Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran最新文献

{"title":"Investigating the Correlation between Fecal Calprotectin and Gastrointestinal Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis Patients.","authors":"Leila Azizi, Bahareh Ebrahimi, Mohammadali Nazarinia","doi":"10.47176/mjiri.40.43","DOIUrl":"10.47176/mjiri.40.43","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease that is associated with gastrointestinal involvement. Calprotectin, as a heterodimer protein (S100A8/S100A9), is a good marker for active inflammatory bowel disease; this marker is a non-invasive and reproducible test. It is believed that fecal calprotectin (FC) increases in several inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and SSc. In this study, we tried to measure the correlation between gastrointestinal involvement and FC level in SSc patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study is cross-sectional; 31 SSC patients were evaluated using the UCLA.SCTC 2.0, and then they were referred to the laboratory to assess their blood malnutrition biomarkers and stool sample to check FC. The quantitative data were analyzed using the T-test and the qualitative data using Chi-Square test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean (SD) was 50.8 (4.2) for age and 15.0 (8.3) for ESR. Assessing the malnutrition markers showed that all assessed factors were in the normal range; the range of FC was higher than that of normal people (10-60). There was no correlation between FC and malnutrition markers, but a significant relationship between FC level and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea (74%), Constipation (74%), and bloating and abdominal distension (87 %) was detected.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>due to the high prevalence of gastrointestinal involvement in SSc patients, diagnosing gastrointestinal symptoms is an important step in ensuring patients' health. This study suggests that higher fecal calprotectin is an alarm for gastrointestinal involvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":18361,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran","volume":"40 ","pages":"43"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13403890/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148604922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Medical Student Admission Capacity in Iran: From Planned Expansion to Policy Shock and Health Workforce Sustainability Challenges.","authors":"AliAkbar Haghdoost, Somayeh Noori Hekmat","doi":"10.47176/mjiri.40.42","DOIUrl":"10.47176/mjiri.40.42","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18361,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran","volume":"40 ","pages":"42"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13403712/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148605004","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation vs. Standard Care in Pediatric CNS Tumor Survivors: A National Cohort Study from Kazakhstan.","authors":"Nurzhan Bikhanov, Aigul Kaliyeva, Galiya K Sermanizova, Sholpan Ospanova, Ulugbek Musaev, Gaukhar Dauletova, Assiya K Turgambayeva, Aliya Turgambayeva","doi":"10.47176/mjiri.40.41","DOIUrl":"10.47176/mjiri.40.41","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Childhood survivors of CNS tumors are at high risk for long-term neurological, cognitive, and functional impairments. In Kazakhstan and many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), standardized rehabilitation services and outcome tracking systems are largely lacking. To assess the effectiveness of Kazakhstan's inaugural national multidisciplinary rehabilitation program for children with CNS tumors, utilizing data from a newly established pediatric oncology registry.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort study with prospective follow-up included 600 children aged 3-17 years with CNS tumors. The intervention group (n=300) received structured rehabilitation, which encompassed physiotherapy, physical education, speech therapy, neuropsychological therapy, psychological support, hippotherapy, sensory integration, and occupational therapy. The control group (n=300) received standard post-treatment follow-up without rehabilitation. Outcomes were assessed using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), the OncoLife caregiver questionnaire, and neuropsychological testing. During the study period, standard care in Kazakhstan included routine oncological follow-up visits, symptom-driven neurological consultations, and general medical management. However, structured multidisciplinary rehabilitation services were not systematically available.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All children in the intervention group completed the rehabilitation program without experiencing serious adverse events. Compared to the control group, the rehabilitation group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in functional independence (+14.23 PEDI points), quality of life (+20.04 PedsQL points), caregiver-reported outcomes (+15.23 OncoLife points), and cognitive performance (+17.75 neuropsychological points) (all <i>P</i><0.001). Clinical gains included restored ambulation, enhanced communication, and improved school participation. Based on these results, a national rehabilitation protocol was endorsed by the Ministry of Health and integrated into pediatric oncology care.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The national implementation of multidisciplinary rehabilitation for pediatric CNS tumor survivors in Kazakhstan has significantly improved health and functional outcomes without raising safety concerns. These findings advocate for the integration of rehabilitation into pediatric oncology care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).</p>","PeriodicalId":18361,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran","volume":"40 ","pages":"41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13404474/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148604940","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Online Health Information Needs of Pregnant Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Scoping Review.","authors":"Mohammad Zarei, Vahideh Zarea Gavgani, Atefeh Zarei, Firoozeh Zare-Farashbandi","doi":"10.47176/mjiri.40.40","DOIUrl":"10.47176/mjiri.40.40","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often face significant barriers in obtaining timely, accurate, and culturally appropriate health information, which can adversely affect pregnancy outcomes, maternal knowledge, and subsequently child health. The purpose of this research is to identify the online health information needs of pregnant women in LMICs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This scoping review was conducted to identify the information needs of pregnant women in LMICs. Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Proquest databases were searched to identify related studies. After removing duplicates and screening, studies from a total of retrieved studies were selected for data extraction. Two independent reviewers were involved in screening, selecting, and extracting data, which were synthesized using thematic analysis. All of the studies had good methodological quality.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After removing duplicates and screening, 11 qualitative and quantitative studies from a total of 3907 retrieved studies were selected for data extraction. In total, 48 items were identified as online health information needs of pregnant women in LMICs. The information needs of pregnant women were divided into four themes: nutrition, information about the fetus, information about the pregnancy, and maternal health and medication management.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Pregnant women in LMICs have distinct online health information needs. Despite access to various information sources, there are still gaps in the availability and adequacy of culturally appropriate, reliable, and timely health information tailored to pregnant women's needs in these settings. The importance of improving access to high-quality online health information to support maternal and fetal well-being is evident, suggesting a need for health interventions and policies that address these specific informational gaps to leverage digital platforms effectively.</p>","PeriodicalId":18361,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran","volume":"40 ","pages":"40"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13404397/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148604927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Nitrate Supplementation on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness Indices: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Cross-Over Clinical Trial.","authors":"Mohammad Mahdi Tavana, Farzin Halabchi, Tohid Seif Barghi, Reyhaneh Khazaei, Shaghayegh Rahimi","doi":"10.47176/mjiri.40.39","DOIUrl":"10.47176/mjiri.40.39","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) results from unaccustomed exercise, leading to pain, decreased muscle force, and limited joint range of motion (ROM). Nitrate supplementation may alleviate these symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of potassium nitrate on muscle tenderness, isometric force, and elbow ROM following eccentric exercise.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This double-blind, randomized, crossover clinical trial was conducted at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran, during 2023. Participants (sedentary adults aged 18-40) ingested 1000 mg of potassium nitrate or a placebo (Stevia) 3 hours prior to performing eccentric biceps curls. Assessments included tenderness (Visual Analogue Scale), force (kilogram force), and ROM (degrees) at baseline, 48 hours, and 96 hours post-exercise. A minimum one-week washout period separated the interventions. Data were analyzed using non-parametric repeated-measures models in R software version 4.5.0 (significance set at <i>P</i><0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixteen participants completed both arms of the crossover study. Median (IQR) tenderness scores for potassium nitrate were 20 (39) at baseline, 26.5 (45.5) at 48 hours, and 22 (36.75) at 96 hours, compared to 21 (36.75), 49.5 (26.25), and 32 (42.75) for the placebo. Nitrate reduced tenderness over time compared to the placebo (<i>P</i><0.001). The p-values for the time-treatment interaction were <i>P</i>=0.05 for Wald-type statistics and <i>P</i>=0.06 for ANOVA-type statistics. Post-hoc testing confirmed lower pain in the nitrate group at 96 hours post-exercise (<i>P</i>=0.03). No significant between-group differences were found for isometric force or ROM (<i>P</i>>0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A single dose of potassium nitrate supplementation before eccentric exercise significantly reduced muscle tenderness but had no effect on muscle force or joint ROM.</p>","PeriodicalId":18361,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran","volume":"40 ","pages":"39"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13403708/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148604898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Postural Threat and Balance Control in Diabetic Neuropathy: Evidence from Anticipatory Postural Adjustments.","authors":"Shirin Rahimzadeh, Amin Behdarvandan, Mehrnoosh Zakerkish, Neda Orakifar, Razieh Mofateh, Saeed Hesam, Ramin Saki","doi":"10.47176/mjiri.40.38","DOIUrl":"10.47176/mjiri.40.38","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Postural threat can influence both emotional and motor responses, particularly in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), who exhibit impaired balance and increased fall risk. This study examined the effects of postural threat on anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) and anxiety in people with DPN compared with healthy controls.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This quasi-experimental study included twenty-five participants with DPN and twenty-five healthy controls. All participants completed the rise-on-toes task under two conditions: threat and no-threat. Center of pressure (COP) and electromyographic (EMG) signals were collected using a force platform and wireless EMG system. Anxiety was measured before and during each condition. Nonparametric Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests with false discovery rate (FDR) correction were used, and effect sizes ® were calculated for significant comparisons.