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Background: Protecting healthcare employees and preventing infection transmission are paramount concerns during epidemics. Predicting healthcare employees’ behavior regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and identifying the related effective factors can guide educational and administrative strategies and enable timely interventions during outbreaks. This study aimed to predict factors affecting the healthcare employees’ behavior in the use of PPE at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran, based on Godin et al’s model. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical study. After reviewing the related articles and interviewing the experts and based on the model of Godin et al. (2008), a questionnaire was developed, validated, and tested for reliability using face and content validity as well as Cronbach’s alpha. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS v.21 and modeled by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via SPSS v.21 and Smart PLS v.3 software. Results: The questionnaire was valid (CVI = 86.42, CVR = 81.71) and reliable (α = .85). The model exhibited appropriate measurement, structural, and overall fit. Beliefs about consequences, social influences, habits/past behavior, role and identity, characteristics of employees, moral norms, and beliefs about capabilities indirectly and significantly influenced behavior ( P

Abstract Background This study examines the impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) on gene expression associated with menthol biosynthesis and selected biochemical parameters in peppermint plants (Mentha piperita L.). Menthol, the active ingredient in peppermint, is synthesized through various pathways involving key genes like geranyl diphosphate synthase, menthone reductase, and menthofuran synthase. Seedlings were treated with different concentrations of TiO2NPs (50, 100, 200, and 300 ppm) via foliar spray. After three weeks of treatment, leaf samples were gathered and kept at -70 °C for analysis. Results According to our findings, there was a significant elevation (P ≤ 0.05) in proline content at concentrations of 200 and 300 ppm in comparison with the control. Specifically, the highest proline level was registered at 200 ppm, reaching 259.64 ± 33.33 µg/g FW. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde content exhibited a decreasing trend following nanoparticle treatments. Catalase activity was notably affected by varying TiO2NP concentrations, with a significant decrease observed at 200 and 300 ppm compared to the control (P ≤ 0.05). Conversely, at 100 ppm, catalase activity significantly increased (11.035 ± 1.12 units/mg of protein/min). Guaiacol peroxidase activity decreased across all nanoparticle concentrations. Furthermore, RT-qPCR analysis indicated increased expression of the studied genes at 300 ppm concentration. Conclusions Hence, it can be inferred that at the transcript level, this nanoparticle exhibited efficacy in influencing the biosynthetic pathway of menthol. Graphical Abstract

PAE and PC polymers, such as BPA, are utilized to make water bottles. Due to the lack of polymer-chemical interaction, PAE can enter drinking bottles during production, wrapping, and keeping. Phthalates can transfer from the bottle to the water depending on keeping conditions (temperature, time, sunlight intensity), pH, and bottle capacity. Since there haven't been previous studies published on the subject, the aim of this meta-analysis and systematic review research is to determine the level of phthalates in drinking water consumed in Iranian cities. Web of Science, Science of Direct, Scopus, and PubMed, databases have been used in this study. Eight studies were selected from 556 initial publications after screening for duplication and irrelevant information. Articles from January 1, 2000, to February 10, 2024, were found in the mentioned databases. Among the types of phthalates, the concentration of DEHP was reported higher than the others Because its concentration has been reported in seven out of eight studies. The highest concentration of DEHP was reported by Mehraie(2.22 µg/l), Zare Jeddi (0.8 µg/l), Yousefi (0.77 µg/l), Abtahi (0.76 µg/l), Zare Jeddi (0.42 µg/l), Abdolahnejad(0.15 µg/l), and Pourzamani (0.08 µg/l). The highest concentration of DEP, DBP, BBP, and PA was reported by Abtahi (0.77 µg/l) and Esteki (2.25 µg/l), Mehraie(0.93 µg/l), and Pourzamani (0.83 µg/l). The results of this study showed that the most important phthalates measured in drinking water include DEP, DEHP, DBP, BBP, and PA. According to the results of the present studies, the most important factor in the increase of phthalates is the storage conditions of drinking water (temperature, sunlight, and the type of pipe or bottle)

Pollution by heavy metals is a serious global problem due to its toxicity, abiotic characteristics, abundant sources, and cumulative behavior. On the other hand, considering the importance of rice consumption as an important part of nutrition in Lordegan and Ahvaz cities, this study was conducted to evaluate the carcinogenic risk of heavy metals lead, cadmium, zinc, nickel and in local Champa rice cultivated in these two cities. 16 Champa rice samples were collected from the fields of Lordegan and Ahvaz cities. The elements were read in three replicates by Varian 710-ES atomic emission device. The results showed that the concentration of cadmium and nickel in the cultivated rice in the two studied cities was within the range of the national standard of Iran and the Codex standard. Carcinogenic risk values for lead, cadmium and nickel in Champa Lordegan and Ahvaz rice were within the safe range. Also, the non-carcinogenic risk for these heavy metals in the two studied areas was less than 1 and was in the safe range. Rice pollution in Champa in Ahvaz can be due to the industrial nature of this city, and in Lordegan, it is due to pollution through pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and transportation. Long-term consumption of contaminated rice may endanger the health of residents of these areas. It is recommended to carry out regular and up-to-date monitoring strategies in these two cities to prevent the entry of these toxic heavy metals into the human food chain. Also, more studies are needed to evaluate the complete scenario and make definitive decisions.

Health care workers employed operating room in hospital and health centers are unavoidably exposed to inhaling toxic gases, including isoflurane and sevoflurane. Chronic contact with these gases increases the risk of spontaneous abortion, congenital anomalies and cancers. Risk assessment is an important tool in predicting the possible risk to personnel's health. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the concentration of isoflurane and sevoflurane gas in the air of the operating room and estimating the non-carcinogenic risk caused by them. In this descriptive-cross-sectional study, according to the occupational method (OSHA 103), 23 samples (isoflurane and sevoflurane) were collected in the air of operating rooms of four selected hospitals in Ahvaz city by using SKC sampling pumps and sorbent tube (Anasorb 747). The samples were determined by used to gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC/FID). Statistical analysis, including the Kruskal-Wallis test, was used to compare the average concentration of anesthetic gases, and the one-sample t-test was used to compare the average with the standard level. In all analyses, the significance level was 0.05, which was performed by SPSS version 22 software. Result of this study showed that the average concentration of isoflurane in private and general hospitals were 23.636 and 17.575 ppm, respectively. Also, the average level of sevoflurane were 1.58 and 7.804 ppm. According to the results the mean amount of anesthetic gases was within the range recommended by Iran's Occupational and Environmental Health Center and the permissible threshold limit provided by ACGIH. In addition, non-cancer risks from occupational exposure to isoflurane and sevoflurane in selected private and general hospitals were acceptable (HQ < 1). Although the results show that overall occupational exposure to anesthetic gases is less than acceptable but long-term exposure to anesthetic gases may endanger the health of operating room staffs. Therefore, it is recommended to implement some technical controls, including regular inspection of ventilation systems, the use of advanced ventilation systems with high cleaning power, continuous control of anesthesia devices in terms of leakage, and periodic training of related staff.

