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Purpose: This study aims to investigate the perceptions of Iranian English teachers about their teaching efficiency through a specific practicum course, namely, language teaching methodology. Drawing on a marketing education perspective, the researchers sought to measure the service quality offered in universities by examining teachers' satisfaction with the curriculum. Design/methodology/approach: Using quantitative gap analysis, the study evaluated the knowledge and skills of teachers in their preservice education regarding the perceived importance of knowledge and skills required in practice. The study involved 120 English as a foreign language teachers holding a BA degree from two universities in Iran, each with two to four years of teaching experience in the private sector. Data were collected using a 40-item semantic differential Likert scale developed by the researchers. The scale incorporated two components that assessed teachers' perceived importance of knowledge and skills and their preservice educational preparation. Findings: The findings revealed that most participants were overprepared in various items. However, there were some gaps in content knowledge and skills. Reasons for these gaps mainly included having adequate experience of and/or familiarity with course content, having completed relevant courses beforehand and imitating role model teachers. Teachers' underpreparation was attributed to their lack of preparation in some specific subjects due to limited skill, practice, motivation, experience and familiarity with that content area. Originality/value: This study explores the perceived knowledge and skills of Iranian English teachers and provides empirical insights into higher education service quality and customer satisfaction.

This contribution was an attempt to study the impact of critical discourse-based instruction on Iranian English major language learners' in-depth reading. To this target, Fairclough's three-dimensional model of critical discourse analysis [CDA], with an emphasis on the 10-question model was used. To this end, all undergraduate foreign language students (n=146) including Teaching English as a Foreign Language, English Translation and English Literature at the University of Mazandaran, participated in the study as a sample of Iranian EFL classrooms. The procedure was designed according to the usual pre-test/post-test experimental studies. The experimental groups were taught to explore the masked and covered meanings of the texts in order to explore and discover interrelation of discourse structures and ideological structures of the texts, meanwhile the control groups were studying the same materials conventionally. A post reading ability test was conducted at the end of the course study. The post-test was designed according to the course materials they studied during the instruction. The given scores were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics and showed that CDA-based instruction significantly affects EFL learners' reading comprehension. And responses to the motivation-related questionnaire depicted that experimental EFL students became very motivated after being familiar with CDA skills.

Background and Objectives: Mental disorders affect around 20% of children and teenagers worldwide, resulting in a decrease in academic success and progress, ultimately resulting in a decrease in their academic performance. This research aimed to determine the level of mental health literacy for high school students in eastern Iran in 2023. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 348 high school students in Zirkuh City, Iran, using a cluster sampling method. The data was gathered by a 29-item questionnaire known as the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS). Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test were utilized for data analysis at a significant level of 0.05. Results: The study included 348 students with a µ (SD) age of 16.27 (0.89) years. Of these, 176 (50.6%) were female. Most students (53.2%) scored low in MHL with a µ (SD) score of 79.3 (9.2). The most common source of mental health knowledge was "Internet and friends" (65.5%). The mean score of "help-seeking attitudes" was significantly higher in students of natural sciences (P<0.03) and technical sciences (P<0.02) than those in humanities. There was a significant difference in the mean score of MHL, the ability to recognize disorders, and help-seeking attitudes based on the father's occupation. The mean scores for MHL and help-seeking attitudes were higher among self-employed fathers than those involved in farming and animal husbandry occupations (P<0.001). The study found that students whose fathers were teachers had a higher ability to recognize disorders compared to the other groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, the level of MHL of the students participating in the study was not favourable. Therefore, it is necessary to develop educational interventions for students and their parents with their teachers' aim. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review aimed to summarize the evidence regarding death anxiety (DA) and related factors among nurses. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database (SID) databases were extensively searched using purpose-related keywords from the earliest to October 5, 2021. A total of 6819 nurses were included in 31 studies. The DA of nurses based on the Templer's Death Anxiety Scale was moderate. Factors such as personal anxiety, frequency and severity of job stress, burnout, dying patient avoidance behavior, euthanasia, sex, mental health status, social desirability, attitude toward the elderly, humor, social maturity, psychological hardiness, quality of life, lack of social activity, self-efficacy, coping with death, and life satisfaction were associated with nurses' DA. Therefore, nursing policymakers can promote nurses' health to improve the quality of nursing care by considering these related factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decades, there has been an increasing tendency to incorporate new technologies in language education. Although EFL students and teachers are accustomed to using new technologies in their everyday life, they may not be well aware of such assets in education. This qualitative study aimed at investigating how Iranian B.A. English students perceived and used new technologies before and after an undergraduate course of CALL. A total of 27 senior students of Yasouj University participated in this study. They were interviewed by one of the researchers before and after the course. Content analysis of the interviews revealed that almost all participants appreciated the course and it had engendered their enthusiasm about CALL potentialities and the new learning options it might offer. The respondents maintained that the course raised their awareness on how CALL could expedite their learning through providing more chances of both oral and written communications with native and non-native speakers of English well beyond the confinements of their traditional EFL classes. Although some participants were anxious about utilizing new technologies, they were favorably inclined towards CALL uses after the course. More specifically, the paper provides insights into the implications of raising university students' awareness about CALL.

The current study aimed at diagnosing the language needs of Iranian undergraduate students of computer engineering in order to find out whether there is any significant difference in perceptions between the students and their ESAP (English for Specific Academic Purpose) teachers, concerning their Reading skill needs. To conduct the intended research study, both qualitative and quantitative approaches were taken. The quantitative approach included the use of self-assessment, and two questionnaires, and the qualitative approach included participant observation. The questionnaires were adapted from Atai and Shoja (2009), and were distributed among 500 undergraduate students of computer engineering and 30 ESAP teachers who were chosen randomly through cluster sampling method from thirteen universities. Mann-Whitney U-test results showed that there was a significant difference between perceptions of the students and their teachers about their Reading skill needs and "Reading" was mentioned as one of the most difficult skills for the students. Moreover, it was found that the majority of students suffered from low level of General English Language Proficiency, and also "low motivation" and the "character" of teachers were found to be important factors affecting students' learning.

