OBJECTIVES: This paper introduces a telemedicine innovation network and reports its implementation in Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The required conditions for the development of future projects in the field of telemedicine are also discussed; such projects should be based on the common needs and opportunities in the areas of healthcare, education, and technology. METHODS: The development of the telemedicine innovation network in Tehran University of Medical Sciences was carried out in two phases: identifying the beneficiaries of telemedicine, and codification of the innovation network memorandum; and brainstorming of three workgroup members, and completion and clustering ideas. The present study employed a qualitative survey by using brain storming method. Thus, the ideas of the innovation network members were gathered, and by using Freeplane software, all of them were clustered and innovation projects were defined. RESULTS: In the services workgroup, 87 and 25 ideas were confirmed in phase 1 and phase 2, respectively. In the education workgroup, 8 new programs in the areas of telemedicine, tele-education and teleconsultation were codified. In the technology workgroup, 101 and 11 ideas were registered in phase 1 and phase 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Today, innovation is considered a major infrastructural element of any change or progress. Thus, the successful implementation of a telemedicine project not only needs funding, human resources, and full equipment. It also requires the use of innovation models to cover several different aspects of change and progress. The results of the study can provide a basis for the implementation of future telemedicine projects using new participatory, creative, and innovative models.
Brain ; Delivery of Health Care ; Education ; Financial Management ; Humans ; Remote Consultation ; Technology Transfer ; Telemedicine*

Objective: To investigate the effect of isoimperatorin on histopathological and biochemical changes in acetic acid-induced colitis rats. Methods: Colitis was induced by intracolonic administration of acetic acid solution (4% v/v) in rats. Rats were divided into six groups including the sham group, the negative control group, the dexamethasone-treated group, and the groups treated with isoimperatorin (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg/d by gavage). The treatments were administered for three days and then colonic status was assessed by macroscopic, histopathological, and biochemical analyses. Results: Isoimperatorin significantly alleviated colonic damage in a dose-dependent manner and improved histological changes in rats with acetic acid-induced colitis. It also significantly reduced myeloperoxidase, TNF-α, IL-1β, and malodialdehyde levels. Conclusions: Isoimperatorin alleviates acetic acid-induced colitis in rats and may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of colitis.