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Effectiveness of Educating Program on Knowledge, Attitude, and Performance of Primary School Teachers Toward Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
No full textBackground: Teachers are regarded to have a key role in the diagnosis, referral, implementation, and follow-up interventions and treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the teachers' knowledge, attitude, and function related to ADHD and evaluate the effectiveness of a training program in this regard. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on teachers in the elementary schools of Gorgan, Iran, in 2014. A total of six one-day workshops were held. In each workshop, 24 teachers were trained about ADHD for 4 h. Teachers' knowledge, attitude, and function were assessed before, immediately after the workshops, and 2 weeks later. The data were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA), repeated-measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni post-hoc test. Results: The results revealed that older (P < 0.05) and more experienced teachers (P < 0.05), those working at public schools (P < 0.001), and teachers without higher education (P < 0.05) had significantly lower levels of knowledge and less positive attitude toward children with ADHD. In addition, differences between the mean scores before and after the intervention for knowledge (P < 0.001) and attitude (P < 0.001) were statistically significant. Conclusions: Training teachers could improve the teachers' knowledge and attitude toward ADHD. Workshop education appears to be an effective and efficient training method that can decrease the awareness gap between teachers with different experiences and education levels. Copyright © 2021, Author(s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits copy and redistribute the material just in noncommercial usages, provided the original work is properly cited
Bidirectional association between COVID-19 and the environment: A systematic review
No full textThe global crisis caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) affected economics, social affairs, and the environment, not to mention public health. It is estimated that near 82 of the SARS-CoV-2 genome is similar to the severe acute respiratory syndrome. The purpose of the review is to highlight how the virus is impacted by the environment and how the virus has impacted the environment. This review was based on an electronic search of the literature in the Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed database published from December 2019 to July 2020 using combinations of the following keywords: SARS-CoV-2 transmission, COVID-19 transmission, coronavirus transmission, waterborne, wastewater, airborne, solid waste, fomites, and fecal-oral transmission. Studies suggest the thermal properties of ambient air, as well as relative humidity, may affect the transmissibility and viability of the virus. Samples taken from the wastewater collection network were detected contaminated with the novel coronavirus; consequently, there is a concern of its transmission via an urban sewer system. There are concerns about the efficacy of the wastewater treatment plant disinfection process as the last chance to inactivate the virus. Handling solid waste also requires an utmost caution as it may contain infectious masks, etc. Following the PRISMA approach, among all reviewed studies, more than 36 of them were directly or indirectly related to the indoor and outdoor environment, 16 to meteorological factors, 11 to wastewater, 14 to fomites, 8 to water, 9 to solid waste, and 6 to the secondary environment. The still growing body of literature on COVID-19 and air, suggests the importance of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via air and indoor air quality, especially during lockdown interventions. Environmental conditions are found to be a factor in transmitting the virus beyond geographical borders. Accordingly, countries need to pay extra attention to sustainable development themes and goals. © 2020 Elsevier Inc
Neutrophils in respiratory syncytial virus infection: From harmful effects to therapeutic opportunities
No full textRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important infectious agent in infants and young children. In most cases, RSV infection only causes mild disease, but in some, it requires invasive ventilation. Although antiviral drugs are obvious candidates to treat viral illness, and some have shown antiviral effects in humans, antivirals such as GS-5806, ALX-0171 and ALS-8176 have not yet met their expectations. Since the inappropriate or dysregulated immune response against RSV leads to harmful immune pathology, a robust immune cascade is probably underway by the time patients reach the hospital. RSV infection is associated with a strong neutrophil influx into the airway. It not clear if these cells contribute to antiviral defence or to lung pathology. This article discusses the protective and harmful roles of neutrophils during RSV infection and provides an overview of mechanisms by which neutrophil function could be targeted to prevent tissue injury and preserve homeostasis. © 2020 The British Pharmacological Societ
Mapping routine measles vaccination in low- and middle-income countries
