Objectives: Constipation is highly prevalent in children, and the organic causes of chronic constipation during childhood remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between serum zinc levels and chronic constipation in children, compared with healthy subjects. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 140 participants, including 70 children with chronic constipation and 70 children in the control group with normal bowel habits. Serum zinc levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and were compared between the two groups. Results: The results showed that the mean serum zinc level in the control group was significantly higher than that in the chronic constipation group (0.96 +/- 0.67 mg/L vs. 0.72 +/- 0.70 mg/L, P = 0.037). Furthermore, when participants were grouped according to demographic characteristics and serum zinc levels were compared, the difference between the two groups (chronic constipation and control groups) remained statistically significant among female participants (1.01 +/- 0.64 mg/L vs. 0.85 +/- 0.67 mg/L, P = 0.045). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that serum zinc levels were significantly lower in children with chronic constipation. Accordingly, constipated children may require further investigation due to the observed statistical significance. Although assessing the physiopathological pathways of this condition in clinical settings may be challenging, designing experimental studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms appears feasible.
Objectives: Moral sensitivity is a fundamental component of moral decision-making and is defined as moral perception and moral awareness. The presence of this attribute is particularly important for medical professionals. The present study aimed to investigate the predictive role of personality traits in the moral sensitivity of medical students. Methods: This cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted among medical students enrolled in clinical courses at Kashan University of Medical Sciences. A total of 250 students were included using the census method. Data were collected using the Moral Sensitivity Scale for Iranian Medical Students and the Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI 10). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22, applying Pearson correlation and regression analyses. Results: The findings indicated that female students exhibited significantly higher moral sensitivity than male students (P < 0.05). Agreeableness (r = 0.34), conscientiousness (r = 0.16), and openness to experience (r = 0.26) were significantly associated with moral sensitivity (P < 0.05). However, regression analysis revealed that only agreeableness and openness to experience were significant positive predictors of moral sensitivity (R-2 = 0.32, F = 15.42, P < 0.01). Conclusion: The results suggest that agreeableness and openness to experience are key personality traits associated with moral sensitivity. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals possessing these characteristics be considered for professions such as medicine.
Objectives: Smoking is associated with an increased prevalence of periodontal disease, and smoking cessation has been shown to reduce disease severity and progression. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D levels and oral and dental health among smokers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 176 smokers aged 18-65 years in Kashan, Iran, between April and September 2023, using a random sampling method. Data collection tools included a demographic information checklist and an adapted World Health Organization oral health questionnaire. In addition, 2 mL blood samples were collected to assess serum vitamin D levels. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 32% of the participants. Among individuals with vitamin D deficiency, moderate gingival problems and moderate to severe dental plaque accumulation were prevalent, with 89% experiencing gum problems and 69% exhibiting dental plaque. However, no statistically significant association was found between vitamin D levels and the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index (P > 0.05). The p-values for the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth components were 0.91, 0.14, and 0.05, respectively. Conclusion: The findings highlight the complexity of factors influencing oral health in smokers. Improving oral health outcomes in this population requires a multifactorial approach, as meaningful improvement cannot be achieved by addressing a single factor alone, such as vitamin D status.
Objectives: Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for newborns and young children during the first six months of life. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of formula feeding and its associated factors among infants and toddlers in Kashan, Iran. Methods: A total of 350 mothers with infants and children under two years of age who were referred to community health centers (CHCs) in Kashan, Iran, were enrolled in this study. After obtaining informed consent and conducting interviews with the parents, data were collected using a researcher designed checklist developed based on the study objectives and a review of the relevant literature. Results: Formula feeding was reported in 38% of children under two years of age. Among the parents, 59.4% reported insufficient breast milk as the main reason for formula use, while 48.1% cited inadequate child growth. Independent samples t test results showed no statistically significant difference in the mean age of mothers of breastfed children compared with those of formula fed infants and young children (P = 0.076). However, significant differences were observed between breastfed and formula fed groups with respect to maternal employment status, education level, gestational age, birth order, and mode of delivery (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Providing adequate prenatal care and educating mothers about breastfeeding techniques and the benefits of breast milk are essential. Addressing misconceptions regarding breast milk sufficiency and infant growth patterns is also critical. Involving mothers' caregivers during hospital discharge and the postpartum period, early identification and management of breastfeeding challenges, and the implementation of baby friendly hospital initiatives can substantially reduce formula feeding. Moreover, reducing unnecessary cesarean deliveries and strengthening support systems for breastfeeding mothers may contribute to a decrease in formula milk consumption.