Background: Heavy metals in street dust are one of the most important sources of pollutants in urban areas. This urban dust can be caused by industrial activities, traffic, erosion of buildings, and fossil fuels. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the ecological risk of heavy metals in the dust of Iran's provinces. Methods: This study was conducted in February 2023 in order to investigate the environmental risks associated with heavy metals associated with dust particles in Iran. The present study was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Finally, 9 studies were extracted from the search databases. Results: The ecological risk of heavy metals in the present study was as follows: Cd (258.26؛ CI: 83.53, 433) >Pb (52.58؛ CI: 37.15, 68.02) >Cu (24.44؛ CI: 16.74, 32.14)>Ni (14.75؛ CI: 12.68, 16.82)>As (13.53؛ CI: 10.20, 16.85)>Zn (6.32؛ CI: 3.76, 8.87)>V (3.18؛ CI: 2.65, 3.72)>Cr (2.73؛ CI: 2.19, 3.27)>Co (1.94؛ CI: 1.13, 2.74). The mean ranking of the studied Pb ecological risk is as follows: Shiraz.> Tehran > Ahvaz > Ilam > Abadan > Dezful. Conclusion: The ecological risk potential of Cd in Tehran was also much higher than the standard. Therefore, Tehran was the most polluted city studied in terms of the ecological risk potential of Cd (1611.41؛ CI: 1605.98, 1616.84) and Pb (86.54؛ CI: 71.46, 101.62). The average concentration as well as the ecological risk of Cr, Co, and V metals were lower than the standard. Therefore, controlling the sources of heavy metal emissions (especially lead and cadmium) is highly recommended.

Abstract Purpose Pre-pregnancy body fat mass is one of the important indicators of the mother's and the infant's health. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate relationship of pre-pregnancy body mass index (PPBMI) with maternal anthropometric indices and weight retention as well as the baby's weight and nutrition in the first 6 months post-partum. Materials and methods This is a prospective cohort study including 397 mothers giving birth to healthy babies and referring to health centers in Ahvaz (southwest of Iran) in 2022. The following data were extracted from the participants' electronic record: body mass index (BMI) before or at the beginning of pregnancy, gestational weight gain, and weight at the time of delivery. In addition to demographic information, the following data were also evaluated: maternal anthropometric indices including weight, hip and waist circumference, and conicity index during the first 10 days post-partum, along with the weight and nutrition pattern of the baby 2, 4 and 6 months post-partum. Results The mean age of the mothers was 29.96±5.7 years. The frequency of mothers according to BMI classification (i.e., underweight, normal, overweight, and obese) was 4.3%, 38.5%, 37%, and 20.3%, respectively. In this study, PPBMI had a significant relationship with decreasive changes of weight, waist and hip circumferen and conicity index after child birth, 2, 4 and 6 months post-partum (P0.05). However, this relationship was not significant when it came to the weight of the baby (P > .05). The lowest reduction in weight, waist and hip circumference and conicity index belonged to overweight mothers but the highest frequency of mothers with excesive gestational weight gain, the lowest frequency of breastfeeding until 6 months and also the lowest values of postpartum weight retention were observed in obese mothers (P

Background & aim: Quality of work life and job satisfaction are two important components in creating a developed and capable workforce in all health care systems. The midwifery profession needs special attention due to its feminine nature and having many job stresses. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of work life and job satisfaction of midwives working in related and non-related workplaces to midwifery in Iran.Methods: The current study was a cross-sectional study using census sampling method, which was performed on 106 midwives (53 working in related and 53 working in unrelated workplaces) in all hospitals of Yazd, Iran in 2021. Data collection tools included demographic Questionnaire (including personal and midwifery characteristics), Walton Work Life Quality and Job Satisfaction Questionnaire. Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney test, correlation coefficient, regression analysis and Chi-square were used to analyze the data.Results: According to the results, the mean total score of quality of work life in midwives working in related workplaces (80.03±12.62) was higher than the mean of overall scores of quality of working life in midwives working in unrelated workplaces (76.94±9.11). However, this difference was not statistically significant except in two dimensions of integration and social cohesion (P=0.027) as well as development of human capabilities (P=0.002). There was no significant difference in job satisfaction of two groups (P=0.242).Conclusion: The results showed that quality of work life in midwives working in related departments are higher than midwives working in unrelated workplaces. Therefore, it is recommended to use midwives as much as possible in positions and workplaces related to their field of study.

Introduction: The frequency of type 1 diabetes (T1D) as one of the most prevalent endocrine disease in adolescents is increasing globally. This type of diabetes is a progressive degeneration β cells of the islets of Langerhans, which decreases insulin production and causes permanent dependence on insulin injection. It is essential to control diabetes in adolescents and increase awareness about the effective factors (self-care) on the health of adolescents with diabetes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of self-care training intervention on self-management subscales and some diabetes indicators (glycosylated hemoglobin level and fasting blood sugar) in adolescents with T1D. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 50 adolescents with T1D, who were referred to the Diabetes Clinic of Golestan Hospital, aged 12 to 18 and selected for this semi-experimental intervention and case–control study by the census. Six one-hour self-help sessions were held for adolescents and their parents. The data collection tools were the Adolescent Self-Care Questionnaire and the Diabetes Index Form for T1D (SMOD-A), used before and three months after the intervention. Chi-square, t-pair tests, and SPSS software version 23 were utilized for statistical data analysis. Results: There was no significant difference between the case and control group regarding gender, age, race, course of the disease, education level, and family history of diabetes (P = 0.771, 0.551, 0.074, and 0.111, respectively). Three months after the intervention, a significant increase was observed in all subscales of self-management and total self-management (P < 001), and a significant decrease was seen in fasting blood sugar (P = 0.001) and glycosylated hemoglobin changes (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Based on the results, training adolescents through a T1D self-care program effectively improved their overall and subscale self-management and reduced fasting glucose and HbA1c levels.

Abstract Background General Emotion Dysregulation (GED) is increasingly implicated as an underlying factor in personality pathology; however, the regulation of specific emotions, such as shame, has been relatively overlooked in the literature. We aimed to identify distinct clusters of shame-coping/regulation and compare them regarding attachment insecurities, mentalizing deficits, and personality pathology, controlling for GED. Methods A convenience sample of 600 participants (351 females and 249 males) from the general population with ages ranging from 18 to 65 (M = 33.78, SD = 12.80) completed a battery of self-report instruments, measuring shame-coping styles, GED, attachment insecurities, mentalizing deficits, criteria A and B of the alternative model for personality disorders, and borderline personality traits. A two-stage clustering method was employed, with shame-coping styles as the clustering variables. The identified clusters were then compared for their effects on dependent variables using multivariate and univariate analyses. These comparisons were also performed after controlling for GED. Results Multiple determination methods suggested a two-cluster solution: maladaptive and adaptive shame-coping. Attack-self, withdrawal, and attack-other styles were the main discriminators. Compared with the adaptive cluster, the maladaptive cluster was characterized by higher use of maladaptive and lower use of adaptive shame-coping styles. Multivariate analyses demonstrated significant differences for all the between-cluster comparisons, with and without GED as the covariate (p

Background & aim: Fetal occiput posterior (OP) position during labor may be associated with negative maternal and neonatal outcomes. It is therefore necessary for the mothers to have active participation in changing their position during the labor in order to facilitate OP rotation. The present study aimed to investigate whether maternal lateral decubitus position during labor can correct fetal OP position and childbirth outcomes.Methods: In this systematic review, searches were made in the databases of Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Controlled Trials Register as well as Persian databases including SID, Magiran and IranMedex from inception to September 2021. Eligible randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of maternal position on fetal OP position during labor were selected. Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials was used to assess the quality of included articles.Results: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the eligibility criteria. They included 871 participants, who were divided into two groups. overall, no difference was reported between the intervention and control groups in terms of the rate of occiput anterior position at birth. The mother's position in the same or opposite direction of the fetal occiput had no role in the spontaneous vaginal delivery rate and other outcomes and neonatal Apgar score. Conclusion: The lateral decubitus position of mother during labor played no role in fetal head rotation toward the OP position or delivery outcomes.

