Samples In Tehran Research Articles

Upregulation of pmrA, pmrB, pmrC, phoQ, phoP, and arnT genes contributing to resistance to colistin in superbug Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from human clinical samples in Tehran, Iran

BackgroundAntibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, particularly resistance to colistin, has become a growing concern. This study seeks to investigate the upregulation of specific genes (pmrA, pmrB, pmrC, phoQ, phoP, and arnT) that contribute to colistin resistance in K. pneumoniae isolates collected from human clinical samples in Tehran, Iran. MethodsThirty eight K. pneumoniae isolates were obtained and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing, as well as evaluation for phenotypic AmpC and ESBL production according to CLSI guidelines. The investigation of antibiotic resistance genes was conducted using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), whereas the quantification of colistin resistance related genes expressions was performed via Real-Time PCR. ResultsThe highest and lowest antibiotics resistance were observed for cefotaxime 33 (86.8%) and minocycline 8 (21.1%), respectively. Twenty-four (63.2%) and 31 (81.6%) isolates carried AmpC and ESBLs, respectively. Also, antibiotic resistance genes containing blaNDM, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaSHV, blaTEM, blaCTXM, qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, and aac(6')-Ib were detected in K. pneumoniae isolates. Only 5 (13.1%) isolates were resistant to colistin and the MIC range of these isolates was between 4 and 64 μg ml−1. Upregulation of the pmrA, pmrB, pmrC, phoQ, phoP, and arnT genes was observed in colistin-resistant isolates. The colistin-resistant isolates were found to possess a simultaneous presence of ESBLs, AmpC, fluoroquinolone, aminoglycoside, and carbapenem resistant genes. ConclusionsThis study reveals escalating antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae, with notable coexistence of various resistance traits, emphasizing the need for vigilant surveillance and innovative interventions.

Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among people who use substances: a case study in Tehran

BackgroundVaccination is one of the most effective ways to manage infectious disease epidemics such as Covid-19. However, the low rates of vaccination in populations at risk including people using illicit substances, hinders the effectiveness of preventive vaccines in reducing transmission. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of Covid-19 vaccination and its related factors among people who use substances in Tehran, Iran.MethodsBetween July and December 2022, 386 people who use substances aged ≥ 18 years old were recruited by convenience street-based sampling in Tehran. The outcome variable in this study was self-reported completion of at least two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Logistic regression was used to investigate the factors related to Covid-19 vaccination. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20 at the 0.05 level of significance. As a measure of risk, 95% Confidence interval (CI) was used. The level of significance was considered at 0.05.ResultsAlmost three-quarters (n = 286) of the participants reported receiving at least two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine (95% CI, 70.2–79.3). Those participants with high school diplomas were 1.17 times more likely than less educated participants to report having had 2 vaccinations (OR of 1.17, CI 95%: 1.03–1.81). Participants with a higher mean score of having a positive attitude towards Covid-19 vaccination were more likely to have received a vaccination (OR of 1.12, CI 95%: 1.08–1.17). Ethnicity was also an influential variable, people with non-Fars ethnicity were less likely to be vaccinated than those of Fars ethnicity (OR of 0.33, CI 95%: 0.13–0.81). People with higher-than-average monthly income were more likely to report vaccination than those with low monthly incomes (OR of 1.27, CI 95%: 1.09–1.8). Also, participants reporting less access to vaccination centers had a lower chance of reporting having been vaccinated than those who reported high access to vaccination centers (OR of .17, CI 95%: .08-.36).ConclusionsCovid-19 vaccine uptake was found to be relatively high among people using illicit substances in this study. Higher levels of education, Fars ethnicity, higher income levels, having a positive attitude towards vaccination and access to vaccination centers were the most important predictors of Covid-19 vaccination in this study.

The Repeatability of Axial Length Measurements Using a Scheimpflug-based System.

