Peach witches’-broom, an emerging disease associated with ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma phoenicium’ and ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia’ in Iran

During field surveys carried out from 2013 to 2017 in the eight main peach producing provinces of Iran, symptoms of a phytoplasma-like peach witches'-broom disease (PWIB), inducing severe yellowing, little leaf, internode shortening, crown and stem witches\u2019-broom, decline, and death, were observed. The aim of this work was to identify and characterize the agent(s) associated with PWIB by biological assays and molecular analyses. PWIB agents were successfully transmitted under controlled conditions from scions of in field-affected peach trees, exhibiting severe or mild symptoms, to peach and bitter almond seedlings inducing phytoplasma-like symptoms. A 16S rDNA fragment of 1250 bp was amplified by nested-PCR from all PWIB-affected trees and grafted seedlings. Nucleotide sequence identity, presence of species-specific signature sequences, in silico RFLP, single nucleotide polymorphisms, and phylogenetic analyses of 16S rDNA allowed the assignation of the phytoplasma strains identified in seven Iranian provinces in peach trees with severe PWIB symptoms to four SNP genetic lineages of \u2018Ca. P. phoenicium\u2019 (subgroup 16SrIX-B and its variant). PWIB phytoplasma strains identified in Abarkooh (Yazd province) in peach trees with mild symptoms were attributed to the species \u2018Ca. P. aurantifolia\u2019 (subgroup 16SrII-C). This report of a wide spread of \u2018Ca. P. phoenicium\u2019 in association with PWIB in Iran supported its capability of adaptation to a broad range of fruit tree species, such as peach, nectarine, and apricot. As \u2018Ca. P. phoenicium\u2019 and \u2018Ca. P. aurantifolia\u2019 are the etiological agents of other important plant diseases in Iran and neighbouring countries, further investigations are needed to determine the role played by peach in their epidemiological pathways

Critical thinking and clinical decision making in nurse‏

BACKGROUND: Today, nurses are exposed to everchanging complicated conditions in health care services, they provide. To be able to cope with these conditions effectively, they should be competent decision makers. Besides, as decision making conditions get more complicated, using critical thinking is a need. The current study was carried out to evaluate the relationship between critical thinking and clinical decision making, in nurses of critical and general care units of hospitals in Isfahan. In addition, it is also aimed to compare the nurses of critical and general units in critical thinking and clinical decision making. METHODS: This is a correlation, descriptive study of cross-sectional type. The participants are 140 nurses; 70 working in critical care unit and 70, working in general units. Sampling method was random stratified sampling and the data was collected using a questionnaire with three sections; containing items on demographic data, clinical decision making and California critical thinking skills test. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire was approved using content validity, test-retest method and internal correlation test. The data was analyzed using variance analysis, Pearson correlation and t-test. RESULTS: The mean score of critical thinking and clinical decision making was 10.61, 63.27 and 10.67, 61.66 for nurses of critical care and general units, respectively. No statistical significant difference between two groups was observed in the area of clinical decision making and critical thinking. In addition, no statistical correlation was observed between the clinical decision making and critical thinking. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study demonstrated that the mean score of critical thinking was low in nurses. Probably, it originates from the educational system shortages and also, the professional environment problems. Some experts believe that the reason for lack of correlation between critical thinking and clinical decision making goes back to the absence of appropriate tool to measure the correlatio

Rate-dependent and antiarrhythmic reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) effects of simvastatin in isolated rabbit atrioventricular nodal model

