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The bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is an important infectious agent transmitted from cattle to humans. It is considered one of the oncogenic viruses in breast cancer, so an accurate detection of this virus is important. The study aimed to design a specific and sensitive method based on TaqMan® real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for BLV detection. Probes and primers were designed using bioinformatics software for a 108 pairs region of the BLV tax gene. Criteria employed for determining analytical sensitivity were prepared using in-vitro RNA transcriptions. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) databases various viral panels and genomic samples from healthy individuals (Qom Province, Iran in 2023) were used to verify analytical specificity and clinical specificity, respectively. This method can measure a minimum of 10 copies of DNA and RNA mL-1. Moreover, the assay is linear in the range of 100 - 109 copies mL-1. By testing negative specimens, the method specificity was 100%. The reproducibility results of the reaction were examined at the intra- and inter-assay comparison. In fact, 10 technical replicates of each concentration of the control sample were analyzed in each working reaction. Due to the locally made kit, exact sensitivity and specificity, rapid analysis, and relatively low cost, as compared to commercial kits of other countries, the method introduced in the present study could be suitable for accurate detection of the BLV. Also, the TaqMan® real-time PCR method could be detected in cattle and human and before malignant changes of breast cancer which could reduce infection and breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of Planaxis sulcatus (Gastropoda), Clibanarius signatus (Crustacea) and Circenita callipyga (Bivalvia) with different feeding guilds were compared as bioindicator of heavy metal pollution (Ni, V, Hg) in an area subjected to petrochemical development in the Northern Persian Gulf, Iran. Sampling was conducted in two locations with different degrees of exposure to petrochemical development: (i) on the intertidal zone adjacent to the petrochemical effluent (Impacted location); and (ii) on the intertidal zone unimpacted by the petrochemical effluent (Control location). No significance differences were found in heavy metal concentrations in whole-soft tissues of the selected organisms, seawater and sediment samples between two locations. The accumulation patterns for the heavy metals in the tissues of organisms and sediment samples followed the order of Ni > V > Hg, except in seawater. The concentration of nickel varied among the studied taxa and followed the order of C. callipyga > P. sulcatus > C. signatus. The bivalve, C. callipyga showed the high concentration of nickel in its soft tissue and the highest values for bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) as well as the biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) for nickel among the studied taxa. The results of the present study suggest that C. callipyga and P. sulcatus are efficient accumulators of nickel, while P. sulcatus and C. signatus are efficient accumulator of vanadium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer (BC) survival prediction can be a helpful tool for identifying important factors selecting the effective treatment reducing mortality rates. This study aims to predict the time-related survival probability of BC patients in different molecular subtypes over 30 years of follow-up. Materials and methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 3580 patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer (BC) from 1991 to 2021 in the Cancer Research Center of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science. The dataset contained 18 predictor variables and two dependent variables, which referred to the survival status of patients and the time patients survived from diagnosis. Feature importance was performed using the random forest algorithm to identify significant prognostic factors. Time-to-event deep-learning-based models, including Nnet-survival, DeepHit, DeepSurve, NMLTR and Cox-time, were developed using a grid search approach with all variables initially and then with only the most important variables selected from feature importance. The performance metrics used to determine the best-performing model were Cindex and IBS. Additionally, the dataset was clustered based on molecular receptor status (i.e., luminal A, luminal B, HER2-enriched, and triple-negative), and the best-performing prediction model was used to estimate survival probability for each molecular subtype. Results: The random forest method identified tumor state, age at diagnosis, and lymph node status as the best subset of variables for predicting breast cancer (BC) survival probabilities. All models yielded very close performance, with Nnetsurvival (C-index=0.77, IBS=0.13) slightly higher using all 18 variables or the three most important variables. The results showed that the Luminal A had the highest predicted BC survival probabilities, while triple-negative and HER2-enriched had the lowest predicted survival probabilities over time. Additionally, the luminal B subtype followed a similar trend as luminal A for the first five years, after which the predicted survival probability decreased steadily in 10- and 15-year intervals. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insight into the survival probability of patients based on their molecular receptor status, particularly for HER2-positive patients. This information can be used by healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding the appropriateness of medical interventions for high-risk patients. Future clinical trials should further explore the response of different molecular subtypes to treatment in order to optimize the efficacy of breast cancer treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Promoting the immunity of pregnantwomenduring the Covid-19 pandemic through vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection is one of the main challenges. It is important to manage the information related to receiving the vaccine and its possible complications for surveillance of its safety and to deal with the challenges. Based on this, it is necessary to design a national information management system for the COVID-19 vaccination. Objectives: To promote the safety of pregnant women by providing a national model of an information management system for pregnant women's COVID-19 vaccination in Iran. Methods: The present research was of applied descriptive type. Based on the review of articles and information sources and a