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Azime Khodaminasab,1 Mahnoush Reisi,1 Hakime Vahedparast,2 Rahim Tahmasebi,3 Homamodin Javadzade1 1Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; 2Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; 3Department of Biostatistics, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran Background: Self-care refers to the conscious actions and behaviors that patients engage in to maintain and promote their own health and to the decisions that they make about managing signs or symptoms. Despite the importance of self-care in improving the health status of patients with cardiovascular disease, such as those undergoing angioplasty, these patients do not impleself-care optimally. This study aimed to identify factors affecting self-care behaviors in cardiac patients undergoing angioplasty based on a health-promotion model. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 cardiovascular patients undergoing angioplasty referred to the Bushehr Health Center. Health-promotion-model constructs and self-care behaviors were assessed by a researcher-made questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22 using multiple linear regression analyses.Results: Stepwise regression revealed that three variables – perceived barriers, perceived self-efficacy, and social support – were significant predictors of self-care behaviors among patients undergoing angioplasty. These factors accounted for 43.1% (R2=0.431) of variance in self-care. Among the health-promotion-model constructs, self-efficacy (β=0.237, P

ABSTRACTObjective:Recent studies have tried to find a reliable way of predicting the development of Alzheimer´s Disease (AD) among patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), often focusing on olfactory dysfunction or semantic memory. Our study aimed to validate these findings while also comparing the predictive accuracy of olfactory and semantic assessments for this purpose.Method: Six hundred fifty patients (median age 68, 58% females) including controls, SCD (subjective cognitive decline), non-amnestic MCI (naMCI), amnestic MCI (aMCI), and AD patients were tested for olfactory dysfunction by means of odor identification testing and semantic memory. Of those 650 patients, 120 participants with SCD, naMCI, or aMCI at baseline underwent a follow-up examination after two years on average. Of these 120 patients, 12% had developed AD at follow-up (converters), while 88% did not develop AD at follow-up (non-converters).Results: Analysis showed a significant difference only for initial olfactory identification between converters and non-converters. Sensitivity of impairment of olfactory identification for AD prediction was low at 46.2%, although specificity was high at 81.9%. Semantic memory impairment at baseline was not significantly related to AD conversion, although, when naming objects, significant differences were found between AD patients and all other groups and between naMCI and aMCI patients compared to controls and SCD patients.Conclusions: Objective olfactory assessments are promising instruments for predicting the conversion to AD among MCI patients. However, due to their low sensitivity and high specificity, a combination with other neuropsychological tests might lead to an improved predictive accuracy. Further longitudinal studies with more participants are required to investigate the usefulness of semantic memory tests in this case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The date palm cultivation has a long history in Bushehr province. Throughout the recent decade; the dusts, in addition to direct harmful effects on humans, have adverse effects on health of the population living in this area. The infestation of pests in the southern province of Bushehr has groves. Due to the importance of dates in this area, the total ash and acid insoluble ash as indexes for assessing of chemical pollution and also, mold and yeast as indicators for microbial contamination were evaluated. Recently in a number of dates packaging industries, washing the products after the harvest is done. In current study, the effects of rinsing to decrease the dust pollution on date palm along with, the time effect on the quality and durability of washed and un-washed dates were investigated. Materials and Methods: Overall, 48 washed and un-washed dates were sampled from traditional and technologically advanced packaging industries, equally, and were confirmed according to ISIRI methods. Results: The Averages of total and acid insoluble ashes in washed date samples were:1.05±0.14 and 3.32±0.32%, and for un-washed samples were 1.36±0.27 and 4.59±1.64 percent, respectively. In all date samples were presented the yeast, however, their means were lower than the maximum limit (1 x 104 CFU). Also, all date samples were moldy. The Mean percentage of total ash samples in un-rinsed and rinsed dates were approximately, 1.84 and 1.33 times more than the maximum permissible limit, respectively. The mean of acid insoluble ash in all samples (100%), and 98% of total ash were higher than acceptable levels (p<0.05). The results revealed that the average percentage difference between the two groups were transpicuous, while this difference was not significant (p=0.13). Under the similar conditions, the average amount of yeast in washed date samples, were significantly different (p<0.05) and more than un-wash samples. The Mold levels in un-rinsed and rinsed samples; were 83.3 and 75% higher than the maximum permissible limit. According to the results, regardless of a decrease in amount of molds in washed samples than un-wash samples, the rinsing, was unable to eliminate the pollution, or even decreased it to acceptable levels. Conclusion: According to the findings, present rinsing is not an appropriate method for long storage. Observations, after one year upkeep in the same conditions, expressed that all un-washed