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.

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°.

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.

Mitochondrial creatine sensitivity is lost in the D2.mdx model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and rescued by the mitochondrial-enhancing compound Olesoxime.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is associated with distinct mitochondrial stress responses. Here, we aimed to determine whether the prospective mitochondrial-enhancing compound Olesoxime, prevents early-stage mitochondrial stress in limb and respiratory muscle from D2.mdx mice using a proof-of-concept short-term regimen spanning 10-28 days of age. As mitochondrial-cytoplasmic energy transfer occurs via ATP- or phosphocreatine-dependent phosphate shuttling, we assessed bioenergetics with or without creatine in vitro. We observed that disruptions in Complex I-supported respiration and mH2O2 emission in D2.mdx quadriceps and diaphragm were amplified by creatine demonstrating mitochondrial creatine insensitivity manifests ubiquitously and early in this model. Olesoxime selectively rescued or maintained creatine sensitivity in both muscles, independent of the abundance of respiration-related mitochondrial proteins or mitochondrial creatine kinase cysteine oxidation in quadriceps. Mitochondrial calcium retention capacity and glutathione were altered in a muscle-specific manner in D2.mdx but were generally unchanged by Olesoxime. Treatment reduced serum creatine kinase (muscle damage) and preserved cage hang-time, microCT-based volumes of lean compartments including whole body, hindlimb and bone, recovery of diaphragm force after fatigue, and cross-sectional area of diaphragm type IIX fiber, but reduced type I fibers in quadriceps. Grip strength, voluntary wheel-running and fibrosis were unaltered by Olesoxime. In summary, locomotor and respiratory muscle mitochondrial creatine sensitivities are lost during early stages in D2.mdx mice but are preserved by short-term treatment with Olesoxime in association with specific indices of muscle quality suggesting early myopathy in this model is at least partially attributed to mitochondrial stress.

Epidemiology, Geographical Distribution, and Outcome Analysis of Patients with Electrical Burns Referred to Shiraz Burn Center, Shiraz, Iran during 2008-2019.

Background: Burn is one of the most significant injuries in industrial and developing societies and is one of the most important traumas leading to hospitalization. The aim of this study was to identify the epidemiology, geographical distribution, and outcome of electric burns in Fars province and to present the distribution map. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the study population involved all electrical burn victims admitted to Amir al-Momenin and Ghotbeddin Hospitals from 2008 to 2019 in Fars province in the south of Iran. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Results: Among a total of 246 patients, the average age was 30.78 ± 11.07. The highest frequency among educational levels was among under-diploma patients (38.6%), and the majority were employed (87.4%). Also, most of the patients were from urban areas (70.3%). The majority of burn incidences occurred at the workplace (57.7%). Also, among the high voltage patients, 25 patients (30.9%) had an amputation, while among low voltage only 12 patients (16.2%) had an amputation. Non-surgical treatment was applied in 68 (28%) cases, while Escharotomy was performed in 28 (11.4%) patients. There was also a statistically significant association between burn voltage and amputation (P= 0.039). Conclusion: Based on our report, the rate of electrical burn injuries in Iran is still high, which underlines the need for stronger efforts in effective prevention, such as better public education and the establishment of strict regulations regarding the distribution and use of electricity.

Prevalence of chronic kidney diseases and its determinants among Iranian adults: results of the first phase of Shahedieh cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the major global causes of mortality, described as the most neglected chronic disease. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of CKD in the setting of the Shahedieh cohort study in Yazd, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on adults in the baseline phase of the Shahedieh cohort study in Yazd, Iran. In this study, 9781 participants aged 30-73-year-old were investigated. The data used in this study included demographic and clinical variables and blood samples. Adjusted odds ratios were employed using multivariate logistic regression; meanwhile, population attributable risks for CKD were calculated and reported. RESULTS: CKD prevalence was 27.5% (95%CI: 26.57-28.34) in all participants, 24% in male, and 30.3% in female. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age (OR = 1.89, 95%CI:1.082-1.96), women (OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.45-1.79), BMI ≥ 30 (OR = 1.40,95%CI: 1.20-1.62), diabetes (OR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.22-1.57), hypertriglyceridemia(OR = 1.20, 95%CI: 1.01-1.43), history of cardiovascular disease (OR = 1.20, 95%CI: 1.01-1.43), hypertension (OR = 1.18, 95%CI: 1.04-1.33), smoking (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02-1.33), LDL ≥ 130 (OR = 1.15, 95%CI: 1.01-1.31), history of kidney stone (OR = 1.14, 95%CI: 1.01-1.32) and hypercholesterolemia (OR = 1.14, 95%CI: 1.01-1.32) as risk factors for CKD. Among individual factors, obesity (11.25%), Hypertriglyceridemia (9.21%), LDL ≥ 130 (7.12%) had the greatest Population-Attributable Fraction, followed by Hypercholesterolemia (5.2%), diabetes (5.05%), smoking (3.73%) and high blood pressure (2.82%). CONCLUSION: The results showed that the main determinants of CKD are potentially modifiable risk factors. Therefore, implementing early detection and screening programs in people at risk as well as preventive measures such as lifestyle modification programs and risk factors controlling can prevent the disease.

