HOMAYOON MOHAMMED AKBARI, MD, PH.D.

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This study looked at how lavender aromatherapy and nature sounds can help reduce anxiety and pain in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Researchers found that both treatments significantly lowered anxiety scores: those using lavender had an average score of about 34.9 compared to 49.6 in the control group, and nature sounds showed a similar effect with an average of 32.0. Pain levels also decreased in the groups receiving these treatments. This matters because finding non-drug ways to ease anxiety and pain can improve patient comfort and recovery during surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing cataract surgery.

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This study looked at how a combination of valerian and Melissa officinalis (called Norogol) compared to clonidine and a placebo in reducing anxiety, shivering, and changes in heart rate and blood pressure in patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. Researchers found that patients taking Norogol and clonidine experienced significantly less shivering right after the surgery compared to those taking the placebo. While anxiety levels also went down in the treatment groups, the difference wasn’t significant compared to the placebo group. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing knee replacement surgery who may struggle with anxiety and shivering post-operation.

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This paper looks at new advancements in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for women experiencing infertility. It found that preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can significantly increase the chance of a successful pregnancy for certain groups, such as older women or those with a history of pregnancy loss, improving live birth rates by approximately 20-30% per embryo transfer. However, there are ongoing safety concerns, including risks of multiple pregnancies and potential long-term health effects for mothers and children. Who this helps: This research benefits women facing infertility and the healthcare providers working with them.

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This study looked at 102 samples of Acinetobacter baumannii, a type of bacteria known for causing serious infections in hospitals. Researchers found that over 93% of these samples were resistant to key antibiotics like piperacillin and meropenem, and about 65% of the bacteria were closely related, indicating they were spreading within the hospital. These findings are important because understanding how these resistant bacteria differ can help hospitals develop better ways to treat infections and prevent their spread. Who this helps: This helps patients in hospitals by improving infection control and treatment strategies.

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This study looked at a scoring system called the Geriatric Influenza Death (GID) score, which helps doctors decide how to treat older patients with influenza. Researchers found that as the GID score increased, the risk of dying within 30 days also went up: 15.9% for a score of 1, 41.7% for a score of 2, and 44.4% for a score of 3. This is important because it provides doctors with a tool to identify high-risk elderly patients who may need more intensive care. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers make better treatment decisions for elderly patients with influenza.

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This study compared two medications, carbetocin and oxytocin, with or without tranexamic acid, to see which was more effective at reducing blood loss during cesarean deliveries. Researchers found that women who received carbetocin lost an average of 629 mL of blood, while those given oxytocin with tranexamic acid lost 712 mL, making carbetocin better at preventing blood loss. This is important because reducing blood loss can lower the risk of complications for new mothers after surgery. Who this helps: This helps new mothers undergoing cesarean sections.

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This study focused on adapting a questionnaire called the Knee Self-Efficacy Scale (K-SES) for Persian-speaking patients with knee injuries to measure their confidence in managing their condition. Researchers evaluated the new Persian version (K-SES-Persian) with 106 patients and found it to be very reliable, with an internal consistency score of 0.965, meaning it consistently measures what it’s supposed to. This is important because it allows healthcare providers to better assess and support Persian-speaking patients in their recovery and rehabilitation. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from knee injuries and their doctors.

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Researchers studied a new approach for predicting harmful algal blooms (HABs) in coastal areas, which can harm water quality and marine life. They developed a model called the Causally Informed Neural Network (CINN) that uses data from the environment, such as sea temperature and nutrient levels, to make predictions. Their model outperformed traditional methods, achieving a score of 0.926, which is a 10-17% improvement compared to other models, and reduced prediction errors by up to 25%. This is important because accurate predictions can help protect coastal ecosystems and resources. Who this helps: This benefits coastal communities, fishermen, and environmental policymakers.

