Risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in healthcare professionals of Azar Cohort Study: A cross-sectional Study.

Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is considered a worldwide health problem associated with high morbidity, mortality, and cost of care. In the present study, we examined risk-enhancing factors for ASCVD in healthcare workers of the AZAR cohort population. Methods: Data from a total of 500 participants were used for this cross-sectional study. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric indices, biochemical factors, and blood pressure were assessed. To evaluate the associations of ASCVD with the parameters mentioned above, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: The total frequency of subjects with severe (≥7.5) and low (<7.5) ASCVD was 7.6% (95% CI: 5.4-10.3), and 90.6% (95% CI: 87.7-93.0), respectively. The top strongest links were found between ASCVD and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) (odds ratio [OR]: 12.8, 95% CI: 3.2-49.9), diabetes (OR: 7.6, 95% CI: 2.8-25), and daily smoking (OR: 7.0, 95% CI: 2.8-20). Based on a multivariate logistic regression model, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/apolipoprotein B (Apo b), diabetes, hematocrit, age, Triglycerides (TG)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure, HDL-C, apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I), hemoglobin, and Apo B/Apo A-I have significant associations with ASCVD severity. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study showed significant associations between the severity of ASCVD with some parameters among healthcare workers of AZAR cohort study.

The Factor Structure and Generalizability of the Iranian Socioeconomic Status (SES) Questionnaire Administered in a Nationally Divergent Population.

Background: Measuring socioeconomic status (SES) as an independent variable is challenging, especially in epidemiological and social studies. This issue is more critical in large-scale studies on the national level. The present study aimed to extensively evaluate the validity and reliability of the Iranian SES questionnaire. Methods: This psychometric, cross-sectional study was conducted on 3000 households, selected via random cluster sampling from various areas in East Azerbaijan province and Tehran, Iran. Moreover, 250 students from Tabriz University of Medical Sciences were selected as interviewers to collect data from 40 districts in Iran. The construct validity and internal consistency of the SES questionnaire were assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and the Cronbach's alpha. Data analysis was performed in SPSS and AMOS. Results: The complete Iranian version of the SES questionnaire consists of 5 factors. The Cronbach's alpha was calculated to be 0.79, 0.94, 0.66, 0.69, and 0.48 for the occupation, self-evaluation of economic capacity, house and furniture, wealth, and health expenditure, respectively. In addition, the confirmatory factor analysis results indicated the data's compatibility with the 5-factor model (comparative fit index = 0.96; goodness of fit index = 0.95; incremental fit index = 0.96; root mean square error of approximation = 0.05). Conclusion: According to the results, the confirmed validity and reliability of the tool indicated that the Iranian version of the SES questionnaire could be utilized with the same structure on an extensive level and could be applicable for measuring the SES in a broader range of populations.

Challenges to heart failure medication prescribing post-hospitalization.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of heart failure (HF) medication prescribing on discharge post-HF-related admission. METHODS: A retrospective audit was conducted for 216 HF admissions over a period of 6 months; medication data from electronic records were collected for analysis. KEY FINDINGS: The prevalence of HF medication prescribing on discharge was: 32.9% (95% confidence interval: 26.6-39.6) renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, 10.6% (6.9-15.6) angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, 31.5% (25.4-38.1) HF-specific beta-blockers, 42.6% (35.9-49.5) aldosterone receptor antagonists, and 11.6% (7.6-16.6) sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors. CONCLUSION: HF medication prescribing remains relatively low despite the known benefits and recommendations listed in the guidelines.

Prediction the changes of anthropometric indices following a weight-loss diet in overweight and obese women by mathematical models.