Skin Grafting Compared with Conservative Treatment in Patients with Deep Second-Degree Burn Wounds of the Trunk and Buttocks.

BACKGROUND: Burns are among the most common causes of injury and result in long-term morbidity, psychological complications, and reduced quality of life. We aimed to evaluate and compare the results of skin grafting versus nonsurgical treatment in patients with deep second-degree burn wounds of the back and posterior trunk. METHODS: This is a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study of patients with trunk and buttock burns admitted to Burn Hospital in Shiraz, Iran from 2017 to 2019. The skin surface with burns and the final repaired tissue was measured. The Vancouver Scar Score (VSS) and pigmentation, vascularity, thickness, and pliability were assessed. VSS, pigmentation, vascularity, thickness and pliability were considered as outcomes. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients met the criteria for participation; thirty-two patients had skin grafts. The mean age was 27.79±20.03 yr and 53 patients (70.7%) were male. Scars were compared based on pigmentation, vascularity, thickness, and pliability, which was also statistically significant (P<0.001). The mean of VSS was higher in patients with skin graft than those without graft (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The mean VSS was significantly higher in patients with grade 2 deep burns who received skin grafting than in patients without skin grafting. Due to the lack of donor sites and the need to prioritize skin grafts in burn patients with high total body surface area, it is better to perform skin grafts on the posterior trunk and buttocks in areas with deep grade 2 burns as a last priority and treat this wound with conservative therapy.

Investigation of crude oil properties impact on wettability alteration during low salinity water flooding using an improved geochemical model.

In low-salinity water flooding (LSWF), modifying the injected brine composition leads to greater oil recovery from carbonate reservoirs. The processes that control improved recovery during LSWF are not totally clear, which could lead to ambiguities in finding optimum brine composition regarding wettability alteration (WA) toward water wetness. One of the methods to determine WA is bound product sum (BPS) calculation using geochemical tools. In the case of wettability improvement, the BPS value of a crude oil-brine-rock (COBR) system should be at its minimum value. In this study, an improved geochemical model is developed, which includes the effects of oil composition (i.e., acid number, base number, and weight percent of nonhydrocarbon components) and physical properties of oil (i.e., density, viscosity, and solution gas-oil ratio) on COBR interactions. The proposed method generates BPS as a function of temperature, pressure, oil and brine composition, and pH for carbonate rocks. The model applicability was validated using several experimental data sets available in the literature. The results of the improved BPS model were in line with the results of contact angle and zeta potential measurements as the major indices of rock wettability. BPS calculations using the available geochemical tools sometimes failed to predict the correct WA trend since they overlooked the impact of oil properties on COBR interactions. The model predictability was also compared with the results of an available geochemical tool, PHREEQC, and the results demonstrate just how important the effect of oil properties and composition inclusion on wettability determination is. The improved BPS approach could be successfully utilized as an optimization tool to optimize the water composition during LSWF for a given COBR system.

Impact of Mass Screening on the Number of Confirmed Cases, Recovered Cases, and Deaths Due to COVID-19 in Iran: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mass screening for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) began in Iran on March 23, 2020, with the purpose of improving early detection of patients for their own health and to prevent onward transmission to others. In this study, we evaluated the impact of the change towards mass screening on new cases reported, cases recovered, and deaths due to COVID-19. METHODS: This study analyzed the daily reports on the number of new cases confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, cases recovered, and deaths due to COVID-19 provided to the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran. Changes in trends on these outcomes were evaluated using interrupted time series analysis. RESULTS: From February 19 to May 6, 2020, a total of 519544 COVID-19 tests were done and 101650 diagnoses were made (case/ test ratio 19.6%). For the same period, 6418 deaths due to COVID-19 were reported (case fatality ratio 6.3%). The number of cases detected increased significantly over the period of scale-up of mass screening (P=0.003), as did the number of recovered cases (P=0.001). The number of deaths due to COVID-19 did not change before versus after mass screening. CONCLUSION: Following the scale-up of mass screening for COVID-19 in Iran, the rate of new cases detected and reported recovered accelerated significantly. Mass screening is likely to have detected many mild and asymptomatic cases that were infectious. Our data support the role that mass screening, coupled with isolation and contract tracing, can have in slowing the COVID-19 epidemic.

