An Investigation of Group-Based Mobile Learning on Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Pain Among Beta-Thalassemia Major Patients: A Randomized Control Trial.

Beta-thalassemia major (B-TM) is an inherited hematological disease that affects nearly 300 million people worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of group-based mobile learning on stress, anxiety, depression, and pain among beta-thalassemia major patients. This randomized clinical study was conducted on 48 patients with beta-thalassemia major in Jahrom, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to the control and intervention groups. Their partners in the intervention group were trained in self-care through mobile learning. The 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale and a visual analog scale for pain assessment were used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using the Statistical package for the Social Sciences version 23.0. Although there was no significant difference between the control and intervention groups in the mean pre-test scores of depression (P = .21), anxiety (P = .05), stress (P = .48), and pain (P = .46), the mean post-test scores of depression, anxiety, and stress in the intervention group were significantly lower than the control group (P = .0001). The mean scores of depression (P = .33), anxiety (P = .74), stress (P = .83), and pain (P = .6) did not change significantly in the control group, while all these mean scores decreased significantly in the intervention group for DASS (P = .001) and pain (P = .002). Group-based mobile learning is effective in reducing depression, anxiety, stress, and pain in B-TM.

Development and Validation of the Companion's Satisfaction Questionnaire of Patient's Hospitalized in Intensive Care Units.

Objective: The current study aimed to develop and validate of companions' satisfaction questionnaire of patients hospitalized in ICUs. Methods: This is a methodological study that was performed in three phases: In the first phase, the concept of companion's satisfaction of patients hospitalized in ICUs was defined through qualitative content analysis method. In the second phase, early items of questionnaire were generated based on findings of the first phase. In the third and final phase, validation of the questionnaire was evaluated using face, content and construct validity as well as reliability. Results: In exploratory factor analysis, three subscales including: satisfaction with nursing staff communication (5 items), satisfaction with nursing care (12 items), and satisfaction with decision making (5 items) were extracted by Eigen value above one and factor load above 0.5. Internal consistency and stability of the developed questionnaire confirmed with 0.94 and 0.95 respectively that indicated acceptable reliability. Conclusion: The 22-item developed questionnaire is valid and reliable for measurement of levels of companion's satisfaction of Iranian patients hospitalized in ICUs.

Development and Validation of a questionnaire on human dignity in nursing cares: an exploratory sequential mixed study.

Objective: The current study aimed to develop and validate of human dignity questionnaire in nursing care. Methods: The present research is a sequential exploratory mixed method study. The questionnaire was developed and validated in three phases: (1) the concept of human dignity was defined through conventional content analysis qualitative approach, (2) early items of questionnaire was generated according to findings of the first phase, (3) validation of the questionnaire was evaluated using face, content and construct validity as well as reliability. The study was conducted with the participation of 13 nurses in the qualitative section and 203 nurses in the quantitative section in teaching hospitals affiliated to Jahrom University of Medical Sciences (Iran). Results: In the qualitative section, the definition and dimensions of the concept of human dignity in nursing care were discovered. In the quantitative section, the initial pool of items for the questionnaire of human dignity in nursing care was formed using the results of the qualitative section of the study and review of texts and related questionnaires. In factor analysis, four subscales including: respectful communication, equality of patient human value, preservation of privacy and patient-centered care were extracted by Eigen value above one. Internal consistency and stability of the questionnaire were calculated as 0.85 and 0.80, respectively, indicating an excellent reliability. Conclusion: The 20-item developed questionnaire is valid and reliable for measurement of human dignity questionnaire in nursing cares.

The Effect of the Team Members Teaching Design vs. Regular Lectures method on the Self-efficacy of the Multiple sclerosis Patients in Iran. Randomised Controlled Trial.

Objective: This study was conducted with the aim of the effect of team members teaching design (TMTD) vs. regular Lectures method on the self-efficacy of the multiple sclerosis patients. Methods: This research is a randomized controlled trial study. In this study, 48 multiple sclerosis persons of members of Jahrom MS Society participated. The persons were selected by simple random sampling and then divided into three groups of: TMTD (n=16), regular lecture method (n=16), and control (n=16), by random allocation method. In the intervention groups, six training sessions were held twice a week; control group did not receive education. Data was collected by the MS self-efficacy questionnaire of Rigby et al. in the before, immediately and one month after the intervention. Results: Patients in three intervention and control groups were similar in terms of demographic variables. The results of the repeated measurement test before, immediately and one month after the intervention showed that the mean of the all dimensions of self-efficacy in two intervention groups had increased significantly (p<0.05). While these changes were not significant in the control group (p ≥ 0.05). Also, there was a significant difference in the mean of the all dimensions of self-efficacy between the intervention groups of TMTD and regular lectures. Conclusion: Based on the findings, TMTD compared to regular lectures method had a more significant effect on improving the self-efficacy of multiple sclerosis patients. Therefore, it is recommended that nursing use this educational approach to increase patients' self-efficacy.

