hossein poorcheraghi

In December 2019, a new coronavirus strain called SARS-COV-2 represented a significant challenge for general wellbeing. The Virus can cause mental disability, particularly memory, through the brain parenchyma deterioration and glucose metabolism impairment. Also, elderly persistent home quarantine to prevent the disease, affects their mental condition adversely. Since elders are the most vulnerable group to Covid-19 and there are almost 50 million individuals with Alzheimer's around the world, this review expects to analyze the most recent in Alzheimer's disease and Covid-19 in older adults.

By searching the databases; SID, IranDoc, Google scholar, PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Science Direct and using the keywords "Elder", "Covid-19", "Corona virus" and "Alzheimer"; all articles examining association between Covid-19 disease and Alzheimer were included in the study. Electronic search was performed during 2019-2021.

Findings of 18 selected studies showed; there is a reasonable connection between these two disease which can be proven in both biological and behavioral dimensions. Likewise, cognitive impairment, irritability, mood and communication disorders in the elderly with and without Alzheimer's disease occurred with a steep slope during the Covid-19 quarantine contrasted with the time before the pandemic.

Considering the known pathophysiological connection between these two diseases, the decrease of social and physical activities during isolation and particularly relatives' partition, leads to a decrease in sensory stimulation and increased loneliness in the elderly and also cause restlessness, cognitive disorders and hallucinations in these people. Although limitations are important to combat the Covid-19 outbreak, it is vital for meet seniors' mental requirements, particularly those with Alzheimer's disease, and their families, and appropriate estimates should be taken to assist them with enduring the pandemic.

The Covid-19 pandemic doubled the need for creative interventions to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of intervention based on family empowerment on preventive lifestyle of cardiovascular disease risk factors in middle-aged women.

In this randomized clinical trial study, 74 middle-aged women covered by comprehensive health service centers in the south of Tehran were selected based on inclusion criteria and randomly assigned to two intervention and control groups and were investigated. The family-centered empowerment program based on the preventive lifestyle of the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases was conducted for the intervention group during 6 sessions and each session lasted for 30 minutes virtually and through the WhatsApp application. After 8 weeks, the questionnaires were re-completed and the data were collected using demographic information, Food Frequency questionnaire, Baecke and metabolic health questionnaires and descriptive statistics methods (frequency distribution tables - index numerical values calculation) and inferential statistics (chi-square test, independent t, paired t and Fisher) were used and analyzed in SPSS statistical software version 20.

The findings of this study showed that the average age in the control group was 44.03 ± 2.35 in the intervention group was 46.65 ± 3.29 and the intervention and control groups were homogenous in terms of demographic variables, eating habits, physical activity, and metabolic health, and there were no significant differences (P<0.001). After the intervention in metabolic health (control of blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol and smoking), physical activity and eating habits, there was a significant difference between the two groups, which indicates the effectiveness of the intended intervention (P<0.001).

Family empowerment is one of the most effective methods to prevent modifiable risk factors in chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases. The covid-19 pandemic created a good opportunity for families to participate in the implementation of the above programs. Programs that focus on the foundation of the family leads positive effects in the direction of educating people, especially older people in the family, in relation to changing behavior, and it can be used as a safe and effective method for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Increasing life expectancy has led to a significant increase in the growth rate of the elderly population. In parallel with this increase, the elderly is affected by various diseases and required to use various drugs. Consumption of a large number of drugs can cause various injuries and problems for the elderly contrary to what is expected, so this study aims to investigate polypharmacy management strategies in the elderly.

By reviewing the database of SID, IranDoc, Google scholar, PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Science Direct and using the keywords "elderly/older adults", "management", "drug adherence" and "polypharmacy"; all articles examining polypharmacy management strategies in the elderly, were examined by PRISMA checklist and included in the study. Electronic search was performed in the period 2015-2022.

Among the 20 reviewed articles it was identified the use of strategies such as; Physician-pharmacist interaction, educating the elderly about self-medication hazards, informing the elderly about herbal medicine limitations, using electronic tools to monitor the process of drug use and using protocols and guidelines for prescribing, can surprisingly reduce the number of medications in the elderly medication regimen and made it much easier to take medication in this age group.

Polypharmacy is one of the problems that many elderly people face today. This phenomenon can cause various damage to the health status of these people in the long term. Examining the strategies that can prevent polypharmacy in the elderly, can greatly maintain and improve the health index in the elderly, so the attention of the health care system in the community and also groups of the elderly, especially nurses in this field, to this issue is essential.

Covid-19 disease vaccination is considered as a vital approach in the prevention of this disease. In order to control this disease, in addition to the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine, the acceptance of the vaccine between the general public and health care providers also plays an important role. The aim of this study was to identify the desire to receive Covid-19 vaccine and its associated factors.

By searching the databases: SID, IranDoc, Google scholar, PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Science direct, Web of science and using the keywords "Vaccination/Vaccine", "Covid-19", "Corona/Corona disease", "Vaccination hesitancy"and "Vaccination acceptance" ; all articles in line with the title of this study, which examined the willingness of individuals to receive Covid-19 vaccine and related factors, were reviewed. Electronic search was performed in the period 2019-2020. Out of 64 studies that were reviewed and screened, 19 studies were evaluated and analyzed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria for data extraction.

