Comparative study of the relationship between pregnancy and childbirth factors and autism in healthy children and children with autism.

BACKGROUND: Autism is a group of developmental disorders of the nervous system, the main manifestations of which are defects in social interactions and communication, as well as repetitive behaviors and limited interests. The etiology of autism is not limited to a single factor. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the relationship between pregnancy and childbirth factors and autism in healthy children and children with autism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a cross-sectional study that was performed on 200 children in Isfahan in 2021. The instrument in this study was a researcher-made questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software. RESULTS: The results of data analysis between the two groups with Mann-Whitney U test showed that there was a significant relationship between maternal age at delivery, father's age at delivery, gestational age at delivery, interval between pregnancies, and the length of hospital stay (P ≤ 0.05). Also, the results of data analysis with Chi-squared test showed that there is a significant relationship between the two groups in terms of economic status, place of residence, multiple pregnancies, neonatal sex, and disease in infancy (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that economic status, place of residence, multiple pregnancies, sex of the baby, and disease in infancy can be effective factors for this disease. According to the results of the study, by considering the factors related to autism, many cases can be adjusted and corrected as much as possible before attempting to conceive.

Investigating the relationship between attitudes toward fertility and childbearing and the value of children with attitudes toward fertility control in married women aged 15-45 in Isfahan.

BACKGROUND: The family is one of the important social institutions and the function of childbearing is one of the important functions of the family. The decision to have children depends on the individual's attitude about the consequences of having another child and their perceived norms. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between attitudes toward fertility and childbearing and the value of children with attitudes toward fertility control in married women aged 15 to 45 years in Isfahan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional correlational study that was performed on 500 married women with at least one child in health centers affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Data collection tools in this study were standard questionnaires. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22. RESULTS: The mean score of attitude toward fertility control was 40.43 ± 9.03. The area of security in old age and the area of procrastination had the highest mean values of children and attitudes toward fertility and childbearing, respectively. Analysis of data by Spearman test showed that there is a significant relationship between all dimensions of child value and attitudes toward fertility and childbearing with attitudes toward fertility control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A positive attitude toward the child increases the likelihood of having children and believing in the negative impact of the child on freedom reduces the likelihood of having a desire for fertility. Changing attitudes of societies toward childbearing and less desire to have children should not be sought only in material, economic, or social reasons but also cultural factors should be considered in this area.

Plasma-based strategy for inhibiting Candida albicans growth and CaMCA1 gene expression in vitro and reducing fungal pathogenicity in a murine model of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common mucosal infection, mainly caused by Candida albicans. The use of common antifungal drugs in treatment of VVC is limited due to emergence of resistant fungal strains and severe side effects. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) as a novel therapeutic approach is proven to display strong antifungal activity against C. albicans. In the present study, the effects of CAP treatment on virulence and pathogenicity of C. albicans in a murine model was investigated. Candida albicans was treated with CAP at different time exposures. Fungal cell morphology and the expression profile of CaMCA1 gene in CAP-treated fungus was evaluated using electron microscopy and quantitative RT-PCR. Moreover, the mice model of VVC was developed using CAP-treated and non-treated C. albicans and characterized in terms of vaginal fungal burden, the rate of hyphae formation in the vaginal tissue and fluid and the inflammation degree of mice vaginal tissue. Significant reduction in CaMCA1 expression and remarkable mitochondrial degradation were observed in CAP-treated C. albicans cells. The lowest fungal burden, reduced hyphae formation, poor adherence of yeast cells to vaginal epithelium, and the low degree of inflammation were observed in mice infected with CAP-treated C. albicans. Suppression of CaMCA1 gene and mitochondrial degradation in CAP-treated C. albicans yeast cells may diminish yeast to hyphae transition and reduce fungal pathogenicity in murine model of VVC. CAP treatment can be considered as a novel and efficient therapeutic strategy against C. albicans and related Candida infections in practice. LAY SUMMARY: CAP was successfully used to inhibit fungal growth and CaMCA1 gene expression in C. albicans. It caused morphological alterations in membranous structures of the yeast cells and finally led to the cell death. CAP meaningfully reduced C. albicans virulence and pathogenicity in a murine model of VVC.

Inhibitory effects of cold atmospheric plasma on the growth, virulence factors and HSP90 gene expression in Candida albicans.

