Development and psychometric evaluation of waste separation beliefs and behaviors scale among female students of medical sciences university based on the extended parallel process model

BACKGROUND@#The increasing production of un-recycled waste is a great threat to public health. Therefore, assessment and measurement of people's beliefs and perceptions with regard to these threats can contribute to the development of suitable educational messages promoting waste separation behaviors. This study aimed to carry out the scale development and psychometric evaluation of behaviors and beliefs associated with waste separation among female students.@*METHOD@#This methodological research was performed in 2019. The primary questionnaire was developed based on the assessment of waste separation beliefs and behaviors based on the extended parallel process model. Afterwards, to confirm the content and face validity of the research tool, the opinions of 14 faculty members and certain students were asked for, respectively. In order to assess the construct validity of the questionnaire, exploratory factor analysis was performed based on the data collected from 386 female students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The internal and external reliability of the tool was determined through estimating Cronbach's alpha and test-retest based on intraclass correlation (ICC) index, respectively.@*RESULTS@#The mean age and academic semester of the students were 22 ± 1.9 years and 5.58 ± 2.6, respectively. The primary version of the questionnaire was designed with 65 items; one item was omitted during the content validity process. Construct validity with factor analysis technique yielded nine dimensions including 64 items with a factor loading above 0.3. The overall reliability of the research tool was confirmed at Cronbach's alpha of 0.87. Furthermore, the ICC of the entire questionnaire was 0.89.@*CONCLUSION@#According to the results of the study, the final 64-item questionnaire could be used by various researchers to assess waste separation beliefs and behaviors considering suitable psychometric features.

Somatic Complaints Are Significantly Associated with Chronic Uninvestigated Dyspepsia and Its Symptoms: A Large Cross-sectional Population Based Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Somatization may influence persistence and severity of symptoms in gastrointestinal diseases. Some studies suggest that somatization is associated with chronic uninvestigated dyspepsia (CUD); however, the association is unclear. We aimed to determine the association between the profiles of somatic complaints with CUD and its symptoms. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study conducted on 4763 Iranian adults, somatic complaints were assessed using a comprehensive 31-items questionnaire. Patients with CUD were identified by the Rome III diagnostic criteria. Profiles of somatic complaints were derived from factor analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between extracted profiles with CUD and its symptoms. RESULTS: CUD, bothersome postprandial fullness, early satiation, and epigastric pain or burning was identified in 723 (15.2%), 384 (8.1%), 302 (6.3%), and 371 (7.8%) of the study population. The frequency of all 31 somatic complaints was significantly higher in patients with CUD compared with controls (P < 0.001), and the most frequent was severe fatigue (45.1%). The profiles of somatic complaints were extracted in 4 domains, including “psychological”, “gastrointestinal”, “neuro-skeletal”, and “pharyngeal-respiratory”. The psychological (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.44–1.54), gastrointestinal (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 2.09–2.37), neuro-skeletal (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.44–1.59), and pharyngeal-respiratory (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.94–2.25) profiles were significantly associated with greater odds of CUD. CONCLUSIONS: CUD and its symptoms are strongly associated with higher levels of somatic complaints and their related extracted profiles. This perhaps explains that why it can be difficult to treat, however further prospective investigations are required to confirm these associations.

Molecular Phylogenetics of Trichostrongylus Species (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae) from Humans of Mazandaran Province, Iran

The present study was performed to analyze molecularly the phylogenetic positions of human-infecting Trichostrongylus species in Mazandaran Province, Iran, which is an endemic area for trichostrongyliasis. DNA from 7 Trichostrongylus infected stool samples were extracted by using in-house (IH) method. PCR amplification of ITS2-rDNA region was performed, and products were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence data was performed using MEGA 5.0 software. Six out of 7 isolates had high similarity with Trichostrongylus colubriformis, while the other one showed high homology with Trichostrongylus axei registered in GenBank reference sequences. Intra-specific variations within isolates of T. colubriformis and T. axei amounted to 0–1.8% and 0–0.6%, respectively. Trichostrongylus species obtained in the present study were in a cluster with the relevant reference sequences from previous studies. BLAST analysis indicated that there was 100% homology among all 6 ITS2 sequences of T. colubriformis in the present study and most previously registered sequences of T. colubriformis from human, sheep, and goat isolates from Iran and also human isolates from Laos, Thailand, and France. The ITS2 sequence of T. axei exhibited 99.4% homology with the human isolate of T. axei from Thailand, sheep isolates from New Zealand and Iran, and cattle isolate from USA.

