Journal of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences

Medical Education for Preventive Care: A Role in Reducing Healthcare Costs

Ameneh Marzban — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:34:02 +0000

Introduction: In the present era, considering the rising expenses of healthcare and the difficulties associated with chronic diseases and epidemics, it is essential to evaluate the medical education system. Meanwhile, educational approaches based on preventive care can significantly help lower the financial burden on the healthcare system and enhance public health

Role of Genetic and Epigenetic Factors and Mechanisms Involved in the Occurrence of Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD)

Fateme Tabrizi, Mehri Khatami, Mohammad Mehdi Heidari — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:36:59 +0000

Introduction: Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are complex, multifactorial cardiac disorders that result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors, with genetic factors being particularly prominent. This remarkable disease affects approximately 1% of newborns and can occur sporadically and familially. Sporadic cases are often associated with novel mutations or newly emerging chromosomal abnormalities, while familial cases show different inheritance patterns. Advanced research in molecular genetics, especially techniques such as whole-exome sequencing and chromosomal microarray analysis, which focus on protein-coding regions of the human genome, has identified hundreds of genes associated with the development of CHD. However, despite these scientific advances, many of the molecular mechanisms underlying CHD remain unknown.

Conclusion: Due to modern surgical techniques, the survival rate of affected infants is increasing. Deeper insight into the exact causes of this disease is crucial for diagnosing and identifying high-risk patients and improving preventive and therapeutic strategies for CHD. This review article aims to review and describe the latest discoveries regarding the influence of genetic and epigenetic factors in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Advantages of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry

Behnaz Behniafar — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:38:34 +0000

Introduction: The use of subsidies and access to huge amounts of data around the world in the last decade has led to the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in the health and medical sciences sector. Although there is a need for detailed analysis of incoming data to increase the accuracy in generating datasets from AI, soon, AI will play an important role in the field of dentistry in diagnosing and creating predictive models in a variety of specialized medical disciplines. Advances in artificial intelligence technology have revolutionized the field of dentistry.

Conclusion: By using AI as an assistive tool, dental professionals can reduce their workload and improve the accuracy of diagnosis, decision-making, treatment planning, disease prognosis, and treatment outcome prediction.

Study of the Relationship between the Sonographic Appearance of the Ovaries in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Different PCO Phenotypes

Farideh Marmazi, Mojgan Barati, Kobra Shojaei, Elham Farhadi, Golnar Izadi — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:45:59 +0000

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women with fertility age, characterized by a wide range of clinical and biochemical features such as hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound. Given the phenotypic diversity of PCOS, this study aimed to investigate the association between ovarian sonographic patterns (diffuse vs. necklace) and different phenotypes of PCOS.

Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 158 women suspected of having PCOS who were referred for ovarian ultrasound at the Infertility and Fetal Health Center of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in 2022 were enrolled. Demographic data، biochemical, hormonal, and clinical parameters, as well as sonographic ovarian patterns, were recorded and compared between the two groups (diffuse vs. necklace pattern).

Results: The diffuse pattern was more prevalent among the patients. The mean body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in the diffuse pattern group (30.91) compared to the necklace (28.01) group. A statistically significant association was found between the number of pregnancies and the sonographic pattern. Laboratory analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups in levels of AMH (p=0.006), testosterone (p=0.017), estrogen (p=0.045), LDL (p=0.041), and the presence of acne (p=0.006). However، no significant differences were observed in TSH (p=0.110), prolactin (p=0.458), progesterone (p=0.083), HDL (p=0.101), triglycerides (p=0.196), Fasting Blood Sugar (p=0.561), glucose tolerance test (GTT) (p=0.745), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (p=0.777), menstrual regularity (p>0.05), and infertility history (p=0.024).

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that certain hormonal and clinical features are significantly associated with specific sonographic ovarian patterns in different PCOS phenotypes. Identifying these associations may aid in more precise classification of PCOS phenotypes and facilitate more individualized therapeutic approaches.

An Exploration of Social Entrepreneurship in Preventing Non-Communicable Diseases in Iran: Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

Parvin Bonabi Naghadeh, Jamshid Edalatian Shahriari, Rouhollah Zaboli — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:48:47 +0000

Introduction: Social entrepreneurs play a key role in changing and improving society.This research aimed to examine the elements and influencing factors of social entrepreneurship in the prevention of non-communicable diseases in Iran.

Methods: This research was qualitative and employed the interpretive phenomenological method. The selection criteria included health sector activists, social entrepreneurs, officials of the Ministry of Health in the field of NCDs, non-governmental organizations. Sampling continued until saturation (15 person) was reached. Data were collected through using detailed interviews and analyzed using interpretive phenomenology and Dickelman and Allen method.

Results: From the interviews, 358 initial codes were derived; it was classified into 19 main categories and concluded with 4 themes. The theme of generating social value encompassed educating and empowering patients; it involved safeguarding patients financially and seeking support for medical needs. The theme of social opportunities included filling government gaps and creating deprivation; it served as a model for social entrepreneurship while recognizing and meeting patients’ needs. The materials related to resources and capital acquisition from the three categories of resource attraction and production; gaining profit and financial profitability and financing and investment were formed. The responsibilities of individuals encompassed training their peers in prevention, providing professional development for health service providers, empowering and enhancing the skills of health workers, orienting and advising patients, and the aspect of developing a health entrepreneurship ecosystem involved collaboration and coordination among departments, promoting and educating about health literacy, internationalizing measures and standards, ensuring professionalism in prevention, establishing specialized treatment centers, and overseeing monitoring for non-communicable diseases.
Conclusion: The current landscape in healthcare organizations will change with the entry of innovative entrepreneurs and other innovative actors in the value chain, who will use the power of digital technologies, internet of things and innovative business models to achieve ever-increasing growth.

