The psychometric properties of the Persian version of the contamination cognition scale (CCS)

Objective: In recent years, many researchers have been searching for effective cognitive factors in the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). One of the scales designed to measure this characteristic is the contamination cognition scale (CCS) that evaluates 2 dimensions: overestimating the likelihood and severity of contamination. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of CCS. Method: The study population of this descriptive psychometric study included students of Shahed University. A total of 490 students were selected via cluster sampling and completed the CCS. CCS was translated and back- translated before given to the students. The Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ) and the Padua Inventory (PI) were used. To assess the evidence for the validity of the scale, the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used. The gathered data were analyzed by SPSS-22 and Amos-22 software. Results: The results of the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed that one-factor model did not have adequate fitness (RMSEA > .05). Therefore, to explore the factors of this scale, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used, and it revealed 3 factors (public equipment, food, and restroom) for each of the dimensions (likelihood and severity). CFA by AMOS-22 confirmed the three-factor model (GFI, CFI, and NFI > .95; RMSEA < .05). Furthermore, the results supported criteria validity of CCS with the PI total score (0.56- 0.47, p < 0.001) and PI-contamination subscale (0.71-0.75, p < 0.001). Also, the correlation between CCS and responsibility/threat subscale of the OBQ was significant (0.47- 0.49, p < 0.001) The Cronbach's alpha for likelihood dimensions total was 0.93 and it was 0.94 for severity dimension total. The composite reliability was 0.95 for the likelihood dimension and 0.96 for severity dimension of CCS. Also, the test-retest reliability after a 4-week interval was confirmed (likelihood: r = 0.78; severity: r = 0.81, p < .001). Conclusion: The results indicated that one-factor model of CCS did not have adequate fitness, but three-factor model was confirmed in both dimensions (likelihood and severity). According to the results of the present study, the reliability and validity of the Persian version of CCS were acceptable. © 2018 Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Effect of temperature and photoperiod on reproductive behavior of corn stem borer, Sesamia cretica (Lederer, 1857) (Lep.: Noctuidae)

The corn stem borer, Sesamia cretica Led. (Lep.: Noctuidae),is the most important pest of maize and sugarcane throughout the world including Iran where its egg parasitoid wasp, Telenomus busseolae Gahan (Hym.: Scelionidae) is widely used in biological control programs. Due to the host specificity of the parasitoid wasp, S. cretica serves as the single host for the mass rearing of T. busseolae at the laboratory or insectarium. The present work was intended to find the optimum temperature and photoperiod for the reproductivity of S. cretica at laboratory condition. We evaluated the percentage of fertilized eggs, oviposition rate, peak of egg laying and adult longevity of S. cretica. Thermal treatments and photoperiod treatments included 24, 27 and 30 ºC as well as 24D, 12D: 12L, 8L: 16D (short day period), 16L:8D (long day period) hours respectively. The best temperature for oviposition was calculated between 24 and 27 ºC, but the rate of oviposition was significantly decreased at 30 ºC. Temperature and photoperiod had no effect on the percentage of fertilized eggs and adult longevity. Different photoperiods caused significant effect on the rate of oviposition and the highest oviposition rate occurred in 12L: 12D hours and in 16D:8L hours. The lowest rate of oviposition was observed in 24D period. The highest rate of oviposition occurred on the second day

Comparison of patient�s kidney function based on kidney disease improving global outcomes (Kdigo) criteria and clinical parameters in isolated coronary artery bypass graft (cabg) surgery in on-pump and off-pump methods in patients with low cardiac output syndrome (lcos) after surgery