The morbidity and mortality rates of COVID-19 pandemic are increasing, and many families have lost their loved ones. This study explored the experiences of families living in Iran who lost a loved one to COVID-19. The researchers apply a descriptive phenomenological approach and draw on in-depth interviews with 18 family members who had lost at least one family member because of COVID-19. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method. After reviewing and comparing the consistency of the codes, crisis in crisis, circumstances of death and its consequences, and lack of preservation of patient dignity were extracted as main categories. Neglecting grieving families and related issues can lead to delays and difficulties in the process of recovery and intensification of their psychosocial pressures. Acquiring more knowledge about different impacts of COVID-19 will be helpful for providing timely and better rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is essential to fetal growth and producing a healthy child. This study aims to investigate the relationship between maternal dietary diversity and neonatal weight among pregnant women referred to health centers in Qazvin. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 1076 pregnant women referred to healthcare centers affiliated by Qazvin University of Medical Sciences from April to June 2019. The dietary information of study participants was collected by a food frequency questionnaire. It was used to determine their dietary patterns by applying a factor analysis with a varimax rotation using SPSS software, version 20. Regarding the women's Dietary Diversity Score (DDS), women were categorized into two groups: inadequate (DDS < 4) and adequate (DDS ≥ 4) dietary diversity. The primary outcome was birth weight, and a log-binomial model was run to test the association between DSS and birth outcomes in the study population. The analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics for Windows version 20.0. Results: Study findings revealed that mothers with higher dietary diversity scores were those with normal BMI and normal levels of hemoglobin who had 8–10.9 kg maternal weight gain and were headed by an employed husband (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the risk of low birth weight in newborns of mothers with inadequate dietary patterns was 2.6 times higher (ARR = 95% CI 2.6, 1.4, 5.12) compared to the newborns from mothers with adequate diets. Conclusion: Insufficient intake of dietary diversity during pregnancy can potentially increase the likelihood of low birth weight in newborns. Thus, we recommend that health system authorities prioritize the planning for healthy nutrition of pregnant mothers in different geographical regions, specifically remote, rural, and deprived areas of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical education plays an essential role in shaping the nursing identity and is one of the central elements in the education of nursing students. Today, with the advancement of novel technologies, utilizing mobile phone-based technologies in the education of medical sciences is inevitable. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the impact of the urology educational application on nursing students' cognitive-functional criteria and satisfaction during the internship period. Methods: This experimental educational intervention study was conducted during nursing students' urology internship course at Shahid Beheshti School of Nursing and Midwifery in Rasht. The data collection tools included a demographic characteristics questionnaire, cognitive skills scale, functional skills scale, and satisfaction scale (Stokes, 2001). The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16, and a significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Out of 48 studied students, 28 (58.3%) were males. The mean age of the students was 20.34 (SD = 1.51) years. In the application group, the mean of students' cognitive skills after the intervention significantly increased by 2.33 units (95% CI: 1.73 to 2.9) (t(23) = 7.97, P < 0.001, d = 1.626). By controlling the scores before the intervention, the adjusted mean score of cognitive skills in the application group was 0.56 units (95% CI: -0.16 to 1.28) higher than the traditional group; however, this difference was not statistically significant (F(1, 45) = 2.42, P = 0.127, η2p = 0.051). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean score of students' functional skills in traditional and application groups (t(46) = 0.63, P = 0.532, d = 0.184). The total mean score of satisfaction with education in the application group was 83.0 (SD: 10.7). According to the values ​​of the quartiles, 75% of the students scored higher than 75.9, 50% scored higher than 83.9, and 25% scored higher than 91.1. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, students' scores of functional and cognitive assessment and satisfaction with the application in urology clinical training were reported as favorable. Therefore, it is recommended that mobile phone-based technologies be used in students' clinical education and internships in combination with the traditional method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a textual analysis of letters written by 21 male and 21 female participants in Persian. Each writer wrote two letters, one to a dating service and another one to a hypothetical person chosen and introduced by the center. Therefore, a total of 84 letters were collected from the participants. Schema theory was used to find the possible gendered differences between male and female self-disclosure letters. The results of this study confirmed that men and women used significantly different semantic, syntactic and parasyntactic schemata (?[superscript 2] = 30.37, df = 2, p < 0.0001), they also wrote differently in terms of the type of schemata forming the genera of the domains. Further descriptive analysis indicated that semantic domain accounted for 74.44% of all schema types used in male letters and 78.98% of the schemata used in female letters.

This article aims to explain the process of social worker interventions in emergency response situations in Iran. Content analysis techniques were used to analyze the experiences of hospital social workers (n = 40). The nominal group technique was used to design and compile the process (n = 10). Focus group discussion and the AGREE guidance critique technique were conducted in the presence of experts. In this study, the process of providing specialized interventions of hospital social workers in crisis situations, the challenges, and professional roles were identified. The principles and basis of work in crisis situations are similar, but at the same time, each one needs special consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of food baskets can significantly influence the water consumption rate and society's environmental impact. This study evaluates the sustainability of Iran's food and nutrition security by evaluating five food baskets using water and carbon-footprint indices. These food baskets are the common Iranian food basket (CIFB), the vegetarian food basket (VFB), the Ministry of Health desired food basket (MHDFB), the Swiss Society for Nutrition food basket (SSNFB), and the Mediterranean food basket (MFB). This study also examines the role of Iran's agricultural sector under the Paris Climate Change Agreement (COP21). The TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making method was used to identify the most desirable food basket. The results of this study show that the VFB could be the most desirable alternative to the CIFB. Replacing the CIFB with the VFB causes a 10% and 21% lower water and carbon footprint, respectively. From a 30-year perspective (around 2050), choosing the VFB would reduce the blue water footprint by 19.7 BCM and the gray water footprint by 3.6 BCM compared to the CIFB. According to the provisions of COP21 regarding Iran's voluntary program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the agricultural sector will be one of the sources of greenhouse gas emissions that will face an upward trend. Hence, to adhere to this voluntary commitment, these emissions should be reduced by changing the CIFB to the VFB or reducing emissions in other sectors, such as industry. Choosing the VFB can reduce 10.7 million tons of CO2 emissions, which can be a significant step for the agricultural sector in Iran in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, considering the characteristics of farm products (water and carbon footprints) in Iran, a country located in a semi-arid climate, the VFB is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This empirical study attempts to deal with an exploration gap surrounding Iranian pastoralists' pro‐environmental intention regarding sustainable rangeland management. This study tested a combination of protection motivation and cultural values theories using structural equation modeling. A sample among rangeland's users was selected and the sample size was determined using Cochrane's (1963) formula to be 289. Data for this study were collected using a researcher‐made questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 20) and AMOS (version 20). The results showed that the conceptual model of this study had a good fit with the data. The combination of the two theories showed good potential in predicting the pro‐environmental intention of rangeland users (51%) compared with previous researches. The results revealed that risk perception, maladaptation, and belief in land degradation directly influence rangeland's pro‐environmental intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is among the most common liver diseases. In recent years, the prevalence of fatty liver disease has been mostly attributed to obesity, an unhealthy lifestyle, and poor eating habits, which, in addition to Western countries, have also been reported in Iran. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of lifestyle modification (physical activity and diet) on the recovery of NAFLD in health insurance staff in Tabriz, Iran. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 42 male and female NAFLD patients aged 20 to 55. The participants were randomly divided into intervention (diet along with aerobic exercise) (n=21) and control (without diet and exercise) (n=21) groups. The level of disease recovery was evaluated by measuring the level of liver enzymes (AST and ALT), liver ultrasound (to determine the degree of fatty liver), and body mass index (BMI) before and after three months of intervention. Paired and independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon test were performed using SPSS version 22 software. The clinical significance of the study was estimated using an epidemiological tool known as the number needed to treat (NNT). Results: No significant difference was observed between the two groups in anthropometric and biochemical parameters, as well as fatty liver grade. However, the decrease in BMI index in the intervention group was insignificant compared to the control group. The degree of liver recovery in the intervention and control groups was calculated to be 69.9% and 33.3%, respectively. Also, the decrease in fatty liver grade in the intervention group was significant compared to the control group (P = 0.028). There was a statistically significant reduction in the severity of fatty liver disease in the intervention group at the end of the research (NNT = 3.5), meaning that for every 3.5 patients with NAFLD treated with diet and exercise for 3 months, one patient showed improvement. Conclusions: This study showed that lifestyle modifications, such as physical activity and dietary habits, significantly affected fatty liver in NAFLD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Iran, there is a lack of information and studies on acute rheumatic fever (ARF), a global health issue. The limited understanding of ARF's prevalence and primary clinical symptoms has led to confusion. This research investigates the characteristics of children aged 3-17 years who experience ARF with monoarthritis as their initial symptom. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of medical records of children diagnosed with ARF was conducted. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of monoarthritis as the first manifestation of ARF and its association with age, gender, family history, and cardiac involvement. Categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-square test with a significance level of < 0.05 and a confidence interval of 95%, using SPSS software (Version 23). Results: The study included 62 patients with ARF, comprising 41 (66.1%) boys with an average age of 8.48±3.27 years. Among these patients, 12 exhibited cardiac involvement according to the revised Jones criteria, with 5 clinical carditis and 7 cases of subclinical carditis. Monoarthritis was the initial symptom in seven patients (11.29%); five (71.4%) also had carditis. There was a significant association (p<0.001) between monoarthritis and carditis. Conclusion: The study concludes that monoarthritis may be an early sign of ARF in children and correlates significantly with cardiac involvement. However, more extensive research with more significant participant numbers is necessary to understand ARF in Iran comprehensively. A thorough cardiac examination is also crucial for patients with ARF and monoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to predict the yield of two strategic crops in Iran; wheat and rice, under climate scenarios that indicate probable changes in climate variables. It implemented by a stochastic model based on the Monte Carlo method. This model were estimated based on historical data from 1988 to 2019 for precipitation and temperature provided possible changes in the pattern of and their probability of occurrence. The results show that rain-fed wheat, irrigated wheat and rice yields decrease by 42%, 29% and 21% respectively in the average scenario. Therefore, policy makers should try to make the right decisions to increase the production of the country's strategic crops. R&D management to introduce drought-tolerant varieties, use of modern irrigation systems and use of low-volume irrigation methods are some of the proposed solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Buccal, Vaginal, and Sublingual misoprostol for induction of labor in term pregnancy. Materials & Methods: The research was done as an RCT from 2017 to 2018. About 300 participants were randomly allocated to obtain 50 µg Buccal, 25 µg Vaginal, and 50 µg Sublingual misoprostol in Kosar Hospital, Qazvin, Iran. The maternal and fetal complications, Bishop score hour 1, and hour 6 were observed. Results: There were no differences between fetal complications (P>0.05) and maternal complications (P>0.05) among the three groups. Bishop score hour 1 (P = 0.146), Bishop Score hour 6 (P = 0.704), and total dose (P = 0.15) also were no differences among these groups. Our study found a difference between the three groups (P = 0.015) in achieving standard vaginal delivery within 24 hours, as Buccal, Sublingual and Vaginal groups were performed respectively. The use of Oxytocin in the Buccal group was higher than that of other groups (P = 0.022). Conclusion: This study found that there is no difference in terms of fetal complications and maternal complications in the three groups, but there was a significant difference in Oxytocin use and vaginal delivery within 24 h from the start of induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beekeeping on rangelands is considered as a key approach for sustaining pastoral livelihood and reducing pressure on grazing lands. Previous studies are mostly focused on the ecological contributors of apiculture and the social criteria are not treated in much detail. The current research, therefore, uses the case of Sarayan Arid Rangelands in northeast Iran to examine the importance of social capital in adaptation of beekeeping as a pastoral livelihood diversification strategy. Through a random sampling procedure, 180 herders were selected in the study area. Questionnaires were used to collect data on trusts, collaboration, and solidarity as the main determinants of social capital and also herders' interests in beekeeping. Stepwise linear regression method was employed to estimate the relation between herders' interest in beekeeping and their social capital. The results show that about 33% in variance of motivation on beekeeping as a livelihood diversification strategy could be explained by the cooperation, trust, and solidarity among the rangeland users. Therefore, it is vital to introduce policies and measures to support collaboration and social networks among the rangeland users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate death anxiety (DA) and related factors among critical care nurses. Using a cross-sectional research design, 325 critical care nurses in eight hospitals in Iran enrolled in the study. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that deputy head nurse (OR = 18.299; CI: 1.764–189.817; p =.015), shift morning fixed (OR = 8.061; CI: 1.503–43.243; p =.015), surviving parents (OR = 3.281; CI: 1.072–10.037; p =.037), number of children (OR = 1.866; CI: 1.157–3.010; p =.011), years of working experience (OR = 1.143; CI: 1.048–1.246; p =.003), number of end-of-life patient care in the last 3 months (OR =.900; CI:.828–0.977; p =.012), age (OR =.809; CI:.732–.893; p <.001), CCU nurses (OR =.250; CI:.100–.628; p =.003), and mild stressful life events (SLEs) (OR =.167; CI:.046–.611; p =.007) were significantly related to high DA. Therefore, nurse managers and policymakers should pay special attention to these related factors in developing programs to maintain and promote the health of critical care nurses to improve the quality of nursing care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: To assess relevant environmental conditions in any work-setting requires a multidisciplinary perspective that is practical, valid, and reliable. This includes the physical, environmental, and psychosocial risk-factors. The Structured Multidisciplinary work Evaluation Tool (SMET) questionnaire simultaneously considers multiple work-related demands. OBJECTIVE: This study translated and culturally adapted the SMET into Persian and evaluated its psychometric properties in Persian industrial workers. METHODS: Cross-sectional translation and cross-cultural adaptation in five standardized phases. A convenience sample (n = 211) recruited from an industrial-occupation setting completed: the SMET; and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) criteria; plus light and noise levels were concurrently assessed. Psychometric properties included: validity, with face (from confirmed language clarity, simplicity, and readability), content (via the content validity index, CVI, for equivalency and relevancy), criterion (through Pearson's r correlation with relevant criteria), and construct (through known group validity between participants with/without work-related musculoskeletal disorders, WMSDs); internal consistency (Cronbach's α); and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC2.1). RESULTS: Validity was confirmed with: face through the adaptation; content from suitable CVI values for items (CVI range = 0.78–1.0) and scale-total (CVI = 0.86); criterion from SMET associations with levels for light (r = – 0.42) and noise (r = 0.21), plus RULA (r = 0.42) and NASA-TLX (r = 0.39); and construct through participants with WMSD having significantly higher SMET total-scores (p = 0.01). Internal consistency (α= 0.89) and reliability (ICC2.1 = 0.87) were acceptable and strong. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that the SMET Persian version had acceptable psychometric properties in an industrial occupational setting. Further investigation in longitudinal populations is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the perceptions of Iranian English teachers about their teaching efficiency through a specific practicum course, namely, language teaching methodology. Drawing on a marketing education perspective, the researchers sought to measure the service quality offered in universities by examining teachers' satisfaction with the curriculum. Design/methodology/approach: Using quantitative gap analysis, the study evaluated the knowledge and skills of teachers in their preservice education regarding the perceived importance of knowledge and skills required in practice. The study involved 120 English as a foreign language teachers holding a BA degree from two universities in Iran, each with two to four years of teaching experience in the private sector. Data were collected using a 40-item semantic differential Likert scale developed by the researchers. The scale incorporated two components that assessed teachers' perceived importance of knowledge and skills and their preservice educational preparation. Findings: The findings revealed that most participants were overprepared in various items. However, there were some gaps in content knowledge and skills. Reasons for these gaps mainly included having adequate experience of and/or familiarity with course content, having completed relevant courses beforehand and imitating role model teachers. Teachers' underpreparation was attributed to their lack of preparation in some specific subjects due to limited skill, practice, motivation, experience and familiarity with that content area. Originality/value: This study explores the perceived knowledge and skills of Iranian English teachers and provides empirical insights into higher education service quality and customer satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: : Previous studies have indicated that users' health information-seeking behavior can serve as a reflection of current health issues within a community. This study aimed to investigate the online information-seeking behavior of Iranian web users on Google about Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP). Methods: Google Trends (GTr) was utilized to collect big data from the internet searches conducted by Iranian web users. A focus group discussion was employed to identify users' selected keywords when searching for HSP. Additionally, keywords related to the disease's symptoms were selected based on recent clinical studies. All keywords were queried in GTr from January 1, 2012 to October 30, 2022. The outputs were saved in an Excel format and analyzed using SPSS. Results: The highest and lowest search rates of HSP were recorded in winter and summer, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between HSP search rates and the terms "joint pain" (P = 0.007), "vomiting" (P = 0.032), "hands and feet swelling" (P = 0.041) and "seizure" (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings were in accordance with clinical facts about HSP, such as its seasonal pattern and accompanying symptoms. It appears that the information-seeking behavior of Iranian users regarding HSP can provide valuable insights into the outbreak of this disease in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Palliative care is one of the primary rights of children with cancer and their families. Identifying the unmet needs of palliative care for these children is important in providing high-quality care. Objectives: The present study aimed at explaining the perception of formal and informal caregivers about the unmet palliative care needs of children with cancer and their families. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted from October 1, 2020, to May 15, 2021, in one of the children's hospitals in Rasht (Northern Iran). This study enrolled 25 caregivers (nurses, doctors, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, neighbors, and parents of children with cancer) and 5 children with cancer, who met the inclusion criteria by purposeful sampling to participate in in-depth and semi-structured interviews. The interviews continued until data saturation. A directed content analysis was performed according to the Elo and Kyngas proposed approach and based on the National Consensus Project (NCP) framework. The findings were managed byMAXQDA2020 software. Gubaand Lincoln criteria were used to ensure the trustworthiness of the data. Results: The average age of the participants was 32.40 ± 1.4 years, and 1,450 codes were extracted. The extracted theme was "the need for holistic care", which included 7 main categories such as "the structure and process of care", "physical aspects of care", "psychological aspects of care", "social aspects of care", "cultural aspects of care", "care of the patient nearing the end of life", and "spiritual, religious, and existential aspects of care", and 23 subcategories. Conclusions: Children with cancer and their families have many physical, psychological, spiritual, and social needs. To meet these needs, it is suggested to provide the necessary infrastructure for palliative care, strive for justice in access to palliative care services for children with cancer and their families, empower caregivers, form an interdisciplinary team, and promote cultural awareness regarding cancer and end-of-life care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: Because childbirth is a natural process, pain is therefore part of the process. The amount of labor pain is probably directly related to the pregnant woman's mood, familiarity, awareness and self-confidence. Therefore, it is illogical to accept the complications of surgery and anesthesia and harm to the baby in order to escape the pain. Therefore, the aim of current study was investigating the relationship between the perception of labor pain and the number of deliveries. Materials & Methods: This study is descriptive-analytical correlational study. Two questionnaires were used for gathering information: one on personality traits and the other on labor pain. One hundred participants were chosen according to their demographic information, from a pool of pregnant women at maternal ward of the Persian Gulf Hospital in Bandar Abbas City, Iran. The data was analyzed by means of descriptive_ analytical measures such as Pearson Factor. Results: The mean age of women was 27.15±4.6. Collected data showed that 31% of women were gravida 1, 33% gravida 2, 15% gravida 3, 10% gravida 4, 5% gravida 5, 4% gravida 6, and 2% were gravida 7. a significant relationship was found between pain in the first delivery and pain in the second, third, fifth and sixth deliveries, so that the pain in the first delivery was more than the pain in the second, third, fifth and sixth deliveries. Conclusion: According to the results of this study the severity of labor pain in primiparous and multiparous women was not statistically significant and the intensity of reported pain level was high in all mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater recharge feeds aquifers supplying fresh-water to a population over 80 million in Iran—a global hotspot for groundwater depletion. Using an extended database comprising abstractions from over one million groundwater wells, springs, and qanats, from 2002 to 2017, here we show a significant decline of around −3.8 mm/yr in the nationwide groundwater recharge. This decline is primarily attributed to unsustainable water and environmental resources management, exacerbated by decadal changes in climatic conditions. However, it is important to note that the former's contribution outweighs the latter. Our results show the average annual amount of nationwide groundwater recharge (i.e., ~40 mm/yr) is more than the reported average annual runoff in Iran (i.e., ~32 mm/yr), suggesting the surface water is the main contributor to groundwater recharge. Such a decline in groundwater recharge could further exacerbate the already dire aquifer depletion situation in Iran, with devastating consequences for the country's natural environment and socio-economic development. Groundwater recharge feeds aquifers supplying fresh-water to a population over 80 million in Iran. The authors here show a significant decline of around −3.8 mm/yr in the nationwide groundwater recharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The social restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic likely influenced children's and adolescent's lifestyles and nutrition. This study sought to assess student dietary quality and physical activity levels during the pandemic, as well as examine their association with overweight risk. Methods: Four hundred and fifty-eight students aged 7–12 years old in Karaj, Iran, completed online self-administered questionnaires assessing diet, physical activity, and coronavirus fear. Using Kant's method and the Food Frequency Questionnaire, we obtained diversity scores for five food groups. Data were analyzed using R statistical software. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The mean dietary diversity score (DDS) was the lowest for the meat group and highest for the fruit group. A significant inverse relationship was observed between the meat group diversity score and student weight status (P = 0.02). The interaction of coronavirus fear and weight status with the meat group DDS was also significant in multivariate adjustment modeling (P = 0.018). Among overweight students, body mass index had a meaningful negative correlation with physical activity levels (r = −0.018, P = 0.016). In addition, a significant inverse association was detected between coronavirus fear and physical activity in univariate modeling (β = −145.47, 95% confidence interval: −248.81–−42.12, P ≤ 0.006). Conclusion: A significant association between coronavirus fear and reductions in physical activity as well as weight gain was observed. The study group also did not demonstrate sufficient dietary diversity. Therefore, we recommend promoting diet variety and physical activity for students as part of health-focused school curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In addition to the unfortunate consequences for the patient and family, abscond increases the responsibility and workload of hospital staffs. The aim of the study was to identify the prevalence and factors related to patients’ abscond from a psychiatric hospital 2011 to 2020. Material and methods: In this descriptive epidemiological study, patients’ files were reviewed over a ten-year period. Data collection tools included a questionnaire of demographic information such as patient’s characteristics. Results: The research sample consisted of 14,446 files reviewed, and 204 files related to patient escape were extracted. The escape rate was 1.61%, an average upward rate. According to the results, the incidence of patients’ escape had decreased from 3.91% in 2011 to 0.86% in 2020. The highest escape rate was observed in men (83.82%), single (41.67%) and with undergraduate education (50.98%). Also, people with a history of drug use and more extended hospital stays had higher escape rates (72.55%). The highest escape rate is in summer with an incidence of 19.87%, and the lowest rate is in winter with a prevalence of 10.18%. Conclusions: The possibility of patient escape is considered a nursing diagnosis for all patients with mental disorders, and appropriate preventive measures should be implemented. The necessary interventions by the healthcare team can reduce patients’ motivation to escape by reducing their psychological, social, and communication problems. Therefore, it is necessary to pay more particular attention to patients by identifying those at risk of escape and reducing the rate of escape by providing a high-security environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: All Coxiella burnetii isolates carry one of four large, conserved, autonomously replicating plasmids or a plasmid-like chromosomally integrated sequence. Materials and Methods: In this study, from 2020 to 2021, 400 milk samples were collected from domestic ruminants (cows, sheep, goats, and buffaloes) in West Azerbaijan province. DNA extraction (Forgen, Taiwan) was used to take the bacteria genome. Nested-PCR method was used to perform PCR to the amplification of IS1111 genes and plasmids (QPH1, QpRS, QpDV, and QpDG) using specific primers for each gene. Results: In total, out of 400 milk samples collected from cow, buffalo, sheep, and goats based on the IS1111 gene, 62 (15.5%), (95% CI: 12.3%–19.4%) samples were positive for C. burnetii. Out of 62 positive samples, 16 (25.8%), (95% CI: 16.6%–37.9%) samples contained QpH1 plasmid gene and 5 (8%), (95% CI: 3.5%–17.5%) samples contained QpRS plasmid gene. Also, there were 7 (11.3%), (95% CI: 5.6%–21.5%) positive samples for QpDG and 5 (11.3%), (95% CI: 3.5%–17.5%) positive to QpDV gene. The Phylogenetic analysis of plasmid sequences showed that all obtained sequences have 100% similarity. A phylogenetic tree constructed based on neighbor-joining analysis of partial genes revealed that 20 sequenced isolates were closely clustered together showing 99.9% similarity which can be considered identical and also revealed the 100% similarly of these sequences with more sequences in the gene bank from different sources. Conclusion: Our results indicated that nested PCR has high sensitivity in detecting plasmids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is one of the most important sources of water supply in arid and semi-arid regions, but its availability with sustainable quantity and quality is threatened by various factors, among which climate and land-use change have the most important role. Therefore, it is essential to achieve reliable methods for predicting changes in aquifer storage to plan for the sustainable use of groundwater resources. This study aimed to estimate the potential impact of climate change and land use on the groundwater level of Hashtgerd plain for sustainable use of groundwater resources. In this regard, groundwater supply and demand for 2020 as the base year was simulated to forecast the trends until 2050 by considering climate and land-use changes. Five General Circulation Models under four Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6, and RCP8.5) were used to project future rainfall and temperature. The LARS-WG model was used to downscale the climatic data. Classification of land-use was performed using Landsat satellite images of 1990, 2005, and 2020 in ENVI 5.3 software. Then, by these maps, the Markov chain method implemented in TerrSet software was used to model land-use change for 2050. The indexes used to evaluate the model were the overall accuracy of prediction and the kappa coefficient. The overall accuracy of 94.34% and kappa coefficient of 0.92 were in the calibration stage and 86.34 and 0.82 in the validation stage, respectively. Finally, the effect of climate and land-use change on the decrease of groundwater level was simulated using the MODFLOW model for the period 2020–2050. RMSE and MAE values of steady-state calibration were 0.91 and 0.75, respectively. These values were estimated to be 0.97 and 0.8 in the calibration step for the unsteady-state and 1.01 and 0.91, respectively, in the validation step. The results of climate change showed a decrease in the average annual precipitation and an increase in the average annual temperature. The annual temperature increased by 1.4 °C and 3.2 °C for RCP 4.5 and 8.5 respectively, by 2050. The annual precipitation decreased by 2.45% and 4.47% for both scenarios. The results of land-use change show an increase of residential, barren, and agricultural lands by 105, 41, and 8%, respectively, and a decrease of 94% in pastures lands. The future land-use change reduced aquifer reserve by up to 41%. The combined impacts of climate and land-use change in the most critical state reduced aquifer reserve by 61%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The quality of triage in emergency department depends on regular evaluation of triage nurses' professional capabilities and development of programs to improve them. Flipped classrooms are a new approach to learning which can be employed to improve professional capabilities. The present study aims to compare the impact of lecturing to flipped classrooms in virtual learning on the knowledge and professional capabilities of triage nurses in the emergency departments of the state hospitals of Yazd province in south-western Iran in 2022. Methods: The present study is an experimental work of research. Seventy-four triage nurses participated in the study. Seventy-four triage nurses were randomly allocated to the two groups, including flipped classrooms (group B) and lecturing (group A). The data collection instruments were an emergency department triage nurses' professional capability questionnaire and a triage knowledge questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS v.22 using independent t-test, chi-squared test, and repeated measures analysis