Effect of a Family-Oriented Communication Skills Training Program on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Older adults face several physical and psychological problems such as hearing loss, vision loss, and memory loss, which diminish the quality of their communication. Poor communication in turn affects their psychological wellbeing and induces substantial depression, anxiety, and stress. The family has an important role in the mental health of older adults. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a family-oriented communication skills training program on depression, anxiety, and stress in older adults. Patients and Methods: For this randomized controlled clinical trial, we enrolled 64 older adults from two healthcare centers affiliated to the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The subjects were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 32) and a control group (n = 32). In the experimental group, older adults along with their primary caregiver participated in six sessions of communication skill education. The control group participated in two training sessions on nutrition and exercise. All participants answered the DASS21 questionnaire three times—at the start of the study, at the end of the sixth week, and a month after the last educational session of the experimental group. Data were analyzed using chi-square, Fisher’s exact and t tests and by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: In the experimental group, the mean depression score significantly reduced from 10.56 ± 3.34 before intervention to 7.46 ± 2.80 and 6.30 ± 2.75 after intervention and at follow-up, respectively; the mean anxiety score significantly reduced from 8.46 ± 1.88 before intervention to 5.83 ± 1.93 and 5.80 ± 2.12 after intervention and at follow-up, respectively; and the mean stress score significantly decreased from 11.40 ± 4.53 before intervention to 8.90 ± 3.81 and 8.43 ± 3.31 after intervention and at follow-up, respectively (P < 0.05 for all three domains). In contrast, the control group did not show any significant change in the mean depression, anxiety, and stress scores. Conclusions: Family-oriented education on communication skills could reduce depression, anxiety, and stress in the elderly. Therefore, such programs should be adopted as a non-pharmacological and cost-effective method for reducing depression, anxiety, and stress in older adults

Identification of chemical compounds of <em>Nardostachys Jatamansi </em>essence available in Iran

Introduction: With regard to using drugs with plant origin and with the aim of suitable use of these types of drugs and preventing them to be abused, it is necessary to determine the standards of these plants. The aim of the present study was to identify and study chemical compounds of Nardostachys Jatamansi essence in Iran and define monograph of this plant for the Iranian plant pharmacopeia. Methods: In an experimental study the Nardostachys Jatamansi specimen was prepared from the market in Iran. The essence of the plant was prepared by the hydro-distillation in Clevenger apparatus. Essence was obtained as a greenish yellow oil layer with the 0.07 yield. The essence compounds were identified quantitatively by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS) method. Results: Totally, 29 compounds were identified in Nardostachys Jatamansi essence. The retention indexes (RI) were only similar with overall standard values in two compounds like mesitylene and P-cymene. In this line the RI values about three compounds of valerenic acid, palmitic acid, and valerenyl isovalerate were determined significantly higher than standard values of RI. Conclusion: The essence prepared from the Nardostachys Jatamansi plant in Iran was different in terms of some compounds and components including valerenic acid, palmitic acid, and valerenyl isovalerate and so it is necessary to identify and register quality and quantity characteristics of compounds available in this plat in the Iranian medicinal plants pharmacopeia.</p

Effects of delayed sample processing on determination of total and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin in serum and plasma: a pilot study

&lt;p&gt;Adiponectin is a beneficial adipocyte-secreted hormone, which circulates in a variety of multimeric forms termed low and high molecular weight (LMW/HMW). Effectiveness of clinical therapeutic trials which target adiponectin rely on accurate determination of circulating total and HMW adiponectin levels but the accuracy may be influenced by variations in sample handling processes. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of delayed processing of blood samples on the concentration of total and HMW adiponectin.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Materials and Methods: Fasting blood samples were collected for analysis of total and HMW adiponectin concentrations in EDTA plasma and serum from eight healthy participants.  Samples were centrifuged post 15 min storage at 4&lt;sup&gt;o&lt;/sup&gt;C as the comparative ‘ideal’ method or after up to 72 h of refrigerated storage or 6 h at room temperature. Total and HMW adiponectin concentrations were measured by ELISA.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Results: Under ideal handling conditions measurements of total and HMW adiponectin concentrations were significantly higher in serum than in plasma (mean difference: -1.3 µg/mL [95% CI: -1.6, -1.0], p&amp;lt;0.001; and, -0.6 µg/mL [95% CI: -0.7, -0.5], p&amp;lt;0.001, respectively).  Storage of blood samples at 4&lt;sup&gt;o&lt;/sup&gt;C for 72 h resulted in significant reductions in concentration of total adiponectin in serum (mean difference: -1.4 µg/mL [95% CI: -2.0, -0.8], p=0.001) and HMW adiponectin in plasma (mean difference: -0.6 µg/mL [95%CI: -0.9, -0.2], p=0.007), compared with ideal conditions.  Further analysis of serum samples showed a significant decrease in total adiponectin concentration after 6 h storage at 4&lt;sup&gt;o&lt;/sup&gt;C (mean difference: -1.4 µg/mL [95% CI: -2.0, -0.8], p=0.001) compared with ideal conditions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Conclusions: Delayed processing of samples may have differential effects on the concentration of total and HMW adiponectin in serum or plasma. Larger studies are warranted for clinical intervention trials.&lt;/p&gt;</jats:p