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the serious complications of cardiac surgery. It is worsened when accompanied by low cardiac output syndrome. Objectives: In this study, we compared kidney function based on the KDIGO criteria in isolated on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods: In this cohort study, 52 patients with LCOS were enrolled after on-pump (28 patients) and off-pump (24 patients) CABG. In the first six hours after ICU entrance, blood samples were taken for serum creatinine based on routine. For determining AKI after surgery, we used the KDIGO criteria as a primary endpoint. Also, some clinical parameters were recorded before, during, and after surgery. The data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 24, using paired and independent t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation test and non-parametric tests such as Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: There was no significant difference in age (P = 0.3) and gender (P = 0.57) between the two groups. Among cardiac disease risk factors, only hypertension (P = 0.02) had a significant difference between the two groups, but AKI in patients with hypertension did not show a significant difference (P = 0.09). In paraclinical parameters, serum creatinine showed a significant difference before and after surgery in on-pump (P < 0.001) and off-pump (P = 0.007) groups. Also, this parameter had a significant difference at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h after surgery between the on-pump and on-pump groups. The AKI incidence showed a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The incidence of AKI was more in on-pump patients than in off-pump patients. Also, a significant difference was observed between their clinical parameters. Thus, to improve the patients� clinical outcomes and lower the health costs, we suggest that patients with a high risk of LCOS be followed up after CABG, especially on-pump CABG. © 2020, Author(s)

Effect of RGD immobilization on biocompatibility of oxidized cellulose scaffold in bone tissue engineering

Background: Human tissue failures caused by different damages or injuries are the most serious and costly problems in health care and have direct effect on life quality. Tissue Engineering, as a scaffoldbased strategy, provides promising research field and may offer innovative viewpoints to treat diseases. Scientists in various fields have tried to functionalize polymers to achieve special surface cell interactions. Methods: Cellulose powder was oxidized with NO2 gas and the porous scaffold was fabricated via dry pressing. RGD peptide was immobilized on the surface of scaffold via grafting to make a hybrid scaffold. The hybrid scaffold was characterized by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and SEM (Scanning electron microscope) and its biocompatibility was examined through MTT 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Findings: FTIR results proved oxidization of cellulose and bonding between scaffold surface and RGD. Porous microstructure having suitable size was confirmed via SEM. The results of MTT showed significant increase of viable cells on hybrid scaffold. Conclusion: Porous structure and high biocompatibility were benefits of prepared hybrid scaffold. Cellulose oxidation can present suitable condition for RGD immobilization caused to enhance biocompatibility. In addition, existing pores in good size conditioned hybrid scaffold to engineer bone tissue. © 2015, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved

The relationship between lifestyle and anthropometric factors with the sleep characteristics among university students in Iran: the MEPHASOUS study

Background: Healthy sleep habits have an important role in normal cognitive function, emotional performance, and well-being. The aims of this study were to describe the characteristics of sleep among university students in Iran. In addition, we assessed the relationship between lifestyle and anthropometric factors with the sleep characteristics. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using the data of �Mental and Physical Health Assessment of University Students in Iran� survey 2012�2013. This survey was conducted on newly admitted students in 74 public universities in 28 provinces. The participants were younger adults. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to recognize associated factors with sleep pattern and range. Result: Of total 78,848 students who completed the survey, 54.64 (n = 43,079) were females. The average age of the students was 21.53 ± 4.08 and 21.54 ± 3.99 among males and females, respectively. More than 90 (n = 70,923), were non-smokers. Out of the total respondents, 40.56 (n = 31,756) had irregular sleep pattern. Male students were less likely to have irregular sleep pattern than female students. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that irregular sleep pattern is associated with overweight and obesity. So, these results underscore the need to educate students on importance of healthy sleep pattern and duration on health conditions. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Farmed Mussels: A Nutritive Protein Source, Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, with a Low Environmental Footprint

OThe world’s ever-growing population presents a major challenge in providing sustainable food options and in reducing pressures on the Earth’s agricultural land and freshwater resources. Current estimates suggest that agriculture contributes ~30% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Additionally, there is an increased demand for animal protein, the production of which is particularly polluting. Therefore, the climate-disrupting potential of feeding the planet is likely to substantially worsen in the future. Due to the nutritional value of animal-based protein, it is not a simple solution to recommend a wholesale reduction in production/consumption of animal proteins. Rather, employing strategies which result in the production of low carbon animal protein may be part of the solution to reduce the GHGs associated with our diets without compromising diet quality. We suggest that farmed mussels may present a partial solution to this dilemma. Mussel production has a relatively low GHG production and does not put undue pressure on land or fresh water supplies. By drawing comparisons to other protein sources using the Australian Food and Nutrient Database and other published data, we demonstrate that they are a sustainable source of high-quality protein, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, phytosterols, and other key micronutrients such as B-12 and iron. The aim of this review is to summarise the current knowledge on the health benefits and potential risks of increasing the consumption of farmed mussels

