Factors associated with preventive behaviours of COVID-19 among hospital staff in Iran in 2020: an application of the Protection Motivation Theory

This study was conducted to predict the preventive behaviours of healthcare workers (HCWs) towards COVID-19 based on the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). This cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted on 761 HCWs in Hamadan, Iran, using multi-stage random sampling. The preventive behaviours against COVID-19 among HCWs were assessed at a relatively desirable level. Based on the PMT, threat and coping appraisal were predictors of protection motivation to conduct COVID-19 preventive behaviours (P<0.001). The intention was also predictive of COVID-19 preventive behaviours (P<0.001). Consideration of personnel's self-efficacy and their knowledge regarding the effectiveness of protective behaviours in designing staff training programmes are recommended.

Comparison of the Antibacterial Effect of 810 nm Diode Laser and Photodynamic Therapy in Reducing the Microbial Flora of Root Canal in Endodontic Retreatment in Patients With Periradicular Lesions

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial efficacy of diode laser 810nm and photodynamic therapy (PDT) in reducing bacterial microflora in endodontic retreatment of teeth with periradicular lesion.

METHODS

In this in vivo clinical trial, 20 patients who needed endodontic retreatment were selected. After conventional chemo mechanical preparation of root canals, microbiological samples were taken with sterile paper point (PP), held in thioglycollate broth, and then were transferred to the microbiological lab. In the first group, PDT with methylene blue (MB) and diode laser (810 nm, 0.2 W, 40 seconds) was performed and in the second group diode laser (810 nm, 1.2 W, 30 seconds) was irradiated. Then second samples were taken from all canals.

RESULTS

CFU/ml amounts showed statistically significant reduction in both groups (P < 0.001). CFU/ml amounts were compared between the two groups and there was no statistical difference.

CONCLUSION

PDT and diode laser 810 nm irradiation are effective methods for root canal disinfection. PDT is a suitable alternative for diode laser 810 nm irradiation, because of lower thermal risk on root dentin.

Comparison of the effects of poultry manure and its biochar on barley growth in petroleum-contaminated soils

This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two organic amendments [poultry manure (PM) and poultry manure biochar (PMB)] for the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in contaminated soils by barley plant at three levels of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) during 5 months under greenhouse conditions. TPHs removal efficiency and microbial respiration were shown to be higher at soil-cultivated plant than at uncultivated soil and in lowest level of contamination rather than other levels of contamination and at organic amendment treatment than unamended soil. Soil microbial respiration and TPHs degradation in the rhizosphere of barley increased by 15.64 and 12.74% for PM-amended treatment and 28.07 and 26.83% for PMB-amended treatment, respectively, in the 4% TPHs level compared with unamended treatment. Comparison of two amendments showed that in PMB treatment soil, highest dry weight, microbial respiration, and TPHs degradation potential were observed.

Comparison of Carbon Dioxide Laser With Surgical Blade for Removal of Epulis Fissuratum. A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Epulis fissuratum is often formed as a result of a poor fitting denture. The conventional treatment for this fibrous hyperplastic tissue is to excise it using a scalpel and to close the wound by a continuous or an interrupted suture. The increased utilization of lasers in dentistry also includes the utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers in place of surgical scalpels in soft tissue surgeries. The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility of utilizing CO2 laser in place of scalpel in surgical treatment of epulis fissuratum. Methods: In this clinical trial research (IRCT code: IRCT2016071124969N2), 19 patients were selected with nearly symmetrical epulis fissuratums in the anterior part of the jaws. The hyperplastic tissue was evenly divided into two sections in each patient. One section was randomly selected and cut by CO2 laser and the other section by a surgical scalpel. The wound created by the scalpel was closed by appropriate number of interrupted sutures. Surgery duration and bleeding as well as vestibular depth, re-epithelialization and edema in both sections were noted and recorded after 7 and 14 days postoperatively. Results: The time of surgery and the amount of bleeding during surgery in the laser section was less and the vestibular depth was more than surgical scalpel section (P < 0.05). Surgical scalpel wound at day seventh healed significantly better than the section treated by the CO2 laser (P < 0.05). Wound in both sections healed similarly on day 14 and no statistical difference was observed. Edema presence was also equal in both sides after 7th and 14th following the surgery. Conclusion: According to the results it could be concluded that the use of CO2 laser may result in less surgery time, less bleeding during surgery, more vestibular depth, better re-epithelialization of the wound and less need for suturing. CO2 laser may be a clinically preferred method for surgical treatment of epulis fissuratum.

