Search

Pesticides are an essential component of modern agriculture, playing an important role in crop productivity. However, many farmers in developing countries use pesticides without taking the necessary precautions, showing poor levels of personal safety in their use. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of technical efficiency and other factors influencing on the safety behavior of strawberry and cucumber farmers in the use of chemical pesticides in Jiroft and Anbarabad counties of southern Kerman, Iran. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with strawberry and cucumber farmers according to the cultivation areas in each county, using a structured questionnaire. More than half of cucumber farmers (52.9%) and 30.6% of strawberry farmers showed unsafe or potentially unsafe safe behavior (i.e., poor use of personal protection items and poor implementation of hygiene practices) in the use of chemical pesticides. Increasing cultivation area and high yield of strawberry were associated with improved safety levels of farmers in the use of chemical pesticides (P < 0.05). Moreover, being a non-professional farmer and awareness of the negative effects of pesticides improved the safety levels of farmers (P < 0.05). Farmers who efficiently produced strawberry and cucumber crops showed better safety behaviors than inefficient farmers. Findings provide new evidence for effective interventions that could support farmers in the promotion of safety measures during pesticide handling in Iran. Developing and implementing suitable educational programs on pesticide safety must be a top priority for addressing gaps in farmers' knowledge of the hazards of pesticide exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing self-care behaviors is a fundamental yet challenging strategy to prevent the complications of diabetes. This three-arm randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of combined mindfulness and self-regulation-based intervention with self-regulation-based intervention on self-care behaviors of Iranian older adults with diabetes in 2021–2022. Three public diabetic clinics were randomly assigned to three study groups and then 45 participants were randomly recruited from every clinic. 24-week educational interventions via WhatsApp included a self-regulation-based intervention (SRIP), a combined mindfulness and self-regulation intervention (CMSRIP), and routine care with training on COVID-19 prevention were performed in two intervention groups and a control group respectively. Data were collected at baseline and four and 16 weeks using a Mindfulness-based questionnaire (MSCS) and a summary of the diabetes self-care activities scale (SDSCA). The SPSS software (V. 22) was used to analyze data through ANOVA test, chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, Levene's test, and Repeated measures MANCOVA at a significance level of less than 0.05. The total scores of MSCS and SDSCA in four and 16 weeks significantly increased compared to the baseline in both SRIP and CMSRIP groups (P <.001), but not in the control group. The mean scores of MSCS and SDSCA at week 4 in CMSRIP group improved significantly more than SRIP group (98.43 ± 5.83 vs. 90.31 ± 12.62 and 70.38 ± 4.18 vs. 62.35 ± 5.53). Combined mindfulness and self-regulation education are significantly effective in promoting self-care skills and improving cognitive processes and can used to improve older adults' self-care behaviors. This trial (ISRCTN77260130) was retrospectively registered on 28/09/2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the accuracy of the experimental models in two standard and optimized cases using data from meteorological stations located on the northern and southern coasts of Iran. The results show that the spatial distribution / different hydrometeorological conditions are quite effective in the accuracy of the models. However, KNF and Papadakis lead to the most accurate estimation among the standard models. The optimization significantly increases all models' accuracy except Papadakis, indicating its remarkable robustness in coastal cities. Comparison between all models demonstrates that the Linacre-1994 optimal model has the best accuracy. Findings reveal that wind speed is the second variable affecting pan evaporation in coastal cities after the vapor pressure deficit. In addition, the form of wind speed inclusion in the Trabert model significantly affects its inaccuracy. Elevation and latitude variables do not affect estimating pan evaporation in coastal cities considering optimization findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable elder self-neglect scale (ESNS) for field research on Iranian community-dwelling older adults. This mixed-method exploratory study was conducted in three stages: (1) item generation using literature review, (2) item reduction by expert panels, and (3) assessing the psychometric properties. In the third stage, the face, content, and construct validity (exploratory factor analysis) were performed on the first sample (n = 450), and the final 26-item scale was developed. After that, confirmatory factor analysis and reliability were assessed on the second sample (n = 250). Data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS v.23 and AMOS v.24. Exploratory factor analysis identified six factors with a total variance of 77.53%. The goodness of fit was indicated by Structural Equation Modeling. The Cronbach's alpha was estimated at 0.85. The optimal cutoff point