Showing 33 results for Karimi
Mohamad Sadeg Rajaei, Zahra Salemi, Behrooze Karimi, Mohammad Javad Ghanad Zadeh, Masoomeh Mashayekhi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (6-2013)
Abstract
Background: Today, global concerns about water pollution with chemicals and its adverse impact on health have increased. This study aims to evaluate the physical and chemical quality of water treated through domestic water treatment systems.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, water samples were collected from 60 domestic water treatment systems and parameters, such as turbidity, total dissolved and suspended solid, total hardness and calcium, magnesium hardness, alkalinity, total alkalinity, carbonate, bicarbonate, nitrate, sulfate, nitrite and fluoride, EC, pH, and free chlorine residuals, were examined.
Results: The results indicate that the average concentration of chemical parameters in treated water were: chloride=0.1mg/L, nitrate=0.006mg/l, sulfate=5 mg/l, Nitrate=15mg/L, bicarbonate=49 mg/L, calcium hardness=18 mg/L, and fluoride=0 mg/l.
Conclusion: The overall results of this study indicated that the use of municipal water treatment reduced Cl2, sulfate, and bicarbonate concentrations than the optimal levels in urban areas water. However, nitrite concentration was significantly higher in the output of these systems than distribution systems, which is a source of concern.
Karon Shah Ebrahimi, Azam Sharifi, Afshin Almasi, Ronak Taliei, Babak Izadi , Mohammad Karimi,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (7-2013)
Abstract
Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism is the compensatory stage before overt hypothyroidism. In overt hypothyroidism, risk of ischemic heart disease increases due to elevation of lipoprotein (a) as atherogenic agent, but evidence for subclinical hypothyroidism is one of the controversial issues in researches. According to the atherogenic lipoprotein (a) and other serum lipids, this study is conducted to compare the serum lipoprotein (a) and other serum lipids in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and euthyroidism.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive - analytic study, 90 persons (60 with subclinical hypothyroidism and 30 euthyroid state) are participated and these referred to Imam Reza and Taleghani Hospitals which are located in Kermanshah. The sampling method is selected with available sampling methods. After differentiating data by age, sex and underlying disease (liver, kidney, drugs), then they were subjected to determination lipoprotein (a) and other serum lipids profile tests.
Results: In both cases and controls, 16/7% were men and 83/3% were women. Based on results, there is no significant difference between serum lipoprotein (a), triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL and LDL in both statistical groups (p>0.05). Also there is no association between lipoprotein (a) and other serum lipids (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Serum levels of lipoprotein (a) and other serum lipids in young patients with normal weight with subclinical hypothyroidism is not increase, thus it can be concluded early treatment is not necessary for them.
Manoochehr Mahram, Farnaz Karimi,
Volume 16, Issue 7 (10-2013)
Abstract
Background: Human brain consists of two hemispheres with contralateral control of the body. One hemisphere's function is predominate to another, so one side of the body is more powerful in performing special tasks comparing the other which this property is almost used to determine predominant hemisphere of the brain. This analytic study performed to assess the effect of handedness and gender on the result of school readiness assessment examination in children.
Materials and Methods: Of 6 to 6.5 years old children living in middle socioeconomic regions of Qazvin city, referred to preschool Examining center to assess educational readiness and other physical examination, 400 children equally of both sexes were randomly selected in two Left-Handed (LH) and Right-Handed (RH) groups to compare the results of school readiness assessment examination. The data was statistically analysed and P-Value less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The results of School Readiness Assessment Examination in LH and RH children were 38.71±2.70 and 38.15±4.04, respectively without significant difference. These results were 38.8±3.8 and 38.30±3.4 in boys and girls respectively, without significant difference. Comparing RH and LH cases in each sex group did not show any significance.
Conclusion: No significance was observed comparing the results of School Readiness Assessment Examination in LH and RH groups and between two gender groups.
