Estudio sobre el efecto del carbón activo con tierra decolorante sobre la reducción de hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos (HAP) en aceite de soja decolorado

Considering the importance of bleaching earth with activated carbon for reducing the Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as an important chemical contaminant, this study was conducted to confirm the effects of the bleaching process on the reduction or elimination of the BαP index and 4 PAH (BαA, CHR, BβF, BαP) contents in soybean oil. The bleaching process was carried out with different amounts of bleaching earth (1% w/w) and activated carbon (0.1% up to 0.5% w/w). A HPLC/FLD device was employed to determine the PAHs in the oil samples after undergoing extraction and clean-up procedures. The results of linearity indicated that there was a linear response with high linear regression coefficients of determination for all the 4 PAHs analyzed. (R2 > 0.9950). Furthermore, the recovery percentage was calculated from 83.8% to 106.2%; LOD and LOQ were 0.06–0.2 μgkg−1 and 0.2–0.61 μgkg−1, respectively. An analysis of the PAH contents indicated that the bleaching process, including a 0.27% to 0.5% w/w activated carbon application led to the elimination of the PAH content. Since vegetable oils have been shown to be the major sources of PAHs in the diet, the industrial use of activated carbon during the bleaching of vegetable oils is highly recommended.Considerando la importancia de decolorar la tierra con carbón activo para reducir los hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos (HAP) como un contaminante químico importante, este estudio se realizó para confirmar los efectos del proceso de decolorado sobre la reducción o eliminación del índice BαP y 4 HAP (BαA CHR, BβF, y BαP) en aceite de soja. El proceso de decolorado se realizó con diferentes cantidades de tierra decolorante (1% p/p) y carbón activo (0,1% hasta 0,5% p/p). Se empleó un HPLC/FLD para determinar los HAP en las muestras de aceite después de someterse a procedimientos de extracción y limpieza. Los resultados de linealidad indicaron que hubo una respuesta lineal con altos coeficientes de regresión lineal para los 4 HAP analizados. (R2 > 0,9950). Además, el porcentaje de recuperación se calculó de 83,8% a 106,2%; LOD y LOQ fueron 0.06–0.2 μgkg−1 y 0,2–0,61 μgkg−1, respectivamente. El análisis de los contenidos de HAP indicó que el proceso de decoloración que incluían un porcentaje de carbón activo de 0.27% hasta 0.5% p/p llevó a la eliminación del contenido de HAP. Dado que se ha demostrado que los aceites vegetales son las principales fuentes de HAP en la dieta, el uso industrial de carbón activado durante la decoloración de los aceites vegetales es muy recomendable

A randomized clinical trial of the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic treatment of emotional and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: evaluating efficacy and mechanism of change

Abstract Objective The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of Unified Protocol (UP) for transdiagnostic treatment of psychological problems, such as anxiety, depression, and stress, and treating the intensity of gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Another aim of the study was to test whether emotion regulation mediates the effect of UP. Methods Among 91 patients diagnosed with IBS (using ROME III criteria), 64 patients were eligible to participate in the study based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. These patients were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 32) that participated in 12 weekly UP treatment sessions or to a wait-list control group (n = 32). All patients completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-42), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS) pre- and post-intervention. The data were analyzed with SPSS 20.0 software. Results The results of intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis indicated a significant decrease in depression, anxiety, stress, and gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as significant improvements in emotion regulation scores in the intervention group post intervention. All results were significant at P < .001. Mediation analyses indicated that changes in emotion regulation mediated the effect of UP on changes in emotional and gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusion UP was effective and influential in emotion regulation among the intervention group and caused a decline in emotional and gastrointestinal symptoms. Hence, this intervention is promising, but larger RCTs are needed to more investigate its efficacy. Future studies could also examine the efficacy of the UP in other medical conditions with co-occurring psychological conditions. Keywords Anxiety Depression Stress Emotion Regulation Irritable Bowel Syndrome Transdiagnostic Treatment Unified Protocol Randomized Clinical Tria

Factor structure and reliability of the mindfulness attention awareness scale for adolescents and the relationship between mindfulness and anxiety in adolescents