To assess the repeatability of Pentacam AXL as a Scheimpflug-based system or measuring axial length according to the age, sex, lens type, axial length value, and type of cataract. The present study was conducted using multistage cluster sampling in Tehran, Iran. Ocular biometry was performed, using the Pentacam AXL, by an experienced optometrist on all the participants. The axial length (AL) measurements were taken thrice, with a gap of 10 minutes. To evaluate the repeatability, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the repeatability coefficient (RC) were calculated. To determine the significant difference in the repeatability index among study variables, the tolerance index (TI) was calculated. In this report, 897 eyes of 677 individuals aged between 20 and 91 years (mean SD: 64.90 13.62 years) were reported. The ICC of the axial length measurements was 0.981 for all cases. Based on the within-subject standard deviation, the RC was 0.401. The ICC was 0.976 and 0.985 in men and women, respectively. The TI showed better RC of measurements among females. The ICC decreased from 0.999 in participants under 40 years to 0.973 in individuals over 60 years of age. The TI showed a decrease in RC with advancing age. The RC was worse in eyes with nuclear cataracts; the RC was also worse in the first quartile of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared to the other SNR quartiles. The Scheimpflug-based systemPentacam AXL had high repeatability in measuring axial length. Some variables such as male gender, older age, and nuclear cataract were associated with reduced repeatability of the measurements. A higher SNR was associated with better repeatability of the axial length measurements.

Axial length and anterior chamber indices in elderly population: Tehran Geriatric Eye Study.

To determine the normative distribution of axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), anterior chamber angle (ACA), and some of their associated factors in subjects aged 60 and over. In this cross-sectional study, 160 clusters were sampled using multi-stage cluster sampling in Tehran, Iran. After a preliminary interview, the participants underwent optometric examinations including visual acuity and refraction measurement followed by slit lamp biomicroscopy. Finally, ocular imaging was done using the Pentacam AXL to measure AL, ACD, ACV, and ACA. A total of 4519 eyes of 2436 participants were evaluated, of whom 58.0% (n=1412) were female. The mean age of the subjects was 67.32±6.05y (range: 60-95y). The mean AL, ACD, ACV, and ACA was 23.22 mm (23.18-23.27 mm), 2.61 mm (2.59-2.62 mm), 126.56 mm3 (125.08-128.04 mm3), and 30.61° (30.3°-30.92°), respectively. In the multivariable model, after adjusting for the effect of both eyes, the longest and shortest AL was seen in myopic and hyperopic subjects, respectively. AL, ACD, ACV and ACA were significantly larger in men compared to women (P<0.001). Except ACA, other evaluated parameters showed an inverse correlation with age (P<0.001), however, this correlation was insignificant for AL (P=0.623). Normative value of AL, and other biometric parameters are specific for each ethnicity, age and sex group. Any alteration in these parameters and their effect on refraction should be considered in this age group, especially in case of cataract surgery.

The Role of Early Toxic Interaction with Fathers in Males with Bipolar Spectrum Disorder

Purpose: The etiology of bipolar disorder (BD), a most debilitating mental illness worldwide, focuses on childhood traumatic experiences, some concerning parents. This study explored the role of early toxic interaction with fathers in males with BD.Methods: This qualitative study used a descriptive phenomenological approach and purposive sampling in Tehran, Iran, in 2022. The data were generated through 12 semi-structured interviews with males with BD who visited psychiatric centers in Tehran, Iran. The interviews continued until data saturation. The collected data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method.Results: The data revealed thirteen subthemes comprising three main themes: the experience of living in constant neglect and rejection, living with fear and abandonment, and reflection of the father’s past interactive patterns in the son’s life.Conclusion: Living in neglect, fear, and abandonment, and repeating past interactive patterns in current life were some of the bitter life experiences of men with BD, who considered the problematic relationship and misbehavior of their fathers to be somewhat effective in the formation of their life problems, but reported that they could not help themselves with personal and social adaptation. Individual and supportive psychotherapies with drug therapy can help the rehabilitation and recovery of these patients.