Bahram Pourghassem Gargari, Parvin Dehghan, Elham Mirtaheri, Zeynab Faghfouri, Pouran Karimi,
Volume 16, Issue 8 (11-2013)
Abstract
Background: Considering the high prevalence of diabetes and developing cardiovascular diseases via dyslipidemia and inflammation in type 2 diabetic patients, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Oligofructose-enriched inulin on serum lipid concentrations and inflammation in type2 diabetic patients.
Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 52 patients with type 2 diabetes were assigned to one of two groups. Experimental group (n=27) received 10g/d oligofructose-enriched inulin and control group (n=25) received 10 g/d maltodextrin for 8 weeks. Dietary intakes, anthropometric measurements, hs-CRP and serum lipids concentrations were measured at the baseline and at the end of the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (verision11.5). Paired, independent t-test and ANCOVA were used to compare comparison of quantitative variables.
Results: At the end of study, we observed significant decrease in total cholesterol (28.00 mg/dL, 14.10%), LDL-c (22.00 mg/dL, 21.7%), TC/HDL-c ratio (-0.73, 20.7%) and LDL-c/HDL-c ratio (-0.55, 27.5%) in oligofructose-enriched inulin compared with the maltodextrin group (p<0.05). Changes in concentrations of triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein were not significant in oligofructose-enriched inulin compared to maltodextrin group.
Conclusion: Oligofructose-enriched inulin supplementation with improving in inflammtion and lipid profile help in management of type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Behrooz Karimi, Mohammad Sadegh Rajaei, Maryam Habibi, Mehri Esvand, Mehdi Abdollahy,
Volume 16, Issue 9 (12-2013)
Abstract
Background: Naphthalene is a polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) present in many water sediments. This study evaluated the performance of UV/H2O2 reaction to decompose naphthalene in the aqueous solution.
Materials and Methods: It was an experimental-laboratory study. A one liter cylindrical glass reactor was used for performing all degradation experiments. The radiation source was a low pressure mercury UV lamp emitting at 254 nm (30 W, UV-C) which was placed above a batch photoreactor for UV/H2O2 experiments and different concentrations of H2O2 (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mg/L) were tested.
Results: In 15 mg/L naphthalene in UV/H2O2 system and reaction times 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 100 and 120 minutes, 15, 28, 31 , 36, 42, 52, 56, 73 and 59.5% naphthalene removal efficiencies were observed and COD removal efficiencies in reaction times 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 100 and 120 minutes, 22, 38, 45, 61.5, 67.5, 70, 80, 88.5 and 76 % were observed. When the initial pH values were 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,9, 10 and 12 the naphthalene removal efficiency was approximately 75.8, 63.4, 62, 58.5, 44.8, 35.8 and 30%, respectively, with UV/H2O2 system.
Conclusion: The experimental results of this study suggested that the dosages with 20 mg/L H2O2 at pH= 3 with 2.8 W/cm2 UV intensity (254 nm) provided the optimal operation conditions for the mineralization of naphthalene yielding a 73% mineralization efficiency after 100 minutes of reaction time.
Pouran Karimi, Roshanak Bayat Makou, Parvin Dehghan, Mohamad Reza Salimi Movahed,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract
Background: Selenium is a unique trace element which is benefit on inflammatory underlining diseases. MAPK (Mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathways regulate several cellular functions including inflammation, cell differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. Objective: This study aimed to find out the pathway(s) by which Selenium modifies inflammatory events in oxidative or thrombotic induced stress in platelet.
Materials and Methods: This is a basic -experimental study on Human platelets obtained from 30 healthy individuals (age 35±12) .The phosphorylation rate of P38MAPK , c –JNK (c-Jun N-terminal Kinase), and ERK1/2(Extracellular signal-regulated kinases1/2) as three important proteins in MAPK family and P-selectin were measured in presence or absence of selenium by ELISA( solid phase sandwich Enzyme Linked-ImmunoSorbent Assay). Pharmacological inhibition is done by inhibitors of P38MAPK, ERK1/2 and c- JNK in order to compare with selenium effects. The percentage of ratio of phosphorylated to total protein was used for normalizing the phospho protein contents of platelets.