Objectives: Overweight and obesity pose physical and mental health risks, particularly at a young age. Aerobic exercise may improve both mental and physical conditions. This study examined the effects of an aerobic exercise program on general health, mood state, and body mass index (BMI) in sedentary female college students. Methods: In this study, 26 sedentary overweight female college students were randomly assigned to either an aerobic exercise group or a control group. The exercise group participated in an eight-week aerobic exercise program three times per week at an intensity of 75% of their maximum heart rate. Both the exercise and control groups completed the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaires before and after completion of the research protocol. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 18.0. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre-and post-intervention data. Results: The results showed that the aerobic exercise program significantly decreased BMI in the exercise group when comparing pretest and posttest values (P = 0.0001). In addition, independent t-test results indicated that BMI, GHQ-28, and POMS scores in the exercise group significantly improved compared with those in the control group (P= 0.039, P = 0.014, and P = 0.0001, respectively). Conclusion: Exercise has numerous health benefits, including improvements in mood and anxiety. These changes may be associated with a reduction in cortisol levels and an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The positive effects of exercise were evident in the overweight female participants who followed the exercise protocol employed in this study. Based on the findings of this study, participation in a continuous aerobic exercise program lasting eight weeks improves mental health as well as anthropometric parameters in overweight female college students.
Objectives: Even during the subsidence of the COVID-19 pandemic, health systems must remain prepared to manage sporadic cases and potential future outbreaks. In 2023, the capacity and readiness of health service facilities for COVID-19 response were assessed in Ilam Province, Iran. This article presents the rationale and study protocol of that assessment. Methods: This study was conducted as three separate cross-sectional surveys in Ilam Province: (1) a facility-based survey covering all 13 hospitals; (2) a facility-based survey including all 71 comprehensive health centers; and (3) a population-based survey involving a sample of 187 community health workers. Adapted versions of assessment tools developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) were used for data collection and analysis. Trained interviewers collected, analyzed, and reported the data in accordance with the standardized reporting framework. In addition, a scoring system was developed to better identify strengths and weaknesses and to enable comparison across health facilities. Results: The face validity, content validity, and reliability of the assessment tools were confirmed. The pilot study conducted before the main fieldwork indicated that only minor revisions were required in the questionnaires and implementation procedures. Conclusion: The finalized survey tools, tailored to the structure of health service delivery in Iran, are essential for ensuring the validity of the study findings. Moreover, the use of a census sampling approach for health facilities provides a comprehensive overview of the status of health service delivery in Ilam Province.
Objectives: This pilot randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of integrating pelvic floor awareness training with biofeedback-assisted pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in female high-performance athletes experiencing urinary incontinence. Methods: In this Phase II pilot trial, ten female high-performance athletes aged 18-25 years were randomly allocated to either an intervention group (IG; n = 5) or a conventional group (CG; n = 5). The IG received pelvic floor awareness training through neuromuscular reeducation combined with biofeedback-assisted PFMT, while the CG received conventional PFMT alone. The intervention was delivered at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, India, between December 2023 and January 2024. Both groups participated in supervised training sessions lasting 45 minutes per day, five days per week, for four consecutive weeks. Outcomes were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ UI SF) and the Incontinence Severity Index (ISI). Within-group changes were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, and between-group differences were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Both groups demonstrated statistically significant post-intervention improvements in urinary incontinence outcomes (P < 0.05). The intervention group showed greater reductions in ICIQ UI SF scores (mean f SD: 8.3 f 1.16) and ISI scores (3.5 f 0.53) compared with the conventional group (ICIQ UI SF: 9.9 f 1.20; ISI: 5.1 f 0.74). Between-group analyses revealed significant differences favoring the intervention group for both ICIQ UI SF (U = 16.5, P = 0.008) and ISI (U = 5.0, P = 0.0005). Conclusion: Although both interventions were associated with clinically meaningful improvements in urinary incontinence symptoms, the integration of pelvic floor awareness training with biofeedback-assisted PFMT produced greater preliminary benefits. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and potential added value of the combined intervention and support further investigation through larger, adequately powered randomized controlled trials in female high-performance athletes.