Estimating the change rates in body size following the weight loss programs is very important in the compliance of those programs. Although, there is enough evidence on the significant association of body weight change with the other anthropometric indices and/ or body composition, there is so limited studies that have depicted this relationship as mathematical formulas. Therefore, the present research designed to use a mathematical model to predict changes of anthropometric indices following a weight-loss diet in the overweight and obese women. In this longitudinal study, 212 overweight/obese women who received an individualized low-calorie diet (LCD) were selected and followed-up for five months. Anthropometric measurements such as weight, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and body composition (lean mass and fat mass) were performed. Then, body mass index, waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to height ratio (WHtR), a body shape index (ABSI), abdominal volume index (AVI), and body adiposity index (BAI) were calculated using the related formula. Following the LCD led to the substantial and consistent changes in various anthropometric indices over time. All of these anthropometric variations were significantly related with the percent change (PC) of body weight except than WHR. Moreover, according to the mathematical formulas, weight loss was closely related to the decrease of WC (PC-WC = - 0.120 + 0.703 × PC-WT), HC (PC-HC = - 0.350 + 0.510 × PC-WT), body fat percentage (PC-Body Fat = - 0.019 + 0.915 × PC-WT), WHtR (PC-WHtR = - 0.113 + 0.702 × PC-WT), and improvements in ABSI (PC-ABSI = - 0.112 + 0.034 × PC-WT) and AVI (PC-AVI = - 0.324 + 1.320 × PC-WT). The decreasing rates of WC, HC, body fat percentage, WHtR, ABSI, and AVI in relation to the weight loss were clinically and statistically significant. This means that a healthy weight lowering diet would be accompanied by decreasing the body fat, body size and also the risk of morbidities.

Effects of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Peel Extract Supplementation on Markers of Inflammation and Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 in Women With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.

Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) as a common musculoskeletal disorder is the main cause of disability in the world. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) on some inflammatory markers and matrix maloproteinase1 (MMP1) in women with knee OA. Methods: Sixty obese women with knee OA aged 38 to 60 years were included in this clinical trial. The women were allocated into intervention (n = 30) and placebo (n = 30) groups along with standard drug therapy receiving 500 mg PPE or placebo twice daily for 8 weeks, respectively. Three-day food records, anthropometric measurements, fasting blood samples, and physical activity questionnaires were gathered at the baseline and the end of the study. Results: The supplementation of PPE significantly reduced the serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-ĸB), MMP1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels of the patients within the intervened group (all, P < .05) and compared with the placebo (P = .002, .045, .040, and .003, respectively) at the end of the study. The serum NF-ĸB levels significantly increased within the placebo group at the end of the trial (P = .002). Changes in other variables in the placebo group were not significant (P > .05). Conclusions: The findings of this clinical trial indicated that PPE supplementation decreased serum inflammatory markers including hs-CRP, NF-ĸB, and MCP-1 and MMP1 levels in women with knee OA. PPE supplementation may be useful as a part of an integrated approach to modulating inflammatory complications in women with knee OA.

The Association between Healthy Eating Index-2015 and Serum Metabolic Parameters in Women with Gallstone Disease: A Case-Control Study.

Background: One of the most prevalent gastrointestinal tract ailments is gallstone disease (GD). Diet has been acknowledged as a modifiable GD risk factor. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) is a scale for evaluating the quality of diets; therefore, this study aimed to determine whether the HEI-2015 score was associated with serum metabolic parameters in women with GD. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on a sample of 75 women diagnosed with GD and 75 healthy women at the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Clinic of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science in Tehran, Iran. Standard laboratory methods were employed to measure the biochemical parameters. The participants' habitual dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The HEI-2015 score was computed for all participants. The study employed multivariate logistic regression to identify the optimal predictor of GD. The Pearson Correlation was employed to determine the correlation between the HEI-2015 and serum metabolic parameters. Results: The study found a significant negative association between the risk of GD and serum HDL-c (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.76-0.95, P=0.008). Moreover, a significant positive association was detected between HOMAIR (OR: 3.27; 95% CI: 1.16-9.19, P=0.025), and the risk of GD. The study did not find a statistically significant correlation between the HEI-2015 and serum parameters. Conclusion: While an association was discovered between certain serum metabolic parameters and the risk of GD, the results do not provide a significant association between serum metabolic parameters and HEI-2015 score.