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Resilience Scale in Iranian Adolescents

Background: According to the Wagnild model, resilience as an initial trait is critical in overcoming challenges and protecting wellbeing. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties and cultural adaptation of the Persian version of the Resilience Scale (RS), including validity, reliability, and factor analysis in the adolescent population. Methods: The scale was translated and adapted using a standard method and a pilot study after receiving permission from the original author. This cross-sectional study investigated the face, content, criterion validity, construct validity, and reliability of RS. A sample of 419 adolescents aged 12 - 18 was selected by convenient sampling in Tehran, Iran. The subjects completed the RS, Beck depression inventory-II, and Mental Health Continuum Questionnaire. Results: The quantitative and qualitative analyses of scale items and modifying them based on the feedback of participants and experts showed that face and content validity was acceptable. Factor analysis confirmed the two-factor structure described by Wagnild and Young, including personal competence and acceptance of self and life. Moreover, Cronbach’s alpha exceeded 0.84, showing the scale has strong internal consistency. There was also a significant negative correlation between RS and the total score of the depression inventory. At the same time, there was a positive correlation between RS and the score of the mental health questionnaire, indicating acceptable criterion validity. Conclusions: Persian version of the RS can be considered a valid and reliable instrument to measure resilience in adolescent populations. Therefore, researchers and mental health professionals can use it for therapeutic, preventive, and research purposes.

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Resilience Scale in Iranian Adolescents

Background: According to the Wagnild model, resilience as an initial trait is critical in overcoming challenges and protecting wellbeing. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties and cultural adaptation of the Persian version of the Resilience Scale (RS), including validity, reliability, and factor analysis in the adolescent population. Methods: The scale was translated and adapted using a standard method and a pilot study after receiving permission from the original author. This cross-sectional study investigated the face, content, criterion validity, construct validity, and reliability of RS. A sample of 419 adolescents aged 12 - 18 was selected by convenient sampling in Tehran, Iran. The subjects completed the RS, Beck depression inventory-II, and Mental Health Continuum Questionnaire. Results: The quantitative and qualitative analyses of scale items and modifying them based on the feedback of participants and experts showed that face and content validity was acceptable. Factor analysis confirmed the two-factor structure described by Wagnild and Young, including personal competence and acceptance of self and life. Moreover, Cronbach’s alpha exceeded 0.84, showing the scale has strong internal consistency. There was also a significant negative correlation between RS and the total score of the depression inventory. At the same time, there was a positive correlation between RS and the score of the mental health questionnaire, indicating acceptable criterion validity. Conclusions: Persian version of the RS can be considered a valid and reliable instrument to measure resilience in adolescent populations. Therefore, researchers and mental health professionals can use it for therapeutic, preventive, and research purposes.

Detection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes SHV, TEM, and CTX-M in drinking waters in Tehran, Iran

Abstract Nowadays, a difficult problem has been disrupting people's health through treated and untreated water, namely the existence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in these environments. The first is such organisms’ ability to acquire resistance genes through genetic elements, and the second seems to be the substances’ potential toxicity. The health index of supply water is lacking for bacteria such as coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and intestinal enterococci. The study's main aim was to figure out how these bacteria function as antibiotic resistance pools, not only to find resistant genes like SHV, TEM, and CTX-M but also to depict the dendrogram of clones in water supply samples in Tehran. Over the course of a year, 17 strains of P. aeruginosa were analyzed. In this study, 94.1% of the isolates tested positive for the TEM gene, while only one isolate tested positive for the CTX-M gene, and none tested positive for the SHV gene. This research shows that P. aeruginosa is not as common in drinkable water as previously thought. Nevertheless, it appears that P. aeruginosa can spread acquired antibiotic resistance vertically rather than horizontally.

Determination of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) along with probabilistic health risk assessment in fruit juice samples in Tehran, Iran.