Objectives: Acute poisoning from pesticides poses a serious public health issue and is recognized as a medical emergency across the globe. It can occur due to both intentional and unintentional exposure, often resulting in severe health consequences, including death. This study aims to investigate the epidemiological aspects of acute pesticide poisoning in patients referred to hospitals in Khuzestan province, southwest Iran, between 2019 and 2023. Methods: This retrospective-descriptive study was conducted at Razi Hospital as a poisoning treatment center in Khuzestan Province. Patient data were collected from medical records between 2019 and 2023. The variables analyzed included age, gender, county, year, place of residence, season, pesticide group, clinical symptoms, and treatment, which were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: A total of 930 patients were admitted to Razi Hospital with acute pesticide poisoning symptoms between 2019 and 2023. Of these, 588 (63.2%) and 342 (36.8%) cases were from cities and villages, respectively. Of the patients, 390 (41.5%) were male, while 540 (58.1%) were female. Intentional poisoning for attempted suicide accounted for 80% of cases. The most commonly affected age group was 20-29 years, with 374 cases (40.2%). Insecticides were the most commonly misused group, with 415 cases (44.6%). The most referrals were recorded in 2023 and in the summer, with 232 (25%) and 238 (25.6%) cases, respectively. Gastrointestinal (89.7%) and neurological (52.6%) symptoms were the most common clinical presentations. Conclusion: Intentional pesticide poisoning for suicide attempts, especially in the workforce, is a worrisome trend among residents in Khuzestan. Access to these compounds must be controlled and limited, while public awareness must be increased.
Objectives: This study aims to compare the effect of open and closed suction methods on the incidence of hypoxia and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) in patients admitted to the ICU. Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted in the ICUs in Ahvaz, Iran, from January 2021 to September 2021. Sample size was calculated 184 patients under ventilator, using available sampling and included citeria. Non-randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The data collection tools were a demographic information questionnaire, the medical checklist MCPIS, and a pulse oximetry device. In the intervention group, closed suctioning was performed, and in the control group, open suctioning was performed. They were followed for five days. Chi-square test, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney test, linear regression, and generalized estimating equation (GEE) were used to analyze data. Analysis of covariance was used to adjust for the variables that were significantly different between the control and intervention groups. Results: According to the findings, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of hypoxia changes (P < 0.001). The rate of FIO2 changes during the first to fifth days in the intervention and control groups was statistically significant, and the level of FIO2 in the intervention group was higher than the control group (P < 0.001). However, the results of GEE did not show a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of VAP (P = 0.167). Conclusion: As a result, the closed method experiences less hypoxia. Consequently, the closed method is recommended as the best approach even when both are used.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate healthcare providers' performance in interrupting the chain of transmission of COVID-19 and its related factors. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 300 medical staff working in Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan in 2022. A stratified random sampling method was used to select the samples. To collect the data, two researcher-made tools, including a demographic information questionnaire and a rating scale for observing healthcare workers' performance, were used. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 26 and STATA version 13 software using independent t-tests, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression. The significance level was considered less than 0.05. Results: The mean score of healthcare providers' performance was 28.02 +/- 5.46 (range 10-40). There was a significant relationship only between the mean score of caregivers' performance and their education level (P=0.030). Moreover, the participants with an associate's degree had significantly better performance than those with a bachelor's (P=0.008) and a master's degree (P=0.048). Results of the multivariate regression test indicated that only the education variable was significant at the associate's level (P=0.03). Furthermore, the overall model of participants' performance was significant (P=0.001). Conclusion: The medical staff's performance was above average and at an optimal level. It is recommended that training sessions and workshops update the medical staff's knowledge about this emerging disease. Conducting a related study during possible future pandemics and epidemics can better estimate the performance of the medical staff on a larger scale to design appropriate interventions at the national level.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the biological effects of Bunium persicum essential oil (BPO) formulated as nanoemulsion (BPNE) and nanocapsules (NCBP). Methods: BPO was extracted via hydro-distillation and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). To enhance water dispersion, BPO was formulated into BPNE and NCBP using high-energy emulsification. Particle morphology and size were assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), inhibition zones (IZ), and biofilm growth inhibition against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella flexneri, and Salmonella typhimurium. Additionally, anticancer activity (MTT assay) and antibacterial efficacy against S. enterica serovar typhimurium in shrimp were evaluated. Results: Major BPO compounds included cumin aldehyde (30.40%), phenylglycol (18.99%), gamma-terpinene (15.52%), and ocymene (8.92%). BPNE and NCBP particles averaged <30 nm and <100 nm, respectively. The highest potency for BPO was demonstrated by its IC50 values of 126 mu g/mL (BPO), 740 mu g/mL (BPNE), and 720 mu g/mL (NCBP) against HCT-116 colon cancer cells. MICs ranged from 8 to 2810 mu g/mL, and MBCs from 17.5 to 5625 mu g/mL. With inhibition zones of 14-16 mm and better biofilm inhibition than BPNE and BPO, NCBP demonstrated strong antibacterial activity. In shrimp, S. typhimurium counts decreased significantly in all treated groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: The findings from this research indicate that BPNE and NCBP exhibited the highest levels of antibacterial and anticancer properties.