Psychometric properties of persian version of the cardiff fertility knowledge scale (CFKS-P).

Background: The level of fertility knowledge of reproductive-age people is low to moderate, and the inadequate knowledge of infertility-related factors may cause some people to unconsciously engage in activities that reduce their fertility. Given the significance of fertility knowledge, and the lack of standard instruments to evaluate it in Iran, the present study aimed at determining psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Cardiff Fertility Knowledge Scale (CFKS-P) in Iranian population. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 280 participants (comprising 140 couples) attending mandatory pre-marriage educational sessions at two public health centers in Tehran were consecutively sampled from July to September 2021. The study examined the face, content, and structural validity (through confirmatory factor analysis) of the questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using measures of internal consistency. Results: The structural validity of CFKS-P was approved with 13 items and two factors (basic knowledge of fertility and misconception about fertility) based on confirmatory factor analysis (RMSEA = 0.023, 90 % CI = 0.053-0.082, TLI = 0.916 and CFI = 0.972, χ 2 = 148.345). Kuder-Richardson coefficient of the scale was calculated to be 0.85. The overall percentage of correct answers for fertility knowledge was 50.76 %. Conclusion: The CFKS-P is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the fertility knowledge in Iranian men and women. This scale can help the health care providers to assess the fertility knowledge of their clients or the quality of health education provided.

The efficacy of curcumin supplementation on serum total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and disease activity in women with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the physiopathology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is associated with impaired antioxidant defenses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation on serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and disease activity in women with RA. In this clinical trial, 48 women with RA were treated with one capsule of curcumin (500 mg daily) or placebo for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and end of the study. Finally, we assessed the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS-28), dietary intake, and physical activity levels. While curcumin supplementation for 8 weeks significantly increased the serum levels of TAC (p < 0.05), it decreased tender joint counts, swollen joint counts, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and DAS-28 compared to the placebo at the end of the study (p < 0.001 for all). MDA levels significantly decreased in the curcumin group (p < 0.05). However, changes in MDA concentration were not significant between groups at the end of the trial (p = 0.145). Curcumin supplementation had a beneficial effect on increasing the serum levels of TAC and decreased DAS-28 in women with RA.

Psychometric properties of the experiences of maternity care scale among Iranian women.

BACKGROUND: Assessing women's perceptions of the care they receive is crucial for evaluating the quality of maternity care. Women's perceptions are influenced by the care received during pregnancy, labour and birth, and the postpartum period, each of which with unique conditions, expectations, and requirements. In England, three Experience of Maternity Care (EMC) scales - Pregnancy, Labour and Birth, and Postnatal - have been developed to assess women's experiences from pregnancy through the postpartum period. This study aimed to validate these scales within the Iranian context. METHODS: A methodological cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to August 2023 at selected health centers in Tabriz, Iran. A panel of 16 experts assessed the qualitative and quantitative content validity of the scales and 10 women assessed the face validity. A total of 540 eligible women, 1-6 months postpartum, participated in the study, with data from 216 women being used for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and 324 women for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and other analyses. The Childbirth Experience Questionnaire-2 was employed to assess the convergent validity of the Labour and Birth Scale, whereas women's age was used to assess the divergent validity of the scales. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were also examined. RESULTS: All items obtained an impact score above 1.5, with Content Validity Ratio and Content Validity Index exceeding 0.8. EFA demonstrated an excellent fit with the data (all Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measures > 0.80, and all Bartlett's p < 0.001). The Pregnancy Scale exhibited a five-factor structure, the Labour and Birth Scale a two-factor structure, and the Postnatal Scale a three-factor structure, explaining 66%, 57%, and 62% of the cumulative variance, respectively, for each scale. CFA indicated an acceptable fit with RMSEA ≤ 0.08, CFI ≥ 0.92, and NNFI ≥ 0.90. A significant correlation was observed between the Labour and Birth scale and the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire-2 (r = 0.82, P < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between the scales and women's age. All three scales demonstrated good internal consistency (all Cronbach's alpha values > 0.9) and test-retest reliability (all interclass correlation coefficient values > 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: The Persian versions of all three EMC scales exhibit robust psychometric properties for evaluating maternity care experiences among urban Iranian women. These scales can be utilized to assess the quality of current care, investigate the impact of different care models in various studies, and contribute to maternal health promotion programs and policies.

