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Anethole as a promising antidepressant for maternal separation stress in mice by modulating oxidative stress and nitrite imbalance
No full textThe occurrence of major depressive disorder is widespread and can be observed in individuals belonging to all societies. It has been suggested that changes in the NO pathway and heightened oxidative stress may play a role in developing this condition. Anethole is a diterpene aromatic compound found in the Umbelliferae, Apiaceae, and Schisandraceae families. It has potential pharmacological effects like antioxidant, anxiolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, gastroprotective, anticancer, estrogenic, and antimicrobial activities. This study aimed to investigate the potential antidepressant properties of Anethole in a mouse model experiencing maternal separation stress while also examining its impact on oxidative stress and nitrite levels. The research involved the participation of 40 male NMRI mice, separated into five distinct groups to conduct the study. The control group was administered 1 ml/kg of normal saline, while the MS groups were given normal saline and Anethole at 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg doses. The study comprised various behavioural tests, including the open field test (OFT), forced swimming test (FST), and splash test, to assess the effects of Anethole on the mice. In addition to the behavioural tests, measurements were taken to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrite levels in the hippocampus of the mice. According to the findings, maternal separation stress (MS) led to depressive-like conduct in mice, including a rise in immobility duration during the FST and a reduction in the duration of grooming behaviour in the splash test. Additionally, the results indicated that MS correlated with an increase in the levels of MDA and nitrite and a reduction in the TAC in the hippocampus. However, the administration of Anethole resulted in an increase in grooming activity time during the splash test and a decrease in immobility time during the FST. Anethole also exhibited antioxidant characteristics, as demonstrated by its ability to lower MDA and nitrite levels while increasing the TAC in the hippocampus. The results suggest that Anethole may have an antidepressant-like impact on mice separated from their mothers, likely partly due to its antioxidant properties in the hippocampu
Occupational stress and musculoskeletal disorders in firefighters: the mediating effect of depression and job burnout
No full textThe firefighting profession carries a heightened risk of musculoskeletal disorders. A firefighter’s job is physically demanding and includes activities such as running, climbing, dragging, and lifting. Often, these tasks are unpredictable, performed in harsh environments, and have been found to cause psychological stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of occupational stress on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) in firefighters. In addition, the mediating effects of depression and job burnout on proposed relationships were examined. Data informing this study were collected using a survey questionnaire. The survey questionnaire included the Beck Depression Inventory, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Inventory (PCL), and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling approach in AMOS. The results of the 2339 responding firefighters suggest that work related stress is positively related to WRMSDs in firefighters and can lead to musculoskeletal symptoms through four paths, being emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment, CES-D total score, and depersonalization. Through depersonalization, job stress had the most significant impact on musculoskeletal symptoms (coefficient = 0.053). Furthermore, the results showed that post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) can affect musculoskeletal symptoms through ten paths, again through depersonalization, PTSD had the most significant impact on musculoskeletal symptoms (coefficient = 0.141). The results of this study suggest that organizations should design interventions and policies to prevent and manage occupational stress, depression, and job burnout to negate its undesired consequences on firefighters’ health (i.e. WRMSD)
Analyzing the influential factors of process safety culture by hybrid hidden content analysis and fuzzy DEMATEL
No full textDue to the complex nature of safety culture and process industries, several factors influence process safety culture. This paper presents a novel framework that combines the hidden content analysis method with Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and Fuzzy logic to achieve a comprehensive set of influential factors and their relationship. The proposed methodology consists of two primary stages. Firstly, combined methods of literature review and Delphi study were used to identifying influential factors of process safety culture. Secondly, the Fuzzy-DEMATEL approach is employed to quantify and determine the relationships between different influential factors. A diverse pool of experts’ opinions is leveraged to assess the impact of each factor on others and process safety culture. In the first stage, 18 factors identified as influential factors on process safety. The findings of second stage revealed that eight variables were identified as causes, while ten variables were classified as effects. Also, the Organization management's commitment to safety factor had the greatest influence among all of the factors. As well as, the most significant interaction was associated with the risk assessment and management aspect. The integrated approach not only identified the influential factors, but also elucidates the cause-effect relationships among factors. By prioritizing factors and understanding their interconnections, organizations can implement targeted safety measures to improve process safety culture. Its effectiveness in quantifying qualitative data, identifying influential factors, and establishing cause-effect relationships make it a valuable tool for enhancing safety culture in process industries