In spite of the abundance of antifungal therapies, 75% of women in the world suffer from the second most common cause of vaginal infection named vulvovaginal candidiasis. This complication is characterized with overgrowth of Candida albicans. The low efficacy and side effects of current antifungal therapies have convinced the researchers to look for a non-antibiotic based treatment such as cold atmospheric plasmas (CAP). The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of CAP on C. albicans growth, ergosterol and biofilm formation. In addition, antibiotic resistance, phospholipase and proteinase activity, and structural properties were examined with different exposure duration. Putative critical effect of CAP on the expression of HSP90 as a target of anti-fungal therapy was investigated. ROS production in C. albicans exposed to CAP was assessed. For this purpose, C. albicans subjected to 0, 90, 120, 150, 180 and 210 s of He/O2 (2%), and non-treated cells as control were examined in terms of the mentioned virulence factors. The results showed that CAP had a significant effect on inhibition of C. albicans growth, Inhibition of biofilm formation, ergosterol content, and fluconazole and amphotericin B antibiotic sensitivity were significant in 210 s treatment group. This effect was validated based on changes of the cell architecture and morphology given the microscopy imaging results. The expression of HSP90 in both C. albicans ATCC 10231 and C. albicans PFCC 9362 was inhibited in 210 s of exposition. CAP exposition induced intracellular ROS, which may cause membrane damage and cell death in C. albicans. Taken together, the potential of CAP for therapeutic purposes in C. albicans-induced fungal infections is supported.

Determining the frequency of Candida species in women with candidal vaginal infection frequency of Candida species in women with candida vaginal infection.

BACKGROUND: Candidiasis vaginitis is an opportunistic and common mucosal infection. Although Candida albicans is the most common isolated species, other species of Candida such as Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida tropicalis have also increased significantly in recent years. The aim of this study was to identify Candida species in women with candidal vaginal infection in order to promote health in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on nonpregnant women of childbearing age who referred to health centers in Neyshabur in 2018. At the beginning of the study, 163 people entered the study and the culture results were positive in 68 of them. In vitro, culture was performed in subduxtrose agar medium containing chloramphenicol and gentamicin. Species identification was performed using Candida specific culture medium (Saburo dextrose agar and chloramphenicol). After culture, 15% of the residual wet slide with potash (KOH) was prepared and observed with a lens. Finally, the data were analyzed with SPSS software version 24. RESULTS: The participants in the study were women with a mean age of 35.55 ± 5.47 and the average number of deliveries was 1.38 ± 1.15. In this study, the prevalence of C. albicans was 59.7%, C. tropicalis was 14.8%, C. krusei was 15%, and C. glabrata was 7.61% and also krusei and tropicalis were 3% simultaneously. Therefore, C. albicans was the most common species isolated from clinical specimens. CONCLUSION: In this study, the most common species after albicans were C. tropicalis and cruciferous. Considering the role of C. glabrata in the development of resistance to antifungal drugs, the lower prevalence of this species in the present study can be associated with improved treatment outcomes in patients.

Investigating the relationship between the dimensions of mindfulness and maternal attachment to the fetus during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Maternal attachment to the fetus is a term used to describe the emotional relationship between mother and fetus. This emotional connection increases during pregnancy and is reflected in her feelings, perceptions, and behaviors. Mindfulness is important as one of the factors affecting the mental health of people during pregnancy. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the relationship between the dimensions of mindfulness and maternal attachment to the fetus during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was performed on 500 pregnant mothers referred to health centers affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The samples were entered into the study by available sampling method and if they had inclusion criteria and no exclusion criteria. The research instruments were the Fetal Attachment Questionnaire and the Bauer Mindfulness Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22. RESULTS: The results of the data showed that there was no significant relationship between the overall score of mindfulness and the overall score of maternal attachment to the fetus (P = 0.62). While from the dimensions of mindfulness such as "action with awareness" there was a significant negative relationship (P = 0.03) with maternal attachment to the fetus and a significant positive relationship "observation" with maternal attachment to the fetus (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, there is a relationship between maternal attachment to the fetus during pregnancy and a number of dimensions of mindfulness. For this purpose, since mindfulness can increase the mother's interactions with the fetus, and this interaction begins during pregnancy and with the mother's attachment to the fetus, it is important to pay attention to this.

Relationship between fear of childbirth and the sense of cohesion with the attachment of pregnant mothers to the fetus.