Relationship between Serum Homocysteine and Metabolic Syndrome among Patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Cross Sectional Study.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and hyperhomocysteinemia and to specify predictors of the metabolic syndrome among patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Method : This cross sectional study was conducted on 100 patients with schizophrenia and 100 patients with bipolar disorder. The participants' metabolic syndrome was determined according to the criteria set by Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III. Hyperhomocysteinemia was considered as homocysteine levels higher than 15 µmol/L. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, student t test, Mann-Whitney test, and logistic regression were used for data analysis. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was not significantly different (P = 0.07) between patients with schizophrenia (27%) and bipolar disorder (39%). No statistically significant difference (P = 0.17) was observed between patients with schizophrenia (82%) and bipolar disorder (74%) in the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia. The results of multivariable logistic regression model showed a significant association of smoking and BMI with metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia (OR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.13-12.05, and OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.20-1.60, respectively). In patients with bipolar disorder, BMI was a significant predictor of developing metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.14-1.47). Metabolic syndrome was more prevalent in women than in men in both diagnostic groups (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in hyperhomocysteinemia prevalence between male and female patients with schizophrenia (P = 1.00). However, hyperhomocysteinemia was more prevalent in males than in females among patients with bipolar disorder (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Findings showed a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and hyperhomocysteinemia among patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. To deal with this problem, regular monitoring and conducting early interventions are recommended to determine the metabolic risk profile and to prevent the cardiovascular diseases.

Awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and related factors in adult Iranian population.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension, known as the silent killer, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Awareness and treatment of hypertension is not appropriate in the world, and this has led to an increase in mortality and morbidity caused by uncontrolled hypertension. This study aims to estimate awareness, treated, and controlled hypertensive and relevant predictors in an adult Iranian population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 10,000 adults aged 20-69 years in Yazd, Iran. They were selected through multi-stage random cluster sampling in 2015-2016. Blood pressure was measured three-time with standard protocol by trained health workers. Those with a positive history of hypertension and using anti-hypertensive drugs, prescribed by a physician, were considered hypertensive. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP of ≥90 mmHg. Uncontrolled hypertension was defined in accordance with recommended treatment targets by the Joint National Committee (JNC7). Logistic regression was used to assess the predictors of hypertension awareness, treatment and control. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension was 37.3%, and the prevalence of pre-hypertension was 46.4%. 49.7% of People with hypertension were aware of their disease, and 71.5% of them were using antihypertensive drugs prescribed by physicians. Blood pressure was controlled in 38.9% of the treated patients. In the adjusted model, older age, female sex, and history of diabetes mellitus were positively associated with higher awareness. High physical activity, tobacco smoking, and diabetes are the only predictors of treated high blood pressure. Younger age, female sex, and higher education were determinants of controlled hypertension. Having health insurance was significantly correlated with awareness and control of hypertension. CONCLUSION: Hypertension is a public health problem in this population, which is not well controlled. Half of the patients were unaware. Intervention for increased screening coverage is needed. It should plan to raise public awareness about hypertension and improve hypertension control under the supervision of physicians. Implement a family physician program is recommended in the health system.

Synergistic activation of mitochondrial metabolism and the glutathione redox couple protects HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells from palmitoylcarnitine-induced stress.

