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Background Zinc is an essential element for normal embryogenesis and embryonic and neonatal development. Therefore, we compared the birth weights of neonates born to mothers who consumed zinc supplement during pregnancy with that of neonates born to mothers who did not. Methods In a cross-sectional study, we divided 200 pregnant mothers into two groups: case group (mothers receiving zinc supplement during pregnancy) and control group (mothers not receiving zinc supplement during pregnancy) Then, the neonate’s cord zinc level and mother’s serum level were measured and neonate’s growth charts (weight, height and head circumference)were completed. Results In this study, both groups of mothers were observed to have zinc deficiency; 35% of the mothers who consumed zinc supplements and 81% of the mothers who did not consume zinc supplements (P P P = 0.008), maternal age (P P Conclusion Zinc consumption during pregnancy increases serum zinc level of mother and neonatal weight. Neonatal weight has a higher correlation to maternal serum zinc level.

INTRODUCTION: Retinopathy of prematurity (RoP) is a vasoproliferative disorder caused by the abnormal development of retinal vessels in premature neonates. It is one of the major causes of childhood blindness, which is increasing with the increasing survival rate of low birth weight and premature neonates. This study has aimed to evaluate the role of oxidative stress and peroxidant antioxidant balance (PAB) in the pathogenesis and prediction of RoP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 154 neonates weighing

Background Empathy is one of the essential components of physician-patient relationship that has a significant effect on treatment outcomes. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the empathy score among medical students in Mashhad, Iran. Methods In this cross-sectional study in 2015, 624 medical students at Mashhad University of Medical Science (Iran) completed the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSPE). Data were analyzed by SPSS ver. 16, using independent-samples t-test, Chi-square, MANOVA, Spearman correlation, and Confirmatory factor analysis. Results Of the 38.4% males and 65% females who participated in this study, the mean score of JSPE in the sample was 103.67 (±15.34) which was higher in women than in men. Also, the mean scores for each of the three factors of the scale were calculated. The total empathy score, compassionate care, and taking perspectives among different age groups were significant (p=0.000). Furthermore, students having high interest in their field were more empathic (p=0.008). Empathy of interns in relation to three areas of basic sciences (the first year, the second year and the first half of the third year), physiopathology (the second half of the third year, and the fourth year), and clinical trainings (the fifth year, and the first half of the sixth year), experienced significant reduction (p≤0.001). Conclusions This study showed that empathy was higher in women in their first medical year and who were of younger age. The overall rate of empathy in the basic sciences period was more than that in the clinical period. Therefore, the initial exposure to clinical education, especially patient education and empathy, has a very prominent effect on the ability of medical students.

Introduction Empathy, an essential component of the physician-patient relationship, may be linked to positive patient outcomes. This study aimed to determine the empathy score among student residence assistants (RAs). Methods In this descriptive design (cross-sectional study), 102 Iranian RAs participated in the study during 2015, completing the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSPE). Data collection was analyzed using SPSS version 17. MANOVA, independent-samples t-test, Spearman correlation and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used for data analysis. Results Mean score of JSE in the sample was 87.06 (±15.14). The mean scores for perspective taking, compassionate care, and standing in the patients shoes were 38.90 (±13.11), 39.27 (±7.94), and 8.89 (±2.80) respectively. Among the three specialties, (psychiatric, internal medicine, surgery) results showed significant differences in total empathy score (p=0.001) and perspective taking score (p= 0.008). Conclusions this study showed significant differences in total empathy score and perspective taking in three specialties. We suggest that the curriculum in Iranian RAs include more teaching on empathy and communicational skills.