of variance. Level of significance was set at p ≥ 0.05. Results: The participants' mean age was 33.1 ± 4.3 years. As measured one month after the education, the triage knowledge mean score of the nurses who were educated using the flipped classroom method (9.29 ± 1.73) was higher than that of the nurses who were educated via lecturing (8.45 ± 1.788), and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Also, measured one month after the education, the professional capability mean score of the nurses who were educated using the flipped classroom method (140.27 ± 11.744) was higher than that of the nurses who were educated via lecturing (132.84 ± 10.817), and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.006). Conclusion: There was a significant difference between the pretest and posttest knowledge and professional capability mean scores of both groups immediately after the education. However, measured one month after the education, the mean and standard deviation of the knowledge and professional capability scores of the triage nurses who had been educated via flipped classrooms were higher than those of the nurses in the lecturing group. Thus, virtual learning using flipped classrooms is more effective than lecturing in improving triage nurses' knowledge and professional capability in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of common morality is fundamental in medical ethics, and lack of universal content and characteristics of common morality is a product of its multifaceted nature. This study aimed to identify the ideas and experiences of academic faculties regarding common morality in a pluralistic setting to promote conceptual knowledge and strengthen moral reasoning and ethical decision-making. The study was conducted using a qualitative method, employing semi-structured in-depth interviews with thirteen faculty members who were selected purposively. In order to assess their ideas and experiences, the transcripts of the interviews were analyzed using the content analysis method through directed and conventional approaches. The interviews were coded manually. Two themes were reflected in the interviews: ontology and epistemology of common morality. The study indicates that the debate about the subjective or objective dependence of common morality questions the coherence of Beauchamp and Childress' common morality (CM) theory, as common morality is the result of various individual and social factor that influence moral thinking and decision-making in pluralistic environments. Additional studies are needed in order to investigate the effect of cultural, social, theoretical, ideological and individual factors on promoting clinical ethical reasoning and decision-making skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Weight management is a new public health role for community pharmacists in many countries. Lack of expertise is one of the key barriers to counseling obese patients. We evaluated the comparative efficacy of three alternative continuing education (CE) meetings on weight management. Methods: We designed a randomized controlled trial comparing didactic lecture, lecture plus case discussion, and lecture plus small-group training. It was conducted in 2011 in Tehran. Pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, and competence were evaluated immediately before, immediately after and one month after each meeting via standardized questionnaires and case vignettes. Participants' satisfaction was evaluated after each meeting. Data were analyzed using repeated measure analysis of variance and chi-squared tests. Results: Sixty pharmacists were randomly allocated to each study arm. There were no demographic differences between the arms at the baseline. The knowledge scores significantly improved for all interventions over time. At the follow-up, the small-group training arm obtained significantly higher knowledge scores (p less than 0.001, effect size = 0.54). The competence scores in lecture plus case discussion and lecture plus small-group training meetings improved over time (effect size 0.14 and 0.34; difference nonsignificant). Small-group training resulted in significantly higher satisfaction scores (p = 0.005). The interventions' effects on attitudes were similar. Discussion: This is the first study on the implementation and efficacy of various types of CE meetings for community pharmacists to provide weight management services. Lecture plus small group training resulted in better learning retention over time and higher satisfaction. Future studies should evaluate the effects of various types of CE meetings on pharmacists' behavior and their cost-effectiveness. (Contains 3 figures and 4 tables.)

Objective: Ganoderma extracts have the potential to be used as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator, and antimicrobial agents, as evaluated in numerous studies. This study was aimed to determine the lethal and inhibitory effects of aqueous, hydroalcoholic, and alcoholic extracts of Ganoderma lucidum on Toxoplasma gondii RH strain tachyzoites, in vitro. Results: All three types of extracts showed toxoplasmacidal effects. The highest percentage of mortality was related to hydroalcoholic extract. The EC50 of Ganoderma extracts for tachyzoites were 76.32, 3.274, and 40.18 for aqueous, hydroalcoholic and alcoholic extracts, respectively. The selectivity index obtained for hydroalcoholic extract was 71.22, showing the highest activity compared to other extracts. According to our findings, the hydroalcoholic part was the most effective substance among the extracts. This basic study showed obvious anti-toxoplasma effect of Ganoderma lucidum extracts. These extracts can be used as candidates for further in-depth and comprehensive studies especially In vivo experiments to prevent toxoplasmosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining optimal exploitation from aquifers is always a major challenge, especially for aquifers facing a drop in their groundwater level. In aquifers with artificial recharge, more complex algorithms are required to determine the optimal exploitation amount. Therefore, in this study, the optimal amount of harvest from the exploitation wells has been determined using a combined simulation–optimization model considering the artificial recharge in Yasouj aquifer in Iran. The model is based on a combination of MODFLOW code and gene expression programming (GEP) simulator tool to simulate the aquifer and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to maximize the total exploitation from the aquifer. The simulation results showed that the artificial recharge was ineffective in maximum exploitation from the aquifer. As a result, considering several constraints, including the maximum pumping rate from the aquifer and the permissible drop in the groundwater level, the maximum exploitation from the aquifer was defined as the objective function. The optimization results showed that the optimal exploitation rate is equal to 8.84 million cubic meters (MCM) per year, and only 74% of the water from artificial recharge can be used based on this amount. Additionally, the most appropriate locations to exploit this amount of water are the northwest and east of the aquifer. According to the findings, it is suggested to ban exploitation from the central and southern parts of the aquifer due to the low groundwater level. The results of the sensitivity analysis show that the reduction in the maximum exploitation rate along with a 50% drop in the groundwater level play an effective role in decreasing the optimal exploitation amount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: Many non-occupational and occupational metabolic syndrome risk factors have been identified. In this study, we examined some occupational risk factors of metabolic syndrome. Methods: 3537 employees of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, (1388 male and 2139 female) participated in this cross-sectional study. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was measured using the International Diabetes Federation criteria, and then we evaluated the association between some job variables such as work-family conflict, shift working, occupational groups and employment status, and metabolic syndrome. Result: According to the International Diabetes Federation criteria, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among employees of Tehran University of Medical Sciences was 22.1%, which was 25.3% and 20.0% for men and women, respectively. In the regression model without the presence of metabolic syndrome component, age, occupational groups, and having a permanent job were predictors of metabolic syndrome. In the model with the presence of metabolic syndrome components, in addition to the metabolic syndrome components, gender and having a permanent job were observed as metabolic syndrome predictors. The study found no association between work-family conflict and metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Having a permanent job is introduced as an occupational predictor of metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senna Mill. (Fabaceae) is an important medicinal plant distributed worldwide. Senna alexandrina (S. alexandrina), the officinal species of the genus, is one of the most well-known herbal medicines traditionally used to treat constipation and digestive diseases. Senna italica (S. italica), another species of the genus, is native to an area ranging from Africa to the Indian subcontinent, including Iran. In Iran, this plant has been used traditionally as a laxative. However, very little phytochemical information and pharmacological reports investigating its safety of use are available. In the current study, we compared LC-ESIMS metabolite profiles of the methanol extract of S. italica with that of S. alexandrina and measured the content of sennosides A and B as the biomarkers in this genus. By this, we were able to examine the feasibility of using S. italica as a laxative agent like S. alexandrina. In addition, the hepatotoxicity of both species was evaluated against HepG2 cancer cell lines using HPLC-based activity profiling to localize the hepatotoxic components and evaluate their safety of use. Interestingly, the results showed that the phytochemical profiles of the plants were similar but with some differences, particularly in their relative contents. Glycosylated flavonoids, anthraquinones, dianthrones, benzochromenones, and benzophenones constituted the main components in both species. Nevertheless, some differences, particularly in the relative amount of some compounds, were observed. According to the LC-MS results, the amounts of sennoside A in S. alexandrina and S. italica were 1.85 ± 0.095% and 1.00 ± 0.38%, respectively. Moreover, the amounts of sennoside B in S. alexandrina and S. italica were 0.41 ± 0.12 % and 0.32 ± 0.17%, respectively. Furthermore, although both extracts showed significant hepatotoxicity at concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/mL, they were almost non-toxic at lower concentrations. Taken together, according to the results, the metabolite profiles of S. italica and S. alexandrina showed many compounds in common. However, further phytochemical, pharmacological, and clinical studies are necessary to examine the efficacy and safety of S. italica as a laxative agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: One of the most important complications in patients with type 2 diabetes is the fear of hypoglycemia (FOH). Spiritual health as the last dimension of health can affect the complications caused by the disease. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between FOH and spiritual well-being (SWB) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods: This study is a cross-sectional descriptive study of correlation type. 380 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in the study with convenience sampling. Two questionnaires of FOH (HSF-II) and Palutzian & Ellison SWB were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using R software version 4.0.4. In the analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient and simple and multivariable linear regression were used. Results: A total of 380 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in this study. The mean and standard deviation of the age and diabetes duration of participants were 56.89 ± 11.42 and 11.7 ± 15.55 years, respectively. Most of the participants were women 244 (64.2%). The mean score of SWB and FOH in patients were 89.55 ± ± 14.32 and 13.34 ± 16.12, respectively. There was also a positive and significant relationship between SWB and FOH using Pearson correlation coefficient (p = 0.001). Conclusions: According to the results, with increasing the score of FOH, the score of SWB also increased. Although increasing SWB has no effect on reducing the FOH, it is a unique energy that relates to the physical, mental, and social dimensions of humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recently, psychological therapies increasingly used as complementary treatment along with medication to help patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This present study compared the effectiveness of gestalt therapy (GT) behavioral activation (BA) and placebo on the anxiety in women with MS. Methods: This study was a clinical trial (pre/posttest with control group and 3-month follow-up). Using the inclusion criteria and implementation of Beck's anxiety inventory (BAI),60 women with MS who had an active case in MS clinic of Rasool Hospital in Tehran, were randomly blocked and assigned into four equal groups including 3 interventional groups and a control group. The psychotherapy groups were received GT and BA intervention for 8 weekly sessions. During this period, in the placebo group, capsules containing rice flour were used once a day. The control group was placed on the waiting list. Again, at the end of interventions, all of participants were retested with BAI and 3-month after the post-test, follow-up test was performed. Data was analyzed using SPSS25 and the repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni's post hoc test. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed GT and BA in comparison with placebo and control groups decreased anxiety mean scores in post-test and follow-up stages (p=0.001). GT and BA had no significant difference. Conclusion: GT and BA are equally effective on anxiety reduction in women with MS. Placebo had no effect on reducing the anxiety of these women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the status of water resources is essential for long-term planning related to water and many other needs of a country. According to climate reports, climate change is on the rise in all parts of the world; however, this phenomenon will have more consequences in arid and semi-arid regions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of climate change on groundwater, surface water, and their exchanges in Shazand plain in Iran, which has experienced a significant decline in streamflow and groundwater level in recent years. To address this issue, we propose the use of the integrated hydrological model MODFLOW-OWHM to simulate groundwater level, surface water routing, and their interactions; a climate model, NorESM, under scenario SSP2, for climate data prediction; and, finally, the HEC-HMS model to predict future river discharge. The results predict that, under future climate conditions, the river discharges at the hydrometric stations of the region may decrease by 58%, 63%, 75%, and 81%. The average groundwater level in 2060 may decrease significantly by 15.1 m compared to 2010. The results of this study reveal the likely destructive effects of climate change on water resources in this region and highlight the need for sustainable management methods to mitigate these future effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to examine the economic impact of changing climate variables on two components of food security in Iran: availability and access to food. Wheat and rice, the two most important foods in the country, were considered representatives of food security. A CGE model was developed to achieve the research goals. In this context, a stochastic model based on Monte Carlo simulation was used to provide three scenarios (best, average, and worst) indicating probable changes in climate variables. It is important to model the problem of changing climatic variables for irrigated crops, as groundwater resource depletion and restrictions on extraction from Iranian aquifers reduce planted areas and yields. Therefore, this study applies this model to both rain-fed and irrigated crops, whereas studies in the literature only evaluate rain-fed crops. Food security will face serious challenges as food supplies, and consumption of goods and services are declining in average and worst scenarios, according to findings. Consequently, the negative impact of climate change on food security and people's livelihoods requires a review of the policies implemented within the country. Effective solutions include research and development to introduce drought-tolerant varieties and adopt appropriate strategies to adapt to climate change. Improving the incomes of farmers is one solution to mitigating the impacts of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cryptosporidium spp. are opportunistic intestinal protozoans with global distribution and are of great importance as zoonotic protozoans are common to humans and domestic animals, including cattle and calves. Identification and detection of parasite species using precise methods including molecular methods can be an effective step in treating and controlling parasites. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium among breeding calves of Khorramabad city, Lorestan province, Western Iran, using PCR. Methods: The faecal samples were taken from 181 healthy and diarrhoeal calves and after the Ziehl Neelsen Acid‐fast staining and microscopic evaluation, the genomic DNA was extracted for molecular evaluations. To detect Cryptosporidium species, specific primers targeting the SAM‐1 gene of Cryptosporidium and a commercial master mix were used for PCR. Results: Out of 181 faecal samples of breeding calves in Khorramabad city, 9 samples (5%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. using the PCR method. Statistical analysis of the data showed that there was no significant statistical relationship between Cryptosporidium infection of the calves and variables of age, breed, type of water consumption, clinical signs of diarrhoea, and sampling location, while parasite infection had a significant relationship with calf gender so that all Cryptosporidium positive samples were from male calves (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Considering the presence of Cryptosporidium infection, the region's traditional grazing system, and the close relationship between livestock and humans, there is a possibility of human infection in the region. So preventive measures such as periodic animal testing with sensitive and accurate diagnostic techniques including PCR, pharmacological treatment of livestock, water hygiene and the use of industrial grazing instead of traditional grazing to improve the hygiene of food consumed by livestock are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to estimate the overall prevalence of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in neonates with jaundice who were admitted to hospitals in Iran. Materials and methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed/ Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Sciences, and Iranian Local databases up to December 2019.We calculated Prevalence and 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) of G6PD deficiency as summary measures. We conducted subgroup analysis based on the sex and quality of studies, while meta-regression were applied for investigating the effect of years of studies and years of publication on the pooled prevalence. We applied sensitivity analysis to investigate the effect of excluding each study on the pooled prevalence estimation. Results: The total sample size was 9799 people. The pooled prevalence of G6PD deficiency among neonates with jaundice in Iran was 7.0% (95% CI: 5.5–8.5%). The results of subgroup analysis showed that, pooled prevalence of G6PD deficiency among male neonate (12.1%, 95%CI: 7.6–16.7%) was more prevalent that female (3.00%, 95%CI: 1.1–4.9%). Based on the sensitivity analysis, lower and higher pooled prevalence of G6PD deficiency was observed 5.8% (95%CI: 4.7–6.9%) and 7.3% (95%CI: 5.7–8.8%) respectively by excluding each study. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 7% in Iranian neonates with Jaundice. Prevalence was high in male and early hours of life. We recommend screening test for G6PD deficiency in neonates to prevent its complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment and prediction of the groundwater resource quality are required for the sustainable management of this crucial resource. This study develops a new index for assessing and a model for predicting the quality of groundwater resources. The groundwater quality index (GWQI), the Shannon entropy method, was used to determine the weight of parameters, and the complex proportional assessment multi‐decision criteria method was used to score the GWQI. Water quality parameters, including TDS, EC, TH, Mg+2, Na+, SO42−, pH, K+, Cl−, HCO3− and Ca+2, were used as decision criteria. The support vector regression–particle swarm optimization)SVR‐PSO(simulation–optimization model is developed to predict new GWQI (C‐GWQI) of the aquifer. The development of this new index called C‐GWQI is one of the innovations of this article. Based on these approaches, the index is used to determine three water quality classes (optimum, permissible, and impermissible) for drinking water following World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The distribution of C‐GWQI shows that groundwater quality in most of the Zanjan aquifer of Iran was in the optimum range. Still, it is deteriorating into the permissible range due to pollution from urban areas during some periods. The hybrid SVR‐PSO model can predict the groundwater quality with sufficient accuracy with a Mean Absolute Relative Error (MARE) of 1.5% and 0.88% in training and testing phases, respectively. Results show that temperature, precipitation, evaporation, returned water and groundwater level did not significantly affect groundwater quality prediction. In contrast, the previous month's C‐GWQI, recharge, and discharge were most influential in predicting groundwater quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Food-borne illness cause major international health problems and reduce economic growth. A highly prevalent zoonotic disease is Q fever, found in many areas like New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Coxiella burnetii is caused by an obligate intracellular bacterium that is considered in ruminants and ubiquitous and can survive in the environment for a long time. Early and reliable diagnosis of food borne pathogens through molecular methods like polymerase chain reaction is critical to find positive outcomes in eradication programs. Method: In this study 100 milk samples obtained from 100 camels were examined in terms of C. burnetii and Mycobacterium presence through a Touch-down PCR assay. Results: In total, there were six positive specimens of Coxiella burnetii in camel milk samples. No Mycobacterium was found in the samples. Conclusions: The findings indicated that healthy camels were major sources of C. burnetii in North- East of Iran. There is a need for studies on risk of Coxiella infection in farmers, veterinarians, milkprocessing and slaughterhouse workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The advent of COVID-19 has led to fear and anxiety among people around the world. This study aimed to study the spiritual health and resilience role in staff's psychological vulnerability in two corona peaks in Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study is a causal-comparative. According to Morgan's table, the statistical population includes all staff of the Islamic Azad University of Birjand, and the sample size is 123 people. Samples were selected randomly. Connor and Davidson Resilience, Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), Pulotzin and Ellison Spiritual Health Questionnaires were fulfilled in the first peak (March to the end of April 2020) and the third peak (October 2020). Mean data, standard deviation, and t-test were used in data analysis with SPSS software version 21. Results: The results showed a significant difference in the degree of psychological vulnerability of individuals in the two corona peaks (P< 0.001). In addition, there is a considerable difference between individuals' psychological vulnerability levels and spiritual health in the two corona peaks (P< 0.001). Conclusion: Enhancing resilience and spiritual health can decrease psychological vulnerability. Also, the results of this study can be used to determine the amount of psychological damage caused by the corona disease and to plan the necessary psychological interventions for the target group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blastocystis spp. is one of the most prevalent intestinal parasites with worldwide distribution. Various diagnostic methods with different sensitivities and specificities have been used to detect Blastocystis in clinical samples. The present study aims to develop and evaluate a LAMP assay to detect Blastocystis spp. in AIDS patients for the first time. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 98 AIDS patients with an average CD4 + T lymphocyte count lower than 150 cells/mm3 participated in the study. The presence of Blastocystis spp. in the stool samples of AIDS patients was examined by parasitology (direct wet mount and concentration assays) and molecular (PCR and LAMP) methods. The 18 SSU rRNA genomic target was used to design the specific primers for the PCR and LAMP assays. The specificity of designed primers for the LAMP assay was evaluated using the sequencing of a conventional PCR product by the external LAMP primers. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software and chi-square test and Fischer's exact tests were used and Cohen's Kappa calculates the agreement of the molecular tests. Associations were tested using odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) after adjustments. Results: Out of 98 stool samples from patients with AIDS, 9 (9.18%), 13 (13.26%), and 15 (15.30%) samples were detected positive for Blastocystis spp. by parasitology, PCR, and LAMP techniques, respectively. PCR amplification and subsequent sequencing of the product sequences revealed that the obtained partial sequences were identical to the corresponding 18 SSU rRNA sequences reported in GenBank. The higher positivity rate for Blastocystis spp. among studied AIDS patients by LAMP technique compared to other diagnostic methods showed the higher potential and effectiveness of this relatively new described molecular assay for the detection of Blastocystis spp. in AIDS patients. Conclusion: The accurate and rapid detection of emerging intestinal protozoa such as Blastocystis is of clinical importance for better prevention and timely treatment of the disease, especially in immunocompromised patients. The results obtained for the first time showed that the sensitivity and accuracy of the LAMP technique in the diagnosis of Blastocystis spp. in AIDS patients is very high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]