Corrigendum to “Wastewater surveillance of antibiotic resistance and class 1 integron-integrase genes: Potential impact of wastewater characteristics on genes profile” [Heliyon 10(9) (May 2024) e29601]
No full textIn the original published version of this article, references no. [44–51] should be changed. The references list from no.44 is as follows. The authors apologize for the errors. Both the HTML and PDF versions of the article have been updated to correct the errors
Identification of hub genes and pathways in hepatitis B virus‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma: A comprehensive in silico study
No full textBackground and Aim: The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most common causes of liver cancer in the world. This study aims to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by identifying hub genes and the pathways related to their functions. Methods: GSE83148 and GSE94660 were selected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with an adjusted p-value < 0.05 and a |logFC| ≥1 were identified. Common DEGs of two data sets were identified using the GEO2R tool. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) databases were used to identify pathways. Protein−protein interactions (PPIs) analysis was performed by using the Cytoscap and Gephi. A Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) analysis was carried out to confirm the target genes. Results: One hundred and ninety-eight common DEGs and 49 hub genes have been identified through the use of GEO and PPI, respectively. The GO and KEGG pathways analysis showed DEGs were enriched in the G1/S transition of cell cycle mitotic, cell cycle, spindle, and extracellular matrix structural constituent. The expression of four genes (TOP2A, CDK1, CCNA2, and CCNB2) with high scores in module 1 were more in tumor samples and have been identified by GEPIA analysis. Conclusion: In this study, the hub genes and their related pathways involved in the development of HBV-associated HCC were identified. These genes, as potential diagnostic biomarkers, may provide a potent opportunity to detect HBV-associated HCC at the earliest stages, resulting in a more effective treatmen
Synthesis, Docking and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Evaluation of 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Derivatives as Potential Anti-Alzheimer Agents
No full textBackground: According to the cholinergic hypothesis for Alzheimer’s disease, potentiation of cholinergic neurotransmission is one of the best strategies for combating dementia. Methods: A new series of benzamide derivatives bearing 1,3,4-thiadiazole nucleus were synthesized and subsequently, their anticholinesterase activity was evaluated. Molecular docking was carried out to explore the likely binding mode and interactions. Results: Fortunately, some of the tested compounds exhibited more activity than donepezil as a reference drug (IC50 = 0.6 ± 0.05 µM). Some of the evaluated derivatives displayed potency in the nanomolar range. Compound 7e with fluorine atom on the meta position of the phenyl ring was the most active compound in this series (IC50 = 1.82 ± 0.6 nM). Conclusion: The 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives that were synthesized and tested in the current manuscript demonstrated remarkable anticholinesterase activity. Therefore, these compounds could be suggested as potential anti-Alzheimer agents
Investigating the Mechanisms Involved in Scopolamine-induced Memory Degradation
No full textIn the present study, the mechanisms involved in scopolamine-induced memory impairment have been investigated. The molecular events that take place during memory mostly include mechanisms that are seen in the acquisition phase. Results showed that one of the mechanisms of memory destruction caused by scopolamine, in addition to weakening the cholinergic system, is the indirect effect of scopolamine on other neurotransmitter systems, including the glutamatergic system. Scopolamine injection increases dopamine by inhibiting M2/4 muscarinic autoreceptors. These autoreceptors are located on dopaminergic presynaptic neurons, and their activation reduces the release of dopamine. Therefore, blocking these autoreceptors by scopolamine can increase the release of dopamine. Both D1 and D2 receptors are involved in learning and memory processes. In general, stimulation of dopamine D1 receptors follows an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve, meaning that both insufficient and excessive amounts of dopamine cause memory impairment. Therefore, an indirect effect on the dopaminergic system can be one of the scopolamine-induced memory impairment mechanisms. Effects on cell membrane potential and neuron plasticity, and interaction with acetylcholine are among other mechanisms. Serotonin plays a complex role in memory and learning. Serotonin receptors (5-HT2A) also play a role in memory function by affecting calcium transport. This action is similar to dopamine and other G-protein-coupled receptors, which activate phospholipase C, enter calcium into the cell, and activate calcineurin. Activation of 5-HT2A and 5-HT4 receptors by specific agonists of these receptors enhances long-term potentiation (LTP), which plays a significant role in memory. On the other hand, specific 5-HT3 receptor antagonist improves LTP. The 5-HT6 receptor antagonist can improve memory function. Therefore, different serotonin receptors have different roles in memory function, and the interaction between scopolamine and these receptors needs further study. It has been shown that histamine increases the secretion of acetylcholine in the hippocampus, and postsynaptic H1 and presynaptic H3 receptors play a major role in memory and learning; however, whether scopolamine can cause memory impairment through interaction with histamine receptors has been not reviewed