Identification and comparison of the yield and composition of essential oil constituents of four Eucalyptus species adapted to the climatic conditions of Khorramabad

Introduction: Eucalyptus has more than 400 species, while only a few species of this genus have been imported in Iran. In this study we aimed to investigate chemical compounds of the essential oils of Eucalyptus species adapted in Lorestan climate. Methods: In this study, the fresh young leaves of four different Eucalyptus species including E. suggrandis, E. globulus subsp. bicostata, E. nitens and E. globulus subsp. maidenii were collected in spring (the middle of May) in khorramabad, Iran. The powder of air-dried leaves of different species of Eucalyptus was subjected to hydro-distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical compositions of different essential oils were detected using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and determination of their retention time (RT), retention index (RI) and Mass Spectra. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The results of this study indicated that there was significant difference (P&lt;0.01) among the yield and chemical compounds of the essential oils of studied species. The results showed that the yield of essential oil extracted from E. suggrandis, E. globulus bicostata, E. nitens and E. globulus maidenii were 1.12, 1.34, 2.57 and 5.38, respectively. Conclusion: The essential oil constituents of four Eucalyptus species plant were different in among of some compounds. E. globulus maidenii&nbsp; &nbsp;had most content of essential oil and 1.8-Cineole compound so it is necessary to identify quality and quantity characteristics of compounds available in this plant.</p

Muscle-specific overexpression of AdipoR1 or AdipoR2 gives rise to common and discrete local effects whilst AdipoR2 promotes additional systemic effects

Hypoadiponectinemia and adiponectin resistance are implicated in the aetiology of obesity-related cardiometabolic disorders, hence represent a potential therapeutic axis. Here we characterised the effects of in vivo electrotransfer-mediated overexpression of the adiponectin receptors, AdipoR1 or AdipoR2, into tibialis anterior muscle (TAM) of lean or obese mice. In lean mice, TAM-specific overexpression of AdipoR1 (TAMR1) or AdipoR2 (TAMR2) increased phosphorylation of AMPK, AKT and ERK and expression of the insulin responsive glucose transporter glut4. In contrast, only TAMR2 increased pparα and a target gene acox1. These effects were decreased in obese mice despite no reduction in circulating adiponectin levels. TAMR2 also increased expression of adipoQ in TAM of lean and obese mice. Furthermore, in obese mice TAMR2 promoted systemic effects including; decreased weight gain; reduced epididymal fat mass and inflammation; increased epididymal adipoQ expression; increased circulating adiponectin. Collectively, these results demonstrate that AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 exhibit overlapping and distinct effects in skeletal muscle consistent with enhanced adiponectin sensitivity but these appear insufficient to ameliorate established obesity-induced adiponectin resistance. We also identify systemic effects upon TAMR2 in obese mice and postulate these are mediated by altered myokine production. Further studies are warranted to investigate this possibility which may reveal novel therapeutic approaches

Self-Powered Plasmonic UV Detector, Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide/Ag Nanoparticles

We report a plasmonic self-poweredUV detector based on triboelectric nanogenerators, for the first time. The proposed structure benefits from plasmon-Assisted photoresponse in reduced graphene oxide/Ag nanoparticles heterostructure, serving as a high-sensitive photoconductive layer in the fabricated triboelectric nanogenerator. Ag nanoparticlesenhance the contacting surface area of the triboelectric nanogenerator, and improve the output open circuit voltage by a factor of about five. The presented triboelectric nanogenerator operates as an active self-powered UV detector so that the open circuit voltage is modulated by the UV illumination. The open circuit voltage sensitivity (δV p-p/V p-p) is measured as about 50% in response to UV illumination, with illuminationpower density of 500 μW/cm2.</p