Background: In recent years, application and practice of mindfulness-based interventions to reduce adolescent psychological problems are increasing. Therefore, it is necessary to design and study tools that measure mindfulness and its effects. Objectives: One of the available tools to measure mindfulness in adolescents is the mindfulness attention awareness scale for adolescents (MAAS-A). The current study aimed at examining the factor structure and reliability of a Persian version of this scale and investigating the relationship between mindfulness and anxiety. Methods: The current descriptive, cross sectional and psychometric study was conducted on 354 students from Kashan city, Iran, selected via the cluster sampling method in 2017. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) by the principle component analysis method, the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and the relationship between mindfulness and anxiety were conducted to examine the validity of the MAAS-A. To calculate the reliability of the MAAS-A, Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability (four-week interval) were employed. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 19.0 and AMOS-22. Results: The results of the EFA suggested two factors for this scale labeled as �acting with attention and awareness� and �attention to the present moment�. The CFA confirmed the two-factor model of the 14-item scale (the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) 90 confidence interval (CI) = 0.001 - 0.06). The reliability of this scale was good (α = 0.81, retest reliability = 0.86) and the correlation between mindfulness and anxiety was negative and significant (r = -0.43, P < 0.01). Also, this relationship was significant in females (r = -0.44, P < 0.01) and males (r = -0.46, P < 0.01). Conclusions: According to the results of the current study, the MAAS-A was a reliable and valuable scale to measure the mindfulness of adolescents. The results of correlation between mindfulness and anxiety meant that by increasing mindfulness, the anxiety reduced in adolescents. ©2018, Author(s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Licens

Cross-Cultural Adaptations of the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Treatment in Iran

Background: According to general ethical and legal principles, valid consent must be obtained before starting any procedure. Objectives: Due to the lack of a standard tool for assessing patients’ capacity to consent to medical treatment in Iran, the present study was carried out aiming to devise a Persian version of a cross-cultural adaptation of the MacArthur competence assessment tool. Patients and Methods: By reviewing different methods of cultural translation and adaptation for assessment tools, and due to the lack of consensus on its processes, we selected Wild’s model as one of the most comprehensive methods in this regard. Wild’s (2005) 10-stage model includes preparation, forward translation, reconciliation of the forward translation, back translation of reconciliation, back translation review, cognitive debriefing and cognitive review, and finalization, proofreading and final reporting. Using this model, we translated the MacArthur assessment tool and made it adaptable to Iranian patients. Results: The MacArthur assessment tool is not dependent on any specific culture and language. As a result, if translation and its scientific adaptation are done based on an integrated and detailed model, the tool can be used for every culture and language. In other words, this tool is not culture-specific; so, it is applicable in cases where a translation is needed, and it can be culturally adapted to suit different societies. Conclusions: In the present study, we are able to focus on and prove the efficacy and benefits of this measurement tool

Psychometric properties of the persian version of the avoidance and fusion questionnaire for youth

Background and purpose: Avoidance and cognitive fusion are two components of psychological inflexibility and are the main concepts of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth (AFQ-Y8). Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 300 students in Kashan, Iran who were selected by cluster sampling. The Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth (AFQ-Y8) and the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS) were administered to collect the data. The factor structure of the questionnaire was evaluated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Also, the convergent validity with RCMAS, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency of this questionnaire were examined. Results: Exploratory factor analysis indicated one factor called psychological inflexibility. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the one factor model of the questionnaire (RMSEA 90 CI =0.00-0.07). Also, the convergent validity with RCMAS was found to be good (r = 0.60, p<0.001) and the internal consistency and test-retest reliability (4 weeks interval) were 0.71 and 0.65, respectively. Conclusion: AFQ-Y8 is an appropriate tool with acceptable psychometric properties to measure the psychological inflexibility of adolescents in Iran. © 2018, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Rational design and direct fabrication of multi-walled hollow electrospun fibers with controllable structure and surface properties

Multi-walled hollow fibers with a novel architecture are fabricated through utilizing a direct,one-step tri-axial electrospinning process with a manufacturing methodology which does not require any post-treatments for the removal of core material for creating hollowness in the fiber structure. The hydrophilicity of both inner and outer layers’ solution needs to be dissimilar and carefully controlled for creating a two-walled/layered hollow fiber tructure with a sharp interface. To this end, Hansen solubility parameters are used as n index of layer solution affinity hence allowing for control of diffusion across the layers and the surface porosity whereby an ideal multi-walled hollow electrospun fiber is shown to be producible by tri-axial electrospinning process. Multi-walled hollow electrospun fibers with different inner and outer diameters and different surface morphology are successfully produced by using dissimilar material combinations for inner and outer layers (i.e., hydrophobic polymers as outer layer and hydrophilic polymer as inner layer). Upon using different material combinations for inner and outer layers, it is shown that one may control both the outer and inner diameters of the fiber. The inner layer not only acts as a barrier and thus provides an ease in the encapsulation of functional core materials of interest with different viscosities but also adds stiffness to the fiber. The structure and the surface morphology of fibers are controlled by changing applied voltage, polymer types, polymer concentration, and the evaporation rate of solvents. It is demonstrated that if the vapor pressure of the solvent for a given outer layer polymer is low, the fiber diameter decreases down to 100 nm whereas solvents with higher vapor pressure result in fibers with the outer diameter of up to 1 μm. The influence of electric field strength on the shape of Taylor cone is also monitored during the production process and the manufactured fibers are structurally investigated by relevant surface characterization techniques

