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Abstract In the study presented here, the initial (that is, before the start of the process of natural hydrochemical influence) mineral formula of metamict polycrase in the composition of granite pegmatites of the Baltic Shield, applying an uranium natural half-leaching period, was calculated. To investigate the characteristics of immobilization of actinides in the studied polycrase, the absolute and relative uranium contents are compared with the corresponding uranium contents in the original betafite of the same deposit and age. It has been shown that over its geological history, betafite has lost up to 80% of its original uranium content. The proportion of uranium preserved in polycrase is twice as high. It is concluded that the difference in the relative content of uranium (27.3 wt% in polycrase and 31.6 wt% in betafite) cannot be the only reason for the complete oxidation of uranium in betafite, given that in polycrase 30% of uranium is preserved in the tetravalent state. It is more likely that the oxidation of uranium in betafite was primarily a result of the low ionicity of the chemical bonds compared to that in polycrase. This allows us to consider minerals of the euxenite group to be quite promising as matrix materials for the immobilization of actinides. At the same time, an opinion was expressed on the advisability of further comparative studies of Nb–Ta–Ti-oxides of the mineral groups AB2O6 and A2B2O7 for their use at the final stage of the nuclear fuel cycle.

Abstract Granular activated carbon has been modified by ammonium persulfate as a new adsorbent for Cr(VI) adsorption from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent was characterized by nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm data and infrared spectroscopy. The impact of different factors, such as the initial pH level of the solution, time, temperature, ionic strength, and initial concentration of the Cr(VI) ion, on the adsorption efficiencies of the adsorbent has been studied by batch experiments. Kinetic studies and the adsorption thermodynamics of Cr(VI) with ammonium persulfate-modified activated carbon adsorbent were carefully studied. The results showed that the Cr(VI) adsorption follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the adsorption reaction is endothermic and spontaneous. The adsorption isotherm was scrutinized, and the fitting results showed that the Langmuir model could well represent the adsorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) onto persulfate-modified activated carbon was 108.69 mg g−1. The research results showed that using persulfate-modified activated carbon adsorbent can greatly remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions.

Abstract Background Sleep apnea syndrome, characterized by recurrent cessation (apnea) or reduction (hypopnea) of breathing during sleep, is a major risk factor for postoperative respiratory depression. Challenges in sleep apnea assessment have led to the proposal of alternative metrics derived from oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2), such as oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and percentage of cumulative sleep time spent with SpO2 below 90% (CT90), as predictors of postoperative respiratory depression. However, their performance has been limited with area under the curve of 0.60 for ODI and 0.59 for CT90. Our objective was to propose novel features from preoperative overnight SpO2 which are correlated with sleep apnea severity and predictive of postoperative respiratory depression. Methods Preoperative SpO2 signals from 235 surgical patients were retrospectively analyzed to derive seven features to characterize the sleep apnea severity. The features included entropy and standard deviation of SpO2 signal; below average burden characterizing the area under the average SpO2; average, standard deviation, and entropy of desaturation burdens; and overall nocturnal desaturation burden. The association between the extracted features and sleep apnea severity was assessed using Pearson correlation analysis. Logistic regression was employed to evaluate the predictive performance of the features in identifying postoperative respiratory depression. Results Our findings indicated a similar performance of the proposed features to the conventional apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) for assessing sleep apnea severity, with average area under the curve ranging from 0.77 to 0.81. Notably, entropy and standard deviation of overnight SpO2 signal and below average burden showed comparable predictive capability to AHI but with minimal computational requirements and individuals’ burden, making them promising for screening purposes. Our sex-based analysis revealed that compared to entropy and standard deviation, below average burden exhibited higher sensitivity in detecting respiratory depression in women than men. Conclusion This study underscores the potential of preoperative SpO2 features as alternative metrics to AHI in predicting postoperative respiratory.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodegenerative disease with increasing incidence in the world. The maternal separation (MS) stress at early life with its own neuroendocrine and neurostructural changes can provide the basis for development of ASD. Previously it has been reported neuroprotective characteristics for anethole. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway has pivotal role in the function of central nervous system (CNS). This study aimed to evaluate the possible effects of anethole on the autistic-like behaviors in the maternally separated (MS) mice focusing on the potential role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Forty male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice were assigned to five groups (n = 8) comprising a control group (treated with normal saline) and four groups subjected to MS and treated with normal saline and or anethole at doses of 31.25, 62.5 and 125 mg/kg, respectively. All gents were administrated via intraperitoneal (i.p.) route for 14 constant days. Behavioral tests were conducted, including the three-chamber test, shuttle box and resident-intruder test. The gene expression of the PI3K, AKT and mTOR assessed in the hippocampus by qRT-PCR. Findings indicated that MS is associated with autistic-like behaviors. Anethole increased the sociability and social preference indexes in the three-chamber test, increased duration of secondary latency in the shuttle box test and decreased aggressive behaviors in the resident-intruder test. Also, anethole increased the gene expression of PI3K, AKT and mTOR in the hippocampus of MS mice. We concluded that anethole through increase in the gene expression of PI3K/ AKT/mTOR mitigated autistic-like behaviors induced by MS in mice.

