Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services

About: Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services is a education organization based out in Tehran, Iran. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 19456 authors who have published 33659 publications receiving 365676 citations.

IL-2-Inducible T-Cell Kinase Deficiency with Pulmonary Manifestations due to Disseminated Epstein-Barr Virus Infection

Abstract: IL-2-inducible T-cell kinase (ITK) deficiency is a rare inherited immunodeficiency disease characterized by homozygous mutations in the ITK gene and the inability to control Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection leading to EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders of B cell origin. Many aspects of its clinical presentation and immunologic phenotype are still unclear to clinicians. We report on a 14-year-old female patient with complaints of an 8-month history of cough and fever. Imaging studies revealed diffuse pulmonary nodules and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Transbronchial lung biopsy showed nonmalignant polyclonal B cell proliferation. High titers of EBV DNA were detected by PCR analysis in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, bone marrow, and blood. Genomic analysis revealed a homozygous single base pair deletion in exon 5 of the ITK gene (c.468delT) in this patient. Treatment with rituximab (anti-CD20 mab) resulted in complete clinical remission with resolution of pulmonary lesions and a negative EBV titer in serum. All patients with EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders should be analyzed for mutations in ITK.

The role of critical thinking skills and learning styles of university students in their academic performance.

Abstract: Introduction: The Current world needs people who have a lot of different abilities such as cognition and application of different ways of thinking, research, problem solving, critical thinking skills and creativity. In addition to critical thinking, learning styles is another key factor which has an essential role in the process of problem solving. This study aimed to determine the relationship between learning styles and critical thinking of students and their academic performance in Alborz University of Medical Science. Methods: This cross-correlation study was performed in 2012, on 216 students of Alborz University who were selected randomly by the stratified random sampling. The data was obtained via a three-part questionnaire included demographic data, Kolb standardized questionnaire of learning style and California critical thinking standardized questionnaire. The academic performance of the students was extracted by the school records. The validity of the instruments was determined in terms of content validity, and the reliability was gained through internal consistency methods. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found to be 0.78 for the California critical thinking questionnaire. The Chi Square test, Independent t-test, one way ANOVA and Pearson correlation test were used to determine relationship between variables. The Package SPSS14 statistical software was used to analyze data with a significant level of p<0.05. Results: Our findings indicated the significant difference of mean score in four learning style, suggesting university students with convergent learning style have better performance than other groups. Also learning style had a relationship with age, gender, field of study, semester and job. The results about the critical thinking of the students showed that the mean of deductive reasoning and evaluation skills were higher than that of other skills and analytical skills had the lowest mean and there was a positive significant relationship between the students’ performance with inferential skill and the total score of critical thinking skills (p<0.05). Furthermore, evaluation skills and deductive reasoning had significant relationship. On the other hand, the mean total score of critical thinking had significant difference between different learning styles. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the learning styles, critical thinking and academic performance are significantly associated with one another. Considering the growing importance of critical thinking in enhancing the professional competence of individuals, it's recommended to use teaching methods consistent with the learning style because it would be more effective in this context.

Phytochemicals in Helicobacter pylori Infections: What Are We Doing Now?

Abstract: In this critical review, plant sources used as effective antibacterial agents against Helicobacter pylori infections are carefully described. The main intrinsic bioactive molecules, responsible for the observed effects are also underlined and their corresponding modes of action specifically highlighted. In addition to traditional uses as herbal remedies, in vitro and in vivo studies focusing on plant extracts and isolated bioactive compounds with anti-H. pylori activity are also critically discussed. Lastly, special attention was also given to plant extracts with urease inhibitory effects, with emphasis on involved modes of action.

Validation of the Persian Version of the 8-Item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) in Iranian Hypertensive Patients

Abstract: The reliability and validity of the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was assessed in a sample of Iranian hypertensive patients In this multi-center study which lasted from August to October 2014, a total of 200 patients who were suffering from hypertension (HTN) and were taking anti-hypertensive medication(s) were included The cases were accessed through private and university health centers in the cities of Tehran, Karaj, Kermanshah, and Bafgh in Iran and were interviewed face-to-face by the research team The validated Persian translation of the MMAS-8 was provided by the owner of this scale This scale contains 7 questions with "Yes" or "No" response choices and an additional Likert-type question (totally 8 questions) The total score ranges from 0 to 8 with higher scores reflecting better medication adherence Mean (±SD) overall MMAS-8 score was 557 (±186) There were 108 (54%), 62 (31%), and 30 (15%) patients in the low, moderate, and high adherence groups Internal consistency was acceptable with an overall Cronbach's ? coefficient of 0697 and test-retest reliability showed good reproducibility (r= 0940); P< 0001 Overall score of the MMAS-8 was significantly correlated with systolic BP (r= - 0306) and diastolic BP (r= - 0279) with P< 0001 for both BP measurements The Chi-square test showed a significant relationship between adherence level and BP control (P= 0016) The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the scale were 928%, 223%, 529%, and 767%, respectively The Persian version of the MMAS had acceptable reliability and validity in Iranian hypertensive patients This scale can be used as a standard and reliable tool in future studies to determine medication adherence of Persian-speaking patients with chronic conditions