Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences
Year:2024 | Volume:23 | Issue:10|Papers Count:8

Background and Objectives: Alcohol and drug use in adolescents causes psychological problems and changes in the brain. Emotional self-control includes cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes that an individual can use to control their emotions, therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the tendency to use drugs based on sensory processing sensitivity and cognitive flexibility with the mediating role of emotional self-control in adolescents. Materials and Methods: The method of this descriptive study was structural equation modeling. The statistical population of the study was students studying in junior and senior high schools in the academic year 2023-2024, from which 207 students participated in the study through multi-stage sampling. Data were collected using Farjad’s Consumption Propensity Questionnaire (2006), Aron and Aron’s Sensory Processing Sensitivity Questionnaire (1977), Dennis’ Cognitive Flexibility Questionnaire (2010), and Tanji’s Emotional Self-Control Questionnaire (2004). The data were analyzed using structural modeling. Findings: There is a positive and significant correlation between the tendency to use substances and sensory processing sensitivity (p<0. 01, r=0. 39) at the 99% level, and a negative and significant correlation between cognitive flexibility (p<0. 01, r=-0. 35) and emotional self-control (p<0. 01, r=-0. 38) at the 99% level. In addition to the direct effect, sensory processing sensitivity and cognitive flexibility also indirectly affect the tendency to use substances through emotional self-control. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that emotional self-control, high cognitive flexibility, and low sensory sensitivity reduce the tendency to use drugs. It seems that adolescents need to become aware of their feelings and thoughts. Therefore, cognitive and mindfulness exercises are useful.

Background and Objectives: Teenage girls who attempt chemical suicide have great difficulty coping with tensions and making constructive decisions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of intensive psychodynamic therapy with an anxiety modulating approach on coping strategies with perceived tension and decision-making styles in teenage girls attempting suicide by chemicals. Materials and Methods: The current research was a semi-experimental type of pretest-posttest with a control group. The statistical population included all teenage girls who tried to commit chemical suicide who were admitted to the Poisoning Emergency of the Nomadic Martyrs Training and Treatment Center in Khorramabad City in 2023. Out of these, 30 people were selected by convenience sampling and randomly assigned into the experimental and control groups (15 people in each group). The research tools were Jalovis's Perceived Stress Strategies Questionnaire (1984), Scott & Bruce's Decision Making Styles Questionnaire (1985), and McCullough's Short-Term Intensive Psychodynamic Therapy with an Anxiety Modulating Approach Protocol (1997). Data were analyzed using multivariate covariance test. Results: Intensive psychodynamic therapy with an anxiety modulating approach had a significant effect on coping strategies with perceived tension and decision-making styles in adolescent girls attempting chemical suicide (Eta=0. 54, p<0. 001). This effectiveness was also observed in the dimensions of coping strategies and decision-making styles (Eta>0. 45, p<0. 001). Conclusion: The current study showed that intensive psychodynamic therapy with an anxiety modulating approach has led to the use of adaptive coping strategies and improved decision-making ability in adolescent girls attempting chemical suicide.

Background and Objectives: Gingerol is one of the most important phenolic compounds found in the ginger plant, and targeting the transfer of effective plant compounds to cells is one of the important challenges of researchers. The aim of this study was to load gingerol in niosome nanocarrier coated with chitosan and determine its antimicrobial and anticancer effects. Materials and Methods: In this laboratory study, niosome nanocarrier containing gingerol was synthesized and then, synthesized niosomes were coated with chitosan and its structural properties were investigated. The antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects of the synthesized niosomes were investigated using the microdilution method. Also, anticancer effects and biocompatibility of synthesized niosomes were evaluated using colorimetric method. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: Examining the structure of niosomes containing gingerol coated with chitosan showed that it has a spherical structure and an average size of 102. 56±5. 80 nm. Also, the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the synthesis of niosomes. The results showed that the synthesized niosomes increased the antimicrobial effects 1 to 4 times, and at concentrations of 100 and 200 µg/ml, cell survival was decreased 24. 66±1. 39% and 16. 65±1. 12%, respectively (p<0. 05). Also, the synthesized niosomes did not have any significant cytotoxic effects against the human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) cell line (p>0. 05). Conclusion: The results showed that the synthesized niosomes can increase the antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and anti-cancer effects of gingerol, and therefore this nanocarrier can be used for targeted delivery of effective herbal compounds.