date samples were apparently healthy, without any pests and insects. While 91.6% of the washed samples were insectivores, also their textured appearances were very unpleasant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: mental health is one of the health assessment topics in different communities which plays an important role in ensuring the dynamism and efficiency, especially in the students. Thus, the aim of this study is to application of basic constructs of social cognitive theory for predicting mental health in student of Bushehr University Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with using a systematic random sampling method in 428 students of Bushehr University Medical Sciences in 2012-13. Information was collected by using five standard questionnaires including academic self efficacy, academic stress, multidimensional social support, student outcome expectancy and Quality of life (SF-36) scales. After data collection, all data was analyzed by SPSS statistical software with using Pearson correlation coefficient test and multiple linear regressions. Results: In this study, mental health had a significant correlation with social support (P =0.000, r=0.37), academic stress (P= 0.000, r= -0.45) and academic self-efficacy (P =0.000, r =0. 24). In the liner regression model, predictor factors of mental health were faculty type and curriculum counseling and noncurriculum counseling evaluation variables and self efficacy (P=0.031, B= 1.49), academic stress (P=0.000, B=- 4.35), and social support constructs (P=0.000, B =4.77). Also, gender, mother's education and father's job had indirect effects to mental health through social support and acceptance quota and curriculum counseling evaluation had indirect effects to mental health through self efficacy. Conclusion: Utilization of strategies to increase self- efficacy, creating social support environment and also stress reduction particularly with organization of curriculum and non-curriculum counseling sessions can promote mental health in students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Milk is a valuable source of nutrients that microorganisms can grow in favorable conditions on it. This study was conducted to evaluate the microbiological quality of pasteurized and sterilized marketing milks in Bushehr. Material and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in the autumn and early winter 2011. In this study 11 brands including 6 pasteurized, 5 sterilized brands and in total 160 samples were elevauted. Microbial tests included heterotrophic bacteria (HPC), total coliform and Escherichia coli (E.coli) were conducted according to standard methods. Results: results of this study showed that from 98 pasteurized samples, 35/7% and HPC and 15/2% of samples were contaminated by HPC and total coliform, respectively. There was no microbial contamination in all 62 sterilized samples. Mean heterotrophic bacteria in pasteurized milk was much more than Iranian national standard. Conclusion: In this research the relationship between heterotrophic and coliform bacterial growth with temperature and time variation between production date and sampling date (maintenance period) were measured and the results showed that bacterial growth had direct and significant association with temperature but there was no statistically significant association with maintenance period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes is a serious problem and self- management is effective factor for diabetes control. Personality trait is one of the important factors in diabetes self- management. In this study, purpose was determination of effective personality traits in self- management. Material and Methods: In this cross sectional study, data were collected from a convenience sample of 396 diabetic patients, using self- management and Big five personality Scales. For data analysis, multiple linear regression models were used. Results: Among five personality traits, the most effective traits in self- management were conscientiousness, openness, and extraversion (R2 = 32%). Conscientiousness and openness were significant predictors for all of self- management aspects. Extraversion was effective factors in self- regulation, self- integration, and following treatment. Conclusion: The education for diabetic patients with neuroticism and agreeableness traits is necessary and Patients with conscientiousness, openness, and extraversion traits can be used as model in educational process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Intestinal parasitic infections are of one most important problems in developing countries and job is one of the most important factors determining the rate of intestinal parasitic infections. Persons who deal with waste elimination and recycling, due to close contact with infectious sources are more likely to be infected than others. Because of industrialization, population density and immigrants residing in Assaluyeh region, and due to the lack of history of a study for intestinal parasitic infection, the prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infections among workers in the collection, transportation and recycling of wastes in the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone was evaluated. Material and methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, demographic questionaire was completed for each person, Stool samples were taken and sample containers were transferred to parasitology research laboratory of university. Samples were examined for intestinal parasites by preparing direct smear (wet mount) and formalin-ether sedimentation technique. Data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 15.0 software and Chi square test. Results: The results showed that 37.3% of samples were infected at least with one intestinal parasite, 10.7% of samples were infected with more than one parasite. Giardia lamblia (6%) and