Isfahan University Of Medical Sciences Research Articles

Assessing the students' readiness for E-Learning during the Covid-19 pandemic: A case study

The aim of this study was to scrutinize the E-learning readiness among the students of the Faculty of Health at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study was conducted as a descriptive-analytic study on 165 the students of the Faculty of Health in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2021. To examine the level of the participants' readiness for E-learning during the Covid-19 pandemic period, the questionnaire developed by Watkins et al, was administered. Finally, the data analysis was performed with SPSS24 software. The results showed that the mean and standard deviation were 97.44 and 17.67, respectively. Only 1.2% of the participants had a low level of E-learning readiness. 27.9% were at the intermediate level and 70.9% were at the high level. Moreover, the results revealed that the participants had the highest degree of readiness in "Technology Access" and "Internet discussions" dimensions (0.79) and the lowest degree of readiness in "motivation" dimension (0.67). The results of this study indicated that the majority of the participants in this study had a high E-learning readiness, so the university can implement the virtual education. However, the students' learning motivation should be enhanced through providing the required infrastructure and holding training courses for the students specially the BA ones.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs6445975 in the PXK Gene Is Correlated with Susceptibility and Clinical Characteristics of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Background:Recently, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have discovered several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and loci associated with the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). rs6445975 (T>G; intronic variant) polymorphism in the PXK gene is one of these loci. However, there was an inconsistency between the results of replicative studies on European and Asia ancestry. This study aimed to assess the possible association between rs6445975 polymorphism with SLE risk in the Iranian population.Methods:Genotype and allele distribution of rs6445975 polymorphism were investigated in 110 patients with SLE and 115 healthy controls in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran in 2019 via real-time PCR high resolution melting method (HRM).Results:GG and TG genotypes, but not TT genotype, were associated with increased risk of SLE (GG vs TT; OR= 7.538; 95%CI [3.47, 17.066] and TG vs TT; OR=2.21; 95%CI [1.06, 4.72]). Inheritance analysis revealed that TG + GG was correlated with the increased risk of SLE disease in the dominant model (OR=3.928; 95%CI [2.056, 7.74]). Moreover, subjects with the G allele were more frequently affected with SLE than individuals with the T allele (OR= 3.55; 95%CI [2.37, 5.36]). The G allele in patients was correlated with serum concentration of CRP, ESR, anti-dsDNA antibody, C3, and C4 and presentation of some clinical manifestations such as kidney involvements and skin lesions (P<0.05).Conclusion:Our findings suggest a substantial association between rs6445975 polymorphism in the PXK gene with susceptibility and clinical characteristics of SLE in the Iranian population.

Medical science students’ experiences of test anxiety: a phenomenological study

IntroductionThe studies show test anxiety is a common disorder in students that causes academic failure. There are not enough studies and specific theoretical background about test anxiety and ways to deal with it, so the purpose of this study was to do a qualitative study to fully understand the ways to deal with test anxiety in medical Sciences students.Materials and methodsThis is a qualitative study. The participants are the students of the last 2 years of pharmacy, medicine and dentistry at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Ten students were selected by purposeful sampling, and interviews continued until the data saturation stage and the lack of access to new data. The data were analyzed by seven-level Colaizzi method.FindingsAfter analyzing data, about 50 codes were extracted. These codes divided into 16 subclasses, and among them, ultimately five main themes are extracted: “Prayer and Dialogue with God”, “Interaction and communication with friends and relatives”, “studying strategies”, “Finding ways to relax and self-care” and “Negative strategies” were extracted.ConclusionsThe result of this study showed that students often use positive strategies to overcome the test anxiety and try to use positive strategies, but some students are advised of undesirable strategies such as misuse of authorized drugs and writing cheating that that lead to a lot of complex problems. The educational system should do its utmost effort to empower students to manage the anxiety by learning the best strategies.