Background and Objectives: Given the rapid pace of changes in the medical field and the necessity for continuous updating of knowledge and skill, lifelong learning has become an indispensable requirement for physicians. This study aimed to identify the development and application of the components related to lifelong learning characteristics and behaviors in general medical course curricula. Materials and Methods:  The research was a qualitative approach, utilizing the Delphi method for data collection. The participants consisted of 15 individuals from the fields of medical education, curriculum planning, and medical faculty in Isfahan, Rafsanjan, and Kerman Universities in 2024, who were selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected through a questionnaire combining close-ended questions (5-point Likert scale) and open-ended questions using the Delphi method. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, interquartile range, and agreement ratio of 4 or more, as well as expert consensus were employed in the analysis of 75%. Results: Following the first round of Delphi analysis, four components were eliminated with an agreement ratio below 75%. Nine components were identified with a consensus ratio of 93% or higher, including self-education spirit, the enjoyment and utility of learning, creating a sustainable intrinsic motivation for learning, applying continuous learning findings in personal life, a research-oriented mindset, critical thinking, learning management, being a good communicator, and a passion for learning, which reached the highest consensus. Conclusion: The identified key components reveal that lifelong learning in medicine is a multifaceted process, requiring a complex interplay of attitudes, skills, and behaviors. Fostering these components can contribute to the development of more competent and responsive physicians to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the community.

Background and Objectives: In recent decades, many protocols have been introduced under the cognitive-behavioral approach. Most of these protocols have paid more attention to emotion while maintaining the main assumptions of the cognitive approach. But none of them were based on a strong emotional model. The present study was conducted with the aim of developing and validating the cognitive behavioral therapy protocol based on the SPAARS model. Materials and Methods: The present study was descriptive and the protocol was developed based on theoretical foundations and research evidence based on emotional SPAARS model. Protocol has been developed in 12 sessions and its validity evaluated by ten specialists. Data were analyzed by using Impact Score, Content Validity Index (CVI), and Content Validity Ratio (CVR). Results: The findings showed that the impact score of the sessions was higher than 1. 5 and the minimum content validity index and content validity ratio were each 0. 8, which is higher than the minimum acceptable level at the significance level of 0. 05. Conclusion: The face and content validity of the emotion-focused cognitive behavioral protocol based on SPAARS model has been confirmed by specialists’ evaluation. According to the results of the current study, this protocol can be used for individuals with emotional disorders.

The production of plastic materials has increased in recent decades due to the development of industries and the increase in packaged products, which after disposal in the environment, become fine particles called microplastics that can pollute the environment, especially water resources. Various studies have reported the presence and release of microplastics in food products such as salts and sugars, processed and packaged food, disposable plastic and paper containers and cups, and bottles of mineral water. Microplastics enter the food chain due to their very small size (less than 5mm) and can enter the bodies of living organisms and humans and gain bioaccumulation. Microplastics can enter the bloodstream through the intestines, and penetrate to all organs and tissues. Studies show the presence of microplastic particles in tissues such as the liver, muscles, and brain. Living organisms and humans suffer internal injuries due to direct or indirect microplastics consumption through water, food, and respiratory system, especially in the digestive systems and intestinal obstruction, disruption of the activities of tissues and organs, disruption of the central nervous system, and even some cancers. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce exposure to microplastics by properly managing the production and consumption of plastics and culturalizing less use of packaged and disposable products.