Entamoeba coli (13/4%), showed the highest infection rate among all parasite species. Prevalence rate of intestinal parasites in worker from Nakhl-e- Taghi municipality was higher than other region of the study area. Conclusion : Job type and duration of contact with infectious source play important roles in determining rate of intestinal parasitic infection. Workers involved in collection, transportation and recycling of wastes are more at risk of intestinal parasitic infections than others. Therfore, providing personal protective equipments and health education in this group can play an important role in community health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Leishmania parasites are intracellular haemoflagellates that infect macrophages of the skin and viscera to produce diseases in their vertebrates hosts. Antileishmania therapy is based on pentavalent antimony compounds which toxicity of these agents and the persistence of side effects are severe. Curcumin was identified to be responsible for most of the biological effects of turmeric. Turmeric plant extracts (curcumin and other derivatives) have anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antioxidant, anti-microbial, antileishmanial, hepato protective, anti-cancer, anti-ulcer and anti diabetic activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stock solutions of curcumin, indium curcumin, diacetylcurcumin and Gallium curcumin were made up in DMSO. From the each stock solution serial dilutions were made with phosphate buffered saline and 100 µl of each prepared concentration was added to each well of 96-well micro plate. All tests were performed in triplicate. Negative control only received RPMI-1640 medium with a parasite density of 106 parasites /ml and the positive control contained varying concentrations of standard antileishmania compound, Amphotericine B. MTT solution was prepared as 5 mg/ml in RPMI-1640 and 20 µl of this concentration was added to each well. Antileishmania effects of test agents and control were evaluated by using the MTT assay. RESULTS: Mean growth inhibition of triplicate for each concentration of test agents and control were measured. The IC50 values for curcumin, gallium curcumin [ga (CUR) 3], indium curcumin [in (CUR)3], Diacethyle Curcumin (DAC ) and Amphotericine B were 38 µg/ml, 32 µg/ml, 26 µg/ml, 52 µg/ml and 20 µg/ml respectively. Indium curcumin [in (CUR) 3] with IC50 values of 26 µg/ml was more effective than other three test agents against Leishmania. Mean growth inhibition of triplicate for Amphotericine B as control drug, was 20 µg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Indium curcumin and Gallium curcumin complex showed more antileishmanial activity than curcumin and diacetylcurcumin and could be suitable candidates for further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pharmacists face unique occupational challenges that can impact their health and well-being. This study examines the relationships between work-life balance factors, physical activity, sleep quality, and general health among pharmacists in Shiraz, Iran., Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 7 August 2021 to 21 November 2021 among 136 pharmacists working in community and hospital pharmacies in Shiraz. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling. The Persian versions of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (P-IPAQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (P-PSQI), and General Health Questionnaire (P-GHQ-28) were used to assess physical activity, sleep quality, and general health status, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05., Results: Low physical activity was reported by 35.3% of pharmacists, with longer work hours significantly associated with lower physical activity (p = 0.009). Poor sleep quality was prevalent in 57.4% of participants, with no significant associations with demographic variables. General health was categorized as unhealthy for 50.7% of pharmacists, with female pharmacists more likely to be in this category (χ2 = 4.383, p = 0.036). Older pharmacists reported better general health status (Mann-Whitney U = 1792.500, p = 0.024)., Conclusions: Pharmacists face significant challenges in maintaining work-life balance, evidenced by low physical activity, poor sleep quality, and compromised general health. Targeted interventions, including workplace exercise programs, optimized schedules, and comprehensive wellness initiatives, are needed to support pharmacists' well-being and enhance patient care quality., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the prevalence of violence against pregnant women during COVID-19 pandemic based on the available evidence. Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched. All published observational articles from December 2019 to December 2022 were assessed by two independent authors using the "violence, pregnancy, COVID-19" keywords. The quality appraisal of primary studies conducted using the Newcastle - Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale checklist and 10 eligible articles were included in this review. After reviewing the articles, the prevalence of violence among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic was estimated to be 23% [95% confidence interval (CI) =18 to 29%] using the random effect model. Of them, 59% (95% CI = 13 to 105%) was attributed to verbal-behavioral violence, 30% (95% CI = 17 to 42%) emotional violence, 14% (95% CI = 8 to 20%) sexual violence, and 11% physical violence (95% CI = 6 to 17%). The results indicated that the violence prevalence among pregnant women was not different during and before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the behavioral-verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual violence were the most common forms of violence., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Industrial Psychiatry Journal.)

