JAK/STAT3 pathway promotes proliferation of ovarian aggregate-derived stem cells in vitro.

BACKGROUND: The accurate identification and isolation of ovarian stem cells from mammalian ovaries remain a major challenge because of the lack of specific surface markers and suitable in vitro culture systems. Optimized culture conditions for in vitro expansion of ovarian stem cells would allow for identifying requirements of these stem cells for proliferation and differentiation that would pave the way to uncover role of ovarian stem cells in ovarian pathophysiology. Here, we used three-dimensional (3D) aggregate culture system for enrichment of ovarian stem cells and named them aggregate-derived stem cells (ASCs). We hypothesized that mimicking the ovarian microenvironment in vitro by using an aggregate model of the ovary would provide a suitable niche for the isolation of ovarian stem cells from adult mouse and human ovaries and wanted to find out the main cellular pathway governing the proliferation of these stem cells. RESULTS: We showed that ovarian aggregates take an example from ovary microenvironment in terms of expression of ovarian markers, hormone secretion and supporting the viability of the cells. We found that aggregates-derived stem cells proliferate in vitro as long-term while remained expression of germline markers. These ovarian stem cells differentiated to oocyte like cells in vitro spontaneously. Transplantation of these stem cells in to chemotherapy mouse ovary could restore ovarian structure. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that interleukin6 is upregulated pathway in ovarian aggregate-derived stem cells. Our data showed that JAK/Stat3 signaling pathway which is activated downstream of IL6 is critical for ovarian stem cells proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a platform that is highly reproducible for in vitro propagation of ovarian stem cells. Our study provides a primary insight into cellular pathway governing the proliferation of ovarian stem cells.

Derivation of hormone-responsive human endometrial organoids and stromal cells from cryopreserved biopsies.

The human endometrium is a dynamic tissue that undergoes cyclic changes in response to sex steroid hormones to provide a receptive status for embryo implantation. Disruptions in this behavior may lead to implantation failure and infertility; therefore, it is essential to develop an appropriate in vitro model to study endometrial changes in response to sex hormones. In this regard, the first choice would be human endometrial cells isolated from biopsies that could be used as monolayer cell sheets or to generate endometrial organoids. However, the need for fresh samples and short-time viability of harvested endometrial biopsy limits these approaches. In order to overcome these limitations, we sought to develop an efficient, simple, robust and reproducible method to cryopreserve human endometrial biopsies that could be stored and/or shipped frozen and later thawed to generate endometrial organoids and endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs). These cryopreserved biopsies could be thawed and used to generate simple endometrial organoids or organoids for co-culture with matched stromal cells that are functionally responsive to sex hormones as similar as the organoids generated from fresh biopsy. An optimal endometrial tissue cryopreservation method would allow the possibility for endometrial tissue biobanking to enable future organoid generation from both healthy tissues and pathological conditions, and open new venues for generate endometrial assembloids, consisting of epithelial organoids and primary stromal cells.

Metformin attenuates expression of angiogenic and inflammatory genes in human endometriotic stromal cells.

Endometriosis is a benign gynecological disease that is manifested by the presence and growth of endometrial cells and glands outside the uterine. Active angiogenesis, migration, and invasion of endometrial tissue outside the uterine are critical for the development of endometriosis and lead to the survival and growth of endometriotic lesions. Metformin, as an anti-diabetic agent, represents anti-angiogenic property. Here, we performed a study using human normal endometrial stromal cells (N-ESCs) from healthy endometrial tissue and human eutopic endometrial stromal cells (EU-ESCs) and ectopic endometrial stromal cells (ECT-ESCs) from endometriosis patients. ESCs were cultured and treated with different concentrations of Metformin (0-20 mmol/l) for 72 h to evaluate Metformin effect on cell viability, proliferation, migration was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and scratch test respectively as well as expression of angiogenesis and migration markers. The Metformin reduced cell migration, and proliferation of endometriotic stromal cells in a time and concentration dependently manner. Furthermore, Metformin attenuated the expression of angiogenic and inflammatory genes in human endometriotic stromal cells. The direct anti-proliferative effect on ECT-ESCs combined with the effects of Metformin on inflammatory and angiogenesis-related genes expression supports its therapeutic potential for endometriosis. Metformin could be used as an effective adjuvant in endometriosis treatment.

