Cadmium (Cd) influences calcium (Ca) levels in the skeleton of a freshwater fish Channa gachua

Abstract Environmental contamination with heavy metals is a threat to the organisms due to their toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation in food chains. The study was aimed to assess cadmium (Cd) effect on calcium (Ca) level in bones of a freshwater fish Channa gachua. 42 fish individuals were kept into six (6) aquaria; labelled aq.0, 1, 2, 3,4 and 5 in the laboratory for treatment. Aq.0 was control group and aq.1, 2,3,4,5 were experimental with treatment solution of Cd 0, 0.1ppm, 0.5ppm, 1ppm, 2.5ppm and 5ppm respectively for three months. After exposure, bones tissue were examined for Cd accumulation and Ca concentration. Highest accumulation of Cd were recorded in aq.5 mean 46.86 ± 0.46 mgkg-1 .and lowest in the control group with mean 0.61 ± 0.06 mgkg-1. The order of Cd bioaccumulation in bones were aq.5 > aq.4 >aq.3 > aq.2 > aq.1 > aq.0. Highest concentration of Ca were noted in aq.0 (Control group) mean 7888.06 ± 4827.22 mgkg-1 and lowest were 1132.36 ± 203.73 mgkg-1 in aq.5 (at 5.0 ppm). Generally a pattern of decreasing Ca level were observed with each rise of Cd bioaccumulation aq.0 > aq.1 > aq.2 > aq.3 > aq.4 > aq.5. Current study indicated that Cd accumulation have substantial effect on Ca level in bones and hence on skeleton system. Strict rules must be implemented by government to control metals pollution and exploitations of biota.

The effect of melatonin on sleep quality and cognitive function of individuals undergoing hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

and purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of melatonin on sleep quality and cognitive function of individuals undergoing hemodialysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 102 eligible individuals were assigned to two equal intervention and control groups. The intervention group received melatonin 3 mg tablets half an hour before going to bed for six weeks, while the control group was given a placebo with similar conditions.

RESULTS

This study had 102 participants who were divided into intervention and control groups. The mean age of the participants was 58.30 (SD = 12.10). Among the participants, 54.90% were female. Moreover, 33.33% of the individuals received dialysis for four years or longer. After the intervention, the mean and standard deviation of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was 12.66 (SD = 3.09) in the intervention group and 18.86 (SD = 3.8) in the control group (P < 0.001). Moreover, the mean sleep quality index in the intervention group showed a statistically significant difference before and after the intervention (P < 0.001); the PSQI score declined from 20.21 to 12.66. Likewise, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups after intervention in the mean Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) index (P = 0.002); it was 24.27 (SD = 3.42) in the intervention group and 22.15 (SD = 2.3) in the control group. The mean MoCA score in the intervention group showed a significant difference before and after the intervention (P < 0.001), increasing from 21.19 to 24.27.

CONCLUSION

According to the study's findings, melatonin can improve individuals undergoing hemodialysis' cognitive function and sleep quality.

Comparison of the effects of Benson relaxation technique and nature sounds on pain, anxiety, and body image in burn-injured patients admitted to the burn ICU: A single-blind randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Burn patients feel a lot of physiological and mental stress during treatment and rehabilitation which often cause anxiety and body image dissatisfaction. This study aimed to compare the effects of the Benson relaxation technique and nature sounds on pain anxiety and body image in burn-injured patients admitted to a burn intensive care unit (BICU).

METHODS

This single-blind randomized clinical trial studied 60 burn patients allocated into three groups (Benson relaxation, nature sounds, and control) from September 2021 to February 2022. The patients received the intervention for seven consecutive days in person. Burn Specific Pain Anxiety Scale (BSPAS), was completed on the 1st, 4th, and 7th days. The intervention continued for four weeks measuring body image using the Satisfaction with Appearance Scale (SWAP) at the end of the 1st, 3rd, and 5th weeks. Finally, the data were statistically analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Bonferroni post hoc test, repeated measures ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis test, and Generalize Estimating Equations (GEE).

RESULTS

The mean pain anxiety and dissatisfaction with the appearance were high in the three groups in the pretest. On the 7th day after the intervention, the ANOVA showed that the mean pain anxiety decreased significantly in Benson's relaxation and nature sounds groups in three stages (before intervention (S1), after intervention (S2) and immediately after dressing change (S3) (P < 0.001). Correspondingly, the Kruskal Wallis test revealed that the body image dissatisfaction decreased significantly in the three groups at the end of the 3rd and 5th weeks (P < 0.001). The mean scores of pain anxiety showed that the nature sounds group proved more effective than the Benson relaxation technique. Also, the means scores of body image satisfaction showed that the Benson relaxation technique proved more effective than nature sounds.

CONCLUSION

The study findings suggested that the Benson relaxation technique and nature sounds effectively reduces pain, anxiety, and improves body image satisfaction in patients with burn injuries.

Effects of microplastics in freshwater fishes health and the implications for human health

The presence of microplastics in aquatic environments has raised concerns about their abundance and potential hazards to aquatic organisms. This review provides insight into the problem that may be of alarm for freshwater fish. Plastic pollution is not confined to marine ecosystems; freshwater also comprises plastic bits, as the most of plastic fragments enter oceans via rivers. Microplastics (MPs) can be consumed by fish and accumulated due to their size and poor biodegradability. Furthermore, it has the potential to enter the food chain and cause health problems. Evidence of MPs s ingestion has been reported in >150 fish species from both freshwater and marine systems. However, microplastic quantification and toxicity in freshwater ecosystems have been underestimated, ignored, and not reported as much as compared to the marine ecosystem. However, their abundance, influence, and toxicity in freshwater biota are not less than in marine ecosystems. The interaction of MPs with freshwater fish, as well as the risk of human consumption, remains a mystery. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the impacts of MPs on freshwater fish is still very limited. This study detailed the status of the toxicity of MPs in freshwater fish. This review will add to our understanding of the ecotoxicology of microplastics on freshwater fish and give subsequent research directions.

