Search

Purpose: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) significantly affects both the quality of life related to health and non-health aspects. This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Lupus_PRO questionnaire, version 1.7. The questionnaire serves as a specific self-report outcome scale for assessing the treatment outcomes of Lupus disease., Methods: The Lupus_PRO questionnaire, version 1.7, was translated into Persian using the standard forward-backward method. After being completed by 218 patients with Lupus, the psychometric properties of the instrument were examined. The Convergent and Discriminant Validity of the scale were assessed using Average Variance Extracted and Cross Loadings, respectively. The construct validity of the questionnaire was also evaluated through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Cronbach's alpha was calculated to assess the reliability of the questionnaire dimensions., Findings: Out of the 218 patients with lupus who participated in the current study, 13 (6%) were male, and 205 (94%) were female. The mean (SD) age of participants was 40.29 (10.94) years. The Average Variance Extracted (AVE) for HRQOL and Non-HRQOL constructs, except for the Coping and Cognition dimension, was greater than 0.50, indicating satisfactory convergent validity. The interdimensional correlation coefficient (Discriminant Validity) for each dimension with other questionnaire dimensions was less than 0.10, indicating that the questionnaire has good convergent and discriminant validity. Additionally, the results of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) indicated that the questionnaire was a suitable fit. In terms of reliability, Cronbach's alpha for the various questionnaire dimensions ranged from 0.51 to 0.91, indicating good internal consistency., Conclusion: The Persian version of the Lupus_PRO questionnaire, version 1.7, demonstrates acceptable validity and reliability in the Iranian population. This instrument can effectively measure various aspects of the quality of life in patients with lupus., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Objective: This study examined the perception of dental pain and its relationship to pain anxiety, dental anxiety, and mental pain., Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 328 patients referred to dental clinics in Kermanshah (Iran) from 2020 to 2021. The instruments used in this study included scales assessing pain anxiety, dental anxiety, mental pain, and pain perception., Results: There was a significant relationship ( p = .001) between pain perception with dental anxiety (r = .38), pain anxiety (r = .45), and mental pain (r = .25)., Conclusion: Psychological factors are associated with the perception of dental pain. Given the importance of dental care to overall health, psychological interventions may help to reduce the perception of dental pain and fear of seeing dentists in Iran., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene (BTEX) are prevalent pollutants in shoe industry-related workplaces. The aim of this study was to assess exposure to BTEX and their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks in shoe-industry-related workplaces. This study was carried out at different shoe manufactures, small shoe workshop units, shoe markets, and shoe stores in Tabriz, Iran in 2021. Personal inhalation exposure to BTEX was measured using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1501 method. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks due to inhalation exposure to BTEX were estimated by United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) method based on Mont Carlo simulation. Results showed that the concentrations of benzene and toluene were higher than the threshold limit value (TLV) in both gluing and non-gluing units of shoe manufactures. The total carcinogenic risk (TCR) due to exposure to benzene and ethyl benzene was considerable in all shoe industry-related workplaces. Also, the hazard index (HI) as a non-carcinogenic index was higher than standard levels in all shoe industry-related workplaces. Therefore, shoe industry-related workers are at cancer and non-cancer risks due to exposure to BTEX. Prevention measures need to be implemented to reduce the concentration of BTEX in shoe industry-related workplaces., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Health care workers (HCWs) in hospitals are at risk of infection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Prevention measures are necessary to protect HCWs against COVID-19., Objective: This study aimed to determine the status of occupational risk factors and prevention measures for COVID-19 in hospitals., Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Iranian hospitals. Based on the results of reviewing the literature and guidelines, two checklists on occupational risk factors and prevention measures for COVID-19 in hospitals were designed and validated. The status of occupational risk factors and prevention measures against COVID-19 in governmental, non-governmental public, private, and military hospitals were determined using designed checklists., Results: Results confirmed the validity of checklists for assessing the status of COVID-19 prevention measures in hospitals. The military hospitals had the lowest mean risk factors compared to other hospitals, but there was no significant difference in occupational risk factors of infection with COVID-19 among governmental, non-governmental public, private, and military hospitals (P-value > 0.05). In the checklist of occupational risk factors of Covid-19, the type of hospital had a significant relationship with the provision and use of personal protective equipment (P-value<0.05). The mean of implementation of prevention measures among all hospitals were not statistically significant difference (P-value > 0.05)., Conclusion: The provided checklists could be a suitable tool for monitoring of status of prevention measures for COVID-19 in hospitals. Improving ventilation systems is necessary in most of the hospitals.

Background: There is some evidence that sleep patterns and psychological health have worsened in the general population as a result of the COVID-19-pandemic. Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) represent a particularly vulnerable population for COVID-19 infections and effects of restrictions. The present study investigated whether insomnia and depressive symptoms, as well as other MS-related symptoms (i.e. fatigue and paresthesia), changed from before to during the COVID-19-pandemic among persons with diagnosed MS., Method: A sample of 90 Iranian females with MS (mean age; 37.62 years; median EDSS score: 2.5) completed a series of self-rating scales at two time points: Nine months before the COVID-19 outbreak in May 2019 (baseline) and then again during the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020 (study end). Self-rating questionnaires covered sociodemographic and disease-related information, insomnia, depressive symptoms, fatigue, and paresthesia., Results: Depressive symptoms increased over time with a significant p-value and medium effect size. Symptoms of insomnia increased over time (significant p-value, but small effect size), while no significant changes were observed in fatigue and paresthesia (very small effect sizes). The only predictor for insomnia during the COVID-19 pandemic was insomnia before the COVID-19 pandemic; the only predictor for depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic was insomnia before the COVID-19 pandemic., Conclusions: Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic and its related social restrictions had significant effects on symptoms of depression and insomnia in this sample of Iranian women with MS, but had no effect on fatigue and paresthesia.

