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COVID-19 preventive behaviors and influencing factors in the Iranian population; a web-based survey
Get PDFBackground: COVID19 is a respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus. As there has been no definitive treatment for the disease so far, the only way to control the spread is to break the chain of infection. Our study aimed to analyze the preventive behaviors and influencing factors in the Iranian population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was a web-based survey in the Iranian population. We performed the study during the first peak of COVID-19 outbreak (from March 25th, 2020 to April 5th). We used demographic and Preventive behaviors questionnaires to collect the data. This web-based survey was publicized on the internet through the common platforms used by the Iranian population. This survey was released on the website “Porsline.com”. A total of 2097 acceptable questionnaires were filled. All data were analyzed, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19. Results: 61.9% of the participants checked the hand-washing question as “Always”. 55.7 and 58.2% checked the wearing masks and gloves as “Always”, respectively. We found a significant relationship between gender and hand washing behavior (P = 0.006) and the use of masks and gloves (P < 0.001). Results showed that wearing gloves had a significant relation with the education status (P = 0.029) and economic status (P = 0.011). Wearing masks had a significant relation with economic status (P = 0.032). Overall women had better preventive behaviors. Conclusions: Preventive behaviors have a significant relation with some socio-demographic characteristics. According to the 3 main preventive behaviors of hand-washing, wearing masks and gloves 50% of the population has not taken these behaviors seriously
Calcium to magnesium intake ratio and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease development: a case-control study
Get PDFBackground: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Adoption of sedentary life style and westernized diet are shown to be associated with development of NAFLD. Since previous studies suggested that calcium (Ca) to magnesium (Mg) ratio intake is associated with some chronic diseases including dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, we designed this study to find any possible association between this ratio and NAFLD development. Methods: The NAFLD was diagnosed using Fibroscan according to a CAP cut-off value of 263 dB/m. Dietary intakes of one hundred and ninety-six patients with incident NAFLD diagnosis, and eight hundred and three controls without NAFLD were assessed using a valid food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Dietary nutrients were calculated using Nutritionist IV software. Results: Age of the study population (57 % female) was 43.2 ± 14.1 years. In addition, energy-adjusted daily calcium to magnesium intake ratio was 2.34 ± 0.57 and 2.73 ± 0.69 for control and case groups, respectively. In the multivariable-adjusted model, after adjustment for potential confounding variables; including, age, gender, BMI, alcohol consumption, smoking, diabetes, physical activity, energy, dietary fiber, carbohydrate, fat, and protein intakes, participants in the third (Q3) and fourth (Q4) quartile of Ca/Mg ratio intake had a greater development of incidental NAFLD compared to the lowest quartile (Q1) [(OR = 2.86; 95 % CI: 1.20–6.81), (P-value = 0.017) and (OR = 5.97; 95 % CI: 2.54–14.01), (P-value < 0.001) for Q3 and Q4 compared to the Q1, respectively]. Moreover, energy-adjusted Ca to Mg intake ratio was positively correlated with plasma level of ALT (r = 0.18; P = 0.01); contrarily, it had no correlation with plasma levels of AST. Conclusions: The current study revealed that higher dietary Ca to Mg intake ratio is associated with a greater development of NAFLD. Further interventional studies are needed to confirm the causal relationship of the Ca/Mg ratio intake and development of NAFLD
Effect of telenursing on aging perception of Iranian older adults
No full textBackground and purpose: The perception of aging is one of the independent predictors of functional disability and mortality in the aged ones, this study was conducted to compare the follow-up of a training program with the use of two in-person and telenursing methods on the perception of aging of the elderly, covered by the comprehensive health centers in Ahvaz city. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved systematic random sampling conducted on 60 elderly persons (aged 60–75 years) who were referred to in Ahvaz. A training program was conducted for all elderly persons for 3 weeks (three sessions per week), which was accompanied with 2 months of six follow-ups for the telephonic follow-up group (Tele-nursing), and two follow-ups for in-person follow-up group. The data were collected with the use of demographic form, Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT), and The Brief Aging Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ). Elderly completed the questionnaire at the beginning of the study and 8 weeks later. The data were subsequently analyzed with SPSS software; and P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Based on the results, the mean score of perception of aging increased in the study groups after the intervention. This increase was statistically significant only in the intervention group. Discussion and Conclusion: The telephonic follow-up was more effective on Increasing the perception of aging compared with the in-person follow-up. Therefore, using this method is recommended for the elderly
An update on PET-based molecular imaging in neuro-oncology: Challenges and implementation for a precision medicine approach in cancer care