Disturbed progesterone signalling in an advanced preclinical model of endometriosis.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Do human endometriosis organoids recapitulate aberrant progesterone signalling in the disease to serve as advanced experimental models for uncovering epigenetic mechanisms involved in attenuated progesterone response in endometriosis? DESIGN: Initially, the organoids were established from acquired biopsies (women with and without endometriosis) and characterized by morphological, histological and immunostaining analyses. RESULTS: A panel of endometriosis-related genes showed a pattern of expressions in cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COX2), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1), and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), and a contradictory expression pattern for cadherin (CDH1), POU class 5 homeobox 1 (POU5F1; also known as OCT4), and Nanog homeobox (NANOG) in the endometriosis organoids that is concordant with published research. These endometriosis organoids failed to upregulate 17ß-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (17HSDß2), progestogen associated endometrial protein (PAEP), secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), and leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in response to progesterone at the level observed in control endometrium organoids. Progesterone receptor B (PRB) gene expression significantly decreased in both eutopic and ectopic organoids compared with control endometrium organoids. DNA hypermethylation, as an epigenetic mechanism for suppression of transcription, was detected at the PRB promoter in the eutopic, but not ectopic, organoids. Therefore, other epigenetic mechanisms, such as histone modifications and microRNAs, may be responsible for PRB downregulation in ectopic organoids. CONCLUSIONS: Endometriosis organoids are powerful preclinical models that can be used to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in endometriosis-associated progesterone resistance.

Enriched human embryonic stem cells-derived CD133+, CD24+ renal progenitors engraft and restore function in a gentamicin-induced kidney injury in mice.

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common health problem that leads to high morbidity and potential mortality. The failure of conventional treatments to improve forms of this condition highlights the need for innovative and effective treatment approaches. Regenerative therapies with Renal Progenitor Cells (RPCs) have been proposed as a promising new strategy. A growing body of evidence suggests that progenitor cells differentiated from different sources, including human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), can effectively treat AKI. Methods: Here, we describe a method for generating RPCs and directed human Embryoid Bodies (EBs) towards CD133+CD24+ renal progenitor cells and evaluate their functional activity in alleviating AKI. Results: The obtained results show that hESCs-derived CD133+CD24+ RPCs can engraft into damaged renal tubules and restore renal function and structure in mice with gentamicin-induced kidney injury, and significantly decrease blood urea nitrogen levels, suppress oxidative stress and inflammation, and attenuate histopathological disturbances, including tubular necrosis, tubular dilation, urinary casts, and interstitial fibrosis. Conclusion: The results suggest that RPCs have a promising regenerative potential in improving renal disease and can lay the foundation for future cell therapy and disease modeling.

The effect of note-taking skills training on the achievement motivation in learning on B.A students in Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman and Kerman University of Medical Sciences (Iran).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of note-taking skills training on the achievement motivation in learning. METHODS: The experimental study comprised graduate students of the 2010-11 batch at Kerman's Bahonar University and Kerman's Medical Sciences University, Iran. The study sample included 110 people; 55 in the test group, and 55 in the control group. They were randomly selected and replaced through the single-stage cluster sampling. To collect the data, a questionnaire was used. Pre-test was performed before the training session in two groups. After training course, a post-test was taken. For data analysis, the independent t-test, was used. RESULTS: The average pre-test score of the test group was 182 +/- 34.15, while for the control group it was 191 +/- 30.37 (p < 0.089). After the training, the post-test showed statistically significant change. The test group scored 220 +/- 20.94 against the controls who scored 195 +/- 27.26 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings showed that achievement motivation in learning increased significantly after imparting training in note-taking skills. Authorities in the educational system should invest more for promotion of such skills.

In-vivo oogenesis of oogonial and mesenchymal stem cells seeded in transplanted ovarian extracellular matrix.