was 73. This scale with 26 items seems to be an effective tool in screening elder self-neglect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a gut-derived incretin hormone, plays a pivotal role in glucose-induced insulin secretion. Currently, the role of incretin hormones in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis is not clearly defined. This study aimed to investigate circulating levels of GLP-1 in liver cirrhosis and its association with the severity of liver disease. A total of 80 participants including 39 patients with a definite diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and 41 healthy controls recruited in this cross-sectional study. Circulating levels of GLP-1 were determined using the ELISA method. The severity of liver cirrhosis was assessed according to the Child-Pugh, MELD (i), MELD-Na, MELD New, and UK end-stage liver disease score (UKELD) criteria. The mean age of patients and healthy subjects was 42.51 ± 12.80 and 42.07 ± 10.92 years, respectively (p value =.869). The mean MELD (i), MELD-Na, MELD New, UKELD, and Child-Pugh scores were 14.36 ± 4.26, 15.26 ± 4.81, 14.74 ± 4.66, 52.33 ± 3.82, and 7.28 ± 1.50, respectively. In this study, circulating levels of GLP-1 were statistically lower in cirrhotic patients compared with healthy controls (95.26 ± 17.15 vs 111.84 ± 38.14 pg/mL; p value =.017). Larger prospective studies are needed to explore the incretin effect in cirrhosis patients compared with healthy individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing students' understanding of aspects of the nature of science (NOS) recommended by the science education community is an important goal of science instruction. This can occur only when teachers are adequately prepared for teaching NOS. However, the science education community is still considering what is needed to enhance the efficiency of NOS instruction with respect to the preparation of NOS teachers. Based on a qualitative meta-synthesis of recent literature (2009–2018), we propose a framework of competencies for what teachers need to know to be an effective NOS instructor. Fifty-eight peer-reviewed journal articles targeting NOS instruction for, and related classroom practices of, preservice and inservice teachers were analyzed. This evaluation resulted in the identification of 20 specific competencies clustered in seven categories deemed necessary in the support of effective NOS instruction, generally divided into those that are NOS specific and those directed at more general pedagogical issues. These include (1) general NOS knowledge, (2) subject matter knowledge, (3) knowledge of learners with respect to NOS, (4) knowledge about NOS instructional strategies, (5) knowledge about NOS assessment, (6) general pedagogical knowledge, and (7) teachers' motivations and beliefs about teaching NOS. The proposed competencies can be used as a guide for science educators preparing teachers who, in turn, are able to demonstrate NOS competencies and enhance the quality and depth of their students' learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persian Gulf coasts are subjected to different sources of petroleum pollution. This paper enhanced fingerprinting method of applying biomarkers polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and n-alkanes in identifying the distribution of oil spills and petroleum products. A total of 18 samples were collected from the northern coasts of Persian Gulf. PAH concentrations in the coastal sediments ranged from 184.49 to 2771.88 ng g−1. Distribution of three-ring PAHs was much higher than the others. PAHs concentration can be categorized as low to moderate comparing the global scale. Applying principal component analysis and data clustering revealed two major groups. The first group, including alkylated phenanthrenes, belongs to the low molecular weight PAHs with two and three rings, which are abundant in petrogenic sources mostly caused by petroleum spills. The second group consists of four- and five-ring PAHs. This group is frequently detected in pyrogenic source, such as combustion of coal, wood, vehicle fuel, and waste tire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary bronchial cancer accounts for almost 20% of all cancer death worldwide. One of the emerging techniques with tremendous power for lung cancer therapy is magnetic aerosol drug targeting (MADT). The use of a permanent magnet for effective drug delivery in a desired location throughout the lung requires extensive optimization, but it has not been addressed yet. In the present study, the possibility of using a permanent magnet for trapping the particles on a lung tumor is evaluated numerically in the Weibel's model from G0 to G3. The effect of different parameters is considered on the efficiency of particle deposition in a tumor located on a distant position of the lung bronchi and bronchioles. Also, the effective position of the magnetic source, tumor size, and location are the objectives for particle deposition. The results show that a limited particle deposition occurs on the lung branches in passive targeting. However, the incorporation of a permanent magnet next to the tumor enhanced the particle deposition fraction on G2 to up to 49% for the particles of 7 µm diameter. Optimizing the magnet size could also improve the particle deposition fraction by 68%. It was also shown that the utilization of MADT is essential for effective drug delivery to the tumors located on the lower wall of airway branches given the