The occurrence and distribution of microplastic contamination in Qara-sou river, Iran: incidence, quantification, and qualification.

In the current study to investigate the characte - rization of Microplastic - released into the Qara-Sou river, Kermanshah, Iran, 12 sampling sites were surveyed along a 100 km stretch of the river. The maximum and minimum numbers of MPs were about 10,000 and 45,000 items per m3. The average concentration of MPs in the Qara-sou river was 23,666 ± 12147 items per m3. The dominant size and shape of MPs ranged from 0.025 to 1 mm (~44%) and fiber shapes (~78%). In addition, SEM-EDS analyses confirmed the presence of carbon-dominant peaks with O, Ca, Fe, Al, and Si. FTIR spectra have identified some MPs in the PVC, PU, PS, PE, and nylon polymer categories. A high level of MPs was discharged into the Qara-sou river, which should be attracting the attention of the community and decision-makers to reduce damage to the environment and human health.

Effect of preconditioning of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells with hydrogen peroxide on the therapeutic potential of MSCs in the cyclophosphamide -induced premature ovarian failure mice model.

OBJECTIVE: Exposure of stem cells to sublethal levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can prevent oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. In the present study, the effects of H2O2 preconditioning on the therapeutic potential of human umbilical vein cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCV-MSCs) were evaluated in a murine model of premature ovarian failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mature mice were divided into 4 groups, and 10 mice were incorporated into each group. The control (Ctrl) group received phosphate buffered saline (PBS) intraperitoneal (IP), and the CTX group was injected IP with cyclophosphamide (CTX). The CTX + MSC group after receiving CTX was injected with a single dose of hUCV-MSCs labeled with CM-DiI intravenously (IV), whereas the CTX + preMSCs group after CTX injection received preconditioned MSCs with H2O2 IV. Seven days later, the mice were euthanized, and their ovaries were removed for histological studies such as H&E staining and the TUNEL assay. Furthermore, the numbers of CM-DiI-labeled hUCV-MSCs in the different regions of the ovary were calculated. FSH and estradiol values in the serum were measured. RESULTS: Our studies showed that CTX caused degenerative changes and follicular loss in the ovary. The number of follicles in the CTX + MSCs and CTX + PreMSCs groups was significantly higher compared to the CTX group. In addition, in the CTX + PreMSCs group, the numbers of different types of follicles were higher than in the CTX-MSC group. Immunohistochemical studies in the CTX + MSCs and CTX + PreMSCs groups showed little evidence of TUNEL positivity compared with the CTX group. Moreover, the apoptotic index decreased in the CTX + PreMSCs group compared to the CTX + MSCs group. Moreover, CM-DiI-labeled MSCs in the ovary in the CTX + pre-MSCs group were higher than in the CTX + MSCs group. CONCLUSION: Our experiment offers preconditioning as an effective strategy in stem cell therapy to potentiate MSCs' therapeutic efficacy in ovarian function failure.

Phenomenological needs assessment of parents of children with cochlear implants.

BACKGROUND: The use of cochlear implants has been a remarkable success in reducing disabilities in those with impaired hearing, which have made a significant change in the patients' quality of life. Only by relying on cochlear implants, disabilities cannot be eliminated in the hearing impaired, and, alongside this intervention, rehabilitation practices such as through family and community support are necessary. AIM: To explain the needs of parents of children with cochlear implants to increase the quality of rehabilitation services and family-based interventions. METHODS: A descriptive phenomenology study was performed with the participation of 16 people, including eight mothers, three fathers, and five experts involved with the rehabilitation of children aged 2-7 years with cochlear implants. The research setting was centers with speech therapy service providers for hearing-impaired children in the city of Shiraz (Iran) in 2015. Information was gathered through in-depth interviews with participants and analyzed by using Colaizzi's nine-step analysis method and MAXQDA (Ver10) applications. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 34 years, and the average age of diagnosis of hearing problems in children was 12 months. The obtained data from the analysis of interviews about the needs of parents of children with cochlear implants were categorized into 19 sub-contents and five contents, as follows: the need for access to health care services; psychological needs; mood-related needs of a child; educational needs and financial requirements. CONCLUSION: Parents of children with cochlear implants have numerous needs, and they encounter problems based on their situation and experiences. The results indicate the necessity of close cooperation among different professionals such as an audiologist, pediatrician, psychologist, and speech therapist for the program's success.

Clinical and behavioral factors associated with management outcome in hospitalized patients with diabetic foot ulcer.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) has been linked to high mortality and morbidity in diabetic patients. In spite of the increasing prevalence of diabetes and its complications, this issue has not been adequately studied in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study we attempt to describe the prevalence of diabetic foot amputation in patients admitted to our training hospitals in Urmia, Iran, and also to determine the associated demographic, behavioral, and clinical factors. RESULTS: Of 94 patients with DFU, 34 (32%) had amputation. Those with amputation were significantly older and were also less educated than those without amputation, had longer duration of diabetes (hence were more likely to suffer from complications), and had high-risk wounds plus a poor glycemic control. On logistic regression analysis two variables were associated with amputation: Wagner classification ≥3 and HbA(1c). On a receiver operating characteristics curve, the HbA(1c) cutoff point of 9.7% significantly discriminated to predict increasing risk of amputation. CONCLUSION: Both glycemic control and promoting the knowledge of patients and health care professionals in order to diagnose DFU in the early stages and to prevent development of the high-grade wounds would be a significant step in reducing the burden of DFU and its effect on quality of life in Iran.

Assessment of Self-Care Practice and Its Associated Factors among Diabetic Patients in Urban Area of Urmia, Northwest of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Self care of diabetes is essential for control of disease and im-provement of quality of patients' life. The aim of this study was to assess factors influencing self-care practice of patients in urban area of Urmia, Northwest of Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 400 diabetic patients were randomly selected from eight healthcare centers in Urmia City in 2010. Data collection tools was a questionnaire included data on demographic characteristics, diabetes statues, and self-care practice. Patients' self-care practice was classified to good, moderate, and poor levels. ANOVA and Chi-square tests were used to exam the association between self-care practice and clinical and behavioral factors. Spearman's rho correlation was used to examine the relation between self-care practice and control of glycemia. RESULTS: The patients' self-care practice was good in 15.1%, moderate in 58.7%, and poor in 26.2%. There was a significant association between education (P=0.030), duration of disease (P=0.04), and treatment intensity (P=0.001) and self-care practice of patients. CONCLUSION: Despite the important role of self-care practice in management of diabetes and preventing its serious complications, most patients who have medical record in health care centers had inappropriate self-care practice especially in SMBG, which has critical role in controlling diabetes.