Objectives: Plantar pressure measurement systems used in gait analysis are generally classified into platform and in-shoe systems. Among the various sensor types employed, Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) sensors are widely used in in-shoe systems due to their flexibility and thin profile. Despite their extensive application, the effect of shear forces on their performance has not been examined. This study aimed to investigate the influence of shear forces on FSR sensors. Methods: An experimental setup was designed to apply controlled vertical and shear forces to an FSR402 sensor. The setup included a linear guide rail mechanism and two force gauges capable of exerting vertical forces from 2 to 30 N and shear forces from 0 to 10 N. Under constant vertical loading, shear forces were incrementally increased, and the corresponding resistance values were recorded. Experiments were conducted over one month in 2023 at Sina Robotics and Medical Innovators Co., Tehran, Iran. Results: Increasing shear forces produced negligible changes in the sensor's resistance values, indicating that FSR sensors are sensitive only to vertical forces. Conclusion: Since FSR sensors are unaffected by shear forces, the pressure distributions they measure accurately represent vertical pressure. This finding supports their reliability and suitability for plantar pressure measurement in in-shoe gait analysis systems.
Objectives: Two oral cavity protozoa that are commonly detected in patients with different kinds of periodontal disorders are Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax. The potential role of these protozoa in dental caries and oral infectious diseases remains unknown. The present study aims to determine the prevalence of these protozoa and some associated risk factors among patients with autoimmune diseases and oral lesions. Methods: This study was randomly conducted on 122 patients who suffered from autoimmune diseases and oral lesions referring to dental clinic centers in Kashan, in the center of Iran. Two specimens were obtained from oral lesions and saliva for each patient. The samples were immediately examined under a light microscope using wet mount preparation and stained with Giemsa and trichrome. Furthermore, the samples were cultured in Robinson's and diphasic Locke-egg media. Results: T. tenax and E. gingivalis protozoa were found in 12 (9.8%) and 7 (5.7%) of patients, respectively. The highest prevalence rate of total infections was found among patients with lupus erythematosus (20%) and lichen planus (17.9%). The lowest rate belonged to patients with psoriasis (11.1%). There was no significant difference between infection rates and autoimmune diseases (P = 0.0946). In the multivariate model, the frequency of parasites was significantly associated with age (P = 0.0374), brushing teeth, and the presence of dental caries (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: The infections are frequent in individuals with autoimmune diseases and oral lesions. Controlling infections requires knowledge of the primary risk factors, including dental cavities and brushing habits.
Objectives: Problematic smartphone use is associated with various health concerns, necessitating the exploration of holistic interventions, such as yoga, to promote equilibrium between digital connectivity and well-being. The primary objective of this study is to explore the effects of yoga intervention on sleep quality, psychological well-being, and digital eye strain in excessive smartphone users. Additionally, the study investigates the relationship between excessive smartphone usage and primary outcome measures. Methods: A total of 150 excessive smartphone users were recruited and randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group received yoga intervention for ten weeks, while the control group followed their daily routine. Repeated-measures analyses of variance with Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc analyses were used to analyze the data. Results: Compared to the control group, the experimental group exhibited a significant improvement in sleep quality (P<0.01) and psychological well-being (P<0.001), along with a significant reduction in digital eye strain (P<0.001) following ten weeks of yoga intervention and at the follow-up assessment. Furthermore, significant improvements (P<0.001) were observed for all variables within the experimental group itself. Regression analyses revealed that unnecessary time spent on smartphones was a significant predictor of sleep latency and digital eye strain. Additionally, PUMP scores significantly predicted daytime dysfunction and sleep efficiency. Conclusion: Yoga may be an effective intervention for addressing the detrimental outcomes linked to excessive smartphone usage.
