more attention needs to be paid to the role of the individual as well as the community. The findings showed that leisure activities are also affected as a result of various Keywords: Qualitative study, Phenomenology, Multiple sclerosis, Leisure time, Leisure activit

Comparison of sensory processing between children with hearing aid and their normal peers in Shiraz City (2019)

Background:  Sensory processing is an important factor in development and affects the function of the senses in daily living activities. Hearing impairment may lead to some difficulties in sensory processing in children with hearing impairment. Objectives:  In this cross-sectional study, the sensory processing of children with hearing impairment and that of their normal hearing peers who were between 3 to 6 years old were compared. Methods: The study population consisted of 60 normal-hearing and hearing-impaired children with hearing aids in Shiraz who were between 3 and 6 years of age. Dunn’s Short Sensory Profile was utilized in both groups. The results were statistically analyzed by SPSS 21, and a p-level of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Independent t-test results showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in total sensory processing (p -value = 0.097), touch sensitivity (p -value = 0.043), olfactory and taste sensitivity (p -value = 0.259), movement sensitivity (p -value = 0.079), sensory seeking (p -value = 0.229), hearing processing (p-value = 0.390), low energy and weakness (p-value = 0.916), or hearing and vision sensitivity (p -value = 0.429). The total mean score was 15.28 ± 4.8 for children with hearing aids and 15.28 ± 4.6 for normal-hearing children. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the impact of hearing impairment on sensory processing is unperceivable and needs to be addressed through more research However, it does seem that hearing impairment may affect one area of sensory processing

The effect of increased manufacturing rate on risk of low back pain

The blood bank unit is one of the most important and fundamental units in every hospital especially in emergency situations. Lack of access to medical records related to individual’s blood transfusion can postpone blood transfusion when it is essentially needed which can in turn increase patients' risks. Meanwhile, the role of a blood bank information system is crucial in accessing this information, thereby improving the quality of available care. This research was conducted to determine the status of the blood bank information system of the hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences.This descriptive- practical study investigated the blood bank information systems of 11 hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in 2015. Data collection was performed through observation and interview, using a checklist and questionnaire. The validity of the instrument was determined through content validity and its reliability was confirmed through retesting. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics.All blood bank information systems under investigation were semi-mechanized. It was impossible to send the full reports electronically and to present dynamic reports. The blood bank staff were not aware of the existence and significance of the relevant standards and no specific blood bank software were used.Mechanized blood bank information systems bring about effective communication in various health care organizations. They lead to the application of relevant novel technologies while increasing patients’ safety and satisfaction

Keys to Unlock the Enigma of Ocular Toxocariasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: Ocular toxocariasis (OT) is a zoonotic infection caused by larval stages of Toxocara canis and T. cati. The current review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the global prevalence of OT. Methods: Five English (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) databases were explored and 101 articles met the inclusion criteria. Results: The pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) of OT was higher in immunological studies (9%. 6–12%) than in studies that applied ophthalmic examination (1%. 1–2%). The lower middle-income level countries had the highest prevalence (6%. 2–12%) as well as the African region (10%. 7–13%). The highest infection rate (4%. 2–7%) was detected in the 1–25 mean age group. Conclusion: Regular anthelminthic treatment of cats and dogs, and removal of animal feces from public places must be considered. KEYWORDS Toxocariasis; ocular larva migrans; public health; humans; zoonose

Epigenome-wide association study of serum urate reveals insights into urate co-regulation and the SLC2A9 locus