Stereological analysis of human placenta in cases of placenta previa in comparison with normally implanted controls

placenta previa [PP] is an obstetric complication that can affect maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Its prevalence is rising due to cesarean sections. There is no quantitative data of placenta in PP. In this study, quantitative parameters of placenta in cases with PP in comparison with normally implanted controls were investigated. In this quasi experimental study, placentas from pregnancies with PP and normally implanted controls [n=10] were obtained from women who underwent cesarean section. Three full-thickness columns of each placenta were sampled using systematic uniform random sampling [SURS]. Columns were cut into slices and slices were sectioned with 4 microm thickness. SURS selected sections were stained by Masson's trichrome. Stereological analysis was done on 8-10 SURS microscopic microm fields of each section. Absolute volume and volume density of chorionic villi, inter-villous space, syncytiotrophoblast, fibrin and blood vessels in chorionic villi were estimated in both groups. Statistical analysis was done using Mann Whitney-U test and significant level was set at p<0.05. There was a significant reduction in total volume and volume density of fibrin deposits on the surface of chorionic villi [p<0.05], and a significant increment in total volume and volume density of chorionic villous blood vessels in PP group in comparison with C group [p<0.05]. Results showed that impairment in situation of implantation in PP can cause significant changes in the structure of placenta. These changes probably can be influential on the evolution and survival of fetus

Association between TNF-alpha [-308 G - A] gene polymorphism and chronic periodontitis

Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory disease caused by environmental and genetic factors. It leads to destruction of tooth supporting tissues and may cause tooth loss. Cytokine TNF-alpha plays a role in the development of inflammatory lesions and development and progression of the chronic periodontitis disease. Some polymorphisms of this gene are accompanied with change in expression level. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between TNF-alpha -308 G>A [rs1800629] polymorphism and chronic periodontitis. In this case-control study, 100 patients with chronic periodontitis and 100 normal subjects, referring to the clinic of Zahedan Dental School, were evaluated. Venous blood samples of participants were taken. DNA was extracted using salting-out technique and gene polymorphism was studied at this position using specific primers by T-ARMS PCR method. To investigate the frequency of genotypes and alleles in both groups, chi[2] test was employed and p<0.05 was taken to be statistically significant. The frequencies of AA, GA, and GG genotypes in the patient and control groups were, 1%, 8%, and 91%, and 0%, 16%, and 85%. The frequencies of A and G allele in patient and control groups were 5% and 95%, and 7.9% and 92.1% respectively. There was no significant difference in the frequencies of genotypes and alleles between the groups. The present study indicates that there is no association between TNF-alpha [-308 G>A] polymorphism and chronic periodontitis in this population

Stereological analysis of the dental pulp in patients with advanced periodontitis

The adverse effects of periodontitis on dental pulp have long been argued. The purpose of this study was to investigate stereological indices of dental pulp in patients with advanced periodontitis compared with healthy people. In this case-control study, 15 single-rooted permanent teeth of patients with advanced periodontal diseases and that of people with healthy periodontium, as control group, were investigated. All teeth were intact, and without filling and decay. After tissue processing, longitudinal serial sections of the tooth were prepared and stained by Masson's trichrome. A grid containing organized points superimposed on the images of each section randomly. Then, the points hit with each subject were counted. The volume of pulp and its components in both groups were estimated, using Cavalieri's principle. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test. The significance level was considered as p<0.05. No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of inflammation and calcification intensity [p<0.05]. Microscopic evaluations of tissue sections showed significant increase in predentin thickness in periodontitis group than control group [p<0.05]. In addition, statistically significant reduction was observed in periodontitis group with respect to pulp absolute volume, volume density, odontoblastic layer absolute volume, collagen fibers absolute volume, and absolute pulp blood vessels volume, compared with control group [p<0.05]. Results showed periodontal disease affects stereological parameters of pulp. Because of reduction of pulp volume and narrowing of root canal, precise diagnostic and therapeutic considerations are recommended during treatment of those teeth

Stereological changes of human placenta in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus compared with healthy controls

Systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause changes in the placenta. In this study, quantitative changes of placenta were investigated using stereological methods. In this case-control study, 10 placentas from systemic lupus erythematosus pregnancy [antinuclear antibody>10], and 10 placentas from normal uncomplicated pregnancy were obtained from Imam Ali Hospital. Volume of placentas was estimated using Cavalieri's principle. 3 full-thickness columns of each placenta were taken using systematic uniform random sampling [SURS]. After fixation in modified Lillie's solution, they were cut into 5 mm slices. 5-7 sections selected from each slice using SURS and stained by Masson's trichrome. Then stereological analyses were done on 8-10 SURS fields of each section. Placental volume, absolute volume and volume density of chorionic villi, intervillous space, syncytiotrophoblast, fibrin and blood vessels in chorionic villi were estimated in both groups. The Mann Whitney-U test was employed to determine statistically significant differences between the means. Significant level was set at p<0.05. Total volume and volume density of fibrin and total volume and volume density of blood vessels significantly increased in SLE group in comparison with control group [p<0.01]. Volume density of syncytiotrophoblast increased 50% in SLE group in comparison with control group, this increase was statistically significant [p<0.01]. Results showed that systemic lupus erythematosus disease can cause significant changes in the structure of placenta that may be influential on the evolution and survival of fetus

quantitative and qualitative study of rat testis following administration of methadone and buprenorphine

Opiate abuse is a matter of serious concern in adolescent men. The primary drugs used in the treatment of opiate addiction are methadone and buprenorphine. This study was undertaken to determine the quantitative and qualitative changes in rat testes after methadone and buprenorphine administration. In this experimental study, 15 male Wistar rats, each weighing 250 +/- 15 g, were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups [n = 5]. The first group received an intraperitoneal dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day methadone and the second group received an intraperitoneal dose of 30 mg/kg/day buprenorphine for 15 days each. The third group [control] received normal saline injections. After the last injection dose, the rats were sacrificed and their testes were removed, weighed, and fixed in modified Lillie's solution, and embedded in 3.5% agar, after which 1-mm slices perpendicular to the long axis of the testes were prepared using a tissue slicer. Then, on the basis of Cavaleri's principle, the testis volume was calculated by point-counting method. For histological analysis, systematic random samples of each testis were selected, processed, and stained by hematoxylin and eosin [H and E] and periodic acid schiff [PAS] methods. The results obtained for the 3 groups were compared using nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test. P < 0.05 was considered as the level of significance. Stereological analysis of rat testes showed no significant effect of methadone and buprenorphine administration on the testis volume [P > 0.05]. However, microscopic studies of rat tissues in the methadone-administered group showed atrophic seminiferous tubules, reduction of sperm stem cells, destruction of Sertoli cells, irregularities in the basement membrane of seminiferous tubules, cellular degeneration of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes, and significantly fewer spermatozoids than in the control group. Furthermore, in the methadone-administered group, the germinal cells of seminiferous tubules were damaged and extensively detached from the basement membrane and the vessels of the interstitial tissue were congested. Microscopic studies of the buprenorphine-administered group showed no significant changes in the basement membrane, seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cells, interstitial tissue, and sperms. Buprenorphine is more suitable for treating opiate addiction in males since it does not affect normal testicular structure and function

[Effectiveness of informational support on anxiety among family carers of patients undergone open heart surgery]

Hospitalization of patients in the intensive care unit of open heart surgery [ICUOH] is often stressful for patients' family carers. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the informational support on anxiety among families of patients undergone open heart surgery. In this double-group randomized clinical trial, 64 family carers of patients undergone open heart surgery were selected using convenience sampling method and were randomly allocated into two intervention or control groups. The informational support consisted of holding the ICU orientation tours and educational sessions, and providing educational pamphlets and booklets. The members of the control group received routin information. The anxiety of the family carers was measured using the trait Spielberger anxiety questionnaire before surgery and in the day of discharge from the ICU. Independent and paired t-tests were used to analyze the data. According to the findings, there were no significant difference between the two groups regarding demographic charachteristics. At the baseline, the mean of anxiety scores were 47.9 +/- 11.5 and 49.2 +/- 11.5 in the control and intervetion groups, respectively. The anxiety scores diminished in both groups after the surgery, however, the difference was not statistically significant between the two groups [P=0.18]. For effective control of anxiety among family members of patients, both informational support and other supportive techniques such as psychological support and meeting other family needs should be considered