In the present study, magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) method and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) technique were used to measure 6 PAE in fruit juice samples. The mean of total phthalic acid esters (ƩPAEs) in all samples was 3.55 ± 0.66µg/L. The mean concentration of DEHP (bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) in samples was 0.82 ± 0.31µg/L, which was lower than the mentioned United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standard level in drinking water (6μg/L for DEHP). The pineapple juice samples (4.44 ± 0.57µg/L) and mango juice samples (2.77 ± 0. 1µg/L) had maximum and minimum mean levels of ƩPAEs, respectively. Also, results showed that brand B (3.76 ± 0.87µg/L) and samples in the time of expiration date (3.64 ± 0.72µg/L) had the highest PAE levels. The rank order Chronic Daily Intake (95%) values for adults were DEHP ([Formula: see text]) > butylbenzyl phthalates (BBP) ([Formula: see text]) > diethyl phthalate (DEP) ([Formula: see text]) and for children were DEHP ([Formula: see text]) > BBP (9.07E-04) > DEP ([Formula: see text]), which were below the tolerable daily intake (TDI) value. The noncancer risk of PAEs based on the target hazard quotient (THQ) was acceptable (< 1). The results exhibited that the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) was below the permissible limit (< [Formula: see text]). Therefore, the risk of carcinogenicity and noncarcinogenicity of PAEs in juices does not have adverse effects on human health.

Evaluation of iron content in bakery flour samples of Tehran, Iran

Given that iron-deficiency anemia is a major nutritional problem in Iran and bread is one of the main foods in Iranian household basket, a flour fortification program with iron was established in 2001. Thereafter, to quality control of the mentioned program, the iron concentration was measured in flour samples. Accordingly, this study was conducted to investigate the iron content in wheat flour samples in Tehran, Iran. One hundred and twenty-one samples of wheat flour (i.e., Confectionery, Taftoon, Setareh, Barbary, Sangak wheat flour) were randomly collected from bakeries in Tehran by simple random sampling method. The content of iron was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean levels of iron in Confectionery, Taftoon, Setareh, Barbary, Sangak flour were 18.56 ± 5.64 ppm, 28.32 ± 1.74 ppm, 17.21 ± 5.02 ppm, 32.81 ± 3.98 ppm, 14.02 ± 4.99 ppm, respectively. The mean iron concentration of all sample groups was not complied with the minimum recommended level set by the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical education (40 ppm). The mean iron content of all tested flour was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower than the minimum recommended level. The highest iron level was obtained in Barbary (32.81 ppm) and Taftoon (28.32 ppm) flour. While the lowest mean iron level was obtained in Sangak flour (14.02 ppm), followed by Setareh (17.21 ppm), and Confectionery (18.56 ppm) flour. In conclusion, it was identified that the iron fortification program in Tehran, Iran was not well performed as the minimum required level of iron in wheat flours (40 ppm) was not fulfilled. Therefore, the supervision and encouragement of the authorities to provide iron-fortified flours is highly recommended.

Psychometric properties of Persian version of child and youth resilience measure-revised in children.

Resilience is both the individuals' capacity to navigate their way to the resources that sustain their well-being in the context of exposure to adversity and their capacity to negotiate for resources to be accessed. Hence, it is crucial for clinical settings and research centers to have access to a valid and reliable scale that can measure different components of resilience. This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties and cultural adaptation of the Persian version of the Child and Youth Resilience Measure-revised (CYRM-R) in Children. This cross-sectional study includes the standard procedure of translation of the CYRM-R and Person Most Knowledgeable-Child and Youth Resilience Measure-revised (PMK-CYRM-R), exploration of the goodness-of-fit, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of a sample of 200 parents or caregivers and their children aged 5 to 9 years who were selected by convenient sampling in Tehran, Iran. CYRM-R, PMK-CYRM-R, and The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were completed by participants. Also, internal consistency, face, content, and criterion validity were investigated. A two-factor structure of CYRM-R for Iranian children was identified by CFA: Personal and Caregiver. Results indicated adequate goodness-of-fit and strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88). Acceptable face, content, and criterion validity of the CYRM-R were reported by positive correlation to the PMK-CYRM-R. No significant relation was found between CYRM-R and SDQ. Findings of the present study support the robust psychometric properties and cultural adaptation of the CYRM-R in Iranian children.