Workers in the foundry industry are exposed to hazardous chemical agents such as metal fumes, gases, vapor of molten metal, and respirable dust and hazardous physical agents such as heat, noise, and electromagnetic fields. Co-exposures to hazardous physical and chemical agents in foundry workplaces may cause DNA damage in workers. This study aimed to evaluate DNA damage in foundry workers. Thirty-three exposed foundry workers as a exposure groups and 33 non-exposed individuals as a control groups participated in this study. Buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt assay) assay was used to assess DNA damage. Results showed that foundry workers were under exposure to hazardous chemical and physical agents such as metal fumes and noise. The percentage of micronucleus (MN) cells in exposure group (0.59 ± 0.93 %) were statistically higher than control group (0.23 ± 0.23 %) (P < 0.05) %). Also, the percentage of nuclear bud cells and binucleated cells in exposure group were statistically higher than control group (P < 0.05). The percentage of differentiated normal cells were significantly higher in the control group compared to the exposed group (P < 0.05). Foundry workers are at risk of DNA damage; therefore, prevention measures need to be implemented to reduce exposure to air pollutants in foundry workplaces., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The international agency for cancer research (IARC) has classified welding fumes as definitive carcinogens. The aim of the present study was to assess health risk due to exposure to welding fumes in different welding types. In this study, exposure to fumes of iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) in the breathing zone air of 31 welder engaged in arc, argon and CO 2 welding was assessed. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessments due to exposure to fumes were performed using the method proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by Monte Carlo simulation. The results showed that in the CO 2 welding, concentration of Ni, Cr, and Fe was lower than the 8-h Time-Weighted Average Threshold Limit Value (TWA-TLV), recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). In argon welding, Cr and Fe concentrations were higher than the TWA-TLV. In arc welding, concentrations of Ni and Fe were more than the TWA-TLV. In addition, the risk of non-carcinogenicity due to exposure to Ni and Fe in all three types of welding was more than standard level (HQ>1). The results indicated that the welders are at health risk due to exposure to metal fumes. Preventive exposure control measures such as local ventilation need to be implemented in welding workplaces., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: The aim of this study was to compare noise sensitivity (NS) in schizophrenic individuals with/without hallucinations and healthy individuals., Procedure: A retrospective (causal-comparative) study was conducted in three groups: (i) A group of individuals with schizophrenia and auditory hallucinations (14 participants), (ii) a group of schizophrenic individuals without auditory hallucinations (14 participants) selected by purposive sampling and (iii) a control group (19 participants) selected by convenience sampling. Schutte's Noise Sensitivity Questionnaire was used to measure NS. Analysis of Variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied to compare the three groups. All the analyses were done using SPSS-20., Results: ANOVA results indicated that the groups were significantly different in terms of NS (p<0.001) and that NS was higher in groups whose participants were schizophrenic (119.64 and 102.36, respectively, in groups with or without auditory hallucinations) compared to that in the group with healthy individuals (94.79)., Conclusions: On the basis of this study, it became evident that patients with schizophrenia are more sensitive to noise than healthy individuals. The results also indicated that schizophrenic patients with auditory hallucinations are more sensitive to noise than those without auditory hallucinations., Competing Interests: None

Metal fumes, gases, noise, and radiation are hazardous occupational exposures that may be encountered by welders. We have evaluated DNA damage among welders; the buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay was used. Thirty-four exposed welders (cases) and an equal number of non-welders (controls) participated in this study. Cell types including basal, early and late differentiated cells with micronucleus (MN), dense chromatin, karyorrhectic, pyknotic, karyolitic, and binucleated cells (NBUD) were measured. Damage levels among, arc, argon, and CO 2 welders were statistically significantly higher, compared to the control group. Results showed that mean of MN and NBUDs as indicators of DNA damages among arc, argon and CO 2 welding's were significantly higher compared to control group. Also, the mean of DNA damage levels were statistically higher among the arc welders than among the argon or CO 2 welders; and levels were higher among the argon welders than the CO 2 welders. Preventative measures need to be implemented to reduce exposure to harmful agents during welding., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

There have been numerous reports of welder's worker exposure to metal fumes. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic (neurological, dermal, and etc.) effects are the adverse outcomes of exposure to welding fumes. In this review study, data were collected from previous studies conducted in Iran from 1900 to 2020. The risk of carcinogenicity and non-carcinogenicity due to exposure to welding metal fumes was assessed using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method based on the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). Results showed mean of metal fume concentration in gas welding was in the range of 1.8248 to 1060.6 (µg/m 3 ) and in arc welding was 54.935 to 4882.72 (µg/m 3 ). The mean concentration of fumes in gas welding is below the recommended American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) standard exposure limit except for manganese, and in the arc welding, all metal fume concentrations are below the standard exposure limit except for manganese and aluminum. The results showed that the risk of carcinogenicity due to exposure to nickel, manganese in both gas and arc welding, and cadmium in gas welding was higher than standard level (hazard quotient (HQ) more than 1). Cancer risk due to exposure to nickel in both gas and arc welding was probable (1 × 10 -6  < cancer risk (CR) < 1 × 10 -4 ). Health risk assessment showed that welders are exposed to health risks. Preventive measures should be applied in welding workplaces to reduce the concentrations of metal fumes., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: The rate of seat belt use in rural societies is less than in urban societies. The present study aimed to determine the effect of demographic and traffic-related variables on seat belt use among rural non-drivers based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB)., Methods: This study was conducted among 450 non-drivers in the rural areas of Hashtroud district in Iran. For collection of data, a questionnaire containing questions about demographic characteristics and general information on traffic-related behaviors of non-drivers, and questions on seat belt use based on constructs of the TPB was used., Results: The lowest seat belt use rate was for non-drivers that sit in the rear seat of a car on rural roads (22.4 % never, 14.4 % always). Also, the rate of seat belt use among parents of participants on rural roads was lower than on city roads. Adherence to traffic rules and having training about seat belt use had significant effects on the construct of TPB, including attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and behavior of seat belt use. With increasing age, subjective norms about seat belt use have improved. The attitude toward seat belt use among females was better than males., Conclusions: The result indicated that most of rural non-drivers did not adhere to traffic rules. Adherence to the traffic rules and having training on seat belt use had a significant impact on seat belt use behavior. Training seat belt use especially by parents could be effective in improving seat belt use.