Predictors of health-related quality of life among Iranian people with type 2 diabetes

Introduction: Diabetes is a common disease with several macro-vascular and microvascular complications, which can result in long-term damage of various organs. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is commonly impaired in patients suffering from prolonged diseases. Inadequate attention to HRQOL leads to decreased compliance with treatment and health-care interventions. Objectives: This study was aimed to identify possible determinants of HRQOL in Iranian people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 160 patients with T2DM registered at endocrinology clinic of the Alzahra teaching hospital of Isfahan university of medical sciences, Iran, was conducted in 2019-2020. HRQOL was measured using the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Multivariate linear regression models were used to analyze the variables associated with HRQOL. Results: A total of 160 patients took part in this study. The mean age of the respondents was 59.3 (9.9) years. Around 107 patients (66.9%) were women. The mean (SD) for sub-scales of SF-36 in all patients were physical functioning 57.1(32.5), role limitation due to physical health 62.4 (42.1), role limitation due to emotional health 82.3 (35.8), energy/fatigue 58.8 (21.4), emotional well-being 72.5 (17.5), social functioning 80.4 (28.3), pain 70.5 (26.9) and general health 46.9 (26.3). The most common factors contributing to lower SF-36 subscales were being female, having a higher body mass index (BMI), and having macro-vascular complications. Conclusion: HRQOL among Iranian people with T2DM is mostly influenced by gender, weight, and diabetes complications. By reducing complications of diabetes, especially macrovascular complications, and implementing obesity prevention policies, HRQOL could be improved. A patient-centered approach is needed to improve HRQOL for each patient.

Frequency of Allergic Reactions Related to Dentistry Allergens among Dentistry Students, Residents, and Professors

Introduction: With the increase in the use of dental services and the increase in the use of different materials in several fields, the prevalence of allergic reactions to these substances has also been rising. In this situation, the diagnosis of allergic reactions and their prevalence among dentists is important. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of these reactions among students, residents and faculty members of Isfahan Dental School.&#x0D; Materials &amp; Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Isfahan Dental School using a form for data collection in 2018, which was provided by professors and colleagues from the Immunology Department of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, on clinical students, residents and faculty members of Isfahan Dental School. Finally, the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square methods (p value &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Results: Of 200 participants in this study (152 students, 23 residents and 25 faculty members), 64 % showed allergic reaction to at least one dental workplace (69.1 % among the students, among the faculty members was 40.7 % and among the faculty members was 56 %). The most common allergic reaction among all participants was skin itchiness, hives, and respiratory responses. The pre-clinical and laboratory sections had the highest prevalence of allergic reactions.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the prevalence of allergic reactions caused by allergens in the dental environment is very important and the most common reactions is skin reactions and subsequent respiratory reactions. Also, among the most common allergy to dental materials was latex gloves.

Evaluation of Clinical Communicational Skill Training Period in Isfahan Dental School 2014

Introduction: Professional ethics in any field of medical specialties lead to better communication between patient and doctor and ultimately improve the quality of health care and patient satisfaction will follow. So, we aimed to evaluate the professional communication skills in students before and after training in an attempt to improve the clinical skills in all students of medicine and dentistry.&#x0D; Materials &amp; Methods: This quasi experimental study had 100 dental students from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences enrolled in the year 2016 before and after taking the course and were rated using valid and reliable questionnaires and then the scores were compared. The data was analysed via independent-t test and co-variance. P value = 0.05 was considered statistically significant.&#x0D; Results: Based on the results of data analysis a difference between the level of students' knowledge before and after the lessons were observed. Moreover, the mean score for men and women after completing the course did not significantly differ. Based on the results of independent t test scores in men and women's clinical skills before taking the course, there was no significant difference (p value = 0.689). There was no significant relationship between other subscales and gender before and after training (p value = 0.2).&#x0D; Conclusion: According to the results of data analysis, the theoretical presentation of the course has improved students' perceptions of clinical skills. Therefore, taking into account the views of dental students is one of the necessary elements in improving the education and training of oral health care providers in the community in the future.

An Unfavorable Metastatic Site at Initial Diagnosis in a 2-year-old Boy with Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma (NB) is considered one of the malignant tumors of the nervous system which originates from primordial neural crest cell and is known as the most common extra-cranial solid tumor in childhood. This tumor which is often intra-abdominal, metastases in various sites including the skull, long bones, liver, bone marrow and lymph nodes, but lung metastasis at initial diagnosis is rare (0.2-3.7%). Here, the authors reported a two-year-old boy who referred to Imam Hussein Children's Hospital affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran in April 2017 with complaint of abdominal pain and distension along with diarrhea, vomiting and fever. In physical examination, a palpable mass was observed at the right side of the abdomen, that in further studies, NB with lung metastasis along with poorly differentiated, low MKI, positive MYCN amplification was reported. This is the first documented case report of NB with lung metastasis from Iran. In conclusion, although lung is considered as an unfavorable metastatic site for NB, in high grade and poor prognosis cases, this organ should also be examined in metastatic site examinations. Therefore, lung High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is introduced as the gold standard modality for this work.

