Amir Hossein Mardani, Mohamad Hasanpour, Shahla Khosravi , Alireza Parsapour , Amir Ahmad Shojaee ,
Volume 79, Issue 9 (December 2021)
Abstract
Background: The approach of medical ethics training courses at Tehran University of Medical Sciences to change the attitude and promote medical ethics knowledge of learners has challenges. This study aims to identify the challenges in teaching medical ethics at Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: This is a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews conducted in April 2018 at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Using purposive sampling, 23 participants were selected from the clinicians and faculty members of medical ethics and medical students. Data were analyzed by the content analysis method.
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Results: The challenges of teaching medical ethics from the participant's point of view are classified into three themes: 1- Hidden curriculum 2- Necessity of completing medical ethics education program 3- Executive and managerial macro factors. The results showed that medical ethics training courses are not effective for changing students' behavior and their moral decision-making. There are substantial shortcomings in the current curriculum in terms of content, format, and implementation that make it unresponsive to ethical needs and concerns. Teaching medical ethics should be turned into a longitudinal theme. The duties and missions of the Department of Medical Ethics at the university are not well understood. The Department does not act as a strong executor and supervisor of medical ethics in interaction with higher authorities to pursue the requirements of effective ethics education and to ensure the implementation of ethical codes. There is no effective mechanism for evaluating the ethical performance of activists and students and giving feedback to them. There is insufficient organizational support for students' complaints and reports about the misconduct and unethical behavior of faculty or staff.
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Conclusion: The effectiveness and efficiency of medical ethics courses to change the behavior and attitude of learners are not acceptable. Dealing with the existing challenges requires the efforts of the Medical Ethics Department to make maximum use of available resources and interact effectively with other academic departments.
Parviz Shahabi, Jalal Abdolalizadeh, Shirin Hasanpour, Behnaz Sadeghzadeh Oskouei , Soheila Bani,
Volume 82, Issue 2 (May 2024)
Abstract
Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a significant medical and social issue, leading to varying degrees of sensory and motor impairments. Most men experience sexual dysfunction and fertility problems. These issues can be partially attributed to pathophysiological mechanisms, including damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Targeted antioxidant therapy can significantly reduce oxidative stress and neuro inflammation. This study sought to examine the impact of selenium and astaxanthin on sperm parameters and the recovery of sensory-motor function in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Methods: This experimental study utilized the rat animal model and was carried out at the Neuroscience Research Center Laboratory of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences from December 30, 2022, to November 27, 2023. Fifty adults male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups of ten: control, sham, SCI, selenium-supplemented, and astaxanthin-supplemented. Except for the control and sham groups, spinal cord injury was induced in all other groups. Six weeks after the injury and upon completion of the treatment, the effects of selenium and astaxanthin supplementation on sperm parameters and spinal cord repair were assessed. The Basso, Beattie, and Brenham (BBB) scale was employed to evaluate motor function, while the Von Frey test was utilized to assess sensory status.
Results: A considerable rise in sperm concentration was noted in both the selenium-fed group and the astaxanthin-fed group when compared to the spinal cord injury group (P=0.001). Supplementation with selenium and astaxanthin improved sperm concentration, progressive motility, and viability, bringing these parameters close to control levels (P<0.001). However, neither of these substances had an effect on abnormal sperm morphology (P>0.05). Both selenium and astaxanthin supplementation enhanced the motor and sensory functions of the injured rats (P<0.001), with selenium showing a greater role in promoting repair compared to astaxanthin (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Selenium and astaxanthin supplements improved sperm parameters, except for sperm morphology, and were effective in enhancing motor and sensory functions after spinal cord injury. Selenium was found to be more effective than astaxanthin in promoting spinal cord repair.
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