Results: Selenium significantly reduced P-selectin expression (p<0.05), P38MAPK (p<0.05) and c- JNK phosphorylation (p<0.05) induced by cu2+oxidized LDL in platelets but Se couldn’t significantly reduce Thrombin induced P-selectin despite of decreasing in mentioned phospho-proeins.
Conclusion: Our results indicated that Selenium can reduce inflammation via suppression of p38MAPK-dependent signaling pathway. These results may provide insights related to development of novel Selenium therapies in atherosclerosis.
Farzad Nazem, Khosrow Piri, Ali Hydrianpour, Amir Hosein Karimi,
Volume 17, Issue 10 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of training, and noise stress on serotonin plasma level of Wistar rats.
Materials and Methods: For many years, physical activity have been used for the treatment of different neuropsychological dieases. Twenty one male witar rats (9-10 weeks old and 170.82±20.57g weight) were randomly divided into three groups: the noise group (n=7), training+noise group (n=7), and the control group (n=7). The aerobic training was performed 5 days per week, for a 60-day period. The noise stress included exposure to traffic noise 5 hrs/per day over a 60-day period (range:85-110 dB).The control group was not exposed to any noise or exercise, and was kept away from the sources of stress the rats were kept under the same conditions. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected and plasma serotonin concentrations were determined.For the statistical data analysis, one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests were used (&alpha&le0.05).
Results: Plasma serotonin concentration significantly decreased in noise groups, in comparison with the controls (21.9±2.1, vs.40.8±7.3 &mumol/m, respectively p<0.000). The plasma serotonin levels in the noise +training groups (36.2±3.1) were apparently near to the controls However, resistance training could significantly increase plasma serotonin concentration in the noise+training group rats.
Conclusion: Increased serotonin level following resistance exercises might reduced stress in subjects.
Zahra Karimi, Ahmad Alipor, Tayebe Mohtashami,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (6-2015)
Abstract
Background: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) consists of repetitious physical and psychological symptoms that occurs in luteal phase of menstrual period and will be over when menstrual period starts. The goal of this study is to investigate the effect of calcium therapy plus vitamin D and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on the parameters of PMS symptoms in women suffering from PMS.
Materials and Methods: This study has an experimental plan of pretest and post-test of the control group. The statistical society is 250 female staff of Tehran Universities in academic year 2013-2014. Premenstrual syndrome screening tool (PSST) questionnaire was used as an evaluation tool. The collected data were analyzed using the indexes of the descriptive statistics and covariance analysis (p<0.05).
Results: The minimum age of the statistical society was 24, 52.5 % of them held a master's degree and 60% were single. Cognitive behavioral therapy method, calcium and vitamin D therapy were significant in improving the parameters of symptoms at p<0.05 level of significance.
Conclusion: Combining cognitive behavioral therapy and calcium supplementation and vitamin D is significantly effective in improving components of PMS sympotoms and applying these methods is recommended by the consultants and gynecologists.
Zahra Soroush, Amin Karimi, Sadegh Valian Boroujeni,
Volume 18, Issue 10 (1-2016)
Abstract
Background: Hemophilia A is an X-linked bleeding disorder caused by heterogenous mutations in factor VIII gene that encodes coagulation factor VIII (F8) protein. Due to the high heterogeneity of mutations, large size (186 kb) and structural complexity of the F8 gene, direct mutation analysis is costly and time consuming. Alternatively, linkage analysis using informative polymorphic markers such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers has been introduced as a rapid and cost effective method for hemophilia A carrier detection in families with an affected individual. Several SNP markers associated with the F8 gene region have been studied.