Development and validation of the clinical judgment capability questionnaire in nurses: A sequential exploratory mixed method study.

Background: Clinical judgment is one of the most important competencies required for safe care, decision-making, and diagnosis in nursing profession. Therefore, it is necessary to examine clinical judgment in nursing care. Existing a standard questionnaire based on cultural and social conditions can accurately evaluate clinical judgment in nurses. Objective: The present study aimed to develop and validate clinical judgment capability questionnaire in nurses. Design: The current research was a sequential exploratory mixed method study. Setting: The teaching hospitals affiliated to Jahrom University of Medical Sciences in the South of Iran in 2023. Participants: Twelve clinical nurses were included in the qualitative part and 181 nurses in the quantitative part. Methods: The study was conducted in two parts: one qualitative and one quantitative. In the qualitative part, the concept of clinical judgment was explored using qualitative content analysis. Then, the initial pool of items was generated to develop a questionnaire. In the quantitative part, psychometric properties of the questionnaire were evaluated including face, content, and structure validity and reliability (internal consistency and stability). Results: After examining the psychometric properties, 22 items were developed for the final questionnaire. The results of factor analysis led to the extraction of four factors, including noticing, interpreting, responding, and reflecting. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.95 and its stability with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.84. Conclusion: The developed 22-item questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for assessment of clinical judgment capability in nurses.

Development and Validation of the Companion's Satisfaction Questionnaire of Patient's Hospitalized in Intensive Care Units / Desarrollo y Validación del Cuestionario de Satisfacción del Acompañante de Pacientes Hospitalizados en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos / Desenvolvimento e Validação do Questionário de Satisfação do Acompanhante para Pacientes Hospitalizados em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva

Objective. The current study aimed to develop and validate of companions' satisfaction questionnaire of patients hospitalized in ICUs. Methods. This is a methodological study that was performed in three phases: In the first phase, the concept of companion's satisfaction of patients hospitalized in ICUs was defined through qualitative content analysis method. In the second phase, early items of questionnaire were generated based on findings of the first phase. In the third and final phase, validation of the questionnaire was evaluated using face, content and construct validity as well as reliability. Results. In exploratory factor analysis, three subscales including: satisfaction with nursing staff communication (5 items), satisfaction with nursing care (12 items), and satisfaction with decision making (5 items) were extracted by Eigen value above one and factor load above 0.5. Internal consistency and stability of the developed questionnaire confirmed with 0.94 and 0.95 respectively that indicated acceptable reliability. Conclusion. The 22-item developed questionnaire is valid and reliable for measurement of levels of companion's satisfaction of Iranian patients hospitalized in ICUs.

Objetivo. Desarrollar y validar un cuestionario de satisfacción de acompañantes de pacientes hospitalizados en UCIs. Métodos. Estudio de validación que se realizó en tres fases: en la primera se definió el concepto de satisfacción de los acompañantes de pacientes hospitalizados en UCI mediante el método de análisis de contenido cualitativo; en la segunda fase se generaron los primeros ítems del cuestionario a partir de los resultados de la primera fase; y en la tercera fase se evaluó la validación del cuestionario mediante la validez facial, de contenido y de constructo, así como la fiabilidad. Resultados. En el análisis factorial exploratorio, se extrajeron tres subescalas que incluían: satisfacción con la comunicación del personal de enfermería (5 ítems), satisfacción con los cuidados de enfermería (12 ítems) y satisfacción con la toma de decisiones (5 ítems) con un valor Eigen superior a uno y una carga factorial superior a 0.5. La consistencia interna y la estabilidad del cuestionario desarrollado se confirmaron con 0.94 y 0.95 respectivamente, lo que indicaba una fiabilidad aceptable. Conclusión. El cuestionario desarrollado de 22 ítems es válido y fiable para medir los niveles de satisfacción de los acompañantes de pacientes iraníes hospitalizados en UCI.