Toe-in gait is a pathology in which the child walks and turns the foot inward instead of pointing straight ahead. The alignment of the lower limb structure changes in this disease, increasing the incidence of knee and hip osteoarthritis. This study aimed to determine the kinematic and joint loading in subjects walking with a toe-in gait pattern. This study selected two groups of subjects: normal subjects and those with toe-in gait due to an increased femoral head anteversion angle (each group consisted of 15 subjects). A Qualisys motion analysis system and a Kistler force plate were used to record the motions and forces applied to the leg while walking. OpenSim software (version 3.3) was used to analyze the range of motion, moments, muscle forces, and joint contact forces in both groups of subjects. The mean values of stride length for normal subjects (1.1 ± 0.141 m) and those with toe-in gait (0.94 ± 0.183 m) differed significantly. The mediolateral component of the ground reaction force decreased significantly in the toe-in gait group compared to normal subjects ( p -value = 0.05). The peak force of most of the hip joint muscles increased significantly in those with toe-in gait compared to normal subjects ( p -value < 0.05). The results of this study showed that those with toe-in gait, due to an increase in femoral head anteversion angle, only had a change in rotation of the pelvic and hip joint. There was no significant difference between walking speed and most ground reaction force components between normal subjects and those with toe-in gait. As the peaks of most of the hip joint muscles increased significantly in the toe-in gait group, this increased joint contact forces (especially the anteroposterior component of the hip joint and the mediolateral component of the knee joint), which may ultimately increase the incidence of hip and knee joint osteoarthritis., 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.

Objectives: Some small defects may remain in the impression after making a two-step putty-light body impression. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the dimensional accuracy of 2-step and relined 2-step (3-step) putty-light body impressions. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, 30 impressions were made with putty, light body, and extra-light body addition silicone materials using the 2-step and 3-step impression techniques (N=15). An epoxy resin master model was made duplicating a maxillary typodont with left first premolar and first molar teeth prepared with a shoulder finish line and truncated pyramidal-shaped indices in the mid-palate and third molar sites. In addition to creating a reference digital model by scanning the master model, 30 master casts were scanned to produce digital models. The anteroposterior (AP) and cross-sectional (CS) dimensional accuracy of the models were compared with the master model using linear measurements. Moreover, tooth size measurements were made and compared using the root mean square (RMS). Two-sample t-test was applied to analyze the data (α=0.05). Results: The mean AP and RMS differences between the two study groups were not significant (P>0.05). However, the CS difference between the two groups was significant (P<0.001), and the 3-step impression technique showed smaller discrepancies in comparison to the master model. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in accuracy of the two techniques for single-unit and multiple-unit preparations. The 3-step impression technique had a higher CS dimensional accuracy., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)

Background: Coronary artery disease is the most common cardiovascular disease, the mortality rate of which is increasing significantly. The most important way to prevent a second attack in patients undergoing angioplasty is self-care, which can be influenced by several factors such as the patient's beliefs. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the effect of a web-based intervention based on the Pender's health promotion model in patients with cardiovascular disease., Methods: The present clinical trial study was conducted with 99 patients undergoing angioplasty treatment referring to Bushehr Heart Specialist Center. Random sampling was done and the participants were divided into two groups (50 subjects in intervention group and 49 subjects in control group). The data collection tool was a three-part questionnaire (including demographic information, a researcher-made questionnaire based on the health promotion model constructs, and self-care behaviors), which was completed in three stages (before, two weeks, and three months after the intervention). In addition to routine hospital services, the intervention group received multimedia training based on the constructs of the Pender's health promotion model from the website. The control group received usual hospital services. Data were analyzed with chi-square, independent T-test and repeated measure ANOVA using SPSS-22 software., Results: The results showed that 2 weeks and 3 months after the intervention, the mean scores of perceived benefits, perceived self-efficacy and perceived social support had a significant increase in the intervention group compared to the control group, but the