Comparing the Healing Effects of Arnebia euchroma Ointment With Petrolatum on the Ulcers Caused by Fractional CO2 Laser: A Single-Blinded Clinical Trial

Background:

Arnebia euchroma ointment (AEO) has been used in Iranian traditional medicine for burn wound healing.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to evaluate wound healing efficacy of AEO in burn wounds after fractional Co2 laser.

Patients and Methods:

This split-face, single-blinded, single-center clinical study was performed in Shohada-e-Tajrish Hospital, Tehran, Iran. A total of 26 subjects with facial acne scar, who were to receive fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing were recruited. After laser procedure, AEO was applied to one side of the face and petrolatum on the other side for wound healing. Digital photographs were taken from acne scar area before resurfacing and on each of the assessment sessions. Three researchers, who were unaware of the applied medications, assessed these digital photographs for erythema, edema, epithelial confluence, crusting/scabbing, and general wound appearance. Subject’s irritations such as dryness and itching were evaluated on the second, fifth, and seventh days.

Results:

Our study indicated higher epithelial confluence and general wound appearance scores (P = 0.045 for both) and less erythema and edema on fifth day in petrolatum (P = 0.009 and P = 0.034, respectively). The results showed less crusting and erythema (P = 0.016 and P = 0.035, respectively) and higher general wound appearance scores in petrolatum on the second day (P = 0.035 and P = 0.001, respectively). Dryness was the most common subjective complaint in both groups; however, it was more severe in AEO, especially on the second day (P = 0.023).

Conclusions:

Despite the healing effects of AEO in burn wounds, petrolatum was more effective than AEO in post-laser wound.

The Effect of Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression on Reducing Pain and Disability in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation

Introduction: As low back pain incidence is increasing, noninvasive modalities are gaining attention for their ability to achieve the best possible outcome with the least complications. Percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) is currently popular for this purpose. This study aims to evaluate the effect of PLDD on disability and pain reduction in patients with lumbar disc herniation. Methods: Thirty patients were enrolled in this study. Spinal nerve blocks were conducted by laser discectomy single stage injection of a needle into the disc space. The nucleus pulposus of herniated discs were irradiated with laser in order to vaporize a small part of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral discs and reduce the voluminosity of diseased discs. Patients were treated with 1000 J of 980 nm diode laser with 5 W energy. In order to measure the severity of pain, visual analog scale (VAS) and also ODI (Oswestry Disability Index) were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 12. Results: Thirty patients participated in this trial including 11 men and 19 women with a mean age (SD) of 40.8 (10.8) years. The mean patients VAS score and ODI level before and after discectomy showed statistically significant differences. The mean VAS and ODI scores showed no statistical difference between males and females (P<0.05) and percutaneous laser discectomy decreased the VAS and ODI at both groups of patients similarly. Conclusion: We found the use of PLDD reduces pain and disability in patients as a noninvasive procedure.

Strategies for reducing expenditures in Iran's health transformation plan: A qualitative study

Background: Iranian health system underwent a series of reforms entitled Health Transformation Plan (HTP) in 2014. The plan started with packages that have imposed financial burden and increased expenditure in the health system. This study aimed to identify strategies and solutions to reduce expenditures in HTP in Iran. Methods: To conduct this qualitative study, the researchers held 15 semi-structured interviews with prominent experts in the research arena in 2018. Content analysis was used to analyze the data using MAXQDA 10 software. Results: Data collection yielded 9 main topics, including purchase and provision medicine, prescription, purchase and use of equipment, diagnostic medical services, referral system, human resources, physical space, payment system, and modifying and increasing base salaries. Conclusion: In Iran's health system, some aspects of HTP wasted resources, eg, the waste of resources in the service delivery system; thus, policymakers should consider proper strategies to control the costs based on the nature of their implementation.