Objetivo. Desenvolver e validar um questionário sobre a satisfação dos acompanhantes de pacientes hospitalizados em UTIs. Métodos. Estudo de validação realizado em três fases: na primeira fase, o conceito de satisfação de acompanhantes de pacientes internados em UTIs foi definido por meio do método de análise qualitativa de conteúdo; na segunda fase, os primeiros itens do questionário foram gerados a partir dos resultados da primeira fase; e na terceira fase, a validação do questionário foi avaliada por meio da validade de face, de conteúdo e de construto, bem como da confiabilidade. Resultados. Na análise fatorial exploratória, três subescalas foram extraídas, incluindo: satisfação com a comunicação da equipe de enfermagem (5 itens), satisfação com a assistência de enfermagem (12 itens) e satisfação com a tomada de decisões (5 itens) com um valor Eigen maior que um e uma carga fatorial maior que 0.5. A consistência interna e a estabilidade do questionário desenvolvido foram confirmadas com 0.94 e 0.95, respectivamente, indicando confiabilidade aceitável. Conclusão. O questionário de 22 itens desenvolvido é válido e confiável para medir os níveis de satisfação dos acompanhantes de pacientes iranianos hospitalizados em UTI.

Hsa-miR-194-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p are down-regulated expressed in high dysplasia HPV-positive Pap smear samples compared to normal cytology HPV-positive Pap smear samples.

BACKGROUND: The human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may affect the miRNA expression pattern during cervical cancer (CC) development. To demonstrate the association between high-risk HPVs and the development of cervix dysplasia, we examined the expression patterns of hsa-miR-194-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p in Pap smear samples from southeast Iranian women. We compared samples that were HPV-positive but showed no abnormality in the cytological examination to samples that were HPV-positive and had severe dysplasia. METHODS: Pap smear samples were obtained from 60 HPV-positive (HPV-16/18) patients with histologically confirmed severe dysplasia (cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN 3) or carcinoma in situ) and the normal cytology group. The expression of hsa-miR-194-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p was analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR, using specific stem-loop primers and U6 snRNA as the internal reference gene. Clinicopathological features were associated with miRNA expression levels. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis was conducted using in silico tools. The Kaplan-Meier survival method was also obtained to discriminate survival-significant candidate miRNAs in CC, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the diagnostic value. RESULTS: Compared to HPV-positive cytologically normal Pap smear samples, hsa-miR-194-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p relative expression decreased significantly in HPV-positive patients with a severe dysplasia Pap smear. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated a significant association between the miR-194 decrease and poor CC survival. In essence, ROC curve analysis showed that miR-194-5p and miR-195-5p could serve as valuable markers for the development of cervix dysplasia in individuals who are positive for high-risk HPVs. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that hsa-miR-194-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p may possess tumor suppressor capabilities in the context of cervical dysplasia progression. However, it remains uncertain whether these microRNAs are implicated in the transition of patients with high dysplasia to cervical cancer. We also showed the potential capability of candidate miRNAs as novel diagnostic biomarkers related to cervical dysplasia progression.

Astroglial conditional Slc13a3 knockout is therapeutic in murine Canavan leukodystrophy.

Canavan disease is a leukodystrophy caused by ASPA mutations that diminish oligodendroglial aspartoacylase activity, and is characterized by markedly elevated brain concentrations of the aspartoacylase substrate N-acetyl-l-aspartate (NAA) and by astroglial and intramyelinic vacuolation. Astroglia express NaDC3 (encoded by SLC13A3), a sodium-coupled transporter for NAA and other dicarboxylates. Astroglial conditional Slc13a3 deletion in aspartoacylase-deficient Canavan disease model mice ("CD mice") reversed brain NAA elevation and improved motor function. These results demonstrate that astroglial NaDC3 contributes to brain NAA elevation in CD mice, and suggest that suppressing astroglial NaDC3 activity would ameliorate human Canavan disease.

Implication of Novel BMP15 and GDF9 Variants in Unexpected Poor Ovarian Response.

