Internet Self-Efficacy and the Use of Electronic Information Services Acceptance

Self-efficacy and the use of electronic information services acceptance among the university students can affect the learners' online services. This is the due to the learners' acceptance of using technology and its role in their life. Therefore, the complexity of online and offline services needs to be examined by the experts to assess the learners'' satisfaction which helps them to achieve electronic services. Learners' self-efficacy management can be evaluated as an important issue in the present study. The present study aims at investigating the survey of the relationship between the internet self-efficacy and using the electronic information services among the university students of Dezful Islamic Azad University, Khuzestan, Iran. The present study was conducted through descriptive-analytical method and took a correlational approach. The study sample included 387 students. Smart Partial Least Squares (PLS) was applied to investigate the study conceptual model. The results indicated that the use of the internet among the university students significantly affected the electronic services application (β =0.182). The same significant effects were also found in the variables including  web specific self-efficacy on the acceptability of use (β=0.285), perceived control on electronic services application (β=0.142), perceived control on the acceptability of use (β=0.139), interpersonal norms on the acceptability of use (β=0.376), attitudes on the acceptability of use (β=0.169),perceived usefulness on attitudes(β=0.224), perceived amusement on the attitudes(β=0.335), perceived risk on the attitude (β=0.187), and internet self-efficacy on the web-specific self-efficacy(β=0.672). However, it was also made clear that the effects of web-specific self-efficacy on the electronic services application (β=0.033), social norms on the acceptability of use (β=0.061), internet self-efficacy on attitudes (β=0.079) and social norms on attitudes (β=0.026) are not statistically significant. The universities can prepare and compile appropriate training programs to take effective steps in the acceptability of the internet use that is in line with making students more informed and aware of the electronic services

Evaluating the relationship between sexual function and marital satisfaction in married Kurdish women in year 2016

BACKGROUND: Sexual satisfaction and ultimately marital satisfaction have a significant role in couples' adaptation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sexual function and marital satisfaction of married Kurdish women referred to health centers in Sanandaj, Iran, in 2016.METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 married women referred to health centers in Sanandaj City in 2016. Sexual function information was collected using the standard Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. In order to investigate the marital satisfaction, the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Inventory (MSI) was also used. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Pearson correlation test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used.RESULTS: In terms of adultery scales, the sexual satisfaction for majority of women was moderate. The average score of sexual satisfaction was 20.37 ± 8.40 from 36. Between sexual satisfaction with age (r = 0.223) and spouse's age (r = 0.26), correlation was inversely significant (P = 0.0001). Sexual function was significantly correlated with the level of adultery scales including sexual satisfaction, communication, conflict resolution, and ideal distortion (P < 0.0500).CONCLUSION: Given that sexual performance in this study was moderate and there was a relationship between sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction, sexual education and counseling to women and men during marriage by health and social systems is recommended

Managing Monkeypox Virus Infections: A Contemporary Review

Monkeypox is an infectious and contagious zoonotic disease caused by the Orthopoxvirus species and was first identified in Africa. Recently, this infectious disease has spread widely in many parts of the world. Fever, fatigue, headache, and rash are common symptoms of monkeypox. The presence of lymphadenopathy is another prominent and key symptom of monkeypox, which distinguishes this disease from other diseases and is useful for diagnosing the disease. This disease is transmitted to humans through contact with or eating infected animals as well as objects infected with the virus. One of the ways to diagnose this disease is through PCR testing of lesions and secretions. To prevent the disease, vaccines such as JYNNEOS and ACAM2000 are available, but they are not accessible to all people in the world, and their effectiveness and safety need further investigation. However, preventive measures such as avoiding contact with people infected with the virus and using appropriate personal protective equipment are mandatory. The disease therapy is based on medicines such as brincidofovir, cidofovir, and Vaccinia Immune Globulin Intravenous. The injectable format of tecovirimat was approved recently, in May 2022. Considering the importance of clinical care in this disease, awareness about the side effects of medicines, nutrition, care for conjunctivitis, skin rash, washing and bathing at home, and so on can be useful in controlling and managing the disease

Effect of Genistein and L-Carnitine and Their Combination on Gene Expression of Hepatocyte HMG-COA Reductase and LDL Receptor in Experimental Nephrotic Syndrome

Background: Nephrotic syndrome is a disorder that leads to hyperlipidemia. L-carnitine and genistein can effect on lipid metabolism and the syndrome. In the present study, we have delved into the separate and the twin-effects of L-carnitine and genistein on the gene expressions of HMG-COA reductase and LDL receptor in experimental nephrotic syndrome. Methods: In this controlled experimental study, 50 male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: NC (normal-control), PC (patient-control), LC (L-carnitine), G (genistein), LCG (L-carnitine-genistein). Adri-amycin was used for inducing nephrotic syndrome and the spot urine samples and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio were measured. Hepatocytic RNA was extracted and real-time PCR was used for HMG-COA Reductase and LDL receptor gene Expression measurement. Results: The final weight of the patients groups were lower than the NC group (P=0.001), and weight gain of the NC group was higher than the other groups (P<0.001). The proteinuria and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio showed sig-nificant differences between PC group and LC, G and LCG groups at week 7 (P<0.001). The expression of HMG-COA Reductase mRNA down regulated in LC, G and LCG groups in comparison with PC group (P<0.001). ΔCT of LDLr mRNA showed significant differences between the PC group and the other patient groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: This study shows a significant decreasing (P<0.001) and non-significant increasing trend in HMG-COA Reductase and LDLr gene expression, respectively, and synergistic effect of L-carnitine and genistein on these genes in experimental nephrotic syndrome