Prognostic factors and survival disparities in right-sided versus left-sided colon cancer.

Right-sided colon cancer (RCC) and left-sided colon cancer (LCC) differ in features and outcomes because of variations in embryology, epidemiology, pathology, and prognosis. This study sought to identify significant factors impacting patient survival through Bayesian modelling. Data was retrospectively analysed from a colorectal neoplasia database. Data on demographics, perioperative risks, treatment, mortality, and survival was analysed from patients who underwent colon cancer surgery from January 2010 to December 2021. This study involved 2475 patients, with 58.7% having RCC and 41.3% having LCC. RCC patients had a notably higher mortality rate, and their overall survival (OS) rates were slightly lower than those with LCC (P < 0.05). RCC stages I-IV consistently exhibited worse OS and relapse-free survival (RFS) than LCC (P < 0.05). Factors like age, BMI, ASA score, cancer stage, and comorbidities had significant associations with OS and RFS. Poor and moderate differentiation, lower lymph node yield, and organ resection were linked to lower survival while receiving chemotherapy; higher BMI levels and elective surgery were associated with better survival (all P < 0.05). Our study reveals key differences between RCC and LCC, emphasising the impact of age, BMI, ASA score, cancer stage, and comorbidities on patient survival. These findings could inform personalised treatment strategies for colon cancer patients.

The comparison of the effect of non-pharmacological pain relief and pharmacological analgesia with remifentanil on fear of childbirth and postpartum depression: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Childbirth may be associated with psychological, social, and emotional effects and provide the background for women's health or illness throughout their life. This research aimed at comparing the impact of non-pharmacological pain relief and pharmacological analgesia with remifentanil on childbirth fear and postpartum depression. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This randomized clinical trial with two parallel arms was conducted on 66 women with term pregnancy referred to Taleghani Hospital in Tabriz for vaginal delivery during September 2022 to September 2023. First, all of the eligible participants were selected through Convenience Sampling. Then, they were randomly assigned into two groups of pharmacological analgesia with remifentanil and non-pharmacological analgesia with a ratio of 1:1 using stratified block randomization based on the number of births. Before the intervention, fear of childbirth (FOC) was measured using Delivery Fear Scale (DFS) between 4 and 6 cm cervical dilatation. Pain and fear during labor in dilatation of 8 cm were measured in both groups using VAS and DFS. After delivery, FOC was assessed using Delivery Fear Scale (W DEQ Version B) and postpartum depression using the Edinburgh's postpartum depression scale (EPDS). Significance level was considered 0.05. Mean difference (MD) was compared with Independent T-test and ANCOVA pre and post intervention. RESULTS: The mean score of FOC in the non-pharmacological analgesia group was significantly lower than that in the pharmacological analgesia group after the intervention by controlling the effect of the baseline score (MD: -6.33, 95%, Confidence Interval (CI): -12.79 to -0.12, p = 0.04). In the postpartum period, the mean score of FOC in the non-pharmacological analgesia group was significantly lower than that in the pharmacological analgesia group after controlling the effect of the baseline score (MD: -21.89; 95% CI: -35.12 to -8.66; p = 0.002). The mean score of postpartum depression in the non-pharmacological analgesia group was significantly lower than that in the pharmacological analgesia group (MD: -1.93, 95% CI: -3.48 to -0.37, p = 0.01). TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20170506033834N10. Date of registration: 05/07/2022 Date of first registration: 05/07/2022. URL: https://www.irct.ir/trial/61030; Date of recruitment start date05/07/2022. CONCLUSION: The study results indicated a reduction in FOC and postpartum depression among parturient women receiving non-pharmacological strategies with active participation in childbirth compared to women receiving pharmacological analgesia. Owing to the possible side effects of pharmacological methods for mother and fetus, non-pharmacological strategies with active participation of the mother in childbirth are recommended to reduce the FOC and postpartum depression.