Background & Aims: There are different types of drugs to shorten prolonged labor. Spasmolytic drugs are used frequently in the delivery section to overcome cervical spasms and reduce the duration of labor. The study's objective was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of hyoscine N-butyl bromide (HBB) and Promethazine on the duration of the active phase of labor. Materials & Methods: We searched the Science Direct, PubMed Scopus, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and ProQuest databases, and reviewed the literature and reference lists of retrieved articles. We included reports of quantitative studies published in all Persian and English articles from 2000 to 2021 that focused on Promethazine or Hyoscine during. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts and assessed articles in full text against the inclusion criteria. These criteria included vertex presentation, no previous uterine surgery, intact membranes, and spontaneous labor, with mothers having no contraindications for normal vaginal delivery. Results: Out of a total of 170 records initially screened, we included 44 articles in our review, and other studies were excluded. The results showed that 10, 20, 40 mg of HBB decreased the first stage of labor duration by 147.02 min, 58.95 min, and 71.60 min, respectively. Additionally, HBB decreased the first stage of labor duration by 100.61 min in multiparous women and 66.04 min in primipara women. To evaluate the Promethazine effect on labor duration, the results showed that the combined MD was not significant (p=0.67, 0.85, and 0.44 in the first, second, and third stages, respectively). Conclusion: HBB is more effective in multiparous women compared to primiparous women. On the other hand, Promethazine has no effect on reducing total labor duration and any stages of labor, so its use is not recommended.

Background: Capillary blood glucose measurement is one of the most important diagnostic procedures in managing and treating patients, especially those with diabetes. Since the preparation method of the capillary sampling site affects the blood glucose (BG) level, it is essential to identify the best preparation method with the least error estimation. This study compares the capillary BG level with the venous BG level after preparing the sampling site with four different preparation methods. Methods: This quasi-experimental study has a single-group design. It was conducted on 85 nursing and midwifery students of Kashan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, in 2022. The subjects who met the inclusion criteria were selected using convenience sampling. Capillary BG was measured from each finger using a glucometer while each finger was prepared with alcohol, water, soap and water, or no washing. Then, the venous blood sample of the same person was sent to the laboratory. The data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 22. The Friedman and Dunn post hoc tests were used to compare venous and capillary BG levels obtained using different methods. The significance level was set at P

Abstract Background Despite the World Health Organization’s (WHO) emphasis on exclusive breastfeeding, the documents show a declining trend worldwide. Studies assert that the mother’s personality traits appear to have an impact on this issue. This study aimed to investigate the potential influence of personality traits on exclusive breastfeeding, which might be channeled by self-efficacy as a mediator variable. Methods Data were analyzed from the cross-sectional study. The exclusive breastfeeding scale, the breastfeeding self-efficacy questionnaire, and the Five-Factor Model questionnaire (as follows: neuroticism, extraversion, openness experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) were completed by120 Iranian volunteer mothers with an infant aged 6–12 months referred to health centers in Shiraz (a major city in southern Iran) between May to December 2019. The structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was used to obtain the direct and indirect effects of personality traits and self-efficacy on exclusive breastfeeding. Results The study showed the significant direct effect of some personality traits (agreeableness, extraversion, and consciousness) and self-efficacy on exclusive breastfeeding. The indirect effect of extraversion on exclusive breastfeeding through self-efficacy was also obtained from the result of SEM analysis. The model fit the data satisfactorily, according to the fit indices criteria extracted from the mediational analysis. Conclusions Self-efficacy appears to be a significant predictor of exclusive breastfeeding. Therefore, exclusive breastfeeding could be enhanced by safe education in pregnancy, reinforcing the self-efficacy of pregnant women and considering their personality traits.