Fatty acid stress can have divergent effects in various cancers. We explored how metabolic and redox flexibility in HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells mediates protection from palmitoylcarnitine. HepG2 cells, along with HCT 116 and HT29 colorectal cancer cells were incubated with 100 µM palmitoylcarnitine for up to 48 h. Mitochondrial H2O2 emission, glutathione, and cell survival were assessed in HT29 and HepG2 cells. 100 µM palmitoylcarnitine promoted early growth in HepG2 cells by ~8% after 48 h versus decreased cell survival observed in HT29 and HCT 116 cells. Palmitoylcarnitine increased mitochondrial respiration at physiological and maximal concentrations of ADP, while lowering cellular lactate content in HepG2 cells, suggesting a switch to mitochondrial metabolism. HepG2 cell growth was associated with an early increase in H2O2 emission by 10 min, followed by a decrease in H2O2 at 24 h that corresponded with increased glutathione content, suggesting a redox-based compensatory mechanism. In contrast, abrogation of HT29 cell proliferation was related to decreased mitochondrial respiration (likely due to cell death) and decreased glutathione. Concurrent glutathione depletion with BSO prevented palmitoylcarnitine-induced growth in HepG2 cells, indicating that glutathione was critical for promoting growth following palmitoylcarnitine. Inhibiting UCP2 with genipin sensitized HepG2 cells to palmitoylcarnitine, suggesting that activation of UCP2 may be a 2nd redox-based mechanism conferring protection. These findings suggest that HepG2 cells possess inherent metabolic and redox flexibility relative to HT29 cells that confers protection from palmitoylcarnitine-induced stress via adaptive increases in mitochondrial respiratory control, glutathione buffering, and induction of UCP2.

Green Eucalyptus leaf extract: A potent source of bio-active corrosion inhibitors for mild steel.

Eucalyptus leaves extract (ELE) inhibition impact toward mild steel (MS) corrosion in the HCl solution was examined by combined experimental and computational studies. The degree of inhibition was investigated by EIS and polarization test. The EIS analysis results showed that the increase of ELE concentration led to the significant increment of charge transfer resistance. An inhibition efficiency of ~88% was obtained using 800 ppm ELE after 5 h exposure. Polarization test results indicated the mixed inhibition effects of ELE with slight cathodic prevalence. The icorr values for the uninhibited and inhibited (800 ppm ELE) samples were 0.93 µA/cm2 and 0.25 µA/cm2, respectively. The ELE molecules adsorption on the surface of MS followed a Langmuir isotherm. Furthermore, the molecular simulation results evidenced the adsorption of ELE compounds on the iron surface.

Determining the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on improving endoscopic sinus surgery: A randomized clinical trial study (RCT).

Background: Rhinosinusitis is an inflammatory disease of the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa, and it becomes chronic when it lasts longer than 3 months without symptom improvement. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of PRP on improvement of endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial (RCT) designed and implemented on 21 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis in Rasool Akram hospital in Tehran during 2016-2017. In this study, one side of the nose was randomly selected as the control and the other side as the case, and at the end of the surgery, PRP was sprayed onto the surface where the polyp was removed in the side that was intended as the case. The nasal endoscopy findings were graded according to Meltzer's criteria before and after surgery and CT findings were classified according to the Lund-Mackay scoring system. Then, all patients were followed for 6 months. The SNOT-22 questionnaire, charts of Meltzer's criteria, and Lund-Mackay were used for data collection. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze data in SPSS-22 software. P value<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean and standard deviation of patients' age were 36.55 and 7.91, respectively. The median Lund-McKay Pre-op CT score before treatment was 10 (9.5-11), and no significant difference was found between the 2 sides of the nose (left and right). The items that showed statistically significant improvement after surgery was SNOT-22 (p<0.05). The mean of Meltzer scores in each side of the nose was significantly different before and after intervention (p<0.05). However, the mean of Meltzer scores in the 2 sides of the nose was not significantly different before and after intervention. Conclusion: The treatment by PRP may be effective in reducing symptoms of patients showing recurrence of CRS symptoms following endoscopic sinus surgery subjectively but not objectively.

Comparison of Digital Diagnostic Value and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in Determining Vertical Root Fracture in Single- Root Teeth

Objective: To compare the accuracy of digital radiography and CBCT for the diagnosis of vertical root fractures in single root teeth. Material and Methods: For this descriptive-analytic study, 50 non-fractured, single-root teeth were selected. The teeth were randomly divided into a control and an experimental group (25 teeth in each group). The teeth in the control group did not have vertical root fractures. In the test group, after preparing the access cavity, the root canal was cleared and loosened up to No. 80 file, then a vertical root fracture was created by one of the K-Reamers Nos. 90- 130.The images were prepared by CBCT radiography in axial and cross-sectional slices and in digital radiography with PSP sensors at mesial, distal, and parallel angles. The Chi-square test was used to express the correlation of variables. Results: In the diagnosis of vertical root fractures, the sensitivity of CBCT in the axial section was 32% and in the cross-sectional slice it was 20%, whereas the specificity in both the sections was 100%. The sensitivity of the digital radiography in detecting vertical root fractures for parallel, mesial, and distal angles was 38%, 16%, and 24%, respectively. Conclusion: According to this study, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of digital radiography and CBCT were not significantly different.