mean score of perceived barriers had a significant decrease in the intervention group (p < 0.001). Regarding self-care behaviors, after the intervention, the mean scores of self-care behaviors, physical activity, healthy diet, medication adherence and stress management had a significant increase in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.001), but no significant was observed between the two groups in terms of changes in the non-smoking (p = 0.38)., Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the web-based educational intervention based on the health promotion model is useful in improving the self-care behaviors of cardiac patients undergoing angioplasty. Nursing education and care have a great role in improving the self-care behaviors of cardiovascular patients., Trial Registration: Registration number: IRCT2017080635429N2. Registration date: 09/03/2017 ( https://en.irct.ir/trial/26775 )., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Arthropod-borne viruses, known as arboviruses, pose substantial risks to global public health. Dengue (DENV), Chikungunya (CHIKV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses stand out as significant concerns in Brazil and worldwide. Their overlapping clinical manifestations make accurate diagnosis a challenge, underscoring the need for reliable laboratory support. This study employs a comprehensive molecular diagnostic approach to track viral infections in individuals with acute febrile illness, a period marked by widespread outbreaks of DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV., Methods: Between January and August 2016, we received a total of 713 serum samples obtained from individuals with acute febrile illness, previously tested for DENV, CHIKV or ZIKV, with initial negative results, from LACEN-NATAL. Of the total 713 samples, 667 were from females (354 of them pregnant) and 46 from males. Molecular diagnosis was conducted using the Multiplex RT-qPCR technique for simultaneous detection of DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV. Additionally, we performed differential diagnosis by RT-qPCR for other viruses of the Flavivirus, Alphavirus Enterovirus genera and qPCR for Primate Erythroparvovirus 1 (B19V) species, in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines., Results: Among the 713 cases, 78.2% tested positive for viral infections, including 48% with CHIKV viremia, 0.6% with DENV and 0.1% with ZIKV. Arboviral coinfections totaled 2.4%, including DENV-CHIKV (1.7%) and CHIKV-ZIKV (0.7%). Moreover, 8% exhibited B19V viremia. Simultaneous infections were identified in 17.5%, encompassing B19V-CHIKV (17.1%), B19V-DENV (0.1%), and B19V-ZIKV (0.3%) Triple infections were observed in 1.3% of cases with B19V-DENV-CHIKV (1%) and B19V-CHIKV-ZIKV (0.3%)., Conclusion: Molecular testing demonstrated high efficacy in diagnosing prevalent arboviruses and detecting multiple coinfections. This approach helps to elucidate etiologies for symptomatic cases, especially during arbovirus outbreaks, and aids comprehensive surveillance. Our findings underscore the importance of monitoring co-circulating pathogens, such as B19V, with implications for clinical management, particularly in pregnant individuals. This study enhances our understanding of arbovirus epidemiology and reinforces the critical role of molecular diagnosis in disease surveillance and control., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Morais et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Patients with chronic renal failure, many of which treated with hemodialysis, present a high prevalence of impaired muscle strength which suggest that muscle mass parameters may be used as markers for changes in muscle in these patients. Measurement of handgrip strength (HGS) is a common, simple, and quick measure of muscle function an indicator of overall muscle strength which has been associated with physical activity and several anthropometric traits. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are biochemical markers associated with inflammatory processes which are a common consequence of dialysis. Additionally, hemodialysis patients frequently present signs of malnutrition and depression. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate if muscle and biochemical markers could be used to predict the risk of depression in hemodialysis patients. Several anthropometric parameters, nutrient intake, depression state and the serum levels of ICAM-1 and IGF-1 were determined and Pearson's correlation coefficient and/or Spearman's correlation coefficient were used to test the correlation between them. Our results do not show a correlation between HGF, IGF-1 and ICAM-1 with the depression status of the patients, but mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) was statistically and positively correlated with depression. Additionally, ICAM-1 levels were negatively correlated with HGS, MAMC, and IGF-1. Overall, the results of the present study suggest that HGS may be used as an indicator of cardiovascular diseases and MAMC may be a good predictor of the level of depression in hemodialysis patients, although further studies are required., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2023. The Korean Society of Clinical Nutrition.)