Elevated serum urate levels, a complex trait and major risk factor for incident gout, are correlated with cardiometabolic traits via incompletely understood mechanisms. DNA methylation in whole blood captures genetic and environmental influences and is assessed in transethnic meta-analysis of epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of serum urate (discovery, n = 12,474, replication, n = 5522). The 100 replicated, epigenome-wide significant (p &lt; 1.1E–7) CpGs explain 11.6% of the serum urate variance. At SLC2A9, the serum urate locus with the largest effect in genome-wide association studies (GWAS), five CpGs are associated with SLC2A9 gene expression. Four CpGs at SLC2A9 have significant causal effects on serum urate levels and/or gout, and two of these partly mediate the effects of urate-associated GWAS variants. In other genes, including SLC7A11 and PHGDH, 17 urate-associated CpGs are associated with conditions defining metabolic syndrome, suggesting that these CpGs may represent a blood DNA methylation signature of cardiometabolic risk factors. This study demonstrates that EWAS can provide new insights into GWAS loci and the correlation of serum urate with other complex traits

Meta-analyses identify DNA methylation associated with kidney function and damage

Chronic kidney disease is a major public health burden. Elevated urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio is a measure of kidney damage, and used to diagnose and stage chronic kidney disease. To extend the knowledge on regulatory mechanisms related to kidney function and disease, we conducted a blood-based epigenome-wide association study for estimated glomerular filtration rate (n = 33,605) and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (n = 15,068) and detected 69 and seven CpG sites where DNA methylation was associated with the respective trait. The majority of these findings showed directionally consistent associations with the respective clinical outcomes chronic kidney disease and moderately increased albuminuria. Associations of DNA methylation with kidney function, such as CpGs at JAZF1, PELI1 and CHD2 were validated in kidney tissue. Methylation at PHRF1, LDB2, CSRNP1 and IRF5 indicated causal effects on kidney function. Enrichment analyses revealed pathways related to hemostasis and blood cell migration for estimated glomerular filtration rate, and immune cell activation and response for urinary albumin-to-creatinineratio-associated CpGs

Meta-analysis of epigenome-wide association studies of carotid intima-media thickness.

Funder: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100003246Funder: ZonMw; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001826Funder: Research Institute for Diseases in the ElderlyFunder: Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100003245Funder: Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100013227Funder: Municipality of RotterdamCommon carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is an index of subclinical atherosclerosis that is associated with ischemic stroke and coronary artery disease (CAD). We undertook a cross-sectional epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of measures of cIMT in 6400 individuals. Mendelian randomization analysis was applied to investigate the potential causal role of DNA methylation in the link between atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factors and cIMT or clinical cardiovascular disease. The CpG site cg05575921 was associated with cIMT (beta = -0.0264, p value = 3.5 × 10-8) in the discovery panel and was replicated in replication panel (beta = -0.07, p value = 0.005). This CpG is located at chr5:81649347 in the intron 3 of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor gene (AHRR). Our results indicate that DNA methylation at cg05575921 might be in the pathway between smoking, cIMT and stroke. Moreover, in a region-based analysis, 34 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified of which a DMR upstream of ALOX12 showed the strongest association with cIMT (p value = 1.4 × 10-13). In conclusion, our study suggests that DNA methylation may play a role in the link between cardiovascular risk factors, cIMT and clinical cardiovascular disease

Genome-wide association and Mendelian randomisation analysis provide insights into the pathogenesis of heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A small proportion of HF cases are attributable to monogenic cardiomyopathies and existing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have yielded only limited insights, leaving the observed heritability of HF largely unexplained. We report results from a GWAS meta-analysis of HF comprising 47,309 cases and 930,014 controls. Twelve independent variants at 11 genomic loci are associated with HF, all of which demonstrate one or more associations with coronary artery disease (CAD), atrial fibrillation, or reduced left ventricular function, suggesting shared genetic aetiology. Functional analysis of non-CAD-associated loci implicate genes involved in cardiac development (MYOZ1, SYNPO2L), protein homoeostasis (BAG3), and cellular senescence (CDKN1A). Mendelian randomisation analysis supports causal roles for several HF risk factors, and demonstrates CAD-independent effects for atrial fibrillation, body mass index, and hypertension. These findings extend our knowledge of the pathways underlying HF and may inform new therapeutic strategies