The effect of nursing process-based care on patients' anxiety of candidates for women’s elective surgery

Abstract Background & Aim: Although surgery as a means of therapy is used today and saves many patients’ lives but it has also some complications. One of its most important psychological complications is preoperative anxiety. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nursing process based care on patients' anxiety of candidates for women’s elective surgery. Material & Methods: Using a randomized clinical trial, 60 candidates for women’s elective surgery in kosar hospital of Qazvin city were randomly assigned to either control or experimental groups. The experimental group was assessed based on nursing process after admission. If any nursing diagnoses including anxiety, knowledge deficit, or fear were found, then the required training was provided to the patients. The control group just received routine care. Data was collected using Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) and a laboratory test for measurement of serum cortisol level. Data analysis was performed by descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square test, fisher’s exact test, paired t test, independent t test, Wilcoxon and Pearson correlation) using SPSS-PC (v.17). Results: Paired t test results showed that the mean score for preoperative anxiety in the experimental group (13.6 ± 3.3) compared to the time of admission (23.33 ± 3.6) has been significantly decreased (p= 0.001, t= - 4.7). Whereas the mean score for preoperative anxiety in the control group (23/4 ± 4.28) compared to mean score of anxiety at admission time (17/03 ± 3.96) had been increased (p=0.001, t = -7.39). Results of independent t test showed that the mean preoperative anxiety score in the experimental group was significantly less than control group (p=0.001, t = -10.3). Conclusion: According to the results, nursing care based on nursing process as an effective and non pharmaceutical intervention can be recommended for reducing anxiety and concerns of these patients

Bioclimatic Analysis and Spatial Distribution of Livestock Fascioliasis in Iran

Background: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of fascioliasis and to perform a climatological analysis of different regions of Iran based on the current situation of the parasite and its intermediate host using Geographical Information System (GIS). Methods: Meteorological data were obtained from Iran Meteorological Organization. Risk map of fascioliasis transmission was prepared based on this data and using forecasting indices. Further, the number of fascioliasis cases from 31 provinces reported to the Iran Veterinary Organization were collected and prevalence maps of livestock fascioliasis were drawn. Results: The main risk hotspots were found in Northern provinces like Golestan, Mazandaran and Gilan as well as some Southern provinces such as Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari and Fars, which have ideal conditions for completion of the parasite life cycle. Moreover, Gilan Province with 10.83% had the highest rate of fascioliasis infection in slaughtered animal. Conclusion: Iran is one of the most important foci of fascioliasis globally. Several provinces of Iran have appropriate conditions for evolution of parasite life cycle and presence of its intermediate host. These regions require special attention and serious determination in order to control fascioliasis in human and animals

Corpus Callosum Functional Activities in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Background: Since cerebral palsy (CP) is a corollary to brain damage, persistent treatment should accompany an alteration in brain functional activity in line with clinical improvements. In this regard, the corpus callosum (CC), as a connecting bridge between the two hemispheres, plays an essential role.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of occupational therapy (OT) on CC functional activity and walking capacity in children with cerebral palsy.Material and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 4 children with CP (8.25±1.71 years) received 45 min OT sessions 3 times weekly for 8 weeks. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was acquired while conducting passive motor tasks to quantify CC activation. The pre-post activation changes in CC following therapy were quantified in terms of activated voxels. Walking capacity was evaluated using the timed-up-and-go (TUG), 6-minute walk test (6 MWT), and 10-meter walk test (10 MWT) in pre-and post-treatment.Results: The number of activated voxels in CC indicated significant improvement in participants. Post-treatment activated voxels substantially exceeded pre-treatment active voxels. Clinical measures, including TUG, 6 MWT, and 10 MWT are improved by 11.9%, 12.6%, and 25.4%, respectively.  Conclusion: Passive task-based fMRI can detect the effects of OT on CC functional activity in children with CP. According to the results, OT improves CC functional activity in addition to gait and balance performance

Geochemistry and mineral chemistry of Shahabad gabbroic intrusion, NW Nourabad, Lorestan province

The Shahabad gabbroic intrusion, with NW-SE trend cropped out at the boundary of Zagros and Sanandaj-Sirjan zones is composed of olivine gabbro, orthogabbro and troctolite. Plagioclase, clinopyroxene and olivine are the main minerals; and magnetite, titanomagnetite and serpentine are minor and secondary minerals. Microprobe analyses of the minerals show that plagioclase is labradorite, pyroxene diopsidic augite and olivine, chrysolite. The rocks appear to have calc-alkaline and metaluminous nature. The plots of some trace elements and composition of clinopyroxenes in the tectonic discrimination diagrams indicate a volcanic arc environment. In addition, spider diagram pattern of elements shows Sr enrichment and Ti, Nb, Zr and P depletion, typical characteristics of volcanic arc subduction related magmas. Furthermore, close similarity between the patterns of spider diagram for the Shahabad pluton with those of Andean basic rocks suggests that the Shahabad calc-alkaline basic magma may have formed in a subduction environment. Based on geological, geochemical and mineralogical features, formation of the gabbros, as a part of ophiolite mélange, is attributed to a suprasubduction system

