Predictors of the Social Distancing Behaviors during COVID-19 Pandemic using Protection Motivation Theory in Iran: A cross sectional study

Background: Social distancing is a key behavior to minimize Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections. Since the change of behavior is the only way to prevent this pandemic, this study aimed to predict the social distancing behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic using protection motivation theory (PMT). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted through a convenience sampling method on 796 individuals over 15 years old from urban and rural areas of different cities in Iran during 2020. The data were collected online using demographic characteristics form, PMT and social distancing behaviors questionnaires. Afterward, the obtained data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16) through linear correlation coefficient and hierarchical regression tests. Results: The Mean±SD score of social distancing behaviors was obtained at 4.42±0.31. The results of the hierarchical linear regression model showed that after adjusting the effect of socio-demographic variables, self-efficacy (Beta=0.238, P<0.001) was the strongest predictor of social distancing behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by intention (Beta=0.233, P<0.001) and perceived severity (Beta=0.083, P=0.028). PMT constructs and intention was able to predict 40% of social distancing behaviors in total. Conclusions: In the prevalence of infectious diseases, individuals differ in adherence to social distancing behaviors. The PMT was a useful framework for prediction social distancing behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this theory can be used as a framework in designing educational programs to increase self-efficacy and encourage individuals to observe social distancing behaviors as a result

Distribution of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli among E. coli isolates from diarrheal samples referred to educational hospitals in Tehran-Iran

Background: Introduction: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is the most important bacterial cause of watery  travelers' diarrhea  in  developing countries. Watery diarrhea is can cause serious life-threatening dehydration. ETEC was caused diarrhea by the secretion of two heat-labile enterotoxins (LTs) and the heat-stable enterotoxins (STs) which increase intestinal secretion. Routine laboratory methods are not appropriate to detect ETEC and other diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes. The molecular techniques such as PCR are rapid and accurate methods that have been developed for detection of ETEC. We were recognized ETEC by PCR on lt and st genes from E. coli isolates from patients with diarrhea collected from selected Tehran educational hospitals.Materials and Methods: The E. coli isolates were collected from total 140 patients with diarrhea and 110 patients without diarrhea using culture and IMViC test. DNA was extracted by boiling method and the presence of the uidA, lt and st genes was detected by PCR.Results: Among 140 E. coli isolates from diarrheal stools 5 (3.6%) isolates were positive for, just lt gene, 3 (2.1%) co-amplified for both lt/st and 1 (0.7%) was positive for just the st gene which were considered as ETEC. In the E. coli isolates from non-diarrheal control samples just one (0.9%) isolate was positive for both lt and st genes.Conclusion: The results showed that the ETEC as a significant cause of diarrhea, usually ignored by laboratories using traditional methods. Sometimes the ETEC causes severe diarrhea and can threaten for patient's life. Thus a rapid diagnostic test such as PCR can be very helpful in the treatment of patients

The Effects of the Roy’s Adaptation Model on Primigravida Women’s Self-Concept: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Most women do not have a positive self-concept and impression about themselves during pregnancy because they become less active and gain more weight. Self-concept significantly contributes to individuals’ mental health. This controlled trial was performed to assess the effect of an intervention based on the Roy’s adaptation model on self-concept among primigravida women. This study was conducted on a random sample of 83 Iranian primigravida women. Women in the experimental group received educational and counseling services in five sessions held in five consecutive weeks. Thereafter, they received a four-week follow-up care. Before the intervention, there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding adaptation knowledge and self-concept adaptation. However, after the intervention, these differences were statistically significant. The Roy’s adaptation model has positive effects on primigravida women’s physical and interpersonal self-concept adaptation. Given its simplicity and easy applicability, this model can be used for improving pregnancy-related outcomes

Variable Expressivity of Wolfram Syndrome in a Family with Multiple Affected Subjects

Purpose: To study the genetic basis and clinical manifestations of Wolfram syndrome in a multi-affected family. Methods: Complete clinical examinations including urological, ophthalmic, neurological, and endocrinologic assessment were performed for three affected family members. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes with salting out method and all WFS1 exons and their flanking regions were sequenced. Candidate variation was screened for segregation in the pedigree by Sanger sequencing. Results: A known pathogenic missense mutation in WFS1 gene (c.1885C>T which leads to p.Arg629Trp in the encoded protein) was identified in all affected individuals. Both clinical and genetic investigations confirmed Wolfram syndrome diagnosis with variable phenotypic features. Conclusion: Identical mutations in the Wolfram syndrome causative gene can lead to variable manifestations of the syndrome even in the same family. Although the medical findings and clinical examination are imperative for the diagnosis of Wolfram syndrome, genetic testing is useful to confirm the diagnosis, especially in cases with possible reduced penetrance of the characteristic signs

