Structural, optical, photocatalytic, and optoelectronic properties of Zn2SnO4 nanocrystals prepared by hydrothermal method.

Zn2SnO4 (ZTO) nanocrystals are extensively studied in various fields. However, size-dependent ZTO nanocrystals are still challenging to understand their structural, optical, photocatalytic, and optoelectronic properties. ZTO nanocrystals are synthesized by a facile hydrothermal reaction method. The structural properties of the synthesized ZTO nanocrystals are studied by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. The sizes of the ZTO nanocrystals are controlled by the pH values of the precursor and the molar ratios of the Zn:Sn in the starting materials. ZTO nanocrystals with the small size of 6 nm and large size of 270 nm are obtained by our method. The Eu3+ ions are doped into ZTO nanocrystals to probe size-dependent Eu doping sites, which shows significant potential applications in light emitting diode phosphors. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of ZTO nanocrystals on rhodamine (RhB) decoloration are investigated, and the results show that 6 nm ZTO nanocrystals show better performance in the photocatalytic decoloration of RhB compared to 270 nm nanocrystals. Most importantly, we design and fabricate optoelectronic devices to detect IR light based on our nanocrystals and a self-prepared NIR cyanine dye. The device based on small sized ZTO nanocrystals exhibits better device performance under 808 nm IR light compared to that of the large sized ZTO nanocrystals. We believe this work represents ZTO size-dependent properties in term of structural, optical, photocatalytic, and optoelectronic properties as a multifunctional material.

Effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine for preserving residual renal function in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: multicenter randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the efficacy and safety of oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for preserving residual renal function in patients undergoing hemodialysis. METHODS: Randomized, multi-center, parallel-group, open-label clinical trial (Registration No. IRCT 2014071418482N1). 54 patients who have been undergoing hemodialysis for at least 3 months and had residual urine volume >100 ml/24 h were randomly allocated to NAC or no medication. Residual renal function evaluated by (1) estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), (2) 24 h urine volume, and (3) renal Kt/V. GFR and Kt/V was determined at baseline and after 3 months. 24 h urine volume was measured at baseline, after 1, 2, and 3 months. RESULTS: Intention-to-treat analysis was performed on 47 patients (NAC = 26, control = 21). GFR in patients receiving NAC improved, whereas in the control arm a decline of 1.0 ml/min/1.73 m2 was recorded (3.59 vs. 2.11 ml/min/1.73 m2, effect size = 17.0 %, p = 0.004). For 24 h urine volume, the between-group difference after 1 month was significant (669 vs. 533 ml/24 h, effect size = 15.4 %, p = 0.004). After 3 months, 24 h urine volume in the NAC arm was on average 137 ml higher than in the control group, and the difference reached near significance (673 vs. 536 ml/24 h, p = 0.072). In the follow-up visit, Kt/V was higher in the NAC arm but the difference did not reach statistical significance (0.81 vs. 0.54, p = 0.152). CONCLUSION: Three months treatment with NAC appears to be effective in preserving renal function in patients undergoing hemodialysis and the medication is generally well-tolerated.

Vitamin D in Type 2 Diabetes and Its Correlation With Heat Shock Protein 70, Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma, Advanced Oxidation Protein Products and Advanced Glycation End Products.

AIM: To investigate the association between vitamin D3 level and oxidative stress biomarkers such as Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in patients with Type 2 diabetes. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, 54 patients including 32 females and 22 males with a mean age of 54.92 ± 11.37 years with T2D attending the diabetes clinic from 2021 to 2022 were included. According to the average level of vitamin D in this population (14.91), they were divided into two groups with vitamin D ≤15 ng/mL and vitamin D >15 ng/mL. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D and AOPP, HSP and FRAP parameters. The correlation between vitamin D and other variables was evaluated via the Pearson correlation test. RESULT: Vitamin D level had a positive relation with FRAP (ß = 0.32, p = 0.017) and HSP (ß = 0.39, p = 0.003), but had a negative relation with AOPP (ß = -0.30, p = 0.02). The level of 2hPP also had a negative relation with the level of vitamin D (ß = -0.33, p = 0.03). There was not any relationship between the level of vitamin D and AGEs or other variables. After adjusting for multiple confounders for the multivariate regression model, HSP remained significant. CONCLUSION: This research indicates the relationship between vitamin D levels and oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Multicolor Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots for Environment-Dependent Emission Tuning.