Background: /objectives: Risk assessment is very important to reduce the occurrence and spread of preventable accidents in hospitals because they have huge resources of funds related to the health of society, human, financial, physical, and equipment capital. This study was done in order to assess the occupational health and safety risks at Mehr and Razi Hospital in Ahvaz. Methods: In this descriptive-cross-sectional study, the HOSHRA method was used at Mehr Private and Razi University of Education Hospital in Ahvaz during 2022. Then, descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results. Results: Based on result of this study in Razi Hospital, the final score of risk is in order from the highest to the lowest related to biological risks > physical risks > chemical risks > ergonomic risks > psychological risks, and in Mehr Hospital, in order from the highest to the lowest related to biological risks > ergonomic risks > psychological risks > risks Physical and chemical hazards were obtained. The findings of the total HOSHRA index for different risks in the two selected hospitals showed that close to each other, but it was slightly higher in Razi Hospital in Ahvaz than in Mehr Hospital. Conclusion: According to the findings study the chemical, ergonomic, psychological, physical, and biological risk assessment results showed that the risk level at Razi Educational and Mehr Private Hospitals is unacceptable and requires fundamental and urgent changes.

Several parameters have been analysed in the field of carbon dioxide (CO2) subsurface storage efficiency and security, including the aquifer dip and background water flow, for proper selection of CO2 storage aquifer sites. However, less importance has been assigned to the impact of the direction of groundwater flow on the migration of the injected CO2 plume, and hence the aquifer storage performance. This study investigates, using a numerical modelling method, the effect of the direction and magnitude of groundwater flux on the CO2 plume displacement and trapping in dipping aquifers during the early stages of the post-injection migration. The groundwater flow is established using water injection and production wells at the extremities of the model, while the direction of flow is altered from downdip to updip by swapping the locations of these wells. The study estimates and compares the extent of the total injected plume and the mobile portion of the plume, in addition to the instantaneous velocity of the leading tip of the plume, when groundwater flows downdip and when it flows updip. Our results indicate that when the groundwater flows downdip, counter to the overall direction of the CO2 plume migration, the plume is more stretched in both the updip and downdip directions than when groundwater flows updip. The size of mobile CO2 plume enlarges to a greater extent with downdip groundwater flow, causing the advancing tip to accelerate during its updip migration due to increasing buoyancy, with the effect being more pronounced at lower flow velocities. This increases the risk of CO2 leakage during the early stages of the plume migration when groundwater flows downdip. On the other hand, updip groundwater flow reduces the risk of leakage by reducing the velocity and extent of the plume, and increasing the impact of trapping mechanisms. Thus, the direction of groundwater flow can control the migration velocity of the CO2 plume in dipping storage aquifers, not due primarily to any induced viscous force, but due to the impact of trapping on buoyancy. Therefore, choosing the appropriate injection location for CO2 relative to the direction of flux is important for storage efficiency.

Abstract Introduction Epistemic trust, or trust in transmitted knowledge, has been proposed as a critical factor in psychopathology and psychotherapy. This study aimed at evaluating the psychometric properties of the Epistemic Trust, Mistrust, and Credulity Questionnaire (ETMCQ) in Iran. Method Data were collected from 906 participants. Along with the ETMCQ, measures of mentalizing, mindfulness, perspective‐taking, attachment, emotion dysregulation, and borderline personality disorder were administered. Confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) were used to determine factorial structure. Results The ESEM model showed an acceptable fit and outperformed the confirmatory model. A 14‐item version of the ETMCQ was retained after examining item performance. Our findings also established criterion‐related validity for mistrust and credulity, an acceptable internal consistency for credulity, discriminant power for mistrust and credulity in detecting positive screens for borderline personality disorder, and measurement invariance across sexes. Conclusion This study provides evidence for the cross‐cultural applicability of the ETMCQ. Nonetheless, the validity of the trust and internal consistency of the mistrust subscale require particular attention in future research.

IntroductionGiven boys' low health knowledge and their unhealthy behavior during puberty, which can cause many physical, mental, and psychological problems, it is important to prevent these complications. This study was therefore aimed to determine the efficacy of a mobile health educational intervention based on the Health Beliefs Model (HBM) on Iranian adolescent boys.Materials and methodsThis randomized controlled trial involved junior high school boys (n = 148) in Iran studying during the 2020–2021 school year. Educational content concerning healthy behaviors during puberty (e.g., the importance of bathing) was developed based on HBM and sent to the intervention group via mobile phone. HBM addresses multiple factors (e.g., perceived disease risk) that explain health behaviors. The intervention was delivered in five sessions over four weeks using real-time Internet communication and texting. The control group did not receive any intervention. One school was randomly selected from each of the four districts of the study site. The schools were then randomized into intervention and control groups. The boys were then randomly selected from each school to participate in the study. Data collected at baseline and 2-month follow-up assessments included demographic information, health knowledge (e.g., physical changes during puberty), health behaviors (e.g., bathing), and HBM constructs (e.g., self-efficacy to perform healthy behaviors). Data analysis was done using the chi-square, independent and paired t-tests, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).ResultsThe two groups did not differ in terms of demographic characteristics. Before the intervention, the two groups were slightly different in terms of knowledge, health behavior, and HBM constructs. Following the intervention, the scores of the intervention group improved significantly (p < 0.05). After adjusting for pre-intervention knowledge, HBM, and health behavior scores, the intervention group remained superior to the control group in terms of improvement of knowledge, HBM constructs, and healthy behaviors (p < 0.05). Effect sizes ranged from medium to large (0.25–0.86).ConclusionMobile phone education based on the HBM is efficacious in encouraging healthy behavior in boys during puberty. Organizations interested in encouraging healthy behaviors in boys should consider the use of such a program.

Abstract Background In recent years, the positive effect of non-pharmacological methods such as listening to music in reducing the level of anxiety of hospitalized patients has been reported. This study aimed to determine the effect of non-verbal music on anxiety in hospitalized children. Methods In this study, 52 hospitalized children aged 6 to 12 years were randomly divided into Test and control groups. Research data collection tools included the Spielberger questionnaire to assess the level of anxiety in children. Statistical analysis of data was performed using Chi-square and t-tests by SPSS 23 software. Results Daily listening to non-verbal music for 20 minutes after the second and third days significantly reduced the anxiety score and the number of breaths per minute of hospitalized children (P ≤ 0.01). The trend of changes in anxiety score was measured for three consecutive days and vital signs except body temperature decreased significantly in the test group (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusion According to the results of this study, listening to non-verbal music by hospitalized children can be used as an effective practical method to reduce the level of anxiety and subsequently reduce vital signs.