A randomized clinical trial: Efficacy of group-based acceptance and commitment therapy program for breast cancer patients with high fear of progression.

BACKGROUND: Fear of progression (FOP) is a common and significant concern among cancer patients, encompassing worries about cancer progression during active treatment. Elevated levels of FOP can be dysfunctional. This study aims to assess the efficacy of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based intervention on FOP, anxiety sensitivity (AS), and quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer patients. METHODS: A clinical trial was conducted involving 80 stage I-III active-treatment breast cancer patients with a score greater than 34 on the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form scale. These patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either an intervention group, which received weekly 70-min sessions of 5-ACT-bsed group-therapy, or a control group that received usual treatment. Variables including FOP, AS, QOL, and ACT-related factors were assessed using ASQ, QLQ-C30, Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire, and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II at three time points: baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. The efficacy of the intervention was evaluated using mixed model analysis across all time-points. RESULTS: The fidelity and acceptability of the ACT-based manual were confirmed using significant methods. A significant reduction in FOP was observed only in the ACT group at post-intervention (P-valueACT < 0.001; Cohen dACT = 1.099). Furthermore, the ACT group demonstrated a more significant reduction in FOP at follow-up. Furthermore, all secondary and ACT-related variables, except for the physical symptoms subscale, showed significant improvement in the ACT group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our ACT-based manual showed promise for reducing FOP, AS, and improving QOL, and ACT-related variables in breast cancer patients 3 months following the intervention.

Validation and measurement properties of the Male and Female Fertility Knowledge Inventories (MFKI and FFKI) in Iranian couples.

BACKGROUND: One of the most important population challenges during the last three decades has been the significant decrease in the fertility rate worldwide. Since the validity and reliability of the Male and Female Fertility Knowledge Inventories (MFKI and FFKI) have not been determined in Iran, we conducted this study to assess psychometric characteristics of the MFKI and FFKI in couples in Tabriz and Urmia, Iran. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, as the first part (quantitative phase) of a sequential explanatory mixed-method study. The current study was done on 1200 participants (600 women with their husbands) living in the northwestern region of Iran, between January 2023 and September 2023. The psychometric properties of the Persian version of the tool (MFKI and FFKI) were performed in 5 stages, including translation process, content validity, face validity, construct validity and reliability assesment. RESULTS: In this study, the CVI, CVR, and impact scores of the MFKI tool were equal to 0.90, 0.88, 3.26 and CVI, CVR, and Impact scores of the FFKI tool were respectively equal to 0.95, 0.91 and 3.59, that it indicated a satisfactory level of content and face validity. Then, to check the construct validity, the results of the exploratory factor analysis of the MFKI tool on 13 items led to the identification of 3 factors, including Environment and reproductive health (ERH), Lifestyle factors (LSF) and Sperm quality (SQ), which explained 66% of the cumulative variance. The results of the exploratory factor analysis of the FFKI tool on 15 items led to the identification of 4 factors, including Reproductive health (RH), Lifestyle factors (LSF), Chance of conception (CHC) and Ovarian reserve and preservation (ORP), which explained 68% of the cumulative variance. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicated that the Persian version of MFKI and FFKI has acceptable psychometric properties to measure the awareness of Iranian couples regarding fertility, which can be used as a screening tool for fertility knowledge by health care professionals and also as a reliable tool in research.

