Background: Preeclampsia is a significant multisystem disorder in pregnancy care that hormonal, environmental, and genetic factors can cause. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between preeclampsia and thyroid hormone levels in pregnant women. Method: This case-control study was conducted in 2022 with 200 pregnant women in southeast Iran, utilizing a convenience sampling method. The participants included 100 women in the preeclampsia group and 100 in the normal pregnancy group. Data related to preeclampsia were obtained from the Integrated Health System (SIB) at the health center in Jiroft city, while information about the thyroid hormones was extracted from the Ministry of Health's SIB system. The data were analyzed using SPSS-26 software, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical tests Results: Systolic pressure was significantly higher in the preeclampsia group (149.14 mm Hg) than in the control group (105.33 mm Hg), and diastolic pressure also showed a significant difference (94.57 mm Hg in preeclampsia vs. 64.33 mm Hg in normal pregnancies). Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were significantly higher in the preeclampsia group (3.7) compared to the normal pregnancy group (2.5), indicating a notable difference (P<0.005). Thyroid thyroxine (TT4) levels were significantly lower in the preeclampsia group (10.78) compared to the control group (12.5) (P<0.005). Conclusion: Thyroid function significantly impacts the risk and severity of preeclampsia, with elevated TSH and reduced TT4 levels indicating potential complications. Monitoring these hormone levels is crucial for managing affected pregnancies. It is recommended that health policymakers include thyroid function screening in prenatal care protocols.

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a frequent surgical emergency in the US, responsible for 12-16% of hospital admissions for abdominal pain. While treatable with nasogastric tubes, delayed surgery for SBO with ischemia drastically increases mortality (up to 25%). This study aim to investigate the diagnostic utility of computed tomography (CT) for small bowel obstruction (SBO). A comprehensive search for relevant articles was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, encompassing studies published until February 2024. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened to identify eligible studies. We then assessed the quality of the included articles, extracted relevant data, and performed a rigorous analysis. A total of 40 observational studies comprising 4,502 patients were eligible for the analysis. CT demonstrated high performance in both ruling in and ruling out SBO. The pooled sensitivity was 77.55% (95% CI: 71.41-83.69%) and specificity was 86.43% (95% CI: 82.75-90.12%), supporting its continued use for diagnosing SBO in patients with acute abdominal pain. Our findings indicate that CT offers a reliable tool for diagnosing SBO in patients with abdominal pain. CT effectively identifies key signs of SBO, facilitating informed clinical decision-making. However, observed variations in sensitivity and specificity across studies highlight the importance of using CT alongside other diagnostic modalities for a comprehensive evaluation. Additionally, the high heterogeneity among studies highlights the need for further large-scale investigations.

BackgroundThe surge in international exchanges and immigration has significantly increased the demand for culturally competent healthcare providers.AimThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of a cultural care training program on the cultural competency and self-efficacy of healthcare providers in Jiroft, Iran.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest-posttest design but with no control group. Sixty-five eligible participants were selected through a convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Cultural Care Inventory, and the Cultural Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES) before and after a cultural care training program during four 2-hour sessions per week. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 20, including the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and paired t-test.ResultsThe total mean cultural competency score significantly increased from 89.05 ± 12.30 to 217.16 ± 12.09. Similarly, the total mean cultural self-efficacy score rose significantly from 83.53 ± 4.95 to 105.7 ± 7.24. Paired t-test indicated a statistically significant difference in cultural competence (p = 0.001, t= -65.99) and cultural self-efficacy scores (p = 0.001, t = -47.03).ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that implementing various training programs can effectively enhance the cultural competency and self-efficacy of healthcare providers.