OBJECTIVE (S): One way to overcome the recurrence of cancer cells following ovarian tissue transplantation is to use decellularized tissues as a scaffold that does not have any cellular components. These cell-free scaffolds can be seeded with different type of stem cells for ovarian restoration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: OSCs, PMSCs and BMSCs (oogonial, peritoneal and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, respectively) were seeded into human decellularized ovarian tissue as 4 groups: Scaffold + OSCs (SO), Scaffold + OSC + PMSCs (SOP), Scaffold + OSC + BMSCs (SOB) and Scaffold + OSC + PMSCs + BMSCs (SOPB). The produced grafts were transplanted into the sub-peritoneal space of ovariectomized NMRI mice as artificial ovary (AO). The expression of Vegf, CD34, Gdf9, Zp3, Ddx4, Amh and Lhr genes in AOs were measured by qRT-PCR. Also, histotechniques were considered to detect the anti GFP, PCNA, VEGF, GDF9, ZP3 and AMH proteins. RESULTS: H & E staining showed follicle-like structures in all groups; the number of these structures, in the SOP and SOB groups, were the highest. In SO group, differentiation ability to oocyte and granulosa cells was observed. Endothelial, oocyte, germ, and granulosa cell-like cells were specially seen in SOP and angiogenesis capability was more in SOB group. However, angiogenesis ability and differentiation to theca cell-like cells were more often in SOPB group. While none of the groups showed a significant difference in AMH level, estradiol levels were significantly higher in SOPB group. CONCLUSION: Integration of OSCs + PMSCs and those OSCs + BMSCs were more conducive to oogenesis.

Isolation of Female Germline Stem Cells from Mouse and Human Ovaries by Differential Adhesion.

Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) counterparts known as female germline stem cells (fGSCs) were found in the mammalian ovary in 2004. Although the existence of fGSCs in the mammalian postnatal ovary is still under controversy, fGSC discovery encourages investigators to better understand the various aspects of these cells. However, their existence is not accepted by all scientists in the field because isolation of fGSCs by fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) has not been reproducible. In this study, we used differential adhesion to isolate and enrich fGSCs from mouse and human ovaries and subsequently cultured them in vitro. fGSCs were able to proliferate in vitro and expressed germ cell-specific markers Vasa, Dazl, Blimp1, Fragilis, Stella, and Oct4, at the protein level. Moreover, mouse and human fGSCs were, respectively, cultured for more than four months and one month in culture. Both mouse and human fGSCs maintained the expression of germ cell-specific markers over these times. In vitro cultured fGSCs spontaneously produced oocyte-like cells (OLCs) which expressed oocyte-relevant markers. Our results demonstrated that differential adhesion allows reproducible isolation of fGSCs that are able to proliferate in vitro over time. This source of fGSCs can serve as a suitable material for studying mechanisms underlying female germ cell development and function.

Teacher violence from the perspectives of teachers and students and related factors: A survey in Southern Iran.

Introduction: Teacher violence is defined as the intentional use of power by teachers against students in a variety of ways, including physical, verbal, psychological, and sexual assault. Victims of school violence are more anxious and insecure than other students. An in-depth and comprehensive study on the prevention of violence in schools is urgent and necessary. We conducted this study to determine teacher violence from the perspectives of schoolteachers and students and related factors. Methods: We conducted this descriptive-analytical study on 313 teachers and 400 students in Ardestan, southern Iran, in 2019. We selected teachers and students using a census method and stratified random sampling, respectively. The research instrument was the school violence questionnaire. Results: From the perspective of teachers, the mean score of teacher violence (5.7) was significantly lower than that of students (18.3). Male, young, single teachers with diploma and less work experience had significantly higher violence scores than other teachers (P < 0.001). We witnessed this trend in public boys' schools as well (p < 0.001). The total mean score for teacher violence was not significantly different between male and female students. From the perspective of students, the mean score of teacher violence was significantly different (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our results suggest that education authorities and school principals should supervise public school teachers with less education, younger students, and boys' schools and provide practical training to improve the communication and emotional skills among these teachers.

Investigating the causes and type of violence against spouses in married men in Kerman.

BACKGROUND: Domestic violence against women is a global problem that can lead to many negative consequences on physical, mental, and social health that various sociocultural causes play a role in its occurrence in different societies. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the causes and type of violence against spouses in married men in Kerman. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed in 2018. The study was conducted on 400 married men who experienced violence against their wives. Sampling was a multistage cluster sampling method. The data collection tool was a questionnaire on violence against women. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and two-variate analysis. RESULTS: The results of the data showed that the highest rate of violence in the group of housewives was related to physical violence and in the group of women living in dormitories and pregnant women was related to verbal violence. The results of data analysis with a one-way ANOVA test showed that between the three groups, all dimensions of violence and the overall score of violence had significant changes (P < 0.05). The results of the two-variate analysis test showed that there was a significant relationship between the variables of age, duration of marriage, male education, spouse education, type of marriage, male job, and spouse job with the overall score of violence in all three groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present study, it seems that the empowerment of women in all dimensions to improve and promote health to deal with domestic violence is essential. As a result, the relevant measures should be taken by the support systems taking into account the circumstances of the individuals.