Yogurt is a fermented food obtained by the bacterial fermentation of milk. In the present work, the effect of different concentrations (1, 3 and 5% w/w) of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seed powder on physicochemical, sensory characteristics and viability of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus of probiotic yogurt were investigated at 4 °C for 21 days. Laboratory-made yogurts were obtained by inoculating milk with yogurt bacteria (mixed culture of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus) and two probiotic cultures (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum). According to the results, the viability of B. bifidum and L. acidophilus increased in synbiotic stirred yogurts with 5% CSP (coriander seed powder) up to 9.15 ± 0.09 log CFU/g at 11 days of the storage period, whereas probiotic bacteria count decreased to 9.02 ± 0.01 by the end. Therefore, our results confirmed that the addition of probiotics and CSP powder improved the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of stirred yogurt and exerted a beneficial effect on probiotic bacteria., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Preconception health is defined as the physical and psychological well-being of women and men throughout their reproductive life. It is a method that raises healthy fertility and focuses on activities that persons can take to minimize risks, raise healthy lifestyles, and increase preparation for pregnancy. The purpose of this systematic review study was to assess men's knowledge of preconception health. Electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Sciencedirect, ProQuest, Cochrane, SAGE, Springer, Google Scholar, were searched for published studies from 2000 to March 2021 to identify the studies carried out on men's knowledge of preconception health. The quality assessment was done using the critical appraisal skills program tool for qualitative studies and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cross-sectional studies. Of the 1195 references identified in the initial search, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Because of the diversity in the study design and the data collection tools used in studies, meta-analysis was impossible. All the studies of the present systematic review found that men's preconception health knowledge is poor. This systematic review showed that men's preconception health knowledge is low. Due to the limited studies of men's knowledge about the importance of optimizing their health before pregnancy, further study of the issue is still required., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2023 Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.)