The effect of sesame oil consumption compared to sunflower oil on lipid profile, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices in women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized double-blind controlled trial

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases in the world. There is strong evidence that dyslipidemia and other cardio-metabolic disorders are highly prevalent in patients with NAFLD. This trial aimed at examining the effect of sesame oil (SO) in the context of a weight loss program on lipid profile, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices in women with NAFLD.MethodsThis randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was carried out on 60 women with NAFLD. Subjects were randomly assigned to the SO group (n = 30) and sunflower oil (SFO) group (n = 30), each person consuming 30 g of oil per day for 12 weeks. All the participants received a hypocaloric diet (− 500 kcal/day) during the study. Lipid profile, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices were assessed at pre- and post-intervention phases.ResultsIn total, 53 participants completed the study. Following 12 weeks of intervention, anthropometric indices (p < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p < 0.05) were significantly decreased in both groups and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was significantly decreased in So group (p = 0.03). There was no significant change in lipid profile in both groups (p > 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, DBP (p = 0.031) and total cholesterol (TC) divided by high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p = 0.039) in the SO group were significantly reduced compared to the SFO group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe present clinical trial revealed that SO and SFO may not differently affect anthropometric indices, SBP, and lipid profile except for TC/HDL-C. In addition, SO may be effective in improvement of DBP and TC/HDL-C compared to the SFO group.Trial registrationEthical approval of this trial was obtained at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with the reference number of IR.MUI.RESEARCH.REC.1399.548 (https://ethics.research.ac.ir/ProposalCertificateEn.php?id=158942&Print=true&NoPrintHeader=true&NoPrintFooter=true&NoPrintPageBorder=true&LetterPrint=true), and it was registered before the start of the patient recruitment on December 12th, 2020 in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) with the registration number of IRCT20140208016529N6.

Multidisciplinary approach to functional somatic syndromes: study protocol for a population-based prospective cohort study

IntroductionIsfahan functional disorders (ISFUN) cohort study aims to describe the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in shaping the characteristics of functional somatic syndromes (FSS). This study is primarily intended...

Study and comparison of lifestyle among first and last year medical students of Isfahan university of medical sciences in 2019-2020

Introduction: Scientific studies confirm that unhealthy habits play an important role in the development of various disorders in all age groups. The field of medicine is a challenging period for students of this field that causes unwanted changes in their health habits and lifestyle. Objectives: The aim of this study is the evaluate and compare the lifestyle among first and last year medical students of Isfahan university of medical sciences. Patients and Methods: This study is a descriptive-analytic study that was conducted in two groups of first year and last year medical students in Isfahan university in academic year 2019-2020. The learning styles questionnaire (LSQ) is used in this study. It consists of 70 questions and measures lifestyle in 10 domains. This questionnaire is based on 6-point Likert scale and each question receives at least one point and maximum 6 points. Results were obtained by SPSS software version 22 and independent t-test and chi-square test. Results: The age range of first year students was 18-24 years with a mean of 19.5 years and the age range of last year students was between 24 and 27 years with a mean of 25 years, which showed a significant difference (P&lt;0.05; independent t test). There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender distribution and living status however, there was a significant difference between the two groups in marital status distribution. The mean scores of lifestyle scores in physical health dimensions and sport and physical activity in first year students were significantly higher than last year students since, the mean score of other aspects of life style was not significantly different between Junior and senior students. Conclusion: Overall, the mean scores of lifestyle scores in physical health dimensions and sport and physical activity in first year students were significantly higher than last year students however, the mean score of other aspects of life style was not significantly different between freshmen and senior students.