The right to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is considered one of the basic rights of couples all over the world. Increasing childbearing age is a global social issue. In spite of the policies of having children in the previous decade, fertility reduction and involuntary childlessness are still the foremost global health problems. The fertility rate in Iran has reduced significantly in the last thirty years. This reduction can be attributed not only to economic difficulties but also to the postponement of marriage and having children, as well as infertility issues, which, by increasing the awareness of couples about fertility, seems to be able to overcome this problem to some extent. Consequently, we decided to conduct this study with the aim of determining the psychometric properties of the Male and Female Fertility Knowledge Inventories (MFKI and FFKI) in Iranian couples. The results of the current study revealed that this questionnaire, having acceptable psychometric properties to evaluate the state of awareness of Iranian couples regarding fertility, can be used as a valid and reliable tool in Iranian couples. It appears that it is essential for health care providers to play an active role in advising couples about the appropriate age of fertility, the problems of delay in having children, overcoming the value of having few children in society. Accordingly, health policymakers should recommend the use of valid screening tools to identify the knowledge of women and men about fertility in health centers.

A Human Homozygous HELQ Missense Variant Does Not Cause Premature Ovarian Insufficiency in a Mouse Model.

Disruption of meiosis and DNA repair genes is associated with female fertility disorders like premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). In this study, we identified a homozygous missense variant in the HELQ gene (c.596 A>C; p.Gln199Pro) through whole exome sequencing in a POI patient, a condition associated with disrupted ovarian function and female infertility. HELQ, an enzyme involved in DNA repair, plays a crucial role in repairing DNA cross-links and has been linked to germ cell maintenance, fertility, and tumour suppression in mice. To explore the potential association of the HELQ variant with POI, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to create a knock-in mouse model harbouring the equivalent of the human HELQ variant identified in the POI patient. Surprisingly, Helq knock-in mice showed no discernible phenotype, with fertility levels, histological features, and follicle development similar to wild-type mice. Despite the lack of observable effects in mice, the potential role of HELQ in human fertility, especially in the context of POI, should not be dismissed. Larger studies encompassing diverse ethnic populations and alternative functional approaches will be necessary to further examine the role of HELQ in POI. Our results underscore the potential uncertainties associated with genomic variants and the limitations of in vivo animal modelling.

Development and Psychometric Assessment of "Self-Efficacy Scale" for Patients With Beta Thalassemia Major: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Background and Purpose: Since self-efficacy is a significant factor influencing the self-management of chronic diseases, including thalassemia major, it is considered a key concept in chronic diseases. This study aimed to develop and psychometrically evaluate the self-efficacy scale for patients with thalassemia major. Methods: This was a mixed-methods study conducted in two phases. In phase 1, a qualitative study with a conventional content analysis design was conducted. In phase 2, which was a quantitative one, the psychometric analysis of the instrument's phrases was done. Results: The instrument has 35 items and 3 factors. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient and the intraclass correlation coefficient were .93 and .94, respectively. Conclusions: This study confirms the validity and reliability of the Beta Thalassemia Major Self-Efficacy Scale. With this tool, nurses can evaluate the self-efficacy of patients with thalassemia major.

Translation and measurement properties of pregnancy and childbirth questionnaire in Iranian postpartum women.

BACKGROUND: Perceived care quality and patient satisfaction have been important care quality indicators in recent decades, and healthcare professionals have been influential on women's childbirth experience. This study investigated the measurement properties of the Persian version of the Pregnancy and Childbirth Questionnaire (PCQ), designed to measure mothers' satisfaction with the quality of healthcare services provided during pregnancy and childbirth. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional methodological study. Instrument translation, face validity, content validity, structural validity, and reliability evaluation were performed to determine the measurement properties of the PCQ's Persian version. A backward-forward approach was employed for the translation process. Impact scores were selected based on the items' importance to measure face validity. Content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR) were calculated to measure content validity, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to measure structural validity. The cluster random sampling method was used, resulting in a sample of 250 eligible women referred to the health centers of Tabriz, Iran, who were 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth. Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) using a test-retest approach were used to determine the questionnaire's reliability. RESULTS: The impact scores of all items were above 1.5, which indicates a suitable face validity. The content validity was also favorable (CVR = 0.95, CVI = 0.90). Exploratory factor analysis on 25 items led to the removal of item 2 due to a factor loading of less than 0.3 and the extraction of three factors explaining 65.07% of the variances. The results of the sample adequacy size were significant (< 0.001, and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin = 0.886). The model's validity was confirmed based on the confirmatory factor analysis fit indicators (i.e., RMSEA = 0.08, SRMR = 0.09, TLI = 0.91, CFI = 0.93, x2/df = 4.65). The tool's reliability was also confirmed (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88, and ICC (95% CI) = 0.93 (0.88 to 0.95)). CONCLUSION: The validity and reliability of the PCQ's Persian version were suitable to measure the extent to which Iranian women are satisfied with the quality of prenatal and intrapartum care.