Radiographic comparison of density and height of posterior maxillary bone after open sinus lift surgery with and without PRF.

Background: Expansion of maxillary sinus towards the alveolar crest due to tooth loss or horizontal‒vertical resorption of the alveolar bone decreases the available bone for the placement of dental implants in the posterior maxilla. The method suggested for placing implants with a standard length is the use of sinus lift surgery with autogenous bone graft or bone substitute materials. The aim of the present research, with split-mouth design, was radiographic comparison of the density and height of the posterior of maxillary bone after open sinus lift procedure with and without PRF. Materials and Methods: In this split-mouth clinical trial, 14 patients were evaluated, with complete or partial bilateral edentulism of the upper jaw. In each case, for the sinus lift surgery of the test side, PRF was used, while in the sinus lift surgery of the other side of the same patient no graft materials were used. After six months and before the second surgery, CBCT was used to evaluate bone density and height. Results: All the 41 implants were osseointegrated and were clinically stable. The bone height was 1.42 mm higher in the PRF group than the group without PRF, which was statistically significant. The mean density of the bone formed around the dental implants in the PRF group was 52.85 units higher than that of the group without PRF, which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Using PRF in sinus lift surgery might enhance the quantity and quality of bone formation.

Effect of Ziziphus jujube Fruit Infusion on Lipid Profiles, Glycaemic Index and Antioxidant Status in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

This study was designed to assess the effects of Ziziphus jujube fruit (ZJF) infusion on lipid profiles, glycaemic control and antioxidant status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 116 participants with T2DM (older than 30 years) were assigned to consume a balanced diet or diet plus ZJF infusion (10 g/100 mL boiling water) three times/day before main meals for 12 weeks. Diet was designed to be energy restricted (500 kcal/day deficit from estimated energy requirements), and macronutrient content was similar in both groups (55% carbohydrate, 15% protein and 30% fat). The consumption of ZJF infusion compared with the control group was associated with significant improvement in glycosylated haemoglobin (-0.68 ± 0.65 vs. -0.44 ± 0.55%; p = 0.03), total cholesterol (-24.29 ± 28.89 vs. -11.21 ± 29.98 mg/dL; p = 0.02), triglycerides (-43.3 ± 39.26 vs. -27.16 ± 46.84 mg/dL; p = 0.05), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-19.85 ± 27.62 vs. -6.55 ± 27.82 mg/dL; p = 0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-0.56 ± 0.80 vs. -0.2 ± 0.72; p = 0.01) and total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios (-0.73 ± 0.94 vs. -0.35 ± 0.77; p = 0.02). ZJF had beneficial effects on glycosylated haemoglobin and lipid profile in T2DM patients. Further research is needed to identify the mechanism of ZJF action on glucose and lipid metabolism. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effects of a peer education on cardiac self-efficacy and readmissions in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a randomized-controlled trial.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a peer education on cardiac self-efficacy (CSE) and readmission of the patients undergoing bypass surgery. BACKGROUND: Self-efficacy is an antecedent vital factor in both initiating and maintaining healthy behaviours. It significantly improves after effects of heart attacks, anxiety and diminishes the possibility of readmission. DESIGN: This study is a randomized-controlled trial. METHOD: Sixty patients undergoing bypass surgery were chosen and assigned equally into the control and intervention groups. While routine education was presented to the patients in the control group, intervention group were taught using the peer education in two sessions. CSE of all the selected patients was assessed orderly in 5 days, 4 weeks and 8 months after surgery. Moreover, their readmission was investigated after 8 months from surgery. Data was collected using demographic and the CSE scale. Data were also analysed by using χ2 , Kolmogorov-Smirnov and repeated measures analysis of variance tests. RESULTS: The mean score of CSE in the intervention group was significantly different from the corresponding number in the control group in all three stages of data collecting (p < 0·001). Compared to the control group, a smaller number of the patients in the intervention group were readmitted to the hospitals after 8 months (p = 0·011). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of peer education has positive effects on CSE in patients who have bypass surgery and reduces their hospital readmission. It can be beneficial to apply this method as an educative-supportive approach in cardiac surgery fields. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Implementation of peer education has positive effects on CSE in these patients and reduces their hospital readmission.