Comparing Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nursing Support in Mothers With Newborn Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and Mothers of Healthy Neonates

Background: The experience of having neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a psychological crisis. It might cause many emotional problems for parents. Entire parental support is among the duties of the healthcare team. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the nursing support received by the mothers with Newborn Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and the mothers of other neonates admitted to the NICU.Methods: The present cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study was conducted in the selected hospitals in Kerman Province, Iran. In total, 62 mothers with NAS and 61 non-addicted mothers with neonates admitted to the NICU were selected through convenience sampling method. The inclusion criteria were neonates under the care of parents, neonate admitted to the NICU for at least 24 hours, opiate dependence in the case group mothers, and no substance dependence in the control group mothers. The amount of nursing support for mothers having neonates with NAS was compared with that of the control mothers. The study groups were homogenized in terms of the study variables (neonate age, gender, and the duration of hospitalization). The required data were collected by the Nurse-Parent Support Tool (NPST) and analyzed in SPSS.Results: The study results revealed that among the neonates of 123 mothers, 75 (60.97%) were boys, and 58(39.02%) were girls. The majority of neonates in both groups were breastfed. The Mean±SD age of the mothers in the case and control group were 31.93±7.25 and 28.99±4.36 years, respectively. The nursing support level was desirable in both groups, and no significant difference was found in this regard (P>0.05). Furthermore, the level of nursing support in emotional, information-communication, self-esteem, and quality caregiving support dimensions was desirable in both groups.Conclusion: The obtained results revealed that nurses’ support was desirable in both groups. The prevalence of maternal addiction and the impact of this social harm on neonates who were admitted are essential. Furthermore, families having neonates with NAS need more support from the healthcare staff and nurses, in comparison with healthy parents; thus, the importance of this issue should be addressed in training and briefing courses for nurses

Validation of an Analytical Method for Determination of Benzoapyrene Bread using QuEChERS Method by GC-MS

A fast and simple modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, rugged and safe) extraction method based on spiked calibration curves and direct sample introduction was developed for determination of Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in bread by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry single quadrupole selected ion monitoring (GC/MS-SQ-SIM). Sample preparation includes: extraction of BaP into acetone followed by cleanup with dispersive solid phase extraction. The use of spiked samples for constructing the calibration curve substantially reduced adverse matrix-related effects. The average recovery of BaP at 6 concentration levels was in range of 95-120%. The method was proved to be reproducible with relative standard deviation less than 14.5% for all of the concentration levels. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.3 ng/g and 0.5 ng/g, respectively. Correlation coefficient of 0.997 was obtained for spiked calibration standards over the concentration range of 0.5-20 ng/g. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a QuEChERS method is used for the analysis of BaP in breads. The developed method was used for determination of BaP in 29 traditional (Sangak) and industrial (Senan) bread samples collected from Tehran in 2014. These results showed that two Sangak samples were contaminated with BaP. Therefore, a comprehensive survey for monitoring of BaP in Sangak bread samples seems to be needed. This is the first report concerning contamination of bread samples with BaP in Iran. © 2016 by School of Pharmacy

Determination of benzoapyrene in traditional, industrial and semi-industrial breads using a modified QuEChERS extraction, dispersive SPE and GC-MS and estimation of its dietary intake

A fast and simple modified QuEChERS extraction method was developed for determination of Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in 137 traditional (Sangak), semi-industrial (Sangak) and industrial bread samples using spiked calibration curves by GC/MS. Sample preparation includes extraction of BaP into acetone followed by cleanup with dispersive solid phase extraction. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.3 ng/g and 0.5 ng/g, respectively. The values for recoveries and RSD were calculated as 110.5-119.85% and 1 ng/g. BaP content in all industrial samples was lower than LOQ. Assuming the consumption of bread in Tehran and Shiraz is limited to these kinds of breads, the daily intake of BaP in Tehran and Shiraz population through bread consumption was estimated to be 170.6 and 168.7 ng/day, respectively. This is the first report concerning contamination of bread samples with BaP in Iran

The Relationships between Mental Health Status, Achievement Motivation, Job Satisfaction and Oxidative Stress in Subjects Exposed to Nickel Welding Fumes