Background: Years ago, the use of asbestos in construction materials was common. Although asbestos has been recently banned in many countries, exposure to asbestos during old building demolition is not unexpected., Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the concentration of exposure to asbestos and estimate its cancer risk among old building demolition workers., Methods: In this study, personal air samples were collected during building demolition. The number of asbestos fibers in collected samples were determined according to the NIOSH-7400 standard method. Chemical compositions of fibers were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The carcinogenic risk of exposure to asbestos was determined based on the recommended United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method and Monte-Carlo simulation used to estimate the probability of cancer., Results: Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of asbestos in collected air samples, and 67% of counted fibers were asbestos. In a number of buildings, workers had exposed to asbestos that was higher than occupational exposure limit (0.10 f/ml). Results of cancer risk estimation showed that cancer risk were considerable among workers., Conclusion: Implementation of asbestos risk management program such as separation of asbestos containing material, personal protective equipment's and use of wet method in demolition could minimize asbestos exposure during old building demolition.

Background: Perfectionism is a key construct for understanding psychopathology. In societies with varying cultures, studying the psychometric properties of tools can help with their external validity. This research aimed at standardization and validation of the Eating Disorder Inventory-Perfectionism (EDI-P) scale in Iran., Methods: The Persian version of EDI-P was formed through forward translation, reconciliation, and back translation. A total of 302 students were selected using convenience sampling method and' they completed a set of questionnaires, including the EDI-P, Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire-Short Form (WEL-SF), Eating Attitude Test-16 (EAT-16), Self-esteem scale (SES), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-16 (DERS-16), and Self-compassion scale (SCS) Short Form. The construct validity of the EDI-P was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis and divergent and convergent validity. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability (2 weeks' interval) were applied to evaluate reliability. LISREL (version 8.8) and SSPS (version 22) software were used for data analysis purpose., Results: EDI-P scales and subscales were found to be a valid and reliable measure, with good internal consistency and good test-retest reliability in the nonclinical sample. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the whole scale, socially prescribed, and self-oriented were found to be 0.74, 0.68, and 0.67, respectively. Test-retest reliability for the whole scale, socially prescribed, and self-oriented were found to be 0.88, 0.80, and 0.87, respectively. Convergent validity and divergent validity were good (Normed Fit Index [NFI] = 0.94, Incremental Fit Index = 0.95, root mean square error of approximation = 0.08, goodness of fit index = 0.97, Non-normed Fit Index [NNFI] = 0.91, and comparative fit index = 0.95). The results of this study provide support for the two-factor model of EDI-P., Conclusion: The EDI-P showed good validity and reliability and could be useful in assessing perfectionism in Iranian population. The EDI-P shows notable promise as a measure for use in eating research and clinical settings., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2022 International Journal of Preventive Medicine.)

Background: Asbestos is a natural fiber leading to health risks like chronic lung diseases. The current study aimed to estimate pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer risk for population exposure to asbestos in Tehran, Iran., Study Design: A cross-sectional study., Methods: According to the annual report of Air Quality Control Company (AQCC), from 2011-2020, carcinogenic risk and mesothelioma were assessed based on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) method using the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). The relative risk (RR) of mortality cancer was calculated based on Camus and colleagues' model. Moreover, mesothelioma risk was estimated by Bourgault and colleagues' model., Results: The mean concentration and health risk of asbestos in ambient air generally reduced from 2011 to 2020. The highest mortality risk for lung cancer was 8.4 per 100000 persons in 2011 and reduced to 1.8 in 2017. For mesothelioma, the corresponding values were 8.96 per 100000 persons in 2011 and reduced to 1.92 in 2017., Conclusion: The findings of this study could be helpful to health policymakers in the management of asbestos risk., (© 2022 The Author(s); Published by Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.)

Background and Purpose: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most important cause of death in Iran and the Kermanshah province. One of the most important problems that cardiovascular patients are dealing with is the psychological consequences of their illness. This study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of Meaning-Centered Group Psychotherapy (MCGP) intervention in improving spiritual well-being and reducing anxiety in cardiovascular patients., Materials and Methods: The study population included all patients referred to specialized cardiovascular centers in Kermanshah province in 2019. The participants consisted of 30 patients who were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups after the primary and secondary screening. The experimental group received routine treatment + MCGP (8 weeks and 90-120 min per session) and the control group only received routine treatment. The dependent variables were assessed by Spiritual Well-Being Scale and Beck Anxiety Inventory before and after receiving the treatment and 2 months after the treatment. ANCOVA and multivariate analysis of covariance were applied to the data through SPSS-22. IBM Corp. Released 2013. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp., Results: The results of covariance analysis showed that MCGP increased spiritual/existential well-being and decreased anxiety in the experimental group ( P < 0.001), while no significant difference was traced in the control group., Conclusion: The findings of this randomized controlled trial provide good evidence for the effectiveness of MCGP as a treatment to improve the psychological and spiritual/existential distress in patients with CVDs., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2022 Journal of Education and Health Promotion.)

Background: Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT), recently renamed cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS), is a set of behavioral symptoms that includes excessive daydreaming, mental confusion and fogginess, being lost in one's thoughts, and slowed behavior and thinking. Symptoms of SCT show overlap with a broad range of other symptoms such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder inattention, anxiety, and depression, or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). To measure SCT, one of the optimal measures is the Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory (CABI). Here, we report the psychometric properties of the Farsi version of the CABI Parent Version, including the CABI SCT scale and its subscales., Methods: The participants were the parents of 209 children and adolescents (53.9% girls; ages 8-19 years; M age = 14.23, SD age = 2.72). Parents completed the SCT, ADHD inattention (ADHD-IN), ADHD-hyperactivity/impulsivity (ADHD-HI), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), limited prosocial emotions (callous-unemotional (CU) traits), anxiety, depression, social impairment, and academic impairment scales of the Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory (CABI). Parents also completed four dimensions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ: emotional problems; conduct problems; peer problems; prosocial behavior), and five dimensions of the Kidscreen questionnaire (physical health; psychological well-being; autonomy and parental well-being; peers and social support; school environment)., Results: SCT symptoms demonstrated strong discriminant validity from the ADHD-IN symptoms. SCT showed stronger first-order and unique associations than ADHD-IN with anxiety, depression, and ODD, whereas ADHD-IN showed stronger first-order and unique associations than SCT with ADHD-HI, CU, and social and academic impairment. Further, SCT showed stronger first-order and unique associations than ADHD-IN with more emotional problems, peer problems, and with lower prosocial behavior, as assessed with the SDQ. Higher scores for SCT were associated with lower psychological well-being, autonomy and parental relations, and lower peer and social support, as assessed with the Kidscreen. Higher ADHD-IN scores were associated with lower peer and social support, and a lower school environment., Conclusions: The Farsi version of the CABI-Parent Version has very good psychometric properties for assessing SCT and other dimensions of psychopathology/impairment and replicates the findings from similar studies with children and adolescents from South Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the United States. Accordingly, the present study provides further support of the transcultural validity of the sluggish cognitive tempo construct.