Among the 18 reviewed articles it was identified; the desire to receive the Covid-19 vaccine is insufficient and various factors are influential in this regard. Factors related to the acceptance of vaccination in the community include individual factors (age, sex, marriage, race, insurance, job, education, income, having a child and history of vaccination), factors related to the disease (anxiety, willingness to protect others by being vaccinated, Contact with patients with Covid-19, Covid-19 test history, general belief about vaccination, belief in Covid-19 and its vaccine, people's perception of the seriousness of the disease, being up-to-date about vaccines), social factors (political ideology and trust in health system structures) and factors related to the health system (insufficient knowledge about vaccination).

To improve vaccination level, there are a variety of factors that can be provided by planning and using the results of this study. These include; utilizing the potential of social media, providing transparent information, facilitating access to vaccination, trying to address concerns and answering questions and ambiguities in this area by healthcare workers and health system policymakers, can be considered as ways to encourage the public to Covid-19 vaccination.

Falls are one of the most common and serious problems in the elderly, having a threatening consequence for them. Therefore, finding the most effective nursing interventions to maintain the health and safety of this age group is very necessary, so this study was conducted to investigate the nursing interventions performed in field of the elderly falling.

By searching the databases; SID, IranDoc, Google scholar, PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Science Direct and using the keywords "Elder", "Prevention", "Intervention" and "Fall/Falling"; all articles examining nursing interventions in prevention of falling in older adults, were included in the study. Electronic search was performed during 2015-2021. From 72 studies which were reviewed and screened, 20 studies were evaluated and analyzed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria for data extraction.

Findings of 20 selected studies showed; falling is one of the most important harmful factors for older adults that have adverse effects on their health status. According to the findings, making the environment safer, performing periodic examinations, teaching safe and self-care behaviors to the elderly, adjusting medication and exercising are the most effective steps to reduce and moderate the risk of fall in the elderly.

According to reviewed studies, despite the fact that old age, due to physical and mental limitations, puts older adults at a higher risk of falling, but with a set of measures, the risk and injury extent can be reduced. Maintaining the elderly health and preventing their injuries is one of the most important health care providers’ duties and can provide a dynamic and qualified period for them, so trying to find effective interventions to prevent and reduce risk of falling in these people should always be considered.

Patient safety culture is a critical element in promoting safety and improving the quality of patient care. To enhance this culture, evaluation of the present culture is necessary. This study aims to investigate the dimensions of patient safety culture from the perspective of the staff of Saveh teaching hospitals, Saveh City, Iran.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in two hospitals affiliated with Saveh University of Medical Sciences in 2019. The research sample consisted of 196 medical staff selected through the proportional stratified sampling method. The study data were collected through the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) questionnaire and analyzed by the independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test in SPSS software v. 21. The level of significance was set as P<0.05. 

Among the 12 dimensions of the questionnaire, intra-organizational teamwork, by taking 76% of the total score (4.12±0.28), was desirable and considered the best dimension. However, teamwork among organizational units, by taking 36.6% of the total score (2.92±0.83), was in the poorest condition. There was a significant relationship between gender and patient safety culture, and women were more responsive to patient safety than men (P<0.05).

According to the study findings, improving patient safety culture and intercommunication between hospital units is necessary. It is recommended to provide a more intimate environment for communication between hospital personnel.

Ceratonia silique (Ceratonia) is a medicinal herb with antioxidant properties that reduces oxidative stress.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant effects of Ceratonia extract on improving the toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) on spermatogenesis.

54 male Wistar rats (4 months old) weighing 200-250 gr were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 9/each): “group 1 (control) underwent the normal diet and water; group 2 (sham) received 2 ml/day normal saline; group 3 (positive control) received 300 mg/kg/day Ceratonia extract; group 4 (Ceratonia + CP) received Ceratonia extract (300 mg/kg/day) + 5 mg/kg/day CP (Endoxan, baxter oncology gmbh, Germany) after 4 hr; group 5 (CP) received 5 mg/kg/day CP + normal saline 4 hr after it; and group 6 (CP + Ceratonia) received Ceratonia extract (300 mg/kg/day) 4 hr after 5 mg/kg/day CP.” 24 hr after the last gavage, heart blood sampling was performed to measure the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), ferric reducing antioxidant power, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone. The left caudal epididymis was cut in the Ham’s F10 and the released spermatozoa were used to analyze sperm parameters. The histology of the right testes was studied using stereological techniques and the left testes were used to measure the level of tissue MDA and ferric reducing antioxidant power.

A significant increase in the mean level of MDA (p = 0.013) was seen in the CP compared to the control group. Sperm motility (p = 0.001) and count (p = 0.002), serum and tissue total antioxidant (p ≤ 0.001) and serum testosterone levels (p = 0.019) decreased in the CP compared to the control group. Ceratonia extract could significantly prevent the adverse effects of CP on sperm motility (p < 0.001), the mean levels of tissue MDA (p = 0.018), serum total antioxidant (p = 0.045), and testosterone (p < 0.001).