Materials and Methods: In this exprimental study, the characteristics of A/T SNP (rs4898352) as an informative marker located in intron 18 of F8 gene region was investigated in Isfahanin population. rs4898352 marker was genotyped using tetra primer ARMS PCR method followed by agarose gel electrophoresis in 140 unrelated control healthy females in mentioned population. New primers were designed for rs4898352 marker using the oligo 7 software. The allele frequency, degree of heterozygosity and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were estimated by use of Genepop program. The polymorphism information content (PIC) value was estimated using the Powermarker software.
Results: The results showed that the allele frequency of rs4898352 polymorphism for A and T alleles was 0.482 and 0.518, respectively. The observed heterozigosity rate was 60%. Analysis of Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium demonstrated that the Isfahan population was in equilibrium (p>0.05) for rs4898352 marker. Moreover, analysis of PIC value revealed that this marker could be considered as a highly informative marker in the mentioned population.
Conclusion: Together, the data suggested that rs4898352 could be introduced as an informative marker for molecular diagnosis of hemophilia A in Isfahan Population
Elyas Nikooy Koupas, Zeinab Karimi, Zahra Asoodeh Nalkiashari, Saeed Jalal Younesi,
Volume 20, Issue 6 (9-2017)
Abstract
Abstract
Background: The aim of current study was to investigate the existence of any possible relationship between the components of self-knowledge and affiliation with delinquent peers at tendency to addiction among high school student girls.
Materials and Methods: The research method is correlation. 132 high school student grils were selected through a random cluster sampling method in 2014-2015 academic years, and responded to the self-knowledge, affiliation with delinquent peers, and tendency to addiction scale questionnaires. For data analysis, the Pearson coefficient and stepwise regression are used.
Results: The findings of the study showed that, among the components of self knowledge, there is a meaningful and negative relationship between self-observation with tendency to addiction (p<0.01) and a positive relationship between social-comparison and social-feedbacks with tendency to addiction (p<0.01).
Conclusion: According to the obtained results, with adjustment of self-knowledge and also psychological holding classes for teenager to select appropriate friends and peers, tendency to addiction can be reduced.
Farrokh Karimi,
Volume 20, Issue 8 (11-2017)
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Nowadays, drug resistances are the main problems in no response of cancer patients to drug. Identification of molecular mechanisms and causative agents of drug resistance can be important to determine the treatment method in different stages of disease. In this study, for the first time, expression of multidrug resistance (MDR1) gene was studied in colorectal cancer by Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs)-based nanobiosensor method.
Materials and Methods: At first, a nanobiosensor was designed based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs). After optimizing reaction condition to identify target DNA sequence, colorectal cancer patient’s cDNA samples were evaluated by nanbiosensor.
Results: After immobilizing the probe on CNTs, Fluorescence immersion was quenched but by adding complementary DNA, fluorescence again was observed. In hybridization reaction of cDNA with nanobiosensor high significant levels of fluorescence emission was observed in colorectal cancer tumor samples compared normal tissue indicating high level expression of MDR1gene in tumor tissue.
Conclusion: Finally, the evaluation of the expression of MDR1 gene by nanobiosensor indicated that in colorectal cancer tissue MDR1, mRNA level was higher than normal tissue. In addition, the results of this study indicated that carbon nanotubes-based nanobiosensor beside PCR-based method can be used as a very powerful tool for expression studies in human cancers at mRNA levels.
Sara Karimi Moghadam, Roohollah Dorostkar, Saeed Hesami Takallou,
Volume 20, Issue 11 (2-2018)
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Iran and breast cancer is the fifth leading cause of death among women. Diagnosis of breast cancer in early stages could increase the lifetime of more than 90% of patients. Human endogenous retroviruses are as heterochromatic parts of the genome, lack any expression. But in several categories of human cancers, including breast cancer, there is a significant increase in the level of HERV-Kenv mRNA.
Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, blood samples were collected from 40 breast cancer patients admitted in Baqiyatallah Hospital and 20 healthy individuals to study the increased expression of HERV-Kenv mRNA using specific primers and were tested by RT-PCR.
Results: Investigations on the patient and control groups showed that increased expression of mRNA was positive in 60% of patients with breast cancer and negative in all healthy subjects.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that expression of mRNA HERV Kenv in breast cancer was increased. Since enhancement of mRNA HERV-Kenv in the blood of breast cancer patients occurs in of disease, these retroelements could be used as a diagnostic biomarker
Sare Karimi, Azam Haddadi, Parvin Torabzadeh,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (5-2018)
Abstract
Abstract
Background: In recent years, increasingly antibiotic resistance problem among Klebsiella isolates and side effects of antibiotics overuse have made researchers to study the antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants. The aim of this study was to study the inhibitory effect of ethanolic and aqueous extract of Vaccinium arctostaphylos on ESBLs producing Klebsiella strains.
Materials and Methods: Among 143 isolates of Klebsiella collected from some hospitals and clinical laboratories in Karaj, ESBLs producer were screened by phenotypic confirmatory test (PCT). One of them was identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. MIC and MBC of ethanol and aqueous extracts of Vaccinium arctostaphylos were determined using microdilution method on selected ESBLs producing Klebsiella strains.
Results: Resistance to ceftazidime, ceftriaxon and cefotaxime was observed in 14.7% of the isolates. 32 isolates (22%) were detected as ESBL producers. Results of MIC and MBC tests showed that ethanolic and aqueous extract of Vaccinium arctostaphylos have inhibitory effect on ESBLs producing Klebsiella strains,
Conclusion: The presence of antibacterial activity could be confirmed in most plant species used in traditional medicine in Iran and we should focus on combining traditional medicines and modern drugs.
Nasim Karimi, Maliheh Safari, Ghodratollah Roshanaei, Jalal Poorolajal,
Volume 21, Issue 6 (12-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is caused by body contamination with human immunodeficiency virus. Several factors affect the survival of people with AIDS, which are often examined using Cox regression models. The default is to use the Cox model as a proportionate hazard, which in case of a violation, this model does not have the required performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effective factors on survival of AIDS patients using the developed Cox model.
Materials and Methods: In this cohort study, 1050 patients with AIDS who referred to Imam Khomeini and Zamzam Behavioral Counseling Centers in Tehran Province during the years 2004 to 2014 were studied. The effect of clinical and demographic factors on survival of patients has been investigated using extended Cox model.
Findings: 79% of patients were men. The mean age of the patients was 34.84 ± 10. 21 years old. The mean of the diagnosis time to AIDS was 23.64 ± 15.53 months. 76% of patients were cencored. Age at diagnosis, transmission modes, ART, CD4 count, and time to diagnosis of AIDS in univariate and multivariate analysis were significant
(p <0.05).
Conclusion: Several clinical factors have implications for the survival of AIDS patients. The most important of these factors is the use of ART and early detection of the disease, which greatly increases the chance of survival of the affected population. Therefore, it seems necessary to provide screening and treatment services for high-risk individuals.
Mohammadreza Zarali, Zaher Etemad, Kamal Azizbeigi, Pouran Karimi,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (August & September 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim Apoptosis or programmed death is active biological process and reversible that the balance between growth and cell death in various tissues, particularly myocardial tissue is essential role. The aim of this study was the effect of 8 weeks High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with and without food restriction on gene expression of Caspase 3 and 9 in rats.
Methods & Materials: This study was experimental multi group design with control group which conducted on 30 rats with two months old male. Subjects were divided in to five homogenous groups including base control, control, caloric restriction, interval exercise training and caloric restriction+interval exercise training. Training groups five sessions in weeks were participated in interval exercise training for 8 weeks. The level of gene expression of the proteins Caspase 3 and 9 was evaluated by Real Time-PCR. Dates were analyzed using the 1-way ANOVA at the level of (P<0.05).