Effects of administration of omega-3 fatty acids with or without vitamin E supplementation on adiponectin gene expression in PBMCs and serum adiponectin and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein levels in male patients with CAD

Objective: Adiponectin is a unique anti-atherogenic adipocytokine. Regulation of adiponectin secretion is dysfunctional in cardiovascular diseases. The current trial study assessed the effects of omega-3 fatty acids with or without vitamin E on adiponectin gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and serum adiponectin and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP; also called ap2 and FABP4) levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 67 male patients with CAD. First of the four group of participants received 4 g/day omega-3 fatty acids plus 400 IU/day vitamin E (OE), second group 4 g/day omega-3 fatty acids plus vitamin E placebo (OP), or both omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin E placebos (PP) for 8 weeks. Adiponectin gene expression and serum adiponectin and FABP4 levels were evaluated. Results: The combination of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E in patients with CAD affected their serum adiponectin and FABP4 levels and the adiponectin/FABP4 ratio significantly. In the OP group, serum adiponectin levels did not change significantly. Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids with and without vitamin E had no significant effect on adiponectin gene expression. Conclusion: Omega-3 fatty acids with or without vitamin E improve adiponectin levels in patients, without any significant changes in adiponectin gene expression. This nutritional intervention may prevent complications in patients with CAD because of increased adiponectin levels. (Anatol J Cardiol 2015; 15: 981-9

Adolescent transport and unintentional injuries: a systematic analysis using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background: Globally, transport and unintentional injuries persist as leading preventable causes of mortality and morbidity for adolescents. We sought to report comprehensive trends in injury-related mortality and morbidity for adolescents aged 10–24 years during the past three decades. Methods: Using the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors 2019 Study, we analysed mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributed to transport and unintentional injuries for adolescents in 204 countries. Burden is reported in absolute numbers and age-standardised rates per 100 000 population by sex, age group (10–14, 15–19, and 20–24 years), and sociodemographic index (SDI) with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). We report percentage changes in deaths and DALYs between 1990 and 2019. Findings: In 2019, 369 061 deaths (of which 214 337 [58%] were transport related) and 31·1 million DALYs (of which 16·2 million [52%] were transport related) among adolescents aged 10–24 years were caused by transport and unintentional injuries combined. If compared with other causes, transport and unintentional injuries combined accounted for 25% of deaths and 14% of DALYs in 2019, and showed little improvement from 1990 when such injuries accounted for 26% of adolescent deaths and 17% of adolescent DALYs. Throughout adolescence, transport and unintentional injury fatality rates increased by age group. The unintentional injury burden was higher among males than females for all injury types, except for injuries related to fire, heat, and hot substances, or to adverse effects of medical treatment. From 1990 to 2019, global mortality rates declined by 34·4% (from 17·5 to 11·5 per 100 000) for transport injuries, and by 47·7% (from 15·9 to 8·3 per 100 000) for unintentional injuries. However, in low-SDI nations the absolute number of deaths increased (by 80·5% to 42 774 for transport injuries and by 39·4% to 31 961 for unintentional injuries). In the high-SDI quintile in 2010–19, the rate per 100 000 of transport injury DALYs was reduced by 16·7%, from 838 in 2010 to 699 in 2019. This was a substantially slower pace of reduction compared with the 48·5% reduction between 1990 and 2010, from 1626 per 100 000 in 1990 to 838 per 100 000 in 2010. Between 2010 and 2019, the rate of unintentional injury DALYs per 100 000 also remained largely unchanged in high-SDI countries (555 in 2010 vs 554 in 2019; 0·2% reduction). The number and rate of adolescent deaths and DALYs owing to environmental heat and cold exposure increased for the high-SDI quintile during 2010–19. Interpretation: As other causes of mortality are addressed, inadequate progress in reducing transport and unintentional injury mortality as a proportion of adolescent deaths becomes apparent. The relative shift in the burden of injury from high-SDI countries to low and low–middle-SDI countries necessitates focused action, including global donor, government, and industry investment in injury prevention. The persisting burden of DALYs related to transport and unintentional injuries indicates a need to prioritise innovative measures for the primary prevention of adolescent injury. Funding: Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation

Global, regional, and national mortality among young people aged 10-24 years, 1950-2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Documentation of patterns and long-term trends in mortality in young people, which reflect huge changes in demographic and social determinants of adolescent health, enables identification of global investment priorities for this age group. We aimed to analyse data on the number of deaths, years of life lost, and mortality rates by sex and age group in people aged 10-24 years in 204 countries and territories from 1950 to 2019 by use of estimates from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019. Methods We report trends in estimated total numbers of deaths and mortality rate per 100 000 population in young people aged 10-24 years by age group (10-14 years, 15-19 years, and 20-24 years) and sex in 204 countries and territories between 1950 and 2019 for all causes, and between 1980 and 2019 by cause of death. We analyse variation in outcomes by region, age group, and sex, and compare annual rate of change in mortality in young people aged 10-24 years with that in children aged 0-9 years from 1990 to 2019. We then analyse the association between mortality in people aged 10-24 years and socioeconomic development using the GBD Socio-demographic Index (SDI), a composite measure based on average national educational attainment in people older than 15 years, total fertility rate in people younger than 25 years, and income per capita. We assess the association between SDI and all-cause mortality in 2019, and analyse the ratio of observed to expected mortality by SDI using the most recent available data release (2017). Findings In 2019 there were 1.49 million deaths (95% uncertainty interval 1.39-1.59) worldwide in people aged 10-24 years, of which 61% occurred in males. 32.7% of all adolescent deaths were due to transport injuries, unintentional injuries, or interpersonal violence and conflict; 32.1% were due to communicable, nutritional, or maternal causes; 27.0% were due to non-communicable diseases; and 8.2% were due to self-harm. Since 1950, deaths in this age group decreased by 30.0% in females and 15.3% in males, and sex-based differences in mortality rate have widened in most regions of the world. Geographical variation has also increased, particularly in people aged 10-14 years. Since 1980, communicable and maternal causes of death have decreased sharply as a proportion of total deaths in most GBD super-regions, but remain some of the most common causes in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia, where more than half of all adolescent deaths occur. Annual percentage decrease in all-cause mortality rate since 1990 in adolescents aged 15-19 years was 1.3% in males and 1.6% in females, almost half that of males aged 1-4 years (2.4%), and around a third less than in females aged 1-4 years (2.5%). The proportion of global deaths in people aged 0-24 years that occurred in people aged 10-24 years more than doubled between 1950 and 2019, from 9.5% to 21.6%. Interpretation Variation in adolescent mortality between countries and by sex is widening, driven by poor progress in reducing deaths in males and older adolescents. Improving global adolescent mortality will require action to address the specific vulnerabilities of this age group, which are being overlooked. Furthermore, indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to jeopardise efforts to improve health outcomes including mortality in young people aged 10-24 years. There is an urgent need to respond to the changing global burden of adolescent mortality, address inequities where they occur, and improve the availability and quality of primary mortality data in this age group. Copyright (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd

Sleep stage detection using chaotic feature analysis of Electroencephalography (EEG) signals

The present study was conducted to detect the sleep stages by electroencephalography (EEG) using chaotic features. The method used in this study was the content analysis method. First, the sleep stages and EEG have been analyzed, and the EEG with chaotic features was used to detect the sleep stages. Detection of artifacts in sleep electroencephalography (EEG) is one of the vital tasks in the pre-processing stage. Despite many artifact exploration algorithms over the years, lots of them lose their advantages to use sleep EEG. Types of brain activities can be measured, and the involved brain areas can be detected using EEG. Electroencephalography (EEG) signal includes different rhythms, which are dependent on various sensory and movement conditions. Detection of each rhythm of this signal needs experience and skills. As a result, analysis of the signal recorded by EEG can be used widely for detection and academic purposes

Prescribing patterns of rural family physicians: a study in Kermanshah Province, Iran

Abstract Background The inappropriate use of drugs due to irrational prescriptions is a common problem in Iran, but there is little evidence of prescription patterns in rural family physicians. This study aimed to explore the prescribing pattern and rational drug use indicators for family physicians using Index of Rational Drug Prescribing (IRDP) in Kermanshah Province, Iran. Methods In this retrospective study, 352,399 prescriptions from 184 family physicians in 103 primary health care (PHC) centers were examined. As stated, an analysis was done for rational use indicators suggested by World Health Organization (WHO): e.g., the percentage of prescriptions containing antibiotics, injections, and those prescribed by a generic name and from a national essential medicine list, plus the average number of drugs per prescription; these factors were all taken into account. Rational drug use was studied with the IRDP. Results The average number of drugs per prescription was 3.14 (± 1.2) and the average cost per prescription was 116,740 IRR (USD 3.6). Around 19% of prescriptions had more than four drugs, while the percentage of prescriptions involving antibiotics and injections was 52.1% and 24.4%, respectively. There was 95.1% drugs prescribed by their generic name and 95.9% were retrieved from the essential drugs list. The value of the IRDP was 3.70 out of 5. Conclusion The findings of this study showed that some degree of irrational drug prescribing exists among family physicians, especially in terms of injections, antibiotics, and polypharmacy. It is recommended that there be continuing education programs for physicians regarding rational prescribing for different kinds of medical indications. Clinical practice guidelines should also assist with the rational use of medicine