Background: Exposure to crystalline silica has long been identified to be associated with lung diseases. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the risk of silicosis and lung cancer associated with occupational exposure to crystalline silica in Iran., Study Design: It is a systematic review study., Methods: Different databases were searched, and the Cochrane method was used for the systematic review. Thereafter, cumulative exposure to crystalline silica (mg/m3-y) was calculated in every industry. The relative risk of death from silicosis was performed using Mannetje's method. Based on the geometric mean of exposure, the lung cancer risk of exposure to crystalline silica was also calculated., Results: As evidenced by the results, worker's exposure to silica ranged from a geometric mean of 0.0212- 0.2689 mg/m3 (Recommended standard by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) was 0.025 mg/m3), which is generally higher than the occupational exposure limit recommended by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), ACGIH, and occupational exposure limits. The relative risk of silicosis was in the range of 1 to 14 per 1000 people, and the risk of lung cancer in workers ranged from 13-137 per 1000 people., Conclusion: Since workers are at considerable risk of cancer due to exposure to silica in Iran, exposure control programs need to be implemented in workplaces to decrease the concentration of silica.

Occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr +6 ) has reported in different industries. The Cr 6+ has the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects. The aim of this study was to provide a meta-analysis and health risk assessment of occupational exposure to Cr 6+ in Iranian workplaces. Databases including Scopus, Web of Sciences (WOS), and Scientific Information Database (SID), as a national database, were searched from 2000 to February 2021. The related studies to occupational exposure to Cr 6+ were selected by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Lung cancer and non-cancer risk (nasal mucosal irritation, atrophy, and perforation) of Cr 6+ were estimated by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) method, based on the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). Also, the results of spirometry and biomonitoring of previous studies were reviewed. We found 14 articles based on inclusion criteria. Pooled concentration of Cr 6+ was estimated 0.037 ± 0.002 mg/m 3 which was higher than the recommended exposure limit by the ACGIH (0.002 mg/m 3 ). The mean lung cancer risk was estimated to be 5.49E-2, which was considerable risk. In the Cr 6+ -exposed workers, all parameters of pulmonary function had decreased. The level of Cr 6+ in urinary and blood samples was higher than threshold limit. Results indicated that exposure to Cr 6+ and its health risk were more than recommended exposure limit. The results of present study could be helpful for health policy maker to control exposure to Cr 6+ in workplaces., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) are the key elements in nanotechnology. The main challenge presented by CBNs is their relationship with the toxicity exposed in the biological systems, because of the incomplete information on their toxicity. This study is aimed to compare the cytotoxicity of graphite nanoparticles (GRNPs), graphene nanoparticles (GNPs), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in A549 cells., Materials and Methods: The physicochemical properties of nanomaterials were determined by instrumental techniques. CBNs were dispersed by the nongenotoxic standard procedure. After the cells were cultured, they were exposed to different concentrations of CBNs. Cellular viability was determined by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) method. Moreover, toxicological indicators were obtained using linear probit regression., Results: The degree of cytotoxicity of CBNs in A549 cells was related to the time and, particularly, dose. At the concentrations of lower than 300 μg/mL, GNPs had stronger toxicity than MWCNTs, but the cytotoxic effects were reversed with the increase of the concentrations. The no-observed-adverse-effect concentration (NOAEC) of GRNPs, GNPs, and MWCNTs was 1.76, 0.06, and 0.65 μg/mL, respectively., Conclusion: The results indicated that CBNs were toxic and GNPs had stronger toxicity than the others. The experimental results can be useful in increasing the knowledge about the toxicity and health risk management of CBNs., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest Authors of this manuscript declare that there is no funding or conflict of interest for this work., (Copyright© 2022 National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.)

Formaldehyde is classified as a definitive human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The workers in several industries such as foundry, melamine, resin, and health care centers (pathology and anatomy laboratories and operating rooms) are exposed to airborne formaldehyde. In this systematic review, studies conducted from 2000 to 2020 on occupational exposure to airborne formaldehyde in Iran were collected and analyzed. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessments of exposure to airborne formaldehyde were estimated using the recommended United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method by Monte-Carlo simulation. Results demonstrated that in both health care centers and industrial settings, mean concentrations of airborne formaldehyde were higher than that 8- hour time-weighted average threshold limit value (TWA-TLV) recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Also, results showed that cancer and non-cancer risks due to exposure to airborne formaldehyde (Neurological, dermal, respiratory effects and so on) were considerable in both industrial settings and health care settings. The results of this study could be used by health policy makers to eliminate or reduce exposure to airborne formaldehyde in workplaces., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Diabetes can cause some diseases or abnormalities. One of the disorders caused by diabetes may be erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to establish or maintain an erect penis during sexual activity and is a common problem of men with chronic type 2 diabetes. These processes, disorders and diseases are highly influenced by the genetics of individuals. In this study, the relationship between genes and diabetes and ED has been explored by a system biology approach. For this purpose, the samples from ten control and diabetic-ED rats were collected. After a search in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), series with accession number GSE2457 comprising of 5 normal and 5 diabetic-ED rats were selected. Raw CEL files of these samples were normalized with robust multi-array average (RMA) expression measure method by using the linear models for microarray data (LIMMA) R package. The extracted probe IDs were transformed into 10451 unique and validated official gene symbols. Then, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between control and normal penile mucosa by employing the LIMMA R package. DEGs were classified by utilizing KEGG to underlying pathways by Enrichr. The expression values of DEGs were used to construct a gene regulatory network (GRN), by the GENEI3 R package. To analyze the topology of constructed GRNs, betweenness centrality was calculated. Genes with higher betweenness centrality scores were then identified, through the CytoNCA. We then took the commonality of DEGs genes and high-top ranking genes from CytoNCA via a predicted interaction network using GeneMANIA as the most likely important genes in erectile dysfunction. Among the 374 DEGs studied, 146 DEGs showed up-regulation and 228 DEGs displayed down-regulation expression in diabetic-ED rats. According to the Volcano plot, the dpp4, LOC102553868, Ndufa412, Oxct1, Atp2b3 and Zfp91 gene down-regulated and Lpl, Retsat, B4galt1 and Pdk4 genes up-regulated in ED and diabetic rats. Furthermore, genes like dpp4 acted as hubs in the inferred GRN.