dominance of the air velocity and resultant drag force in this region. The results demonstrated the high competence and necessity of MADT as a noninvasive drug delivery method for lung cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic drug targeting (MDT) and magnetic-based drug/cargo delivery are emerging treatment methods which attracting the attention of many researchers for curing different cancers and artery diseases such as atherosclerosis. Herein, computational studies are accomplished by utilizing magnetic approaches for cancer and artery atherosclerosis drug delivery, including nanomagnetic drug delivery and magnetic-based drug/cargo delivery. For the first time, the four-layer structural model of the artery tissue and its porosity parameters are modeled in this study which enables the interaction of particles with the tissue walls in blood flow. The effects of parameters, including magnetic field strength (MFS), magnet size, particle size, the initial position of particles, and the relative magnetic permeability of particles, on the efficacy of MDT through the artery walls are characterized. The magnetic particle penetration into artery layers and fibrous cap (the covering layer over the inflamed part of the artery) is further simulated. The MDT in healthy and diseased arteries demonstrates that some of the particles stuck in these tissues due to the collision of particles or blood flow deviation in the vicinity of the inflamed part of the artery. Therefore the geometry of artery and porosity of its layers should be considered to show the real interaction of particles with the artery walls. Also, the results show that increasing the particles/drug/cargo size and MFS leads to more particles/drug/cargo retention within the tissue. The present work provides insights into the decisive factors in arterial MDT with an obvious impact on locoregional cancer treatment, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy has revived hopes during the past few years for the management of peritoneal disseminations of digestive and gynecological cancers. Nevertheless, a poor drug penetration is one key drawback of IP chemotherapy since peritoneal neoplasms are notoriously resistant to drug penetration. Recent preclinical studies have focused on targeting the aberrant tumor microenvironment to improve intratumoral drug transport. However, tumor stroma targeting therapies have limited therapeutic windows and show variable outcomes across different cohort of patients. Therefore, the development of new strategies for improving the efficacy of IP chemotherapy is a certain need. In this work, we propose a new magnetically assisted strategy to elevate drug penetration into peritoneal tumor nodules and improve IP chemotherapy. A computational model was developed to assess the feasibility and predictability of the proposed active drug delivery method. The key tumor pathophysiology, including a spatially heterogeneous construct of leaky vasculature, nonfunctional lymphatics, and dense extracellular matrix (ECM), was reconstructed in silico. The transport of intraperitoneally injected magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) inside tumors was simulated and compared with the transport of free cytotoxic agents. Our results on magnetically assisted delivery showed an order of magnitude increase in the final intratumoral concentration of drug-coated MNPs with respect to free cytotoxic agents. The intermediate MNPs with the radius range of 200-300 nm yield optimal magnetic drug targeting (MDT) performance in 5-10 mm tumors while the MDT performance remains essentially the same over a large particle radius range of 100-500 nm for a 1 mm radius small tumor. The success of MDT in larger tumors (5-10 mm in radius) was found to be markedly dependent on the choice of magnet strength and tumor-magnet distance while these two parameters were less of a concern in small tumors. We also validated in silico results against experimental results related to tumor interstitial hypertension, conventional IP chemoperfusion, and magnetically actuated movement of MNPs in excised tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examines biometric parameters and concentration of some heavy metals in soft tissues of Saccostrea cucullata in the Asaluyeh coast, Persian Gulf, Iran. The metals concentration in the soft tissue of the Saccostrea cucullata ranged as: Zn: 765–3411 mg kg−1, Cu: 120.3–580.6 mg kg−1, Cd: 0.13–3.5 mg kg−1, As: 0.39–3.3 mg kg−1, Pb: 0.05–1.64 mg kg−1, Ni: 0.02–0.44 mg kg−1, V: 0.06–0.32 mg kg−1, Cr: 0.02–0.16 mg kg−1and Hg: 0.002–0.068 mg kg−1. The results showed that the concentration of total heavy metals in oysters of the control station (CA) is usually lower. The results also indicated lack of correlation between oyster biometric parameters and bioaccumulated heavy metals, except between Cu and longitudinal diameter (R = 0.77). The concentration of heavy metals is higher than limits recommended by the World Health Organization, except for Cd and Pb. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: Hyperthermia can modulate inflammation and the immune response. Based on the recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to inflamed tissues and the immunomodulatory properties of these cells, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of hyperthermia on the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs in a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). Materials and methods: Passages 4-6 of human umbilical cord vein mesenchymal stem cells were co-cultured in a two-way MLR. Cells in the hyperthermia groups were incubated at 41 °C for 45 min. A colorimetric assay was employed to examine the effects of MSCs on cell proliferation. The levels of IL-4 and TNF-α proteins in the cell culture supernatant were measured, and non-adherent cells were used for RNA extraction, which was then used for cDNA synthesis. RT-PCR was utilised to assess levels of IL-10, IL-17A, IL-4, TNF-α , TGF-&#9461, FOX P3, IFNγ, CXCL12 and &#946-actin mRNA expression. Results: UCV-MSCs co-cultured in an MLR reduced lymphocyte proliferation at 37 °C, whereas hyperthermia attenuated this effect. Hyperthermia increased expression of IL-10, TGF-&#9461 and FOXP3 mRNAs in co-culture; however, no effects on IL-17A and IFNγ were observed, and it reduced CXCL12 expression. In co-culture, IL-4 mRNA and protein increased at 37 °C, an effect that was reduced by hyperthermia. No considerable change in TNF-α mRNA expression was found in hyperthermia-treated cells. Conclusion: Hyperthermia increases cell proliferation of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells and modifies the cytokine profile in the presence of UCV-MSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Licorice has immunomodulatory and anti-asthmatic properties. This study aims to test the effect of licorice on pulmonary fibrosis (PF). PF was induced in mice through bleomycin instillation. One group of the mice received bleomycin (positive control), another one received phosphate-buffered saline and the other two received 300 mg/kg of the extracts for 20 days after the bleomycin instillation. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s staining were used in the lung tissues. The expression ofα-SMA, TGF-β1, IL-1β, and TNF-αwere evaluated using reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction. Bleomycin led to tissue-degenerative changes, collagen deposition, and overexpression of the genes in the lung tissues. In the mice receiving the aqueous extract, the weight gain was higher (p < .004), and tissue-degenerative changes (p < .001) and collagen deposition were lower than the positive control. The expressions of the genes were lower than the positive control. These results were not observed in the hydroalcoholic extract. Aqueous extract of licorice alleviated the severity of PF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, many countries have selected the industrialisation path and adopted different strategies to improve economic conditions. In addition, wealth creation from science and technology has been welcomed by many theorists of development. Thus, developing countries have tried to develop technological capabilities of their own. This issue has not been ignored in Iran where many companies have tried to form bedrocks for technological capabilities and local technologies. This multi-case study aimed to investigate the methods of technological capability formation in five companies active in the medical equipment field and to model their modes of operation. The findings indicated that the surveyed companies focused on three aspects entailing activities within the organisation, activities outside the organisation and learning styles in order to develop technological capabilities. Further analysis illustrated firstly a co-evolutionary relationship between activities aiming to boost technological capabilities and ‘learning’ and secondly, the ultimate goal of activities related to improve technological capabilities is to promot learning flow within the organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The chemical composition of the essential oil of Haussknechtia elymaitica Boiss. was investigated by capillary GC and GC/MS for the first time. Twelve components were identified which accounting for 99.7% of the oil composition. The major compounds were trans-asarone (59.9%), trans-methyl isoeugenol (22.4%), α-zingiberene (7.96%), β-sesquiphellandrene (4.7%) and β-bisabolene (4.3%). The first three compounds considered as the main components of the essential oil were isolated and characterised by spectroscopic techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The chemical composition of the essential oil of Petasites albus (known as ‘Baba Adam’ in Iran) was investigated by capillary gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for the first time. Twenty components were identified, accounting for 99.7% of the oil composition. The major compounds were euparin (73%), α-eudesmol (13.2%) and β-selinene (4.5%). Euparin, the main component of the essential oil, was isolated and characterised by spectroscopic techniques. The antioxidant activities of the essential oil and euparin were evaluated by using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay and are shown to exhibit a moderate antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An eco-friendly and environmentally benign asymmetric reduction of a broad range of prochiral ketones employing Brassica oleracea variety italica (stems and germinated plant) as a novel biocatalyst was developed. It was found that B. oleracea variety italica could be used effectively for enantioselective bioreduction in aqueous medium with moderate to excellent chemical yield and enantiomeric excess (ee). This process is more efficient and generates less waste than conventional chemical reagents or microorganisms. Both R- and S-configurations were obtained by these asymmetric reactions. The best ee were