Patient Safety Competencies among Senior Students of Health Professions: An Iranian Evaluation Study

Introduction: Patient safety refers to preventing and reducing adverse events that might harm the patient while providing care. Enhancing patient safety competence upon entering the clinical environment requires introducing and integrating it in health professions' education. Aim: This study aimed to investigate patient safety competence among senior health professions students. Methods: This study was conducted in 2020 using a cross-sectional study. In total, 390 senior health professions students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, midwifery, surgical technologist (operating room technician), and anesthesia were selected through a stratified convenience method. Data were collected using the Health Professional Education in Patient Safety Survey – H-PEPSS from August to September 2020 and analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. All statistical computations were carried out using SPSS version 16. A significant level of 5% was considered (P &lt;0.05). Results: The mean scores of patient safety in health professions education in the classroom and clinical setting were 0.51 and 0.47, respectively. Among Health Professional Education in Patient Safety Survey – H-PEPSS domains, the highest mean score was obtained in the effective communication domain (0.61 in the classroom and 0.57 in the clinical setting). In contrast, domains of working in teams with other health professions showed the lowest mean score (0.39 in the classroom and 0.38 in the clinical setting). Conclusion: Patient safety in health profession education, particularly working in teams with other health professions, is at a moderate level in the classroom and a weak level in the clinical setting. Regarding the importance of interprofessional collaboration in promoting patient safety, it is recommended that the health sciences curriculum in Iran be reviewed to motivate students for interprofessional collaboration and the perception of its significance in reducing health profession's errors.

Medical Tourism Challenges After the Prevalence of COVID-19: The Neurosurgery Field

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has widely affected medical tourism on a global scale, thereby reducing the number and volume of medical services. Given the importance of this topic, the present study aimed to determine the challenges of medical tourism after the prevalence of COVID-19 in the field of neurosurgery. Methods: The present descriptive study was conducted by the neurosurgery department of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran in the first quarter of 2022. Using the convenience sampling method and based on Morgan’s table, 500 patients with neurosurgical diseases registered in Medical Tourism companies were identified and included in the study. The data were analyzed in SPSS. Results: 142 (28.4%) out of 500 patients with COVID-19 were willing to come to Iran for neurosurgical treatment. The most important non-medical reasons included natural attractions (4.37±0.44), cost-effective accommodation (4.03±0.23), and support from a country of destination (place of residence) (3.75±0.22). The most important medical reasons included the short waiting list, the fast treatment response (4.26±0.76), the availability of qualified doctors (3.96±0.27), and the low-cost treatment (3.87±0.53). Conclusion: The present study focused on the functions and potentials of medical tourism in neurosurgery. It can be more successful by providing the right conditions to improve the current situation.

Explaining Metacognition in Moral Reasoning: A Qualitative Study

Background: Considerable advances in medical science and modern biotechnology have caused an increasing need for discussing the ethical issues and decision making in the patients. Thus, this is considered as an essential element in medical education. In order to fill this scientific gap, the teachers should be able to investigate the thinking of learners in moral reasoning prior to graduation, thus they can develop the necessary skills in the analysis of clinical situations. This study was designed with an aim to explain the metacognition in moral reasoning in medical departments and based on the Islamic Society of Iran.&#x0D; Methods: The current study was a qualitative content analysis with a conventional approach where the information was acquired from in-depth personal interviews with 17 clinical professors and students in the medical, nursing, and midwifery majors from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Bushehr University of Medical Sciences.&#x0D; Results: 25 sub-categories, 6 categories, and 3 themes were extracted from the qualitative data. Three themes, including basics of metacognition in moral reasoning, metacognitive process in moral reasoning, and metacognitive responsiveness in moral reasoning, were extracted from the qualitative data. Then, based on the results of the qualitative data, the concept of metacognition was explained in moral reasoning.&#x0D; Conclusion: Metacognition in moral reasoning in medical departments is a mental process where the medical team uses their knowledge, skills, and experience in observance of the principles and a scientific and reliable process to have the necessary and sufficient responsiveness in their ethical decisions.

Designing Syllabus for Islamic Education Courses with a Health-Oriented Approach in Isfahan university of Medical Sciences

Designing Syllabus for Islamic Education Courses with a Health-Oriented Approach in Isfahan university of Medical Sciences