Background: Eating disorders are complicated health problems that affect both the body and the mind. Eating disorders pose a serious challenge to mental health services because of their often chronic pathway. The current study was done to determine the psychometric properties of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short Form (EDE-QS)., Materials and Methods: Persian version of the EDE-QS was produced through forward-translation, reconciliation, and back-translation. The design of this research was cross- sectional. A sample of 302 Tehran university's students in 2019-2020 was selected through convenience sampling method and completed a set of questionnaires, including the EDE-QS, Eating Attitude Test (EAT-16), Eating Beliefs Questionnaire-18 (EBQ-18), Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) Short Form. The construct validity of the EDE-QS was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis and divergent and convergent validity. Internal Consistency and test-retest reliability were conducted to evaluate the reliability. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 22) software and LISREL (version 8.8)., Results: EDE-QS was found to be valid and reliable measures, with good internal consistency and good test-retest reliability among students. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the whole of scale was 0.85. Intraclass correlation coefficient for the whole of scale was 0.90. In terms of convergent validity, EDE-QS showed a significant positive correlation with self-report measures of EAT-16 and EBQ-18 ( P < 05). EDE-QS showed a negative correlation with self-compassion and self-esteem, thus demonstrated a good divergent validity ( P < 05). The results of this study also provide support for the one-factor model of the EDE-QS (root mean square error of approximation = 0.08, Normed Fit Index [NFI] = 0.90, Incremental Fit Index = 0.92, non-NFI = 0.90, and Comparative Fit Index = 0.92)., Conclusion: The EDE-QS showed good validity and reliability and could be useful in assessing eating disorder psychopathology in a nonclinical population of students. The EDE-QS shows notable promise as a measure for use in eating disorder research and clinical settings., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Journal of Research in Medical Sciences.)

Background: Screening for eating disorders via reliable instruments is of high importance for clinical and preventive purposes. Examining the psychometric properties of tools in societies with differing dynamics can help with their external validity. This research specifically aimed at standardization and validation of the eating attitude test (EAT-16) in Iran., Methods: The Persian version of the EAT-16 was produced through forward translation, reconciliation, and back translation. The current research design was descriptive cross-sectional (factor analysis). A total of 302 nonclinical students were selected through the convenience sampling method and completed a set of questionnaires. The questionnaires included, the EAT-16, eating beliefs questionnaire-18 (EBQ-18), difficulties in emotion regulation scale-16 (DERS-16), weight efficacy lifestyle questionnaire-short form, self-esteem scale, and self-compassion scale short-form. The construct validity of the EAT-16 was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis and divergent and convergent validity. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability (2 weeks' interval) were used to evaluate the reliability. Data analysis was conducted using LISREL (version 8.8) and SSPS (version 22) software., Results: EAT-16 and subscales were found to be valid and reliable, with good internal consistency and good, test-retest reliability in a non-clinical sample. In terms of convergent validity, EAT-16 and subscales showed a positive correlation with the selfreport measures of EBQ-18 and DERS-16. EAT-16 and subscales showed a negative correlation with self-compassion, self-esteem and eating self-efficacy., Therefore, it demonstrated divergent validity with these constructs. The results of this study support the EAT-16 four-factor model., Conclusions: The EAT-16 showed good validity and reliability and could be useful in assessing eating disorders in Iranian populations. The EAT-16 is an efficient instrument that is suitable for screening purposes in the nonclinical samples., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests., (Copyright: © 2020 International Journal of Preventive Medicine.)