comparative study of the information management and surveillance system for the vaccination of pregnant women in developed countries, and according to the country's organizational structure, the national model of the information management system for pregnant women's COVID-19 vaccination was designed for Iran. Then the validation of the model was examined in two steps using the Delphi technique. Finally, after analyzing the data, the final model was presented. Results: The findings were categorized into two main groups, including the structural components (responsible organization and databases, surveillance center, participating organizations, and data sources) and informational process (data set, data collection, quality control, data exchanges, data processing, reporting) that reached 100% consensus of experts. Conclusions: For developing IMS for the COVID-19 vaccination of pregnant women, it is necessary to specify the responsible organization and the participating centers, create surveillance centers and databases, and define the information management system process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Jaundice is one of the most common problems in the neonatal period, affecting about 60% of full-term and 80% of premature infants in their first week of life. The present study aimed to develop a system for predicting neonatal jaundice within the first 24 to 72 hours post-delivery by using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm. Methods: This applied-developmental study employed a quantitative method. First, based on a literature review, a questionnaire containing effective factors for predicting jaundice in newborns was designed. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, and factors that were recognized as necessary by at least 50% of the experts were included in the model. Then, data from 1178 newborns delivered at Lolagar hospital in Tehran were extracted from birth records, and several machine learning algorithms were used to predict neonatal jaundice. Results: The findings of this research showed that the proposed model based on the SVM algorithm is the best output due to the distance between classes. Therefore, the final model of the SVM algorithm was created using the Gaussian kernel, with a sigma value of 1.2360605. Thirty percent of the samples (354 cases) were tested, and 321 cases were correctly predicted. In the proposed SVM model, parameters such as precision, the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC), and F1 score were 92.7%, 93%, and 88% respectively. Conclusion: Incorporating SVM into a system for predicting jaundice in newborns can aid doctors with timely prediction of jaundice in newborns and provide the possibility of taking preventive measures and preventing possible risks caused by jaundice in newborns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the increasing development of different smartphone apps in the health care domain, most of these apps lack proper evaluation. In fact, with the rapid development of smartphones and wireless communication infrastructure, many health care systems around the world are using these apps to provide health services for people without sufficient scientific efforts to design, develop, and evaluate them. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the usability of CanSelfMan, a self-management app that provides access to reliable information to improve communication between health care providers and children with cancer and their parents/caregivers, facilitating remote monitoring and promoting medication adherence. Methods: We performed debugging and compatibility tests in a simulated environment to identify possible errors. Then, at the end of the 3-week period of using the app, children with cancer and their parents/caregivers filled out the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) to evaluate the usability of the CanSelfMan app and their level of user satisfaction. Results: During the 3 weeks of CanSelfMan use, 270 cases of symptom evaluation and 194 questions were recorded in the system by children and their parents/caregivers and answered by oncologists. After the end of the 3 weeks, 44 users completed the standard UEQ user experience questionnaire. According to the children's evaluations, attractiveness (mean 1.956, SD 0.547) and efficiency (mean 1.934, SD 0.499) achieved the best mean results compared with novelty (mean 1.711, SD 0.481). Parents/caregivers rated efficiency at a mean of 1.880 (SD 0.316) and attractiveness at a mean of 1.853 (SD 0.331). The lowest mean score was reported for novelty (mean 1.670, SD 0.225). Conclusions: In this study, we describe the evaluation process of a self-management system to support children with cancer and their families. Based on the feedback and scores obtained from the usability evaluation, it seems that the children and their parents find CanSelfMan to be an interesting and practical idea to provide reliable and updated information on cancer and help them manage the complications of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:In an era when the collaboration of health organizations is an important key to providing effective healthcare services, the implementation and widespread use of electronic health record systems (EHRSs) are essential. The present study was designed to evaluate the factors affecting the readiness of employees for the use of EHRS in health centers affiliated with Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences. Methods: The research population of the present cross-sectional study with 383 sample sizes included all healthcare providers in health centers affiliated with Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences who used the EHRS. A reliable and valid researcher-made questionnaire was used in this study. Data analysis was performed using SPSS V.22 software and Pearson correlation coefficient, t test and ANOVA at the a= 0.05 significance level. Results: In the present study, 175 (45.7%) males and 208 (54.3%) females participated. There was a direct and significant relationship between the mean International Computer Driving License (ICDL) scores and HER objectives and mission familiarity scores (14.9 ± 4.0 and 10.3 ± 2.6, respectively) (P=0.001, r = 0.503). Among the human and technical as well as managerial factors, the human factor was one of the most effective factors regarding the use of the EHRS by staff. Conclusion: The effective implementation of the EHRS by staff is directly influenced by the following factors: employees' need for computer skills and related software, presence of medical IT specialists, the impact of EHRS on job position, and staff familiarity with EHRS objectives and