Genetic Diversity of Hottentotta sp. Scorpions (Scorpionidae: Buthidae) in Khuzestan, Iran

The genus of Hottentotta sp. scorpion is one of the few medically important scorpions in Iran. This study assessed the genetic relationship analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COXI) and 12sRNA genes and morphometric parameters among the population of Hottentotta sp in Khuzestan. Morphological analysis using the ANOVA T-test with a significance level of P-value less than 0.05 showed differences between the Hottetotta saulcyi and Hottetotta zagrosensis. However, this method was not able to distinguish between members of the same species. The amplification of gene fragments was done on 12srRNA (374 bp), and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COXI) (624 bp) from Hottentotta sp. collected from Khuzestan by PCR. Based on sequence 12srRNA, all H. saulcyi specimens (HS4, HS6 and HS7) except HS5 were included in cluster B. While two specimens of H. Zagrosensis (HZ6 and HZ1) with 99% bootstrap value were placed in cluster A. By using 12srRNA sequences, the highest genetic distance between the Khuzestan specimens was related to HS5 and HS7, which was calculated to be 16.7%. However, the amount of amino acid difference between HS5 and HS7 using the COXI sequence was 9.2%. The genetic distances of HS7 and HS5 with the only scorpion reference sequence, H. saulcyi, were 11.8% and 9.2%, respectively. Morphological data showed the separation of the two species, consistent with molecular phylogenetic trees. On the other hand, the genetic distance of specimens HS7 and HS5 with other members of the group as well as the scorpion reference sequence using the COXI gene, confirmed the possibility of an intraspecies difference that could not be proved by the morphological data alone.

Effects of acupressure on intestinal function in patients with coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a randomized clinical trial

Aim

This study aimed to determine the effects of acupressure on the intestinal function of patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery.

Background

Studies indicated that cardiovascular patients are prone to constipation. Acupressure is one of the therapeutic and palliative approaches that can be used by doctors, nurses, and even patients themselves.

Methods

The present three-group randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 90 patients undergoing CABG surgery. In the intervention group, 48 hours after surgery the patients received acupressure points LI4 and ST25 twice a day (10 am and 6 pm) for three sequential days. In the sham group, the patients received acupressure at a 1.5 cm distance from the LI4-ST25 points, and the patients in the control group received only the usual care. This research used a demographic and medical information questionnaire, Rome IV scale, Bristol stool scale, symptom registration checklist, and daily excretion assessment checklist. The intestinal function indices were completed 24 hours after surgery (before intervention), 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours after surgery.

Results

All three intervention, sham, and control groups were without defecation in 24 hours (before intervention) and 48 hours after surgery. There was a significant difference between the three intervention, sham, and control groups in the number of stools after 72 hours, 96 hours, and 120 hours after the intervention (p<0.001). Also, a significant difference was observed among the three groups in terms of stool consistency 96 hours after the start of the intervention (p=0.032) and 120 hours after the start of the intervention (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The results showed that patients had a significant improvement in the number of bowel movements and stool consistency in the intervention group. In acute conditions, acupressure on LI4-ST25 points can positively affect intestinal function when patients are hospitalized in the intensive care unit.

The Association between Occupational Burnout and Spiritual Well-being in Emergency Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective

This study evaluated the occupational burnout (OB) and spiritual well-being (SWB) of emergency nurses as well as the associations between these variables.

Method

This cross-sectional study was conducted in six hospitals and emergency medical centers affiliated with Ardebil University of Medical Sciences (Ardebil, Iran), in 2020. Data were collected via socio-demographic, Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS), and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) questionnaires.

Results

This study included 239 emergency department nurses. The mean age of the participants was 34.4±6.4 years. The mean of existential well-being and religious well-being was 40.3±8.7 and 41.0±9.2, respectively. The results indicated that moderate (P=0.007) and severe (P<0.001) personal accomplishment was a positive and significant predictor of the SWB in emergency department nurses.

Conclusion

Proper planning and provision of suitable educational programs in the dimension of the SWB of nurses prevent the creation and continuation of OB and increase the self-efficacy and job satisfaction of emergency medical staff, resulting in better patient care.

Assessment of a low-cost commercial CCD for use in X-ray imaging

Charged coupled device (CCD) is an imaging sensor that can be used as a digital radiation position-sensitive detector in space applications, industrial and medical imaging, etc. Commonly, the CCDs used for X-ray imaging are expensive and needed more complicated control, electronic boards. In this work, a simple and low-cost commercial CCD model (TCD1304AP) has been used to implement X-ray imaging. Moreover, a CsI(Tl) scintillation crystal with different thicknesses of 2 and 5 mm has been utilized as an X-ray to light photon converter. The driving and data acquisition boards have been designed in straightforward implementation, which can be easily performed. Also, the appropriate integration times have been set to 10 ms and 420 ms for use in cases with and without scintillation crystals respectively. The results show that this sensor has an admissible response to X-ray imaging. There is about a below 8.3% relative difference between the actual and attained dimensions from images at the direct method. However, this difference increases up to 17.7% for the indirect method due to the optical propagation in the scintillator. Furthermore, the experiment for the determination of the PSF distribution indicates that the spatial resolution of this X-ray imaging is 2% in the direct method and 3% with a 2 mm CsI(Tl) scintillator.

