Background: Cathepsin B (CTSB) and doublecortin (DCX) have positive effects on cognitive function, but the effect of aerobic exercise in the enriched and non-enriched environments on serum levels of these factors in adult females has not been investigated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise in the enriched and non-enriched environments on serum levels of these factors in adult females. Materials and Methods: In this study, 10 adult females (age: 19.2±3.12 yrs) voluntarily participated. Participants ran for 40 minutes at an intensity of 11-12 on the Borg scale, one session in an enriched environment and one session in a non-enriched environment, interspersed over a week, in a randomized crossover design. Before and after the exercise blood samples were taken to measure CTSB and DCX serum levels. Data were analyzed using Paired-Samples T Test and analysis of covariance. Results: The results showed that in the enriched environment, CTSB and DCX serum levels increased significantly (p = .001). However, in the non-enriched environment, only CTSB serum levels increased significantly (p = .002). Also, the results showed a significant difference between the two environments in CTSB (p = .002, η = .44) and DCX (p = .002, η = .45). Conclusion: Forty minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in an enriched environment significantly increased serum levels of CTSB and DCX in adult females compared to a non-enriched environment. Therefore, it is suggested to use an enriched environment to make aerobic exercise more effective on cognitive function.
Background: Vaccination in infants is a life-saving intervention; however, it can lead to changes in physiological parameters. Therefore, the use of safe methods to modulate these changes is essential. The present study aimed to determine the effect of aromatherapy with breast milk on physiological responses following pentavalent vaccination in infants. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 74 infants referred to urban health centers during 2020–2021. Samples were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two groups through permuted block randomization. In the intervention group, a cotton ball soaked with five drops of breast milk was placed near the infant from one minute before to three minutes after vaccination, while the control group received an odorless cotton ball. Pulse rate and arterial oxygen saturation were measured using a pulse oximeter. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and appropriate statistical tests. Results: The demographic characteristics of the two groups were not significantly different. Both groups showed significant changes in oxygen saturation over time (P<0.05). Although heart rate was lower in the intervention group, the intergroup difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Although aromatherapy with breast milk may not directly alter oxygen saturation, it has the potential to support physiological regulation during painful or stressful procedures in infants. The relative stability of heart rate in the intervention group further suggests that breast-milk aromatherapy may serve as a non-pharmacological approach to reducing physiological stress responses in infants.
Background: Silver nanoparticles have recently gained significant interest in cancer therapy. Meanwhile, the chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil (5FU), despite its efficacy, faces limitations such as drug resistance. This study aims to investigate and compare the cytotoxic effects of green-synthesized silver chloride nanoparticles and 5FU on MCF7 breast cancer cells. Materials and Methods: Silver chloride nanoparticles were synthesized using Onopordum acanthium extract through a green synthesis method and characterized to confirm their properties. MCF7 cells were cultured under standard conditions and divided into the following groups: control (untreated), treated with different concentrations of AgCl nanoparticles, 5FU, or both. After 24 hours of treatment, cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: SEM, EDS, and XRD analyses confirmed the nanoscale nature of the synthesized AgCl particles. Treatment of MCF7 cells with AgCl concentrations above 6.25 µg/mL, 5FU above 15.62 µg/mL, and their combination resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability (P<0.05, P<0.01, and P<0.001, respectively). The IC₅₀ values for 5FU, AgCl, and the AgCl+5FU combination were estimated at 3.98, 13.2, and 0.708 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Green-synthesized silver chloride nanoparticles, particularly in combination with 5FU, exhibit strong cytotoxic potential against MCF7 breast cancer cells. These results indicate a promising route for developing novel, targeted therapeutic strategies for breast cancer treatment.