INTRODUCTION: Maternal-fetal attachment is a term used to describe the emotional relationship that a pregnant woman has with her developing fetus. Mental care for pregnant women (fear of childbirth and a sense of cohesion of pregnant women) is one of the most important aspects of prenatal care that affects the mother's attachment to the fetus. If fear and anxiety are relieved, psychological and physical relaxation will be replaced. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship between fear of childbirth and the sense of cohesion with the attachment of pregnant mothers to the fetus. METHODS: The present study is a descriptive study that was performed by multi-stage sampling method on 500 pregnant mothers who referred to health centers in Isfahan in 2017. The study participants completed the following questionnaires: fear of childbirth, sense of cohesion, and mother's attachment to the fetus. The data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistical methods (Pearson correlation) using SPSS software version 22. RESULTS: The results showed that there was a significant negative relationship between the overall score of maternal attachment to the fetus and fear of childbirth (r = -0.153, P = 0.001). However, there is a significant positive relationship between the overall score of maternal attachment to the fetus and the sense of cohesion (r = 0.112, P = 0.01). The results also showed a significant negative relationship between the fear of childbirth and the dimensions of maternal attachment to the fetus, including interaction with the fetus (P = 0.04), self-sacrifice (P = 0.04), and attributing characteristics to the fetus (P = 0.05). There was a positive and significant relationship between the sense of coherence and the subsequent acceptance of the maternal role of maternal attachment to the fetus (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: More attention of prenatal care provider to the psychological issues of the pregnant mother and their fears and worries can lead to appropriate interventions in this field, and as a result, mothers' attachment to their fetus has increased so that they can take proper care during and after pregnancy.

The relationship between hope and happiness with prenatal care.

INTRODUCTION: Prenatal care refers to proper and principled implementation aimed at maintaining a healthy pregnancy in terms of physical health and favorable psychological outcomes for the mother, infant, and family. The adequacy of prenatal care is an important indicator in predicting infant and maternal mortality. Mental health components such as hope and happiness can influence the quality of prenatal care. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between hope and happiness with prenatal care. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that was performed on 200 pregnant mothers referred to Isfahan, Iran, comprehensive health centers in 2018 using an available sampling method. The research instrument was a questionnaire of hope, happiness, and quality of prenatal care that was completed by qualified people. The data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistical methods (Pearson correlation). RESULTS: The results of this study showed that there is a significant relationship between the adequacy of care and overall hope score (P = 0.032). There was also a positive and significant relationship between the adequacy of care and the subscales of hope (thinking [P = 0.002] and path [P = 0.004]). There was a positive and significant relationship between the adequacy of prenatal care and overall happiness score (P = 0.03). Positive emotion subscale (P = 0.033) had a significant positive correlation and negative emotion subscale (P = 0.001) had a significant negative relationship with the adequacy of prenatal care. CONCLUSION: According to the results, mental health can affect the quality of prenatal care. As a result, health providers to pregnant mothers can improve the adequacy of prenatal care by examining pregnant women in terms of these two issues, thereby improving the health of themselves and their children, and ultimately, community health.

Effect of Positive Psychology Interventions on the Quality of Prenatal Care Offered by Midwives: A Field Trial.

BACKGROUND: The quality of prenatal care has been recognized as critical to the effectiveness of care in optimizing maternal and child health outcomes. This study examined the effect of positive psychology interventions on the quality of prenatal care offered by midwives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This field trial was conducted on 60 midwives working in community health centers in Mashhad, Iran, from September 23, 2015 to March 20, 2016. Initially, centers No. 1 and No. 3 were selected via cluster sampling from among the five healthcare centers of Mashhad. Then, all subsidiaries of these centers were listed and assigned to intervention and control groups through simple random sampling. Thus, 60 midwives were randomly assigned to two equal intervention and control groups. The intervention, based on Seligman's Well-Being Theory, was presented weekly with homework in eight 2-h sessions. Before the interventions and immediately after the intervention, the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ) and Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-Being (SPWB) were completed by the midwives, and the Quality of Prenatal Care Questionnaire (QPCQ) was completed by two pregnant women for each midwife. RESULTS: After the intervention, the mean [Standard Deviation (SD)] score of the overall quality of prenatal care in the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group [mean (SD) = 1.51 (0.49) vs. 0.05 (0.21); t43,12= 18.7, p < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that improving the well-being of midwives through positive psychology interventions is effective on the quality of prenatal care provided by them.