Detection of hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA in the plasma of Iranian HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B

Background: Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a marker of HBV replication in the liver of patients infected with HBV. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between the presence of cccDNA in the plasma samples of Iranian treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B infection and HBV viral load and HBsAg levels. Patients and Methods: From April 2012 to May 2015, 106 treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B infection were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The HBsAg titer was measured by the Roche HBsAg II assay on the Cobas e411 system, and HBV DNA quantitation was performed using the COBAS TaqMan 48 kit. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for the detection of HBV cccDNA. Results: The mean (SD) age of the patients was 41.1 ± 12.4 years (range, 20 - 62 years). From a total of 106 study participants, 67 (63.2) were males. The HBV cccDNA was detected in plasma specimens in 19 (17.9) out of the total 106 patients, and a significant relationship was found between the presence of cccDNA in plasma sample of males (23.9) and females (7.7) (P = 0.039). Also, a significant correlation was found between the presence of cccDNA in plasma sample of the patients and HBV viral load level (P < 0.0001) and HBsAg titer (P = 0.0043). Conclusions: This study showed that cccDNA can be detected in the plasma specimen of 17.9 of Iranian treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Therefore, designing prospective studies focusing on the detection of cccDNA in these patients would provide more information. © 2015, Kowsar Corp

Hepatitis A virus and Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence among blood donors in Tehran, Iran

Background: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) are both transmitted by the fecal-oral route and are known as the leading causes of acute viral hepatitis in the world, especially in developing countries. There is a lack of updated data on HAV and HEV seroprevalence in Iran. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HAV and HEV among a group of blood donors in Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from July 2014 to December 2014, on a total of 559 blood donors referred to the Tehran blood transfusion center. The serum samples were tested for antibodies to HAV and HEV, using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: In the present study, 536 (95.9) cases were male and 23 (4.1) female with mean age of 38 years. Out of 559 blood donors, 107 (19.1) were first-time donors, 163 (29.2) lapsed donors and 289 (51.7) regular donors. Anti-HAV was found in 395 (70.7) and anti-HEV in 45 (8.1) of the blood donors. The HAV and HEV seroprevalence increased by age. There was no significant difference between genders in terms of anti-HAV and anti-HEV status. The HAV and HEV seroprevalence was significantly related to the level of education, where the donors with higher level of education had lower rate of HAV and HEV seroprevalence. The HAV and HEV seroprevalence was significantly higher in regular and lapsed donors than in first-time donors. Conclusions: The present study showed that both HAV and HEV infections are still endemic in Iran. © 2016, Kowsar Corp

7-Chloro-2-[1-(4-methoxy­phen­yl)pyrazol-4-yl]-3,3-dimethyl-3H-indole

In the title compound, C20H18ClN3O, the dihedral angle between the pyrazole and the 3H-indole components is only 13.28 (6)°, indicating that there is conjugation between the two heterocyclic subunits. The N-methoxy­phenyl unit makes a dihedral angle of 25.10 (7)° with the pyrazole ring

Analysis of the impact of Colony Stimulating Factor (CSF)-1 administration in adult rats using a novel Csf1r-mApple reporter gene

Macrophages are present in large numbers in every tissue in the body where they play critical roles in development and homeostasis. They exhibit remarkable phenotypic and functional diversity, underpinning their adaptation to specialized roles in each tissue niche. CSF1, signaling through the CSF1 receptor, which is restricted to monocyte-macrophage lineage cells in adults, is a critical growth factor controlling macrophage proliferation, differentiation, and many aspects of mature macrophage function. We have generated a macrophage reporter rat, utilizing a construct containing elements of the mouse Csf1r promoter and the highly conserved Fms intronic regulatory element to drive mApple fluorescent protein expression. Csf1r-mApple was robustly expressed in monocyte-macrophage lineage cells in rat bone marrow (BM), peripheral blood, and tissues, with detectable expression in granulocytes and B cells and no evidence of expression in hematopoietic precursors or non-hematopoietic cells. Here, we use the Csf1r-mApple transgene to highlight and dissect the abundance and heterogeneity of rat tissue macrophage populations, and to demonstrate parallel increases in blood monocytes and multiple tissue macrophage populations, including BM, liver, spleen, and lung, in response to CSF1 treatment in vivo. The Csf1r-mApple rat is a novel tool enabling analysis of rat macrophages in situ by direct imaging and providing an additional phenotypic marker to facilitate exploration of rat tissue macrophage phenotypic and functional heterogeneity