missions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic respiratory diseases are one of the four main groups of non-communicable diseases. People with these diseases need access to data to manage their disease and care plan. Personal health record (PHR) as a powerful health information technology tool can empower chronic patients to better manage their health status and become an active member of health care teams. This study is to determine the minimum data set (MDS) in personal health record for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Material and Methods: This present applied research was done descriptively by Delphi method. First, the data sets of chronic respiratory diseases were extracted using a literature review. Then, using a researcher-made questionnaire and based on Delphi technique in two phases, it was evaluated by 5 pulmonologists. Results: The PHR data set for chronic respiratory diseases was classified into six categories, including physical examination and clinical observation, laboratory data, medications, specialized treatments, diagnostic procedures and vaccination. The 33 data element were identified as the main data elements with an agreement of more than 80% in the first phase of Delphi technique. Also, in the second phase, the four data elements proposed by the experts in the first phase were agreed upon above 80%. Conclusion: Given the role of PHR data in tracking the progress of chronic diseases, treating, and teamwork by physicians and other care providers, determining the minimum data set will be an effective step toward integrating and improving information management in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The health information governance (HIG) program is an extensive organizational framework for information management across its lifecycle. This program is important as a strategy for the materialization of high-quality care for individuals, social health, and the reduction of the costs of care and the reliability of health information. Considering the spectrum of this program in pioneering countries, the current review aimed to study the HIG program in the selected countries. Methods: This review article was conducted in 2017 by searching for relevant English language articles in PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases, along with the websites of relevant organizations such as Infoway and the American Health Information Management Association. The key terms included, but were not restricted to, 'health information governance program', 'health information management', and 'health information governance components'. Finally, the data were analyzed with respect to the aim of the study. Results: The components of the HIG program, which are classified into 18 main groups, are the principles of this program including nine dimensions of accountability, goal, transparency, integrity, satisfaction with collection and disclosure, protection, compliance, availability, along with retention and disposition. Some officials and legal and natural roles are common among the three countries while some others are specific for each country. Conclusions: Considering the results of the present study, it is suggested that a strong governance structure together with the policies and regulations of health information technology should be taken into consideration in establishing a HIG program. By developing such a program at a national level, new roles are required to facilitate the implementation of the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With regard to the importance of health Information Governance (IG) programs in improving the quality and reducing the cost of healthcare services and the lack of a coherent health IG program in Iran's health system, this study aimed to develop a model for national health information governance program in Iran. The present research was an applied, cross-sectional descriptive study that was done in three steps, including literature review, development of a model for national health IG program in Iran, and model validation. In the third step, we used a questioner to validate the model through the Delphi method. Data analysis was done by descriptive statistics. The model for the national IG program in Iran was developed in 3 main sections consisting of 13 components, 12 principles, natural and judicial authorities of the health IG program, and their job description. Findings from the validation of the initial model showed that most experts (93%) confirmed the components and sub-components, principles, and natural and legal bodies supervising the national health IG program and their job description in the proposed model. Considering the structure of the Iranian health system, it was recommended to establish a health IG council in the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in order to develop guidelines and give advice to health care providers. Based on the proposed model, directors and staff of different departments of health care centers, especially those involved in health IG, are also responsible for the better implementation of the national health IG program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The use of registries to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) data management plays an important role in the improvement of healthcare processes and reduction of outcomes for patients and healthcare providers. The present study aimed to compare the data management processes of CAD registries in the selected countries. Evidence Acquisition: This review study was conducted comparatively in 2019. After selecting countries based on some criteria, the required data were collected by searching valid databases, more useful search engines, and related websites to CAD registries for the selected countries as well as by sending E-mails containing a data extraction form to the related organizations. Results: Totally, five registries were chosen in the selected countries as follows: CADOSA (Australia), APPROACH (Canada), START (Italy), CLARIFY (Spain), and GWTG-CAD (US). The results showed that 60% of the selected registries made use of the electronic case report form for data gathering. The main data elements included demographic and general information, risk factors, vital sings, medication, laboratory tests results, examination results, ECG results, invasive measures and interventions, patient's status on discharge, results of follow-ups, and post-discharge outcomes. Conclusion: Developing CAD registries based on the data management principles provides the context to conduct cohort studies with very low costs. With regard to the study results, attention should be paid to data management processes, include data gathering, data processing, and