Abstract Failure to employ suitable measures before administering full anesthesia to patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who are undergoing surgery may lead to developing complications after surgery. Therefore, it is very important to screen OSA before performing a surgery, which is currently done by subjective questionnaires such as STOP-Bang, Berlin scores. These questionnaires have 10–36% specificity in detecting sleep apnea, along with no information given on anatomy of upper airway, which is important for intubation. To address these challenges, we performed a pilot study to understand the utility of ultrasonography and vowel articulation in screening OSA. Our objective was to investigate the influence of OSA risk factors in vowel articulation through ultrasonography and acoustic features analysis. To accomplish this, we recruited 18 individuals with no risk of OSA and 13 individuals with high risk of OSA and asked them to utter vowels, such as /a/ (as in “Sah”), /e/ (as in “See”). An expert ultra-sonographer measured the parasagittal anterior–posterior (PAP) and transverse diameter of the upper airway. From the recorded vowel sounds, we extracted 106 features, including power, pitch, formant, and Mel frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC). We analyzed the variation of the PAP diameters and vowel features from "See: /i/" to "Sah /a/" between control and OSA groups by two-way repeated measures ANOVA. We found that, there was a variation of upper airway diameter from “See” to “Sah” was significantly smaller in OSA group than control group (OSA: ∆12.8 ± 5.3 mm vs. control: ∆22.5 ± 3.9 mm OSA, p

Abstract Background Nurse motivation can have a significant impact on the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the patients’ survival. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine nurses’ motivation for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Methods This cross-sectional study focused on 217 nurses in a teaching hospital in Iran, in 2023. A random sample of nurses was selected from four hospital departments (emergency, critical care, medical, and surgery). These nurses completed the demographic information and motivation for cardiopulmonary resuscitation questionnaires. The data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, Spearman coefficients, and Kruskal-Wallis and multiple linear regression tests. Results The mean score of the dimension of the feeling of achievement (4.10 ± 0.50) was high in the nurses’ motivation for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. There were more motivational factors in the emergency department compared to the other departments in terms of the feeling of achievement, high chance of success, low chances of success, recognition and appreciation, perceived importance, and beliefs (p

Abstract Background Persons with asthma may experience excessive airway narrowing due to exercise or exposure to cold air, worsening their daily functionality. Exercise has several benefits for asthma control, but it may induce airway narrowing in some persons with asthma. When combined with cold temperatures, it introduces another layer of challenges. Therefore, managing this interaction is crucial to increase the quality of life in individuals with asthma. The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable experimental protocol to assess the effects of exercise and cold air on airway narrowing in adults with asthma in a controlled and safe environment. Methods This study was a randomized cross-over study in adults with and without asthma. Participants underwent a protocol involving a 10-min seated rest, followed by a 10-min cycling on a stationary bike in different temperatures of 0, 10, or 20 $$^{\circ }$$ ∘ C. The sequence of room temperatures was randomized, and there was a 30-min interval for recovery between each temperature transition. In each temperature, to measure lung function and respiratory symptoms, oscillometry and a questionnaire were used at 0 min (baseline), after 10 min of sitting and before starting biking (pre-exercise), and after 10 min of biking (post-exercise). At each room temperature, the changes in airway mechanics and asthma symptoms among baseline, pre-exercise, and post-exercise were compared with one-way repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman Rank Test. Within each arm, cardiac and thoraco-abdominal motion respiration signals were also measured continuously using electrodes and calibrated respiratory inductance plethysmographs, respectively. Results A total of 23 persons with asthma (11 females, age: 56.3 ± 10.9 years, BMI: 27.4 ± 5.7 kg/m2) and 6 healthy subjects (3 females, age: 61.8 ± 9.1 years, BMI: 28.5 ± 3.1 kg/m2) were enrolled in the study. Cold temperature of 0 $$^{\circ }$$ ∘ C induced airway narrowing in those with and without asthma after 10 and 20 min, respectively. Exercise intervention had significant changes in airway narrowing in participants with asthma in the range of 10–20 $$^{\circ }$$ ∘ C. Our results showed that in asthma, changes in subjective respiratory symptoms were due to both cold temperatures of 0 and 10 $$^{\circ }$$ ∘ C and exercise in the 0–20 $$^{\circ }$$ ∘ C range. Respiratory symptoms were not noticed among the healthy participants. Conclusion In conclusion, our findings suggest that exposure to cold temperatures of 0 $$^{\circ }$$ ∘ C could serve as a reliable method in the experimental protocol for inducing airway narrowing in asthma. The impact of exercise on airway narrowing was more variable among participants. Understanding these triggers in the experimental protocol is essential for the successful management of asthma in future studies.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the quality of nursing care in critical care units (CCUs) for patients with COVID-19.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 nurses working in CCUs at a teaching hospital in Tehran from June to December 2021. Nurses' performance in caring for COVID-19 patients was evaluated through a nursing care quality measurement scale. Data were analyzed by SPSS 21 software, and using t-tests, ANOVAs, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and regressions.Results: The study revealed that 68.2% of nurses were female, and 67.2% of patients were male. The mean quality of care score ranged from medium to high (125.77±33.73), with better care provided to male patients compared to female patients (p