Urine analysis with dipstick test in asymptomatic 7-year-old children.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of renal failure in children is increasing worldwide, and most renal diseases do not show clinical symptoms for the patient. Moreover, given the importance of screening for patient identification and prevention planning that result from screening, the present study was performed. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 292 children aged 7 years who referred to Neyshabur health centers during 2017-2018. In addition, sampling was clustered. The first urine sample was taken in the morning, and the dipstick test was performed. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 11.5 and Mann-Whitney, Chi-square, and Pearson's tests. RESULTS: Of the 292 children, 142 (48.6%) were male and 150 (51.4%) were female. All the boys had been circumcised. The children were 7-year-old. Urinary tract problems were present in 31 (10.61%) children. Urinary problems were observed in 163 children (55.82%) considering crystalluria. Some children had more than one type of urinary disorder. Pyuria was the most common disorder in 13 (8.7%) of the studied children, and proteinuria was the least common. Nitrite and hemoglobin were not found in the urine of the studied children. There was a statistically significant relationship between gender and white blood cell count (P < 0.001), crystalline oxalate (P = 0.004), and specific gravity (P = 0.009). There was also a statistically significant relationship between urinary-specific gravity and pH (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic urinary problems may be identified by screening tests in school-aged children. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the exact cause of the obtained abnormal results and determine whether or not they are related to renal disease in order to reduce the number of people with untreated renal diseases in future.

Investigating the relationship between social support and self-compassion by improving the adequacy of prenatal care.

INTRODUCTION: Getting pregnant care is different due to the psychological problems of pregnant mothers. Self-compassion and social support are the important components of mental health. Women with higher self-compassion and social support can take full care of their pregnancies. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between social support and self-compassion with adequate prenatal care. METHODS: The present study is a cross-sectional descriptive study that was performed in 2018 using the available sampling method on 500 pregnant mothers referred to Isfahan health centers. Individuals entered the study if they had entry criteria and no exit criteria, and completed social support, self-compassion, and adequacy of pregnancy care questionnaires. The data were coded and analyzed by SPSS software version 22 and Pearson's correlation statistical test. RESULTS: The results of data analysis with Pearson's correlation test showed a positive and statistically significant relationship with pregnancy care between the overall score of social support (P < 0.001) and the dimensions of social support such as family support (P < 0.002), support of friends (P < 0.004), and the support of other people (P < 0.001). The results also showed a positive and statistically significant relationship between self-compassion and prenatal care (P < 0.001). There was a significant positive relationship between the subscales of the self-empathy questionnaire, including kindness to oneself, human commonalities, mindfulness and increasing replication, and pregnancy care, but there was a significant negative relationship between subscales of isolation and self-judgment with pregnancy care. CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present study, social support and self-compassion as two components of mental health can affect the quality of services during pregnancy. For this reason, it is recommended that health-care providers pay attention to these two issues in order to increase the level of care during pregnancy and thus ensure maternal health during pregnancy and childbirth and the health of the fetus and baby.

Effect of positive psychology interventions on psychological well-being of midwives: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The psychological well-being of midwives is very important in the context of providing health services to two vulnerable groups of society, namely, mothers and infants. Therefore, the present study was conducted aiming to investigate the effect of positive psychological interventions on the psychological well-being of midwives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a randomized clinical trial with pretest-posttest design along with a control group. The statistical population of the study included all midwives working in community health centers of Mashhad City, Iran, which were first selected through cluster sampling method from five health centers of the city, i.e. centers 1 and 3. Then, all centers and subsidiary bases of these centers were listed, and the centers and bases were divided into two groups of intervention and control by simple random allocation method. Sixty respondents were randomly assigned to two equal intervention and control groups and responded to the Ryff's Psychological Well-being questionnaire in two stages of pretest and posttest. Educational interventions based on interventions, including Seligman's PERMA model, in which psychological well-being is defined in terms of five domains namely positive emotions (P), engagement (E), relationships (R), meaning (M), and accomplishment (A), were conducted in eight sessions of 2 h (two sessions per week). Data were analyzed using independent t-test, paired t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the posttest scores of the two intervention and control groups in the total psychological well-being variable (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Given the findings of the study, it is suggested to use the Seligman's PERMA model to improve the psychological well-being of midwives in health centers.