Ethical Considerations: The protocol of this study was approved by the Medical Committee of Sanandaj University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.MYK.REC.1397.5022).
Results: The results showed that the training group had a significant decrease in gene expression of Caspase 3 in comparison with caloric restriction+exercise training (P<0.05). Also, exercise training and exercise training+caloric restriction significantly decrease in the gene expression of Caspase 9 compared to caloric restriction, base control and control (P<0.05) and significantly decrease in the gene expression of Caspase 3 compared to base control and control (P<0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results, it seems that high intensity interval training with and without calorie restriction provides the necessary adaptations to inhibit or stop apoptosis induced by aerobic exercise.
Nayereh Baghcheghi, Hamid Reza Koohestani, Mehdi Mesri, Mahmood Karimi,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (December & January - Special Issue on COVID-19 2020)
Abstract
N/A
Zohreh Karimi Taheri, Mohammad Hosein Aarabi, Ali Nazari Alam, Majid Nejati, Mohammad Shayestehpour, Hamid Reza Gilasi, Afshin Salehi, Mohammad Esmaeil Shahaboddin,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (April & May 2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Despite the anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties of licorice extract and lavender essential oil, some factors, such as low bioavailability and biodegradable, limit their therapeutic use. Using nanoparticles is a method to overcome these restrictions. This study aimed to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of nanoemulsion containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil on cancer cells; we also evaluated its antimicrobial properties in vitro.
Methods & Materials: In this experimental study, nanoemulsions, containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil were developed by the spontaneous emulsion method. The anti-proliferative effect of nanoemulsion was investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric method on two cell lines HepG2 and SK-MEL-3. To measure the antimicrobial effect of 4 standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) method was used.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Kashan University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.KAUMS.MEDNT.REC.1396.106).
Results: The results of MTT test on HepG2 cells indicated that the concentrations of 630, 1250, and 2500 μg/mL nanoemulsions caused toxicity to the cell and led to the death of >50% of the cells (IC50=401μg/mL; P<0.05). Evaluating SK-MEL3 cells revealed that except for 75 μg of nanoemulsion, other concentrations induced death in >50% of the cells (IC50 = 82 μg/mL; P<0.05). In addition, nanoemulsions, with antimicrobial properties, were studied in 4 strains of bacteria; the highest antimicrobial properties were observed in Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Conclusion: Nanoemulsion containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil presents antimicrobial and antiproliferative effects on the two cell lines studied. The current study results indicated that the nano emulsification of lavender essential oil and licorice extract can enhance their biological impact; thus, they can be used as a drug formulation.
Mahbobeh Karbalaei, Jahangir Karami, Parvaneh Karimi,
Volume 24, Issue 5 (December & January 2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The type of circadian rhythms is essential in maintaining physical and mental health and recovery from the disease. This study aimed to investigate the role of circadian rhythms on sleep quality and corona anxiety in men and women.
Methods & Materials: The present study is a descriptive comparative causal description. The statistical population included all 18-50 who participated in the survey online. People who completed the questionnaire online were selected for sampling. The research instruments included the circadian inventory rhythms Horne and Ostberg (1976), Petersburg Quality of Sleep Questionnaire (1989), and Alipour et al.’s (2020) Corona-related Anxiety Scale in the Iranian sample. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and the Scheffe test were used to analyze the data.
Ethical Considerations: This study was registered with the Ethics Committee Razi University Technology Units Development Center at Institute for Psychoanalytic Studies (No.: 99133).
Results: The results showed that the mean of mental and corona physical anxiety in women and men with evening type is higher than in other classes. Men and women in the evening type have a lower sleep quality than in the morning and middle types. The results also showed significant differences between the types regarding corona anxiety, sleep quality, and sex. The difference between the mean of the morning type and evening types’ mean was more than other differences between the means.