Background: Concerns have consistently existed regarding the chance of respiratory diseases spreading via food consumption behaviors. People's adherence to preventive health measures depends on their knowledge, attitude, and practice. The present study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of parents in Khorramabad regarding the transmission of COVID-19 through food. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 with 380 parents covered by comprehensive health service centers in Khorramabad, Iran, selected through multistage random sampling. The data collection tool was an online questionnaire that included demographic information, knowledge, attitude, and practice. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 18) and statistical tests, including independent t-test, ANOVA, and pearson correlation, with a significance level of P<0.05. Results: The average score of knowledge in the three areas of buying, storing, and cooking food was 11.56±3.22, 6.03±2.8, and 23.36±6.37, respectively. the average scores of attitude and practice were 14.67±4.24 and 39.79±7.44, respectively. There was also a significant relationship between cooking knowledge and practice. age, gender, and job status were significantly related to knowledge and practice regarding COVID-19. Family members' infection was significantly associated with practice. Education level had a significant relationship with knowledge, as did income and attitude. Conclusion: Demographic factors, such as age, gender, education, employment status, and COVID-19 experience, can influence KAP components regarding COVID-19 transmission through food. public health authorities should consider demographic differences when designing strategies to enhance knowledge, attitude, and practice in the community.
Background: Malassezia-related infection is one of the most common superficial fungal infections, affecting about half of the general population. The major challenge with this fungal infection is its recurrent nature. This study aimed to provide a timely diagnosis for timely treatment and investigate the prevalence of Malassezia among Medical students at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Materials and Methods: In total, 100 medical students were selected from the Medical Faculty of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Scalp samples from these students were prepared and observed under the Microscope with methylene blue staining. The Morphology and the amount of yeast were assessed. The Chi-square test was used to analyze the findings. Results: Out of 100 samples, 91 (91%) cases were positive for the presence of yeast, while 9 (0.9%) cases were negative. The burden of yeast in severe cases was 48.8% in women and 47.5% in men. Among dormitory residents, the prevalence was 57.6%, while non-dormitory residents had a prevalence of 34.1%. Athletes had a prevalence of 50%, compared to 47.3% in non–athletes. Additionally, 44% of asymptomatic individuals had positive test results. Statistical analysis showed no significant association between gender and level of Fungal contamination (P=0/93). Conclusion: The recent study showed a high prevalence of Malassezia among Medical students. With the correct knowledge of these symptoms, prevalence, and aggravating factors, the obtained results can be useful for prevention and treatment.
Background: Effective educational interaction between faculty and students is crucial for academic success in higher education, particularly in medical education. This study aimed to analyze students’ perspectives on educational interaction with faculty members and identify factors affecting these interactions at Lorestan University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 on 307 students from various faculties of Lorestan University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected through an online questionnaire that included two sections: demographic information and 19 items related to student–faculty educational interaction. The data were analyzed using Stata (version 17) and appropriate statistical tests. A significance level of 0.05 was considered. Results: The overall mean score of student–faculty educational interaction was 3.69 ± 0.39, indicating a desirable level of interaction from the students’ perspective. The most influential factors were “faculty ethics” and “fair treatment of students,” while the least influential factors were “faculty gender” and “faculty adherence to religious principles and beliefs”. Significant differences were observed between interaction scores and demographic variables (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicated that behavioral and ethical components, from students’ perspectives, have a greater impact on their perception of educational interaction than structural or communication-related factors. Because of the study's cross-sectional design, it is not possible to draw causal conclusions; nonetheless, the findings still highlight areas that are important to students. Accordingly, focusing on improving communication skills and enhancing opportunities for interaction can be applied in educational planning. Keywords: Academic Communication, Communication Skills, Educational Interaction, Medical Education, Teacher–Student Relationship.