Objective: Psoriasis, an immune-mediated disorder, is a multifactorial disease of unidentified cause. This study aims to discover the possible biomarkers of this papulosquamous skin disease.Materials and Methods: The gene chip GSE55201, resulted from an experimental study, including 44 psoriasis patients and 30 healthy controls was downloaded from GEO and weighted gene co-expression network analysis was utilized to identify the hub genes. The key modules were determined using the module eigenvalues. We used biological functions, cellular components, and molecular functions in the Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis in the gene metabolic pathway were used for enrichment analysis.Results: Adjacency matrix was built by using power adjacency function and the power to turn the correlation to adjacency matrix was 4 with a topology fit index of 0.92. Using the weighted gene co-expression network analysis, 11 modules were identified. The green-yellow module eigenvalues were significantly associated with psoriasis (Pearson correlation=0.53, p

Abstract Background Perception of the threatening disease leads to coping behaviors that can affect the treatment process. Social support can be one of the factors influencing the perception of the disease and coping strategies. Our study aimed to determine the perception of the disease, its relationship with coping strategies and social support in COVID-19 patients in Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1014 patients who were hospitalized during October 2020 to May 2021 through multi-stage sampling method. The data-gathering instruments consisted a demographic information checklist, and standard questionnaires including disease perception, social support, and coping strategies. Correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression model, and simple linear regression model were used for data analysis. Results The mean age of the participants was 40.87 ± 12.42 and the majority of them were female (67.2%(, married (60.1%), and had relatives who had COVID-19 (82.6%). There was a significant inverse relationship between variables (identity, outcomes, emotional expressions etc.) and social support (> 0.01). Also there was a significant direct relationship between variables (self-control, therapeutic susceptibility etc.) and the coping behavior (p

Background & aim: Little is known about the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy outcomes. The present study was performed to investigate maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women affected by COVID-19.Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 264 pregnant women, including 132 infected (case group) and 132 uninfected pregnant women with COVID-19 (control group), using a retrospective record review design and matched sampling in three hospitals in Hamadan Province, Iran.Pregnant women with a positive COVID-19 test were identified through the registration system for COVID-19 in the health centers. The two groups were matched in terms of gestational age and maternal age. Data were collected from February 2020 to October 2021 using a questionnaire consisting of demographic and obstetric data, maternal and perinatal outcomes, and information about COVID-19 detection and treatment. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 22).Results: A high percentage of the case group lived in urban areas (p=0.026). In the case group, newborn hospitalization and death were significantly higher (p=0.032). No differences were observed between the two groups in other maternal or perinatal outcomes. Although there was one maternal death, two HELLP syndromes, and two cases of pregnancy cholestasis in the case group, however, they were not statistically significant.Conclusion: Although most maternal and perinatal outcomes were not statistically significant in COVID-19 pregnancies, some important outcomes, especially maternal death, occurred only in the case group. More evidence is needed to confirm whether COVID-19 can negatively affect pregnancy outcomes.

Background & Objective: Despite the fact that knowledge enhancement workshops are held in medical sciences universities of the country, studies have shown that the status of programs and activities related to these workshops have not been evaluated. In this regard, the present study aimed to describe the experiences of faculty members from knowledge enhancement workshops held at Ahvaz Jondishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Materials & Methods: This inductive qualitative study was performed based on conventional content analysis from October 2021 to May 2022. The required data were collected through 18 in-depth semi-structured and in-person interviews with 16 faculty members of Ahvaz Jondishapur University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected by purposive sampling method and the sampling continued until data saturation. The data were analyzed in MAXQDA software (version 10) using the Braun and Clarke method. Results: The interviews were divided into more than 401 open codes, 31 subcategories, 14 categories, and 2 main categories (themes). The themes that emerged included "challenges and weaknesses" and "solutions to improve the workshops". The theme of challenges and weaknesses was divided into eight categories, including the topic needs assessment, appropriateness of the content, methods of holding and teaching, registration in workshops, the time of workshops, the place of workshops, evaluation methods, and instructors of workshops. Moreover, the theme of solutions was divided into six categories, namely improvement of the selection process of instructors, usage of the capable and expert selection process of instructors, improvement of the topic needs assessment methods, modification of content matters, facilitation of information channels, and improvement of the categorization evaluation system. Conclusion: The main goal of knowledge enhancement workshops is to improve the abilities of professors. Therefore, paying attention to the challenges, weaknesses and providing solutions can improve the quality of these workshops and also encourage the faculty members to participate in them.

Introduction: Menopause is one of the most critical phases of women's life. Some women suffer from psychological problems such as anxiety and depression during this period due to the lack of estrogen. The present study was performed with aim to determine the effect of chamomile tea on anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women.Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was performed on 68 postmenopausal women in the form of 2 groups: chamomile tea (intervention group) and control group in Ahvaz city in 2020. Data collection tool included demographic information questionnaire and depression, anxiety and stress scale DASS form with 21 questions. Chamomile tea was consumed in the intervention group and placebo in the control group 3 times a day for 8 weeks. Before the intervention, 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention, the level of anxiety and depression was measured in the two groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software (version 24) and independent t-tests, repeated measures and chi-square tests. P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The results of the independent t-test showed that before the intervention, the mean anxiety score in the experimental group was 24.47±1.92 and in the control group 20.70±1.46, as well as the mean depression score in the experimental group was 24.29±1.69 and in the control group 19.23±1.28, there was no statistically significant difference in the two groups (P0.001).Conclusion: Chamomile tea in postmenopausal women improves symptoms of depression and anxiety. In addition to being economical, the use of chamomile tea has fewer side effects compared to chemical treatments.

Background: The global spread of the new coronavirus has increased the necessity of innovations to increase the quality of health care. This study was intended to examine the impact of tele-medicine on health anxiety and pregnancy-related anxiety in pregnant women during the COVID-19 epidemic in Iran. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed between March and May 2020. Sampling was done using multi-stage random sampling method. A total of 104 pregnant women were in two groups (intervention: n = 52, control: n = 52). Data were collected using a demographic and obstetric information questionnaire, the Health Anxiety Questionnaire, and Van den Bergh's Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire. The intervention group received counseling services for 2 months by researchers through telephone conversations, text messages, and applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram. In addition to routine pregnancy care, they could contact the researchers by phone and receive the necessary advice in case of any questions, ambiguities, or problems. The control group included pregnant women who received only routine pregnancy care. Results: After the intervention, health anxiety scores of pregnant women in the control group were significantly higher than those of the experimental group (t98 = 13.54, p < 0.001). Also, the mean (SD) scores of pregnancy-related anxiety in the control group were significantly higher compared with the intervention group (t98 = 3.80, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Using tele-medicine, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic can reduce unnecessary referrals of pregnant women to medical centers and their risk of developing the disease, on the one hand, and by reducing women's anxiety, however, it can improve psychological consequences.