Assessing the status and recognizing the performance of various nongovernmental organizations in providing health-oriented services as opportunities in promoting community health.

BACKGROUND: nongovernmental organizations (NGOs( are the hidden system of promoting public health and the symbol and mediator of people's participation. The aim of the present research was to assess the status and recognize the performance of various NGOs in providing health-oriented services as opportunities in promoting community health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a descriptive-analytical (cross-sectional) study, which was conducted on the position and function of all NGOs in Kerman from February 2014 to the end of January 2015. A researcher-made checklist was used to collect the data, which was designed based on the statutes of NGOs. The information was collected from a total of 150 NGOs. To analyze the data, in addition to descriptive statistical tests (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation), other tests were also used (Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test). Moreover, all data analysis was done using SPSS (ver. 16). RESULTS: There was a significant relationship between the levels of prevention and field of activity and the objectives and methods of implementation of these objectives (P < 0.001). There was a significant relationship between health prevention levels in the target community of the NGO and initial assets (P = 0.02), licensing organization (P < 0.001), management type in terms of the board of trustees or membership availability (P < 0.001), relevance of members' major with organizational goals (P = 0.02), and activeness or inactiveness of the organization (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The results showed that there was a relationship between NGO's target population in terms of levels of prevention and the studied factors. The relationship between the services of these organizations and the levels of prevention is a very important and effective role in community health promotion.

The relationship between lifestyle and metabolic evaluation in women with a history of gestational diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases during pregnancy. The risk of a lifestyle role in the prevention of metabolic syndrome in women with a history of gestational diabetes has now been identified. The present study was performed to investigate the relationship between lifestyle and metabolic syndrome in women with a history of gestational diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a retrospective case-control study that was performed on 90 women (45 women with a history of gestational diabetes and 45 women without a history of gestational diabetes) in Kerman health centers 5 years after delivery in 2020. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and a standardized Walker lifestyle Health promoting Lifestyle profile II questionnaire. The reference laboratory was also used to perform the experiments. SPSS21 software and Spearman's and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The mean age was 35.67 in the case group and 34.27 in the control group (P = 0.230). Lifestyle did not show any difference between the two groups (P = 0.058). However, metabolic evaluation was different in the two groups (P = 0.030). Furthermore, the results of Spearman's test to examine the relationship between lifestyle and other variables studied showed that in the case group (P = 0.075) and in the control group (P = 0.819) there was no relationship between lifestyle and metabolic assessments 5 years after delivery. CONCLUSIONS: In case group women, it is possible to prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes and disturb the metabolic assessment by teaching a healthy lifestyle and timely follow-up after delivery. A history of gestational diabetes can be one of the causes of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Getting training to change your lifestyle during pregnancy and postpartum can reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Screening pregnant women during childbirth is a good opportunity to diagnose diabetes early and predict it in the coming years.

Providing and promoting health-oriented services by nongovernmental organizations: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Benefactors of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are the hidden public health promotion systems. These benefactors are the symbol and intermediary of people participation, which is one of the main arms of health promotion and reduction of poverty and injustice in the societies. The present study is aimed to identify the benefactors' experiences in NGOs in terms of providing and promoting health-oriented services. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted with a qualitative approach. The total number of participants was 32, which consisted of 25 chief executive officers from active and inactive organizations. Active organizations refer to organizations that submitted their 6-month report at the time of the investigation and whose operating license was renewed and in operation and seven officials of the social deputy of governmental organizations related to NGOs. Data collection was performed by using semi-structured interviews and with purposive sampling and then continued until data saturation. Furthermore, the content analysis method was used for data analysis. MAXQDA software version 2007 was used to manage quality data. RESULTS: During the data analysis, the following four subcategories were obtained: "high effort in empathy with fellow human beings," "role of merit in the success of donors," "creating a platform for social attention for the client's spontaneity," and "respect of the client," which were the results of experience and dimensions. The performance of non-governmental organizations is in line with the confrontation and responsibility of non-governmental organizations with a focus on health-oriented services. CONCLUSION: Having benevolent motives, benefactors attempt to provide conditions, in which help seekers have more chance for living through establishing new, sustainable, and future-reassuring conditions.