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This study looked at different methods for isolating and growing oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) in lab settings, which are crucial for repairing the brain and spinal cord. The researchers reviewed various techniques, finding that newer methods, like magnetic sorting and 3D cultures, improve cell purity and function. These advancements are important because they could lead to better treatments for diseases that damage the nervous system. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

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This study looked at how well brain cell transplants called oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) can restore the protective covering of nerves in a model of multiple sclerosis, a disease that damages this covering. Researchers found that OPCs taken from a non-inflammatory environment (from cuprizone) were more effective at promoting recovery and increasing myelin levels compared to those taken from an inflammatory environment (from lipopolysaccharide). Specifically, the cuprizone-derived OPCs led to a significant boost in myelin production and decreased harmful compounds that hinder recovery. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with multiple sclerosis by potentially improving treatments aimed at nerve repair.

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This study looked at how to effectively predict the levels of chlorophyll-a, a key indicator of algae in the water, using a new model based on satellite data. Researchers found that their model, achieving an impressive accuracy rate (R² of 0.906) in predictions, performs better than traditional methods. This is important because it helps protect desalination systems from harmful algal blooms, which can be costly and damaging to water quality. Who this helps: This benefits water treatment facilities and the communities relying on clean water supply.

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This study looked at how to predict how well patients with depression will respond to two types of treatments: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Researchers found that a specific computer model, using EEG brain signals, achieved high prediction accuracy—99.43% for SSRIs and 98.77% for rTMS—by analyzing the brain activity in unique ways that matched each treatment type. This is important because it could lead to more personalized and effective treatment plans for patients, rather than relying on trial and error. Who this helps: Patients with depression looking for more effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine affects thyroid hormone levels in newborns when the vaccine is received during or before pregnancy. It found that babies whose mothers received the vaccine had slightly higher thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, increasing from 3.5 to 3.9 mU/L, but these levels were still within the normal range and not a cause for concern. This research is important because it helps understand the influence of COVID-19 vaccinations on newborn health. Who this helps: Expectant mothers and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at protein levels called CTRP-4 and CTRP-12 in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and compared them to healthy individuals. Researchers found that both proteins were significantly higher in HT patients, with CTRP-4 levels showing a difference of 0.012 and CTRP-12 a difference of 0.003 compared to the control group. This matters because understanding these protein levels could help identify factors involved in the disease and guide future treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and their doctors.

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This study looked at how opium use affects inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and their response to standard medications. They found that patients addicted to opium had significantly higher levels of a specific inflammatory marker, IL-23, compared to both non-addicted CAD patients and healthy individuals. This is important because it shows that opium can worsen inflammation and complicate treatment for heart disease, potentially leading to more serious health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with coronary artery disease, particularly those struggling with opium addiction.

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This study compared two methods to reduce pain during intravenous (IV) cannulation: a cold spray and a topical cream. Out of 77 patients, those using the cold spray reported a median pain score of 2, while those using the cream reported a median pain score of 3, which was not a significant difference. However, fewer patients using the spray experienced side effects, and more preferred to use the spray again in the future. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing IV procedures by providing options for pain relief.

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This study explored the effects of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) combined with mirror therapy on patients with complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I) affecting their hands. The findings showed that patients receiving HILT experienced a significant pain reduction, with an average decrease of 4.2 points on a pain scale after treatment, compared to just 1.4 points in the control group. This is important because CRPS-I is a painful condition that greatly impacts daily life, and effective treatments can help improve patients' quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from complex regional pain syndrome type I.

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This study looked at why many parents in Tabriz, Iran, are hesitant or unwilling to vaccinate their children against COVID-19, despite having access to vaccines. Out of 400 parents surveyed, 66% were definitely against vaccination, mainly due to worries about potential side effects—81% expressed this concern. This is important because understanding these fears can help create better public health campaigns to encourage vaccination, particularly among mothers and parents of children with health issues. Who this helps: This research helps parents, doctors, and public health officials.

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Researchers translated the Pain Severity Scale (PSS) into Persian to see how well it works for patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP). They tested it on 112 patients and found it to be reliable, with a strong internal consistency score of 0.889, indicating it accurately measures pain severity. The successful adaptation means this tool can be used effectively in clinical settings for Persian-speaking patients suffering from PFP. Who this helps: This helps patients with patellofemoral pain and their doctors.