Effect of a forensic nursing virtual education course on knowledge and clinical decision-making of master’s nursing students in Iran: a non-equivalent control group pre- and post-test study

PURPOSE

Forensic nursing is a specialty in the nursing profession based on legal procedures. This study aimed to assess the effect of a forensic nursing virtual education course on knowledge and clinical decision-making among master’s nursing students.

METHODS

In a quasi-experimental study with a pre- and post-test, 106 master’s nursing students at Guilan (n=65) and Mazandaran (n=41) Universities of Medical Sciences, Iran were enrolled. Data were collected using census sampling from March to April 2021. Participants in the intervention group received a forensic nursing virtual education course in three 90-minute sessions for 2 days.

RESULTS

A total of 88 out of 106 master’s nursing students were enrolled in this study. The mean post-education score for knowledge in the intervention group was significantly higher than in the control group (12.52 vs. 7.67, P<0.001). The mean post-education score for clinical decision-making in the intervention group was significantly higher than in the control group (16.96 vs. 13.64, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The level of knowledge and clinical decision-making of master’s nursing students regarding forensic evidence improved after the forensic nursing virtual education course in the intervention group compared to the control group. Nursing managers and policymakers can develop appropriate strategies to improve the knowledge and clinical decision-making of nursing students by using forensic nursing education courses in the curricula of nursing programs, especially in postgraduate education as an elective or mandatory course.

Evaluation and prioritization of occupational safety and health risks of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd in 2019

Introduction: Today, it is essential to pay attention to the opportunities and threats in health services, especially in hospitals, to identify and evaluate the existing risks and manage them in these centers. Hospital risk management is a program to reduce the occurrence and prevalence of preventable accidents and is of great economic, human and moral importance in the hospital environment. This study aimed to evaluate and prioritize the occupational safety and health risks of the staff of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd in 2019  Methods and material: : The present study is descriptive-cross-sectional. In the first step, the main risks in clinical, laboratory, facilities, radiology, and administrative departments were identified. Based on FMEA logic, three severity, probability, and vulnerability indicators were identified for each risk. Then, prioritization criteria were determined, and ANP prioritized the risks. Results: According to infectious disease experts with a risk of 0.86 in the clinical ward, inhalation of Barisek chemical vapor 1.17 in the laboratory, radiation of the device with a risk of 0.64 in imaging, infectious disease with a risk of 0.33 and 1.3 in order of priority The first were in the administrative and facilities department. Conclusion: The  results showed that the hospital  management should adopt special management  programs to control infectious diseases with a staff  health approach. Control  measures should be set with priority risks. The difference in the obtained  risk numbers  indicated the different  priorities of implementing risk management  programs in each  ward of  Shahid  Sadoughi Hospital.

Predisposing factors of cerebral edema in Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A systematic review

Background: diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is not the most common acute complication of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents, But the cerebral edema caused by it is the most common cause of death in children with DKA. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to describe of the Predisposing factors of cerebral edema in Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Methods: sex international databases of Wiley, Medline, Scopus, web of science, ProQuest and Cochrane Library s, and three domestic databases, including SID, Magiran and Iranmedex were searched for relevant studies. Then, articles with inclusion criteria and related to the objectives of this study were reviewed. Results: These studies have identified several risk factors for cerebral edema, some of which are related to the severity of the disease at admission and some of which are related to treatment. Conclusion: Preventing DKA is the only reliable way to prevent cerebral edema until the causes of this life-threatening complication are fully understood.

Investigation of antibacterial, antifungal, antibiofilm, antioxidant and anticancer properties of methanol extracts of Salvia marashica İlçim, Celep & Doğan and Salvia caespitosa Montbret & Aucher ex Benth plants with medicinal importance

In this study, Antimicrobial, Antifungal and Antibiofilm activity tests on 16 bacteria and 2 fungi of Salvia marashica İlçim, Celep & Doğan and Salvia caespitosa Montbret & Aucher ex Benth species were performed by Agar Well Diffusion and Microdilution methods. Salvia species showed sensitivity with a zone diameter of 12-16 mm. Concentrations of 0.5 mg/ml to 16 mg/ml by the dilution method were used to determine the Minimum inhibited concentration (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBK). The MIC values of the plants are mostly 0.5 mg/ml - 4 mg/ml and MBC values are between 0.5 mg/ml - 8 mg/ml. Antifungal activity findings are remarkable on the species and it has been observed to have very high effects especially on Candida parapsilosis. When the antioxidant research findings are examined; It was observed that Salvia marashica and Salvia caespitosa plants have approximately 75% antioxidant activity at 1 mg/ml, and findings mostly directly proportional between concentrations and antioxidant activity capacity were recorded. MCF-7 and HUVEC cell lines were used to investigate anticancer activity properties. In line with the findings, while the IC50 value of Salvia marashica on the MCF-7 Cell line was 0.125 mg/ml, it was 1.65 mg/ml in the HUVEC cell line, while the IC50 value of Salvia caespitosa on the MCF-7 Cell line was 0.115 mg/ml in the HUVEC Cell line. It was found to be 9.87 mg/ml. It has been proven that both Salvia species have a cytotoxic effect on the MCF-7 Cell line.

