Effectiveness of mindfulness-based intervention in the improvement of maternal role adaptation among first time mothers: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) has been suggested as a method to alleviate mental health difficulties during the perinatal period. However, few studies have examined its use in improving maternal role adaptation. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness in maternal role adaptation among first-time mothers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial study was performed on 40 first-time mothers who were randomly assigned into experimental (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups. Research instruments included a demographic questionnaire and a validated Maternal Role Adaptation Questionnaire (MRAQ). In addition to receiving routine care, mothers in the experimental group attended eight 90-min sessions of mindfulness-based intervention. The control group, however, received only routine care. Both groups completed MRAQ before intervention, and immediately, one month, and two months after it. RESULTS: After intervention, there was a significant increase in the mean scores of MRAQ and its seven domains in the experimental group at all three follow-up intervals (P < 0.001). These domains included "support and strengthening of the couples' relationships", "hardship and dissatisfaction", "mother-infant attachment", "stress and anxiety", "emotional growth", "functionality" and "social adaptation development". CONCLUSION: The intervention implemented in this study could be effective in promoting maternal role adaptation.

Spatial distribution, ecological and health risk assessment of organophosphorus pesticides identified in the water of Naseri artificial wetland, Iran.

Agricultural development is inevitable to meet the growing need for food. But along with this development, there are unintended and undesirable consequences for human life and the environment that need, found a solution and corrected. One of the most important adverse consequences of agricultural development is the pollution of surface and groundwater resources, which results from various factors such as soil erosion and improper use of different pesticides. This study aimed to conduct an environmental monitoring program in Naseri wetland to determine the concentrations of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) in water samples and also to evaluate the potential risks (ecological and health risk assessment) of these pesticides. The salting-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction method was used to extract pesticides. The residual concentrations of OPPs evaluated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In this study, the ecological risk of OPPs calculated for wetland ecosystem, based on the acute risk quotient (RQi) formula with maximum (RQmax), mean (RQmean), and mixture (RQmix) concentrations of organophosphorus pesticides in the wetland water. Also, to assess the health risk of consuming contaminated fish with organophosphate pesticides, the potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were determined by the hazard quotient (Index) (HQ, HI) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) indices, respectively. The mean ± SD concentration of OPPs (Chlorpyrifos, Malathion, Ethion, Dichlorvos, Trifluralin and Diazinon) in samples of wetland water ranged from 0.14 ± 0.08 to 0.35 ± 0.12 and 0.054 ± 0.06 to 0.2 ± 0.1 (µg/L) in summer and autumn, respectively. The mean ± SD of OPPs in fish varied from 0.68 ± 0.86 to 3.94 ± 2.7 (µg/kg). Overall, the concentrations of pesticides in all water and fish samples were below the maximum residue limit (30 µg/kg) during the study period, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The results of acute risk quotient were in summer (RQmax = 3.49E-4 to 0.067, RQmean = 5.8E-5 to 0.029, RQmix = 0.139-0.026, 0.018-3.42E-3) and autumn (RQmax = 8E-4 to 0.051, RQmean = 7.74E-6 to 0.018 RQmix = 0.1-0.013, 6E-3- 1.5E-3). The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk indexes due to fish consumption for adults and children were (HQ = 0.026-4.68E-4, HI = 0.041, ILCR = 1.7E-7) and (HQ = 1.85E-3-1.3E-5, HI = 0.041, ILCR = 5.55E-8), respectively. The risk of OPPs was generally low. But cumulative risk (pesticide mixtures), should not be ignored.

Safety and efficacy of tocilizumab for rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trial studies.