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This study looked at the viral causes of abortions in sheep and goats in East Azerbaijan, Iran, to understand how these viruses affect livestock. Researchers examined 62 aborted foetuses and blood samples from 373 adult animals, finding that 35.48% of the aborted foetuses tested positive for viruses, with the bluetongue virus present in 12.90% of those foetuses. These findings are significant because they highlight the impact of viral infections on livestock health, suggesting that better management and vaccination could help prevent these costly losses for farmers. Who this helps: This benefits livestock farmers and veterinarians working with sheep and goats.

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This study examined how well AI chatbots like GPT-3.5, GPT-4, Bard, and Bing provide accurate responses to basic life support (BLS) questions. It found that GPT-4 was the best performer, correctly answering 85% of adult scenarios, while Bard achieved 60% and the other chatbots scored below 44% for infants. These results are important because they highlight that while GPT-4 can offer some reliable information, none of the chatbots consistently followed BLS guidelines, meaning they can’t be fully trusted in emergencies without a human in charge. Who this helps: This helps emergency responders, bystanders during emergencies, and the people they assist.

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This study looked at how factors like age, education, and work shifts affect nurses' willingness to use mobile apps in their jobs. It found that higher education reduces technology anxiety and security worries, while older nurses find apps easier to use. These insights can help hospitals better implement mobile applications, improving nursing practices and patient care. Who this helps: Hospital managers and IT staff, as well as nurses using the apps.

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This study looked at research on stigma in medicine over the past 30 years, examining 7,854 articles that focus on how stigma affects people's health and access to care. It found that research on stigma has significantly increased since 2010, hitting a peak in 2022, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stigma is still closely linked to major health issues like HIV, mental illness, addiction, and cancer, highlighting the ongoing need for strategies to manage and reduce stigma in healthcare. Who this helps: This helps patients facing stigma due to their health conditions, as well as healthcare providers seeking to improve patient care.

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This study looked at how scenario-based training affects nursing students' ability to care for patients after heart surgery. It involved 50 nursing students who were split into two groups; one group received traditional training, while the other participated in scenario-based simulations. The results showed that the students who experienced simulation training improved their performance scores significantly, but their knowledge scores did not change much compared to the other group. Who this helps: This benefits nursing students and ultimately enhances patient care after heart surgery.

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The study looked at how adding different types of carbon materials—like graphene and carbon nanotubes—to a special composite can help improve its ability to remove nitrogen oxides (NO) from the air. The researchers found that the composite with graphene oxide performed the best, eliminating about 21.9% of NO, compared to only 8.7% with the regular P25 material alone. This research is important because finding effective ways to clean up nitrogen oxides can help reduce air pollution and its harmful effects on health and the environment. Who this helps: Patients and communities affected by air pollution.

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This study looked at how a special gel made from Zataria multiflora, a plant, affects healing surgical wounds in rats. Researchers found that the gel, especially at a 4% concentration, significantly improved healing compared to a placebo, with the best results showing a mean score of 242.5 for the 4% gel, while the placebo only scored 70.7. This is important because it suggests that this natural gel could be an effective treatment to speed up wound healing in medical settings. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from surgery.

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This study looked at what influences mothers to take steps to prevent dental injuries in their children aged 7 to 12. Researchers surveyed 700 mothers and found that knowledge about dental care, confidence in their ability to help, and awareness of barriers to taking action all significantly affected how well mothers could prevent dental trauma; together, these factors explained about 33% of the difference in preventive behaviors. This matters because improving mothers' understanding and confidence can help keep children’s teeth safe from injury. Who this helps: This helps mothers, children, and dental health professionals.

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This study looked at the health issues faced by women in prisons worldwide, analyzing data from 247 studies involving over 450,000 women. It found that women in custody suffer from many health problems, especially communicable diseases and mental health issues, but the available research is often biased and incomplete, leading to a lack of accurate information about their true health needs. Improving data collection and addressing these health disparities is crucial for providing better care for this vulnerable group. Who this helps: This helps incarcerated women by highlighting their health needs and pushing for better medical support in prisons.

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This research studied how to better predict the success of depression treatments, specifically SSRIs and rTMS, by analyzing brain activity through EEG signals. The researchers developed a new method called dynamical pattern of successive bits (DPSB) and were able to achieve an impressive accuracy of 99.4% for SSRIs and 99.59% for rTMS in predicting therapy outcomes. This is important because it can help doctors better tailor treatments to individual patients, potentially improving recovery rates in those struggling with depression. Who this helps: This benefits patients with depression and their doctors by providing clearer treatment options.