Background/objectives: Occupational exposure of employees to residual anesthetic gases in the operating room without a proper ventilation system can adversely affect their health. The purpose of this study was to assessment the environmental factors and monitoring the concentration of anesthetic gases in the operating rooms. Methods: Twenty-three operating rooms were examined. Simultaneously with each sampling, the temperature and humidity were measured with a moisture meter, a psychrometer, IR thermometer (Triplett MS475). The data was then analyzed using the Mann-Whitney and Pearson correlation tests. Results: The findings showed that the average concentration of isoflurane (P-value = 0.036) and sevoflurane (P-value = 0.049) were significantly higher in hospitals without ventilation system. Also, result of this study showed that the average level of isoflurane and sevoflurane (P-value = 0.315 and P-value = 0.120), there was no significant relationship in hospitals without cooler than hospitals with cooler system.Based on result this study, there was not found significant relationship between isoflurane and humidity (P-value = 0.586), isoflurane and temperature (P-value = 0.890), sevoflurane and humidity (P-value = 0.692), and sevoflurane and temperature (P-value = 0.199). Conclusion: According to the results, the most important ways to reduce adverse health effects and reduce occupational exposure levels among employees and patients including the use of modern equipment, improvement of the operating room ventilation system, the use of a cleaning system closes to the exit pipe of the anesthesia machine, employee training, control of environmental factors (temperature and humidity), and frequent monitoring of anesthetic gases.

Introduction: Adopting a safe method to accelerate labor can reduce maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Prolonged labor, perineal rupture and episiotomy can be associated with short and long-term maternal and fetal complications. This study was performed aimed to examine the effect of vaginal and perineal massage with duck oil on the length of the second stage of labor, the frequency of episiotomy, and perineal laceration in nulliparous women. Methods: This randomized controlled trial study was performed in 2020 on 129 nulliparous women with singleton pregnancy aged 18-35 years, gestational age 37-42 weeks, and cephalic presentation. The participants were divided into duck oil group (n=43), lubricant gel group (n=43), and control group (n=43). During the second stage of labor, a gentle massage was performed with the index and middle fingers impregnated with duck oil (for the oil group) or lubricant gel (for the gel group). The control group received massage without gel or oil. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 23) and Kruskal-Wallis, paired comparison and Chi-square tests. P0.05). Conclusion: Perineal and vaginal massage using duck oil in the second stage of labor can shorten the length of the second stage of labor, but had no effect on episiotomy and perineal rupture.

Background: No evidence exists for the lowest effective dose of magnesium on menstrual pain. Objective: To determine and compare the effects of two different doses of magnesium on pain intensity and menstrual blood loss in students with primary dysmenorrhea. Methods: Sixty dysmenorrhea patients were randomly assigned to one of two therapeutic groups and one placebo group (receiving one tablet a day of 300 or 150 mg magnesium sulphate or placebo from the 15th cycle day until no pain existed on the following cycle). Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Hjgham collected data for two cycles before and two cycles after the intervention. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA tests. Findings: No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of baseline characteristics. Both intervention groups outperformed the placebo group in terms of pain intensity (adjusted differences of -2.9, 95% confidence intervals of -3.3 to -2.4 and -1.9, -2.4 to -1.5, respectively) and menstrual bleeding (-20.0, -26.0 to -14.0, and -13.0, -19.0 to -7.0, respectively), as well as the secondary outcome, i.e. rest duration and ibuprofen consumption. In terms of pain alleviation and menstrual bleeding, participants in the 300 mg magnesium group outperformed those in the 150 mg magnesium group. No significant difference was observed between intervention groups regarding secondary outcomes. Conclusion: Both magnesium levels are useful in alleviating pain and reducing menstrual bleeding, although 300 mg of magnesium was more effective.

Abstract Purpose of study Massage is widely used as a traditional technique during labor and delivery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Swedish massage with and without chamomile oil on delivery outcomes. Methods The present study was a randomized clinical trial on 154 primiparous pregnant women who were selected by random sampling method and divided into 3 groups: massage with chamomile oil (n = 53), massage without chamomile oil (n = 51), and control group (n = 50). Data collection tools included demographic and delivery information questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), maternal satisfaction with delivery scale, and Partograph form. In the two intervention groups, Swedish massage techniques (i.e., Effleurage, Petrissage, Vibration, and Superficial stroke) were performed with and without the use of chamomile oil since the active phase of labor (5 cm dilatation), while the control group received only routine labor care during labor. Results Swedish massage with chamomile oil significantly reduced the labor pain score, reduced the length of active phase and the second stage of labor, and increased the score of maternal satisfaction with the labor process (P

Shame is a self-conscious emotion that can be named psychological pain. The consensus is that shame has adaptive and maladaptive aspects. In other words, although shame warns individuals about the loss of their social position, its experience could lead to different types of psychopathology, namely personality pathology. The aim of the current study was (1) to explore the theoretical perspectives about the association between shame and personality disorders and (2) to investigate the congruency of empirical findings with the aforesaid theories. By conducting a narrative review of the most significant references existing in the literature, we found that most of the theories and studies were about cluster B personality disorders (and in particular, about borderline, antisocial, and narcissistic personality disorders). Shame plays a distinct role in the development and maintenance of the above-said personality disorders. The most notable difference is related to the level of consciousness in which shame is processed. Moreover, particularly in the relationship between shame, grandiose narcissism, psychopathy, and antisocial personality disorder, inconsistencies among theories and empirical findings were observed. Experiencing shame could have enduring impacts on individuals' mental health. When shame is internalized, it may lead to the development of personality disorders in different ways and patterns.

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most prevalent issues in women’s health care, which affects half of the population in the reproductive age. The present research aimed to evaluate the severity of primary dysmenorrhea and its associated characteristics among the university students in Ahvaz, Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 80 college students suffering from dysmenorrhea were randomly recruited. All the required data were gathered via demographic questionnaire, Visual Analoge Sclae (VAS), Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart (PBAC), and Symptom Severity Score (SSS) during two consecutive menstrual cycles from Aprill 20 to June 20, 2016. Furthermore, descriptive statistics (frequency and mean) and analytical statistics (Pearson’s correlation coefficient) were used. P

Single phase CO2 injection and CO2 water alternating gas (WAG) injection processes are simulated using reactive transport modelling to understand the inter-phase component transfer between CO2, brine and oil, and to address geochemical (aqueous) reactions induced by CO2 in the near wellbore region. In this research, calculations are performed using a numerical one-dimensional cartesian model with homogenous properties. We investigate how fast the pH changes as CO2 is injected into the system and how the presence of oil affects the velocity of the pH front. We measure the velocity of the front at which oil becomes completely desaturated with respect to CO2 – referred to as the “CO2 desaturation front” and compare it with the classical Buckley-Leverett saturation front displacement during WAG injection. We also study the impact of the WAG cycles on the CO2 desaturation front velocity and the pH change. The study showed that the presence of hydrocarbons in the model buffers and delays the pH drop. By the end of each water cycle all the CO2 was removed from the contacted oil phase within the first few meters from the well. The CO2 desaturation front travels at approximately one twentieth of the phase saturation front velocity during the first three WAG cycles, but it then stopped for later cycles, which gives an indication of the extent of the desaturation of oil. During the WAG injection, different pH fronts developed due to the impact of each cycle on the fluid composition and component transfer. The pH reduction during the last WAG cycles was greater near the injection well as most of the lighter hydrocarbon components were displaced out of the residual “oil”, meaning the CO2 content of this residual phase was higher than for initial cycles. This would result in a greater risk of calcite dissolution around the injection well if there were calcite present in the rock formation.

