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Investigating the relationship between job stress, workload and oxidative stress in nurses
No full textObjectives. Occupational stress and workload are common risk factors among nurses that increase absenteeism, reduce the quality and quantity of patient care, increase care costs and increase the patient safety risk. The relation between these risk factors and oxidative stress levels has not been clearly defined. Methods. This study was conducted with 258 participants (126 nurses as the case group and 132 healthy adults as the control group). Information was collected using a demographic questionnaire, the nurses� occupational stress scale and the NASA task load index workload questionnaire. Blood samples were taken from the participants and then the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in the serum samples. Independent t tests and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. Results. SOD and TAC were significantly higher and MDA was significantly lower among the case group compared to the control group. TAC levels significantly decreased with increased stress. MDA levels showed negative associations with stress and workload. Nurses experience high levels of occupational stress and workload. Conclusion. Biomarkers such as SOD, TAC and MDA are the most important predictors of work stress and overwork in this study. © 2021 Central Institute for Labour Protection�National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB)
The prevalence of burnout and its relationship with capital types among university staff in Tehran, Iran: A cross-sectional study
Get PDFBurnout; Social capital; Cultural capital; Economic capital © 2021 The Author(s) Background: Burnout is a job-related syndrome that is common among university staff, and it is caused by various factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of burnout and its relationship with capital types among university staff in Tehran, Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive-analytical design was used in which 420 staff were randomly sampled from the Iran University of Medical Sciences. For data collection, the researchers used the Burnout Inventory of Maslach and Jackson and Capital Types Questionnaire. The data were entered into SPSS software (Version 22) and analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics and regressions. Results: The mean burnout of staff was 84.42, and 45.9 of them had high burnout. A significant relationship was found among capital types, work experience, gender, education, and burnout. Multiple linear regressions also showed that independent variables estimated about 32 of the variance of the dependent variable, social capital, gender, and work experience, contributed more to explaining and predicting burnout index. Conclusion: Regarding the relationship between burnout and capital types (economic, cultural, and social), it is necessary to increase capital by increasing cultural activities, staff's knowledge level, income levels, informal groups, and finally, strengthening interpersonal relationships among staff. © 2021 The Author(s
The effect of paleolithic diet on glucose metabolism and lipid profile among patients with metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
No full textObjective: Several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have investigated the effects of the Paleolithic diet (PD) in adult patients suffering from metabolic disorders. However, the results of these RCTs are conflicting. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of the PD in patients with metabolic disorders. Methods: We searched the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Databases, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to June, 2020. The data were pooled using a random-effects model. From the eligible publications, 10 articles were selected for inclusion in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. The heterogeneity was determined using the I2 statistics and the Cochrane Q test. Results: The pooled results from the random-effects model showed a significant reduction of the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (weighted mean difference, WMD: �0.39, 95 CI: �0.70, �0.08), fasting insulin (WMD: �12.17 μU/mL, 95 CI: �24.26, �0.08), total cholesterol (WMD: �0.32 mmol/l, 95 CI: �0.49, �0.15), triglycerides (WMD: �0.29 mmol/L, 95 CI: �0.42, �0.16), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: �0.35 mmol/L, 95 CI: �0.67, �0.03), blood pressure (BP)(WMD � 5.89 mmHg; 95 CI � 9.973 to � 1.86 for the systolic BP and WMD � 4.01 mmHg; 95 CI � 6.21 to � 1.80 for the diastolic BP values) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (WMD: �0.84, mg/L, 95 CI: �1.62, �0.06) in the PD group versus control group. Conclusions: Our findings provide better insights into the effect of the PD on the modulation of the glucose and lipid metabolism factors in patients with metabolic disorders, providing comprehensive information for the development of future RCTs with a high quality design. © 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
Abrogation of histone deacetylases (HDACs) decreases survival of chronic myeloid leukemia cells: New insight into attenuating effects of the PI3K/c-Myc axis on panobinostat cytotoxicity
