Reported causal factors for research misconducts in Iranian research

Substantial concerns about the research integrity in Iran have caused research misconducts to be an issue for studies. But adequate recognition of causal factors is a necessary part of clear and explicit policy in order to manage the research misconducts and supply the research integrity. This study attempted investigating the available evidence on the reported research misconducts in Iranian research and its causal factors. Therefore, 30 studies on Iranian research misconducts were studied. The detected factors to research misconducts based on the reported evidence included: 1. Structural factors such as publication pressure, scientific promotion policies, research funding, and job preservation; 2. Organizational factors such as research environment, regulatory-control activities on research and teaching research activities; 3. Personal factors such as research skills, degree orientation, financial benefits, understanding, and moral judgment. The analytical model of causal factors was designed. Therewith, cultural and situational factors have received less attention in the literature and they have a major focus on the obvious types of research misconduct (data fabrication, Falsification, and Plagiarism), especially plagiarism

Reported causal factors for research misconducts in Iranian research

Substantial concerns about the research integrity in Iran have caused research misconducts to be an issue for studies. But adequate recognition of causal factors is a necessary part of clear and explicit policy in order to manage the research misconducts and supply the research integrity. This study attempted investigating the available evidence on the reported research misconducts in Iranian research and its causal factors. Therefore, 30 studies on Iranian research misconducts were studied. The detected factors to research misconducts based on the reported evidence included: 1. Structural factors such as publication pressure, scientific promotion policies, research funding, and job preservation; 2. Organizational factors such as research environment, regulatory-control activities on research and teaching research activities; 3. Personal factors such as research skills, degree orientation, financial benefits, understanding, and moral judgment. The analytical model of causal factors was designed. Therewith, cultural and situational factors have received less attention in the literature and they have a major focus on the obvious types of research misconduct (data fabrication, Falsification, and Plagiarism), especially plagiarism

Ethical considerations in the biomedical research: analysis of national biomedical research ethics guidelines in Iran

The national guidelines for biomedical research ethics are approved by the "National Committee for Ethics in Biomedical Research" at the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education as the regulatory body for biomedical research in the country. The focus of these guidelines should be on the ethical issues related to different stages of the research process, which would lead to increased research integrity and better supervision of research activities. The present study analyzed the contents of these national guidelines to clarify the ethical considerations connected to the five stages of a research process including 1) proposing, 2) approval, 3) operation, 4) documentation and 5) publishing. The findings showed that the assessed guidelines laid more emphasis on the ethical considerations related to the research operation stage rather than the proposal stage. In other words, activities such as identification of the research problem, formulation of hypotheses and questions, financial evaluation, data analysis and data interpretation did not receive adequate attention in these guidelines. Most of the guidelines presented subject categories such as the rights of participants and supervisory considerations in the "research operation stage", ethical considerations in the "evaluation and approval procedure stage", and editorial responsibilities in the "research review and publication stage". In general, despite noticeable content for guiding researchers for ethical conduction of research the national guidelines are not adequately developed to cover comprehensive and sufficient ethical considerations regarding all the activities of research

Effects of Phenanthrene and Pyrene on Cytogenetic Stability of Human Dermal Fibroblasts Using Alkaline Comet Assay Technique

In the present study, the influence of phenanthrene and pyrene on cytogenetic stability of human dermal fibroblasts using alkaline comet assay was evaluated. The cells were isolated from foreskin samples obtained from healthy male infants and in low passages (P 1–3) were exposed to various concentrations (0.0900, 0.0625, 0.0320, and 0.0066 ppm) of phenanthrene and pyrene. Then, alkaline comet assay was performed to investigate the influence of these compounds on DNA damage and cytogenetic stability of human dermal fibroblasts. In the present work H2O2 treatment was used as a positive control of comet assay to create DNA damages. The analysis of alkaline comet assay parameters by CaspLab software showed the tail DNA% in high concentration (0.0900 ppm) of phenanthrene and pyrene in the exposed cells got increased as compared to normal cells, while head DNA% decreased. Also, similar to positive control (H2O2), DNA damage with long tail comet was observed in high concentration of these compounds as compared to normal cells. The comparison of comet assay parameters specially head DNA% and tail DNA% between each concentrations of phenanthrene and pyrene with other groups (healthy cells and H2O2 treatment) by ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test showed that these parameters were more significantly different (p < 0.05). These results indicated that phenanthrene and pyrene even in low dosage are dangerous and can increase the DNA damage and affect on cytogenetic stability of dermal fibroblasts. These findings suggested that phenanthrene and pyrene could increase the related diseases and risk of skin cancer in exposed individuals

The Idea of Learning without Constraints of Time and Place in Library Sciences in Developing Countries

It is generally assumed that distance learning is considered as an inescapable step forward for developing countries. Traditional education in developing countries can no longer respond and bend to the demands due to explosive population growth, economic constraints and over-demand for education. Given the pressure brought to bear on these countries to join the developed and information-rich world, it seems that distance education would provide a better education for a larger number of people at lower cost. The present paper attempts to investigate the status of distance education in Library and information science, expand on the challenges and opportunities it poses for the educational systems in the developing countries and to provide a more realistic link between education and development in such communities