Background and purpose: Several previous studies have shown the direct and indirect effects of statins on supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmia. The purpose of the present study is to determine (1) whether Simvastatin modifies the rate-dependent properties of the AV node, (2) to what extent such changes are related to effect of Simvastatin on the basic properties of AV nodal conduction and refractoriness. Materials and methods: AV nodal refractoriness (AVERP & AVFRP) and rate dependency protocols Fatigue and Facilitation were used to assesse the electrophysiological properties of AV node. We used an isolated perfussed rabbit with AV nodal preparation in one group (N=8). The stimulation protocols were carried out during control phase and in the presence of various concentrations of Simvastatin (0.5 , 0.8 , 1, 3 ,10 μm). Results: Simvastatin in concentration-dependent manner successfully prolonged effective and functional nodal refractory period (AVERP & AVFRP). Also an increase in Wenckebach cycle length was observed. Simvastatin in high concentration (3,10 μm) increases the arrhythmia threshold. Various concentrations of simvastatin increased fatigue, but it reached to significant level only at 30 μM. Conclusion: Simvastatin has potential anti-AVNRT effects by elevating arrhythmia threshold and prolongation of nodal refractoriness

Identifying the main factors affecting home consumption attitude to farmed fishes among Tehrani households

Using reference books, monitoring buyers behavior and interviewing the experts, the effective parameters on home consumption behavior of farmed fish were identified and compiled as a questionnaire. After the reliability and viability evaluation the questionnaire was filled randomly in the spring of 2008 for 295 households of different localities in Tehran. The allocation of questionnaires was conducted based on the proportion of population in each locality. The degree of importance of effective parameters and their priority were calculated by Friedman test. The results showed that, quality, taste, smell and protein content of grocery basket are the most important purchasing factors among Tehrani households. However, those who use only farmed fish or those who do not use fish at all, after quality, smell has the highest importance, and in the fourth priority, instead of protein content of grocery basket, fish bone has higher effect. We suggest that to improve consumption of farmed fish, apart from quality, the strategies of deodorizing, taste improvement and decreasing fish bones, shall be taken into consideration during harvest, transport and fish processing

The quality of life in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

We conducted a study to evaluate the quality of life in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy aged 8–18 years, compared with that in matched healthy controls. A total of 85 boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy aged 8–18 years and 136 age, sex and living place matched healthy controls were included in this study. Patients and one of their parents separately completed the 27-item Persian version of KIDSCREEN questionnaire (child and adolescent version and parent version). From the children's perspective, the quality of life in patients was found to be lower in two subclasses: “physical activities and health” (p < 0.001) and “friends” (p = 0.005). Parental estimation of their sick child's quality of life was significantly lower than children's own assessment in two subclasses: “physical activities and health” (p < 0.001) and “general mood and feelings” (p < 0.001). Our results indicate that boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy have quite a satisfactory quality of life. A happier and more hopeful life can be promoted through increasing social support and improving the parental knowledge regarding their child's more positive life perspective. © 2016 Elsevier B.V

Prevalence and associated factors of cardio-metabolic risk factors in Iranian seafarers

BACKGROUND: Since Iran's economy is based on the sale of petroleum products, seafaring is considered a crucial job. Little research has been done on issues related to seafarers' health in Iranian maritime industry. The present study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of cardio-metabolic risk factors in seafarers of National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 234 Iranian male seafarers of NITC in 2015. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was diagnosed according to the reports of National Committee of Obesity. Three main blood parameters (of elevated total cholesterol, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and elevated very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and general obesity were included as additional cardio-metabolic risk factors. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 36.0 ± 10.3 years. The prevalence of MetS was 14.9. The common cardio-metabolic risk factors were excess weight (51.1), abdominal obesity (38.5), and smoking (27.8) among Iranian seafarers. In multivariate analysis, age (OR: 1.05, 95 CI: 1.01-1.09) and body mass index (OR: 1.14, 95 CI: 1.01-1.27) were associated with the increase in hypertension risk. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding showed that the current prevalence of MetS among Iranian male seafarers working on tankers can affect negatively their health and career at sea

Prevalence and associated factors of cardio-metabolic risk factors in Iranian seafarers