This study was conducted on 27 male welding workers who worked in a company that manufactures road construction machinery and is located in an industrial part of Iran, in the Central province. In the serum, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxidation (LPO), DNA damage (8-OH-dG)was measured. Mental health status was evaluated by General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and achievement motivation was evaluated by Herman’s achievement motivation Test (ACMT), and job satisfaction was measured by Dennett Job Satisfaction Test. The results of this study showed that there was a reverse significant relationship between nickel and TAC with ACMT and job satisfaction. The oxidative stress of Ni ended up in psychological disorders. As oxidative stress causes psychological disorders, the welding workers suffered from more psycho- pathology and were in need of greater care

The Positive Effect of Atropa belladonna on Inflammatory Cytokines in the Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and demyelination of the central nervous system. Given the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of MS and the anti-inflammatory effect of Atropa belladonna (AB), the aim of this study was to determine the effect of AB on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors in MOG35-55 induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).Methods: Thirty-two purebred C57BL/6 mice, weighing (20 ± 2g) were randomly assigned to the 4 groups: control, and three experimental groups: EAE, EAE + AB100, and EAE + AB300 that after EAE induction received 0, 100, and 300 mg/kg AB daily. AB was dissolved in PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) and the volume of gavage in all groups was 100 μL. After 30 days, the mice were weighed, anesthetized with ether and blood was collected directly from the heart. Specific animal ELISA kits measured the inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-17, IL-4, and TNF-α). One-way ANOVA with Duncan post hoc test was used for comparison between groups.Results: EAE increased serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-17, and decreased IL-10 and IL-4 compared to the control group. AB significantly decreased the mean level of TNF-α, IL-17 and increased IL-10 and IL-4 compared with EAE group. The effect of 300 mg/kg was clearly better than 100 mg/kg. There was also a significant difference between the control group and the 300 mg/kg group.Conclusion: In the present study, AB plant extract increased serum levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines in the MS animal model

Drug Resistance Patterns and Genotyping of Acinetobacter baumannii Strains Isolated from Patients Admitted to Shahrekord Teaching Hospitals Using REP-PCR

Background & objectives In recent years, Acinetobacter baumannii has been shown to be associated with several nosocomial infections, including pneumonia, bacteraemia, urinary tract infections, wound infection and meningitis. This organism can survive in the hospital environment and rapidly develops resistance to many antibiotics. The molecular genotyping can increase our knowledge about the spread of A. baumannii strains from one hospital to another and their drug resistance. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance profile as well as phylogenetic relationships of A. baumannii strains in Shahrekord teaching hospitals. Methods In this study, antibacterial susceptibility patterns of A. baumannii strains isolated from different clinical specimens (urine, blood, sputum) to amikacin, ampicillin/sulbactam, aztreonam, cefepime, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, gentamycin, imipenem, meropenem, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, tobramycin were tested using disk diffusion )Kirby-Bauer( method. Finally, genotyping of A. baumannii strains was performed using REP-PCR method. Results During this study, 50 samples of patients were identified as A. baumannii) 71%(, and their drug resistance rates were assessed. All A. baumannii strains were resistant to ceftazidime and cefepime and also a high rate of resistance to aztreonam, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, imipenem, gentamycin, and ampicillin-sulbactam were observed. On the other hand, our results demonstrated nine genotype groups among A. baumannii strains based on REP-PCR method. Conclusion Due to the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance among isolated A. baumannii strains, similarities between different genotypes and the dispersion of these genotypes in different parts of Shahrekord hospitals, the implementation of infection control programs in different parts of the hospital is necessary. Keywords: Acinetobacter baumannii , Antibiotic Resistance , Genotyping , REP-PC

Immunochemical Characterization of Prosopis Juliflora Pollen Allergens and Evaluation of Cross-Reactivity Pattern with the Most Allergenic Pollens in Tropical Areas