Prevalence of macrosomia and relation of maternal risk factors with macrosomia

AbstractBackground: Macrosomia is a term applied to newborns with a birth weight of 4000 gr or above. Perinatal mortality and morbidity is increased in fetal macrosomia. Clavicular fracture, injury to brachial plexus, and hypoglycemia are important side effects. Mother’s age, body mass index of mother, weight gain in pregnancy, mother’s height, diabetes, history of macrocosmic delivery, gestational age, parity, and fetal sex are factors causing macrosomia. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the frequency and risk factors of macrosomia in Asalian hospital of Khorramabad in the summer of 2010. Methods: The data collection instrument was a questionnaire containing 10 variables as the risk factors of macrosomia. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software.Results: 59 cases of macrosomia were found in 500 living births. The results showed that the frequency of macrosomia was 11.8%. 69.5% of the neonates were male and 30.5% were female. Maternal risk factors were mother's age at pregnancy, mother's obesity (BMI>=30), weight gain more than 18 kg during pregnancy, history of diabetes mellitus, history of macrosomia, prolonged gestational age, and multiparity (parity>=5). There was no significant relationship between mother's job and macrosomia.Conclusion: The prevalence of macrosomia in Khorramabad was high (11.8%). Preventing pregnancy in mothers over 35 years of age by contraception ways, preventing maternal obesity before pregnancy, and control of blood glucose during pregnancy by suitable diet and insulin therapy are recommended to prevent macrosomia

Organ‐based clues for diagnosis of inborn errors of immunity: A practical guide for clinicians

Abstract Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) comprise a group of about 490 genetic disorders that lead to aberrant functioning or the development of distinct immune system components. So far, a broad spectrum of IEI‐related manifestations has been noted in the literature. Due to overlapping signs and symptoms of IEI, physicians face challenges in appropriately diagnosing and managing affected individuals. The last decade has witnesses improving in the molecular diagnosis of IEI patients. As a result, it can be the mainstay of diagnostic algorithms, prognosis, and possibly therapeutic interventions in patients with IEI. Furthermore, reviewing IEI clinical complications demonstrates that the manifestations and severity of the symptoms depend on the involved gene that causes the disease and its penetrance. Although several diagnostic criteria have been used for IEI, not every patient can be explored in the same way. As a result of the failure to consider IEI diagnosis and the variety of diagnostic capabilities and laboratory facilities in different regions, undiagnosed patients are increasing. On the other hand, early diagnosis is an almost essential element in improving the quality of life in IEI patients. Since there is no appropriate guideline for IEI diagnosis in different organs, focusing on the clues in the patient's chief complaint and physical exams can help physicians narrow their differential diagnosis. This article aims to provide a practical guide for IEI diagnosis based on the involved organ. We hope to assist clinicians in keeping IEI diagnosis in mind and minimizing possible related complications due to delayed diagnosis

Masson’s Tumor of the Hand: An Uncommon Histopathological Entity

Masson’s tumor or Masson’s hemangioma, more precisely termed intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH), is an uncommon benign vascular lesion of the skin and subcutaneous tissues which can be frequently confused with angiosarcoma. Although relatively rare, its accurate diagnosis is essential since it can clinically be similar to both benign and malignant lesions. We present a 39-year-old man with a round bulging arising from the left palm side of the hand with gradual growth in the last 5 months and on and off tenderness. The microscopic section demonstrated the papillary proliferation of endothelial cells in favor of Masson’s hemangioma, which was sufficiently treated with excision alone

Demographic, clinical, and paraclinical features of patients operated with the diagnosis of acute descending necrotizing mediastinitis: a retrospective study in Southern Iran

Abstract Introduction Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a type of acute mediastinitis that is rarely reported but is regarded as a fatal disease despite improvements in technological methods and antibiotic therapies. We aimed to determine the demographic, clinical, and paraclinical features of patients diagnosed with acute DNM. Methods In this retrospective study, patients’ hospital records with a diagnosis of DNM admitted to the Namazi hospital in southern Iran during 18 years (2002–2019) were reviewed. Demographic and clinical features were recorded and subsequently analyzed via SPSS 22. Results Out of 67 mediastinitis patients, 25 (37.3%) were diagnosed as DNM with an average age of 37.2 ± 16.7 years, and 68% were male. Regarding etiology, 52.0% were due to neck infection. Based on the technique of surgery, 52% of the patients underwent the combined method, which was mostly among type I and IIA DNM, while thoracotomy was mostly performed on type IIB DNM (P = 0.08). Based on the incision, type IIA and IIB had the highest frequency of thoracotomy and cervicothoracic incisions (P = 0.02 and 0.002). Puss discharge was significantly lower in type I DNM (P = 0.01). Based on the presenting symptoms of our patients, the majority (72.0%) had a chief complaint of neck pain, followed by chills and fever (48%). There were no reports of mortality during our short-term follow-up. Conclusion We report one of the largest retrospective studies of DNM patients in our referral center, with a high prevalence of the disease among younger populations, especially under 40 years. The method of treatment should be chosen based on the extent of infection and can be limited to neck exploration in upper mediastinal infections, though thoracic or combined approach in more broad infections

A Pregnant Woman with a Diagnosis of COVID-19 without Clinical Manifestations: A Case Report: A Pregnant Woman with a Diagnosis of COVID-19

A 41 year old woman, 38 weeks and 3 days pregnant, without any past medical history and gravida (G) 4, parity (P) 2 and abortion (Ab) 2, gave birth by Cesarean section. The patient did not have any fever, cough, and dyspnea and did not report any close contact with COVID-19 patients. She was extubated post-surgery in the recovery room. She had oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 87-93% with face mask and was transferred to medical ward. Six hours later, she experienced dyspnea and her SpO2 fell down to 83%. Ten hours after surgery, due to worsening of her dyspnea and SpO2 of 78%, cardiology consultation was conducted and patient was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). Cardiac consultation and echocardiography excluded PTE. In the ICU, her chest computerized tomography scan (CT-scan) showed bilateral ground glass opacity in favor of COVID-19. Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for COVID-19 was also positive. The baby was born with an Apgar score of 9, a normal physical examination and a positive PCR test for COVID-19