Due to the widespread use and environmental pollution of estrogenic chemicals, the need for screening tests to detect these compounds is felt more than ever. These compounds lead to cell proliferation. Therefore, studies used cell proliferation to evaluate estrogenic compounds was studied in this systematic review. This systematic review was performed with the keywords; DNA proliferation, cell proliferation, estrogenic component, estrogen, food, bioassay, screening, and detection. After initial screening and full text quality assessment, 16 manuscripts were selected and data were extracted. Four cell lines, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, Ishikawa, and T47D cells were used in the studies. MCF-7 was more sensitive to estrogenic compounds than other lines. Most of the samples studied were plant compounds and mycotoxins and substances that migrate from packaging to food. This screening test is valid and has similar results as others., (© 2022 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

There are various treatment approaches for the subjects with metatarsus adductus, including nonsurgical and surgical treatment. Nonsurgical treatments such as serial casting, modified shoes (Bebax shoe, Ipos antiadductus shoe) and orthoses (Wheaton brace, counter rotation system splint, Denis Brown bar, and Fillauer bar) are widely used in this regard. The main question posted here is which orthoses are more effective in correcting metatarsus adductus. Therefore, the aim of this review was to determine the efficiency of various nonsurgical treatments used for metatarsus adductus. MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial, Cochrane Data base of systematic review (CDSR), Scopus and ISI Web of knowledge (from 1960 to 2021) were searched by predefined search strategies to screen eligible randomized controlled studies meeting established criteria. The quality of the studies was assessed based on Down and Black tool. 200 studies on this topic were reviewed and finally 11 studies which met the inclusion criteria were selected for final analysis. These studies evaluated the efficiency of nonsurgical treatment options on foot angle and deformity correction in the subjects with metatarsus adductus. Quality of the papers based on Downs and Black tool varied between 13 and 23. Some treatments such as Wheaton brace, rigid strap, exercise (manipulation), reverse last shoe and plaster cast are used for these subjects. Although good correction can be achieved with use of these treatment methods, some of them have complications which should be considered in this regard. It seems that Wheaton brace and Bebax shoe have fewer complications compared to other methods., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Male reproductive health is a necessary pillar of childbearing. If a reproductive health assessment is conducted in the preconception period, the chance of a healthy pregnancy can increase. This qualitative study aimed to explore men's reproductive health needs before conception in Iran., Materials and Methods: This research was a qualitative study conducted in Bushehr city, Iran to explore men's reproductive health needs from April 2021 to November 2021. 30 semistructured interviews were conducted with married men, women, healthcare providers, and specialists individually in the health centers. The sampling method used in this study was purpose-based with maximum variety. All interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim in Persian and analyzed using directional content analysis. MAXQDA software version 12 was used to facilitate data analysis., Results: From the data analysis, 2 themes, 15 categories, and 38 subcategories emerged. The themes included evaluation and health promotion recommendations. It consisted of 10 categories: reproductive life plan evaluation, medical history evaluation, family and genetic history evaluation, social history evaluation, sexual health evaluation, medication evaluation, laboratory evaluation, physical examination, lifestyle evaluation, and mental health evaluation. Health promotion recommendations included five categories: nutritional recommendations, stress management, avoiding harmful behaviors, protective measures against harmful exposure, and need for education., Conclusions: Our results showed that men need a comprehensive evaluation of reproductive health and recommendations to improve their health in the preconception period. Our study findings can inform healthcare providers to increase men's participation in reproductive health., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2022 Journal of Education and Health Promotion.)

The objectives of the present study were to investigate the effect of season and fish species on the antioxidant capacity, fatty acids profile, and vitamin E content of fish fillets from Aras River. The antioxidant potential of hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts of fish fillets was evaluated. The fillet extracts of zander and bream in summer and common carp in winter had the highest antioxidant activity. Palmitic and oleic acids were the major saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated (MUFA) fatty acids, respectively. The fatty acids C22:6n3 and C20:5n3 were the most abundant polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids in all the fishes. In summer, the highest levels of SFA (44.09), total PUFA (25.97), n3 PUFA (20.71) and n3/n6 ratio (4) were found in zander. In winter, the highest amounts of total PUFA and n3 PUFA were determined in silver carp, followed by zander. The highest n3/n6 ratio was also found in silver carp. The ratio of PUFA/SFA was higher in winter than in summer for all the fishes. Vitamin E content of fishes was largely varied. In conclusion, seasonal variation changed the antioxidant potential and fatty acid composition of fish fillets. Aras River fishes, especially zander, possess excellent antioxidant activity and high nutritional quality., Competing Interests: The authors confirm that they have no conflicts of interest with respect to the work described in this study., (© 2022 Urmia University. All rights reserved.)