Background: Sustainable changes in psychotherapy are formed based on its underlying mechanisms. One of these key mechanisms is Memory Reconsolidation. This biological process involves updating and modifying memory information and is introduced as a fundamental mechanism of change in psychotherapy that leads to transformational changes. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to investigate memory reconsolidation as a fundamental mechanism of therapeutic change that bridges neuroscience and psychotherapy. Materials and Methods: This study is a narrative review derived from a PhD dissertation in psychology, in which articles related to the keywords (Memory Reconsolidation, psychotherapy, and therapeutic change) were collected through searches in the reputable scientific databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, PsycINFO, Scopus, and the Google Scholar search engine, within the time frame of 1985-2024. In total, 48 articles related to the topic and objectives of the research were extracted from the full-text English language articles. Results: Studies show that memory reconsolidation is a common mechanism of change among psychotherapy approaches, and through changes in memory structure, updating and modification of maladaptive memories, and ultimately cognitive-emotional reconstruction, it can cause lasting and profound changes in psychological problems and disorders. Conclusion: The results showed that the convergence of neuroscience and psychotherapy through this mechanism is considered a new step in the development of more efficient treatment methods. Accordingly, focusing on memory reconsolidation in psychotherapy can significantly enhance the effectiveness of treatment and lead to profound and transformational changes in clients. Therefore, it is suggested that future research should focus on developing therapeutic models based on the mechanism of memory reconsolidation.
Background: University professors, as educated individuals, analyze the country's pressing issues with a more profound and scientific viewpoint and work towards finding effective solutions to problems. Therefore, this qualitative research aimed to explain the opinions of professors at Lorestan University of Medical Sciences on population growth and childbearing. Materials and Methods: The present study was a qualitative study with a contractual content analysis approach. Participants' views on the issue of population and childbearing were examined using in-depth face-to-face interviews. Coding, classification, and organization of the data were carried out after the identification of important parts. Based on similarities and continuous comparison, the classes were merged, and finally, the concept and content hidden within the data (theme) were extracted. Results: The results of the study demonstarted that the professors had two positive and negative perspectives regarding population, with the positive view being identified as the main themes of "population as the axis of economic development", "population as a reflection of the country's military and defense power" and "population as a labor force and productive class". Moreover, the negative opinion included "population growth as a sharp rise in social problems", "inconsistency between welfare facilities and population growth", and "inconsistency between job creation and population growth". Regarding childbearing, the university professors also hold two positive and negative opinions. Conclusion: As evidenced by the results of this qualitative study, the issues related to population growth and childbearing are very important and multi-factorial, requiring the interaction and effort of all institutions to improve the conditions.
Background: Epilepsy is the second most common neurological disorder globally. Given the high prevalence of epilepsy and its associated challenges, conducting diverse studies to investigate the underlying mechanisms of this disorder is highly valuable and necessary. In this study, the effects of combining melatonin, zinc, and magnesium were investigated for preventing seizures and reducing the duration of seizure attacks. Materials and Methods: In total, 36 male NMRI mice were randomly assigned to six groups: seizure control, diazepam, melatonin, magnesium, zinc, and the combination of melatonin, zinc, and magnesium. The drugs were administered orally for 14 days. On the 15th day, seizures were induced in the mice using pentylenetetrazol. Latency and duration of seizures were measured in all groups. Mice were euthanized, and their brains were extracted to assess oxidative stress. Results: The study results indicated that the combination of melatonin, magnesium, and zinc did not significantly increase the latency phase of seizures; however, it significantly reduced the duration of seizures (P<0.001). Moreover, this combination significantly prevented the increase in malondialdehyde levels in the brain tissue (P< 0.05). It also considerably increased the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes, compared to the seizure control group (P< 0.001). Conclusion: Magnesium, zinc, melatonin, and their combination can exert their anti-seizure effects by reducing seizure duration and alleviating seizure–induced oxidative stress in the brain.
Background: The present study investigated the tumor stage and its relationship with the microscopic grade and histological pattern of esophageal and stomach cancer in Khorramabad City in Iran to detect it in the early stages. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 109 slides of pathological samples of esophageal and gastric cancer operated at Shohada-ye Ashayer Hospital in Khorramabad from 2006 to 2012 were investigated, and finally, 97 complete samples were obtained. The pattern of the tumor margin was determined by light microscopy, and the tumor grade was determined according to the differentiation of cells and tissues. The marginal histological pattern of the tumor was determined by observing the growth of tumor cells compared to normal tumor cells. Results: The results of the study indicated that the patients had been referred to the hospital in advanced stages, and no statistically significant relationship was found between tumor stage and grade. There is no statistically significant relationship between tumor stage and infiltration margin; however, a statistically significant relationship was found between tumor stage and budding margin (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results revealed that most esophageal and stomach cancers in Khorramabad City in Iran are diagnosed in advanced stages, and not even one case was found in the intramucosal and submucosal stages. Considering the prevalence of gastrointestinal cancer in Lorestan province (Iran), there is a need for screening programs and more serious measures to detect esophageal and stomach cancer in the early stages.