3-Dimensional (3D) printing and bioprinting are the new technologies. In 3D printing, synthetic polymers such as acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene, polylactic acid, nylon, and some metals are used as feedstocks. During 3D printing, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nanoparticles can be released. In the bioprinting process, natural polymers are most commonly used. All of these materials have direct and indirect toxic effects in exposed people. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of toxicity risks due to occupational exposure to pollutants in the 3D printing and bioprinting industries. The Cochrane review method was used as a guideline for systematic review. Articles were searched in the databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. This systematic review showed that VOCs and ultra-fine particles are often released in fused deposition modeling and selective laser sintering, respectively. Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergic rhinitis, and DNA damage were observed in occupational exposure to synthetic polymers. Metal nanoparticles can induce adverse health effects on the respiratory and nervous systems. This study emphasized the need to further study the toxicity of 3D printing and bioprinting-induced air pollutants. Also, consideration of safety and health principles is necessary in 3D printing and bioprinting workplaces.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common sexual disorders in men. During the past 30 years, there has been no new drug development for ED. Thus, exploring the genetic basis of ED deserves further study, in hope of developing new pharmacological treatments for ED. In this study, Real-Time PCR analysis was used to assess the expression of androgen regulatory protein (Andpro) and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (Pdk4) genes in ED. For this purpose, the experiment was performed on 20 men with severe ED and 20 potent men. IIEF-15 was used to determine the ED severity. The study was conducted in the Department of Sexual Medicine of the Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran. The EDTA-Na vacuum blood tube was taken from ED patients and controls. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. After blood sampling, RNA was extracted from whole blood. Then cDNA was synthesized. The gene expression was analyzed through the qPCR method. The ß-actin was used as a reference gene. To further study these two proteins, their three-dimensional structures were predicted through I-TASSER. Compared with controls, in ED patients, the expression of the Andpro gene decreased, while the expression of the Pdk4 gene increased (p<0.01). Predicting the structure of the protein showed that Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 4 had a double subunit and androgen-regulated protein had a single subunit.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be caused by different diseases and controlled by several genetic networks. In this study, to identify the genes related to ED, the expression profiles of normal and ED samples were investigated by the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Seventeen genes were identified as associated genes with ED. The protein and nucleic acid sequences of selected genes were retrieved from the UCSC database. Selected genes were diverse according to their physicochemical properties and functions. Category function revealed that selected genes are involved in pathways related to humans some diseases. Furthermore, based on protein interactions, genes associated with the insulin pathway had the greatest interaction with the studied genes. To identify the common cis-regulatory elements, the promoter site of the selected genes was retrieved from the UCSC database. The Gapped Local Alignment of Motifs tool was used for finding common conserved motifs into the promoter site of selected genes. Besides, INSR protein as an insulin receptor precursor showed a high potential site for posttranslation modifications, including phosphorylation and N-glycosylation. Also, in this study, two Guanine-Cytosine (GC)-rich regions were identified as conserved motifs in the upstream of studied genes which can be involved in regulating the expression of genes associated with ED. Also, the conserved binding site of miR-29-3p that is involved in various cancers was observed in the 3' untranslated region of genes associated with ED. Our study introduced new genes associated with ED, which can be good candidates for further analyzing related to human ED., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) has been reported in gas stations. Exposure to BTEX can result in adverse health outcomes in workers such as cancer and neurological effects. The health risk assessments of exposure to BTEX could be useful in choosing suitable control measures. In this review, data from previous studies of gas station environments in Iran were collected from years 2000 to 2020. The health risk assessments were conducted through the estimation of cancer and noncancer risks using a Monte Carlo simulation based on the US Environmental Protection Agency method. The results showed that exposure to BTEX in some cities of Iran was greater than the occupational exposure limits. The results of cancer risk assessments demonstrated that cancer risk was not increased. However, results of noncancer risk assessments demonstrated that neurological toxicity from exposure to BTEX was significant in different cities of Iran. The health risk assessments indicated that workers at gas station are at health risk.

Introduction: Amorphous silicon dioxide (A-SiO2) is abundant in the Earth's crust, the A-SiO2 nano and microparticles are released into the air through industrial and manufacturing activities. Due to the limited available toxicological information, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the toxicity of different sizes of A-SiO2 particles on the A549 cell-lines in an in vitro study., Materials and Methods: The A-SiO2 particles in two categories of nano (10-100 nm) and micro (< 5um) were used in this study. The human lung A549 cell-line was exposed to either nano- or micro-sized A-SiO2 particles at 10, 50, 100, and 250 μg/ml, and the effects were investigated., Results: The cytotoxicity of A-SiO2 nano and microparticles in both 24- and 72-hour exposure times resulted in decreased cell survival, mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased ROS generation which was concentration-time dependent (P <0.05) but glutathione content was not affected in a time-dependent manner. Cytotoxicity of nanoparticles, contrary to the previous study, was not higher than microparticles in the comparable dose and exposure times., Conclusion: The rate of ROS generation in the A549 cell-line exposed to A-SiO2 nanoparticles was higher than microparticles. And at the same time, cell survival for exposed cells to A-SiO2 nano and microparticles were higher for nanoparticles in shorter exposure periods and was inversely concentration- and time-dependent. Further studies on exploring the effect of size and its possible toxic mechanism are recommended to achieve a more credible risk assessment.

Background: Disordered eating attitude may lead to full-blown eating disorders. Recent longitudinal studies show that disordered eating attitudes either remain stable or even increase from childhood to adulthood. The current study was done to determine the psychometric properties of the Eating Attitudes Test-8 (EAT-8) and introduce the suitable measure for researchers and therapist in the field of clinical psychology and psychiatrist., Materials and Methods: The Persian version of the EAT-8 was produced through forward translation, reconciliation, and back translation. A sample of 302 students were selected through convenience sampling method and completed a set of questionnaires, including the EAT-8, Eating Attitudes Test-16 (EAT-16), Eating Beliefs Questionnaire-18 (EBQ-18), self-esteem scale, and self-compassion scale short-form. The construct validity of the EAT-8 was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis and divergent and convergent validity. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability (2 weeks' interval) were conducted to evaluate the reliability. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 22) software and LISREL (version 8.8)., Results: EAT-8 was found to be valid and reliable measures, with good internal consistency and good test-retest reliability among students. In terms of convergent validity, EAT-8 showed a significant positive correlation with self-report measures of EAT-16 and EBQ-18. EAT-8 showed a negative correlation with self-compassion and self-esteem, thus demonstrated a good divergent validity. The results of this study also provide support for the one-factor model of the EAT-8., Conclusion: The EAT-8 showed good validity and reliability and could be useful in assessing disordered eating in Iranian population. The EAT-8 shows notable promise as a measure for use in disordered eating research and clinical settings., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2020 Journal of Education and Health Promotion.)

Introduction: Neuropathic pain is a complex phenomenon in patients with diabetes. These patients have many problems, such as psychological problems, high-level pain perception, and pain acceptance. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on pain acceptance and pain perception in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy., Methods: This study was performed according to the clinical trial method. The sample size was 50 participants. In this study, participants were divided into interventional and control groups. According to the diagnosis of neurologists, all participants received conventional medications to manage neuropathic pain. The intervention group received acceptance and commitment therapy for eight sessions. The results in the three phases of pre-test, post-test, and follow-up were evaluated. After completing the study, to comply with ethical standards, the control group received psycho-education. The tools used were the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ). Statistical analysis includes mean, standard deviation, and repeated-measures (ANOVA) conducted by SPSS software version 22., Results: The results demonstrated that in the post-test and follow-up phases, acceptance and commitment therapy could improve pain acceptance and reduce pain perception in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: The results indicated that acceptance and commitment therapy could be used as a psychological intervention besides pharmacotherapy to improve pain acceptance and reduce pain perception in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy., Clinical Trail Registration: This study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20180205038630N4).