Phylogenetic Relationships of Scorpion Compsobuthus matthiesseni Based on Sequences of Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 Gene from Khuzestan Province, Iran

Buthidae family includes scorpions with highly potent venom such as Compsobuthus matthiesseni is important due to the prevalence of scorpion stings in Khuzestan Province, Iran. Morphometric comparison of males and females (n=5 each) showed that the body and carapas of the females were longer and wider (32.57±0.23 mm and 3.75±0.22 mm, respectively) than those of males (28.89±0.25 mm and 3.55±0.12 mm, respectively). From the seven specimens of C. matthiesseni scorpion, 410-bp gene fragments of ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. The specimens of CM1 and CM2 (isolated from Baghmalek, Khuzestan) were in the same group with bootstrap values of 87%. Nevertheless, CM4 and CM3 (isolated from Shushtar and Bidroobe, Khuzestan) with bootstrap values of 73% and 62% were separated from the two specimens of Baghmalek, respectively. The two specimens CF3 and CM5 (isolated from Masjed Soleiman, Khuzestan) with bootstrap values of 88% were placed next to each other in a separate group. CF2 was separated from the rest of the specimens with a bootstrap value of 54%. Out of the seven scorpions that were examined, six specimens (CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, and CF3) showed the greatest similarity between 1.1% and 4%. However, the genetic distance between CF2 and the rest of the specimens was at the range of 10.8-14.2%. It can be concluded that all C. matthiesseni scorpions from Khuzestan Province belonged to one species; nonetheless, differences were observed within the species, especially in the case of CF2, which might be intraspecies.

Properties and Recent Advantages of N,N’-dialkylimidazolium-ion Liquids Application in Electrochemistry

:

N,Nʹ-dialkylimidazolium-ion liquids is one of the important ionic liquids with a wide range of application as conductive electrolyte and in electrochemistry. The modified electrodes create a new view in fabrication of electroanalytical sensors. Many modifiers have beeen suggested for modification of electroanalytical sensor since many years ago. Over these years, ionic liquids and especially room temperature ionic liquids have attracted more attention due to their wide range of electrochemical windows and high electrical conductivity. N,Nʹ-dialkylimidazolium-ion liquids are one of the main important ionic liquids suggested for modification of bare electrodes and especially carbon paste electrodes. Although many review articles have reported onthe use of ionic liquids in electrochemical sensors, no review article has been specifically introduced so far on the review of the advantages of N,Nʹ-dialkylimidazolium ionic liquid. Therefore, in this review paper we focused on the introduction of recent advantages of N,Nʹ-dialkyl imidazolium ionic liquid in electrochemistry.

The effect of an empowerment program on the moral sensitivity and caring behaviors of emergency nurses in Iran

AIM

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of an empowerment program on the moral sensitivity and caring behaviors of nurses in emergency departments in Iran.

BACKGROUND

Emergency department is often a high stress environment. Nurses who worked in the emergency departments are expected to work under pressure to many standards, guidelines and protocols related to patient care. It will expose emergency department nurses to psychological pressures and moral conflicts. A nurse's sensitivity to ethical issues is necessary to provide humane care; it is considered to be a professional competence for nurses.

METHODS

This study had a controlled quasi-experimental design. Data were collected before, immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention using a moral sensitivity questionnaire and a caring behavior questionnaire. A total of 131 emergency department nurses from 4 teaching hospitals were divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received six 60-minute training sessions; the control group did not receive the training.

RESULTS

The mean moral sensitivity and caring behavior scores for both groups increased significantly immediately and 1 month after the intervention. However, the significance was higher in the intervention group than in the control group. A comparison of the mean moral sensitivity and caring behavior scores between the groups immediately and 1 month after the intervention did not show a statistically significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing a training program on ethical issues could thus have a significant impact on the clinical performance of nurses, which could be maintained through follow-up.

Operational matrices based on the shifted fifth-kind Chebyshev polynomials for solving nonlinear variable order integro-differential equations

In this research, we study a general class of variable order integro-differential equations (VO-IDEs). We propose a numerical scheme based on the shifted fifth-kind Chebyshev polynomials (SFKCPs). First, in this scheme, we expand the unknown function and its derivatives in terms of the SFKCPs. To carry out the proposed scheme, we calculate the operational matrices depending on the SFKCPs to find an approximate solution of the original problem. These matrices, together with the collocation points, are used to transform the original problem to form a system of linear or nonlinear algebraic equations. We discuss the convergence of the method and then give an estimation of the error. We end by solving numerical tests, which show the high accuracy of our results.

Future Study Of Fire Disaster Risk In Iran Using A Scenario Planning Approach

Fire disasters are one of the most common technological disasters in Iran. These disasters have killed many people and resulted in significant economic loss. The "Plasco" building fire in 2017 is one example of these catastrophic disasters, when most of Iran was affected by its tragic news. Regarding the increasing number of risk factors for fire disasters, we aimed to study future scenarios for such disasters in the country. The present study is a futuristic study with an exploratory approach that uses an intuitive logic scenario development approach. We used document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and the Delphi technique to identify driving forces and develop scenario stories, and finally those scenario stories were validated. In the document analysis phase, 22 documents were identified and analysed. After collecting information related to documents and analysing ten interviews, 41 of the driving forces were identified. By drawing the scenario matrix, four alternative scenarios for the future of fire disasters were developed. Two dimensions for scenario development were the correct application of fire prevention laws and access to driving technologies. Policymakers can concentrate on these key factors for best planning in the mitigation of fire disasters. In addition, studying scenarios can help managers and officials to better develop strategic plans for disaster risk reduction.