Conclusion: Individual differences in morning-evening types seem to play an essential role in the quality of sleep and the experience of corona anxiety
Mr Mohsen Shamsi, Mr Ali Kulivand, Mr Mohammadjavad Ghannadzadeh, Ms Mahboobeh Khorsandi, Mr Seyedhamed Mirhosseini, Mr Amir Almasi-Hashiani, Mr Behrooz Karimi, Mr Seyednadali Alavi Bakhtiarvand, Ms Masoume Naderi Noreyni,
Volume 25, Issue 4 (October & November 2022)
Abstract
Introduction: Today, with the increase in population, the per capita production of waste materials and the subsequent threat and destruction of the environment is an increasing process, and waste management by the people of a society can play an essential role in reducing this problem. Therefore, the aim of this study was determine of predicting the waste management behaviors of households in Arak city in 2022.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional and analytical study that was carried out on 600 mothers of households in Arak city, who were selected by multi-stage sampling. The data collection tool was a valid and reliable researcher-made questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and behavior of households in the field of waste management. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and t-test, chi-square and regression tests. This study was approved by the research ethics committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1401.040).
Results: The average age of the studied was 39±11 years and the number of family members was 3.6. In terms of type of housing, most of them lived in apartments (44%) and a smaller number lived in complexes (14%). 65 percent of the people had not received the training on the waste separation plan from the source, and among the effective training methods, the majority (38 percent) of the people had overestimated the effectiveness of the training through the Internet. The mean and standard deviation of knowledge was 66±19, attitude was 84±11 and performance was 73±18. The majority of the people studied had a good level of awareness and attitude. The regression analysis model showed that the greatest impact on the waste management behavior of the samples was the age of the people, their knowledge and attitude, which predicted a total of 33% of the waste management behavior.
Conclusions: Considering the favorable state of awareness and attitude of households in Arak city, it seems that for better waste management, other environmental factors should be emphasized, including sources of waste production at the source. Also, based on the prediction model, it is still important to inform and change the attitude of households in Arak city for better performance at younger ages.
Dr Majid Gholami-Ahangaran, Dr Maryam Karimi-Dehkordi,
Volume 26, Issue 1 (April & May 2023)
Abstract
Introduction: Coronaviruses are mainly the cause of respiratory disease in humans, and among the known species, the coronaviruses that cause SARS, MERS, and Covid 19 cause severe respiratory disease. So far, no specific treatment has been found for these diseases. Considering the beneficial effects of medicinal plants as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, the use of herbal compounds can be effective in mild infection of coronaviruses.
Methods: PubMed database was used to search for articles containing the terms coronavirus, SARS, MERS, as well as human and herbal medicine. The inclusion criteria were all full articles with the mentioned keywords and the exclusion criteria were summary articles and articles presented in conferences. A total of 36 articles on human coronaviruses were found. Most of the studies were about SARS (SARS-CoV) with 26 articles (72.22%). Two articles (5.55%) were found about Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and only one article (2.77%) about MERS (MERS-CoV). It should be noted that one study included SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV and six studies (16.66%) also investigated SARS, MERS and Covid-19 at the same time. Ethical principles have been respected in writing the article, according to the instructions of the National Ethics Committee and COPE regulations.
Results: Some medicinal plants have been identified with effective antiviral activity against SARS, MERS, and Covid-19 coronaviruses, including green tea, cinnamon, licorice, cure, sage, chives, rhubarb, nettle, and blackberry. Considering that these medicinal plants have already been used with different therapeutic effects in the human medicinal pharmacopoeia, it is recommended to conduct clinical trials on humans in order to achieve an effective dose against common human coronaviruses.
Conclusions: Although some medicinal plants have been recommended for use in the treatment of coronavirus respiratory syndrome in humans, the effects of these plants on other biological factors have not been studied, until now. It is necessary to evaluate their side effects simoultaneous with clinical trials and confirming the effectiveness of these compounds.