Background: Anthrax is known as a zoonotic disease that infects most livestock and sometimes accidentally infects humans. Bacillus anthracis is a gram-positive spore-bearing bacillus that is related to anthrax. The cutaneous form of anthrax is the most common type of anthrax in infected humans. This study aimed to report a mini outbreak of three cases of cutaneous anthrax acquired in Kashan City, Iran. Case Presentation: Three rural women with a red lesion and a black center were presented at Golabchi Health Center in Kashan, Iran, in June 2022. The samples acquired were utilized to diagnose leishmaniasis. The initial staining procedure revealed the existence of gram-positive bacilli with a wagon-like shape. The initial examination revealed the presence of B. anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, within the lesions under evaluation. To further confirm the identification and characterization of the B. anthracis strain, subsequent experiments were performed. Specifically, real-time PCR was conducted to detect and analyze two specific genes associated with B. anthracis: the pXO1 and pXO2 genes. Conclusion: Since leishmaniasis is endemic and there are no history of reports of anthrax, confirming the presence of anthrax in the region increases the awareness of physicians about it and leads to faster and more timely treatment of this disease. The common feature observed across the cases studied in this research was that the disease was manifested in individuals who had reported contact with infected meat, rather than direct contact with the infected animal or its skin and wool. This information could have important implications for the epidemiological investigation, preventive measures, and public health interventions aimed at mitigating the spread of anthrax in the studied population. Additionally, ensuring accurate follow-up, regular vaccination of livestock, and informing the public about the disease's presence in the region can promote adherence to health practices and help prevent further spread.
Objectives: Diabetes is a leading cause of mortality with a rising trend worldwide, and uncontrolled hyperglycemia causes several chronic complications. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of poor glycemic control and its related factors among diabetics in southeast Iran. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, and the study population was all participants in the second round of the KERCADR project. All of the patients were enrolled in the study using the census method. All data were recorded in a research-made checklist that consisted of 4 parts of demographic information, disease characteristics and complications, and results of clinical examinations. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were performed. Results: In total, 445 patients with type II diabetes participated. Metformin was the most frequent medicine (76.8%). Age between 55-64 years (aOR: 1.82, P-value: 0.02), duration of diabetes above 10 years (aOR: 1.78, P-value:0.02) and using insulin (aOR: 2.32, P-value: 0.04), glibenclamide (aOR:2.48, P-value:0.04) and using both glibenclamide and metformin (aOR: 2.45, P-value: 0.002), in combination with only metformin determined as predictor factors of poor glycemic control. Conclusion: The findings emphasized the considerably high prevalence of poor glycemic control. Healthcare providers should develop tailored treatment plans. Patients with a history of long-term diabetes or who use certain medications might benefit from more frequent monitoring and adjusted dosages. The study highlights the need for tailored management strategies based on patient-specific factors. This leads to more cooperation from patients in the treatment process and timely diagnosis of disease-related complications.
Objectives: The use of vitamin D (Vit D) is effective in reducing the severity and complications of COVID-19 disease. This research aimed to evaluate patients' outcomes with COVID-19 receiving vitamin D supplements. Methods: In this retrospective study, the records of 164 patients with COVID-19 in two groups, receiving vitamin D (79 people) and control (Ctrl: 85 people), were examined. The control group received standard treatment, and the case group received 200,000 units of vitamin D supplement in a single dose in addition to the above treatment at the beginning of hospitalization. Data were analyzed through chi-square, independent t, binary/ordinal logistic regression, and ANCOVA. Results: Findings demonstrated that there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of cough and myalgia. Also, in the Vit D group, 3.7% of patients had myalgia before discharge, which was 43.1% in the Ctrl group. The presence of lymphopenia and the increase of CRP and LDH were significant differences. In the Vit D group, 13.9% of patients had high CRP before discharge, which was reported as 37.6% in the Ctrl group. In addition, before discharge, in the vitamin D group, 12.7% of patients had high LDH, which was 37.6% in the control group. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that the use of vitamin D supplements in patients with COVID-19 can be effective in controlling clinical symptoms and laboratory findings. But it does not affect the outcome of the disease, including hospitalization in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and mortality.