In vitro cytotoxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles in mouse ovarian germ cells.

Recently, metal oxide nanoparticles such as zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have received considerable attention and humans are exposed to them in everyday life. The increasing use of ZnO-NPs may lead to human health issues. However, little is known about their effects on female reproductive systems, particularly on female germ cells. Germ cells differentiation is a complex biological process that is sensitive to environmental insults and any negative effect on germ cells development may inhibit fertility. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the impact of ZnO-NPs on mouse ovarian germ cells in an in vitro system. The effects of ZnO-NPs on these cells were evaluated using light microscopy, cell proliferation assessment, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level determination, standard cytotoxicity assessment (cell viability assessed by PI staining) and gene expression analysis. Our results demonstrated that ZnO-NPs have cytotoxic effects in a concentration- and time-dependent manner in mouse ovarian germ cells. Exposure of cells to ZnO-NPs concentration-dependently enhanced ROS generation. Furthermore, molecular analysis of ZnO-NPs-treated cells showed a significant increase in expression of premeiotic germ cells markers but a decrease in meiotic and post-meiotic markers compared to un-treated cells. Taken together, our data provides a preliminary insight into possible adverse effects of ZnO-NPs on mouse ovarian germ cells differentiation even at low concentrations.

Use of Medicinal Plants and Synthetic Medicines by Pregnant Women in Kerman, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women take medicinal plants for various reasons, supposing that these plants are completely safe for their fetus and their own health. This study aims to identify all types of medicinal plants and synthetic medicines used by pregnant women in Kerman and to study factors related to their use. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 150 women who had received prenatal care at 12 health centers in Kerman in 2017 were interviewed. Chi-square, t test and logistic regression were applied to investigate factors such as age, gestational age, mother's education, mother's occupation, perception of safety related to the use of medicinal plants and synthetic medicine during pregnancy. RESULTS: In this study, the rate of taking medicinal plants was 71.3% in pregnant women. The most common used medicinal plants and synthetic medicines were mint water (30%) and vitamins (47.3%), respectively. The most important mentioned reason for taking these medicinal plants during pregnancy was digestive problems. 52% of people believed that medicinal plants don't have any side effects. The chance of taking medicinal plants in housewives was 4.4 times more than employed women. Thinking that these medicines are safe to use increased the possibility of taking medicinal plants and synthetic medicines 4.5 and 3.1 times, respectively. CONCLUSION: Due to the potential side effects of medicinal plants, development and implementation of training programs to increase pregnant women's knowledge and a plan for specialized training for midwives and physicians employed in health centers seems necessary.

ICCS/ESCCA consensus guidelines to detect GPI-deficient cells in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and related disorders part 4 - assay validation and quality assurance.

Over the past six years, a diverse group of stakeholders have put forth recommendations regarding the analytical validation of flow cytometric methods and described in detail the differences between cell-based and traditional soluble analyte assay validations. This manuscript is based on these general recommendations as well as the published experience of experts in the area of PNH testing. The goal is to provide practical assay-specific guidelines for the validation of high-sensitivity flow cytometric PNH assays. Examples of the reports and validation data described herein are provided in Supporting Information. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society.

The effect of Verapamil on ischaemia/reperfusion injury in mouse ovarian tissue transplantation.

One of the challenges that must be overcome during ovarian tissue transplantation is Ischaemia/Reperfusion Injury (IRI). The most important hypothesis explaining the cellular events in I/R processes are calcium overload and oxygen free radicals constitute. Here, we study the effect of verapamil on IRI, and consequently on follicle survival during ovarian transplants in an autograft model. Female mice were randomly assigned into three groups in order to ovarian autotransplantation as follow: Group 1 (Control group), Group 2 (Transplanted group) and Groups 3 (Transplanted + Verapamil group). The grafted ovaries were collected at 3, 7 and 14 days after transplantation for evaluation of follicle content and morphology, apoptosis and Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. The results showed that verapamil treatment significantly preserved primordial follicular reserve and reduced the number of degenerated follicles compared to the transplanted group (P < 0.05). MDA levels were significantly higher on the 14th day after transplantation, in group 2 than in group 3. In conclusion, verapamil treatment is effective for the preservation of the follicular pool and reducing tissue damage induced by transplantation of ovarian tissue.