No full textThe safe, highly effective measles vaccine has been recommended globally since 1974, yet in 2017 there were more than 17 million cases of measles and 83,400 deaths in children under 5 years old, and more than 99 of both occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)1�4. Globally comparable, annual, local estimates of routine first-dose measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) coverage are critical for understanding geographically precise immunity patterns, progress towards the targets of the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP), and high-risk areas amid disruptions to vaccination programmes caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)5�8. Here we generated annual estimates of routine childhood MCV1 coverage at 5 � 5-km2 pixel and second administrative levels from 2000 to 2019 in 101 LMICs, quantified geographical inequality and assessed vaccination status by geographical remoteness. After widespread MCV1 gains from 2000 to 2010, coverage regressed in more than half of the districts between 2010 and 2019, leaving many LMICs far from the GVAP goal of 80 coverage in all districts by 2019. MCV1 coverage was lower in rural than in urban locations, although a larger proportion of unvaccinated children overall lived in urban locations; strategies to provide essential vaccination services should address both geographical contexts. These results provide a tool for decision-makers to strengthen routine MCV1 immunization programmes and provide equitable disease protection for all children. © 2020, The Author(s)
Plasma changes of branched-chain amino acid in patients with esophageal cancer
No full textBACKGROUND Studies have indicated that branched amino acids play a crucial role in gene expression, protein metabolism, apoptosis, and restoration of hepatocytes and insulin resistance. This study aimed to compare the plasma levels of branched-chain amino acids in patients with esophageal cancer and normal individuals. METHODS Plasma levels of leucine and isoleucine of 37 patients with esophageal cancer and 37 healthy adults were investigated by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (version 16) software, and t test was used to compare the plasma levels of branched-chain amino acids in the two groups. RESULTS In the patients group, the mean age ± SD was 63 ± 13.64 years, and 21 (56.8) individuals were male. In the control group, the mean age ± SD was 64.24 ± 13.08 years, and 21 (54.1) individuals were male. Plasma levels of leucine (37.68 ± 105) and isoleucine (22.43 ± 59.1) in patients with esophageal cancer were significantly reduced (p value of isoleucine:0.007, and leucine: 0.0001). CONCLUSION In the present study, the plasma levels of branched-chain amino acids in patients with esophageal cancer had changed. Evidence suggests that branched-chain amino acids are essential nutrients for cancer growth and are used by tumors in various biosynthetic pathways as energy sources. Thus, studies in this field can be useful in providing appropriate therapeutic approaches. © 2021 The Author(s)
The effect of narrative writing on fathers� stress in neonatal intensive care settings
No full textObjective: This study was conducted to examine the effect of narrative writing on fathers� stress in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) during infants� hospitalization. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among two groups of fathers with preterm infants in the NICUs of two teaching hospitals of Gorgan University of Medical Sciences. Pre- and post-tests were administered to a sample size of 70 during 6 months. The Parental Stressor Scale (PSS) was used. The data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical methods. Results: The mean total stress score was 74.05 ± 17.39 in the control and 80.11 ± 15.82 in the intervention group on the 3rd day, suggesting no significant difference. In other words, both groups had a similar stress level before the intervention (p-value =.13, t = 1.52). However, the mean total stress score was 85.45 ± 16.91 in the control group and 48.00 ± 10.49 in the intervention group on the 10th day, suggesting a significant reduction in the stress level in the intervention group following the intervention (p-value =.001, t = �11.01). Conclusion: According to the findings, the narrative writing may be considered as an efficient supportive intervention to reduce the fathers� stress in the NICUs. However, more research is needed to justify its implementation. © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence in the general population and high-risk occupational groups across 18 cities in Iran: a population-based cross-sectional study
No full textBackground: Rapid increases in cases of COVID-19 were observed in multiple cities in Iran towards the start of the pandemic. However, the true infection rate remains unknown. We aimed to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 18 cities of Iran as an indicator of the infection rate. Methods: In this population-based cross-sectional study, we randomly selected and invited study participants from the general population (from lists of people registered with the Iranian electronic health record system or health-care centres) and a high-risk population of individuals likely to have close social contact with SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals through their occupation (from employee lists provided by relevant agencies or companies, such as supermarket chains) across 18 cities in 17 Iranian provinces. Participants were asked questions on their demographic characteristics, medical history, recent COVID-19-related symptoms, and COVID-19-related exposures. Iran Food and Drug Administration-approved Pishtaz Teb SARS-CoV-2 ELISA kits were used to detect SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG and IgM antibodies in blood samples from participants. Seroprevalence was estimated on the basis of ELISA test results and adjusted for population weighting (by age, sex, and city population size) and test performance (according to our independent validation of sensitivity and specificity). Findings: From 9181 individuals who were initially contacted between April 17 and June 2, 2020, 243 individuals refused to provide blood samples and 36 did not provide demographic information and were excluded from the analysis. Among the 8902 individuals included in the analysis, 5372 had occupations with a high risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and 3530 were recruited from the general population. The overall population weight-adjusted and test performance-adjusted prevalence of antibody seropositivity in the general