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ObjectivesRates of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections have rapidly increased worldwide and reached pandemic proportions. A suite of preventive behaviours have been recommended to minimize risk of COVID-19 infection in the general population. The present study utilized an integrated social cognition model to explain COVID-19 preventive behaviours in a sample from the Iranian general population.DesignThe study adopted a three-wave prospective correlational design.MethodsMembers of the general public (N = 1,718, Mage  = 33.34, SD = 15.77, male = 796, female = 922) agreed to participate in the study. Participants completed self-report measures of demographic characteristics, intention, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, and action self-efficacy at an initial data collection occasion. One week later, participants completed self-report measures of maintenance self-efficacy, action planning and coping planning, and, a further week later, measures of COVID-19 preventive behaviours. Hypothesized relationships among social cognition constructs and COVID-19 preventive behaviours according to the proposed integrated model were estimated using structural equation modelling.ResultsThe proposed model fitted the data well according to multiple goodness-of-fit criteria. All proposed relationships among model constructs were statistically significant. The social cognition constructs with the largest effects on COVID-19 preventive behaviours were coping planning (β = .575, p

Objective: Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign tumors in women, and their prevalence varies between 5.4 and 77.0% in reproductive-aged women. Patients with UFs may experience severe symptoms that they can affect different aspects of their lives, including quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the health-related quality of life among Iranian women with UFs. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Imam Hossein Hospital, Tehran, Iran, between November 2023 and February 2024, Data collection was based on the census method. Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Health-related Quality of Life (UFS-QOL) questionnaire was used to assess symptom severity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of women with UFs. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 23.0. Results: Overall, 220 patients with a mean age of 43.10±5.01 years were included in the study. Patients had total UFS-QOL score of 64.11±20.35 with the following subscales' scores: symptom severity: (19.00±6.39), concern: (60.79±26.47), activities: (71.76±23.02), energy/mood: (54.39±25.14), control: (66.52±22.82), self-consciousness: (77.63±26.39), and sexual function: (59.40±31.18). Furthermore, patients with multiparity history (P= 0.001), obesity (P<0.001), increased menstrual duration (P<0.001), irregular menstruation (P<0.001), and hyper menorrhea (P<0.001) had lower HRQOL scores. Conclusion: All subscales' scores of HRQOL were over 50 in patients with UF. HRQOL in these patients can be affected by certain factors, such as features of the menstrual cycle, multiparity, and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paraquat (PQ) is an herbicide toxin that induces injury in different organs. The anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects of carvacrol were reported previously. The effects of carvacrol and pioglitazone (Pio) alone and their combination on inhaled PQ‐induced systemic and lung oxidative stress and inflammation as well as behavioral changes were examined in rats. In this study, animals were exposed to saline (control [Ctrl]) or PQ (PQ groups) aerosols. PQ‐exposed animals were treated with 0.03 mg/kg/day dexamethasone (Dexa), 20 and 80 mg/kg/day carvacrol (C‐L and C‐H), 5 mg/kg/day Pio, and Pio+C‐L for 16 days. Inhaled PQ markedly enhanced total and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts, nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels but decreased catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and thiol levels both in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood and increased interferon‐gamma (INF‐γ) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) levels in the BALF (p < 0.001 for all cases) except lymphocyte count in blood which was not significantly changed. The escape latency and traveled distance were increased in the PQ group. However, the time spent in the target quadrant in the Morris water maze (MWM) test and the duration of time latency in the dark room in the shuttle box test were reduced after receiving an electrical shock (p < 0.05–p < 0.001). Inhaled PQ‐induced changes were significantly improved in carvacrol, Pio, Dexa, and especially in the combination of the Pio+C‐L treated groups (p < 0.05–p < 0.001). Carvacrol and Pio improved PQ‐induced changes similar to Dexa, but ameliorative effects produced by combination treatments of Pio+C‐L were more prominent than Pio and C‐L alone, suggesting a potentiating effect for the combination of the two agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crocus sativus L. was used for the treatment of a wide range of disorders in traditional medicine. Due to the extensive protective and treatment properties of C. sativus and its constituents in various diseases, the purpose of this review is to collect a summary of its effects, on experimental studies, both in vitro and in vivo. Databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus were explored until January 2023 by employing suitable keywords. Several investigations have indicated that the therapeutic properties of C. sativus may be due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the nervous, cardiovascular, immune, and respiratory systems. Further research has shown that its petals also have anticonvulsant properties. Pharmacological studies have shown that crocetin and safranal have anti-oxidant properties and through inhibiting the release of free radicals lead to the prevention of disorders such as tumor cell proliferation, atherosclerosis, hepatotoxicity, bladder toxicity, and ethanol induced hippocampal disorders. Numerous studies have been performed on the effect of C. sativus and its constituents in laboratory animal models under in vitro and in vivo conditions on various disorders. This is necessary but not enough and more clinical trials are needed to investigate unknown aspects of the therapeutic properties of C. sativus and its main constituents in different disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During X-ray imaging, pulmonary movements can cause many image artifacts. To tackle this issue, several studies, including mathematical algorithms and 2D-3D image registration methods, have been presented. Recently, the application of deep artificial neural networks has been considered for image generation and prediction. Objective: In this study, a convolutional long short-term