The present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effect of tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We systematically searched all potential articles in the main databases, including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Sciences (ISI), and Cochrane Center. The search was subsequently updated in December 2020. The initial review and extraction of information were performed independently by two authors to collect the first author and publication year; sample size; mean age of the intervention and control groups; the dose of TCZ, and the follow-up duration. Outcomes of interest include the ACR20, ACR50, ACR70, total complication rate, and the occurrence of remission. Any disagreements between the reviewers were resolved by discussion and re-check of the article and consultation with a third reviewer. After reviewing and culling, 15 clinical trials comparing the clinical efficacy of TCZ and its comparators in the treatment of patients with RA entered the qualitative and quantitative synthesis. Tocilizumab 8 mg was statistically better than 4 mg or placebo for ACR responses. Significant clinical adverse events in patients with RA treated with TCZ, such as abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) and infections, were more frequent than in comparator groups. This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that the combination therapy of TCZ with other drugs such as methotrexate and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs has been studied for various clinical effects concerning safety and clinically significant adverse events. Although the data are promising, long-term performance and safety data need to be fully identified, as well as the risks and benefits of TCZ, especially appropriate timing, dosage, and regimen.

Evaluation of biomechanical risk factors for neck and back disorders in traditional bakers during a work-day: Implications for ergonomics intervention.

Awkward back and neck postures have been recognized as one common problem in bakery workers. This study aimed to evaluation of the biomechanical risk factors on the back and neck of bakers. Twenty bakers of four types of bread- baking systems were randomly selected. Working postures and movements of the back and neck during work were continuously recorded with inclinometry measurements during three hours. Physical workload in bakers was characterized by awkward postures and the percentage of time spent with the neck flexed more than 20°. Besides, low angular velocity and lack of postural variation during baking shows that bakers' back is in the static position and bakers have to work with constrained back for a long time. The current findings have important implications for prioritizing ergonomic interventions and any ergonomic interventions should be focused on reducing neck flexion and constrained postures of the back.

Effect of Trigonella foenum (fenugreek) vaginal cream on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Menopause forms one-third of women's lives. During this period, many women continue their sexual activities. One of the most prevalent postmenopausal complications is vaginal atrophy whose symptoms could have destructive effects on the life quality among postmenopausal women. Complications of using estrogen hormone to improve these symptoms are inevitable. One of the objectives of the present study is the assessment of the vaginal cream of Fenugreek on vaginal inflammation of atrophic vaginitis in postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For assessment of the effect of fenugreek vaginal cream among postmenopausal women who suffer from vaginal atrophy, the present study was carried out in the form of a double-blind clinical trial among sixty postmenopausal women, mainly who had been referred to Health Center 1 located in the east of Ahvaz in 2017. All participants of the present study who were diagnosed with vaginal atrophy were assigned into two groups of 30 randomly. One of these groups received placebo and the other one fenugreek 5% vaginal cream for a period of 8 weeks. Symptoms related to vaginal atrophy were investigated by means of a 4-degree scale (none, mild, moderate, and severe) and maturation vaginal index (MVI) through preparing the vaginal smears technique at baseline and a period of 8 weeks after cytology and intervention experiment. Finally, the process of analyzing statistical data, at a statistical significance level of 0.05, was carried out by means of SPSS Software. RESULTS: The results of the present study demonstrated that the fenugreek vaginal cream treatment group experienced a significant improvement in vaginal atrophy symptoms compared to the onset of the study (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Fenugreek vaginal cream was effective in treating vaginal atrophy; therefore, postmenopausal women are recommended to use this cream instead of synthetic estrogen to reduce the complications of this hormone.

Spatial distribution, ecological and health risk assessment and source identification of atrazine in Shadegan international wetland, Iran.