Alarm fatigue and moral distress in ICU nurses in COVID-19 pandemic

IntroductionMost ICU nurses feel overwhelmed by the variety of alarms at the same time. Therefore, nurses experience very stressful situations in relation to many responsibilities and care demands. This stressful condition has recently been exacerbated by COVID-19 and potentially endangers patient safety. The aim of this study was to investigate the alarm fatigue and moral distress of ICU nurses in COVID-19 crisis.MethodThis is a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study (April-May 2021). Sampling was done by convenience among ICU nurses affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Data were collected using Nurses’ alarm fatigue and the moral distress scale (MDS). Data were analyzed using ANOVA, independent t-test and multivariate logistic regression.ResultThe results showed that the mean score of alarm fatigue was moderate)19.08 ± 6.26 (and moral distress was low (33.80 ± 11.60). The results showed that there was a significant relationship between alarm fatigue and related training courses)P = .012(.So that, alarm fatigue in nurses who were trained in working with ventilators and alarm settings was significantly less than other nurses. Also, a significant relationship was found between moral distress and marital status(P = .001) and Shift type(P = .01). On the other hand, the risk of alarm fatigue was higher in participants who have a PhD. The results showed that no significant correlation was found between alarm fatigue and moral distress (r = 0.111, P = 0.195).ConclusionIt is suggested that practical training courses on alarm management be included in the curriculum and the ICU nurses should have practical training before starting work in the ICU and on an annual basis. In order to protect nurses and ensure quality care of patients, nurse managers should reduce the number of rotating shifts of ICU nurses.

Does allopurinol improve inflammatory biomarkers and post-revascularization coronary blood flow in Non-STEMI patients?

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, isfahan, Iran. Background Medical evidence suggests inflammatory processes responsible for the incidence of cardiovascular events including acute coronary syndrome and increased oxidative stress have a substantial role in cardiac events pathogenesis and prognosis. In the recent studies, usage of allopurinol has shown promising outcomes in favor of reducing oxidative processes responsible for atherogenic-related cardiovascular events and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Purpose This study aims to assess the effects of allopurinol bolus on the inflammatory biomarkers and post-revascularization coronary blood flow according to Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grading in patients with non-ST segment elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Methods In this randomized double blind clinical trial, Eighty NSTEMI patients were randomly divided into two groups, including the case group (n=40) medicated with a high loading dose of 600 mg allopurinol before the coronary angiography and angioplasty, while the control group (n=40) received the same shape medication as a placebo. The highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was measured at baseline and within 24 hours after the cardiac interventions and compared between the case and control groups. Post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) TIMI flow grading was also evaluated as a revascularization outcome and coronary blood flow. The patients were also monitored for incidence of ischemic symptoms and occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) as well as ventricular and supra-ventricular arrhythmia. Results The mean age of study population was 60.03 (10.02) and 62.78 (11.37) in case and control groups respectively (P-value=0.22). The two groups of the study were similar in terms of demographic, clinical, laboratory and angiographic characteristics (P-value&amp;gt;0.05). TIMI flow grading assessments as the revascularization endpoint revealed insignificant difference between cases versus controls in both prior to (P-value=0.14) and after (P-value=0.39) the PCI. Post-angiographic assessment of adjusted hs-CRP revealed an insignificant statistically difference between the cases and the controls (P-value=0.104). The incidence of ischemic symptoms, arrhythmia and MACEs were similar between the groups (P-value&amp;gt;0.05). Conclusion Our findings showed that, premedication with high dose allopurinol bolus in NSTEMI patients did not affect on hs-CRP, as an inflammatory biomarker, as well as revascularization outcome (according to TIMI flow). Further long-term studies on more extended biomarkers are strongly recommended.

Allopurinol pretreatment effects on coronary blood flow and revascularization outcomes in acute STEMI patients underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Introduction Todays, acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is considered as a most important component of acute coronary syndrome. In this regards, reperfusion therapy with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the most effective treatment for establishing coronary blood flow; which despite reperfusion of ischemic myocardium, it can also induce secondary injury as myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. The generation of reactive oxygen species by activation of xanthine oxidase (XO) enzymatic system is one of the major causes of ischemia-reperfusion injury in the ischemic myocardium and allopurinol, a XO inhibitor, has an inhibitory role on free radical productions in STEMI patients. Purpose In this study, we aimed to assess impact of allopurinol pre-treatment on revascularization outcomes, according to Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow and ST segment elevation recovery as well as clinical finding and major cardiac events incidence in STEMI patients underwent emergency PCI. Methods In this randomized double blind clinical trial, we enrolled 90 patients with acute STEMI in two equal groups. Allopurinol group received 600 mg allopurinol loading dose before the emergency PCI and the control group received the same shape medication as a placebo. Both groups also received the standard pretreatment protocol for PCI in acute STEMI setting. TIMI flow, ECG changes, Troponin level and major cardiac events (MACE) occurrence including death, myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke after 1 month follow up were assessed. In case group, allopurinol 100 mg daily and matched placebo pill for control group was continued for one month in addition to standard medications. Results Finally, 81 patients with acute STEMI has completed the study. The mean age of study population was 59.52 (11.31) and 61.3 (9.25) in case and control groups respectively (p = 0.49). Troponin level 48 hour after the PCI had not significant difference between the groups (p = 0.25). ECG ST-elevation regression also had not significant difference between the groups [75.0%1 vs 67.10% in case and control groups, respectively (p = 0.21)]. TIMI flow had improved in allopurinol group rather than placebo (p = 0.02). PCI success rate was 78.6% and 61.5% in allopurinol and control group respectively (p = 0.09). MACE and other clinically outcomes in follow up period were similar between groups (p &amp;gt; 0.05). Conclusions This study indicated that allopurinol pre-treatment loading dose could improve minimally revascularization outcomes based on TIMI flow in the patients undergoing primary or rescue PCI in acute STEMI setting.

