RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Due to the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak on the continuation, schedule, and efficiency of radiation therapy, this study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the COVID-19 Safety Measures (CSM) questionnaire at the radiation therapy center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this analytical cross-sectional study, which all personnel of the radiation therapy center (20 people) participated, the validity and reliability of the 16-item CSM questionnaire were investigated. Cultural adaptation, face validity, content validity, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency were evaluated. For face and content validity, impact score, content validity ratio, and content validity index (CVR and CVI) were calculated, respectively. Also, internal consistency and stability reliability were calculated with Kuder-Richardson (KR20) alpha and Pearson correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation (ICC), respectively. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 24 with a significant level of 5%. RESULTS: Out of 20 employees, 70% (14 people) were female, 75% (15 people) were married and the mean age (SD) was 32.4 (6.35) years. Scale-based Kuder-Richardson alpha, S-CVI, ICC, and confidence interval were 0.79, 0.97, 0.68, and 0.38-0.89, respectively. CONCLUSION: The validity and reliability of the 16-item CSM questionnaire were confirmed. Therefore, the application of this scale is recommended.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Radiation exposure poses a significant threat to reproductive health, particularly the male reproductive system. The testes, being highly sensitive to radiation, are susceptible to damage that can impair fertility and overall reproductive function. The study aims to investigate the radioprotective effects of apigenin on the testis through histopathological evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research involved utilizing a total of 40 mice, which were randomly divided into eight groups of five mice each. The groups were categorized as follows: A) negative control group, B, C, and D) administration of apigenin at three different doses (0.3 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, and 1.2 mg/kg) respectively, E) irradiation group, and F, H, and I) administration of apigenin at three different doses (0.3 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, and 1.2 mg/kg) in combination with irradiation. The irradiation procedure involved exposing the mice to a 2Gy X-ray throughout their entire bodies. Subsequently, histopathological assessments were conducted seven days after the irradiation process. RESULTS: The findings indicated that radiation exposure significantly impacted the spermatogenesis system. This research provides evidence that administering apigenin to mice before ionizing radiation effectively mitigated the harmful effects on the testes. Apigenin demonstrated radioprotective properties, positively influencing various parameters, including the spermatogenesis process and the presence of inflammatory cells within the tubular spaces. CONCLUSION: Apigenin can provide effective protection for spermatogenesis, minimize the adverse effects of ionizing radiation, and safeguard normal tissues.