Predicting mortality and recurrence in colorectal cancer: Comparative assessment of predictive models.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as colorectal cancer, is a significant disease marked by high fatality rates, ranking as the third leading cause of global mortality. The main objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of predictive models in predicting both mortality events and the probability of disease recurrence. Method: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 284 individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 2001 and 2017. Demographic and clinical data, including gender, disease stage, age at diagnosis, recurrence status, and treatment details, were meticulously recorded. We rigorously evaluated various predictive models, including Decision Trees, Random Forests, Random Survival Forests (RSF), Gradient Boosting, mboost, Deep Learning Neural Network (DLNN), and Cox regression. Performance metrics, such as sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC area), and overall accuracy, were calculated for each model to predict mortality and disease recurrence. The analysis was performed using R version 4.1.3 software and the Python programming language. Results: For mortality prediction, the mboost model demonstrated the highest sensitivity at 96.9% (95% CI: 0.83-0.99) and an ROC area of 0.88. It also exhibited high specificity at 80% (95% CI: 0.59-0.93), a positive predictive value of 86.1% (95% CI: 0.70-0.95), and an overall accuracy of 89% (95% CI: 0.78-0.96). Random Forests showed perfect sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 0.85-1) but had low specificity at 0% (95% CI: 0-0.52) and poor overall accuracy (50%). On the other hand, DLNN had the lowest performance metrics for mortality prediction, with a sensitivity of 24% (95% CI: 0.222-0.268), specificity of 75% (95% CI: 0.73-0.77), and a lower positive predictive value of 42% (95% CI: 0.38-0.45). The Gradient Boosting model showed the best performance in predicting recurrence, achieving perfect sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 0.87-1) and high specificity at 92.9% (95% CI: 0.76-0.99). It also had a high positive predictive value of 93.3% (95% CI: 0.77-0.99). Gradient Boosting, with an ROC area of 96.4%, and mboost, with an ROC area of 75%, demonstrated remarkable performance. DLNN had the lowest performance metrics for recurrence prediction, with sensitivity at 1.75% (95% CI: 0.01-0.02), specificity at 98% (95% CI: 0.97-0.98), and a lower positive predictive value at 52.6% (95% CI: 0.39-0.65). Conclusion: In summary, the mboost model demonstrated outstanding performance in predicting mortality, achieving exceptional results across various evaluation metrics. Random Forests exhibited perfect sensitivity but showed poor specificity and overall accuracy. The DLNN model displayed the lowest performance metrics for mortality prediction. In terms of recurrence prediction, the Gradient Boosting model outperformed other models with perfect sensitivity, high specificity, and positive predictive value. The DLNN model had the lowest performance metrics for recurrence prediction. Overall, the results emphasize the effectiveness of the mboost and Gradient Boosting models in predicting mortality and recurrence in colorectal cancer patients.