Background: Abnormalities of electrocardiogram and cardiac arrhythmias after stroke are very common. This study investigated the effect of IC87201, a molecule affecting the NMDA receptor intracellular signaling pathway, on reducing QT interval prolongation, as the most common electrocardiogram change after cerebral ischemia, in male rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, 15 male adult rats were randomly divided into three groups: MCAO, MCAO+DXM (dextromethorphan hydrobromide monohydrate, NMDA receptor antagonist), and MCAO+IC87201 (n=5 each). Two hours after ischemia, solvent, DXM, and IC87201 were injected intraperitoneally into these three groups, respectively. Pre-ischemia, four hours, and forty-eight hours post-ischemia neurological-behavioral scores were assessed using the neurological deficit score test. Statistical differences were measured using repeated measures analysis of variance (P<0.05). Results: QT interval significantly prolonged after ischemia. Administration of IC87201 significantly reduced this interval, whereas DXM did not have such an effect. The LF/HF ratio, as an index of autonomic nervous system balance on cardiac performance, significantly increased forty-eight hours after ischemia. This imbalance improved forty-eight hours after the injection of both IC87201 and DXM. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that cerebral ischemia could lead to an increase in sympathetic activity, which in turn causes prolonged QT interval. The administration of IC87201 may be effective in improving this condition by reducing the QT interval. Therefore, IC87201 may potentially be considered a suitable option for reducing cardiac complications following stroke.
Background: Toxoplasma gondii infection is a global health concern. Understanding the incidence of toxoplasmosis among pre-marriage women is crucial, as it may serve as an indicator for assessing the risks of miscarriage, fetal demise, pre-term delivery, and the occurrence of congenital toxoplasmosis. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 2020, 385 serum samples (in an accessible way) were collected from volunteers who visited the pre-marriage laboratory in Borujerd. The samples were analyzed for the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii using the ELISA method. The data were subsequently analyzed in SPSS software (version 16) employing Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Results: Among 385 examined participants, 253 (65.7%) cases tested positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG, while 8 (2.1%) subjects exhibited anti-Toxoplasma IgM. The highest prevalence of IgG antibodies was detected in females in the 21-30-year age group, accounting for 71.3% of cases. A statistically significant association was identified between the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and age (P=0.001). Nonetheless, no significant correlations were observed between the other variables and the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM (P>0.05). Conclusion: The findings highlighted the notable prevalence of toxoplasmosis in the serum of the population examined in Borujerd. Special attention should be directed towards women who are preparing for marriage.
Background: Hypothyroidism is among the most common endocrine diseases, and its prevalence is twice as high in women as in men. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of aerobic training combined with lemon supplementation on thyroid indices of women with hypothyroidism. Materials and Methods: The current study is a quasi-experimental research, and its population included women with hypothyroidism aged 20 to 40 years. Individuals were assigned to four groups: control (n=10), lemon supplement (n=10), aerobic training (n=10), and aerobic training + lemon supplement (n=10), using a randomized block design. The training protocol consists of eight weeks (three sessions each week) of aerobic training for 30 to 60 min with an intensity of 55-85% of the maximum heart rate. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T4, and T3 levels were evaluated in all four groups. For statistical analysis, paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance and Benferroni's post hoc test were used. Results: The research results revealed that eight weeks of aerobic training combined with lemon consumption led to an increase in thyroid hormones T3 and T4 and a decrease in TSH serum levels (P≤0.05). Conclusion: Based on the current findings, it can be concluded that aerobic exercises combined with lemon supplementation could improve thyroid hormone levels, which may help control weight while reducing basal metabolism and heat generation in patients with hypothyroidism.