The Effect of Educational Intervention Based on BASNEF Model on Self-Medication Behavior of Type 2 Diabetic Patients

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is one of the main reasons of the increase of morbidity and mortality around the world. Considering the burden of disease, self-medication can result in irrecoverable consequences. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of educational intervention based on Beliefs, Attitudes, Subjective Norms and Enabling Factors (BASNEF) model on self-medication behaviors of type 2 diabetic patients in Fasa, Fars province, Iran, in 2017-2018.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this quasi-experimental study, 200 type 2 diabetic patients under cover of the diabetes center of Fasa were investigated (100 patients for experimental group and 100 patients for control group). A questionnaire investigating demographic information and BASNEF Model constructs (knowledge, attitude, enabling factors, subjective norms, and behavioral intention) was used for evaluating self-medication behaviors of patients before and 3 months after intervention.

RESULTS

The average age of experimental group was 53.25 ± 8.42 and the average age of control group was 54.18 ± 8.13. Three months after intervention, experimental group showed significant enhancement in knowledge, attitude, enabling factors, subjective norms, and behavioral intention and their self-medication behaviors reduced, while control group showed no significant changes in mentioned factors.

CONCLUSION

The present study indicated the efficiency of BASNEF model on reduction of self-medication behaviors of diabetic patients. Hence, this model can act as a framework for designing and implementing educational interventions in this field.

Molecular Detection of Hepatozoon canis in Dogs of Ardabil Province, Northwest of Iran

Hepatozoon species are protozoan parasites that infect some animals such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, and carnivores. Previous studies performed on canine hepatozoonosis in Iran have never used molecular techniques for diagnosis of this disease. The main objective of the present study was to detect Hepatozoon canis in the blood of dogs using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and sequencing. A total of 104 blood samples were collected from dogs of Meshginshahr County (Ardabil Province), and DNA was extracted from blood samples by dint of DNG-plus Extraction Kit. Then, 18S rRNA gene was amplified by using the conventional PCR methods. PCR products yielded an amplicon of the approximate length of 897 bp for all the positive samples. Twenty-four out of the 104 (23.07%) samples were found to be positive for H. canis. This rate of infection is relatively high among dogs in Ardabil Province. Sequence analysis confirmed the molecular identity of 99% of the samples by comparison with GenBank profiles. This is the first report of molecular detection of H. canis from Iran.

Phononic thermal conductivity in silicene: the role of vacancy defects and boundary scattering

We calculate the thermal conductivity of free-standing silicene using the phonon Boltzmann transport equation within the relaxation time approximation. In this calculation, we investigate the effects of sample size and different scattering mechanisms such as phonon-phonon, phonon-boundary, phonon-isotope and phonon-vacancy defect. We obtain some similar results to earlier works using a different model and provide a more detailed analysis of the phonon conduction behavior and various mode contributions. We show that the dominant contribution to the thermal conductivity of silicene, which originates from the in-plane acoustic branches, is about 70% at room temperature and this contribution becomes larger by considering vacancy defects. Our results indicate that while the thermal conductivity of silicene is significantly suppressed by the vacancy defects, the effect of isotopes on the phononic transport is small. Our calculations demonstrate that by removing only one of every 400 silicon atoms, a substantial reduction of about 58% in thermal conductivity is achieved. Furthermore, we find that the phonon-boundary scattering is important in defectless and small-size silicene samples, especially at low temperatures.

