Phosphorus removal and recovery: state of the science and challenges.

Phosphorus is one of the main nutrients required for all life. Phosphorus as phosphate form plays an important role in different cellular processes. Entrance of phosphorus in the environment leads to serious ecological problems including water quality problems and soil pollution. Furthermore, it may cause eutrophication as well as harmful algae blooms (HABs) in aquatic environments. Several physical, chemical, and biological methods have been presented for phosphorus removal and recovery. In this review, there is an overview of phosphorus role in nature provided, available removal processes are discussed, and each of them is explained in detail. Chemical precipitation, ion exchange, membrane separation, and adsorption can be listed as the most used methods. Identifying advantages of these technologies will allow the performance of phosphorus removal systems to be updated, optimized, evaluate the treatment cost and benefits, and support select directions for further action. Two main applications of biochar and nanoscale materials are recommended.

Type II diabetes and personality; a study to explore other psychosomatic aspects of diabetes.

BACKGROUND: As one of the most common chronic diseases, diabetes and its control are affected by the patients' psychological and spiritual attributes. The present study investigates the relationship between glycemic control in patients with type II diabetes and personality traits, defense mechanisms and spirituality. METHOD: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 Iranian patients with type II diabetes, 64% were men. Participants completed the NEO Personality Inventory, the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ) and the Spiritual Assessment Inventory (SAI) and then underwent a blood sampling for the assessment of HbA1C levels. RESULTS: Of the five personality traits, extraversion (r = -0.13 and P < 0.01) and conscientiousness (r = -0.13 and P < 0.01) had significant negative relationships with HbA1C HbA1C levels, while neuroticism had a significant positive relationship with HbA1C levels (r = 0.12 and P < 0.05). Of the defense styles assessed, the neurotic style was found to have a significant negative relationship with HbA1C levels (r = -0.1 and P < 0.05). Also, of the spirituality elements, impression management had significant relationship with glycemic control (r = 0.17 and P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: According to data, Extraversion and conscientiousness can help control blood sugar while anxiety and negative emotions have detrimental effects on glycemic control. As a result considering psychological counselling beside medical interventions can help to better treatment.

The association between depression, socio-economic factors and dietary intake in mothers having primary school children living in Rey, south of Tehran, Iran.

BACKGROUND: According to the WHO report released in 2000, about 121 million people worldwide suffer from depression. The present study aimed to explore factors influencing depression in mothers from Rey, South of Tehran, Iran; who had elementary school children. METHODS: The cross-sectional survey was conducted in spring 2010. Four hundred thirty mothers who had elementary school children, were selected through a two stage cluster sampling. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess depression in the mothers and a 24-hour food recall was used to collect information regarding their dietary intake. General information regarding economic condition and socio-economic status were also gathered using a questionnaire. The data was analyzed using chi-square, one-way analysis of variance and simple regression tests. RESULTS: In our study, 51.4% of the mothers suffered from depression. There was an inverse correlation between the educational level of the mothers and the heads of household, their occupational status, their marital status, their socio-economic condition and depression. Conversely, any increase in the family size worsened the depression. The daily intake of different macronutrients, except for fat, was lower in individuals of depressed group. CONCLUSION: The present study emphasized the fact that more attention should be paid to the educational level and economic condition of the family in order to reduce maternal depression. Family size also plays an important role in this regard.

The association between depression, socio-economic factors and dietary intake in mothers having primary school children living in Rey, South of Tehran, Iran.

BACKGROUND: According to the WHO report released in 2000, about 121 million people worldwide suffer from depression. The present study aimed to explore factors influencing depression in mothers from Rey, South of Tehran, Iran; who had elementary school children. METHODS: The cross-sectional survey was conducted in spring 2010. Four hundred thirty mothers, who had elementary school children, were selected through a two stage cluster sampling. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess depression in the mothers and a 24-hour food recall was used to collect information regarding their dietary intake. General information regarding economic condition and socio-economic status were also gathered using a questionnaire. The data was analyzed using chi-square, one-way analysis of variance and simple regression tests. RESULTS: In our study, 51.4% of the mothers suffered from depression. There was an inverse correlation between the educational level of the mothers and the heads of household, their occupational status, their marital status, their socio-economic condition and depression. Conversely, any increase in the family size worsened the depression. The daily intake of different macronutrients, except for fat, was lower in individuals of depressed group. CONCLUSION: The present study emphasized the fact that more attention should be paid to the educational level and economic condition of the family in order to reduce maternal depression. Family size also plays an important role in this regard.

Psychometric properties of the Iranian version of Diabetes Empowerment Scale (IR-DES-28).

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to determine the primary psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale (IR-DES-28). METHODS: After translating the questionnaire into Persian, re-translating it into English and obtaining the confirmation of the diabetes specialists regarding the accuracy of the translated questionnaire, 100 patients with type 2 diabetes selected using a systematic random sampling method completed the Iranian-DES-28. The validity of IR-DES-28 was evaluated by construct, concurrent and criterion validity, whereas its reliability was assessed by test re-test, internal consistency and splitting method. RESULTS: Psychometric analysis confirmed the reliability and validity of the IR-DES-28 in three subscales: Self-awareness and managing psychological aspects of diabetes (α=0.80), goal achievement ability (α=0.50), the ability of setting goals (α=0.79). Test-retest reliability, evaluated through Pearson coefficient correlation, was equal to 0.74 (P <0.01). The total score of IR-DES-28 and that of the extracted subscales were correlated with HbA1c levels (metabolic control) (P <0.01). The findings also supported the concurrent validity of the questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The validity and reliability of the Iranian-DES scale is acceptable. Thus, the scale could be an appropriate instrument in evaluating the empowerment-based education programs.