Abstract Aim We intended to elucidate the relationship between mentalizing capacity and affective states by investigating the mediatory role of emotion dysregulation. Methods A sample of nonclinical Iranian adults (N = 445) completed a battery of online self‐report measures comprising the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Mentalization Scale (MentS), and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Results Correlational analyses demonstrated that self‐ and other‐related mentalizing were significantly and inversely associated with emotion dysregulation, which in turn was strongly linked with positive and negative affects. Using structural equation modeling, the results delineated emotion dysregulation as a mediator between self‐ and other‐related mentalizing and affective states, predicting higher negative and lower positive affects. However, motivation to mentalize failed to predict positive affects and only contributed to lower negative affects directly. Conclusion Mentalizing capacity was found to be indirectly linked with affective states through emotion dysregulation; hence, along with the previously substantiated association between emotion dysregulation and affective states and the partially established relationship between mentalizing capacity and affective states, we propose mentalizing incapacity to be at fault in the development of affective difficulties.

Abstract Introduction Mentalizing incapacity is increasingly identified as a common factor in psychopathology. The Mentalization Scale (MentS) is a cost‐effective measure built upon the dimensional model of mentalizing. We aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Iranian version of MentS. Methods Two samples of community‐based adults (N1 = 450, N2 = 445) completed different batteries of self‐report measures. In addition to MentS, participants completed measures of reflective functioning and attachment insecurities in the first sample and a measure of emotion dysregulation in the second sample. Results Due to the conflicting results of confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses, an item‐parceling approach was applied, which replicated the original three‐factor structure of MentS, yielding Self‐Related Mentalization, Other‐Related Mentalization, and Motivation to Mentalize. The reliability and convergent validity of MentS were supported in both samples. Conclusion Our findings provided preliminary evidence for using the Iranian version of MentS in nonclinical populations as a reliable and valid measure.

BACKGROUND: Despite the prominent role of midwives in improving the health of women and families, limited studies have been conducted in the occupational and organizational field and their role on the performance of this group. The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between organizational health, burnout, and job stress among midwives working in hospitals affiliated to Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a cross-sectional descriptive–analytical study, which was conducted with available sampling method on 159 midwives working in hospitals affiliated to Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in 2020. Data collection tools were: Demographic Questionnaire, Modified Hoy and Feldman Organizational Health Questionnaire, Job Stress Questionnaire, Maslach Questionnaire to measure job burnout. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed with descriptive and analytical statistical tests (Pearson). RESULTS: The findings of the study showed that 70.4% of the participants had moderate to severe job stress and 70.4% of the participants had moderate level of organizational health and 79.9% suffered from job burnout. The results of structural equations showed that organizational health has an inverse and significant relationship with job stress (P < 0.001, β = −0.45) and job burnout (P = 0.002, β = −0.33). CONCLUSION: Organizational health has an inverse and significant relationship with job stress and job burnout. The findings of this study can be useful in planning and organizational policies for midwifery professionals. It also conveys the importance of extensive studies and planning to reduce stress and burnout and then improve organizational health. As a result, it can improve the performance and productivity, and as a result, improve the health of midwives and patients under their care and, consequently, the health of the society.

Background: The prevalence and incidence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have increased in Iran. Objectives: This study aimed to observe the temporal trends and provide a predictive model in the prevalence and incidence of MS in Khuzestan Province, Iran. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed from 2006 to 2019 in Khuzestan Province, Southwestern Iran, on 2676 patients registered in the Khuzestan Multiple Sclerosis Center. The simple exponential smoothing model was used to study the time trends and predict the prevalence and incidence of MS in 2020. Results: The mean±SD age of the examined patients with MS was 31.40±8.94 years; while the mean±SD age-incidence of MS was 29.19±9.16 years. The sex ratio (female to male) was measured as 3.05. The patients’ prevalence and average annual incidences were 57.77 and 4.35per 100000 individuals from 2006 to 2019, respectively. The trend in the MS incidence has been upward with a very slight slope during the years 2006 to 2019. The slope of the increase from 2006 to 2019 was higher for women than men. Conclusion: The collected results suggested that Khuzestan Province is a high-risk area for MS; the prevalence and incidence of the disease are increasing, especially in women. We prognosticate a slight increase in the incidence of MS in the age group of 20 to 50 years. However, the prevalence of the disease in this age group was similar to 2019.

Background & aims: Corona-Virus is a serious infectious disease that was rapidly spread worldwide and caused considerable anxiety among people. Pregnant women are more prone to increased anxiety caused by the Covid-19 epidemic. This study was performed to evaluate the relationship between health anxiety and prenatal distress with choosing mode of delivery among pregnant women during COVID-19 epidemic in Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 200 nulliparous pregnant women referred to the health centers of Ahvaz to receive the routine prenatal care. The questionnaires used were demographic, the health anxiety index-short form, and the prenatal distress questionnaire. At the end, the participants were asked by two questions whether their views on the mode of delivery has changed during COVID-19 epidemic.Results: A significant difference was observed between choosing mode of delivery before and after the onset of the covid-19 epidemic (P=0.012). Health anxiety and prenatal distress score was higher in women who selected cesarean section (P

Plain Language summary Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) means inability to implant after two or more high-quality embryo transfer cycles. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between recurrent implantation failure and sexual function in infertile Iranian women. In this study, 180 infertile Iranian women (including 90 infertile women with recurrent implantation failure and 90 infertile women with no implantation failure) were recruited. A demographic questionnaire and the Female Sexual Function Index were used for data collection. The mean scores of different domains of sexual function (desire, lubrication, arousal, orgasm, pain, and satisfaction) were significantly lower in the group with recurrent implantation failure compared to the group without. The overall sexual function scores in the RIF group were 2.65 units lower than those of women without RIF. Women experiencing recurrent implantation failure may be at a particular risk of reduced sexual function. Therefore, sexual function issues should be treated as an important component of comprehensive care.

Introduction: Due to the increasing prevalence of candidiasis infections and the increase in drug resistance to common antifungal drugs, it is necessary to find natural anti-candidiasis compounds. Therefore, this study was performed with aim to compare the effect of vaginal solution of alum (alum) with clotrimazole cream in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis in women of childbearing age. Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was performed in 2020 on 72 women referred to East Ahvaz Health Center No. 1 with complaint of clinical signs of candida vaginitis. The tools were a demographic and midwifery information questionnaire and a checklist of observations and examinations. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups receiving clotrimazole 1% vaginal cream and white alum solution for 7 days. Data were collected before and after treatment and were analyzed by SPSS software (version 21) and Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. P 0.05). After the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of vulvar and vaginal itching and vaginal discharge, so that in the alum solution group, the amount of itching and vaginal discharge was significantly less than the clotrimazole vaginal cream group (p < 0.05). However, the two groups were the same in terms of improvement of other symptoms and did not show a statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The alum vaginal solution and clotrimazole vaginal cream similarly improved candidiasis vaginitis in women of childbearing age. However, before using this solution as an alternative treatment, further studies are recommended to prove its effectiveness and safety.