Human exposure to silica nanoparticles (SNPs) and formaldehyde (FA) is increasing and this has raised some concerns over their possible toxic effects on the exposed working populations. Notwithstanding several studies in this area, the combined toxicological effects of these contaminants have not been yet studied. Therefore, this in vitro study was designed to evaluate the SNPs and FA combined toxicity on human lung epithelial cells (A549 cells). The cells were exposed to SNPs and FA separately and in combined form and the single and combined toxicity of SNPs and FA were evaluated by focusing on cellular viability, DNA damage, and apoptosis via MTT, DAPI staining, DNA ladder, and Annexin V-FITC apoptosis assays. The results showed a significant increase in cytotoxicity, DNA damage, and chromatin fragmentation and late apoptotic\necrotic rates in combined treated cells compared with SNPs and FA-treated cells (P value < 0.05). Two-factorial analysis showed an additive toxic interaction between SNPs and FA. Eventually, this can be deduced that workers exposed simultaneously to SNPs and FA may be at high risk compared with exposure to each other.

Occupational and environmental exposures to carbon-based materials in nano- and micro-size have been reported. There is incomplete information on the impact of size on the toxicity of carbon-based materials. The objective of this study is to compare the toxicity of graphite, short multi-walled carbon nanotubes (S-MWCNTs), and long multi-walled carbon nanotubes (L-MWCNTs) in lung cells (A 549). The physicochemical properties of MWCNTs were determined using analytical instruments. The fibers of MWCNTs were dispersed in the sterile-filtered 0.05% bovine serum albumin in MilliQ water. Cytotoxicity of graphite and MWCNTs were assessed using the cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxidation experiments. Results showed that MWCNTs induced cytotoxicity through the generation of oxidative stress in the exposed lung cells. Mean cytotoxicity of S-MWCNTs was statistically more than that of L-MWCNTs. The graphite induced cytotoxicity only at high concentrations. The mean cytotoxicity of both S-MWCNTs and L-MWCNTs was statistically more than that of graphite. The results also indicated that oxidative stress was the probable toxicity mechanism of carbon-based materials. The decreasing size of carbon-based materials could increase their toxicity. Because of the toxicity of MWCNTs, it is imperative to consider health and safety issues in working with nanomaterials.

The Mixture exposure to pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes (P-MWCNTs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo α pyrene (BaP) in the environment is inevitable. Assessment toxicity of P-MWCNTs and BaP individually may not provide sufficient toxicological information. The objective of this work is to investigate the combined toxicity of P-MWCNTs and BaP in human epithelial lung cells (A549). The physico-chemical properties of P-MWCNTs were determined suing analytical instruments. The toxicity of P-MWCNTs and BaP on A549 lung cells individually or combined were assessed. For toxicity assessment, cell viability, ROS generation, oxidative DNA damage, and apoptosis experiments were conducted. The results of this study demonstrated that P-MWCNTs and BaP individually reduced cell viability in A549 lung cells, and oxidative stress was as the possible mechanism of cytotoxicity. The co-exposure to P-MWCNTs and BaP enhanced the cytotoxicity compared to exposure to P-MWCNTs and BaP individually, but not statistically significant. The two-factorial analysis demonstrated an additive toxicity interaction for co-exposure to P-MWCNTs and BaP. The complicated toxicity interaction among BaP with fibers and metal impurities of P-MWCNTS could be probable reasons for additive toxicity interaction. Results of this study could be helpful as the basis for future studies and risk assessment of co-exposure to MWCNTs and PAHs., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors of this study do not have any conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Magnetite as iron oxide is widely used in various industries, in the pharmaceutical industry in particular where it is used for its magnetic properties. The environmental and occupational exposure to airborne nanoparticles and microparticles of iron oxide compounds have been reported. Since authors have reported contradictory results, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of particles' size in their toxicities., Methods: The human cell line A 549 was exposed with magnetite iron oxide in two size categories of micro (≥5 µm) and nano (<100 nm), with four concentrations of 10, 50, 100, and 250 µg/ml at two time periods of 24 and 72 h. The cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, and incidence of apoptosis were studied., Results: Nano and micro magnetite particles demonstrated diverse toxicity effects on the A 549 cell line at the 24- and 72-h exposure periods; however, the effects produced were time- and concentration-dependent. Nano magnetite particles produced greater cellular toxicities in forms of decreased viabilities at concentration exposures greater than 50 µg/ml ( p < 0.05), along with increased ROS ( p < 0.05), decreased cellular membrane potential ( p < 0.05), and reduced rate of apoptosis ( p < 0.05)., Discussion: The results of this study demonstrated that magnetite iron in nano-range sizes had a greater absorbability for the A 549 cell line compared to micro sizes, and at the same time, nanoparticles were more toxic than microparticles, demonstrating higher production of ROS and decreased viabilities. Considering the greater toxicity of nanoparticles of magnetite iron in this study, thorough precautionary control measures must be taken before they can be used in various industries.

In theenvironment, co-exposure to short-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (S-MWCNTs) and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs) has been reported. In the co-exposure condition, the adsorption of PAHs onto MWCNTs may reduce PAHs toxic effect. The objective of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of S-MWCNTs and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) individually, and in combination in human lung cell lines (A549). The adsorption of B[a]P onto MWCNTs was measured spectrometrically. In vitro toxicity was assessed through cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) generation experiments. The S-MWCNTs demonstrated cytotoxicity through the generation of ROS, apoptosis, and 8-OHdG in A549 cells. Co-exposure to S-MWCNTs and B[a]P demonstrated a significant reduction in ROS generation and apoptosis compared with the sum of their separate toxic effects at the same concentrations. Decreasing the bioavailability of B[a]P by MWCNT interaction is the probable reason for the antagonistic effects of the co-exposure condition. The findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the health effects of co-exposures to air pollutants and could be a starting point for modifying future health risk assessments.