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This study examined a new test for diagnosing cystic echinococcosis, a serious parasitic disease that can affect both humans and animals. The new direct hemagglutination test (HAT) showed excellent results, achieving a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 95.3% when tested on samples from 43 patients with the disease. This matters because it offers a simple, low-cost, and reliable way to diagnose hydatid disease, making it easier to manage and treat. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by improving diagnosis and treatment options for cystic echinococcosis.

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This study looked at how water-based exercises compare to land-based exercises in improving movement abilities for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Researchers reviewed 94 studies and found that water exercises led to bigger improvements in motor performance than exercising on land, with a notable difference measured. This matters because it highlights the potential benefits of water exercise as part of treatment for PD, offering a new avenue for enhancement in motor function. Who this helps: This helps patients with Parkinson's disease and their therapists.

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This study looked at glioblastoma (GBM), a type of brain cancer, to understand how different types of cancer cells behave within tumors. Researchers analyzed samples from 133 patients and found that the percentage of stem-like cancer cells remained consistent throughout the tumor, which was linked to poorer survival rates. Specifically, tumors with more stem-like cells led to shorter overall survival and less benefit from a certain treatment, indicating that understanding the makeup of these tumors is crucial for better treatment strategies. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for doctors and researchers working on glioblastoma treatments.

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This study focused on creating a tool to measure the quality of life for patients with spinal chordoma, a type of bone cancer that affects the spine. Researchers analyzed interviews from 27 patients to identify common symptoms and developed a questionnaire with 35 specific questions based on patient feedback. The findings showed that patients felt significantly different from doctors about issues like mood and pain, which highlights the importance of patient experiences in treatment planning. Who this helps: This helps patients with spinal chordoma and their doctors by providing better ways to understand and manage their symptoms.

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This study looked at the levels of vitamins and minerals in sheep and goats in East Azerbaijan, Iran, that were having abortions. Researchers found that over 87% of the animals had a serious lack of selenium, and there were significant shortages of other nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, and copper. These deficiencies are directly linked to health problems in the animals and the risk of abortions, indicating that farmers need to improve the nutrition of their livestock to prevent these issues. Who this helps: This helps farmers and livestock veterinarians by providing insights to better manage animal health.

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This study looked at how well composite fillings in back teeth hold up over 1 to 3 years, focusing on discoloration and fractures. Out of 281 fillings examined, 81.5% showed minor discoloration that was related to factors like the type of composite used and patient habits, while more than 99% had no significant fractures. These findings indicate that most of these fillings perform well over time, which is important for ensuring patients have durable and aesthetic dental restorations. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those receiving composite fillings, as well as their dentists.

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This study looked at whether giving a nasal spray of ketamine could reduce the pain children feel when getting a ketamine injection in the emergency department. The results showed a significant difference: children who received the nasal spray had a pain score of just 1 (on a scale of 0 to 10) compared to a score of 10 for those who got a placebo. This is important because it can help make medical procedures less distressing for kids. Who this helps: This helps children in emergency situations who need pain relief.

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This study looked at how to better predict which patients will respond to depression treatments, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). The researchers developed a computer system that analyzes brain activity from EEG scans, achieving prediction accuracy of 98.06% for SSRIs and 97.19% for rTMS. This approach could significantly improve treatment decisions for people struggling with depression, helping doctors choose the most effective therapies for their patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with depression and their doctors.

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The study focused on a pair of female twin toddlers who were born with a condition called syndactyly, where their middle and ring fingers were fused together. Both twins had surgery to separate their fingers, with one receiving the procedure on her right hand and the other on her left at one and a half years old. The procedures successfully corrected the finger fusion, which is important because it can affect hand function and appearance as the children grow. Who this helps: This benefits children with syndactyly and their families by improving hand function and overall quality of life.

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This study examined the effects of gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) on health issues related to metabolism, like fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome, in a group of 100 patients. The results showed that patients who had the surgery lost weight and had lower blood sugar levels, but their blood pressure increased significantly. This is important because it suggests that while cholecystectomy may improve some metabolic aspects, it could also lead to higher blood pressure and a greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Who this helps: This information helps both patients undergoing gallbladder surgery and their doctors in monitoring health changes after the procedure.