No full textPET imaging using novel radiotracers show promises for tumor grading and molecular characterization through visualizing molecular and functional properties of the tumors. Application of PET tracers in brain neoplasm depends on both type of the neoplasm and the research or clinical significance required to be addressed. In clinical neuro-oncology, 18F-FDG is used mainly to differentiate tumor recurrence from radiation-induced necrosis, and novel PET agents show attractive imaging properties. Novel PET tracers can offer biologic information not visible via contrast-enhanced MRI or 18F-FDG PET. This review aims to provide an update on the complementary role of PET imaging in neuro-oncology both in research and clinical settings along with presenting interesting cases in this context
Ambient air PM2.5-bound PAHs in low traffic, high traffic, and industrial areas along Tehran, Iran
No full textPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have aroused considerable concern over their ubiquitous presence and potentially hazardous effects on the environment. This research provides the data on PM2.5-bounded PAHs distribution in the ambient air of areas with different land uses of Tehran, Iran. A total of 64 air samples - 16 samples in the industrial area (IS), 24 samples in high traffic areas (HTS), and 24 samples in low traffic areas (LTS) - were taken and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The results of this study showed that the mean concentration of ΣPAHs in the air of IS, HTS, and LTS regions was 13.58 ± 18.58, 22.45 ± 33.32, and 33.90 ± 65.006 ng/m3, respectively. The mean concentration of ΣPAHs in samples taken from the IS region was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that taken from HTS and LTS regions. The source apportionment of PAHs in the air of Tehran was performed using the Unmix.6 EPA receptor model. The results of this model indicated that 41%, 34%, and 26% of PAHs were due to industrial activities and diesel vehicles, traffic and transportation sources, and burning coal and heating appliances, respectively. The total incremental life time cancer risk (ILCR) caused by exposure to PAHs through airborne-PM2.5 of Tehran city was 1.03 × 10−6, 1.51 × 10−6 and 3.23 × 10−6 for LTS, HTS and IS areas, respectively. Estimated results of ILCR indicate that the carcinogenesis risk values in the study area are at an acceptable level (between 10−6–10−4)
Substitution of lysine for isoleucine at the center of the nonpolar face of the antimicrobial peptide, piscidin-1, leads to an increase in the rapidity of bactericidal activity and a reduction in toxicity
No full texturpose: Piscidin-1 is an effective antimicrobial peptide (AMP) against a variety of microbes. However, its toxicity has been reported as a limitation for its potential therapeutic applications. The toxicity of piscidin-1 may be related to the long nonpolar face of this AMP. Here, we investigated different piscidin-1 analogs to reach a peptide with the reduced toxicity. Material and methods: In vitro and in vivo antibacterial activity and toxicity of piscidin-1 analogs generated by replacement of isoleucine at the border (I9) or the center (I16) of the nonpolar face of piscidin-1 by alanine or lysine were investigated. Results: The results indicated that among all peptides, piscidin-1 with the highest HPLC retention time (RT) and I16K-piscidin-1 with the lowest RT had the highest and lowest cytotoxicity, respectively. Although I16K-piscidin-1 possessed the same MIC value as the parent peptide (piscidin-1) and other analogs, I16K-piscidin-1 exhibited a higher rapidity of bactericidal action at 5×MIC. The β-galactosidase leakage and propidium iodide staining assays indicated a higher pore-forming capacity of I16K-piscidin-1 relative to the parent peptide (piscidin-1). Taken together, RT is suggested to have a direct association with the toxicity and an inverse association with the rapidity of bactericidal action and pore-forming capacity. After infection of mice with clinical colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii or clinical methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains, treatment with I16K-piscidin-1, but not piscidin-1 and other analogs, resulted in a significantly stronger bactericidal potency. Furthermore, I16K-piscidin-1 exhibited the lowest in vivo toxicity. Conclusion: Overall, in vitro and in vivo comparison of piscidin-1 and its analogs together documented that replacement of isoleucine at the center of the nonpolar face of piscidin-1 (I16) by lysine leads to not only a decrease in toxicity potential but also an increase in bactericidal potential
RAGE is a Potential Cause of Onset and Progression of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Get PDFObjective. Fatty liver is a rising global health concern, significantly increasing the burden of health care cost. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a correlation with metabolic syndrome and its complications. Method. We reviewed the literature regarding the mechanisms of developing NAFLD through AGE-RAGE signaling. Results. NAFLD, metabolic syndrome, and production of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) share many common risk factors and appear to be connected. AGE induces production of the receptor for AGE (RAGE). AGE-RAGE interaction contributes to fat accumulation in the liver leading to inflammation, fibrosis, insulin resistance, and other complications of the fatty liver disease. The immune system, especially macrophages, has an important defense mechanism against RAGE pathway activities. Conclusion. Soluble form of RAGE (sRAGE) has the capability to reduce inflammation by blocking the interaction of AGE with RAGE. However, sRAGE has some limitations, and the best method of usage is probably autotransplantation of transfected stem cells or monocytes, as a precursor of macrophages and Kupffer cells, with a virus that carries sRAGE to alleviate the harmful effects of AGE-RAGE signaling in the settings of fatty liver disease
Monitoring of airborne asbestos fibers in an urban ambient air of Shahryar City, Iran: levels, spatial distribution, seasonal variations, and health risk assessment