Unexpected poor ovarian response (UPOR) occurs when nine or fewer oocytes are retrieved from a young patient with normal ovarian reserve. Bone morphogenetic protein15 (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) are two oocyte-specific factors with pivotal role in folliculogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the relation between BMP15 and GDF9 variants with UPOR. Hundred women aged ≤ 39 with AMH ≥ 1.27 IU/ml participated as UPOR and normal ovarian responders (NOR) based on their oocyte number. Each group consisted of 50 patients. After genomic DNA extraction, the entire exonic regions of BMP15 and GDF9 were amplified and examined by direct sequencing. Western blotting was performed to determine the expression levels of BMP15 and GDF9 in follicular fluid. Additionally, in silico analysis was applied to predict the effect of discovered mutations. From four novel variants of BMP15 and GDF9 genes, silent mutations (c.744 T > C) and (c.99G > A) occurred in both groups, whereas missense variants: c.967-968insA and c.296A > G were found exclusively in UPORs. The latter variants caused reduction in protein expression. Moreover, the mutant allele (T) in a GDF9 polymorphism (C447T) found to be more in NOR individuals (58% NOR vs. 37% UPOR (OR = 2.3, CI 1.32-4.11, p = 0.004).The novel missense mutations which were predicted as damaging, along with other mutations that happened in UPORs might result in ovarian resistance to stimulation. The mutant allele (T) in C447T polymorphism has a protective effect. It can be concluded that there is an association between BMP15 and GDF9 variants and follicular development and ovarian response.

Persistent basal ganglia involvement in aminoacylase-1 deficiency: expanding imaging findings and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Aminoacylase-1 deficiency (ACY1D) is an autosomal recessive rare inborn error of metabolism, which is caused by disease-causing variants in the ACY1. This disorder is characterized by increased urinary excretion of specific N-acetyl amino acids. Affected individuals demonstrate heterogeneous clinical manifestations which are primarily neurologic problems. In neuroimaging, corpus callosum hypoplasia, cerebellar vermis atrophy, and delayed myelination of cerebral white matter have been reported. AIMS: Finding disease-causing variant and expanding imaging findings in a patient with persistent basal ganglia involvement. METHODS: Whole-exome sequencing was performed in order to identify disease-causing variants in an affected 5-year-old male patient who presented with neurologic regression superimposed on neurodevelopmental delay following a febrile illness. He had inability to walk, cognitive impairment, speech delay, febrile-induced seizures, truncal hypotonia, moderate to severe generalized dystonia, and recurrent metabolic decompensation. RESULTS: All metabolic tests were normal except for a moderate metabolic acidosis following febrile illnesses. The results of serial brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at ages 1 and 4.5 years revealed persistent bilateral and symmetric abnormal signals in basal ganglia mainly caudate and globus pallidus nuclei with progression over time in addition to a mild supratentorial atrophy. A homozygous missense variant [NM_000666.3: c.1057C>T; p.(Arg353Cys)] was identified in the ACY1, consistent with aminoacylase-1 deficiency. Variant confirmation in patient and segregation analysis in his family were performed using Sanger sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings expanded the phenotype spectrum of ACY1-related neurodegeneration by demonstrating persistent basal ganglia involvement and moderate to severe generalized dystonia.

Determining tolerant tomato genotypes to salt stress according to physiological and morphological manner.

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an annual vegetable cultivated all over the world. It faces biotic and abiotic stresses, such as salinity, in arid and semiarid regions. Investigating the relationship between physiological and economic traits, such as fruit yield, under stress conditions is necessary to identify tolerant genotypes. This study was conducted to identify tolerant tomato families according to the relationship between several important physiological, morphological and phenological traits. Twenty S3 families were cultivated in a factorial experiment (factor1: families and factor2: normal conditions and salinity stress) based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in 2019. Twenty physiological, agronomic and fruit-quality-related traits were investigated. Analysis of variance was used to prove the existing effective genetic diversity. Genetic diversity and the relationships between traits were graphically shown using heatmap clustering. Finally, genetic parameters, such as Pearson's correlation, trait stability index and heritability were used to calculate the mathematical value of families using the Modified Analytical Hierarchy Process. Families exhibited different behaviours under normal and stress conditions. The tolerant families responded physiologically to the salt stress. Therefore, they reduced both cell membrane degradation and photosynthesis disruption by increasing proline, lycopene, carotenoid and sugar content. Therefore, fewer reductions in morphological traits were observed in these families. The most important traits based on the selection strategy were lycopene content, K+/Na+ ratio, days to flowering and biological yield. In addition, three families, H4/T/30/1, H1/T/12/5 and H1/T/47/4, were selected as the most suitable alternatives to construct the breeding population of the next generation.