memory (ConvLSTM) neural network is used to predict spatiotemporal 4DCT images. Material and Methods: In this analytical analysis study, two ConvLSTM structures, consisting of stacked ConvLSTM models along with the hyperparameter optimizer algorithm and a new design of the ConvLSTM model are proposed. The hyperparameter optimizer algorithm in the conventional ConvLSTM includes the number of layers, number of filters, kernel size, epoch number, optimizer, and learning rate. The two ConvLSTM structures were also evaluated through six experiments based on Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and structural similarity index (SSIM). Results: Comparing the two networks demonstrates that the new design of the ConvLSTM network is faster, more accurate, and more reliable in comparison to the tuned-stacked ConvLSTM model. For all patients, the estimated RMSE and SSIM were 3.17 and 0.988, respectively, and a significant improvement can be observed in comparison to the previous studies. Conclusion: Overall, the results of the new design of the ConvLSTM network show excellent performances in terms of RMSE and SSIM. Also, the generated CT images with the new design of the ConvLSTM model show a good consistency with the corresponding references regarding registration accuracy and robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Livelihood diversity, with an emphasis on off-farm activities and the expansion of employment opportunities for various active groups in rural communities, has proven to be an effective approach in rural development. Disability is a reality that societies must accept, consciously manage, and plan for, especially in high-risk rural environments where it is more prevalent. Disability increases the burden on communities and raises the cost of living for rural households. This pressure intensifies when disabled individuals who are capable of work are deprived of suitable job opportunities, preventing them from participating in the economic cycle. Research in entrepreneurship has often overlooked the entrepreneurial potential of specific groups within rural communities, including disabled individuals. In Kermanshah Province, rural disabled people represent a significant portion of the unemployed population, with only four percent of disabled individuals in the province currently employed. Addressing the entrepreneurship of disabled individuals has multiple implications across economic, social, and political dimensions. The aim of this research is to identify the factors affecting the entrepreneurship of rural disabled individuals in the Kozran district of Kermanshah Township. Methods: This study utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The qualitative component involved semi-structured interviews with 21 rural disabled individuals from Kozran district and 15 managers and experts from the welfare organization in Kermanshah Province. Participants were selected through purposeful sampling based on data saturation. The qualitative data were analyzed using the grounded theory coding method with Maxqda software. Validity and reliability were assessed through four key concepts: credibility, transferability, verifiability, and reliability. The quantitative aspect employed a descriptive correlational method, with a statistical sample of 130 rural disabled individuals with employability in the Kozran sector. A researcher-developed questionnaire served as the primary data collection instrument. Convergent validity (mean variance extracted) and divergent validity (Fornell and Larcker criteria) were used to evaluate the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Data analysis for the quantitative component was conducted using SPSS22 software, while structural equation modeling with a partial least squares approach was employed using SmartPLS version 3 to explore relationships among the studied constructs. Results: The analysis of the research data revealed 58 concepts related to the factors affecting the entrepreneurship of rural disabled individuals, categorized into 15 structures and four main categories. These categories include the entrepreneurial competencies of rural disabled individuals, which encompass commitment competence, learning competence, communication competence, and strategic competence. Individual factors include utility and social identity, a sense of altruism, entrepreneurial awareness, and entrepreneurial personality traits. Contextual factors encompass perceived local support, challenges and limitations, perceived family support, and human capital. Structural factors include infrastructural and environmental factors, administrative bureaucracy, and measures taken by the welfare organization. Additionally, 27 concepts related to strategies for developing entrepreneurship among rural disabled individuals were identified, categorized into five areas: educational and empowerment strategies, cultivation and change of public attitudes toward the entrepreneurship of disabled individuals, material and spiritual support, diversification of employment fields, and branding of products made by disabled individuals, along with improvements in the quality and quantity of human resources. The results indicated that learning competence, human capital, challenges and limitations, perceived family support, and commitment competence are the most significant factors influencing the entrepreneurship of rural disabled individuals. The findings of the quantitative model revealed that learning competence had the highest impact on entrepreneurship (β=0.811), followed by human capital (β=0.679) and challenges and limitations (β=0.672). Conclusion: The entrepreneurship of rural disabled individuals, often overlooked in discussions of rural employment, can play a vital role in achieving integrated rural development. To realize this goal, it is essential to focus on factors that facilitate the spontaneous employment of employable rural disabled individuals. This research highlights the need for addressing the lagging state of rural entrepreneurship as identified by both disabled individuals and related experts. Creating a supportive environment for employment and harnessing the talents of rural disabled individuals requires a commitment from authorities and the rural community. First, there must be a belief in the potential for disabled individuals to be employed. Second, efforts should be made to identify and empower these individuals. Finally, the three foundational dimensions of this initiative--families, officials, and disabled individuals--must collaborate and take responsibility. Reforms and institutional development regarding the employment of rural disabled individuals are crucial for the successful functioning of these three dimensions. Therefore, it is recommended to update and simplify regional laws and regulations to support investors interested in the ideas of rural disabled individuals. Additionally, facilitating self-employment for rural disabled