Background: Various studies have evaluated the effects of low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) on serum concentrations of adipokines. Although the association between LCD and serum levels of leptin and adiponectin has been studied extensively, the results were not consistent., Objective: The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the effect of LCD on serum levels of leptin and adiponectin., Design: Electronic databases were retrieved in PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science to search relevant publications. Pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated by the random-effect model. Cochrane Q test and I 2 statistic were used to test heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were applied to assess possible sources of heterogeneity., Results: A total of thirty-five articles were included in final analysis. Meta-analysis results revealed no statistical association between LCD and adiponectin concentration (WMD: 0.32 ng/ml, 95% CI: - 0.02, 0.66, p=0.062). Subgroup analysis showed that LCD increased adiponectin concentration in subjects under 45 years old and in studies with long term duration intervention. Also, did not observe a significant effect from the LCD on serum concentration of leptin (WMD: - 0.77 ng/ml, 95% CI: -3.15, 1.61, P=0.409). Subgroup analysis did not show any new information. The results of this study did not support the evidence for the positive effects of LCD on serum leptin and adiponectin levels., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021.)

This study combined conventional epidemiology of human astroviruses. From 2010 to 2016, 232 stool samples from children under 5 years of age were screened using NGS and conventional RT-PCR followed by genetic analysis in order to investigate the genotypic diversity of classical human astrovirus (HAstV) circulating in Tocantins State, Brazil. HAstV was detected in 16 cases (6.9%). Seven specimens (43.7%; 7/16) were positive according RT-PCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to investigate the molecular to both NGS and RT-PCR. NGS and RT-PCR individually revealed six (37.5%; 6/16) and three (18.8%; 3/16) additional positive samples, respectively. Sequencing of the HAstV-positive samples revealed HAstV-1a (9/16), HAstV-4c (3/16), and HAstV-5c (4/16) lineages., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction: Allergic diseases could play a role of a predisposing factor for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to investigate allergic comorbidity and its association in COVID-19 patients., Methods: Demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory reports, and radiologic findings, together with underlying comorbidity of patients, were studies. Allergic diseases were identified by using the standard GA 2 LEN questionnaire. The severity of COVID-19 was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS) and an intensive care unit (ICU) report., Results: Out of 400 COVID-19 patients admitted in the hospital, 158 (39.5%) presented with different allergic diseases, and a reverse association was observed between having allergic comorbidity and severity of COVID-19 infection (P = 0.005, relative risk = 0.96; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 0.77-1.19). The respective frequency of asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, and food or drug allergy was 7.3%, 16%, 1.8%, 5%, 10% and 13.3%. Significantly, only AR was reversely associated with the severity of COVID-19 (P = 0.02, relative risk = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.77-1.19). Additionally, 43% of the patients presented hypoxemia, and 93.5% had chest CT scan involvement. Interestingly, patients with allergic diseases had significantly lower hypoxemia and chest CT involvement as compared with non-allergic patients (P = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively)., Conclusion: The results of this study established that allergic diseases were not determined to be a predisposing factor for the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) due to coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Significantly, AR patients developed mild clinical manifestations of COVID-19 and admitted to ICU as compared to non-AR patients., Competing Interests: There were no conflicts of interest in this study.

Squash mosaic virus (SqMV) is a phytovirus that infects great diversity of plants worldwide. In Brazil, the SqMV has been identified in the states of Ceará, Maranhão, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Tocantins. The presence of non-pathogenic viruses in animals, such as phytoviruses, may not be completely risk-free. Similarities in gene repertories between these viruses and viruses that affect animal species have been reported. The present study describes the fully sequenced genomes of SqMV found in human feces, collected in Tocantins, and analyzes the viral profile by metagenomics in the context of diarrhea symptomatology. The complete SqMV genome was obtained in 39 of 253 analyzed samples (15.5%); 97.4% of them belonged to children under 5 years old. There was no evidence that the observed symptoms were related to the presence of SqMV. Of the different virus species detected in these fecal samples, at least 4 (rotavirus, sapovirus, norovirus, parechovirus) are widely known to cause gastrointestinal symptoms. The presence of SqMV nucleic acid in fecal samples is likely due to recent dietary consumption and it is not evidence of viral replication in the human intestinal cells. Identifying the presence of SqMV in human feces and characterization of its genome is a relevant precursor to determining whether and how plant viruses interact with host cells or microorganisms in the human gastrointestinal tract.