Objectives: Occupational noise exposure is common in the workplace in Iran and around the world. Most research has focused on the health aspects of noise in industrial environments, while less attention has been given to medical centers, especially labor rooms. Midwives and health care personnel in maternity hospitals are exposed to noise from screaming pregnant women, and this situation can disrupt their work performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between noise annoyance and noise sensitivity with the mental health of midwives and health care personnel in the maternity hospitals of Saveh city. Methods: In this study, 180 midwives were examined based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. To collect the necessary information, demographic questionnaires, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Weinstein ' s Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNSS), and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) questionnaire, and a 0 similar to 100 points noise annoyance scale for evaluating the noise annoyance were used. Results: The results of this study showed that noise annoyance was found to be independent of variables such as work experience, daily and weekly working hours. However, it was found to be dependent on variables such as marital status, the number of children in the house, and the total number of people in the house. Spearman's index showed that there is a significant correlation between mental health with noise sensitivity and noise annoyance, and also noise annoyance and mental health have a significant correlation only with the dimension of neuroticism. Conclusion: The existence of a direct relationship between noise annoyance and noise sensitivity with neuroticism and the inverse relationship between mental health and neuroticism indicates that reducing factors affecting neuroticism and employing people with the right personality type among midwives is very important.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the preventive behaviors of older adults regarding COVID-19 and related factors in Kashan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on older adults living in Kashan in 2021. In this study, 210 older adults covered by comprehensive health services centers were selected by stratified sampling. An investigator-designed questionnaire was used to collect demographic data and preventive behaviors related to COVID-19. Multiple linear regressions, one-way ANOVA, and independent t-tests were used to analyze the data. A significance level of less than 0.5 was considered. Results: The mean score for preventive behaviors among older adults was 52.93 +/- 7.28. The most common preventive behavior was "hand washing after entering the house", and the least common was "evaluating the symptoms of the disease". A statistically significant relationship was found between preventive behaviors and gender, underlying disease, smoking, history of COVID-19, and herbal medicine use (P<0.05). The findings of this study suggest that women, individuals with underlying health conditions, and those with higher levels of education and who are single are more likely to take preventive measures against COVID-19 compared to men (P<0.05). Conclusion: This highlights the importance of targeted education and awareness for older adults, who have been found to decrease their preventive behaviors during the pandemic. This demographic must understand the potential consequences of not prioritizing their health during epidemics, as it can have a significant impact on the wider community.
Objectives: Micro-and nanoplastics, which are microscopic particles measuring less than 5 mm and 100 nm, respectively, pervade the biosphere from diverse sources. Widely used polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degrades into nano-sized particles (n-PETs). It enters our human food chain, prompting this in vitro study to investigate its oxidative toxicity and underlying mechanisms. Methods: Polyethylene terephthalate granules with 98% purity were prepared. 200 mg of these plastic polymers were dissolved in 10 ml of 90% trifluoroacetic acid for 24 hours, followed by the addition of 10 ml of 20% trifluoroacetic acid and 20 minutes of sonication. After five rounds of centrifugation and complete washing to remove the acidic solvent, n-PETs were produced. To ensure the stability of n-PET, it was dispersed in a 1% solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Excess SDS was then removed using a dialysis membrane. Results: n-PETs significantly reduced the viability of Vero cells, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2020 ppm at 24 h. Biochemical markers, such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO), showed a significant increase when compared to the control group. However, treatment resulted in a decrease in both total antioxidant capacity and total thiol groups. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), were significantly reduced compared to those in the control group. Consequently, n-PET exposure decreases Vero cell viability and induces oxidative stress-mediated toxicity in an in vitro model. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that n-PET poses a potential risk to cellular health by inducing oxidative stress and reducing cell viability, highlighting the need for further investigation into its environmental and biological impacts.