No full textAlthough the identification of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has changed the treatment paradigm of many cancer types including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), still adjustment of neoplastic cells to cytotoxic effects of anticancer drugs is a serious challenge. In the area of drug resistance, epigenetic alterations are at the center of attention and the present study aimed to evaluate whether blockage of epigenetics mechanisms using a pan-histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor induces cell death in CML-derived K562 cells. We found that the abrogation of HDACs using panobinostat resulted in a reduction in survival of the K562 cell line through p27-mediated cell cycle arrest. Noteworthy, the results of the synergistic experiments revealed that HDAC suppression could be recruited as a way to potentiate cytotoxicity of Imatinib and to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of CML. Here, we proposed for the first time that the inhibitory effect of panobinostat was overshadowed, at least partially, through the aberrant activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/c-Myc axis. Meanwhile, we found that upon blockage of autophagy and the proteasome pathway, as the main axis involved in the activation of autophagy, the anti-leukemic property of the HDAC inhibitor was potentiated. Taken together, our study suggests the beneficial application of HDAC inhibition in the treatment strategies of CML; however, further in vivo studies are needed to determine the efficacy of this inhibitor, either as a single agent or in combination with small molecule inhibitors of PI3K and/or c-Myc in this malignancy. © 2021 International Federation for Cell Biolog
Association of dietary fiber and depression symptom: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Get PDFBackground: A potential relationship between depression and the intake of dietary fiber has been hypothesized in several studies. However, no meta-analysis has been conducted so far to explore the association between these two variables. Hence, we designed the present meta-analysis to elucidate the relationship between the intake of dietary fiber and depression. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed using the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases to identify any relevant studies published from inception to October 2019. Observational studies (cross-sectional and case-control) were included in the analysis. Results: Pooled analysis from the random-effects model of four case-control studies revealed that the consumption of dietary fiber in patients with depression was significantly lower versus healthy controls (WMD: -1.41 mg/dl, 95 CI: �2.32, �0.51, P = 0.002). No significant heterogeneity was demonstrated among the analyzed studies (I2 = 4.0 , P = 0.37). By pooling 5 effect sizes of cross-sectional studies (with a total of 97,023 subjects), we demonstrated that a higher dietary consumption of fiber was associated with significantly lower odds of depression (OR = 0.76; 95 CI: 0.64, 0.90; P = 0.010), with a low heterogeneity seen among the retrieved studies (I2 = 43.9 ; P = 0.12). Conclusion: An increased intake of total dietary fiber is associated with lower odds of depression. Further studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between the different types of dietary fiber and depression. © 202
Fabrication of a new electrochemical sensor based on screen-printed carbon electrode/amine-functionalized graphene oxide-Cu nanoparticles for Rohypnol direct determination in drink sample
No full textRohypnol or Flunitrazepam belongs to benzodiazepines (Schedule IV) with much higher and long-lasting effects on the central nervous system. Unfortunately, it is used in suicide and aggression. Since it can eventually be detected in the urine within 72 h, it is essential to measure it quickly and accurately. In this work, a new electrochemical sensor for the Rohypnol measurement was fabricated based on a modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The SPCE surface was modified with amine-functionalized graphene oxide sheets reinforced through Cu nanoparticles)SPCE/AGO-Cu(with an average size of 30 nm. At the SPCE surface, an oxidation peak was observed for Rohypnol at a potential of 0.30 V. However, an oxidation peak at a potential of 0.25 V with two reduction peaks were appeared for Rohypnol at the SPCE surface modified with AGO-Cu in the potential range of 0 to 1 V. The ability of the SPCE/AGO-Cu to measure Rohypnol was studied. A linear dependency was resulted between Rohypnol concentration and SPCE/AGO-Cu response in the range of 0.4�140 μM and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.13 μM in aqueous solution. According to the results, the SPCE/AGO-Cu provides an accurate and precise assay pathway of Rohypnol in the fruit juice. © 2020 Elsevier B.V
Variable Abnormalities in T and B Cell Subsets in Ataxia Telangiectasia
No full textBackground: Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) is a rare genetic condition, caused by biallelic deleterious variants in the ATM gene, and has variable immunological abnormalities. This study aimed to examine immunologic parameters reflecting cell development, activation, proliferation, and class switch recombination (CSR) and determine their relationship to the clinical phenotype in AT patients. Methods: In this study, 40 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of AT from the Iranian immunodeficiency registry center and 28 age-sex matched healthy controls were enrolled. We compared peripheral B and T cell subsets and T cell proliferation response to CD3/CD28 stimulation in AT patients with and without CSR defects using flow cytometry. Results: A significant decrease in naïve, transitional, switched memory, and IgM only