Microparticle-Mediated Delivery of BMP4 for Generation of Meiosis-Competent Germ Cells from Embryonic Stem Cells.

Producing meiosis-competent germ cells (GCs) from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is essential for developing advanced therapies for infertility. Here, a novel approach is presented for generation of GCs from ESCs. In this regard, microparticles (MPs) have been developed from alginate sulfate loaded with bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4). The results here show that BMP4 release from alginate sulfate MPs is significantly retarded by the sulfated groups compared to neat alginate. Then, BMP4-laden MPs are incorporated within the aggregates during differentiation of GCs from ESCs. It is observed that BMP4-laden MPs increase GC differentiation from ESCs at least twofold compared to the conventional soluble delivery method. Interestingly, following meiosis induction, Dazl, an intrinsic factor that enables GCs to enter meiosis, and two essential meiosis genes (Stra8 and Smc1b) are upregulated significantly in MP-induced aggregates compared to aggregates, which are formed by the conventional method. Together, these data show that controlled delivery of BMP4 during ESC differentiation into GC establish meiosis-competent GCs which can serve as an attractive GC source for reproductive medicine.

Effect of the Intervention Based on New Communication Technologies and the Social-Cognitive Theory on the Weight Control of the Employees with Overweight and Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Work settings provide a unique opportunity for health promotion interventions. Considering the issue of obesity in employees, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the intervention based on new communication technologies and the social cognitive theory on weight control in the governmental employees of Hamadan City, western Iran in 2014. METHODS: This randomized control trial study was conducted in "telephone- assisted intervention", "web- assisted intervention", and "control" groups comprising 435 employees of Hamadan City with overweight or obesity in 2014 (Ethics Committee Code: 93/D/130/1139). The educational intervention was performed for 6 months under the title of "lifestyle program". Then, the participants were evaluated in terms of weight and changes in the constructs of the social-cognitive theory 6 and 9 months after the intervention. A researcher-made questionnaire based on the Dishman and Dewar questionnaires was used to evaluate the constructs of social-cognitive theory. The data were collected and analyzed using SPSS-20. RESULTS: The lifestyle intervention resulted in a weight loss of 1.92 and 1.08 kg in the telephone-assisted and web-assisted intervention groups, respectively. The intervention in the telephone-assisted group increased the mean scores of the constructs of self-efficacy (P=0.001), environment (P=0.001), outcome expectations (P=0.040), and outcome expectancies (P=0.001) among participants. In the web-assisted intervention group, the mean scores of the constructs of self-efficacy (P=0.001) and outcome expectancies (P=0.020) increased. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed the effectiveness of the intervention based on new communication technologies and the Social-Cognitive Theory. Future studies with more retention strategies regarding self-efficacy and environment constructs are needed to further explain the application of SCT and technology-based approaches to reduce obese and overweight.

Evaluating health literacy of Kerman Medical University, School of Public Health students about recycling solid waste.

BACKGROUND: The increasing trend in waste production and its improper disposal in the environment have led to mismanagement of national resources and hazards to the natural environment. Therefore, the recycling of solid waste can help prevent economic and bio-environmental disasters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health literacy of the students of the Kerman Public Health School about the management and recycling of solid waste. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study and the target population was all of the students of the Kerman Public Health School (421 students) in five fields. A questionnaire including demographic and health literacy questions was distributed among the students. RESULTS: The male students answered the questions significantly more than female students (P<0.001). The Environmental Health students acquired a higher score than all other students and health literacy significantly increased as the student's studying degree promoted (P<0.001). Also, as the number of trimesters increased, health literacy significantly increased (P<0.001). The parents' education, the family income, and number of people in the family had no significant effect on health literacy. All students believed recycling is important and more than 50% had acquired their knowledge from their academics. CONCLUSION: This survey showed that although students in health-related fields confirm the necessity of recycling solid waste, they still need more education in health literacy as they are supposed to be the promoters of public health in the society in the near future.