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Individuals with DPN showed greater anxiety <i>P</i><0.001, r=0.75) and delayed APA onset (<i>P</i><0.001, r=0.62) compared with healthy controls. Both groups exhibited higher anxiety and larger, faster COP and EMG responses under threat (<i>P</i><0.001, r=0.50-0.70), but the magnitude of these adjustments was smaller in the DPN group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Postural threat increased emotional arousal and APA magnitude in both groups, though individuals with DPN demonstrated attenuated adaptive modulation. These findings suggest that incorporating psychological and sensorimotor balance training may enhance stability and reduce fall risk in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":18361,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran","volume":"40 ","pages":"38"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13404076/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148604973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Controlled versus Spontaneous Ventilation on Postoperative Emergence Agitation in 2-4-Year-Old Children Undergoing Adenotonsillectomy: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.","authors":"Taymaz Amiraslani, Salumeh Sehat Kashani, Mohammad Ghaemi, Tahereh Sorbi, Mahya Sabouri","doi":"10.47176/mjiri.40.37","DOIUrl":"10.47176/mjiri.40.37","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Emergence agitation (EA), characterized by restlessness and inconsolable behavior, is a common postoperative complication in children after sevoflurane anesthesia, potentially causing secondary injuries and prolonged PACU stays. While its etiology is multifactorial, the mode of ventilation during anesthesia may be a contributing yet under-investigated factor. This study aimed to compare the effects of controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) versus spontaneous ventilation (SV) on EA, pain, recovery time, and related outcomes in children aged 2-4 years undergoing adenotonsillectomy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This randomized double-blind trial enrolled 79 children (2-4 years, ASA I) undergoing adenotonsillectomy. Patients were randomized to controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) or spontaneous ventilation (SV) during emergence. Anesthesia was standardized with sevoflurane and reversal with neostigmine/atropine. The primary outcome was emergence agitation assessed via the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS). Statistical analysis involved Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), independent t-tests, and Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. The <i>P</i><0.05 was considered a statistically significant level.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age was significantly higher in the controlled ventilation group compared to the spontaneous breathing group (40.75 ± 4.73 vs. 37.31 ± 5.80 months, <i>P</i>=0.005). EA incidence and agitation scores were significantly lower in the CMV group (0.60 ± 0.63 vs. 1.21 ± 0.61, <i>P</i>=0.001). Postoperative pain was reduced (VAS 2.80 ± 1.18 vs. 5.15 ± 1.69, <i>P</i>=0.001), recovery duration was shorter (38.98 ± 6.96 min vs. 44.72 ± 6.57 min, <i>P</i>=0.001), and EtCO₂ levels were lower (34.43 ± 2.52 mmHg vs. 36.82 ± 1.83 mmHg, <i>P</i>=0.001) in the CMV group. Oxygen saturation, neuromuscular monitoring, and postoperative nausea were comparable between groups. No delirium cases were observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CMV significantly reduces EA, postoperative pain, and PACU stay duration compared with SV in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy, likely by preventing hypercapnia and stabilizing physiological parameters. CMV is recommended as the preferred ventilation strategy in this population, while the absence of delirium confirms the low inherent neurological risk in children less than 5 years.</p>","PeriodicalId":18361,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran","volume":"40 ","pages":"37"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13404070/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148604811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of the Effect of Improved Medial Linkage Reciprocating Orthosis Compared to Isocentric Orthosis on the Motor Function in Spinal Cord Injury Patients.","authors":"Abolfazl Rajabi Moghaddam, Aliyeh Daryabor, Mokhtar Arazpour, Behnam Hajiaghaei, Taher Babaee","doi":"10.47176/mjiri.40.36","DOIUrl":"10.47176/mjiri.40.36","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Spinal cord injuries (SCI) result in profound mobility impairments, particularly the inability to walk. Traditional orthotic devices, while aiding mobility, often lead to high energy expenditure and discomfort. This study aimed to develop a novel orthosis that enhances comfort, improves movement parameters, and reduces energy consumption by incorporating medial linkage joints and reciprocal mechanisms into the existing Medial Linkage Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (MLRGO). The effectiveness of this new device was evaluated against both the Isocentric Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (IRGO) and conventional Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses (KAFOs) in a case study with three participants.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This case study involved three patients with thoracic SCI, selected through convenience sampling. The new MLRGO was designed in the initial phase, followed by a comparative analysis involving the new MLRGO, IRGO, and KAFOs. Parameters assessed included average step length, walking speed, cadence, physiological cost index (PCI), static balance, and the time required for donning and doffing the orthoses, using standardized assessment tests. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used to compare group means, with a significance level of <i>P</i> value< 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The new MLRGO significantly enhanced walking speed (<i>P</i>=0.037 vs. IRGO, <i>P</i>=0.006 vs. KAFOs), distance (<i>P</i>=0.036 vs. KAFOs), average step length (<i>P</i>=0.084 vs. KAFOs), and cadence (<i>P</i>=0.098 vs. KAFOs) compared to both the IRGO and KAFOs. Furthermore, it demonstrated superior energy efficiency relative to KAFOs (<i>P</i>=0.050), although no significant differences were found when compared to the IRGO. The new MLRGO also reduced donning (<i>P</i>=0.008 vs. IRGO) and doffing times (<i>P</i>=0.008 vs. IRGO), achieving performance levels comparable to KAFOs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest that the new MLRGO facilitates a more natural and efficient walking pattern in patients with SCI compared to the IRGO and KAFOs. However, due to the small sample size, further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy as a promising alternative for rehabilitation in individuals with lower limb paralysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":18361,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran","volume":"40 ","pages":"36"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13404068/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148604598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) Exam Among a Group of Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Tehran, Iran.","authors":"Shohreh Naderimagham, Farshad Sharifi, Sahar Keyvanloo Shahrestanaki, Hossein Fakhrzadeh, Zahra Amrollah Majdabadi Kohne, Fatemeh Ghonoodi, Sedigheh Sarabi, Negin Malekraeisi, Masoud Ghassemi, Masoud Arzaghi","doi":"10.47176/mjiri.40.35","DOIUrl":"10.47176/mjiri.40.35","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Early detection of cognitive impairments is crucial for preventing progression to dementia. An effective diagnosis necessitates a tool with robust diagnostic characteristics. The Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) exam is a widely utilized instrument for diagnosing neurocognitive disorders. This study assessed the psychometric properties of its Persian version (P-SLUMS) among Iranian community.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted with 450 community-dwelling older adults who were referred to one of the Tehran Municipality centers and participated in a cultural program from March to November 2021. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for concurrent validity, and the SLUMS exam. Dementia was assessed using the Persian version of the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), while depression was evaluated with the Persian version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The SLUMS exam was translated into Persian in accordance with the World Health Organization's protocol. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling based on the inclusion criteria. The P-SLUMS exam was evaluated for content validity, face validity, concurrent validity, and construct validity using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), as well as reliability, which was assessed over a two-week interval among 20 participants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CFA indicated acceptable model fit indices. The goodness-of-fit indices for the model, including CFI, PCFI, and PNFI, were 0.82, 0.66, and 0.44, respectively, indicating a moderate fit that falls below the recommended thresholds for excellent parsimony. However, these indices are considered acceptable for our sample, which encompasses diverse education levels and a moderate number of items. The tool demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.866) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.979).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The P-SLUMS exam is a valid, reliable, and user-friendly tool for early detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia.</p>","PeriodicalId":18361,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran","volume":"40 ","pages":"35"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13404478/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148604893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Maternal Folic Acid, B12, and Zinc Serum Levels and Risk of Orofacial Cleft in Offspring in Tabriz.","authors":"Shahin Abdollahi Fakhim, Faezeh Ghaderian, Nikzad Shahidi","doi":"10.47176/mjiri.40.34","DOIUrl":"10.47176/mjiri.40.34","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Orofacial clefts (OFCs) are prevalent congenital malformations affecting approximately 1 in 700 live births. The etiology of OFCs is multifactorial, encompassing both genetic predispositions and environmental factors, with maternal nutritional status, particularly folic acid, vitamin B12, and zinc levels, playing a crucial role in fetal development. This study investigates the association between maternal serum micronutrient levels and the risk of OFCs in Tabriz.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A case-control study was conducted over six months at the Children's Hospital of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, enrolling mothers aged 18-40 with children diagnosed with cleft lip and palate. A total of 66 mothers in the case group and 108 in the control group were assessed. Blood samples were collected to measure serum levels of folic acid, vitamin B12, and zinc using established laboratory techniques. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS version 21.0, applying appropriate tests(Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Pearson correlation coefficient, non-parametric tests) to determine significant associations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The case group exhibited a significantly lower mean Body Mass Index (BMI) (<i>P</i><0.001) and weight (<i>P</i><0.001), while no significant differences in height (<i>P</i>=0.102) or age (<i>P</i>=0.489) were observed. Notably, serum folic acid levels were significantly lower in the case group (<i>P</i><0.001), whereas no significant differences were found for serum zinc (<i>P</i>=0.252) and vitamin B12 levels (<i>P</i>=0.763). Logistic regression analysis indicated that prenatal supplement use was protective against orofacial clefts (OR=0.062, <i>P</i>=0.002), while a positive family history (OR=11.473, <i>P</i>=0.023) and proximity to high voltage power lines (OR=20.085, <i>P</i>=0.001) were associated with increased risk. Furthermore, lower BMI (OR=0.859, <i>P</i>=0.016) and folic acid levels (OR=0.819, <i>P</i>=0.006) correlated with a higher risk of clefts.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights that low serum folic acid levels in pregnant women significantly correlate with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate in offspring. Additionally, associations with low BMI, pregnancy supplements, and environmental exposures underscore the importance of comprehensive preventive strategies to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce congenital anomalies.</p>","PeriodicalId":18361,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran","volume":"40 ","pages":"34"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13404229/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148604997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}