Delineation of the Cr mineralization based on the stream sediment data utilizing fractal modeling and factor analysis in the Khoy 1:100,000 sheet, NW Iran

Fractal methods are regarded as a highly efficient method for more accurate separation of boundaries between mineralized zone in shallow and deep studies. In this research, concentration-number (C-N) and concentration-area (C-A) fractal methods were used in order to identify promising areas of the elements like Cr, Co and Ni in the Khoy 1:100,000 geological mapping sheet, NW Iran. The factor analysis was performed on the elements, and factors, which were related to the elements, were isolated and studied by both fractal methods. The current geological locations of the extreme anomalies were investigated and the results showed a very close relationship and overlapping. The results of the presented models show that the most elements under study are located in the central and southwestern parts of the sheet. From the point of view of the lithology, these areas correspond to the serpentinite ultramafic units of harzburgite and dunite, and as a result, there is a high probability of Cr mineralization. The achieved results are confirmed by factor analysis. This means that a factor accumulation of these elements is exactly the same as those of each element

Delineation of the Cr mineralization based on the stream sediment data utilizing fractal modeling and factor analysis in the Khoy 1:100,000 sheet, NW Iran

Fractal methods are regarded as a highly efficient method for more accurate separation of boundaries between mineralized zone in shallow and deep studies. In this research, concentration-number (C-N) and concentration-area (C-A) fractal methods were used in order to identify promising areas of the elements like Cr, Co and Ni in the Khoy 1:100,000 geological mapping sheet, NW Iran. The factor analysis was performed on the elements, and factors, which were related to the elements, were isolated and studied by both fractal methods. The current geological locations of the extreme anomalies were investigated and the results showed a very close relationship and overlapping. The results of the presented models show that the most elements under study are located in the central and southwestern parts of the sheet. From the point of view of the lithology, these areas correspond to the serpentinite ultramafic units of harzburgite and dunite, and as a result, there is a high probability of Cr mineralization. The achieved results are confirmed by factor analysis. This means that a factor accumulation of these elements is exactly the same as those of each element

Effectiveness of tamsulosin in prevention of post-operative urinary retention: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study

Purpose: Urinary retention is one of the most common complications contributing to surgical procedures. Recent studies have shown the benefits of alpha-adrenergic blockers in preventing post-operative urinary retention (POUR). The aim of this prospective study was to compare the prophylactic effect of tamsulosin with placebo on postoperative urinary retention. Materials and Methods: In this randomized placebo controlled, clinical trial, 232 male patients aged 18 to 50 years old admitted to Razi University Hospital for varicocelectomy, inguinal herniorrhaphy, and scrotal surgery were randomly assigned to receive either three doses of 0.4mg tamsulosin (n = 118) or placebo (n = 114), 14 and 2 hours before, and 10 hours after surgery. Patients were closely monitored for the development of urinary retention 24 hours after surgical intervention. The primary endpoint was to investigate the effect of tamsulosin in prevention of post-operative urinary retention during the first 24 hours after surgical intervention. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 18 and the P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: One hundred and eighteen patients were included in tamsulosin arm and 114 in placebo arm. POUR in patients who received tamsulosin was significantly lower than placebo, as 5.9% of the patients treated with tamsulosin and 21.1% placebo group, reported urinary retention following surgery (P = 0.001). No serious adverse effects were seen in both groups. Conclusions: This study suggests that short perioperative treatment with tamsulosin can reduce the incidence of urinary retention and the need for catheterization after varicocelectomy, inguinal herniorrhaphy, and scrotal surgery

The Iranian blood pressure measurement campaign, 2019: study protocol and preliminary results

Purpose Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for premature mortality and morbidity in Iran. The objective of the Iranian blood pressure (BP) measurement campaign was to identify individuals with raised blood pressure and providing appropriate care and increase the awareness among the public and policymakers of the importance of tackling hypertension. Methods The campaign was conducted in two phases. The first (communication) phase started on May 17th (International Hypertension Day). The second phase started on June 8th, 2019, and lasted up to July 7th during which, blood pressures were measured. The target population was Iranians aged >= 30 years. Participants voluntarily referred to health houses in rural and health posts and comprehensive health centers in urban areas in the setting of the Primary Health Care network. Additionally, over 13,700 temporary stations were set up in highly visited places in urban areas. Volunteer healthcare staff interviewed the participants, measured their BP, and provided them with lifestyle advice and knowledge of the risks and consequences of high blood pressure. They referred participants to physicians in case their BP was high. Participants immediately received a text message containing the relevant advice based on their measured BP and their past history. Results Blood pressure was measured for a total of 26,678,394 participants in the campaign. A total of 13,722,148 participants (51.4%) were female. The mean age was 46 +/- 14.1 years. Among total participants, 15,012,693 adults (56.3%) with no past history of hypertension had normal BP, 7,959,288 participants had BP in the prehypertension range (29.8%), and finally, 3,706,413 participants (13.9%) had either past medical history of hypertension, used medications, or had high BP measured in the campaign. Conclusion The campaign was feasible with the objective to increase the awareness among the public and policymakers of the importance of tackling hypertension in Iran