Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS-P) in patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the psychometric features of the Persian version of the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS-P) tool when used in Iranian MS patients. Methods: 140 MS patients and the equivalent number of healthy controls completed the following assessments: FIS-P, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), SF-36 questionnaire and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results: A significant inverse correlation between FIS and the quality of life (SF-36 assessment tool), as well as a positive and significant correlation with the FSS were noted. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) values for the inter-rater reliability for the physical, cognitive, and social sections and the whole questionnaire were 0.89, 0.86, 0.95 and 0.98, respectively. The FIS Persian version was shown to possess a high reliability (with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.953). Likewise, the ICC values for the testretest reliability were 0.86, 0.87, 0.92 and 0.93 for the physical, cognitive, social subscales and the whole questionnaire, respectively. This suggested a high reliability for the FIS-P. Discussion: With a proper validity and reliability, the Persian-version of FIS retains the capability for being used in the assessment of fatigue and evaluation of the treatment and rehabilitation effects on fatigue-related symptoms among Persian-speaking patients with MS

A computer-based selective visual attention test for first-grade school children: Design, development and psychometric properties

Background: Visual attention is known as a critical base for learning. The purpose of the present study was to design, develop and evaluate the test-retest and internal consistency reliability as well as face, content and convergent validity of the computer- based selective visual attention test (SeVAT) for healthy first-grade school children. Methods: In the first phase of this study, the computer-based SeVAT was developed in two versions of original and parallel. Ten experts in occupational therapy helped to measure the content validity using the CVR and CVI methods. Face validity was measured through opinions collected from 10 first-grade children. The convergent validity of the test was examined using the Spearman correlation between the SeVAT and Stroop test. In addition, test-retest reliability was determined by measuring the intra-class correlation (ICC) between the original and parallel versions of the SeVAT in a single session. The internal consistency was calculated by Cronbach's alpha coefficients. Sixty first grade children (30 girls/30boys) participated in this study. Results: The developed test was found to have good content and face validity. The SeVAT showed an excellent test-retest reliability (ICC= 0.778, p<0.001) and internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha of original and parallel tests were 0.857 and 0.831, respectively). SeVAT and Stroop test demonstrated a positive correlation upon the convergent validity testing. Conclusion: Our results suggested an acceptable reliability and validity for the computer-based SeVAT in the assessment of selective attention in children. Further research may warrant the differential validity of such a test in other age groups and neuro-cognitively disordered populations

Invasive candidiasis in intensive care unit; consensus statement from an Iranian panel of experts, July 2013

Invasive candidiasis (IC) is associated with high mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Timely diagnosis of this potentially fatal condition remains a challenge; on the other hand, the criteria for initiating empirical antifungal therapy in critically ill patients are not well defined in different patient population and ICU settings. Alongside the international guidelines, reaching regional and local consensus on diagnosis and management of IC in ICU setting is essential. This report summarizes our present status of IC management in ICU, considered by a group of Iranian experts in the fields of intensive care and infectious diseases. A round table of 17 experts was held to review the available data and discuss the optimal treatment strategies for IC in critical care setting. Comparative published data on the management of IC were analytically reviewed and the commonly asked questions about the management of IC in ICU were isolated. These questions were interactively discussed by the panel and audience responses were taken to consolidate point-to-point agreement with the panel arriving at consensus in many instances. The responses indicated that patient's risk stratification, clinical discretion, fungal diagnostic techniques and the empirical therapy for IC are likely to save more patients. Treatment options were recommended to be based on the disease severity, prior azole exposure, and the presence of suspected azoleresistant Candida species. This report was reviewed, edited and discussed by all participants to include further evidence-based insights. The panel expects such endorsed recommendations to be soon formulated for implementation across the country. © 2014 The Author(s)

An overview of neuro-oncology research and practice in Iran, three years with the NOSC initiative

Research and practice of neuro-oncology compiles clinical neuroscience expertise from neurosurgery, radiation oncology, neuroradiology, medical oncology, neuropathology and related disciplines to optimize planning and therapy in central nervous system malignancies. Such an interdisciplinary context prompted health-care providers from all related disciplines to establish the Neuro-Oncology Scientific Club (NOSC) in Iran and let it flourish since 3 years ago. With the advent of advanced technologies and through continued share of experience, NOSC members have tried to provide more integrated diagnoses and therapeutic care to brain tumor patients across the country. NOSC activities revolve around some key tenets including dissemination of education and updates, facilitation of institutional collaborations; data registry and patients� awareness. By virtue of recent insights on molecular characterization of brain tumors such as codeletion of chromosomes 1p and 19q in anaplastic gliomas and O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation in glioblastoma, a range of translational research is being followed within NOSC. The most recent NOSC meeting which was held in Tehran, recapitulated main advances and dealt with the current debates on functional neurosurgery, biological markers and neuroimaging, risk prediction models in high grade gliomas and clinical issues in pediatric neuro-oncology. This article gives an overview of current hotspots in neuro-oncology research and practice which are pursued within NOSC. © 2015, Int J Clin Exp Med. All rights reserved