Allergy to Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) pollen is one of the common causes of respiratory allergy in tropical countries. Mesquite is widely used as street trees in towns and ornamental shade trees in parks and gardens throughout arid and semiarid regions of Iran. The inhalation of mesquite pollen and several species of Amaranthus/Chenopodiaceae family is the most important cause of allergic respiratory symptoms in Khuzestan province. This study was designed to evaluate IgE banding proteins of mesquite pollen extract and its IgE cross-reactivity with other allergenic plants. Twenty patients with allergic symptoms and positive skin prick tests (SPT) for mesquite pollen extract participated in the study. Crude pollen extract was prepared from local mesquite trees and used for the evaluation of allergenic profiles of P. juliflora pollen extract by Sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and IgE-immunoblotting. There were several protein bands in mesquite pollen extract using SDS-PAGE with the approximate range of molecular weight of 10-85 kDa. The most frequent IgE reactive bands among the patients' sera were approximately 20 and 66 kDa. However, there were other IgE reactive protein bands among the patients' sera with molecular weights of 10, 15, 35, 45, 55 and 85 kDa. Inhibition experiments revealed high IgE cross-reactivity between mesquite and acacia. There are several IgE-binding proteins in P. juliflora pollen extract. Results of this study indicate that proteins with a molecular weight of 10 to 85 kDa are the major allergens in P. juliflora pollen extract

Global burden of 288 causes of death and life expectancy decomposition in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

BACKGROUND Regular, detailed reporting on population health by underlying cause of death is fundamental for public health decision making. Cause-specific estimates of mortality and the subsequent effects on life expectancy worldwide are valuable metrics to gauge progress in reducing mortality rates. These estimates are particularly important following large-scale mortality spikes, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. When systematically analysed, mortality rates and life expectancy allow comparisons of the consequences of causes of death globally and over time, providing a nuanced understanding of the effect of these causes on global populations. METHODS The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 cause-of-death analysis estimated mortality and years of life lost (YLLs) from 288 causes of death by age-sex-location-year in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations for each year from 1990 until 2021. The analysis used 56 604 data sources, including data from vital registration and verbal autopsy as well as surveys, censuses, surveillance systems, and cancer registries, among others. As with previous GBD rounds, cause-specific death rates for most causes were estimated using the Cause of Death Ensemble model-a modelling tool developed for GBD to assess the out-of-sample predictive validity of different statistical models and covariate permutations and combine those results to produce cause-specific mortality estimates-with alternative strategies adapted to model causes with insufficient data, substantial changes in reporting over the study period, or unusual epidemiology. YLLs were computed as the product of the number of deaths for each cause-age-sex-location-year and the standard life expectancy at each age. As part of the modelling process, uncertainty intervals (UIs) were generated using the 2·5th and 97·5th percentiles from a 1000-draw distribution for each metric. We decomposed life expectancy by cause of death, location, and year to show cause-specific effects on life expectancy from 1990 to 2021. We also used the coefficient of variation and the fraction of population affected by 90% of deaths to highlight concentrations of mortality. Findings are reported in counts and age-standardised rates. Methodological improvements for cause-of-death estimates in GBD 2021 include the expansion of under-5-years age group to include four new age groups, enhanced methods to account for stochastic variation of sparse data, and the inclusion of COVID-19 and other pandemic-related mortality-which includes excess mortality associated with the pandemic, excluding COVID-19, lower respiratory infections, measles, malaria, and pertussis. For this analysis, 199 new country-years of vital registration cause-of-death data, 5 country-years of surveillance data, 21 country-years of verbal autopsy data, and 94 country-years of other data types were added to those used in previous GBD rounds. FINDINGS The leading causes of age-standardised deaths globally were the same in 2019 as they were in 1990; in descending order, these were, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lower respiratory infections. In 2021, however, COVID-19 replaced stroke as the second-leading age-standardised cause of death, with 94·0 deaths (95% UI 89·2-100·0) per 100 000 population. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted the rankings of the leading five causes, lowering stroke to the third-leading and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to the fourth-leading position. In 2021, the highest age-standardised death rates from COVID-19 occurred in sub-Saharan Africa (271·0 deaths [250·1-290·7] per 100 000 population) and Latin America and the Caribbean (195·4 deaths [182·1-211·4] per 100 000 population). The lowest age-standardised death rates from COVID-19 were in the high-income super-region (48·1 deaths [47·4-48·8] per 100 000 population) and southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania (23·2 deaths [16·3-37·2] per 100 000 population). Globally, life expectancy steadily improved between 1990 and 2019 for 18 of the 22 investigated causes. Decomposition of global and regional life expectancy showed the positive effect that reductions in deaths from enteric infections, lower respiratory infections, stroke, and neonatal deaths, among others have contributed to improved survival over the study period. However, a net reduction of 1·6 years occurred in global life expectancy between 2019 and 2021, primarily due to increased death rates from COVID-19 and other pandemic-related mortality. Life expectancy was highly variable between super-regions over the study period, with southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania gaining 8·3 years (6·7-9·9) overall, while having the smallest reduction in life expectancy due to COVID-19 (0·4 years). The largest reduction in life expectancy due to COVID-19 occurred in Latin America and the Caribbean (3·6 years). Additionally, 53 of the 288 causes of death were highly concentrated in locations with less than 50% of the global population as of 2021, and these causes of death became progressively more concentrated since 1990, when only 44 causes showed this pattern. The concentration phenomenon is discussed heuristically with respect to enteric and lower respiratory infections, malaria, HIV/AIDS, neonatal disorders, tuberculosis, and measles. INTERPRETATION Long-standing gains in life expectancy and reductions in many of the leading causes of death have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the adverse effects of which were spread unevenly among populations. Despite the pandemic, there has been continued progress in combatting several notable causes of death, leading to improved global life expectancy over the study period. Each of the seven GBD super-regions showed an overall improvement from 1990 and 2021, obscuring the negative effect in the years of the pandemic. Additionally, our findings regarding regional variation in causes of death driving increases in life expectancy hold clear policy utility. Analyses of shifting mortality trends reveal that several causes, once widespread globally, are now increasingly concentrated geographically. These changes in mortality concentration, alongside further investigation of changing risks, interventions, and relevant policy, present an important opportunity to deepen our understanding of mortality-reduction strategies. Examining patterns in mortality concentration might reveal areas where successful public health interventions have been implemented. Translating these successes to locations where certain causes of death remain entrenched can inform policies that work to improve life expectancy for people everywhere. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Effect of an Eight-week High-intensity Interval Training Program on Serum Cardiac Troponin I Level of Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Background One of the complications of diabetes, as a chronic metabolic disorder, is cardiovascular diseases. Objective This study aims to investigate the effect of an eight-week High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) program on serum Cardiac troponin I (CtnI) level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods In this experimental clinical trial, 30 rats were randomly assigned into three groups of healthy Control (C), Diabetic (D), and diabetic+training (D+T). The third group performed the training which included a treadmill running at an intensity of 85%-90% of maximum speed in 6-12 sessions of 2 min for 8 weeks, 5 days per week. Blood glucose level and high-sensitive CtnI levels were measured 48 hours after the last training session and 12 hours of fasting. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test were used to analyze the collected data, considering a significance level of P<0.05. Findings The induction of diabetes caused a significant increase in blood glucose (P=0.01) and high-sensitive CtnI (P=0.01) levels in the D group. Also, a significant difference was observed in the blood glucose level of D+T group compared to the D group (P=0.001). The CtnI level also slightly reduced (11%) in the D+T group compared to the D group, but it was not statistically significant (P=0.591). Conclusion he HIIT program can reduce the fasting blood glucose and increase the serum level of highsensitive CtnI to some extent in diabetic rats; therefore, it can be an appropriate strategy for diabetics. However, there is a need for more studies in this area