Background: Cerebral hypoperfusion ischemia activates stress pathways and induces apoptosis in neurons. The JNK (MAPK8) gene, as part of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, plays a key role in cell death and neuronal survival. The present study sought to assess the effect of auraptene on the expression of JNK1 (MAPK8), C-fos, and C-jun genes in the hippocampus of rats subjected to cerebral hypoperfusion ischemia. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 male Wistar rats were assigned to five groups: control, ischemia, and three ischemia groups receiving different doses of auraptene (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg). Ischemia was induced by bilateral carotid artery occlusion, and gene expression was measured using real-time PCR. Results: A significant increase was observed in the expression of MAPK8, C-fos, and C-jun genes in the ischemia group compared to the control group (P<0.001). Moreover, the administration of auraptene at doses of 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg significantly reduced the expression of these genes compared to the ischemia group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Auraptene probably inhibits stress and inflammatory pathways, preventing the upregulation of genes associated with ischemic injury. Furthermore, it exerts a protective effect against damage caused by cerebral hypoperfusion ischemia.
Background: Nowadays, long-term use of cell phones is common in society. Considering the anatomical location of the gonads, it appears that mobile phone waves exert negative effects on testicular tissue and Spermatogenesis, increasing the rate of infertility in society. Materials and Methods: This study narratively reviewed research conducted on the pathophysiology of phone radiation on male fertility. To this end, a query was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar databases for relevant articles published from 2005 to 2025 using the following keywords: cell phone and male fertility. Results: There are different ideas regarding the pathophysiology of cell phone radiation on male fertility. The damage occurs either by affecting the structure of the sperm DNA macromolecule or by producing reactive oxygen species and inducing oxidative stress, which results in histopathological alterations in the testes, ultimately negatively impacting sperm quality. As evidenced by the findings, proximity to cell phone radiation leads to a marked increase in testicular temperature, resulting in a significant decrease in the number of motile sperm. Moreover, the rate of male infertility increases with the duration of mobile phone use. Conclusion: Despite the studies that have been conducted in this field, further research is needed, especially from clinical aspects, to investigate the histopathological changes involved in identifying the pathophysiology of male infertility.
Background: The present study investigated the prevalence of intestinal parasites in individuals who referred to hospitals affiliated with Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, from 2019 to 2023. Materials and Methods: The present descriptive study was conducted cross-sectionally and consisted of 5,976 individuals referring to the hospitals with gastrointestinal. To describe the data, mean (standard deviation) and number (percentage) were used according to the studied groups. Results: The results of the study showed that 1,510 people were diagnosed positive. The highest rate of infection by intestinal protozoa was related to Giardia, affecting 528 people (8.8%), while the lowest rate of infection was related to Endolimax nana, affecting 10 people (0.16%). The highest prevalence rate of infections by intestinal worms was related to Entrobius vermicularis, with 64 people (1.07%), whereas the lowest prevalence rate was associated with Trichuris trichiura, with 19 cases (0.31%). Conclusion: The comparison of the percentage of pollution in the current study with other relevant studies in the past years showed that the prevalence of intestinal parasitic diseases in this region has decreased significantly, similar to other regions of the country. At the same time, the rate of infection by intestinal protozoa is significantly higher than by intestinal worms. This issue can be due to their direct and easier transmission compared to the worm eggs or larvae.
Background: The use of exercise training and supplements is effective in controlling obesity. The present study aimed to assess the effect of eight weeks of exercise training combined with beta‐hydroxy‐beta‐methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on insulin resistance and serum lipids in overweight and obese boys. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 40 overweight or obese boys aged 16-19 years were purposively selected and randomly assigned to four groups of 10, including the combined exercise+ HMB group, the combined exercise+placebo group, the HMB group, and the placebo group. The subjects received 3 grams of HMB daily for eight weeks. The combined exercise was eight weeks and included resistance training (leg press, knee bends, chest press, and rowing machine) and endurance training (running at 70%-75% of maximum heart rate). Before and after the test, blood samples were collected, and Monobind kits were used to evaluate HOMA.IR, HDL, LDL, and TC. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 25) using paired t-tests, ANCOVA, and post hoc LSD tests at a significance level of P≤0.05. Results: The results demonstrated that HOMA.IR, LDL, TC, and HDL values were significantly different between the groups (P=0.001). Moreover, HDL increased significantly in the exercise+HMB and exercise+placebo groups (P=0.001), and HOMA.IR, LDL, and TC decreased significantly (P=0.001). Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, HMB supplementation combined with exercise resulted in a significant decrease in weight and body mass index. Considering the effect of weight control on HOMA.IR, LDL, TC, and HDL, it seems that exercise combined with HMB supplementation can control these indicators in overweight and obese boys. Keywords: Combined exercise, HMB supplements, HDL, Insulin resistance, LDL, Overweight and obesity, TC.
