Different types of mobile phone use while driving and influencing factors on intention and behavior: Insights from an expanded theory of planned behavior.

Mobile phone use while driving (MPUWD) is a significant concern due to its negative impact on road safety. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess different types of MPUWD and identify factors influencing intention and behavior among drivers in Zahedan. A total of 392 participants provided information on demographic and driving characteristics, as well as constructs derived from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) augmented with moral norms. Findings revealed that a majority of drivers (86.4%) engaged in MPUWD, primarily involving calling, using applications, and texting. However, most participants did not intend to use their phones while driving in the following week. Multiple regression analysis identified age, receiving driving fines, subjective norm, and perceived behavior control as significant predictors of intention for MPUWD. Additionally, factors such as age, receiving driving fines, driving hours, car gearbox type, attitude, perceived behavior control, behavioral intention, and moral norm were significant predictors of actual MPUWD. Older participants demonstrated better behavior in various mobile phone activities while driving. Overall, the study emphasized that the main TPB constructs and moral norms have a greater influence compared to other variables in predicting MPUWD. Perceived behavioral control was the most important predictor of the intention and behavior of MPUWD. Understanding these factors can guide efforts to discourage MPUWD through targeted interventions and strategies to promote safer driving practices.

Design and preparation of amino-functionalized core-shell magnetic nanoparticles for photocatalytic application and investigation of cytotoxicity effects.

The goal of the current paper was a synthesis of Amino-functionalized Fe3O4@SiO2 core-shell magnetic nanoparticles as a unique efficient photocatalyst for removing organic dyes from aqueous environments. The magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 core-shell was produced by a silica source to avoid aggregation by the co-precipitation method. Next, functionalized by using 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) via a post-synthesis link. The chemical structure, magnetic properties, and shape of the manufactured photocatalyst (Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2) were described by XRD, VSM, FT-IR, FESEM, EDAX, and DLS/Zeta potential analyses. The XRD findings approved the successful synthesis of nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2 nanoparticles was examined for MB degradation and the degradation performance was about 90% in the optimum conditions. Also, the cytotoxicity of Fe3O4, Fe3O4@SiO2 core-shell, and Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2 nanoparticles was examined on CT-26 cells using an MTT assay, the finding has shown that nanoparticles can be used for inhibiting cancer cells.

Intravitreal injection of methotrexate in persistent diabetic macular edema: a 6-month study.

Background: Diabetic macular edema (DME) affects approximately 10% of patients with diabetes mellitus. This condition can cause blurred or distorted vision, which significantly affects the quality of life of these patients. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) injections on persistent DME. Methods: This prospective interventional case series included patients with confirmed persistent DME that was unresponsive to previous standard treatments. The patients underwent comprehensive eye examinations and macular imaging with optical coherence tomography (OCT). A single intravitreal MTX injection (400 µg MTX in 0.16 mL solution) was administered, followed by patient assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months after injection. Best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), macular thickness (MT), and central subfield thickness (CST) were measured at baseline and post-injection to evaluate treatment efficacy. Results: We included 33 eyes of 30 patients with a mean (standard deviation [SD], range) age of 62.7 (8.3, 44 to 77) years, of whom 17 (56.7%) were men and 13 (43.3%) were women. All participants had type 2 diabetes mellitus, with a mean (SD, range) duration of 17.0 (6.8, 10 to 31) years. Most participants (n = 27 eyes, 81.8%) had non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and six eyes (18.2%) had regressed proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Four eyes (12.1%) had undergone prior macular laser photocoagulation. The mean (SD) number of prior intravitreal bevacizumab injections was 3.4 (0.8), and 29 eyes (87.8%) had received one intravitreal triamcinolone injection. During the study period, a statistically significant difference was observed in CST (P < 0.05); however, no statistically significant differences were observed in BCDVA, MT, or IOP (P > 0.05). Pairwise comparison revealed a significant decrease in CST at 6 months post-injection compared to the baseline value (P < 0.05). During the investigation period, no side effects of MTX, such as macular edema, retinal tears, vitreous hemorrhage, endophthalmitis, or vision loss, were observed. Conclusions: A single intravitreal MTX injection significantly reduced CST in patients with persistent DME, without relevant safety concerns. However, no significant improvement in functional outcomes was observed. Therefore, there is no strong evidence to recommend its use as a treatment for pDME. Further studies, preferably randomized clinical trials with long-term follow-ups, are warranted to assess the long-term efficacy, safety, and potential benefits of intravitreal MTX for the treatment of persistent DME.

Abdominal cocoon syndrome as rare cause of intestinal obstruction: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal cocoon syndrome (ACS) is a rare complication that is hardly diagnosed before surgery. Abnormal membrane in partial or total intestine can make obstruction with generalized abdomen pain. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of 43-year-old man, who presented to our hospital with generalized abdominal pain, preferably hypogastric. He has recurrent nausea and vomiting with no appetite. Dilated loops were explored between pancreases and stomach that are continued to the ileum. Complete removal of the membrane performed by laparotomy. DISCUSSION: Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP), known as cocoon syndrome, is a rare complication with unknown cause and pathology. Obstruction is the chief compliant. Abdominal discomfort, tenderness, nausea, and intestinal distention are also presented. Previous peritoneal dialysis, intra-abdominal inflammation, previous abdominal surgery or trauma, and beta-blocker intake predispose patients to the SEP. The present case has chronic SEP type 2, as the membrane existed in the entire small intestine. CONCLUSION: Our case highlights the importance of considering ACS as a differential diagnosis for left upper quadrant abdominal pain in patients with obstructive symptoms, especially by surgeons, because it is difficult to diagnosis before surgery.

Assessment of Macular Thickness in Healthy Eyes Using Cirrus HD-OCT: A Cross-Sectional Study.

We aimed to determine normal macular thickness using Cirrus high definition optical coherence tomography. In this cross-sectional survey, 112 subjects were selected using random sampling from the Rasht telephone directory. All subjects underwent complete eye examinations. Both eyes of each patient were evaluated. The creation of a macular thickness map using a macular cube 512 × 128 combo was optional. The average thickness of the retina was determined in 9 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) regions. To assess reproducibility and system reliability, the thickness of the retina was measured up to 5 times in 10 healthy subjects. The coefficient of variation was then calculated for each individual. The coefficient of variation of macular thickness within 1 mm of the center was 0.15 - 1.33%. The means and standard deviations of central subfield thickness (CST), macular thickness (MT), and macular volume (MV) were 245.44 ± 20.39 µm, 277.9 ± 12.0 µm, and 9.98 ± 0.43 mm3, respectively. The mean CST (P < 0.0001), MT (P = 0.038), and MV (P = 0.030) were significantly higher in men than in women. In addition, regardless of age or sex, macular thickness increased when moving from within 1 mm of the center to 3 mm and 6 mm away from the center, so that the upper 3 mm (S3) was the thickest region, and the temporal 6 mm (T6) was the thinnest region in the ETDRS regions. The mean MT of healthy subjects was 280.67 ± 12.79 µm in men and 276.63 ± 11.61 µm in women. Therefore, the macula is significantly thicker in men than in women (P = 0.038).