Evaluation of pro-oxidant antioxidant balance in retinopathy of prematurity.

INTRODUCTION: Retinopathy of prematurity (RoP) is a vasoproliferative disorder caused by the abnormal development of retinal vessels in premature neonates. It is one of the major causes of childhood blindness, which is increasing with the increasing survival rate of low birth weight and premature neonates. This study has aimed to evaluate the role of oxidative stress and peroxidant antioxidant balance (PAB) in the pathogenesis and prediction of RoP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 154 neonates weighing <1500 g admitted at the NICU of Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study between 2018 and 2020. Blood samples were collected on the first day of birth to assess the peroxidant and antioxidant balance. The demographic, prenatal, and clinical course and postnatal problems were also recorded. The neonates were examined for RoP and divided into control (healthy) and affected (ROP) groups. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the two groups in gestational age, duration of oxygen therapy, and first and fifth minute Apgar score (P < 0.005). The mean PAB in infants without and with ROP was 19.79 HK (Hamidi-Koliakos) and 38.45 HK, respectively (P < 0.0001). Also, the mean PAB in neonates with ROP grade 1 and 2 was 36.69 HK and 45.53 HK, respectively (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: According to our findings, the PAB level can be helpful in predicting ROP incidence. With increasing PAB, the possibility of ROP severity will increase.

Comparison of birth weights of neonates of mothers receiving vs. not receiving zinc supplement at pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Zinc is an essential element for normal embryogenesis and embryonic and neonatal development. Therefore, we compared the birth weights of neonates born to mothers who consumed zinc supplement during pregnancy with that of neonates born to mothers who did not. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we divided 200 pregnant mothers into two groups: case group (mothers receiving zinc supplement during pregnancy) and control group (mothers not receiving zinc supplement during pregnancy) Then, the neonate's cord zinc level and mother's serum level were measured and neonate's growth charts (weight, height and head circumference)were completed. RESULTS: In this study, both groups of mothers were observed to have zinc deficiency; 35% of the mothers who consumed zinc supplements and 81% of the mothers who did not consume zinc supplements (P < 0.001). Based on the results, maternal serum of zinc (P < 0.001), neonatal birth weight (P = 0.008), maternal age (P < 0.001) and parity (P < 0.01) in zinc-supplemented group were higher. Neonatal birth weight was associated moderately with mother's zinc serum levels and poorly with neonatal serum zinc levels. CONCLUSION: Zinc consumption during pregnancy increases serum zinc level of mother and neonatal weight. Neonatal weight has a higher correlation to maternal serum zinc level.

Empathy score among medical students in Mashhad, Iran: study of the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy.

BACKGROUND: Empathy is one of the essential components of physician-patient relationship that has a significant effect on treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the empathy score among medical students in Mashhad, Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study in 2015, 624 medical students at Mashhad University of Medical Science (Iran) completed the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSPE). Data were analyzed by SPSS ver. 16, using independent-samples t-test, Chi-square, MANOVA, Spearman correlation, and Confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS: Of the 38.4% males and 65% females who participated in this study, the mean score of JSPE in the sample was 103.67 (±15.34) which was higher in women than in men. Also, the mean scores for each of the three factors of the scale were calculated. The total empathy score, compassionate care, and taking perspectives among different age groups were significant (p=0.000). Furthermore, students having high interest in their field were more empathic (p=0.008). Empathy of interns in relation to three areas of basic sciences (the first year, the second year and the first half of the third year), physiopathology (the second half of the third year, and the fourth year), and clinical trainings (the fifth year, and the first half of the sixth year), experienced significant reduction (p≤0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that empathy was higher in women in their first medical year and who were of younger age. The overall rate of empathy in the basic sciences period was more than that in the clinical period. Therefore, the initial exposure to clinical education, especially patient education and empathy, has a very prominent effect on the ability of medical students.

Empathy Score among Student Residence Assistants in Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Empathy, an essential component of the physician-patient relationship, may be linked to positive patient outcomes. This study aimed to determine the empathy score among student residence assistants (RAs). METHODS: In this descriptive design (cross-sectional study), 102 Iranian RAs participated in the study during 2015, completing the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSPE). Data collection was analyzed using SPSS version 17. MANOVA, independent-samples t-test, Spearman correlation and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Mean score of JSE in the sample was 87.06 (±15.14). The mean scores for perspective taking, compassionate care, and standing in the patients shoes were 38.90 (±13.11), 39.27 (±7.94), and 8.89 (±2.80) respectively. Among the three specialties, (psychiatric, internal medicine, surgery) results showed significant differences in total empathy score (p=0.001) and perspective taking score (p= 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: this study showed significant differences in total empathy score and perspective taking in three specialties. We suggest that the curriculum in Iranian RAs include more teaching on empathy and communicational skills.