Abstract Background Sexual satisfaction is a crucial part of a fulfilled life, and the ability to have satisfying sexual function is crucial to one’s sexual health. This study investigated the effect of the combined administration of saffron and vitamin E and vitamin E alone on the sexual function of women in their reproductive years. Methods A triple-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 50 participants experiencing sexual dysfunction without comorbid sleep disorders or severe depression. They were allocated into two groups using a block randomization method (stratified based on the severity of moderate or mild/normal depression). During the 8-week intervention period, participants in the experimental group were administered a 15 mg saffron capsule (safrotin) in the morning and a combination capsule containing 15 mg saffron and 50 mg vitamin E (safradide) in the evening. During the same period, the control group consumed one saffron placebo capsule in the morning and one capsule containing 50 mg of vitamin E and saffron placebo in the evening (in identical appearance to safradide). The Female Sexual Function Index was used to assess sexual function, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to measure levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. These measures were administered at baseline as well as four and eight weeks post-intervention, with an additional measurement taken four weeks after the intervention ceased. The repeated measures ANOVA, ANCOVA, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the groups. Results Following the intervention, the experimental group (saffron and vitamin E) demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the overall mean score of sexual function compared to the control group (placebo of saffron and vitamin E) (adjusted mean difference (AMD): 4.6; 95%CI: 3.1 to 6.1; p

In order to study the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus biofertilizers on photosynthetic pigments, grain yield, yield components and grain protein content of two pea (Pisum sativum L.) varieties under different irrigation regimes; a split-split plot experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at a field in Farsan, southwestern Iran, in 2021. The main plots were allocated to irrigation treatments including: irrigation after 50, 75 and 100 mm (I1, I2 and I3, respectively) cumulative evaporation from class A evaporation pan and the sub plots were allocated to different sources of biofertilizers treatments including: control (no biofertilizer application), Azotobarvar-1(nitrogen), Phosphatebarvar-2 (phosphorus) and Azotobarvar-1 + Phosphatebarvar-2 (nitrogen + phosphorus). Sub-sub plots were allocated to two varieties of peas (Majarestani and Wolfholland). Results showed that in Majarestani variety mild drought stress increased chlorophyll a and b contents, but severe drought stress decreased them. In Wolfholland variety, both mild and severe drought stress decreased chlorophyll a and b contents. In both varieties, mild drought stress increased carotenoid contents, but severe drought stress decreased them. Biofertilizers were effective in improving chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid contents, particularly under drought stress conditions. The drought stress reduced the grain yield and yield components of both pea varieties but application of biofertilizers moderated the effects of drought stress. The highest value of grain yield was obtained from the Majarestani variety when grown under full irrigation conditions (I1) and nitrogen biofertilizer application. Under the mild and severe drought stress (I2 and I3), the highest value of grain yield was obtained from Majarestani variety in the presence of phosphorus and nitrogen + phosphorus biofertilizer application, respectively. Majarestani variety outranked the Wolfholland in terms of pods/plant, grain/pod and grain yield under both stress and normal conditions, but the latter variety indicated a greater 1000-grain weight. Therefore, Majarestani variety is a more suitable cultivar, particularly under drought stress conditions. Grain protein percentage was not affected by variety. The highest percentage of grain protein content was achieved with I2 irrigation and nitrogen + phosphorus biofertilizer treatments, averaged over the examined varieties. To conclude, given the prevalence of water scarcity in the semi-arid regions of Iran’s type, further examinations of more drought resistant varieties such as Majarestani and application of biofertilizers may prove suitable for reducing the adverse effects of drought stress.