Psychometric properties of the child and adolescent mindfulness measure: A psychological measure of mindfulness in youth

Background: Although there are a number of acceptable means of measuring mindfulness for adults, this is not the case with the child and adolescent population. A requirement, therefore, is to establish and evaluate the child and adolescent mindfulness tools, such as the child and adolescent mindfulness measure (CAMM). Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of a Persian version of the CAMM. Methods: This descriptive research involved a sample of 620 students aged 12 to 18 years in Kashan who were selected via cluster sampling in 2017. The participants completed the Persian CAMM, the eight-item Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth (AFQY8), the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale for Adolescents (MAAS-A), the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale, and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). The factor structure of the Persian CAMM was evaluated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses by separate samples. Test-retest reliability (with four-week interval and 50 participants), internal consistency, and convergent and divergent validities were also determined. Results: The results of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) showed that the one-factor (original) model of the CAMM did not meet the goodness of fit indexes. The Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA, n = 300) indicated that the Persian CAMM had a two-factor structure and the CFA verified the acceptable fit of the two-factor scale. The instrument also exhibited good reliability (α =0.73). The correlation between CAMM and anxiety, depression, and psychological inflexibility was negative, whereas its correlation with the MAAS-A was positive (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, the Persian CAMM is an appropriate tool with acceptable psychometric properties for measuring adolescent mindfulness. Mindfulness can be considered an important protective construct in the mental health of children and adolescents. Copyright © 2020, Author(s)

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

Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy in cognitive emotion regulation strategies, headache-related disability, and headache intensity in patients with chronic daily headache

Background: Chronic daily headache is a serious disease, causing significant problems such as disability. It is characterized by pain localized to the head (headache) and headaches occurring on 15 or more days per month for more than 3 months (> 180 days per year). Programs for pain and health improvement in patients with painful diseases, such as headache, are not still fully developed. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a new psychotherapy, which appears to be effective in the treatment of chronic pain. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of ACT in cognitive emotion regulation strategies, headache-related disability, and headache intensity in patients with chronic daily headaches. Methods: In the current study, a semi-experimental method was applied. The study was conducted at Shahid Beheshti Governmental hospital of Kashan, Iran in 2016. The sample consisted of 40 patients with chronic daily headache, who were selected via convenience sampling. The participants were randomly allocated into medical treatment as usual (MTAU) and ACT groups (20 samples per group) via block randomization. The ACT group received eight 90-minute weekly treatments, based on the ACT protocol. The cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire (CERQ), diary of headache severity, and headache-related disability inventory (HDI) were administered at pretreatment, posttreatment, and three-month follow-up in both groups. Results: In the current study, no significant differences were found between the groups in terms of demographic variables (P > 0.05). In the ACT group, the mean (SD) scores of emotional and functional aspects of headache disability were 26.87 ± 10.11 and 28.50 ± 9.04, respectively before the intervention, which decreased to 17.75 ± 8.32 and 18.12 ± 9.42 after the intervention and 21.37 ± 8.53 and 21.37 ± 9.87 in the follow-up, respectively (P 0.05). Conclusions: The results of the present study suggested that ACT is an effective treatment for reducing nonadjustment cognitive emotion regulation strategies, headache-related disability, and headache intensity and improving adjustment emotion regulation strategies in patients with chronic daily headache. © 2018, Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal

Relationship between disgust propensity and contamination obsessive-compulsive symptoms: The mediating role of information processing bias

Background: Early studies showed that disgust contributes to developing the contamination obsessive-compulsive disorder (C-OCD) and fear of contamination. Despite considering disgust to explain the fear of contamination as a symptom of C-OCD, there are few studies on the mediating role of information processing bias (IPB) in the relationship between disgust propensity (DP) and the fear of contamination. Objectives: The current study aimed at exploring the mediating role of IPB between DP and fear of contamination. Methods: The current descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 386 students selected by cluster sampling method. The employed tools were disgust propensity and sensitivity scale-revised (DPSS-R), the Padua inventory (PI), obsessive beliefs questionnaire (OBQ), and spatial cueing task. Data were analyzed with Amos-22 software. Bootstrap methods were used to analyze the mediating role. Results: Results of the structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that the proposed model had a good fitness GFI (goodness of fit index), TLI (the Tucker-Lewis index), and CFI (comparative fit index) > 0.95 and RMSEA (root mean square error of approximation) = 0.03. The results showed that the relationship between DP and fear of contamination was mediated by IPB. Conclusions: Results indicated the impact of disgust propensity on fear of contamination through information processing. These findings emphasized that information processing is essential to explain C-OCD. © 2018, Author(s)