achieved for pyridine derivatives (92-99%). The ee in germinated plant reactions were significantly higher than those of stem reactions. The low cost and the easy availability of these biocatalysts suggest their possible use for large scale preparations of important chiral alcohols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on the volatile oil of Ferula behboudiana by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry showed the presence of 27 compounds. Two disulphide derivatives, 1-sec-butyl-2-[(E)-3-(methylthio) prop-1-enyl] disulphane (1) and 1-sec-butyl-2-[(Z)-3-(methylthio)prop-1-enyl] disulphane (2) (59.4%), were isolated from the oil by thin layer chromatography and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques. Glubolol (12.5%), α-pinene (8.8%), α-bisabolol (6.1%) and β-pinene (3.9%) were the other major compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The composition of essential oils of the leaves and stem of Angelica urumiensis were analysed by chromatography-mass spectrometry. Overall, 58 volatile components were identified on the basis of their mass spectra characteristics and retention indices. Twenty-seven compounds were identified in the oil of the leaves, comprising 94.69% of the total oil, in which α-cadinol (20.2%), palmitic acid (14.14%), hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (10.03%), 1-dodecanol (7.55%), linoleic acid (6.37%) and oleic acid (5.34%) were the major constituents. Oxygenated sesquiterpenes and fatty acids were the main groups of compounds with 30.7% and 25.85%, respectively. Fifty compounds, representing 96.35% of the total oil, were identified in the stem oil. Palmitic acid (13.37), α-cadinol (9.24%), (epi)-α-cadinol (5.76%) and δ-cadenine (6.11%) were the major compounds. Sesquiterpenes and oxygenated sesquiterpenes dominated in the oil, comprising 28.03% and 20.9%, respectively. The chemical compounds of the essential oils showed that there are only 22 common compounds between two parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chloroformic extract of the aerial parts of Ferula behboudiana (Umbelliferae) afforded four new polysulphane derivatives: 1-sec-butyl-2-[(E)-3-(methylthio)prop-1-enyl]disulphane (1), 1-sec-butyl-2-[(Z)-3-(methylthio)prop-1-enyl]disulphane (2), 1-[(E)-3-(methylthio)prop-1-enyl)-2-(1-(methylthio)propyl]disulphane (3) and 1-[(Z)-3-(methylthio)prop-1-enyl)-2-(1-(methylthio)propyl]disulphane (4). Structural elucidation of diastereomers was carried out easily due to completely resolved signals in 1H NMR spectra and with 2D-NMR techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of the essential oil from Heracleum rechingeri was analysed using GC-MS. Twenty-seven compounds, accounting for 94.62% of the extracted essential oil, were identified. The main oil compounds were octyl acetate (29.49%), elemicine (23.06%), (E)-caryophyllene (9.26%), caryophyllene oxide (6.42%), terpinolene (6.12%) and (Z)-3-octenyl acetate (4.72%). The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was tested against three different bacteria by disc diffusion method and showed maximum inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria, especially Bacillus subtilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of on-campus residence, in comparison with commuter status, on academic performance, vocational commitment, self-efficacy, and perceptions of the college environment among female and male Iranian students at Shiraz University, Iran. The study sought to extend previous work investigating the effects of college residence on adjustment by testing these effects with a national population that has received relatively little attention in the extant counseling literature. Nearly all previously published studies exploring these phenomena have focused exclusively on college students in the United States. We found that residential living had positive effects on student adjustment and academic performance and that these effects were mediated by gender. Implications of these findings for the college psychotherapy and student development knowledge base, college and university psychotherapists working with international students and American students of Middle Eastern and Northern African descent in the United States, and college counseling professionals working in Middle Eastern and North African nations, as well as critical limitations of the study, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine whether spinal cord decompression improves functional recovery and decreases lesion volumes in paraplegic (not paraparetic) rats and, if so, at what postoperative time it is most efficacious. The spinal cords of 63 female rats were compressed at T9 with Yasargil clips. Rats were assigned randomly to five different treatment groups of 3 s, 1 hr, 6 hr, 3 weeks, and 10 weeks. Locomotor behavior scoring was based on the Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) Locomotor Rating Scale (Ohio State University, Columbus, OH) motor scores. Comparing five groups, the mean BBB was statistically higher in the 3-s group (P < 0.05). Comparison of progressive changes in BBB in each group revealed statistically meaningful improvement in the 3-s group, too. Spared surface area of spinal cord was 81.5 ± 4.9% in 3-s group and 10.8 ± 1.4% in the delayed groups of decompression (P = 0.039). Rats undergoing immediate decompression showed significantly better functional recovery and smaller lesion volumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]