Aquaculture is a crucial sector in the global food system, significantly contributing to the supply of nutritious food and creating economic opportunities. This review article examines the essential role of vitamins in fish farming, highlighting their contributions to growth performance, immune function, antioxidant activity, digestive efficiency, disease resistance, and overall body composition. Vitamins are not only vital nutrients for the growth and metabolic functions of aquatic organisms but also serve as essential cofactors in numerous biochemical reactions, thereby promoting fish health and development. Recent innovations in aquafeed formulations and vitamin nutrition have led to a reassessment of the dietary vitamin needs for various farmed fish species. This review synthesizes contemporary research in fish nutrition, demonstrating the substantial effects of vitamins on growth rates (up to 20%), immune response enhancement (up to 40%), optimization of digestive and hepatic enzyme activities, and improvement of biochemical and hematological parameters. The magnitude of these benefits is influenced by factors such as vitamin type, fish species, age, and environmental conditions. Additionally, the review highlights the significance of vitamins in enhancing disease resistance and improving body composition in aquaculture species. The insights provided aim to guide aquaculture professionals and researchers in recognizing the critical role of vitamins in fostering sustainable fish farming practices. Future research in fish nutrition should prioritize the development of sustainable vitamin supplementation strategies, including the exploration of plant-based and microbial vitamin sources, the optimization of nutrient delivery methods, and the reduction of environmental impacts. By focusing on these areas, we can enhance fish health, improve feed efficiency, and promote more environmentally sustainable aquaculture practices.

ABSTRACTThe transition period poses a considerable metabolic challenge for dairy ruminants, primarily due to the heightened energy requirements. This study aimed to assess the effects of varying energy intake (EI) levels on the performance and metabolic status of fat‐tailed sheep. A total of 24 single‐bearing pregnant ewes were randomly assigned to three experimental groups with eight replications each: (1) a control group with EI in accordance with their estimated energy requirements (CON); (2) a group receiving approximately 60% of the CON intake (0.6CON) and (3) a group provided with 120% of the CON intake (1.2CON). The experimental period spanned from 2 weeks prior to parturition to 2 weeks following parturition. The findings indicated that the 0.6CON group exhibited significantly lower intake levels of metabolizable energy (ME), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and non‐fibre carbohydrates (NFC) compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the energy restriction (ER) resulted in a notable reduction in the body weight of ewes at lambing and on postpartum days 7 and 14 (p < 0.05). It is important to highlight that milk production ranged from 660 to 1500 g/day, demonstrating a significant difference between the ER group and those provided with higher energy levels. In addition, the EI had a pronounced positive impact on the production of fat (FCM), energy (ECM) and total solids (TSCM)‐corrected milk (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the 0.6CON group showed diminished yields of fat, protein, lactose and solid non‐fat (SNF) (p < 0.05), whereas the 1.2CON group displayed enhanced production efficiency (p < 0.05). The ER resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose and phosphorus levels, while concurrently causing an increase in urea and non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations (p < 0.05). However, no significant effects were observed on circulating levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, calcium, total protein, globulin or β‐hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA). It can be concluded that EI during the transition period has a substantial impact on the lactation performance and metabolic status of fat‐tailed ewes.

The short storage life and susceptibility to post-harvest fungal diseases present significant challenges in strawberry preservation. This study, therefore, investigated the efficacy of Aloe vera gel (AVG) combined with various concentrations (250, 500, and 1000 ppm) of rosemary essential oil (REO), as a natural alternative to synthetic fungicides for extending the storage life of strawberries at 5°C. Based on our results, the AVG + REO coatings significantly improved multiple quality parameters compared to untreated fruits. Coated strawberries exhibited 4-9% higher vitamin C content. On the 14th day of storage, coated fruits showed remarkable reductions in total microbial count (20-37 log cfu/g), total mold and yeast count (20-37%), and fruit spoilage percentage (24-100%) compared to uncoated controls. The coatings also moderated the decrease in titratable acidity (29% less reduction than controls), contributing to flavor preservation. Furthermore, the treatments effectively reduced weight loss, maintained favorable TSS/TA ratios, and enhanced anthocyanin content. The AVG + REO coating at 250 ppm concentration showed particularly promising results, completely preventing fruit spoilage after 14 days of storage. The multifaceted preservation effects were attributed to the coatings' ability to form a protective barrier, modulate respiratory metabolism, and exert antimicrobial activity. These findings demonstrate the potential of AVG + REO coatings as a natural, edible, cost-effective, and efficient method for improving the storage life and preserving the quality of strawberries. This study contributes to the development of sustainable post-harvest management strategies in the fruit industry and opens avenues for further research into optimizing natural coatings formulations for commercial applications.