Comprehensive integrated single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of brain metastasis and glioma microenvironment: Contrasting heterogeneity landscapes.

Understanding the specific type of brain malignancy, source of brain metastasis, and underlying transformation mechanisms can help provide better treatment and less harm to patients. The tumor microenvironment plays a fundamental role in cancer progression and affects both primary and metastatic cancers. The use of single-cell RNA sequencing to gain insights into the heterogeneity profiles in the microenvironment of brain malignancies is useful for guiding treatment decisions. To comprehensively investigate the heterogeneity in gliomas and brain metastasis originating from different sources (lung and breast), we integrated data from three groups of single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets obtained from GEO. We gathered and processed single-cell RNA sequencing data from 90,168 cells obtained from 17 patients. We then employed the R package Seurat for dataset integration. Next, we clustered the data within the UMAP space and acquired differentially expressed genes for cell categorization. Our results underscore the significance of macrophages as abundant and pivotal constituents of gliomas. In contrast, lung-to-brain metastases exhibit elevated numbers of AT2, cytotoxic CD4+ T, and exhausted CD8+ T cells. Conversely, breast-to-brain metastases are characterized by an abundance of epithelial and myCAF cells. Our study not only illuminates the variation in the TME between brain metastasis with different origins but also opens the door to utilizing established markers for these cell types to differentiate primary brain metastatic cancers