Comparing the effects of teach-back method, multimedia and blended training on self-care and social support in patients with heart failure: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The knowledge level of caregivers and their support for patients can affect the self-care of patients with heart failure (HF). The present study was conducted to compare the effects of teach-back, multimedia, and blended training methods on self-care and social support in patients with HF and on knowledge in their caregivers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a randomized clinical trial, a total of 150 HF patient-caregiver dyads were randomly allocated into three equally sized training groups, using a simple number table (n = 50). The study was conducted between May to October 2018 in Sari, northern Iran. In the teach-back, multimedia and blended training groups, patient-caregiver dyads participated in 20-30-min training sessions held face-to-face, using digital video disc (DVD) and combination of teach-back and DVD on 4 consecutive days at the bedside of hospitalized patients in coronary care unit, respectively. Data were collected using the European Heart Failure Self-Care Behaviour Scale and the multidimensional scale of perceived social support for patients. Caregivers' level of knowledge was measured using the HF Knowledge Scale. Data were measured on the first day of hospitalization, 1 day before discharge and 4 and 8 weeks after patients' discharge. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

RESULTS

All three educational methods improved self-care behaviors in patients. The comparison of self-care behavior scores in patients with HF among the three groups at different time points showed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05), except 1 day before discharge (P = 0.04). There were no statistically-significant differences between the teach-back, multimedia and the blended training group in terms of perceived social support at any of the four-time points (P > 0.05). All three training methods improved the level of knowledge of caregivers. However, the score in the blended training groups was higher than the other groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

According to the results of the present study, it seems that all three educational interventions can improve self-care behaviors in HF patients and increase knowledge in their caregivers. However, using the blended training method was associated with better outcomes.

Mathematical analysis of a stochastic model for spread of Coronavirus

This paper is associated to investigate a stochastic SEIAQHR model for transmission of Coronavirus disease 2019 that is a recent great crisis in numerous societies. This stochastic pandemic model is established due to several safety protocols, for instance social-distancing, mask and quarantine. Three white noises are added to three of the main parameters of the system to represent the impact of randomness in the environment on the considered model. Also, the unique solvability of the presented stochastic model is proved. Moreover, a collocation approach based on the Legendre polynomials is presented to obtain the numerical solution of this system. Finally, some simulations are provided to survey the obtained results of this pandemic model and to identify the theoretical findings.

Using Comet Assay for Genotoxic Evaluation of Zataria multiflora Boiss., An Iranian Endemic Plant

Background: Zataria multiflora Boiss. (Avishan-e Shirazi), as an Iranian endemic plant, belongs to the Lamiaceae family and may be used as a food preservative. This study aimed to detect potential genotoxic effects of Z. multiflora extract.  Methods: Hydro-alcoholic extract of Z. multiflora was prepared. Human B lymphocytes were treated with 1% extract within 3 and 24 h. Sterile Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) and cisplatin were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. DNA damage profiles were examined using comet assay (Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis). Data were statistically analyzed by SPSS software v. 21. Results: No statistically significant (p=0.071) DNA damage was observed in B lymphocytes treated with either Z. multiflora extract or PBS after 3 and 24 h. However, there was a statistically significant difference (p=0.0001) between DNA damage in B lymphocytes that treated with cisplatin and Z. multiflora after 3 and 24 h. Conclusion: The comet assay used in the current study showed that Z. multiflora had no genotoxic effect.

Investigating the effect of seeing patients' pre-burn face photo on the quality of care and level of empathy of nurses with patients admitted to BICU

BACKGROUND

One of the results of burn injuries is the appearance of scars and deformities in various organs of the body, which can cause many physical and psychological challenges to burn patients. Lack of proper communication between nurse and patient leads to inaccurate identification of psychological and social needs of these patients and thus affects the quality of care.

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the effect of seeing the patient's pre-burn face photo on the quality of care and empathy of nurses with patients admitted to the burn intensive care unit.

METHODS

The present study is a quasi-experimental interventional study conducted on 26 Burn Intensive Care Unit (BICU) nurses who were selected by census sampling method in 2018. Data were collected through QUALPAC Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire, Lumonica Empathy Questionnaire and Demographic Questionnaire, which were completed by nurses before and after the intervention. Pre-burn photos of patients with facial burns were displayed at the nursing station for one month and the data were compared before and after the intervention. Descriptive statistics and paired t-test and independent t-test, Mann-Whitney and Pearson correlation tests were used to analyze the data.

FINDINGS

The results of present study showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the quality of nursing care (p = 0.001) and its psychological dimension (p < 0.001) before and after the intervention in the group of nurses. However, no significant relationship was found between nurses' empathy with patients before (p = 0.901) and after intervention (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Seeing the photo of the patient's pre-burn face and establishing a relationship between the nurse and the patient had an effect on the quality of nursing care and especially its psychological dimension. However, in order to generalize the results and implement this low-cost, convenient and low-complication intervention for all patients admitted to the intensive care unit, more studies are needed in this field.

A mathematical model to examine the effect of quarantine on the spread of coronavirus

In this study, we propose a mathematical model about the spread of novel coronavirus. This model is a system of fractional order differential equations in Caputo's sense. The aim is to explain the virus transmission and to investigate the impact of quarantine on decreasing the prevalence rate of the virus in the environment. The unique solvability of the presented COVID-19 model is proved. Also, the equilibrium points and the reproduction number of the proposed model are discussed in two cases with and without considering the quarantine factor. Using the Adams-Bashforth-Moulton predictor-corrector method, some numerical simulations are implemented to survey the behavior of the considered model.