Analysis of death risk factors among COVID-19 patients in Yazd, Iran: A case-cohort study.

Background: The COVID-19 epidemic control has become a global challenge and many contributing variables are still unknown to policymakers. This case-cohort study was conducted to investigate the risk factors of mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods: This case-cohort study was conducted on 956 samples in Ardakan and Meybod counties, Yazd Province, between February 20 and May 20, 2020. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and paired t-test, chi-square, and logistic regression analysis. Results: Of a total cohort population of 993 in Ardakan and Meybod counties, 435 were assigned to the control group and 521 were assigned to the case group. The results of outcome analysis showed that 14.4% of the patients in the case group and 11.5% of the patients in the control group died. According to the results of logistic regression analysis in COVID-19 patients, each one-year increase in age increased the risk of mortality by 6% (HR = 1.06, p < 0.001), each one-day increase in the hospital stay increased the risk of death by 8% (HR = 1.08, p < 0.001). Moreover, the presence of cardiovascular disease, chronic neurological disease, and chronic pulmonary disease increased the risk of death. The patients who underwent mechanical ventilation had 85% less chance of survival (HR = 0.15, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results showed a higher mortality rate in the elderly patients as well as those with underlying diseases. Attention should be paid to at-risk and elderly patients in terms of ensuring a healthy diet, improving their self-care practices, and providing long-term medical and healthcare facilities.

Validity and reproducibility of a food frequency questionnaire assessing food group intake in the PERSIAN Cohort Study.

Purpose: A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was developed for use in the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN (PERSIAN Cohort), investigating non-communicable disease risk factors. This study aimed to assess the validity and reproducibility of this FFQ, through food group intake. Methods: Participants, recruited from seven PERSIAN cohort centers, completed the FFQ at the beginning of the study (FFQ1) and at the end (FFQ2), with a 12-month interval in between, during which two 24-h dietary recalls (24 h) were completed each month. Correlation coefficients of the median intake of food groups recorded by the FFQs were compared to those of the 24 h to assess validity, and the two FFQs were compared to assess reproducibility of findings. Results: Overall, data from 978 participants were included in this validation analysis. Of the 26 food groups assessed, Tea, Sugars, Whole/Refined Grains, and Solid Fats/Oils, had the strongest correlations (0.6-0.79), while Red Meat, Chicken and Eggs showed moderate correlations (0.42-0.59). The weakest correlations observed belonged to Fresh fruit Juice and Other Meats (0.23-0.32). Reproducibility was assessed among those who completed both FFQ1 and FFQ2 (n = 848), revealing moderate to strong correlations in all food groups, ranging from 0.42 in Legumes to 0.72 in both Sugar and Sweetened Drinks. Conclusion: The PERSIAN Cohort FFQ is appropriate to rank individuals based on food group intake.

Adsorption and mitigation impact of the monosodium glutamate (C5H8NO4Na) bio-molecules on the steel rebar corrosion in the chloride-contaminated simulated concrete pore solution.

Corrosion has caused significant annual costs for building construction and civil architectural designs. In this study, Monosodium glutamate (GLU) was proposed as a potential candidate for long-lasting corrosion inhibition to slow down the rate of corrosion in the concrete pore environment. In this regard, the electrochemical and morphological properties of the various GLU concentrated systems between 1 to 5 wt% in the simulated concrete pore solution media were investigated. According to the EIS results, adding 4 wt% of GLU could reduce the mild steel corrosion process by 86% through a mixed inhibition mechanism. Also, the polarization records represented that the samples' corrosion current density was diminished to 0.169 µA cm-2 after the addition of 4 wt% GLU into the harsh environment. Using the FE-SEM method, the growth of the GLU layer over the metal substrate was demonstrated. The results of spectroscopic methods, i.e., Raman and GIXRD, demonstrated that GLU molecules were successfully adsorbed over the surface of the metal. Contact angle test outcomes showed that by increasing the GLU concentration to its optimum level (4 wt%), the surface hydrophobicity was dramatically raised to 62°.

Sulfonated Polyaniline-Grafted Two-Dimensional Ti3C2-MXene (SPANI-MXene) Nanoplatform for Designing an Advanced Smart Self-Healable Coating System.