Background: In the hippocampus, AKT, IGF-1, and PI3K signaling play a role in regulating several important cellular processes, including apoptosis, survival, proliferation, and metabolism. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of six weeks of voluntary swimming activity on the protein content of AKT, IGF-1, and PI3K in the hippocampal tissue of rats with multiple sclerosis (MS). Materials and Methods: In the present experimental study, 21 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n=7): 1- Patient control, 2- Healthy control, and 3- Patient training. Patient groups were induced with the addition of cuprizone to their diet for six weeks. Six weeks of swimming training were performed for training group. Forty-eight hours after the last training session, hippocampal tissue was isolated to examine the changes in AKT, IGF-1 and PI3K proteins. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test with a significance level of 0.05 were used to analyze the data. Results: Although MS induction decreased the protein content of AKT, IGF-1, and PI3K (P=0.001), after six weeks of swimming training, the content of these proteins in the training group significantly increased compared to the patient control group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Voluntary swimming exercise has a modulating effect on the changes in proteins involved in the hippocampal apoptosis process in rats with MS and may possibly promote the survival of hippocampal cells.
Background: Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized it as a global problem among school-aged children. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of permanent tooth decay and social factors affecting it in 12-year-old school children in Khorramabad, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, a total of 321 students from Khorramabad participated. They were selected through a non-random and available sampling method. After completion of the checklist, all the participants were examined by a dentist. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS (version 23), ANOVA, and statistical t-test tests. Results: According to the findings, 153 (47.7%) of the participants were girls. The prevalence of dental caries was estimated at 67.1% in permanent dentition. The mean of Decay Missed Filled Teeth (DMFT) was measured at 2.12 ± 1.78. According to the results, most caries (59.8%) were related to the lower first molar. Moreover, no significant relationship was observed between boys and girls, the number of children in the family, mother's occupation, and parents' education level with children's DMFT. Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries and the average DMFT in 12-year-old children of Khorramabad is higher than the goals set by the WHO, which indicates the need to prepare oral health education programs. Additionally, the most decay was observed in the first molar of the lower jaw. Therefore, it is necessary to inform parents about the importance of prevention and timely treatment of this tooth.
Background: Today, we can benefit from the capabilities provided by Metaverse in the methods of providing healthcare services, especially telemedicine. This requires an early assessment of the potential benefits and challenges of Metaverse in the field of telemedicine before clinical adoption is realized. The purpose of this research is to identify the goals, consequences, and obstacles of using Metaverse in telemedicine. Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, we searched the articles published in online databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) until June 2024 (without time limitation) using relevant keywords ("Metaverse" and "Telemedicine") in English. Exclusion criteria included articles that did not focus on this topic. Results: Of all the articles included in the study, most of the studies (75%) were conducted in 2023, and South Korea accounted for the highest number of studies (25%) in this field. The main capabilities and consequences of using Metaverse in telemedicine included increasing access to healthcare services, increasing the level of security, creating a sense of confidence for users, reducing costs, and managing time. Risks related to security and confidentiality, required technologies, knowledge of use, and cost are also challenges and obstacles to implementing Metaverse in telemedicine. Conclusion: Metaverse is a suitable platform for telemedicine that provides access to medical and scientific information. Despite the advantages and positive consequences of this platform in providing fast and quality medical services, which causes widespread attention, there are challenges in its implementation that need to be solved by necessary measures.