Background & Aims: Anthropomorphic and parametric features of mothers are associated with placental weight (PW) changes and its function. Anthropomorphic and parametric features can affect neonatal well-being. The aim of this research was to assess the prediction role of maternal body mass index (BMI) and hemoglobin (Hb) in placental weight and neonatal outcome. Materials & Methods: This study was a correlational descriptive–analytical study. The data were collected using a demographic-reproductive questionnaire completed by 365 parturient women referred to Valiasr Hospital in Kazeroun, Fars, Iran from May 1 to August 31, 2020. The inclusion criteria were singleton delivery at term (37–42 weeks) and mothers’ consent to attend the study after recovery. The exclusion criteria were retained placenta, multiple pregnancies, and mothers’ discontent to participate in the study. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. All analyses were carried out with SPSS V.21. The significance level was considered less than 0.05. Results: The findings of the study showed that maternal BMI in early pregnancy (β = 0.20, P < 0.01), and gestational age (β = 0.24, P < 0.01) were the positive predictive factors for placental weight. Also, among the maternal traits, only maternal hemoglobin (β =0.14, P < 0.001) turned out to be a positive predictor for the neonate’s Apgar score. Of all fetal features, only neonatal weight had a significant correlation with placental weight (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Mother’s BMI and Hb can predict placental weight and neonatal outcome. According to this finding, caregivers can help pregnant women with congruent education about proper nutrition to reach a safe BMI and create a positive outcome for the placenta and the newborn.

Abstract Background A safe and satisfactory childbirth experience with the least amount of pain constitutes one of the main domains of reproductive healthcare. The most important aspect of labor pain management is the moral and professional commitment of the health professionals and caregivers involved in creating a pleasant delivery. The present study examines the relationship between Iranian women’s perceptions of their birth team’s compliance with medical ethics and their perception of labor pain. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 women opting for natural childbirth. The samples were selected by convenience sampling. Three questionnaires, including a demographic information questionnaire, the perception of labor pain questionnaire, and the medical ethics attitude in vaginal delivery questionnaire, were used to collect data. The data were entered into SPSS 22 and analyzed using correlation coefficient and multiple regression tests. The significance level for data analysis was set as less than 0.05. Results The results of the regression analysis showed that among the four principles of medical ethics, only the second and third principles (beneficence and non-maleficence) predicted the perception of labor pain (B = -0.267, P

Abstract Sleep disorders can adversely affect physical, sexual, and marital health, particularly among middle-aged women. This study aimed to determine the relationship between sleep quality and marital satisfaction of working women during the premenopausal period. In this cross-sectional study, we selected 150 women working at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran was selected using random cluster sampling. A demographic information form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Evaluation and Nurturing Relationship Issues, Communication, and Happiness (ENRICH) marital satisfaction scale were used for data collection. The Data were analyzed using SPSS.22 software at a significance level of P

As healthcare systems transition into an era dominated by quantum technologies, the need to fortify cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive medical data becomes increasingly imperative. This paper navigates the intricate landscape of post-quantum cryptographic approaches and emerging threats specific to the healthcare sector. Delving into encryption protocols such as lattice-based, code-based, hash-based, and multivariate polynomial cryptography, the paper addresses challenges in adoption and compatibility within healthcare systems. The exploration of potential threats posed by quantum attacks and vulnerabilities in existing encryption standards underscores the urgency of a change in basic assumptions in healthcare data security. The paper provides a detailed roadmap for implementing post-quantum cybersecurity solutions, considering the unique challenges faced by healthcare organizations, including integration issues, budget constraints, and the need for specialized training. Finally, the abstract concludes with an emphasis on the importance of timely adoption of post-quantum strategies to ensure the resilience of healthcare data in the face of evolving threats. This roadmap not only offers practical insights into securing medical data but also serves as a guide for future directions in the dynamic landscape of post-quantum healthcare cybersecurity.