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have potential applications in many fields such as light-emitting devices, photocatalysis, and bioimaging due to their unique photoluminescence (PL) properties and environmental benignness. Here, we report the synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) from citric acid and m-phenylenediamine using a one-pot hydrothermal approach. The environment-dependent emission changes of NCQDs were extensively investigated in various solvents, in the solid state, and in physically assembled PMMA-PnBA-PMMA copolymer gels in 2-ethyl-hexanol. NCQDs display bright emissions in various solvents as well as in the solid state. These NCQDs exhibit multicolor PL emission across the visible region upon changing the environment (solutions and polymer matrices). NCQDs also exhibit excitation-dependent PL and solvatochromism, which have not been frequently investigated in CQDs. Most CQDs are nonemissive in the aggregated or solid state due to the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect, limiting their solid-state applications. However, NCQDs synthesized here display a strong solid-state emission centered at 568 nm attributed to the presence of surface functional groups that restrict the π-π interaction between the NCQDs and assist in overcoming the ACQ effect in the solid state. NCQD-containing gels display significant fluorescence enhancement in comparison to the NCQDs in 2-ethyl hexanol, likely because of the interaction between the polar PMMA blocks and NCQDs. The application of NCQDs-Gel as a solid/gel state fluorescent display has been presented. This research facilitates the development of large-scale, low-cost multicolor phosphor for the fabrication of optoelectronic devices, sensing, and bioimaging applications.

Depression, Anxiety, Perceived Stress and Family Support in COVID-19 Patients.

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported in Iran in February 2020 and then quickly spread to many cities. Different factors contribute to the numerous psychological problems of this pandemic in patients, healthcare workers and the community. This study investigated the prevalence of perceived stress, anxiety and depression in COVID-19 patients hospitalized between March and April 2020 and revealed associations of these factors with social support received from family. Method : In this cross-sectional study, patients with COVID-19 admitted between 21st of March and 22nd of April 2020 were evaluated by three questionnaires: Anxiety and depression were evaluated using the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), stress levels were evaluated using the four-item perceived stress scale (PSS-4) and family support was evaluated using the perceived social support scale-family (PSS-Fa). In addition to obtaining prevalence of the noted psychological disorders and their relationship with demographic details, relationship of stress, anxiety and depression with family support was also investigated using the Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: Participants comprised 100 COVID-19 patients (38 females and 62 males). Findings suggested high levels of perceived stress in 26% of the participants, anxiety symptoms existed in 29% and borderline conditions existed in 17%. Moreover, depressive and its borderline symptoms were respectively observed in 17% and 23%. Family support was found to negatively and significantly correlated with anxiety (Pearson correlation = -0.249, P < 0.05) and depression. (Pearson correlation = -0.221, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of anxiety and depression in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, it is recommended to further focus on non-clinical interventions, such as providing psychological first aids, boosting psychological resilience, and enabling greater family support, in efforts to prevent transformation of these psychological symptoms into long-term psychological disorders.

Hyperpigmentation, severe alopecia, and six days of instability in a case of severe methotrexate hypersensitivity reaction.

INTRODUCTION: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is an emergency condition in the gynecologic field. Methotrexate (MTX) is a drug of choice for the medical treatment of EP. Severe adverse events are rare among patients treated with MTX for this condition. REASON FOR REPORT: We describe a woman with severe multi-organ involvement experiencing about six days of instability after treatment with just a single-dose MTX for EP. This life-threatening condition is not common with a single dose of MTX. A 30-year-old healthy woman was treated medically with MTX for an EP. Three days later the patient was admitted to the emergency department of our hospital with generalized pustular rashes, alopecia, hyperpigmentation, nausea and vomiting, oral ulcers, and raised Creatinine level. Four days later due to pancytopenia, fever, and loss of consciousness, she was transferred to the intensive care unit and was intubated. OUTCOME: After 38 days of hospitalization, treatment was successful with leucovorin and supportive care and the patient's symptoms and clinical manifestations were regressed.

Turning unprofessional behaviors around using Holmes' reflection approach: a randomized controlled study.

Many medical schools around the world have included professionalism training in their formal curriculum. However, these efforts may not be adequate; given the exposure of students to unprofessional behaviors in the clinical settings. In the present study, we aimed to design, implement, and evaluate a longitudinal program to improve professionalism among medical students upon their transition to clinical settings. A total of 75 medical students were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to two groups. The control group did not receive any training, while for the intervention group; a 10-hour program through 16 weeks was organized based on the Holmes' reflection approach. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated by measuring three outcomes in both groups. Data analysis was performed using paired t-test and Multiple Linear Regression. Scores of judgment of professionalism increased in the intervention group (from 7.56 to 10.17; P< 0.001), while there was no significant improvement in the control group's scores. Students' attitudes towards professionalism and their professional behaviors did not change significantly. Based on our findings, the Holmes reflection approach helps students improve their cognitive base of professionalism. Long-term follow-up and further qualitative studies will help us better understand the effects of this approach on other desirable outcomes.