Background: Handover from the operating room (OR) to the intensive care unit (ICU) is a complicated process that may endanger patients' lives. Objectives: The present study determined the effect of a standard patient handover protocol on the quality of transfer from the cardiac OR to the cardiac ICU. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2020 at an adult cardiac surgery center in Ahvaz city, Iran. Sixty-two handover cases were assessed before (n = 31) and after (n = 31) a training intervention on the nursing staff in the OR and ICU. The training intervention covered the process of standard handover. A checklist was used to evaluate the quality of care through the process of handover. The checklist consisted of three subscales. The independent samples t, Fisher's exact or chi-square tests were used to analyze the data. Results: The mean score of the technical errors was 10.61 ± 1.20 before the intervention and changed to 12.61 ± 0.80 after the intervention (P < 0.001). The mean score of ignoring information was 10.21 ± 1.78 before the intervention and changed to 14.00 ± 1.92 following the intervention (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Implementation of a standard handover protocol for post-cardiac surgery patients can decrease the intermission and improve the quality of care during patient handover.

Purpose This study was conducted to evaluate a smartphone-based online electronic logbook used to assess the clinical skills of nurse anesthesia students in Iran. Methods This randomized controlled study was conducted after tool development at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Ahvaz, Iran from January 2022 to December 2022. The online electronic logbook involved in this study was an Android-compatible application used to evaluate the clinical skills of nurse anesthesia students. In the implementation phase, the online electronic logbook was piloted for 3 months in anesthesia training in comparison with a paper logbook. For this purpose, 49 second- and third-year anesthesia nursing students selected using the census method were assigned to intervention (online electronic logbook) and control (paper logbook) groups. The online electronic logbook and paper logbook were compared in terms of student satisfaction and learning outcomes. Results A total of 39 students participated in the study. The mean satisfaction score of the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P=0.027). The mean score of learning outcomes was also significantly higher for the intervention than the control group (P=0.028). Conclusion Smartphone technology can provide a platform for improving the evaluation of the clinical skills of nursing anesthesia students, leading to increased satisfaction and improved learning outcomes.

Background and Objective: Recently, coronavirus has become a major cause of death and hospital admission worldwide. This study was aimed to assess the factors associated with the presentation via ambulance and time to in-hospital death or discharge from the hospital using a multilevel joint modeling approach. Materials and Methods: In this historical cohort study, hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were included from 34 medical centers in Khuzestan province, Iran, from February 18th, 2020, to January 5th, 2021. Joint model analysis was used to assess the impact of demographic and clinical characteristics on the mode of hospital presentation and time to death/discharge from hospitals in Khuzestan province, Iran. Results: Among 22,356 patients, 14.2% presented to the hospital via ambulance, and 11.2% died in the hospital. The odds of ambulance use was higher in patients with older age, male sex, comorbidities including respiratory disease, diabetes, cancer, and drug abuse, and symptoms such as respiratory distress and loss of consciousness. Older age, male sex, a higher burden of comorbidities, symptoms of chest pain, respiratory distress, and loss of consciousness, and admission to intensive care unit were predictors of in-hospital mortality. The median survival time was longer for patients with COVID-19 who self-presented to the hospital compared to those who presented with ambulance (31 vs 20 days; log-rank P

Background and Aims: Herbal essential oils (EOs) have antimicrobial and antioxidant activities due to the high amount of bioactive compounds; therefore, they are considered good candidates for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The present study aimed to assess the total phenolic content and in vitro comparative study of the biological activities of EOs from different plants (e.g., clove, common sage, savory, and organum). Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, total phenolic content in EOs was determined, and their antioxidant capacity was measured by the DPPH free radical scavenging method. The components of essential oil were identified using a Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) device. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of EOs was evaluated by the disk diffusion method, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were evaluated by the broth macro dilution method. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's multiple range test. Results: The highest content of total phenol (157.07±2.37 mg GAL/g dry weight) was recorded for EO of organum. Moreover, the highest percentage of free radical scavenging was determined at 98.142% for organum. The results of GC/MS analysis depicted that monoterpenes were the main compounds of Eos of organum, and the highest value was obtained for the alpha-pinene (74.04%). Furthermore, the results of antibacterial activity of EOs demonstrated that the highest zone of inhibition with a diameter of 44±0.81 mm was observed for the EO of organum. The lowest values of MIC and MBC were reported as 0.275 and 0.55 mg/mL for the EOs of organum and savory against gram-positive Bacillus cereus, respectively. Conclusion: As evidenced by the results of the current study, the assessed Eos, specifically those of organum, have effective antioxidant and antibacterial activity against bacteria strains, especially gram-positive ones, and can be used as safe antimicrobial compounds in food and health products.

Background and Aims: Broccoli sprout extract (Brassica oleracea) has extensive biological activities that are mainly attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds, such as sulforaphane. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of cooked and raw extracts of broccoli sprouts. Materials and Methods: The amount of sulforaphane in broccoli sprout extract was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, the amount of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and antioxidant capacity were investigated by the DPPH free radical scavenging method. In addition, the antibacterial activity of raw and cooked sprout extracts on some bacteria was explored using disk diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by macro dilution method. Significant differences were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) through Duncanchr('39')s multiple range test. Results: Based on the results obtained by HPLC, the amount of sulforaphane in the raw broccoli sprout extract was determined to be 787.46 μg/mL. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of raw and cooked sprout extracts depicted a higher antioxidant activity with an increase in concentration. Furthermore, the antibacterial study showed that cooked sprout extract had higher antimicrobial activity, compared to the raw sprout extract (at a significance level of 0.05). The highest growth inhibition zone was found against Gram-positive Bacillus cereus strain with a diameter of 18±0.6 mm; moreover, the lowest amounts of MIC and MBC were obtained at 0.39 and 0.78 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: In general, the results show that cooked broccoli sprout extract has significant antioxidant and antibacterial activities, compared to the raw sprout. Accordingly, it can be utilized in food, health, and medical products as a highly promising source. However, further studies are required to be conducted in this regard.

This study aimed to determine the effect of character strengths training on adolescents’ mastery goals mediated by happiness. The research is quasi-experimental with pre-test, post-test, follow-up, and control group. The statistical population included the first female High school that 66 ninth-grade students (33 in the experimental group, 33 in the control group) from District 4 of Tehran participated by Multi-stage cluster sampling. Before and after the program and one month after the training, both groups answered the Questionnaires Values in Action Inventory of Strengths Scale of Park & Peterson, Elliott & McGregor Goal Orientation, and Happiness Scale Lyubomirsky & Lepper. Students in the experimental group participated in the training program of character strengths in a group manner (in-person and online) in 10 two-hour sessions. Data analysis was performed by mixed analysis of variance and covariance. Findings showed that the intervention program of character strengths through happiness increases mastery. The results showed that the character strengths training program could guide students towards mastery and make them happier.