population was 17·1 (95 CI 14·6�19·5), implying that 4 265 542 (95 CI 3 659 043�4 887 078) individuals from the 18 cities included were infected by the end of April, 2020. The adjusted seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies varied greatly by city, with the highest estimates found in Rasht (72·6 53·9�92·8) and Qom (58·5% 37·2�83·9). The overall population weight-adjusted and test performance-adjusted seroprevalence in the high-risk population was 20·0% (18·5�21·7) and showed little variation between the occupations included. Interpretations: Seroprevalence is likely to be much higher than the reported prevalence of COVID-19 based on confirmed COVID-19 cases in Iran. Despite high seroprevalence in a few cities, a large proportion of the population is still uninfected. The potential shortcomings of current public health policies should therefore be identified to prevent future epidemic waves in Iran. Funding: Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education. © 2020 Elsevier Lt
Curcumin anti�tumor effects on endometrial cancer with focus on its molecular targets
No full textCurcumin is extracted from turmeric and shows a variety of properties that make it a useful agent for treating diseases and targeting different biological mechanisms, including apoptosis, angiogenesis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This phenolic compound is safe even at high doses. However, it has poor bioavailability. The incidence rates of endometrial cancer (EC) that is one of the most prevalent gynecological malignancies is increasing. Meanwhile, the onset age of EC has been decreased in past few years. Besides, EC does not show a convenient prognosis, particularly at advanced stages. Based on this information, discovering new approaches or enhancing the available ones is required to provide better care for EC patients. In this review, we cover studies concerned with the anti-tumor effects of curcumin on EC. We focus on molecular mechanisms that are targeted by curcumin treatment in different processes of cancer development and progression, such as apoptosis, inflammation, and migration. Furthermore, we present the role of curcumin in targeting some microRNAs (miRNAs) that may play a role in EC. © 2021, The Author(s)
Size-dependent effects of microplastic on uptake, immune system, related gene expression and histopathology of goldfish (Carassius auratus)
No full textTodays, with the industrialization of human societies, pollution of aquatic ecosystems with plastics derivatives are a serious concern, affecting the life of their organisms. The present study was conducted to investigate the size effects of micro-plastic, polystyrene on some physiological lesions of the goldfish, Carassius auratus. Fish were exposed to two sizes (0.25 and 8 μm) polystyrene at different environmentally relevant concentrations. The exposure trial was done in two steps. First, fish exposed to a stable concentration of 300 mg/L polystyrene for 168 h. Gill, intestine, and liver tissues were sampled every 24 h to investigate the accumulation of polystyrene. Then, fish were exposed in three replicates to 0 (control), 0.05, 0.5, and 5 mg/L polystyrene in two sizes of 0.25 and 8 μm for 28 days. After the exposure period, gill, liver, and intestine tissues were sampled for histological study, also, serum samples were collected for biochemical assays. Fluorescent microscope observations confirmed the accumulation of polystyrene in tissue samples with time. In addition, histological lesions were found in the liver, intestine, and gill of the exposed fish. The severity of lesions showed a size and dose-dependent pattern. Polystyrene induced the antioxidant system of exposed fish through elevating the levels of SOD and CAT activity and significant difference in expression of antioxidant related genes (CAT, SOD and HSP70). In conclusion, the results of the present study confirmed the toxic effects of microplastic, polystyrene on goldfish. © 2021 Elsevier Lt
Joint effect of diabetes and opiate use on all-cause and cause-specific mortality: the Golestan cohort study
No full textBACKGROUND: Many diabetic individuals use prescription and non-prescription opioids and opiates. We aimed to investigate the joint effect of diabetes and opiate use on all-cause and cause-specific mortality. METHODS: Golestan Cohort study is a prospective population-based study in Iran. A total of 50 045 people-aged 40-75, 28 811 women, 8487 opiate users, 3548 diabetic patients-were followed during a median of 11.1�years, with over 99 success follow-up. Hazard ratio and 95 confidence intervals (HRs, 95 CIs), and preventable death attributable to each risk factor, were calculated. RESULTS: After 533 309 person-years, 7060 deaths occurred: 4178 (10.8) of non-diabetic non-opiate users, 757 (25.3) diabetic non-users, 1906 (24.0) non-diabetic opiate users and 219 (39.8) diabetic opiate users. Compared with non-diabetic non-users, HRs (95 CIs) for all-cause mortality were 2.17 (2.00-2.35) in diabetic non-opiate users, 1.63 (1.53-1.74) in non-diabetic opiate users and 2.76 (2.40-3.17) in diabetic opiate users. Among those who both had diabetes and used opiates, 63.8 (95 CI: 58.3-68.5) of all deaths were attributable to these risk factors, compared with 53.9 (95 CI: 50-57.4) in people who only had diabetes and 38.7 (95 CI: 34.6-42.5) in non-diabetic opiate users. Diabetes was more strongly associated with cardiovascular than cancer mortality. The risk of early mortality in known cases of diabetes did not depend on whether they started opiate use before or after their diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Using opiates is detrimental to the health of diabetic patients. Public awareness about the health effects of opiates, and improvement of diabetes care especially among individuals with or at risk of opiate use, are necessary. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Epidemiological Association 2020. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the US