Co-exposure to carboxylic acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (F-MWCNTs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo a pyrene (BaP) in ambient air have been reported. Adsorption of BaP to F-MWCNTs can influence combined toxicity. Studying individual toxicity of F-MWCNTs and BaP might give unrealistic data. Limited information is available on the combined toxicity of F-MWCNTs and BaP in human cells. The objective of the present work is to evaluate the toxicity of F-MWCNTs and BaP individually and combined in human lung adenocarcinoma (A549 cells). The in vitro toxicity is evaluated through cell viability, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, and the production of 8-OHdG assays. Adsorption of BaP to F-MWCNTs was confirmed using a spectrophotometer. The results indicated that the F-MWCNTs and BaP reduce cell viability individually and produce ROS, apoptosis, and 8-OHdG in exposed cells. Stress oxidative is found to be a mechanism of cytotoxicity for both F-MWCNTs and BaP. Combined exposure to F-MWCNTs and BaP decreases cytotoxicity compared to individual exposure, but the difference is not statistically significant in all toxicity assays; hence, the two-factorial analysis indicated an additive toxic interaction. Adsorption of BaP to F-MWCNTs could mitigate the bioavailability and toxicity of BaP in biological systems. Considering the mixture toxicity of MWCNTs and BaP is required for risk assessment of ambient air contaminants.

Nanomaterials are widely used nowadays in a range of technological and biomedical fields. Graphene as a nanomaterial used in the health-care sector and in workplaces has raised some concerns about its toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of graphene nanoparticles (GNPs) on the A549 epithelial cells of the human lung. The GNPs were synthesized from graphite by the modified Hummer method. The physicochemical characteristics of GNPs were identified by the transmission electron microscope, the scanning electron microscope, and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. The hydrodynamic size of GNPs in the dispersion media was examined using the dynamic light scattering technique. The GNPs were dispersed, after which the A549 cells were cultured. Finally, the cell viability was assayed by the MTT assay. The statistical analysis of variance was used to describe the relationship between the concentration/time variables and the GNP-induced cell deaths. The probit regression model was also used to achieve toxicological indicators. The results showed that the toxicological effects of GNPs on the A549 epithelial cells of the human lung are dose- and time-dependent. The GNPs were more cytotoxic after a 72-h exposure period compared to a 24-h and 48-h exposure period. The inhibitory concentration of 50% and "no observed adverse effect concentration" were estimated to be 40,653.1 and 0.059 µg/mL, respectively. The results of this study can be helpful in developing the occupational exposure limit for GNPs and in improving occupational health programs in workplaces. However, more investigation is needed to specify the toxicological mechanisms of GNPs.

Background: The investigation of personality characteristics and emotional experiences of the people suffering from anxiety disorders is one of the most important issues which are considered by researchers and clinicians. Perfectionism, sensitivity to interpersonal rejection, and anger are personality traits related to social anxiety. In social anxiety disorder, it has also been focused on anger as a personality characteristic and as an emotional condition. The main purpose of this work is to investigate the role of these variables in predicting social anxiety among a nonclinical group of Iranian students., Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 131 students completed the self-report version of Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale Self-Report version (LSAS-SR), Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS), Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM), and State and Trait Anger Expression Inventory. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to examine the concurrent associations between perfectionism, interpersonal sensitivity and quality of emotional experience, and expression of anger with severity of self-report social anxiety., Results: Greater levels of FMPS total were significantly associated with a greater level of LSAS total, fear, and avoidance of social and functional situations ( P = 0.022, P = 0.024, and P = 0.006). Moreover, a significant positive correlation between IPSM total ( P = 0.015) with fear and also between anger expression index ( P = 0.009) with avoidance subscale were found., Conclusions: In accordance to the previous researches, we found that perfectionism, interpersonal sensitivity, anger experience, and anger expression skills are related to social anxiety. How these personality traits are related to fear and avoidance of social situations and their concurrent effects on predicting social anxiety were discussed., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Background: Investigating the psychometric properties of existing psychometric scales in societies with differing dynamics can help with their external validity. This research specifically aimed at standardization and validation of Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM) scale in Iran., Materials and Methods: Persian version of the IPSM was produced through forward translation, reconciliation, and back translation. A total of 357, nonclinical students were selected through multistage sampling method and completed a set of questionnaires including IPSM. Internal consistency, convergent validity, divergent validity, and test-retest reliability of the Persian version of the IPSM were analyzed. To assess the construct validity, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed., Results: Total IPSM, as well as all subscales showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α =0.86 and 0.51-0.71, respectively). Test-retest reliability at a 2-week interval was significant, with intraclass correlation coefficient ranging between 0.73 and 0.92. In terms of convergent validity, IPSM showed the significant positive correlation with self-report measures of depression, social anxiety, and anxious attachment style. IPSM showed negative correlation with Social Desirability Scale and secure (C subscale of avoidant attachment style [AAS]) and dependent (D subscale of AAS), thus demonstrated divergent validity with these constructs. According to the CFA, the responses of the sample in this study were fitted to the original five-factor structure., Conclusion: The IPSM showed good validity and reliability and could be useful in assessing interpersonal sensitivity in Iranian population., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Introduction: Disease mapping includes a set of statistical techniques that provides maps based on estimates of diseases rates. Bayesian ones are the most important models in this field. They consider prior information on changes in the disease rates in overall map and spatial pattern of the disease. These include a broad range of models with their own formulation, characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. In the present study, we explain and compare three important and widely-used Bayesian models in the study of evaluating relative risk of suicide in Ilam province., Materials and Methods: In this applied-ecological research, suicide incidence in Ilam province in 2008 and 2009 was analyzed by use of Gamma-Poisson, Log-normal, and BYM Bayesian models. Models were fitted to data using WinBUGS software., Results: Fitting the three models showed that Darehshahr and Shirvan-Chrdavol had the highest and the lowest relative risk of suicide, respectively (relative risks based on Gamma-Poisson, Log-normal, and BYM models were 2.243, 2.275, and 2.279 for Dareshahr and 0.321, 0.321, and 0.319 for Shirvan-Chrdavol, respectively)., Conclusion: Despite some differences in estimates, the ranks of relative risks in counties in all three models are the same. The counties based on the relative risks of suicide from the most to the least are: Darehshahr, Ilam, Dehloran, Eyvan, Abdanan, Mehran, Malekshahi, and Shirvan-Chrdavol.