stereological study of effects of aqueous extract of Tamarindus indica seeds on pancreatic islets in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Tamarindus indica Linn was used as a traditional medicine for the management of diabetes mellitus in human and experimental animals. This study investigated effects of aqueous extract of Tamarindus indica seeds [AETIS] against STZ-induced damages in pancreatic islands by means of stereological methods. sixty matured normoglycemic male Wistar rats, weighing 200- 250 gr, were selected and randomly divided into 6 groups [n=10]. Control, STZ-induced diabetic; by intraperitoneal injection of 55 mg/Kg streptozotocin, Treated control group [TC]; received AETIS at a dose of 200mg/kg/day, and AETIS treated diabetic groups [TD1-3]; received respectively AETIS at the dose of 50, 100,and 200 mg/kg/day by gavage from one week after induction of diabetes by STZ. After 8 weeks of experiment, stereological estimation of volume density and total volume of islets and beta cells, volume weighted mean islets volume, mass of beta cells, islets, and pancreas and total number of islets were done. Volume density and total volume of islets, volume weighted mean islets volume, volume density islets/pancreas, volume density beta cells/islet, mass of islets and pancreas of treated diabetic groups [TD1-3] were significantly higher than untreated diabetic group [P<0.001], and in TD3 group these values were comparable to controls. Although total volume and mass of beta cells in TD1-3 were significantly higher than D group but they were significantly lower than control group [P<0.05]. Total number of islets, pancreas wet weight and volume did not show any significant changes between control and experimental groups [P>0.05]. Results suggested that AETIS partially restores pancreatic beta cells and repairs STZ- induced damages in rats

Morphological evaluation of Head and face in 18-25 years old women in Southeast of Iran

Measurement of human head or cephalometry is used in identification, forensic medicine, plastic surgery, orthodontics, archeology and examine the differences between races. This investigation was undertaken on 800 young women [18-25 years old] to determine the head and face phenotypes among them in two aborigines of Sistani [Fars] and Baluchi who were resident in southeast of Iran. In this study cephalic and prosopic indices were determined by classical cephalometric method. Means and standard deviation of cephalic indices were 78.4'4.15 and 81.94'4.99 and prosopic indices were 83.22'4.02 and 84.86'5.15 in Sistani and Baluchi subjects, respectively. Based on the cephalic index, the dominant and rare head types in Sistani group was mesocephalic [41.3%] and hyperbrachycephalic [6%] and in Baluchi group was brachicephalic [42%] and dolichochephalic [5.5%], respectively. Furthermore, according to the prosopic index, the dominant and rare face type among Sistanis were euryprosopic type [50.8%] and hyperleptoprosopic [0.5%] and in Baluchi group were euryprosopic [37%] and hyperleptoprosopic [2.5%], respectively. This research showed that differences in terms of head and face type indices between these two groups were statistically significant. Based on this cross-sectional study, it seems that there is differences between the aforementioned groups

Ultrastructural study of neutrophils in fetal rat spleen following lead intoxication

Introduction: Lead is one of the heavy metals that have adverse effects on blood cells and hemopoiesis. In this study the ultrastructure of neutrophils in fetal rat spleen were investigated following lead intoxication

Material and Methods: Thirty female and 6 male Sprague-Dawley rats were chosen by simple random sampling. After mating the pregnant rats were classified into test and control groups. From the first day of pregnancy the test group was provided ad lib with water containing 0.13% lead acetate and the control group had access to distilled water. After birth 10 newborn in each group were chosen by systematic random sampling. The spleens of the newborn rats were fixed in a solution of 2% glutaraldehyde, and after processing, sections were studied by a transmission electron microscope

Results: The ultrastructural changes included: irregular nuclei with deep invagination, plasma membrane pockets, presence of vacuoles with a heterogeneous material and an increasing incidence of rough endoplasmic reticulum with dilated cisternae. No differences between the groups were observed in the mitochondrial morphology and pattern of cytoplasmic granules [primary granules with electron dense appearance and specific or secondary granules with less electron density and heterogeneous appearance]

Conclusion: Lead transmitted via the placenta can affect the ultrastructure, and most probably the function, of fetal neutrophils. More attention must be given to the dangers of lead pollution of the environment and the need to eliminate exposure to lead in work places