Study of Phenytoin Effect on the genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism expression in liver: A mouse model study

Phenytoin as an anti-seizure medication, is useful for the prevention of tonic-clonic seizures and focal seizures. In this study we focused on the probable effects of Phenytoin drug on gene expression profile of liver related to lipid metabolism balance in mouse as a model. In this study, a group including 7 male mice of BALB/c were treated with phenytoin 3–5 mg/kg/day orally and a group including 7 male mice of BALB/c were took standard food. Liver tissue samples were isolated. Total RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized. Expression of Akt1, Leptin, Adipoq and GLUT4 genes was measured using Real-time RT-PCR method. Results showed an increase about 15 and 3 fold changes in Akt1 and Adipoq gene expression respectively in treatment group compare to control mice. Also, we detected decreasing in Leptin and GLUT4 genes expression in the mice treated with phenytoin drug. Several studies indicated that phenytoin can promote hyperglycemia in human and animal. We proposed here that this effects may resulted from an interference between the phenytoin drug and gene expression profile in liver. Decreasing of leptin level here may be a result of glucose level elevation in blood that can induce a satiety situation result in decrease of leptin production. It may that Akt1 gene expression is increased to compensate the low level of GLUT4 protein. We concluded that phenytoin is a relatively high-risk antiepileptic drug for obesity and metabolic syndrome, but more studies are needed

Oral Health Literacy and Related Factors among Pregnant Women Referring to Health Government Institute in Kerman, Iran

Objective: To evaluate oral health literacy among pregnant women in Kerman, Iran. Material and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 169 pregnant women referring  to government institute. Data were collected by demographic profile (including age, number of children, educational level, dental attendance before pregnancy and economic status), 17-item oral health literacy questionnaire consisting of four domains (including reading comprehension, numeracy, listening, and decision-making skills), self-assessment oral health status, DMFT index and oral health behavior. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 21 software using ANOVA and Chi-square tests at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 27.92 ± 5.25 years, 38.2% of them had bachelor's degree, 35.8% had dental attendance before pregnancy and 29.1% brushed daily their teeth twice or more. Dentists were the most frequent source of oral health information. Moreover, 60.0% believed their oral health was to be moderate, and 59.4% had inadequate oral health literacy. There was also  a  significant  correlation between educational level, monthly income and dental attendance before  pregnancy.  Conclusion: Our results showed inadequate oral health literacy among pregnant women, highlighting the necessity of dental consultation before pregnancy

Effects of Zingiber officinale hydro-alcoholic extract on HMG-COA reductase level in the testis of streptozotocininduced diabetic rats

Introduction: Zingiber officinale Roscoe, commonly known as ginger, is used as a cooking spice and therapeutically for its antioxidant and androgenic activities. We investigated the effects of Z. officinale hydro-alcoholic extract on HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A) reductase level in the testis of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: The current experimental study was performed on four groups of male Wistar rats one of them was kept as a healthy control, while the others were rendered diabetic via a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg kg-1). One group was considered as diabetic control; while the others were given orally hydro-alcoholic extract (200 and 400 mg kg-1) for 56 consecutive days. Body weight, blood glucose and insulin concentrations were evaluated using standard methods. The HMG-COA reductase level was determined by western blot analysis. Results: Treatment with the extract resulted in a significant reduction of serum glucose concentration and HMG-COA reductase level in the rat’s testis compared to diabetic controls (P<0.01). A significant increase in body weight was observed in treated diabetic rats. Also, serum insulin was significantly increased in diabetic rats treated with 400 mg/kg of the extract compared to diabetic controls (P<0.05). Conclusion: Ginger has a potential influence on the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis by modulating of HMG-COA reductase level. The results provide scientific evidence to confirm the traditional use of Z. officinale in the treatment of diabetes mellitus

Identification and designing of marketing mix elements to promote rural tourism using a prospective approach: A case study of Babol County

This research is of an applied descriptive-analytical type. Data collection was based on documentary and survey techniques. The statistical population of the research included active individuals in the field of rural tourism and local officials. As many as 223 people who were the most active in the local tourism were selected. This selection was in terms of their access and participation in the field. Also, 10 officials were selected. In the first step, an ISM software program was designed for the primary design and  data analysis. In the second step, the LISREL structural equation modeling software was used to test the primary model. Finally, to design a futuristic scenario for marketing elements, the Mic‌Mac software was used. The results indicated that, from the standpoint of the local authorities, the elements of "promoting and planning" have the most direct impact on the success of rural tourism marketing. However, the element of "planning" has the most dependency on the other elements of the study