Energy Drink Consumption and Increased Risk of Smoking and Alcohol and Sweetened Beverages Use among University Students

Objective: Energy drink consumption has been increasing among youth. In this study, we aimed to examine the patterns of energy drink consumption and their relationships with the use of sweetened beverages such as soda and packaged fruit juice as well as alcohol consumption and smoking among college students. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study in which data were collected during the 2018-2019 academic year for 9 months from October to July. Our sample was a random selection of 373 students attending Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. We used logistic regression analysis, chi-square, and independent t-tests for data analysis. Results: Overall, 31.6% of men and 27% of women had consumed energy drinks. Men consumed energy drinks 1.3 times more than women did. Preferring the taste was the most frequent reason (30.8%) for energy drink consumption. Having energy drinks was associated with consumption of sweetened beverages and alcohol (p &lt; .001). The mean consumption of sweetened beverages and alcoholic drinks, and smoking was significantly higher among men than women (p &lt; .05). Conclusion: A sizable percentage of students consumed energy drinks because of the taste. This indicates that they should be informed about the harmful ingredients in these drinks.

A Novel Pathogenic Variant of COL4A1 Gene in a Patient with Neuropathy: A Case Report

Background: Neuropathies a result of damage to the peripheral nerves are a heterogeneous group of diseases which may occur due to underlying genetic abnormalities. Exciting capabilities of the whole exome sequencing to detect disorders at the level of genome, especially in heterogeneous disorder groups, made it easy to determine which of the genetic variation disease causing in an individual patient. This paper reports a novel COL4A1 gene variation that was found in a case with para-clinical diagnosis of neuropathy, following molecular analysis. Case presentation: We report a 54 year-old man from the Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences admitted to genome genetic center with para-clinical diagnosis of neuropathy based on electromyography. Further molecular analysis of patient genomic DNA using whole exome sequencing, revealed a heterozygous COL4A1 pathogenic variant NM_001303110: c.A1G: p.M1V. The result verified by Sanger Sequencing.

Ciliary and immune dysfunctions and their genetic background in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in Central Iran.

Bronchiectasis is usually caused by recurrent bacterial infections and is characterized by irreversible dilation of the bronchi. In this study, we aimed to give an overview of the genetic backgrounds of patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) that have been suspected to an underlying ciliary dysfunction or inborn error of immunity (IEI). This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Seventy-one NCFB patients who were referred to the Immunodeficiency Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, from 1996 to 2020 were included. These patients were referred to this center for immunological and genetic evaluation. Genetic analysis with whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing was confirmed in 30 patients. However, the genetic evaluations of 41 patients were either still under evaluation or the patients had refused to be genetically evaluated. Thirty-eight of our 71 patients (53.52%) were diagnosed with ciliary dysfunction and the detected mutations included mutations in the CCDC65, DNAH11, RSPH1, CCDC40, and GAS8 genes as well as a novel mutation. Thirty-three patients (46.47%) had an IEI and the detected mutations included mutations of the following genes: TNFRSF13B, PTPN2, ZNF341 BTK, TCF3, CD79a, PIK3CD, JAGN1, WAS, RFXANK, STK4, GSDMD, and NEMO. This study presents an overview of the underlying ciliary and immune dysfunctions and their genetic mutations in NCFB in a highly consanguine population. This would give us a better understanding of the etiologies and the known and novel genetic mutations in NCFB in Iran and, in turn, in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.