Dysfunctions in both emotion regulation and mentalization capacity might be reasons behind borderline personality features. This study investigated the mediating role of emotion regulation between mentalization and borderline personality features in adolescents. We recruited 218 adolescents (mean of age = 16.45 ± 1.01 years old, 62.0% girls) based on convenience sampling from high school students. We evaluated mentalization using reflective functioning questionnaire (RFQ), emotion regulation with difficulties in emotion regulation scale (DERS), and borderline personality features with borderline personality features scale for children (BPFSC). There were significant associations between mentalization, emotion regulation, and borderline personality features. Difficulties in emotion regulation mediated between mentalization and borderline personality features. Mentalization deficits and emotion dysregulation contribute significantly to borderline personality features in adolescents. Mentalization deficits might affect borderline personality features’ development via its effect on emotion regulation. Prevention and treatment plans for borderline personality disorder should focus on emotion regulation and mentalization.

Background and Objective: Nowadays, due to the conventional methods of landfilling, the environmental concerns about generated leachate are becoming a global problem. Physical-chemical process is considered a potential and cost-effective solution for the treatment of municipal landfill leachate. Since jar-test are time-consuming experiments for obtaining the appropriate concentration of coagulants, the aim of this research was the treatment of landfill leachate using response surface methodology as a substitute for conventional methods in coagulation–flocculation process. Materials and Methods: Experiments were performed in a six-cell jar-test with effective volume of 500 mL. The ability of Ferric chloride hexahydrate to response to four parameters including COD, TSS, alkalinity and turbidity was investigated. To evaluate the model and optimization of coagulant concentration and pH, central composite design and response surface methodology were used due to the highest removal efficiency. Physical and chemical analyses were performed based on standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. Results: The results showed that the quadratic model was achived for the three responses (COD, TSS and alkalinity) and the Reduced Quadratic model was obtained for Turbidity under the optimum conditions for the concentration of 10.23g/L at pH 8.85. Verification experiments, under optimum conditions in removal of COD, TSS, turbidity and alkalinity resulted 66.79%, 88.61%, 97.53% and 67.89%, respectively. Statistical studies (ANOVA table, the amounts of R2 and P-value) showed that the models were suitable for providing experimental data and in all models, the R2 value was greater than 0.99. P-value values also showed that the effects of quadratic model and reduced quadratic model were significant in ferric choloride dosage and coagulation pH. These experimental results were consistent with those predicted by the model. Conclusion: According to the obtained results by response surface methodology, coagulation–flocculation process can be used as the effective process to remove leachate inhibitors.

Thisstudy aimed to explain the students’ mastery goal via character strengths based on the correlation method. In this research, 417 ninth grade students (213 girls and 204 boys), were selected by cluster sampling method and were asked to respond to the Values in Action Inventory of Strength Scale of Park and Peterson, Goal Orientation of Elliott and McGregor, Schwarzer and Jerusalem's Self-Efficacy Scale, Achievement Value of Pintrich and his colleagues, Nemati's Responsibility, and Happiness Scale of lyubomirsky and Lepper. Findings showed that the assumed model has an acceptable goodness of fit and the character strengths can explain the mastery goal. The indirect effects of the variables of character strengths, self-efficacy, responsibility, achievement value on mastery goal was also significant. There were no statistically significant differences between boys and girls in terms of output patterns based on Chi-square normalization value index, comparative fit index, the goodness of fit index, and root mean square. The results showed that the model of the mastery goal can be explained by character strengths through self-efficacy mediator variables, responsibility, the value of achievement, and happiness. Therefore, mastery goal model can be used in the education of high school students.

This study examined the mediating role of facilative and preventive behaviors of health-oriented life style on the relationship between perfectionism and cognitive emotion regulation with academic well-being and achievement emotions among gifted girl students. 400 students answered to the Multidimensional Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory (Kobori, 2006), the Achievement Emotions Questionnaire (Abdollahpour, 2015), the Schoolwork Engagement Inventory (Salmela-Aro & Upadaya, 2012), the School Burnout Inventory (Salmela-Aro, Kiuru, Leskinen & Nurmi, 2009), Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-Revised (Garenofski & Kraaij, 2006) and Health-oriented life-style Questionnaire (Salehzadeh et al, 2017). Results showed that the competed mediated model of behaviors on the relationship between cognitive emotion regulation and perfectionism with academic well-being and achievement emotions had good fit to data. All of the regression weights in the hypothesized model were statistically significant. In sum, results showed that a part of emotional functioning of gifted in academic situation, can be explained through their difference in cognitive/emotional/behavioral characteristics.

Background: Martin M Seligman has developed a multi-dimensional model of Flourishing, PERMA. This model combines positive emotion (hedonic) and positive performance (eudiamonic) dimensions. Research has shown a positive relation between Flourishing and happiness, productivity, resiliency, life satisfaction, and a negative relation with death thoughts, physical illness, and stress experiment. The Workplace Flourishing Questionnaire (PERMA) is developed by Kern and was administered in Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and the United States and its psychometric properties were reported. Although flourishing in general and in the workplace is significant, it’s not mentioned in Iran. Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the PERMA flourishing Questionnaire at work for teachers in Iran. Method: current research is a descriptive study. 394 teachers have responded to the translated version of the online flourishing questionnaire. Results: The factor structure of the flourishing scale has been investigated by confirmatory factor analysis. And the model fit indices, indicate that the model fits well with the data. Chi-square (χ 2) with the value of 2339/17 and degree of freedom 80, softened chi-square (χ2/df= 2/989), comparisons fit index (CFI= 0/98), goodness of fit index (0/95 GFI= goodness of fit index (AGFI= 0/96) and second root mean squared error approximations (RMSEA= 0/065) were all at the desired level indicating goodness of fit with the conceptual model. Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the model of flourishing PERMA. Was applied in different samples including Iranian teachers group.

The methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain has attracted much attention as a health-threatening pathogen and there is an urgent need for finding new drugs. In the present study, an in silico approach was utilized to investigate lysostaphin as a novel enzybiotic against MRSA strains. The protein sequences of the seven selected strains capable of producing lysostaphin were analyzed using several standard bio-computational tools such as CYS_REC, ProtParam, CFSSP, I-TASSER, Algpred, VaxiJen, MEGA-X. Database searching in order to effect identification of disulfide bonds in lysostaphin from novel strains was also performed using the CYS_REC tool. Disulfide bonds play a key role in the thermal stability and targeted interaction of proteins. The results showed that the instability index and the aliphatic index of proteins are 23.52–38.30 and 52.29–90.44, respectively indicating their thermostable nature. The extinction coefficient was achieved from 36120 to 97205 M−1cm−1. The studied proteins had GRAVY indexes ranging from −0.027 to −0.955 indicating the possibility of being globular (hydrophilic) proteins. Finally, our findings suggest that the APA99638.1, AYC37596.1, AZG45378.1, TVY73715 and RYC72466 novel sequences of lysostaphin-producing strains can be used as novel therapeutic agents against MRSA strains.