This study investigates the geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of Takht Coal Spoils in Minoodasht, Iran. For this purpose, six representative spoil samples were collected. The geochemistry of the samples were studied using XRF and ICP-OES analyses, microscopic studies, XRD, and SEM-EDX spectra. To examine the potential of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) by the spoil samples, different static tests including pH and EC measurement of saturated paste, Acid-Base Accounting tests (ABA), and Net Acid Generation (NAG) / Net Acid Potential (NAP) test were applied. Based on the geochemical data, the studied samples are not enriched with Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, low enriched with Cu and Cd, moderately enriched with Mo, significantly enriched with Sb and Pb, and strongly enriched with As. Quartz, muscovite, clinochlore and kaolinite are the major mineral phases in the studied samples. Static tests indicate that most of the samples are characterized by saturated paste pH

Abstract Background: Pregnancy with assisted reproductive technology (ART) is accompanied by fetal and maternal outcomes. Objective: This systematic review aimed to assess the relationship between ART and maternal outcomes. Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, the electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Magiran, Irandoc, and Scientific Information Database were searched for maternal outcomes reported from 2010-2021. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies was used to assess the methodological quality of studies. Results: A total of 3362 studies were identified by searching the databases. After screening abstracts and full-text reviews, 19 studies assessing the singleton pregnancy-related complications of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection were included in the study. The results demonstrated that singleton pregnancies conceived through ART had higher risks of pregnancy-related complications and adverse maternal outcomes, such as vaginal bleeding, cesarean section, hypertension induced by pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, placenta previa, and premature membrane rupture than those conceived naturally. Conclusion: In conclusion, an increased risk of adverse obstetric outcomes was observed in singleton pregnancies conceived by ART. Therefore, obstetricians should consider these pregnancies as high-risk cases and should pay special attention to their pregnancy process.

Background: The concept of adaptation has gained central importance in research on chronic diseases. However, this process is not clear in adult epileptic patients. This study aimed to explain the process of adaptation to disease in patients with epilepsy.Methods: This study was conducted using the grounded theory approach from December 2018 to January 2020 in Isfahan, Iran. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews with 18 patients with epilepsy. Participants were selected by purposeful or theoretical sampling method. Data collection was performed by the first author through conducting semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed by Strauss and Corbin’s (1998) method.Results: Four main categories with ten sub-themes were obtained from the data analysis. The main themes include “Perceived disorder,” “Scrimmage with the disease,” “Moving towards adaptation,” and “Balancing life.” The Core category achieved was “Trying to balance life.”Conclusion: Based on the results, the process of adapting to epilepsy has four stages: “Perceived disorder,” “Scrimmage with the disease,” “Moving towards adaptation,” and “Balancing life.” The health providers’ awareness of these stages can provide a framework that can be used to help epilepsy patients achieve positive adaptation. Achievement of adaptation can help epileptic patients control the disease and improve their quality of life.

The immobilization of high-level nuclear waste (HLW) in glass waste matrices provides the key safety function of slowing down radionuclide emissions from an underground disposal site. This study examines the leaching behavior of two major elements, Na and Si, in HLW borosilicate glass simulated from waste of a 1000 MWe class pressurized water reactor (PWR) using response surface methodology and Box-Behnken Design. The design of the experiment was carried out considering three independent variables: the pH of the solution, the contact time, and the leaching temperature, leading to 17 leaching runs performed using the static product consistency test (PCT). The results of statistical analysis (ANOVA: analysis of variance) indicated that the effects of the individual variables and the interactions between them were statistically significant, and the relative consistency of the data further confirmed the model’s applicability. Data obtained from the PCT experiments revealed that the leaching behavior of Na and Si in the evaluated waste glass exhibited similar behavior to previously researched glasses for each condition tested.