memory B cells, along with a sharp increase in the marginal zone-like and CD21low B cells was observed in the patients. We also found CD4+ and CD8+ naïve, central memory, and terminally differentiated effector memory CD4+ (TEMRA) T cells were decreased. CD4+ and CD8+ effector memory, CD8+ TEMRA, and CD4+ regulatory T cells were significantly elevated in our patients. CD4+ T cell proliferation was markedly impaired compared to the healthy controls. Moreover, immunological investigations of 15 AT patients with CSR defect revealed a significant reduction in the marginal zone, switched memory, and more intense defects in IgM only memory B cells, CD4+ naïve and central memory T cells. Conclusion: The present study revealed that patients with AT have a broad spectrum of cellular and humoral deficiencies. Therefore, a detailed evaluation of T and B cell subsets increases understanding of the disease in patients and the risk of infection. © 2020, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women with COVID-19 and comparison with control patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Get PDFIn a large-scale study, 128176 non-pregnant patients (228 studies) and 10000 pregnant patients (121 studies) confirmed COVID-19 cases included in this Meta-Analysis. The mean (confidence interval CI) of age and gestational age of admission (GA) in pregnant women was 33 (28�37) years old and 36 (34�37) weeks, respectively. Pregnant women show the same manifestations of COVID-19 as non-pregnant adult patients. Fever (pregnant: 75.5%; non-pregnant: 74%) and cough (pregnant: 48.5%; non-pregnant: 53.5%) are the most common symptoms in both groups followed by myalgia (26.5%) and chill (25%) in pregnant and dysgeusia (27%) and fatigue (26.5%) in non-pregnant patients. Pregnant women are less probable to show cough (odds ratio OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.67�0.75), fatigue (OR: 0.58; CI: 0.54�0.61), sore throat (OR: 0.66; CI: 0.61�0.7), headache (OR: 0.55; CI: 0.55�0.58) and diarrhea (OR: 0.46; CI: 0.4�0.51) than non-pregnant adult patients. The most common imaging found in pregnant women is ground-glass opacity (57%) and in non-pregnant patients is consolidation (76%). Pregnant women have higher proportion of leukocytosis (27% vs. 14%), thrombocytopenia (18% vs. 12.5%) and have lower proportion of raised C-reactive protein (52% vs. 81%) compared with non-pregnant patients. Leucopenia and lymphopenia are almost the same in both groups. The most common comorbidity in pregnant patients is diabetes (18%) and in non-pregnant patients is hypertension (21%). Case fatality rate (CFR) of non-pregnant hospitalized patients is 6.4% (4.4�8.5), and mortality due to all-cause for pregnant patients is 11.3% (9.6�13.3). Regarding the complications of pregnancy, postpartum hemorrhage (54.5% 7�94), caesarean delivery (48% 42�54), preterm labor (25% 4�74) and preterm birth (21% 12�34) are in turn the most prevalent complications. Comparing the pregnancy outcomes show that caesarean delivery (OR: 3; CI: 2�5), low birth weight (LBW) (OR: 9; CI: 2.4�30) and preterm birth (OR: 2.5; CI: 1.5�3.5) are more probable in pregnant woman with COVID-19 than pregnant women without COVID-19. The most prevalent neonatal complications are neonatal intensive care unit admission (43% 2�96), fetal distress (30% 12�58) and LBW (25% 16�37). The rate of vertical transmission is 5.3% (1.3�16), and the rate of positive SARS-CoV-2 test for neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 is 8% (4�16). Overall, pregnant patients present with the similar clinical characteristics of COVID-19 when compared with the general population, but they may be more asymptomatic. Higher odds of caesarean delivery, LBW and preterm birth among pregnant patients with COVID-19 suggest a possible association between COVID-19 infection and pregnancy complications. Low risk of vertical transmission is present, and SARS-CoV-2 can be detected in all conception products, particularly placenta and breast milk. Interpretations of these results should be done cautiously due to the heterogeneity between studies; however, we believe our findings can guide the prenatal and postnatal considerations for COVID-19 pregnant patients. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Development and psychometric evaluation of postgraduate nursing student academic satisfaction scale
Get PDFAim: To develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of postgraduate nursing student academic satisfaction scale (PNSASS). Design: The mixed-method study was carried out in two phases; (a) item generation by hybrid concept analysis and (b) item reduction by psychometric evaluation of the developed scale. Methods: The initial item pool (N = 209) was prepared based on concept analysis results and similar instruments. A total of 402 postgraduate nursing students willingly participated in online data gathering from August 2019 to May 2020. The validity (face, content and construct) and reliability (stability and internal consistency) of the scale were assessed. Results: Exploratory factor analysis identified that the scale had four factors which explained 64.80 of the total extracted variance. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed a good model fit. The reliability of scale was strong to excellent. The results showed that the PNSASS has suitable validity and reliability properties, which can be used to measure the academic satisfaction of postgraduate nursing students. © 2020 The Authors. Nursing Open published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd