Background: Sexual function is an important aspect of women’s physical and psychological health, yet it is often overlooked due to cultural sensitivity. To our knowledge, no study in Iran — where sexual issues are rarely discussed — has compared the sexual function of reproductive-aged and post-menopausal women. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess and compare sexual function status and the frequency of sexual dysfunction between these two groups. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 2020 using a multi-stage sampling method on 60 women of reproductive age and 60 women in post-menopausal age. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess sexual function. Data were analyzed using the Student’s t-test, partial correlation coefficient, and Mann-Whitney test. Additionally, multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to control for potential confounding factors. Results: The frequency of low sexual function was 64.2% for women aged 21 - 27 years, 65.19% for women aged 28 - 33 years, 84.2% for women aged 34 - 39 years, and 90.5% for women aged 40 - 45 years. In menopausal women, this figure was 83.3%. The sexual function score of reproductive-aged women was significantly higher than that of post-menopausal women, with the difference observed in the total score and specifically in the "orgasm" dimension. The results for the stratified age groups showed that desire and arousal in women aged 21 - 27 were significantly better than those in post-menopausal women. Conclusions: Although the frequency of sexual dysfunction was high in both groups, post-menopausal women showed a higher frequency compared with reproductive-aged women. Thus, it is necessary for healthcare professionals to be sensitive and carefully evaluate all women, especially menopausal women who are more susceptible to sexual problems. Health providers should pay greater attention to these issues.

Context: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) frequently encounter difficulties in independently performing self-care activities, which can adversely affect both their development and quality of life. Video modeling (VM) is an evidence-based observational learning technique in which children acquire skills by watching and imitating video demonstrations. Although interest in this approach is increasing, a comprehensive synthesis of VM for self-care in children with NDDs is currently lacking. Objectives: This review examined VM interventions designed to improve self-care in children with NDDs, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with an emphasis on intervention characteristics, implementation strategies, and outcomes. Methods: A scoping review identified 21 studies from four major databases. Two independent researchers systematically extracted and organized data to ensure accuracy. Quantitative analysis summarized study characteristics, intervention features (such as VM alone or in combination with reinforcement, prompting, chaining, or live modeling), and outcomes (including toothbrushing, toileting, and dressing) using descriptive statistics. Qualitative analysis explored recurring themes related to video devices, visual perspective, model type, integration with other techniques, intervention context (home, school, or clinical settings), and generalization across settings and tasks. Results: The VM interventions primarily employed third-person perspectives and adult models, most often within home environments. There was notable variability in video devices, implementation contexts, complementary techniques, and visual perspectives. Despite these differences, VM consistently improved self-care skills, including dressing, feeding, and personal hygiene. Approximately 95% of studies reported statistically significant improvements. Evidence suggests that tailoring interventions to developmental level, model type, visual perspective, and context enhances outcomes and promotes functional independence. Conclusions: The VM is an effective and adaptable approach for fostering independent self-care in children with NDDs. The key modifiable factors — model selection, visual perspective, and implementation context — identified as primary findings can guide clinicians, educators, and caregivers in optimizing skill acquisition. These insights inform the development of VM-based programs, supporting improved developmental outcomes and quality of life. Future research should focus on standardizing protocols and examining long-term effects to strengthen evidence-based practice.

Background: Premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) face significant challenges in sensory development and growth. Music, an integral component of occupational therapy (OT), has been shown to alleviate stress, promote sleep, and reduce hospitalization duration, underscoring its importance in neonatal care. Despite increasing global evidence, the systematic application of music therapy within Iranian NICUs remains largely uninvestigated. Cultural and environmental differences between Western and Iranian neonatal care settings necessitate exploration of the effectiveness of music-based interventions in this specific context. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effects of music therapy on the occupational performance of premature infants in an Iranian NICU, focusing on both behavioral regulation and motor development. Methods: This clinical trial, registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, included 40 premature infants admitted to the NICU at Akbar Abadi Hospital. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups using convenience sampling stratified by birth weight. The intervention consisted of 10 music therapy sessions over 6 days, each lasting 10 minutes, featuring two custom-composed pieces and two adapted selections delivered via headphones at approximately 55 - 60 dB SPL. The control group received standard neonatal care without music therapy. Outcome measures included the test of infant motor performance (TIMP) and the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS), assessed by a blinded occupational therapist before and after the intervention. Data analysis utilized the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and Mann-Whitney test to evaluate within- and between-group changes. Results: Significant between-group differences were observed in several NBAS domains, including state regulation (Z = -3.47, P = 0.001), supplementary items (Z = -3.20, P = 0.001), social interactions (Z = -3.32, P = 0.001), habituation (Z = -2.30, P = 0.021), and autonomic functioning (Z = -2.79, P = 0.005). No significant differences were found in motor performance (Z = -0.79, P = 0.429), state organization (P = 0.945), or smile (P = 0.382). Test of infant motor performance scores showed no significant between-group differences (intervention pre/post: 8.3/8.3; control pre/post: 7.9/8.1; P = 0.52) and no significant within-group changes. These results indicate selective behavioral benefits without measurable short-term motor improvement. Conclusions: The study concluded that music, as a cost-effective tool in neonatal care, significantly enhanced various aspects of premature infants' development, including state regulation and social interactions. These findings underscore music's potential as a comprehensive intervention for diverse aspects of infant development.

Background: Body dysmorphic disorder becomes even more complicated by distorted body perception and difficulties in emotion regulation, which necessitate appropriate psychological therapies. Determining appropriate psychotherapy for these patients is still an important field with a significant research gap. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of positive psychotherapy (PPT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in treating women with body dysmorphic disorder. Methods: This study included a control group and was quasi-experimental. Sixty female participants with body dysmorphic disorder were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 60, 20 per group). To compare the groups in the study, the subjects were divided into three groups: The ACT (n = 20), PPT (n = 20), and control (n = 20). The participants comprised 60 patients with body dysmorphic disorder from the Rasta and Insight Psychotherapy Clinics, Iran Psychiatry Hospital, Arasteh Beauty Clinic, and Dr. Najmeh Ahmadi Beauty Clinic in Tehran, as well as via online announcements. There were eight sessions of PPT and eight sessions of ACT. Participants were assessed at three stages: Pre-test, post-test, and a three-month follow-up. Questionnaires on Body Image Test (BIT) and Difficulty in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) were utilized as outcome variables. Results: Compared to PPT and the control group, ACT was considerably more effective in improving body image and difficulties in emotion regulation in women with body dysmorphic disorder. Women with body dysmorphic disorder also reported improvements in body image and reductions in difficulties in emotion regulation after undergoing PPT. For body image, the between-subjects effect size was 0.40, and for difficulties in emotion regulation, it was 0.52. Conclusions: The findings suggest that, while the positive psychology approach can help women with body dysmorphic disorder, ACT is more effective in improving body image and difficulties in emotion regulation.

Context: Food processing at high temperatures results in the formation of hazardous substances known as heat-formed contaminants. Objectives: These contaminants, such as acrylamide, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), furan, chloropropanols, heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), have been associated with health risks. Given food safety concerns, monitoring the levels and occurrences of heat-formed contaminants in food is crucial for controlling dietary exposure. Evidence Acquisition: Relevant literature was selected by searching databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) for this comprehensive review. Results: The major formation routes of heat-formed contaminants involve food preparation methods using heat, such as cooking, toasting, frying, and grilling. Implementing low-thermal food processing, along with increased awareness of the harmful effects, will help diminish the formation and intake of these carcinogenic compounds. Conclusions: This review focuses on the formation mechanisms, potential toxicity, and occurrence of major heat-formed contaminants in food, highlighting their importance as critical concerns. Furthermore, the most commonly used analytical methods for detecting these trace contaminants in food samples are discussed in the context of human health risk assessment.

Background: Kindness plays a vital role in strengthening social bonds, enhancing solidarity, and improving individuals’ mental and social well-being. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the role of promoting kindness in community-based health improvement efforts and to examine its contribution to fostering healthier and more cohesive communities within the specific cultural context of Tehran, Iran. Methods: This qualitative study employed a conventional content analysis approach. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 58 purposefully selected participants, including service users, administrators, and academic and executive experts from the Ministry of Health and Iran University of Medical Sciences. Participants were recruited from specific geographical locations in Tehran to reflect the cultural context; however, limitations regarding the generalizability of findings to other regions or cultures are acknowledged. Interviews were conducted in various settings, including municipal offices, hospitals, and university campuses across Tehran, commencing on 23 November 2023 and continuing until 20 July 2024, when theoretical saturation was reached. To ensure the trustworthiness of findings, triangulation was conducted using multiple data sources and methods, including expert reviews and cross-validation of interview data. Results: The analysis revealed four main themes: Mental and emotional well-being; social cohesion and community support; health promotion and public engagement; and social equity and inclusion. These themes were further divided into 8 subthemes and 54 codes. Illustrative participant quotes supporting these themes provide rich, detailed evidence of the perceived impact of kindness. The findings indicate that promoting kindness can serve as an effective strategy in community-based health promotion efforts. Conclusions: Promoting kindness in society contributes to stronger social connections, stress reduction, and improved mental health. It also fosters more cohesive and healthier communities, playing a significant role in enhancing public health. Given these findings, kindness is proposed as a culturally rooted, low-cost complementary approach for public health policies and interventions. However, further studies in diverse cultural settings are recommended to enhance generalizability.