Prevalence and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Iran: A cross-sectional analysis from the PERSIAN cohort
No full textBackground This study assessed the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a general adult population in Iran. The association between GERD and various factors was also evaluated. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study on 163,018 individuals aged over 35 who were enrolled in the PERSIAN cohort. GERD was defined as the occurrence of heartburn and/or regurgitation symptoms at least several days a month. Survey design analysis for pooled data was performed and multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent risk factors for GERD. Results The prevalence of GERD in our study was estimated at 21.86% (95% confidence interval:17.4%-36.4%). The mean age of the participants was 49.84 years±9.25 (35–70) and 44.75% of the participants were male. Symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation were reported in 18.65% (n: 29,170) and 6.06% (n: 9,717) of participants, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, several factors were found to be associated with a higher prevalence of GERD: female sex, age >50, current smoking, opium use, weekly consumption of fried foods, frequent consumption of hot tea, less than 6 hours of sleep per night, psychiatric disorders, usage of NSAIDs, and poor oral hygiene, were associated with a higher prevalence of GERD. Conversely, higher education levels and average physical activity were found to be less commonly associated with GERD. Conclusion We found a relatively high prevalence of GERD (21.86%) in this population-based study in Iran. By identifying modifiable risk factors, this research offers opportunities for targeted interventions and lifestyle modifications to reduce the burden of GERD
Community-based education: An effective policy for earthquake preparedness in Iran: Empirical study
No full textBACKGROUND: As natural or man-made shocks, disasters are sudden events that require emergency and fundamental measures. The need to be prepared for disasters has become clearer than ever worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the effect of earthquake preparedness training using the face-To-face or cascade method in rural households living in Juybar County (Iran) in 2018. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Following an experimental design with a pretest and posttest, the study was performed on married women aged 10-49 living in Kurdkolay village of Juybar county (n = 372). Participants were randomly categorized into two groups of training (n = 95) and face-To-face cascade method (n = 95). Data were collected using the Disaster Preparedness Assessment Index, comprising demographic and education sections. Data were collected using the disaster preparedness assessment index and analyzed using SPSS version 24. RESULTS: The findings indicated improved preparedness in all five dimensions in both groups. There was a significant difference between the study groups immediately and one week after the intervention (P 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The face-To-face cascade method was more effective in the short term, while no difference was found in the long term. Crisis managers and policymakers should choose their preferred method based on available facilities, human resources, and context to increase preparedness against earthquakes. Mothers play a vital role in educating and nurturing their children. It is suggested to conduct educational programs at the community level using the most appropriate methods that are chosen based on the best evidence
Relationship between organizational commitment, working environment, and burnout in clinical nurses
No full textBACKGROUND:Burnout is a mental condition caused by chronic emotional or psychological stress. Organizational commitment is always an important issue in the field of organizational development of clinical nurses. The study aimed to assess the association between organizational commitment, work environment, and burnout in clinical nurses. MATERIALS AND METHODS:This is a correlational descriptive study that was conducted from November 2021 to January 2021 on 456 clinical nurses at the Hazrat Rasul Akram University Hospital in Iran. The convenience sampling method was used. Data were collected using socio-demographic and work-related data collection sheet, the Working Environment Scale (WES-10), the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). Data were analyzed by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. RESULTS:The overall results showed that the mean score of organizational commitment was 29.87 +/- 8.19, the mean score of burnout was 91.98 +/- 17.40, and the mean score of work environment satisfaction was 24.62 +/- 7.53. There were negative and significant relationships between organizational commitment with burnout (r = -0.324, P < 0.001) and work environment satisfaction (r = -0.440, P < 0.001). Also, there was a positive and significant relationship between work environment satisfaction with burnout (r = 0.386, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION:The nursing profession is widely recognized as one of the most stressful professions, often characterized by high rates of staff turnover, absenteeism, and burnout. The result of this study highlights the importance of positive work conditions for ensuring the commitment and well-being of clinical nurses