Effects of dried okra extract on lipid profile, renal function and some RAGE-related inflammatory genes expression in patients with diabetic nephropathy: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L) is reported to have anti-diabetic effects. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dried okra extract (DOE) supplementation on lipid profile, renal function indices, and expression of inflammatory genes, as well as serum level of soluble Receptor for Advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) in patients with DN. METHODS: In this triple-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, 64 eligible patients with DN received either 125 mg of DOE or placebo daily along with DN-related nutritional recommendations for 10 weeks. Changes in kidney indices including proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), lipid profile, serum SRAGE, as well as the expression of RAGE, ICAM-1, and IL-1 genes were measured over 10 weeks. RESULTS: After adjustment for the potential confounders, between-group analyses showed no significant differences in terms of lipid profile, kidney function indices, sRAGE, and RAGE-related inflammatory genes expression after 10 weeks. CONCLUSION: Daily 125 mg DOE along with nutritional recommendations on top of usual care did not lead to significant changes in renal function indices, lipid profile, and inflammatory genes expression in patients with DN.

Unraveling atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors through conditional probability analysis with Bayesian networks: insights from the AZAR cohort study.

This study aimed at modelling the underlying predictor of ASCVD through the Bayesian network (BN). Data for the AZAR Cohort Study, which evaluated 500 healthcare providers in Iran, was collected through examinations, and blood samples. Two BNs were used to explore a suitable causal model for analysing the underlying predictor of ASCVD; Bayesian search through an algorithmic approach and knowledge-based BNs. Results showed significant differences in ASCVD risk factors across background variables' levels. The diagnostic indices showed better performance for the knowledge-based BN (Area under ROC curve (AUC) = 0.78, Accuracy = 76.6, Sensitivity = 62.5, Negative predictive value (NPV) = 96.0, Negative Likelihood Ratio (LR-) = 0.48) compared to Bayesian search (AUC = 0.76, Accuracy = 72.4, Sensitivity = 17.5, NPV = 93.2, LR- = 0.83). In addition, we decided on knowledge-based BN because of the interpretability of the relationships. Based on this BN, being male (conditional probability = 63.7), age over 45 (36.3), overweight (51.5), Mets (23.8), diabetes (8.3), smoking (10.6), hypertension (12.1), high T-C (28.5), high LDL-C (23.9), FBS (12.1), and TG (25.9) levels were associated with higher ASCVD risk. Low and normal HDL-C levels also had higher ASCVD risk (35.3 and 37.4), while high HDL-C levels had lower risk (27.3). In conclusion, BN demonstrated that ASCVD was significantly associated with certain risk factors including being older and overweight male, having a history of Mets, diabetes, hypertension, having high levels of T-C, LDL-C, FBS, and TG, but Low and normal HDL-C and being a smoker. The study may provide valuable insights for developing effective prevention strategies for ASCVD in Iran.

Exploring the impact of stage and tumor site on colorectal cancer survival: Bayesian survival modeling.

Colorectal cancer is a prevalent malignancy with global significance. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the influence of stage and tumor site on survival outcomes in 284 colorectal cancer patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2017. Patients were categorized into four groups based on tumor site (colon and rectum) and disease stage (early stage and advanced stage). Demographic characteristics, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes were recorded. Bayesian survival modeling was performed using semi-competing risks illness-death models with an accelerated failure time (AFT) approach, utilizing R 4.1 software. Results demonstrated significantly higher time ratios for disease recurrence (TR = 1.712, 95% CI 1.489-2.197), mortality without recurrence (TR = 1.933, 1.480-2.510), and mortality after recurrence (TR = 1.847, 1.147-2.178) in early-stage colon cancer compared to early-stage rectal cancer. Furthermore, patients with advanced-stage rectal cancer exhibited shorter survival times for disease recurrence than patients with early-stage colon cancer. The interaction effect between the disease site and cancer stage was not significant. These findings, derived from the optimal Bayesian log-normal model for terminal and non-terminal events, highlight the importance of early detection and effective management strategies for colon cancer. Early-stage colon cancer demonstrated improved survival rates for disease recurrence, mortality without recurrence, and mortality after recurrence compared to other stages. Early intervention and comprehensive care are crucial to enhance prognosis and minimize adverse events in colon cancer patients.