The Effect of Laser Acupuncture on Semen Parameters in Infertile Men With Oligospermia: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Currently, infertility is a main concern, and it is estimated that 15% of couples are considered infertile. Conventional therapies such as vitamins, antioxidants and supplements have been used widely, but they may not be sufficiently effective. This study evaluated the effect of laser acupuncture on semen parameters in infertile patients with oligospermia. Methods: This study is a clinical trial with a double-blind control group. 35 patients in the intervention group underwent laser acupuncture twice a week for consecutive 5-weeks. In the control group, sham laser acupuncture was performed. The two groups were compared in terms of semen parameters including semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm morphology as the primary outcome. The secondary outcome was a successful pregnancy rate. After data collection, statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 20. Results: The mean age of all patients was 27.46±2.88 years; in the intervention group, their age was 27.82±2.6 years, and in the control group, it was 27.11±2.96 years, and there was no significant difference (P=0.396). During the study, 4 patients (5.4%) reported adverse effects; three patients in the control group complained of mild weakness and itching, and one patient in the intervention group reported dizziness. The volume of semen and sperm morphology did not differ significantly in both control and intervention groups (P ˃ 0.05), while sperm motility and sperm concentration had a significant difference (P=0.0001). Conclusion: Laser acupuncture as a non-invasive procedure is effective in improving sperm mobility and concentration in infertile patients with oligospermia. Due to the surface contact of the laser probe with the skin and the lack of need to insert needles in the skin, laser acupuncture is more convenient and better tolerated by patients.

Prevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Bulk Milk of Dairy Cattle, Mashhad, Iran

Neospora caninum (N. caninum) and Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) are both obligate intracellular protozoan parasites, which have gained considerable attention because of their role in bovine abortion. This study aimed to detect anti-N. caninum and -T. gondii in bulk milk of dairy cattle, Mashhad, Iran. The bulk milk samples were collected from July 2014 to June 2015 and analyzed for anti-N. caninum and -T.gondii antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Out of 123 bulk milk samples, 44 (35%), 14 (11.38%), and 3 (2.4%) samples had N. caninum, T. gondii, and mixed infection with these two parasites, respectively. According to the results, the prevalence of N. caninum infection was more than T.gondii infection in dairy cattle of Mashhad, Iran.

Angiotensin II-induced constrictions are masked by bovine retinal vessels

PURPOSE

To unmask the vasoconstricting effect of angiotensin II (Ang II) on retinal smooth muscle by studying its interaction with endothelium-derived paracrine substances. This study focused specifically on determining the changes in vascular diameter and the release of endothelial-derived vasodilators, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PG) I2, from isolated retinal microvessels.

METHODS

Bovine retinal central artery and vein were cannulated, and arterioles and venules were perfused with oxygenated/heparinized physiological salt solution at 37 degrees C. This ex vivo perfused retinal microcirculation model was used to observe the contractile effects of Ang II on arterioles and venules of different diameters. The NO and PGI2 synthase inhibitors, 1-NOARG and flurbiprofen, respectively, were used to unmask Ang II vasoconstriction; the changes in vascular diameters were then measured. Enzyme immunoassays were used to measure the release of cGMP (an index of NO release) and 6-keto-PG-F1alpha (a stable metabolite of PGI2) from isolated bovine retinal vessels.

RESULTS

Topically applied Ang II (10(-10) M to 10(-4) M) caused significant (P < 0.05) arteriolar and venular constrictions in a dose-dependent manner, with the smallest retinal arterioles (7+/-0.2 microm luminal diameter) and venules (12+/-2 microm luminal diameter) significantly more sensitive than larger vessels. After the inhibition of endogenous NO and PGI2 synthesis by 1-NOARG and flurbiprofen, respectively, the vasoconstriction effects of Ang II became more pronounced. Again, the smallest vessels tested were significantly more sensitive, and synthesis of endothelial-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), therefore, may be most important in these vessels. Vasoactive doses of Ang II (10(-10) M to 10(-4) M) caused a dose-dependent increase in the release of NO and PGI2 from isolated bovine retinal vessels, indicating that the increase in EDRF may nullify direct Ang II-induced vasoconstriction. Interestingly, intraluminal administration of Ang II caused only vasodilation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the retinal vascular endothelium acts as a buffer against the vasoconstricting agent Ang II via release of vasodilators NO and PGI2, and the vasoconstriction effects due to Ang II are most prominent in the smallest diameter vessels.