Abstract Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small molecules that have prominent roles in tumor development and metastasis and can be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This study evaluated the expression of miR‐92a‐3p and miR‐1245b‐5p and their potential target gene, GATA3 in patients with breast cancer (BC). Materials and Methods In the search for BC‐related microRNAs, miR‐124b‐5p and miR‐92a‐3p were selected using Medline through PubMed, miR2disease, miRcancer and miRTarBase. Moreover, target gene GATA3 and their possible interaction in the regulating epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion was evaluated using in silico tools including miRTarBase, TargetScan, STRING‐db, and Cytoscape. The expression level of miR‐92a‐3p, miR1245b‐5p, and GATA3 were assessed on extracted RNAs of tumor and nontumor tissues from 36 patients with BC using qPCR. Additionally, clinical‐pathologic characteristics, such as tumor grade, tumor stage, lymph node were taken into consideration and the diagnostic power of these miRNAs and GATA3 was evaluated using the ROC curve analysis. Results In silico evaluation of miR‐92a‐3p and miR‐1245b‐5p supports their potential association with EMT and invasion signaling pathways in BC pathogenesis. Comparing tumor tissues to nontumor tissues, we found a significant downregulation of miR‐1245b‐5p and miR‐92a‐3p and upregulation of GATA3. Patients with BC who had decreased miR‐92a‐3p expression also had higher rates of advanced stage/grade and ER expression, whereas decreased miR‐1245b‐5p expression was only linked to ER expression and was not associated with lymph node metastasis. The AUC of miR‐1245b‐5p, miR‐92a‐3p, and GATA3 using ROC curve was determined 0.6449 (p = .0239), 0.5980 (p = .1526), and 0.7415 (p

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a potential complication of medical imaging procedures that use contrast media. It is important to identify and manage risk factors for contrast-induced nephropathy and to monitor patients for signs of renal damage after contrast administration. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can prevent CI-AKI through multiple mechanisms of action, including reducing oxidative stress, improving renal hemodynamics, reducing inflammation, reducing apoptosis and fibrosis, reducing oxidative stress-induced DNA damage, reducing tubular cell injury, and reducing renal tubular cell apoptosis. However, the exact mechanisms of action may vary based on the specific study or context. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms of NAC in preventing CI-AKI.

Contrast-related acute renal failure is a multifactorial condition that involves oxidative stress, inflammation, and direct tubular toxicity. Risk factors for contrast-induced nephropathy comprise pre-existing kidney dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, advanced age, congestive heart failure, hypotension, anemia, and volume depletion. Preventive measures include identifying high-risk patients and implementing preventive measures such as adequate hydration, minimizing contrast use, and avoiding using contrast media in patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction. The systemic inflammation score is a promising tool for predicting contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) in patients undergoing contrast-enhanced imaging procedures. Further studies are needed to validate the use of SIS in clinical practice and to better understand the underlying mechanisms of inflammation in (CA-AKI).

Introduction: Airway safety for difficult intubation or failure to intubate is important during anesthesia. This study assessed the airway before anesthesia, and the diagnostic value of neck circumference (NC) and sternomental distance (SMD) tests was investigated in predicting difficult tracheal intubation during cesarean section.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 101 women who were candidates for cesarean section were selected through the convenience and non-random sampling method. The modified Mallampati test (MMT), upper lip bite (ULBT), thyromental distance (TMD), neck circumference (NC), and sternomental distance (SMD) tests were performed to estimate the laryngoscopy problem. The success rate of airway assessment by SMD and NC was evaluated using the Cormack-Lehane score. Data analysis was performed using the software SPSS version 16.0.Results: TMD (p=0.034) and NC (p

Purpose: Nosocomial infection is a major threat to the health care system and patient welfare. After the pandemic, new protocols were established in hospitals and communities to protect against the transmission of COVID-19, which may have changed the incidence of nosocomial transmission. This study was conducted to compare the incidence of nosocomial infection before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study performed on trauma patients who were admitted, from May 22, 2018 to November 22, 2021, to the largest level-1 trauma center in Shiraz, Iran (Shahid Rajaei Trauma Hospital). All the trauma patients over 15 years old admitted during the study time were included in this study. Individuals who were declared dead upon arrival were excluded. Patients were evaluated in 2 periods: before the pandemic (May 22, 2018 – February 19, 2020) and after the pandemic (February 19, 2020 – November 22, 2021). Patients were assessed based on demographic information (age, gender, length of hospital stay, and patient outcome), the occurrence of hospital infection, and the type of infection. The analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Results: Overall, 60,561 patients were admitted, with a mean age of 40 years. Nosocomial infection was diagnosed in 4.00% (n = 2423) of all admitted patients. The incidence rate of post-COVID-19 hospital-acquired infections decreased by 16.28% (p