individuals by identifying and engaging with relevant sectors is crucial. To incentivize private sector engagement, tax exemptions, low-interest loans, and subsidies for energy costs should be considered for employers. Furthermore, networking and showcasing the capabilities of rural disabled individuals within supply networks and the value chain of agricultural and rural products can significantly enhance their employment opportunities [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present work, the effect of titania (TiO2) nanotubes formation incorporated with chitosan-58S bioactive glass (TNT/Chitosan-58S BG) on physiochemical properties of titanium substrate was studied. Samples were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Corrosion behavior of the coated samples was investigated in Ringer solution through Tafel polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Results represented that TiO2 nanotubes orderly formed on titanium substrate through electrochemical anodizing process. Moreover, Chitosan-58S BG coating was formed on the TNT layer with appropriate adhesion strength, owing to the mechanical interlocking. Variation of applied voltage (25 and 30 V) and duration of anodizing process (30, 60 and 120 min) resulted in the formation of TiO2 nanotubes with various diameters in the range of 89–99 nm. Furthermore, electrochemical evaluations illustrated that the presence of titania nanotubes and Chitosan-58S BG on Ti substrate significantly ameliorated the corrosion resistance of Titanium substrate through reducing corrosion current density (3.486 vs. 2.854 µA cm− 2), as well as, increasing total resistance (40.417 vs. 96.875 kΩ cm2). In addition, our study revealed that the surface hardness of Ti substrate improved after two step surface treatments. In summary, appropriate mechanical and electrochemical characteristics make the TNT/Chitosan-58S BG coating, a proper choice for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A patient with epilepsy was shown to have neurobiological, psychological, cognitive, and social issues as a result of recurring seizures, which is regarded as a chronic brain disease. However, despite numerous drug treatments, approximately, 30%-40% of all patients are resistant to antiepileptic drugs. Therefore, newer therapeutic modalities are introduced into clinical practice which involve neurostimulation and direct stimulation of the brain. Hence, we review published literature on vagus nerve stimulation, trigeminal nerve stimulation, applying responsive stimulation systems, and deep brain stimulation (DBS) in animals and epileptic patient with an emphasis on drug-resistant epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study examined the role of social support in protecting against disability among older people residing in Poldasht, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran in 2018. Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken on 305 older adults who were selected by random sampling method. The World Health Organization standardized disability scale (WHODASS2) and multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) were applied to collect the data. Data analysis was run through a multiple linear regression model by SPSS software, version 23. The significance level was set at P=0.05. Results: The mean age of older people was 69.13±7.63 years. The highest incidence of disability was in the subscale of community participation (n=111, 36.4%) and mobility (n=111, 36.4%). The results revealed that age (ß=0.32, P<0.001), financial status (ß=0.14, P=0.002), job (ß=-0.18, P=0.02), number of physical illnesses (ß=-0.21, P<0.001), and social support (ß=-0.17, P<0.001) were predictive factors of disability among older people. Discussion: The results showed a high prevalence of disability among older people. Given the protective role of social support in reducing disability, it is suggested to consider this costeffective factor in attempts to deal with disability and then promote the quality of life of this vulnerable group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lighting policies and the influence of light colour parameters on humans and the environment are complex. The opinions of experts and the optimisation of night-time lighting policies create a suitable nightscape that satisfies users' needs and minimises environmental impacts. This study aims to provide a nightscape design policy for outdoor spaces considering environmental factors. This evaluation can provide multidisciplinary policy recommendations and evaluate the position of environmental considerations in human-centred lighting design. Initially, the factors affecting the night landscape are identified and priorities are subsequently determined on a smaller scale based on the typology of Tehran's nightscape. The data output from these prioritisations is used to develop how the lights in the night landscape can be improved for various spatial typologies. Finally, a human and environment-friendly conceptual model is developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Ferula is a genus of the family Apiaceae and it includes around 170 species of flowering plants mostly native to the Mediterranean region and eastern to central Asia. In Iran, Ferula spp. are widely used in cuisine and traditional medicine. This review discusses the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities of different species of Ferula. Materials and Methods: To prepare the present review, Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science scientific databases were searched to retrieve relevant articles published from 1985 until December 2020. Results: Based on our literature review, Ferula plants and their derivatives decrease the levels of inflammatory mediators and exert anti-apoptotic effects. Under oxidative stress conditions, these plants and their constituents were shown to decrease oxidative markers such as malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide but increase superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase activity, and glutathione level. Ferula plants and their constituents also showed immunomodulatory effects by affecting various cytokines. Besides, in vivo and in vitro studies showed hypotensive, neuroprotective, memory-enhancing, anti-oxidant, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, anticytotoxic, antiobesity, and anthelmintic effects for various species of Ferula and their constituents. These plants also showed a healing effect on gynecological issues such as miscarriage, unusual pain, difficult menstruation, and leukorrhea. All these beneficial effects could have resulted from the antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of these plants and their constituents. Conclusion: Based on the available literature, members of the genus Ferula can be regarded as potential therapeutics against inflammatory conditions, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]