A review on different types of Real-time PCR methods and its optimization

In the recent years, Real-time PCR technique introduced as a choice method for diagnosis of infectious diseases in many laboratories. During each cycle of the PCR reaction, this technique combines the polymerase chain reaction chemistry with the utilization of fluorescent reporter molecules for monitoring the production of amplification products. Therefore, the set of features including the high sensitivity and specificity, repeatable data and low contamination risk has made the Real-time PCR technology as an attractive alternative to conventional PCR. This technique is often used to quantify the level of gene expression. Since the whole Real-time PCR reaction is performed within a closed tube, the risk of contamination is reduced and eventually prevent false-positive results. The aim of present study was to provide a general overview on different types of Real-time PCR methods, their benefits and applications. Keywords: Molecular diagnosis, Real-time PCR, Polymerase chain reaction, Fluorophor

The University Students\' Knowledge of Mental Health Problems and the Psychological Services Offered and Their Attitude Toward Them as Predictors of Seeking Professional Psychological Help

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of college students' mental health and their attitudes toward mental health problems and the related services, in seeking professional psychological help. The sample consisted of 150 students of Shahed and Amir Kabir universities. The participants were divided into 3 groups:Normal Group= NG, Help Seeking Group= HSG and Non help Seeking Group= NHSG. They were tested by the GHQ–28 inventory and a researcher-made questionnaires and Attitude toward, i.e,. Knowledge of Mental Health Problem, and Services them (KAMHPSS). The results indicated that: 1) NHSG has more mental health problems than HSG, 2) NHSG has less knowledge and more negative attitude compared the two other groups, 3) HSG has more knowledge and positive attitude than NG. Finally, the female students showed more favorable attitudes than males

Ameliorative effect of Zingiber officinale on diazinon -induced testicular toxicity: A biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical study

Background and objectives: Diazinon (O,O-diethyl O-2-isopropyl-6- methyl pyrimidinyl-4-g-1- phosphorothioate) is one of  the organophosphate insecticides for different agricultural and gardening uses, which can be highly toxic. Zingiber officinale(ginger), a spice and herbal medicine, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study has investigated the effects of ginger against DZN-induced testicular toxicity. Methods: Thirty two adult male mice were randomly divided into four groups. The control group; ginger group (200 mg/kg); DZN group (10 mg/kg) and ginger + DZN group. Ginger and DZN were received for 30 consecutive days by gavage and DZN treat one hour after receiving ginger. Sperm parameters, testosterone levels, biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical assays of testis were evaluated. Results: The results revealed that treatment with DZN caused significant damage of sperm parameters (sperm motility, count, viability rate and abnormalities), increased oxidative stress (increased MDA and decreased GSH level), significant histopathological changes and decreased Johnsen’s Score, testosterone level and increased caspase-3 immunoreactivity. Ginger preserved sperm parameters and mitigated the toxic effects of DZN. Also, pretreatment with ginger significantly reduced caspase-3 immunoreactivity. Conclusion: Our results concluded that ginger probably with its antioxidant activity and scavenging free radicals protect against DZN-induced testicular toxicity

Determination of blood glucose lowering and metabolic effects of Mespilus germanica L. extract on normal and streptozocin-induced diabetic Balb/c mices

Background and objectives: The serum glucose lowering, normalization animal body weight and antioxidative stress effects of Mespilus germanica L. leaf extract were investigated in normal and streptozotocin-induced Balb/C mices. Methods: The leaves of M. germanica were extracted using acetone/water (70:30) by percolation method and concentrated using rotary-evaporator device and its total phenolics and flavonoids content were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. The study was conducted on forty eight matured male Balb/C mices (20-30 g) divided into 6 groups (n=8). Diabetes mellitus was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of 35 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ). Extracts of Mespilus germanica were used orally at the dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight per day for 21 days. Results: Oral administrations of the Mespilus germanica L. leaf extract significantly decreased serum glucose, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation and maintained animal body weight during treatment period (