MXene nanosheets (MXenes), a brand-new classification of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, are assumed to be highly functional components in anticorrosion polymeric systems. In general, MXenes possess many advantageous features that can be utilized to improve the polymeric matrices' anticorrosion performance. In this work, zinc ions (Zn) were deposited on the sulfonated polyaniline (SPANI) that was polymerized on Ti3C2-MXene surfaces (MXP-Zn) in order to achieve a high-performance anticorrosion nanofiller for epoxy coating (EP-MXP-Zn). Field-emission scanning electron microscopy-transmission electron microscopy images, Fourier transform infrared, Raman, X-ray diffraction, UV-vis, derivative thermogravimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis have evidenced the successful characterization of the MXP-Zn nanocomposite. Likewise, the excellent barrier properties of SPANI, in conjunction with the cathodic protection of Zn, resulted in a novel nanocomposite that could mitigate the negative consequences of destructive ions' attack on the metal surface in an aggressive media. Quantitative and qualitative anticorrosion measurements verified the outstanding anticorrosion performance of EP-MXP-Zn over time in severe conditions. According to the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy assessments, the |Z0.01 Hz| value for EP-MXP-Zn was 1010.04 Ω cm2, which was over 105 times greater than that of neat EP (104.66 Ω cm2) over a 6-week period of immersion in a 3.5 wt % NaCl solution.

Coronavirus pandemic in the South Asia region: Health policy and economy trade-off.

Background: The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) covers Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. We conducted a comparative analysis of the trade-off between the health policies for the prevention of COVID-19 spread and the impact of these policies on the economies and livelihoods of the South Asia populations. Methods: We analyzed COVID-19 data on epidemiology, public health and health policy, health system capacity, and macroeconomic indicators from January 2020 to March 2021 to determine temporal trends by conducting joinpoint regression analysis using average weekly percent change (AWPC). Results: Bangladesh had the highest statistically significant AWPC for new COVID-19 cases (17.0; 95% CI = 7.7-27.1, P < 0.001), followed by the Maldives (12.9; 95% CI = 5.3-21.0, P < 0.001) and India (10.0; 95% CI = 8.4-11.5, P < 0.001). The AWPC for COVID-19 deaths was significant for India (6.5; 95% CI = 4.3-8.9, P < 0.001) and Bangladesh (6.1; 95% CI = 3.7-8.5, P < 0.001). Nepal (55.79%), and India (34.91%) had the second- and third-highest increase in unemployment, while Afghanistan (6.83%) and Pakistan (16.83%) had the lowest. The rate of change of real GDP had the highest decrease for Maldives (557.51%), and India (297.03%); Pakistan (46.46%) and Bangladesh (70.80%), however, had the lowest decrease. The government response stringency index for Pakistan had a see-saw pattern with a sharp decline followed by an increase in the government health policy restrictions that approximated the test-positivity trend. Conclusions: Unlike developed economies, the South Asian developing countries experienced a trade-off between health policy and their economies during the COVID-19 pandemic. South Asian countries (Nepal and India), with extended periods of lockdowns and a mismatch between temporal trends of government response stringency index and the test-positivity or disease incidence, had higher adverse economic effects, unemployment, and burden of COVID-19. Pakistan demonstrated targeted lockdowns with a rapid see-saw pattern of government health policy response that approximated the test-positivity trend and resulted in lesser adverse economic effects, unemployment, and burden of COVID-19.

Prevalence of diabetes and its correlates among Iranian adults: Results of the first phase of Shahedieh cohort study.