A numerical study of fractional rheological models and fractional Newell-Whitehead-Segel equation with non-local and non-singular kernel

In the recent years, few type of fractional derivatives which have non-local and non-singular kernel are introduced. In this work, we present fractional rheological models and Newell-Whitehead-Segel equations with non-local and non-singular kernel. For solving these equations, we present a spectral collocation method based on the shifted Legendre polynomials. To do this, we extend the unknown functions and its derivatives using the shifted Legendre basis. These expansions and the properties of the shifted Legendre polynomials along with the spectral collocation method will help us to reduce the main problem to a set of nonlinear algebraic equations. Finally, The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method are reported by some illustrative examples.

Phylogenetic and Morphological Analyses of Androctonus crassicuda from Khuzestan Province, Iran (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

The Androctonus crassicuda is the most diverse scorpion species in the family of Buthidae, which is endemic to Khuzestan province, Iran. Investigation of the relationship of species by means of a molecular study of specimens is one of the new approaches due to the limitations of the morphological approaches. In the current study, the analysis was based on 32 morphological characteristics of A. crassicuda native to southwest Iran. Moreover, the DNA sequencing of two mitochondrial markers, namely cytochrome oxidase subunit I and 12sRNA loci was performed, and the phylogenetic tree was constructed using maximum likelihood method with 1000 replications using MEGA software (version 7). Based on the results of the phylogenetic tree, A. crassicuda was classified into a monophyletic group. However, the genetic diversity of this species populations was not significant (0.001). The highest and lowest genetic distance of A. crassicuda was compared with the reports obtained in Urmia and west Azerbaijan, Iran. There was a clear divergence between the A. crassicuda isolated from northern and southern areas of Iran. This study showed the importance of geographical and climate features of the region and genetic distance among the populations. The phylogenetic analysis of Androctonus species from other regions showed the highest and lowest genetic distance with A. gonneti (Morocco) and A. amoreuxi (Portugal), respectively. The comparison of the morphological characteristics and morphometric results revealed that metasoma characteristics are important in the identification of A. crassicuda. The results of the analysis of the morphometric values of A. crassicuda were mainly compatible with the phylogenetic trees and supported the traditional morphological classification, thereby presenting a clearly definition of the genera of Androctonus species.

Numerical evaluation of fractional Tricomi-type model arising from physical problems of gas dynamics

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The fractional Tricomi-type model is adopted for describing the anomalous process of nearly sonic speed gas dynamics.

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A new hybrid scheme based LRBF-FD method is formulated to solve the model.

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The LRBF-FD method useful for irregular domains with good accuracy is proposed.

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The stability and convergence of the proposed method are analyzed using the energy method.

This paper deals with approximating the time fractional Tricomi-type model in the sense of the Caputo derivative. The model is often adopted for describing the anomalous process of nearly sonic speed gas dynamics. The temporal semi-discretization is computed via a finite difference algorithm, while the spatial discretization is obtained using the local radial basis function in a finite difference mode. The local collocation method approximates the differential operators using a weighted sum of the function values over a local collection of nodes (named stencil) through a radial basis function expansion. This technique considers merely the discretization nodes of each subdomain around the collocation node. This leads to sparse systems and tackles the ill-conditioning produced of global collocation. The theoretical convergence and stability analyses of the proposed time semi-discrete scheme are proved by means of the discrete energy method. Numerical results confirm the accuracy and efficiency of the new approach.

Scolicidal activity of Mesobuthus eupeus venom against the protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus

Hydatidosis is an important zoonosis caused by a parasitic tapeworm, namely Echinococcus granulosus. This infection is distributed worldwide and affects the health as well as economic loss in both humans and animals. In most cases, the disease needs chemotherapy with or without surgery. Conventional drugs have some major problems, including drug complications, harmful side effects, and also progressive resistance. According to the importance of biological productions as alternative medicine, a large number of studies confirmed that whole venom and many peptide ingredients of the scorpion venom have various different medical benefits, including antimicrobial properties, due to the mechanism of blocking gated ion channel. In this study, the venom peptides of Mesobuthus eupeus scorpionwere purified using gel filtration chromatography and subsequently ion exchange chromatography, followed by the determination of the molecular weights of the proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) procedure. After collecting the hydatid cysts fluids from the liver of infected sheep, protoscolices were derived, washed, and encountered to the whole venom as well as eight different fractions of toxin 30, 60, 120, and 240 min after the exposure. In the next step, the viability of protoscolices was determined by eosin staining. The obtained results revealed that a venom fraction under 10 kDa killed all protoscolices after 30 min. Moreover, it was found that the scolicidal activity of fractions increases according to the time of exposure. As a result, it can be concluded that M. epeus venom peptides under its LD50 (1/2 LD50) can properly and quickly destroy the protoscolices of hydatid cysts at the level of applied concentrations and such components are good alternatives to treat hydatidosis.