Alcohol abuse leads to numerous physical and mental health issues, as well as an increased risk of infectious and chronic diseases. Additionally, it contributes significantly to mortality and disability rates within the population. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on self-regulation theory (SRT) in reducing alcohol consumption among Iranian adolescents. This analysis was conducted as a before-and-after experimental study involving 430 high school students in the southern Kerman province from 2023 to 2024. The study employed a cluster sampling approach, encompassing 14 educational classes, with seven classes randomly assigned to the intervention group and seven classes to the control group. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire based on SRT, and its validity (with a CVR and CVI above 90%) and reliability (with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of more than 0.9 for the entire questionnaire) were rigorously assessed and confirmed. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, applying independent t-tests, paired t-tests, and chi-square tests. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age of the adolescents was 15.32 ± 0.8 years. In intervention group, the mean score of the behavioral inhibition and working memory increased from 34.43 ± 7.83 and 31.59 ± 5.20 before the intervention to 37.33 ± 7.69 and 32.67 ± 5.83 after the intervention. Also, the mean score of internalization of speech, motivational evaluation system and behavioral reconstitution increased respectively from 30.37 ± 6.27, 24.88 ± 4.80 and 45.29 ± 6.30 before the intervention to 32.42 ± 6.14, 26.74 ± 4.70 and after the intervention. Following the educational intervention, the average scores for the constructs of behavioral inhibition (p = 0.03), working memory (p = 0.001), internalization of speech (p = 0.02), motivational evaluation system (p = 0.04), and behavioral reconstitution (p = 0.001) demonstrated a significant increase in the intervention group compared to the control group. Interventions based on SRT can significantly decrease the likelihood of alcohol use among adolescents. Continuous training rooted in this theory within school settings is beneficial for preventing risky behaviors in adolescents.

Caffeine, a widely consumed phytochemical, exhibits a dual and paradoxical role in modulating cellular responses to radiation, acting as both a radioprotector and radiosensitizer depending on context. This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies to elucidate caffeine’s multifaceted interactions with ionizing (gamma rays, X-rays) and non-ionizing (UV) radiation. Mechanistically, caffeine influences DNA repair pathways—notably inhibiting ATM/ATR checkpoint kinases—overrides G2/M cell cycle arrest, and modulates apoptosis through p53-dependent and independent pathways. While caffeine demonstrates radioprotective potential by mitigating oxidative stress, enhancing antioxidant defenses, and reducing chromosomal aberrations in normal tissues, it concurrently sensitizes cancer cells to radiation by disrupting DNA repair and amplifying mitotic catastrophe. Intriguingly, its effects vary by radiation type, dose, cell lineage (e.g. p53 status), and administration timing, underscoring its context-dependent utility. Preclinical studies highlight caffeine’s capacity to attenuate radiation-induced hepatotoxicity, skin damage, and cataract formation, yet caution is warranted due to risks of exacerbating chromosomal instability and teratogenicity. Clinically, retrospective data suggest caffeine may reduce late radiotherapy toxicity in cervical cancer patients, though evidence remains sparse. This review underscores caffeine’s potential as an adjuvant in radiotherapy but emphasizes the necessity for precision in its application, balancing therapeutic benefits against risks. Further research is critical to unravel dose-response dynamics, optimize timing, and validate clinical translatability across diverse radiation modalities.