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This study looked at how combining gelatin and a type of gum can effectively package cinnamon essential oil to help in diabetes management. The best mixture was found to be equal parts gelatin and gum with a 50% concentration of cinnamon oil, which improved the stability of the oil and made it less toxic. When tested, this encapsulated oil showed a significant ability to inhibit enzymes that break down sugars, with higher effectiveness in intestinal conditions. Who this helps: Patients with diabetes.

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This study focused on creating a new tool called the Craniopharyngioma Quality of Life (C-QOL) Index to measure how craniopharyngioma, a type of brain tumor, affects the lives of adult patients. Researchers interviewed 26 patients about their symptoms and created a 39-item survey based on their feedback, which highlighted significant differences in how patients and doctors rated important issues like pain and personality changes. This tool matters because it helps better understand patient experiences and can improve communication between patients and healthcare providers. Who this helps: This helps patients with craniopharyngioma and their healthcare teams.

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This study looked at why nurses in Iran continue to use mobile health (mHealth) apps in their daily work. Researchers surveyed 315 nurses and found that social support and established habits are crucial for ongoing use of these apps, while anxiety about new technologies can make them feel it’s harder to use these tools. This is important because by understanding what influences nurses' use of mHealth apps, hospitals can improve training and support, leading to better patient care. Who this helps: This benefits nurses and patients in healthcare settings.

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This study looked at how different environments affect the ability of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) to regenerate myelin, which is crucial for proper nerve function. Researchers found that OPCs from mice exposed to a certain type of inflammation (LPS) migrated better and helped restore myelin more effectively compared to those from another model (cuprizone). Specifically, LPS OPCs improved myelin content and integrity in the spinal cord after 7 days, showing that the condition they were grown in influences their healing power. Who this helps: This helps patients with conditions involving nerve damage, such as multiple sclerosis.

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This study looked at natural compounds to find new treatments for type 2 diabetes, which is a major health issue worldwide. Researchers examined over 70 natural substances and found 17 of them, such as Curcumin and Berberine Chloride, had strong potential for treating diabetes by effectively targeting related genes. This matters because these compounds could offer new safe options for managing the disease. Who this helps: Patients with type 2 diabetes.

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This study looked at how two medications, tranexamic acid and phenylephrine, affect bleeding during nose surgeries (rhinoplasty). The researchers found that both medicines significantly reduced blood loss compared to not using them, but tranexamic acid was more effective, reducing bleeding by about 50%. This matters because less bleeding can lead to safer surgeries and quicker recovery times for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing nose surgeries.

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This study looked at how effective an herbal vaginal tablet made from oregano and lemon balm is in treating bacterial vaginosis (BV) compared to a standard medication called metronidazole. Researchers found no significant difference between the two treatments, with both successfully improving symptoms and test results for BV in the majority of participants: 31 out of 51 in the herbal group and 28 out of 54 in the metronidazole group by day 10. This matters because it provides an alternative treatment option for women experiencing BV, especially in light of growing concerns about resistance to traditional medications. Who this helps: This helps women suffering from bacterial vaginosis who are looking for alternative treatments.

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This study looked at how effective different types of mouth splints and low-power laser therapy are for treating people with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Researchers divided 40 TMD patients into four groups: some received digitally made splints with laser therapy, others had conventionally made splints with laser therapy, some only got digitally made splints, and the last group received conventionally made splints without the laser. All groups reported less pain, but those using digitally made splints combined with laser therapy showed the best results in terms of pain relief and jaw movement improvement. Who this helps: This research benefits TMD patients seeking effective treatment options.

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This study looked at the short-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines (Sinopharm and Soberana) in children aged 5 to 12 in Tabriz. Out of 913 children, 30.8% experienced pain at the injection site, and vaccinated children were more likely to report symptoms like fever (9%) and fatigue (5.5%) compared to unvaccinated children (3.6% and 0.9%, respectively). Importantly, there were no serious health issues reported from the vaccines, suggesting that other studies might have exaggerated side effects due to lacking a control group. Who this helps: This benefits parents and healthcare providers by providing clearer information about vaccine safety in children.