Recently, atrazine has been increasingly used to control weeds in the corn and sugarcane farms, which affects the water resources and aquatic organisms. In this study, atrazine residual concentrations in water and fish samples of the Shadegan wetland (Iran) were investigated. Furthermore, the health and ecological risk assessment were calculated. A total of fifty water samples were collected from the wetland during three periods with a four-month time interval. Also, ten samples of ten different fish species were analyzed at the same time. The estimation of acceptable daily intake and comparison with international standards indicates danger to adjacent residential areas of wetland. Non-carcinogenic risk analysis showed that total hazard quotient (HQing + HQderm) were below the acceptable limit and there is no danger to the residents of the area. Atrazine concentration in the water and fish samples ranged between 0 and 2175.8 µg/L, and 0 to 35.58 µg/L, respectively. Results showed that 88% of the water samples were higher than EPA and WHO guidelines for drinking water in summer. The concentrations of atrazine in fish samples in summer were more than other seasons. Analysis of ecological risk assessment also showed that considering the average atrazine concentration in three seasons, the risk exposure was very high. This study will be beneficial to the both residents and government officials in management of Shadegan wetland pollution in term of toxic compounds.

The relationship between iron deficiency anemia and sexual function and satisfaction among reproductive-aged Iranian women.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common micronutrient deficiency worldwide, and an important health problem especially in women of reproductive age. This study aimed to determine the relationship between IDA and sexual satisfaction and function among reproductive-aged Iranian women. In this study, 129 women (52 with IDA and 77 non-IDA) with age 18-45 in Mahshahr, Iran were recruited. Data was gathered by a demographic questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Larson Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test, Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square, and correlation coefficient test. The results of this study showed that the means of hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), serum iron and ferritin were significantly lower in the IDA group than those in the non-IDA group (p<0.01). All dimensions of sexual function and satisfaction were significantly lower in women with IDA compared to the healthy women (p<0.001). Also, all blood indices for IDA had a significant relationship with all sexual function components and sexual satisfaction (p = 0.01) except for pain with Hb and ferritin. Health care providers should provide screening, education, and counseling about anemia and sexual function in reproductive age women.

Dynamic postural control during step down task in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the differences in dynamic postural control during forward step down (FSD) task in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). [Participants and Methods] Sixty-eight participants (34 males and 34 females) were divided into the following 2 groups: 34 PFPS patients (17 males and 17 females) and 34 healthy controls (17 males and 17 females). Each participant performed FSD task from a height of 20 cm. A force platform was used to extract the center of pressure parameters during FSD task for calculation of time to stabilization (TTS) in the anterior-posterior (A/P) and medial-lateral (M/L) direction. [Results] PFPS group took longer time to stabilize than the healthy control group in A/P and M/L directions. A main effect for direction was found, and this indicated that the A/P TTS of 8.43 ± 0.79s was longer than the M/L TTS of 5.56 ± 1.95s in healthy participants and A/P TTS of 9.09 ± 0.82s was longer than the M/L TTS of 7.15 ± 2.11s in PFPS. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that dynamic postural control can be affected in PFPS patients.

Effect of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) vaginal cream on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Vaginal atrophy is one of the main concerns of postmenopausal women. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of fennel vaginal cream on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women in Ahvaz, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 postmenopausal women (45-65 years of age) in Ahvaz, Iran. The study participants were randomly divided into one of two groups, receiving either a placebo (n=30) or fennel 5% vaginal cream (n=30) administered as one application per day (5g/day) for 8 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME: The vaginal pH and maturation vaginal index (MVI) were measured at baseline and 8 weeks after the intervention, while the vaginal atrophy symptoms was measured at baseline and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the intervention. The data were analyzed using the independent t-test, chi-square test, paired sample t-test, and the generalized estimating equation. RESULTS: The number of superficial cells increased significantly in the fennel group after 8 weeks compared to the control group (76.1±15.3 vs. 11.8±8, p<0.001). The number of intermediate and parabasal cells decreased significantly in the fennel group compared to the control group (p<0.001). The vaginal pH decreased significantly at the 8-week follow-up in the fennel group compared to the control group (100% vs. 7.4%, p<0.001). All women in the fennel group had an MVI of 65-100 at the 8-week follow-up, whereas almost half (40.7%) of the women in the control group had an MVI of 50-64 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: According to results of this study, fennel is an effective means to manage the symptoms of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women and is devoid of side effects. Larger studies are necessary to confirm the positive impact of fennel for vaginal conditions occurring among postmenopausal women.