Neoplasms of the head and neck in Iranian children and adolescents

Introduction: Head and neck neoplasms afflict all age groups including children. They manifest with various histological features and clinical behaviors. This study's aim was to provide data and analysis of the prevalence of head and neck neoplasms among the Iranian children and adolescents to help pathologists and clinicians make informed diagnosis and treatment decisions. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was based on medical records of children and adolescents (≤18 years) documented at a prestigious children's medical center stationed in Tehran, Iran. Cases diagnosed with head and neck tumors recorded from 2005 to 2016 were selected. Patients' age and sex, tumors' sites, and microscopic types were assessed. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. Results: Of the 41,409 available pediatric patients' records documented over 12 years, 418 cases (1.01%) recorded head and neck tumors. Of these 418 cases, 15 recorded metastatic tumors (3.58%) and 403 recorded primary tumors. Of the primary tumors, 386 were found in the soft tissue (95.78%) and 17 in the bone (4.22%). The primary tumor patients' mean age was 5.46 years, including boys (59.8%) and girls (40.2%). The neck was the most common primary tumors' location (57.32%). Of all the primary tumors, 54.6% were benign neoplasms and 45.4% malignant. The commonest benign tumors were hemangioma/lymphangioma, and the most common malignancy was lymphoma. Mesenchymal neoplasms were the most common microscopic group followed by hematopoietic tumors. Conclusions: The analysis of these data indicates that the prevalence of pediatric head and neck tumors in the Iranian population is similar to other countries.

High viral load detection of human Cosavirus in Iranian pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis

AIM

The present study implemented an RT-qPCR assay for the detection and quantification of human cosavirus in stool specimens from pediatric patients involved in acute gastroenteritis.

BACKGROUND

Human cosavirus is a newly recognized virus that seems to be partly related to acute gastroenteritis in pediatric patients. However, the relationship between human cosavirus and diseases in humans is unclear.

METHODS

From January 2018 to December 2019, a total of 160 stool samples were collected from pediatric patients presenting with acute gastroenteritis in a hospital in Karaj, Iran. After viral RNA extraction, RT-qPCR was performed to amplify the 5'UTR region of the human cosavirus genome and viral load was analyzed.

RESULTS

The human cosavirus genomic RNA was detected in 4/160 (2.5%) stool samples tested. The maximum viral load was determined to be 4.6×10⁶ copies/ml in one sample obtained from a 4-year-old patient.

CONCLUSION

The human cosavirus as a new member of the Picornaviridae family was illustrated in fecal samples from pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis in Iran. This is the first documentation of human cosavirus circulation in Iranian children.

Promoting Oral Health Behavior During Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women are vulnerable to oral disease due to physiological, hormonal, and dietary alterations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of the educational program according to the Health Promotion Model (HPM) on the oral health prevention behavior of pregnant women.

STUDY DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

This study was performed on 105 pregnant women visiting health centers located in Arak from February to November 2022. The subjects were randomly assigned to intervention (n=54) and control (n=51) groups. A reliable and valid questionnaire according to HPM constructs was used to collect the data. The pre-test was conducted in the groups. The intervention group received the educational program in 9 educational sessions (from 12 to 24 weeks of pregnancy). Then, the post-test was conducted in the 36th week of pregnancy in the groups. Finally, the data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 18) and using independent t-test, paired t-test, and Chi-square test.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups regarding perceived benefits (24.68±3.63 vs. 26.57±3.67, P=0.009), perceived barriers (7.31±3.14 vs. 5.81±3.59, P=0.025), positive affect (10.50±1.66 vs. 11.29±1.34, P=0.009), negative affect (1.59±0.223 vs. 1.40±1.51, P=0.006), commitment to the action plan (4.05±1.92 vs. 4.77±1.50, P=0.034), and tooth brushing time (2.29±0.72 vs. 2.74±0.48, P<0.001). However, no significant difference was observed regarding the tooth brushing frequency (2.05±0.58 vs. 2.07±0.66, P=0.901) after the intervention. The brushing time for 2-3 minutes in the intervention group increased from 51.85% to 75.92% after the intervention.

CONCLUSION

HPM-based education was effective in promoting the duration of tooth brushing in pregnant women. However, it had no effect on the tooth brushing frequency.