BACKGROUND: Since Iran's economy is based on the sale of petroleum products, seafaring is considered a crucial job. Little research has been done on issues related to seafarers' health in Iranian maritime industry. The present study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of cardio-metabolic risk factors in seafarers of National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 234 Iranian male seafarers of NITC in 2015. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was diagnosed according to the reports of National Committee of Obesity. Three main blood parameters (of elevated total cholesterol, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and elevated very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and general obesity were included as additional cardio-metabolic risk factors. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 36.0 ± 10.3 years. The prevalence of MetS was 14.9. The common cardio-metabolic risk factors were excess weight (51.1), abdominal obesity (38.5), and smoking (27.8) among Iranian seafarers. In multivariate analysis, age (OR: 1.05, 95 CI: 1.01-1.09) and body mass index (OR: 1.14, 95 CI: 1.01-1.27) were associated with the increase in hypertension risk. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding showed that the current prevalence of MetS among Iranian male seafarers working on tankers can affect negatively their health and career at sea

Validating the motivational model for web- based Teaching

The purpose of this study was the external validation of the motivational model for web-based instruction with emphasis on the role of the teacher. The proposed model is based on self-determination theory and consists of three main categories (social presence, cognitive engagement, management) and nine sub-categories. In this quasi–experimental study, a pretest–posttest design with a control group was used. The population included all the undergraduate students of Kharazmi University (Karaj Campus) in the academic year 2015-2016. Of these, 44 students were selected through a random sampling procedure and were randomly assigned to either of experimental and control groups. Both groups participated in training course of communication skills. The instrument was Haller’s Situational Motivational scale that assesses four constructs of the self-determination theory (intrinsic motivation, identified regulation, external regulation, and amotivation). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the gathered data. The results showed that the proposed model can improve the learners' intrinsic motivation in web-based learning environment and can be a basis for teaching in virtual courses

Effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Rosa damascena on hippocampal long-term potentiation in rats fed high-fat diet

High-fat diets (HFDs) and obesity can cause serious health problems, such as neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairments. Consumption of HFD is associated with reduction in hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Rosa damascena (R. damascena) is traditionally used as a dietary supplement for many disorders. This study was carried out to determine the beneficial effect of hydroalcoholic extract of R. damascena on in vivo hippocampal synaptic plasticity (long-term potentiation, LTP) in the perforant pathway (PP)�dentate gyrus (DG) pathway in rats fed with an HFD. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: Control, R. damascena extract (1 g/kg bw daily for 30 days), HFD (for 90 days) and HFD + extract. The population spike (PS) amplitude and slope of excitatory post-synaptic potentials (EPSP) were measured in DG area in response to stimulation applied to the PP. Serum oxidative stress biomarkers total thiol group (TTG) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. The results showed the HFD impaired LTP induction in the PP-DG synapses. This conclusion is supported by decreased EPSP slope and PS amplitude of LTP. R. damascena supplementation in HFD animals enhanced EPSP slope and PS amplitude of LTP in the granular cell of DG. Consumption of HFD decreased TTG and SOD. R. damascena extract consumption in the HFD animals enhanced TTG and SOD. These data indicate that R. damascena dietary supplementation can ameliorate HFD-induced alteration of synaptic plasticity, probably through its significant antioxidant effects and activate signalling pathways, which are critical in controlling synaptic plasticity. © 2021, The Author(s)

Antibacterial activity of some Lamiaceae species against Staphylococcus aureus in yoghurt-based drink (Doogh)

Doogh is a dairy drinkable fermented product, whose shelf-life and quality is mostly affected by bacteria such as Staphylococcus spp. This study investigated the antibacterial activity of essential oils (EOs) from Thymus vulgaris L., Mentha piperita L. and Ziziphora tenuior L., alone or in combination, against Staphylococcus aureus in industrial doogh. A three-level and three-variable face centered central composite design experiment was used. Results showed that EOs significantly inhibited S. aureus growth after 1 and 7 days of storage. According to the model, the maximum inhibition was obtained in the presence of 0.2% of EO, independently of the type, and no synergistic or additive effects were observed. Slightly lower S. aureus survivals were observed at the maximum concentration of Z. tenuior EO. In spite of the antimicrobial activity of these EOs, further research is needed to assess their performance in food matrix and, in particular, in dairy product