Background: Pregnancy leads to numerous changes, including alterations in psychological needs, often resulting in anxiety that necessitates various psychological adjustments. Social support is a key factor influencing anxiety. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the relationship between anxiety during pregnancy and perceived social support in pregnant women. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1,095 pregnant women who referred to the Tadayon Comprehensive Health Center in Semnan city in 2019, using a convenience sampling method. All participants completed a demographic checklist, the shortened Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ), and the shortened Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire (PRAQ). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software. Descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation coefficient, and a generalized linear regression model were employed. Results: The mean age of participants was 29.38 ± 4.94 years. Most women (73.3%) were housewives, and 64.5% had academic education. Nearly half (47%) were experiencing their first pregnancy, and 1.5% had a history of miscarriage or stillbirth. Social support demonstrated a significant inverse correlation with pregnancy anxiety (R = -0.214, P < 0.001). Higher education level, primigravidity, and a history of miscarriage were associated with greater social support (P < 0.001). Increasing age was associated with lower prenatal anxiety (P = 0.029). Conclusions: The findings underscore the protective role of social support in mitigating pregnancy anxiety. These results suggest that interventions to enhance social support, tailored to factors such as age, education, and parity, may improve mental well-being during pregnancy. Thus, developing and implementing targeted social and cultural programs to strengthen social support for pregnant women is a key implication of this research.

Background: The Adult Sensory Profile Questionnaire is a standardized instrument designed to assess sensory processing patterns in everyday home and work environments. Its psychometric characteristics had not previously been evaluated among healthy adults in Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 166 students from Semnan University of Medical Sciences were recruited during the 2022 - 2023 academic year. The Adult Sensory Profile was culturally adapted in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, including forward- and back-translation, expert evaluation of Content Validity Index (CVI), and assessment of face validity. Convergent validity was evaluated using the Adult Sensory Processing Questionnaire (ASPQ) via Pearson’s correlation. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega, and test-retest reliability over a 14-day interval was assessed using both Pearson’s R and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Data were analyzed in SPSS version 20, with normality and homogeneity of variances examined using the Shapir-Wilk and Levene’s tests, respectively. Results: The Persian version of the Adult Sensory Profile exhibited strong psychometric properties, including good internal consistency (alpha and omega > 0.70), high convergent validity with the ASPQ (R = 0.783), and satisfactory test-retest reliability over 14 days (Pearson’s R = 0.743, 95% CI: 0.68 - 0.81; ICC = 0.765, 95% CI: 0.70 - 0.83), confirming both linear consistency and temporal stability. Conclusions: The findings support the reliability and validity of the Persian Adult Sensory Profile as an effective tool for evaluating sensory processing among healthy Iranian adults. Its careful translation and cultural adaptation allow Persian-speaking clinicians and researchers to accurately identify sensory patterns and monitor sensory adaptation over time.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) represents the most common form of arthritis, particularly among older adults, with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) being a major contributor to pain and disability. Exercise therapy is a core non-pharmacological intervention for managing OA, with proven benefits for pain relief and physical function. Clinical guidelines, such as those issued by European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and American College of Rheumatology (ACR), recommend strengthening, aerobic, and flexibility exercises for symptom control. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is a non-invasive modality with potential regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the additional benefit of PEMF therapy when combined with meloxicam and structured exercise in participants with grade II and III KOA. Methods: In this single-blind randomized controlled trial, 60 participants with grade II-III KOA were recruited using convenience sampling. The required sample size was calculated a priori using the formula for comparing two independent means, based on a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 1.5 points on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), a standard deviation (SD) of 2.0, α = 0.05, and 80% power, yielding 27 participants per group. Considering a 10% anticipated dropout, 30 participants were assigned to each group. Randomization was performed using a computer-generated sequence, and allocation concealment was ensured through sealed opaque envelopes. The intervention group received PEMF therapy (75 Hz, 50 Gauss, 30 min/session, 3 times/week, 8 sessions), meloxicam (15 mg/day), and exercise, while the control group received sham PEMF plus the same standard care. Primary outcomes were pain (VAS) and function [Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)], assessed at baseline, post-treatment, 6 weeks, and 3 months. Results: All 60 participants completed the trial with no losses or exclusions. At 3 months, the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater pain reduction [VAS: From 9.13 ± 1.38 to 2.60 ± 1.73; Δ = -6.53, 95% confidence intervals (CI): -7.11 to -5.95; P < 0.001] than the control group (VAS: From 9.33 ± 0.88 to 8.20 ± 1.90). Similarly, WOMAC total scores improved more in the intervention group (from 79.93 ± 13.23 to 20.80 ± 9.76; Δ = -59.13, 95% CI: -63.9 to -54.4; P < 0.001). Effect sizes were large for both pain (η2 = 0.821) and function (η2 = 0.829). Conclusions: The PEMF therapy substantially enhances pain relief and physical function in participants with KOA, with no reported side effects. These findings support its use as a non-invasive adjunct treatment. Further studies with longer follow-up periods are warranted.