No full textAsbestos, as with other pollutants in the air, has adverse effects on the health of human beings and animals. Today, the relationship between presence of asbestos fibers in the air breathed by humans and developing serious diseases such as lung cancer (asbestosis) and mesothelioma has been proven. This study was designed and conducted within the time period of August 2017 and June 2018 to determine the concentration of asbestos fiber in the ambient air of Shahryar City and to evaluate their health effects for the general population of the city. For this purpose, samples were taken from four points, and overall 32 air samples were taken along the year. The samples were then analyzed by the phase contrast microscopy (PCM) method. Also, to investigate the type of asbestos and for more accurate counting of fibers, SEM analysis was utilized. Finally, based on the EPA IRIS method, the health effects resulting from asbestos risks were also evaluated. The results of this study indicated that the mean annual concentration of asbestos fiber in the ambient air of Shahryar City was obtained as 0.0019 f/ml PCM and 0.0072 f/ml SEM. Furthermore, the most polluted point was S1 point (0.0119 –0.0026 f/ml, PCM), while the lowest concentration was related to S4 point (0.001 f/ml PCM–0.0021 f/ml SEM). The mean annual risk resulting from airborne asbestos fiber in the ambient air of Shahryar City for all samples was obtained as 1.72 × 10 −6 to 2.2 × 10 −4 , which was higher than the recommended risk range in some points
The Effect of Occupational Noise Exposure on Serum Cortisol Concentration of Night-shift Industrial Workers: A Field Study
No full textBackground: In both developed and developing countries, noise is regarded as the most common occupational hazard in various industries. The present study aimed to examine the effect of sound pressure level (SPL) on serum cortisol concentration in three different times during the night shift. Methods: This case–control study was conducted among 75 workers of an industrial and mining firm in 2017. The participants were assigned to one of the three groups (one control and two case groups), with an equal number of workers (25 participants) in each group. Following the ISO 9612 standard, dosimetry was adopted to evaluate equivalent SPL using a TES-1345 dosimeter. The influence of SPL on serum cortisol concentration was measured during the night shift. The serum cortisol concentration was measured using a radioimmunoassay (RIA) test in the laboratory. Repeated measure analysis of variance and linear mixed models were used with α = 0.05. Results: The results indicated a downward trend in the serum cortisol concentration of the three groups during the night shift. Both SPL and exposure time significantly affected cortisol concentration (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001). Conversely, age and body mass index had no significant influence on cortisol concentration (p = 0.360, p = 0.62). Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, increasing SPL will lead to enhancement of serum cortisol concentration. Given that cortisol concentration varies while workers are exposed to different SPLs, this hormone can be used as a biomarker to study the effect of noise-induced stress
Investigation of the complete sequence of hepatitis A virus 1B isolated in Ahvaz City, Iran
No full textBackground: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a common cause of mild to acute hepatitis among children and adolescents, worldwide. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the complete sequence of isolated HAV from a child with acute hepatitis. Methods: A serum sample was collected from a child with clinical sign and symptoms of acute hepatitis. Following RNA extraction, the genotype of virus was determined based on sequencing of VP1-2A region of the isolated HAV genome. The whole HAV genome was sequenced by the nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. The size of the complete length of isolatedHAV genome, 5UTR (Untranslated Region), and 3UTR were determined. The amino acid sequencing of single polyprotein, including VP1 and VP3 regions, were analyzed using the BioEdit software. To evaluate the isolated HAV genome, phylogenetic tree was conducted to analyze the complete HAV Genome, 5UTR, and VP1-2A regions of the isolated HAV. Simplot and RDP4 analyses were accomplished to confirm recombination in the genome of the sequestered HAV strain in Ahvaz city. Results: The sequestered HAV/Ahvaz/Iran/2015 was recorded with an accession number BankIt 2063303 MG 546669 in GenBank. The complete HAV sequence of the isolated HAV comprised of full length of 7239 nt, 5‘UTR 619 nt, 3‘UTR 21nt, and an open reading frame (ORF) encoding single polypeptide of 2200 amino acids (6600 nt). The whole sequences of isolatedHAV strainAhvaz/Iran/2015 showed 96% and 95% nucleotide identity with prototype strainHAV 1B isolated from Egypt (96%), South Africa (95%), andHM175 (95%) strains, respectively. The complete amino acid sequence of the Vp1-2A region of the isolated HAV showed 100% identity with HM175 and 99% identity with isolated HAV from Egypt and South Africa. The detected HAV was identified as HAV genotype 1B. A mutation was observed in the amino acid sequences of VP3 region of the isolated HAV; this mutation showed substitution of isoleucine (I) with Arginine at position 433 amino acid sequence compared with the consensus sequences in amino acid of HM 175 strain. The results of RDP4 showed no evidence of recombination in the isolated strain HAV/Ahvaz/Iran/2015 genome. Conclusions: The isolated HAV was genotype1 B, comprised of full length of 7239 nt, 2200 amino acid. The complete amino acid sequence VP1 region of the isolated HAV showed 100% homology identity with HM175 and 99% with isolated HAV in Egypt, South Africa. A mutation was observed in the amino acid sequences of VP3 region of the isolated HAV, this mutation showed substitution of isoleucine (I) with Arginine at position 433 amino acid sequence compared with the consensus sequences amino acid of HM-175 strain. No evidence of recombination was observed in the isolated strain HAV/Ahvaz/Iran/2015 genome