Effect of High-Intensity Functional Training Protocol Combined with Ginkgo Biloba SuPPlementation on the Antioxidant Status of Male Firefighters in the OPerational Division of Yazd City

Hamid Sedaghat, Farzaneh Taghian, Khosro jalali dehkordi, Hasan Naghizadeh — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:53:30 +0000

Introduction: Research indicates that Physiological stress leads to tissue and cellular damage through its disruPtion of antioxidant status in the body. The main objective of this research was to determine the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) and Ginkgo biloba (Gb) suPPlementation on suPeroxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant caPacity (TAC) serum levels in male firefighters of the oPerational division of Yazd City.

Methods: In this semi-exPerimental study, 48 male firefighters were randomly divided into four grouPs: high-intensity functional training (HIFT), high-intensity functional training combined with ginkgo biloba suPPlementation (HIFT+Gb), ginkgo biloba extract alone (Gb), and a control Placebo grouP (P-C). The training Program lasted 12 weeks, with ParticiPants training four times Per week. The ginkgo biloba suPPlement (80 mg) was administered in two caPsules daily after breakfast for the entire 12-week Period. Blood samPles were taken before the start and 48 hours after the last training session. The collected data were analyzed using rePeated measures ANOVA, as well as one-way and two-way ANOVA in SPSS version 16.

Results: After 12 weeks of intervention, SOD, CAT, and TAC in the HIFT (P=0.0001), HIFT+Gb (P=0.0001), and Gb (P=0.0001) grouPs showed a significant increase comPared to the P-C grouP. SOD, CAT, and TAC levels in the HIFT (P=0.0001) and HIFT+Gb (P=0.0001) grouPs significantly rose when comPared to the Gb grouP. SOD, CAT, and TAC levels in the HIFT grouP (P=0.0001) were notably elevated in comParison to the HIFT+Gb grouP. The synergistic influence of HIFT with Gb markedly elevated serum concentrations of SOD, CAT, and TAC (P<0.05). The greatest Percentage of alterations in SOD, CAT, and TAC were noted after the HIFT intervention with Gb

Conclusion: The combined imPact of 12 weeks of HIFT Paired with Ginkgo biloba intake, in comParison to the individual effect of each, significantly enhanced serum levels of SOD, CAT, and TAC while ameliorating oxidative stress conditions in firefighters.

Assessment of Stressors in the Dental Environment among Dental Students at Yazd Dental Faculty

Aabbas Falah Tafti, Mohammad Reza Hakimi Meibodi, Mahammad Safari Khoramabadi — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:57:11 +0000

Introduction: The academic setting and the educational process in dental school can be inherently stressful. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the stressors in the educational setting from the perspective of dental students at Yazd Dental School.

Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 among clinical-year dental students at Yazd University of Medical Sciences. Demographic information and stress levels across different areas were gathered through the Dental Education Stress Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16 with statistical tests including t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson’s correlation coefficient all at a significance level of 0.05.

Results: Among the 240 students who participated, 62.9% were female. The mean total stress score for all students was 80.17 ± 13.7 out of 132. Forty percent of students indicated experiencing high stress, 59.2% reported moderate stress, and merely 0.8% showed low stress levels. No significant differences were identified in the overall stress score or across domains when analyzing gender, parental education, or year of admission (P > 0.05). The overall stress score and the academic efficiency domain were significantly reduced in native students (Yazd residents) compared to non-native students (P = 0.048 and P = 0.016, respectively). No significant differences were observed in other domains (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that stress levels in the dental setting was moderate to high among most students, with the clinical education aspects being the primary source of stress. Residency status (native vs. non-native) was the only demographic factor that significantly decreased students’ stress levels.

Evaluation of Spirulina Platensis Extract Effect on the Expression Level of Apoptosis-Related Gene (Drp1) and Regulation Programmed Cell Death in Human Gastric Adenocarcinoma Cell Line (AGS)

Farkhondeh Mohammadi, Leila Rouhi — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:59:55 +0000

Introduction: Gastric adenocarcinoma ranks among the most prevalent cancers globally. This aggressive malignancy often leads to poor treatment outcomes for the patients. This study investigated the effect of Spirulina platensis extract on the expression level of apoptosis-related gene Drp1 and its role in regulating programmed cell death in the human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line AGS

Methods: AGS gastric adenocarcinoma cells were cultured in DMEM-F12 medium supplemented with 10% bovine serum. The cells were treated in 40 µg/mL of Spirulina extract and incubated for 48 hours. Apoptosis was analyzed using flow- cytometry with an Annexin V-FITC/PI kit, following the manufacturer's protocol. Moreover, AGS cells were incubated with the same concentrations of Spirulina extract for 48 hours to evaluate Drp1 gene expression, which was analyzed using Real Time PCR.

Results: The Annexin V test results showed that treatment with 40 µg/mL of Spirulina extract induced apoptosis in AGS cells. Furthermore, this treatment significantly increased the expression of Drp1 gene in the experimental group compared to the control group.

Conclusion: The results indicate that Spirulina extract can enhance the bioavailability of gastric adenocarcinoma cells by inducing apoptosis pathway. Consequently, Spirulina extract seems to be used as an anticancer agent for treating gastric adenocarcinoma.