The Ceratonia extract can modify the reproductive toxicity of CP in rat due to the presence of antioxidant compounds.

Among the plants with multiple healing properties and a long and common history of use in Iranian traditional medicine, is dog-rose plant with the scientific name of “Rosa canina” that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This study aimed to review the effectiveness of Rosa canina in treatment of different body organs and tissues and emphasizes its therapeutic mechanism.

 This is a review study. About 176 papers published from 2010 to 2018 were extracted from PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, Ovid, MagIran, and SID databases using related keywords and entered into study. 

Ethical issues (including plagiarism, misconduct, data fabrication, falsification, double publication or submission, redundancy) have been completely observed by the authors. 

Different studies had indicated the importance of Rosa canina as a medicinal plant protecting liver, lowering glucose and lipid levels, and having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The highest flavonoid activity in the Rosaceae family is related to Rosa canina. The use of herbal extracts in the treatment of common diseases, such as diabetes, fatty liver, urinary tract and Alzheimer's, has been recommended.

 High qualitative and quantitative diversity of effective ingredients, ease of access, absence of adverse effects of consumption and endemic nature of Rosa canina plant make it necessary to use it for the control and treatment of common human diseases.

Leukemia is among the major causes of mortality and disability and the seventh most prevalent cancer worldwide. It has various effects on the biopsychosocial, reproductive, and economic performance of individuals. This study compared the Quality of Life (QoL) of hospitalized patients with different leukemia. 

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. In total, 100 adolescent patients with leukemia hospitalized in Ayatollah Khansari Hospital in Arak City, Iran, were selected by purposive sampling method. The samples were evaluated for six months in 2018. The required data were collected by EORTC-QLQ-C30 Quality of Life questionnaire and analyzed by descriptive statistics (Mean±SD and frequency) and Chi-squared test, Fisher’s exact test, and t-test in SPSS. P≤0.5 was considered as significant. 

The overall QoL Mean±SD score was 62.2±12.59, which was at a relatively appropriate level. The Mean±SD scores of life quality were 60.10±14.31 for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 59.51±12.83 for acute lymphocytic leukemia, 66.61±10.94 for chronic myeloid leukemia, and 62.84±6.33 for acute myeloid leukemia. There were significant differences between the total QoL and its dimensions in different leukemia types (P<0.05). There was also a significant relationship between age, residency, and marital status of the patients, and their total QoL (P<0.05).

Patients with myeloid leukemia had a better QoL, compared to those with lymphocytic leukemia. The patients had better performance in the physical area and weaker performance in social domain. The knowledge of nurses and other healthcare members about these findings could be used to promote care and improve the QoL of patients with different leukemia types.

Because media have an essential role in people’s insight into different professions, this study was carried out to investigate the part of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) in the public attitude toward the nursing profession in people living in Arak City, Iran. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the first six months of 2018. The study sample comprised 400 citizens who were selected by cluster sampling method. The public engagement with Iran national broadcasting and the people’s perspective toward nursing profession were measured using two researcher-made questionnaires. The obtained data were analyzed by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient in SPSS V. 16. The results showed that 67% of the participants have engaged with the media. The average score of non-professional (65.15±11.21) attitude toward the nursing profession was more than the professional attitudes level 1 (64.40±12.03) and level 2 (18.44±3.58). Engagement with national media was associated with non-professional attitude toward nursing (P=0.032) while it was not related to professional attitude level 1 (P=0.62) and level 2 (P=0.22).  The results of this study indicated that people’s engagement with the media is related to the creation of a non-professional attitude toward nursing profession, i.e. the more people interact with broadcasting, the less professional attitude toward nursing they have. Producing programs which shows a real professional and accurate picture of nurses in Iran broadcasting are recommended.

  Because of the rising number of elderly people, their Quality of Life have become more important. Health status has been considered as one of the factors that affect life quality and Spiritual Well-Being is one of its important dimensions. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between Spiritual Well-Being and Quality of Life among the elderly people residing in Arak City, Iran. This is a cross-sectional and correlational study. The study sample comprised 400 elderly people residing in Arak, Iran who were selected by cluster sampling method. Spiritual Well-Being was measured using Spiritual Well-Being scale (SWB) and the Quality of Life was assessed by Older People’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL-35). The obtained data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, along with Pearson correlation test, t-test, and ANOVA in SPSS V. 16. The Mean±SD score of life quality among the elderlies was 76.24±17.84 and was associated with their marital status and education level (P=0.001). The Spiritual Well-Being score of most elderly people ranged from moderate to high and the Mean±SD score of their Spiritual Well-Being was 96.47±13.43. There was a significant relationship between Spiritual Well-Being and the Quality of Life (r=0.37, P=0.0001). According to the findings, more attention should be paid to the factors related to the Quality of Life for taking care of the elderly people. Considering the relationship between Spiritual Well-Being and Quality of Life among these elderlies, provision of spiritual care for this group of society is recommended