The Effect of Local Heat Therapy versus Cold Rub Gel on Pain and Joint Functions in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.

This study compared the effect of local heat therapy versus cold rub gel on pain and joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. One hundred seventeen patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to cold rub gel, local heat therapy, and control group. Data were collected by knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score at a week prior to the interventions and on weeks of 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the interventions. A significant difference was found between the three groups in terms of pain severity (p = .001), joint symptoms (p = .001), ADL function (p = .001), Sport and Recreation function (p = .001), except Knee related QOL (p = .3). Cold rub gel and heat therapy were both effective in improving pain and joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Nurses' caring behaviour and its correlation with moral sensitivity.

BACKGROUND: Different and contradictory results have been reported for nurses' caring behaviour and moral sensitivity. AIMS: The present study aimed to examine the correlation between nurses' caring behaviour and moral sensitivity. METHODS: The research was a descriptive, correlational study. Data were collected using moral sensitivity (range: 0-100) and caring behaviour (range: 24-144) questionnaires. A total of 250 nurses who worked in the clinical wards of Yasuj teaching hospitals in 2018, were selected by systematic random sampling. The collected data were analysed using SPSS version 19 for descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation tests. RESULTS: Seventy-four percent of nurses had moderate moral sensitivity (50-74). Nurses' moral sensitivity and caring behaviour mean scores were reported to be 59.5 ± 11.1 (range: 31-87) (Potential range 0--100) and 110.99 ± 17.99 (range: 69-94) (Potential range 22-144), respectively. The Pearson test showed a positive correlation between nurses' caring behaviour and moral sensitivity at a 99% level (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Nurses' moral sensitivity and caring behaviour were found to be moderate and good, respectively. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between moral sensitivity and caring behaviour in nurses, that is, nurses provided better caring behaviour as levels of moral sensitivity increased.

Oral Mucositis: Examining the Combined Solution of Grape Vinegar and Rose Water Versus Chlorhexidine Mouthwash.

BACKGROUND: Studies have reported contradictory findings regarding the efficacy of chemical mouthwashes for chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to compare the effect of the combined solution of grape vinegar and rose water versus chlorhexidine mouthwash on chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. METHODS: 60 patients were randomly assigned to either chlorhexidine or the vinegar and rose water solution. Fifty-three patients completed the study. Patients rinsed their mouths with mouthwash three times a day for 14 days. FINDINGS: Chlorhexidine mouthwash and the grape vinegar and rose water solution decreased chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. The therapeutic property of the grape vinegar and rose water solution was similar to that of chlorhexidine mouthwash in treating oral mucositis.

Strengths of Iran for internationalization of medical sciences education.

INTRODUCTION: Internationalization of higher education involves mutual exchanges as well as a consensus based. Political, economic, sociocultural, and scientific reasons recommend the need to move toward the internationalization of higher education. The current study highlights the strengths of the internationalization of Iran's medical sciences education. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive exploratory study was carried out in 2016-2017 in Iran. The techniques used for data collection included review of articles, interview with subject experts, and the focus group and the nominal technique group to explore the views of various stakeholders. The data were analyzed with the qualitative content analysis method. RESULTS: The inductive qualitative content analysis of all data generated 13 categories and 88 subcategories. The categories were geographical and geostrategic position of Iran; the historical, cultural, religious, and tourist attractions of Iran; the security of Iran; priority to internationalization policies and programs in Iran's macro plans; the existence of regulations, laws, and approvals for international activities; same language with neighboring and regional countries; the low cost of studying and living in Iran; the ability of Iranian faculty members and experts for internationalization; the background, reputation, and the progress of medical education, health, and care in Iran; the cheaper forces of Iran and their welcome to foreigners; the existence of motivation, zeal, and belief for internationalization; the existence of proper infrastructure; and the existence of a suitable capacity for internationalization. CONCLUSIONS: Iran has some positive points that can be used to promote international activities, provided it does some good advertising in this regard. It is suggested that the challenges, opportunities, and threats to Iran's internationalization should be collated from the perspective of the various stakeholders.