Facial hyperpigmentation: Any link to cancer?

INTRODUCTION: Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome is recognized by edema, proximal muscle weakness, hypertension, diabetes and skin hyperpigmentation. This syndrome is mainly associated with malignancies. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old woman came to our hospital with a history of new-onset diabetes, hypertension, edema and facial hyperpigmentation from four months before. Upon admission, she had alkalosis, hypokalemia, mild hypertension and low-grade fever. Due to abdominal pain, an abdominal ultrasound was performed, which revealed common bile duct (CBD) and pancreatic duct dilation. The abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) scan showed a poorly-enhancing mass in the periampullary region. CONCLUSION: The patient's facial hyperpigmentation and hypokalemia appear to have been due to ACTH ectopic syndrome as a result of periampullary cancer.

Validating Self-Reflection and Insight Scale to Measure readiness for Self-Regulated Learning.

BACKGROUND: Professional behavior of physicians is under scrutiny by medical associations, media, and patients; therefore, medical students are expected to be self-directed learners rather than the passive ones. One of the useful strategies for professional development and life-long learning of students is self-regulated learning. Self-regulation concept and lifelong learning commitment are in the heart of medical practice. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the validity of Self-Reflection and Insight Scale (SRIS) to inspect the medical students' readiness for self-regulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SRIS was translated according to the Sousa and Rojjanasrirat guideline. To examine the reliability and validity evidence of the scale, 136 medical students from Tehran University of Medical Sciences completed the questionnaire. Internal consistency and intraclass correlation were used to examine the reliability evidence, as well as qualitative content validity, and confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used to examine the construct validity of the scale. RESULTS: The content validity of the scale was verified. Cronbach's alpha and the Interclass Correlation Coefficient value for the four-factor model was 0.87 and 0.79, respectively. Goodness-of-fit indices displayed acceptable and poor values (P = 0.0001, χ2 = 373.51, df = 167, Root Mean Square Error Of Approximation = 0.096, standardized root mean square residual = 0.12). EFA was conducted; a well-structured model was achieved through the EFA. The new four-factor model was extracted as the best model by performing EFA. CONCLUSION: SRIS Persian version is saturated with four factors and has desirable content validity and constructs reliability.

Evaluation of serum iron and ferritin levels in alopecia areata.

Although immunologic processes and hereditary factors are suggested to play an important role in alopecia areata, the specific etiology is unclear. Iron deficiency has been suggested to play a role, but its effect is controversial. In our case control study, we found a higher mean level of serum iron and ferritin and a lower mean level of TIBC in patients compared to control subjects, but the differences did not reach significance.

Pancreatic Tuberculosis in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Pancreatic tuberculosis is extremely rare and its clinical and radiological findings are similar to those of pancreatic malignancy. The diagnosis of pancreatic tuberculosis is not usually made prior to surgery. Here, we report a case of pancreatic tuberculosis, presented with abdominal pain and weight loss. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed a 62 mm × 32 mm septate solid-cystic mass in the pancreatic head area with extension into the hilum of the liver. There was no evidence of inflammation or pancreatitis. Endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle aspiration (EUSFNA) could not yield the diagnosis. Exploratory laparotomy and further pathological evaluation suggested pancreatic tuberculosis. Response to antituberculosis treatment confirmed the diagnosis. Finally, previous case reports and case studies of pancreatic tuberculosis in the literature are fully investigated.

Cardiovascular effects of black tea and nicotine alone or in combination against experimental induced heart injury.

The present study was designed to elucidate the outcome of subchronic co-administration of black tea and nicotine on cardiovascular performance and whether these substances could modulate the isoproterenol-induced cardiac injury. Animal groups were control, black tea, nicotine and black tea plus nicotine. Test groups received nicotine (2 mg/kg s.c.) and black tea brewed (p.o.) each alone and in combination for 4 weeks. On the 28th day, myocardial damage was induced by isoproterenol (50 mg/kg i.p.), and blood samples were taken. On day 29, after hemodynamic parameters recording, hearts were removed for histopathological evaluation. Tea or nicotine consumption had no significant effects on hemodynamic indices of animals without heart damage. When the cardiac injury was induced, tea consumption maintained the maximum dp/dt, and nicotine significantly decreased the pressure-rate product. Moreover, severity of heart lesions was lower in the presence of nicotine or black tea. Concomitant use of these materials did not show extra effects on mentioned parameters more than the effect of each of them alone. The results suggest that subchronic administration of black tea or nicotine for a period of 4 weeks may have a mild cardioprotective effect, while concomitant use of these materials cannot intensify this beneficial effect.