Overexploitation hazards and salinization risks in crucial declining aquifers, chemo-isotopic approaches

Bastam region is overusing its groundwater resources stocks. The groundwater levels, and hydrogeochemical data during a 14-year period (2002-2016) and isotopic composition (2016) of the 22 groundwater samples were investigated to determine the hydrogeological regime of Bastam Plain and identify the geochemical processes that control the groundwater quality. This plain is situated in a semi-arid region of northern Iran, mainly recharging from the carbonate Mountains in the north and southwest. In general, overexploitation of the groundwater due to low precipitation and changing precipitation regime has destructive effects on the hydrogeological setting and flow regime of Bastam crucial aquifer, including the decline of the groundwater level with rate of 0.9 m/year, water storage deficit of 17.32 Mm³/year and consequently, the intrusion of saline water towards the aquifer from the western and eastern salty plains. Based on the EC values, the groundwater samples divided into three groups of fresh waters with EC < 1000 μS/cm and Ca-Mg-HCO₃ water type which are located in the recharge zones, semi-saline waters (1000 < EC < 2500 μS/cm) with Na-Mg-Cl-SO₄ type at the center and saline waters with EC values more than 2500 μS/cm and Na-Cl type in the eastern and western parts of the plain. A few groundwater samples (group 2) fall on the mixing line between fresh and saline water in Piper diagram during the saline water intrusion, but most of the samples depart from this mixing line, indicating water-rock interactions in this area, resulting in deficit of Na⁺ and surplus of Ca²⁺ concentration. The fresh water samples cluster along the local meteoric water line in δ¹⁸O and δ²H relationships, suggesting an integrative and rapid recharge with meteoric water. Hydrochemical and isotopic characteristics indicate that invasion of the saline water resulted from halite dissolution with minor evaporation in the surrounding salty playas is the main origin for the increasing salinity in the Bastam aquifer. The salinization risks limit the groundwater withdrawals from Bastam aquifer in some areas, threatening the future sustainable development of the region.

Retraction of the original article "Persian version of thirst distress scale (TDS) in patients on hemodialysis: Factor structure and psychometric properties

Retraction of the original article "Persian version of thirst distress scale (TDS) in patients on hemodialysis: Factor structure and psychometric properties" by Amir Hossein Goudarzian, Azar Jafari, Belgüzar Kara, Mozhgan Taebi, and Hedayat Jafari in Clinical Nephrology,Vol 91 - No. 2/2019, pp 72 - 78. doi: 10.5414/CN109406: Dear Editor in Chief, When our article was published in volume 91, No 2 (February, 2019) of this journal, we found that a statistical mistake had occurred. We found that data that was input in SPSS is from another questionnaire (that was not related to this study). Thus, the results were wrong. The study will have to be run again. We regret this error and decision to retract this article. Sincerely,Hedayat Jafari on behalf of all authors.

The effect of eucalyptus vapor on cough after coronary artery bypass surgery

Cough is postoperative complication following endotracheal intubation as well as inflammation of the pharynx, larynx and trachea. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of eucalyptus vapor on cough after tracheal extubation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). In this randomized controlled trial, 100 patients undergoing CABG were randomly divided into two groups by accessible sampling. Before the intervention and after tracheal extubation, demographic and clinical data, as well as data on cough by a scoring system were collected from interventional and control groups. The patients in the interventional group after tracheal extubation were exposed to eucalyptus vapor for about 10 min. This treatment was performed at 1 and 12 h after extubation. The severity of cough was recorded in both interventional and control groups at 0, 1, 6, 12 and 24 h after extubation. The present study showed that the severity of cough after extubation in the patients undergoing CABG in the interventional group had no significant difference at the times of immediate to 24 hours after extubation. Risk of cough had respectively 9.5% increase in the control group as compared to the interventional group.

Effect of oak (Quercus persica) acorn level on apparent digestibility, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen balance and urinary purine derivatives in pregnant goats

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary oak (Quercus persica) acorn (OA) level on dry matter intake (DMI), apparent nutrient digestibility, nitrogen (N) utilization, ruminal fermentation, protozoa population and urinary purine derivatives (PD) during the last 60 days of goat pregnancy. Twenty-four multiparous pregnant goats (41.7 ± 2.3 kg BW) were assigned to one of three experimental diets consisted of control diet (C, without OA) and diets containing 20 (OA₂₀ ) or 40 g/100 g of OA (OA₄₀ ) on a DM basis in a completely randomized block design. Goats fed OA₄₀ had lower DMI (p < .01), DM (p < .01), OM (p < .01) and NDF (p < .05) digestibility, ruminal NH₃ -N concentration (p < .01), N intake (p < .01) and N retention (p < .01). Crude protein digestibility and ruminal acetate and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration were lower in animals fed OA-contained diets (p < .01), whereas ruminal propionate concentration was higher in goats fed the C diet (p < .01). Animals fed OA₄₀ had higher faecal N excretion and lower urinary N excretion (p < .01). Urinary PD was lower in goats fed diets containing OA in relation to those fed the C diet (p < .01). Total protozoa population decreased linearly with increasing OA level in the diet (p < .05). These results suggest that feeding OA, especially high level, has negative impacts on DMI, nutrient digestibility, VFA concentration, N retention and urinary PD excretion that may have adverse effects on metabolism and performance of pregnant goats.

The Effect of Relaxation Technique on Fatigue Levels after Stem Cell Transplant

Background:

Many patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) experience fatigue due to their disease process and its long period of treatment. Using nonpharmacological methods to help reduce their fatigue is a reasonable endeavor. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Benson's relaxation technique on fatigue levels in patients after HSCT.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-seven patients were randomly selected to the intervention (n = 19) and control group (n = 18). In the intervention group, the participants performed Benson's relaxation exercises for 20 min twice per day over a period of 15 days. The data collection tools used included a demographic and medical information form and the Brief Fatigue Inventory, completed by both groups on three different occasions (upon admission and days 8 and 14 after the HSCT). The data obtained were analyzed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version-20 using statistical tests.

Results:

The results of the independent t-test showed no significant preintervention differences in fatigue levels between the two groups. On days 8 (t = 11.21, p < 0.001) and 14 after the transplant (t = 15.62, p < 0.001), a significant difference was observed in the mean level of fatigue between the two groups.

