Hospital Practices and Research

Abstract This highlights the significance of parasitic infections as an important and overlooked aspect of infectious diseases amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the focus on viral and bacterial infections, parasitic infections continue to pose a substantial public health challenge, especially in areas with restricted access to healthcare. The interaction between parasitic infections and COVID-19, including possible co-infections and their impact on disease severity, requires further investigation...

Abstract Background: Cucurbitacins are important compounds in the Cucurbitaceae family. They are known for their potential in cancer treatment. Cucurbitacins have a complex structure with over 200 variants, each exhibiting different biological activities. Ongoing research aims to enhance their effectiveness in medicine
Objectives: The study aimed to identify compounds with the potential to be used in chemotherapy by examining the structure of Cucurbitacins found in plants of the Cucurbitaceae family.
Methods: In this review study, we analyzed the biological and anticancer activities of plant compounds known as Cucurbitacins. We searched for keywords such as "Cucurbitacins", "Cucurbitaceae family", "Antioxidants", and "Anticancer" in databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. We gathered information about Cucurbitacins from PubChem, searched for Cucurbitacin, and refined results using advanced options.
Results: The anticancer potential of Cucurbitacins has been extensively researched. Specific Cucurbitacins, such as D, E, I, and IIa, have been found to induce cell death and autophagy in cancer cells, inhibit their migration and invasion, arrest the cell cycle, and impede their proliferation and survival. These compounds also inhibit the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, which is implicated in various cancers, including breast, pancreatic, colon, ovarian, and osteosarcoma. Recent interest in Cucurbitacins has surged for their potential in cancer prevention and treatment. Some studies suggest that consuming fruits and vegetables rich in Cucurbitacins may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Furthermore, they hold promise as chemotherapeutic agents in combination with conventional treatments.
Conclusion: The ability of Cucurbitacins to inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis and autophagy, inhibit cell migration and invasion, and block the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway make them potential candidates for cancer prevention and treatment.

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 virus has created many problems for human beings in the real world, particularly in the health sector. One of the issues is in emergency hospitals, which are vital pillars of the healthcare system in every country. Providing timely treatment and access to healthcare facilities is a major problem in developing countries.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to simulate a hospital emergency department under COVID-19 conditions.
Methods: This study simulates the operations of an emergency department in a hospital under COVID-19 conditions as a case study in Iran. This study considers several assumptions about hospital facilities, including doctors, nurses, and patients. The patients are divided into two categories: some require immediate examination, while others wait in line for appropriate services.
Results: A flow diagram for the department is provided and converted into a model, which is implemented using GPSS software. The model is then run multiple times, and the outputs are collected. The outputs of the simulation and their statistical distributions are analyzed, and the performance of various statistical tests is examined. Finally, recommendations for improving the performance of the emergency system are presented.
Conclusion: The findings of this study can be used as the first step in preparing this tool. Accordingly, this study was conducted to identify existing and valid tools for measuring hospital readiness against the COVID-19 virus, translate those tools, and compare them.

Abstract Background: Understanding the relationship between social support and spiritual health with death anxiety in patients with cancer is crucial for developing effective interventions to improve their quality of life and reduce distress.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of social support and spiritual health on death anxiety in cancer patients, with a specific focus on determining the relative contributions of each factor.
Methods: This descriptive-correlational study included all patients with cancer in Tehran as the study population in 2023. A total of 302 patients with cancer were selected as the sample using a convenience sampling method. The instruments included questionnaires on death anxiety, social support, and spiritual health. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise regression.
Results: Findings revealed a significant negative association between social support and death anxiety (P<0.001). Additionally, a significant negative association was found between spiritual health and death anxiety (P<0.001). According to the results, spiritual health had a greater association with death anxiety in patients with cancer.
Conclusion: Based on these findings, both social support and spiritual health contribute to mitigating death anxiety among cancer patients. Notably, spiritual health appears to have a more pronounced impact on reducing death anxiety compared to social support in this population. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating psychosocial interventions that address both social support and spiritual well-being into comprehensive cancer care.

Abstract Background: Human rights, which are very important for the health system and hospital accreditation requirements, include the issue of patient rights in hospitals. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the advanced technologies in this industry, which aims to improve the standard of medical services for patients.
Objectives: This study was conducted with the aim of improving the enhancing patient's rights criteria in hospital accreditation standard by using AI (case study: selected hospitals in Zahedan county), which examines the factors affecting patient rights and the benefits of using AI.
Methods: According to the subject and purpose, the research approach is cross-sectional and descriptive, which was conducted in several hospitals in Zahedan in 2023. Experts in this field were given a questionnaire to complete as part of this study. Then the most important effects in this field were ranked.
Results: Experts ranked the factors of better disease diagnosis, prevention and prediction, advanced treatment methods, and easier access to medical data as the most important factors. The findings of this study indicate that if AI is used in selected hospitals of Zahedan, the rights of patients will be consistent with international validation criteria.
Conclusion: The factors covered in this study are necessary for the successful integration of AI in the health system, as well as following the guidelines that apply to any other intelligent system, including technical training and considering organizational, managerial and economic aspects. In order to intelligently adapt these systems, stakeholders in the health sector must use these components.

Abstract Background: COVID-19 has altered and challenged healthcare and childbirth services provision. Midwives are among the first and most influential childbirth care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is insufficient information about their experiences in delivering healthcare services, especially in Iran.
Objectives: This study aimed to explore midwives' challenges in providing prenatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: This qualitative study utilized conventional content analysis and was conducted from February 2021 to July 2021 in Shushtar, Iran. A total of 15 midwives were purposively selected with maximum diversity as participants. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured online interviews. MAXQDA (V10) software was used for data analysis.
Results: Data analysis resulted in 271 codes, 10 subcategories, and four main categories: "Care Environment", "Management of the Care Process", "Maternal Self-Care", and "Psychosocial Stress".
Conclusion: The findings of this qualitative study highlight the challenges midwives face in providing prenatal care, offering valuable insights for achieving quality care during crises. Focusing on these dimensions can help health policymakers design quality healthcare services during emergencies.

Abstract Background: Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is a globally prevalent parasitic infection that often presents with nonspecific symptoms, making diagnosis challenging, especially in immunocompetent individuals.
Case Presentation: We report a case of a 22-year-old immunocompetent male presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy, fever, and flu-like symptoms, initially misdiagnosed as influenza or COVID-19. Despite symptomatic treatment, his condition worsened. Serological testing confirmed acute toxoplasmosis (IgM: 6.64 IU/ml; IgG: 44 IU/ml). Ultrasonography showed hypoechoic cervical lymph nodes, consistent with lymphadenopathy. Treatment with azithromycin, pyrimethamine, and folinic acid for 10 days led to complete symptom resolution.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering toxoplasmosis in the differential diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy, especially in patients with persistent flu-like symptoms. Early serological testing and imaging are crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. The rapid clinical improvement observed underscores the effectiveness of antiparasitic therapy in immunocompetent individuals. Greater clinician awareness of the diverse presentations of toxoplasmosis is essential to prevent misdiagnosis and optimize patient outcomes.