Background and Aims: The diabetes is one of the most common noncommunicable diseases, the prevalence of which is increasing worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, and correlates the factors of diabetes in the setting of Shahedieh cohort study in Yazd, Iran. Method: The present study is a cross-sectional study conducted on the data of the initial stage of Shahdieh Yazd cohort. This study examined the data of 9747 participants aged from 30 to 73 years. The data included demographic, clinical, and blood test variables. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (OR), and the risk factors of diabetes were studied. Meanwhile, population attributable risks for diabetes were estimated, and reported. Results: The prevalence of diabetes was 17.9% (CI95%: 17.1-18.9); 20.5% in women, and 15.4% in men. Based on the results of multivariable logistic regression showed female sex (OR = 1.4, CI95%: 1.24-1.58), waist-hip ratio (OR = 1.4, CI95%: 1.24-1.58), high blood pressure (OR = 2.1, CI95%: 1.84-2.4), cardiovascular diseases (CVD) (OR = 1.52, CI95%: 1.28-1.82), stroke (OR = 1.91, CI95%: 1.24-2.94), age (OR = 1.81, CI95%: 1.67-1.96), hypercholesterolemia (OR = 1.79, CI95% triglyceride: 1.59-2.02), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (OR = 1.45, CI95%: 1.4-1.51), as risk factors for diabetes. Among the modifiable risk factors, high blood pressure(52.38%), waist-to-hip ratio (48.19%), the history of stroke (47.64%), hypercholesterolemia (44.13%), history of CVD (34.21%), and LDL ≥ 130 (31.03%) had the greatest population-attributable, respectively. Conclusion: The results showed that some of the main determinants of diabetes are the modifiable risk factors. Therefore, implementing early detection, and screening programs for people at risk and preventive measures, such as lifestyle modification programs, and control of risk factors can prevent this disease.

A novel selection model based on multivariate methods and arbitrary genetic parameters: a case study on tomato families.

BACKGROUND: Selection is one of the essential skills whereby breeders reduce the population size and increase the chance of success. Various selection methods with special applications have been developed. Superior genotypes are assessed according to interesting traits, including univariate, multivariate, phenotypic, genotypic, etc. METHODS: Mathematical calculation of the traits' importance based on the genetic makeup of investigated population (average degree of dominance/additive involved in the action of genes) and arbitrary genetic parameters is functional. In this paper, a general model for multivariate selection has been presented whereby the selection can be made for (a) more than one interesting trait, (b) the trait(s) with complex inheritance, (c) finding superior genotypes from among a large-scale population, (d) finding superior genotypes in segregating generations and (f) finding tolerant genotypes to stresses. This model is developed based on biometric concepts in four steps. MATLAB script is provided for the model, and users can easily apply that to identify the most suitable genotypes after data collection according to the breeding purposes. RESULTS: The main features of this model are simplicity, precision, repeatability, and speed (improving several traits simultaneously). All the steps and the analysis of the results are explained step by step in a case study.

L-carnitine attenuates acoustic startle reflex dysfunction in adult male rats exposed to mancozeb.

The fungicide mancozeb increases oxygen-free radicals in the central nervous system. As an antioxidant, L-carnitine protects DNA and cell membranes from damage caused by oxygen-free radicals. The present study investigated how L-carnitine affected the acoustic startle response (ASR) in rats exposed to mancozeb. In this experimental study, male Wistar rats were gavaged orally with mancozeb (500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg), L-carnitine (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), or L-carnitine (200 mg/kg) + mancozeb (500 mg/kg) three times in 1 week. In the sham group, saline (0.9%, 10 mL/kg) was gavaged at a volume equivalent to that of the drugs. The control group did not receive any treatment. The results showed that locomotor activity and the percentage of prepulse inhibition in the mancozeb groups decreased compared to the sham group while these parameters increased in the L-carnitine group (200 mg/kg) compared to sham rats. In conclusion, mancozeb may increase the risk factor for cognitive diseases such as schizophrenia in people exposed to it while pretreatment with L-carnitine can attenuate the toxic effect.

The effect of telenursing education of self-care on health-promoting behaviors in patients with multiple sclerosis during the COVID-19 pandemic: A clinical trial study.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis is associated with decrease in health-promoting behaviors (HPBs) and require appropriate nursing interventions. Telenursing can play an important role in education of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in which face-to-face education is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effect of self-care education with telenursing approach on HPBs in patients with MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this clinical trial, 68 patients with MS were selected using simple random sampling from Jahrom MS Society and randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 34) and control (n = 34) groups. In the intervention group, educational sessions were held three days a week for six weeks. Data were collected using demographic information and Walker's Health-Promoting Lifestyle questionnaires before and immediately after the intervention. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests using SPSS software (Ver. 21). RESULTS: Based on the findings, immediately after the intervention, the mean score of HPBs was significantly higher (p = 0.005) in the intervention group (145.38 ± 26.66) than the control group (129.18 ± 22.35). The means of nutrition, exercise, health responsibility, and stress management were significantly different between the intervention and control groups immediately after the intervention (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: results this study indicated that self-care education with telenursing approach was effective on HPBs in patients with MS. It can be beneficial to employ as an educative-supportive approach in MS patients.