Conclusions:

These findings indicate that Benson's relaxation technique would improve fatigue in HSCT patients.

Determining the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on Life Expectancy and Anxiety Among Bereaved Patients

Introduction:

Acceptance and commitment therapy tries to increase one’s psychological acceptance regarding subjective experiences (thoughts, feelings, etc.,) and in turn, decrease ineffective control actions.

Aim:

The current study was conducted with the aim to investigate the effect of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on the amount of life expectancy and anxiety among bereaved patients.

Material and Methods:

This research was a quasi-experimental study with pretest–post-test control group design. The statistical population included all bereaved patients aged between 20-40 who referred to counseling and treatment centers and psychiatric clinics in Tehran in 2015. Bereaved patients were identified through convenient random sampling method amongst patients and based on clinical diagnosis of psychiatrist treating patients. Thirty four persons were chosen and were randomly assigned in two 17- persons experimental and control groups. Both groups were evaluated at two stages of pre-test and post-test through anxiety scale (Spielberger STAI-y 1970) and life expectancy (Schneider, 1991).

Findings:

Conducted investigation shows that the average life expectancy in the experimental group has increased from 12.40 to 23.30 after acceptance and commitment therapy. Moreover, the average of anxiety scores in the experimental group has decreased in post-test from 121.20 to 79.10 after acceptance and commitment therapy. Results of covariance analysis revealed that the experimental group subjects experienced a significant lower level of anxiety than those in control group (p<0.001). Furthermore, the life expectancy has significantly increased in the experimental group (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Inefficient beliefs (illogical), intellectual faults and cognitive distortions have reduced, and these in turn cause a reduction in anxiety. In this way bereaved patients’ life expectancy has increased.

Conclusion:

The acceptance and commitment therapy has led to the anxiety reduction and caused an increase in bereaved patients’ life expectancy.

Relationship of Hemodialysis Shift With Sleep Quality and Depression in Hemodialysis Patients

This descriptive correlational study was aimed at determining the relationship of hemodialysis shift with sleep quality and depression in 310 hemodialysis patients. Demographic and Clinical Questionnaires, the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, and Beck's Depression Inventory were used to ascertain the aforementioned relationship. Among the patients, 59.6% reported poor sleep quality and 44.8% reported experiencing depression. Results show that these conditions were significantly related to many factors. Although dialysis shift was not significantly related to sleep quality and depression, sleep quality was found significantly associated with age, female gender, illiteracy, unemployment, residence in rural areas, diabetes, addiction to sedatives, and phosphorus levels. A significant relationship was also found between depression and phosphorus levels. Logistic regression predicted age, gender, illiteracy, unemployment, residence in rural areas, and addiction to sedatives as factors for poor sleep quality. A body mass index (BMI) above 30, decreased urea, and increased phosphorus were predicted as factors for increased depression.

Perception of futile care and caring behaviors of nurses in intensive care units

OBJECTIVES:

Futile medical care is considered as the care or treatment that does not benefit the patient. Staff of intensive care units experience moral distress when they perceive the futility of care. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between perceptions of nurses regarding futile medical care and their caring behaviors toward patients in the final stages of life admitted to intensive care units.

METHOD:

This correlation, analytical study was conducted with 181 nursing staff of the intensive care units of health centers affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran, Iran. The data collection tool included a three-part questionnaire containing demographic characteristics form, perception of futile care questionnaire, and caring behaviors inventory. To analyze the data, statistical tests and central indices of tendency and dispersion were investigated using SPSS, version 19. Pearson's correlation coefficient, partial correlation, t-test, and analysis of variance tests were performed to assess the relationship between the variables.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The study was reviewed by the ethics committee of the Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Informed consent was obtained from participants.

RESULTS:

Our findings illustrated that the majority of nurses (65.7%) had a moderate perception of futile care, and most of them (98.9%) had desirable caring behaviors in taking care of patients in the final stages of life. The nurses believed that psychosocial aspects of care were of utmost importance. There was a significant negative relationship between perception of futile care and caring behavior.

CONCLUSION:

Given the moderate perception of nurses concerning futile care, and its negative impact on caring behaviors toward patients, implementing suitable interventions for minimizing the frequency of futile care and its resulting tension seems to be mandatory. It is imperative to train nurses on adjustment mechanisms and raise their awareness as to situations resulting in futile care.

Effects of nonpharmacological interventions on reducing fatigue after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Fatigue is one of the main complaints of patients undergoing allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Since nonpharmacological interventions are cost-effective and causes fewer complications, this study aimed to review the studies performed on the effects of nonpharmacological interventions on fatigue in patients undergoing HSCT during September 2016. MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scientific Information Database, IranMedex, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Magiran, and IRANDOC databases were searched using Persian and English keywords. A total of 1217 articles were retrieved, 21 of which were used in this study. Exercise is known as an effective intervention in alleviating physical and mental problems of patients undergoing stem cell transplant. This review-based study showed that nonpharmacological methods such as exercise might be effective in decreasing fatigue in patients undergoing stem cell transplant. There is a multitude of studies on some of the complementary and alternative therapy methods, such as music therapy, yoga, relaxation, and therapeutic massage. These studies demonstrated the positive effects of the aforementioned therapies on reduction of fatigue in patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. All the investigated methods in this study were nonaggressive, safe, and cost-effective and could be used along with common treatments or even as an alternative for pharmacological treatments for the reduction, or elimination of fatigue in patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. Given the advantages of complementary and alternative medicine, conducting further studies on this issue is recommended to reduce fatigue in patients after stem cell transplantation.