information distribution, in development of CAD registries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of mobile-based software for the self-management of patients with asthma improves the quality of life, reduces healthcare costs, provides effective health care interventions in asthma, and supports the patients in self-management. The current study was performed to identify the features of mobile-based self-management software for patients with asthma (MSSPA). Materials and Methods: The present review study was performed in 2018. Four databases including PubMed, Scopus, Emerald, and Google Scholar were screened by the combination of selected keywords. Data were collected using a data extraction form. Data were analyzed using the content analysis method. Results were abstracted and reported based on the study objectives. Results: Of the 297 articles retrieved during the first round of search, 24 were selected; 15 of which were the original articles (62.5%). As the most important applications of MSSPA, it could be used as a tool to support patients in selfmanagement, provide them with educational information, and self-observation. Also, 75% of the studies (n=18) emphasized the effectiveness of MSSPA. Identification of the required field of the software was the most important requirement in using MSSPA. Nevertheless, some of the studies reported the low quality and compatibility of some designed apps compared with those of the available information systems. Conclusion: Identification of MSSPA features and considering them in new versions can promote the quality of MSSPA. However, according to the results of the study, in addition to identifying the software features, more attention should be paid to the users' needs in software design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the world has grown and has attracted particular attention on the international level and governments, has considered prevention interventions and managing the symptoms of the disease to reduce the economic burden and has improved the quality of life of these patients necessary. One of the most important strategies in this field is MS population-based registry. Accordingly, this study was designed to identify the components of MS population-based registries within the developed countries. Evidence Acquisition: The present study is a review article that was conducted in 2018. The population of the study consisted of MS population-based registry systems of developed countries such as USA, France, and Denmark. Based on the combination of related keywords, about 60 papers appropriately and after extraction, categorization and integration were formulated in the form of proper sequence for the purpose of the study. Results: The main components of MS population-based registries in developed countries included registry goals, information resources, Minimum Data Sets (MDS), types of processes, types of reports, quality control measures, data transmission time limits, responsible for recording and collecting data, responsible organization and executor, data transmission method and the privacy practices Conclusion: With regard to the results, it is suggested that the developing countries must consider creating an MS population-based registry as a national program due to their health system and the MS population-based registries structure in developed countries, so that they can adopt a suitable strategy for preventing and controlling the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Worldwide prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is growing, and given the huge burden on the patient, the community and the healthcare system, prevention interventions and symptom management in order to improving the quality of life of these patients are of utmost importance. One of the most important strategies in this regard is providing the existence of an MS population-based registry. Accordingly, this research was aimed at providing a population-based MS registry model. Materials and Methods: This is a qualitative study, carried out within the years 2016 and 2017. The population of the present study consisted of models of multiple sclerosis population registries. In this study, a model was provided using library resources, informational networks and information retrieval from databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer, Science direct, and Wiley and also through studying the registry of developed countries. Then, this model using Delphi technique and questionnaire tool was validated and after data analysis, the final model was presented. Results: In the present study, a demographic MS registry model including the following eight main criteria was proposed: registry goals, data sources, minimum data set, data set, data processing, various types of reports, quality control measures and patient follow-up procedures. Conclusion: Considering the prevalence of MS in Iran and the need for optimal data management, it is recommended that measures be taken to establish and use a national MS population-based registry and be one of the priorities of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current situation in Iran suggests an appropriate basis for developing biotechnology industries, because the patents for the majority of hi-tech medicines registered in developed countries are ending. Biosimilar and technology-oriented companies which do not have patents will have the opportunity to enter the biosimilar market and move toward innovative initiatives. The present research proposed a model by which one can evaluate commercialization of achievements obtained from research with a focus on the pharmaceutical biotechnology industry. This is a descriptive-analytic study where mixed methodology is followed by a heuristic approach. The statistical population was pharmaceutical biotechnology experts at universities and research centers in Iran. Structural equations were employed in this research. The results indicate that there are three effective layers within commercialization in the proposed model. These are a general layer (factors associated with management, human capital, legal infrastructure, communication infrastructure, a technical and executive infrastructures, and financial factors), industrial layer (internal industrial factors and pharmaceutical industry factors), and a third layer that included national and international aspects. These layers comprise 6 domains, 21 indices, 41 dimensions, and 126 components. Compilation of these layers (general layer, industrial layer, and national and international aspects) can serve commercialization of research and development as an effective evaluation package. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]