Comparison of Body Image and Body Exposure During Sexual Activity and Sexual Assertiveness Among Mastectomized Women with/Without Mammaplasty and Mammaplasty Volunteer Patients

Background: Mastectomy can change body image and affect the sexual activities of patients. Breast reconstruction is a way to reduce the sexual damage caused by mastectomy. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare body image and body exposure during sexual activity and sexual assertiveness among mastectomized women with/without mammaplasty and patients with cancer who volunteered for mammoplasty. Methods: This causal-comparative study was performed on the statistical population of mastectomized women with/without mammaplasty and patients who volunteered for mammoplasty within the age range of 25 - 55 years in Tehran, Iran, in 2018. The sample consisted of 37 women with mastectomy, 28 mastectomized women who volunteered for mammoplasty, and 31 women who underwent mammaplasty after mastectomy. The subjects were selected through convenience sampling in Tehran. All participants were asked to complete the Assessment of Body-Image Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire, the Body Exposure during Sexual Activities Questionnaire, and the Hurlbert Index of Sexual Assertiveness. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance using version 20th of SPSS software. Results: In terms of body-image cognitive distortions, there was no difference between the three groups. The women who underwent mammaplasty had less body exposure during sexual activity than patients who volunteered for mammoplasty (P &lt; 0.01); however, there was no difference between the mastectomized patients and patients who underwent mammaplasty. Exposure to the body or anxious attentional focus on the body during sexual activity was reported frequently less in mastectomized women than in mammaplasty volunteers (P &lt; 0.01). The sexual assertiveness of women who underwent reconstructive surgery was more than mastectomized women and volunteer patients for reconstructive surgery (P &lt; 0.01). The mastectomized group had more sexual assertiveness than patients who volunteered for mammoplasty (P &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: The results support the hypothesis that the issue of body image and its relationship with different aspects of sexual function is complex and requires considering different personality traits and factors as moderators. The importance that a woman places on the breast as a symbol of femininity and sexuality is one of the aforementioned factors. The purpose of reconstruction from the patient’s point of view and the importance that a woman gives to her appearance are other components that should be considered before proceeding with mammoplasty.

The Lived Experiences of the Mothers of Children With Speech Disabilities

Background: The mother, as the first and foremost person interacting with the child, suffers the most from the child’s speech disability. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of mothers of children with speech disabilities. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a descriptive phenomenological approach and purposive sampling in Tehran, Iran in 2021. Data were generated through 20 semi-structured interviews with mothers whose children needed speech therapy for at least six months and had been referred to speech therapy centers in Tehran, Iran. The interviews continued until data saturation. Data analysis was performed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Results: Four main themes and nine subthemes emerged, including intrapersonal suffering (psychological pressure and physical pain), feeling empty (lack of husband support and lack of support from the husband’s family), interpersonal conflicts (challenge with therapists and facing public reaction), and need for balance (self-imposed social exclusion/isolation, take refuge in superstitions out of despair, and take refuge in the support of peer mothers). Conclusion: The results of this research revealed that paying attention to the inner suffering and pain experienced by these mothers is necessary. Support from their husbands and health workers could help them to better resolve the conflicts and create balance in their lives. Implementation of psychological interventions to reduce the subjective and objective burden of these mothers and involving them in counseling sessions can reduce their anxiety and stress.

Antimicrobial Activities of the Secondary Metabolite Extracted from a Nocardia Strain

Background &amp; Objective: The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and limited treatment options for these infections is a challenging problem in the world. There is increasing interest in isolating bioactive molecules from actinobacteria and elucidating their antimicrobial mechanisms at the moment. The current study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activities of a Nocardia strain (N4) that was previously isolated from the soil samples in Tehran, Iran.&#x0D; Materials &amp; Methods: The cultural, morphological, and physiological characteristics of the strain were determined and the identity of the strain was confirmed using 16SrRNA gene sequencing. The strain was screened for antimicrobial metabolite production. The in vitro anti-microbial activity of the extracted metabolite was assessed by agar well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentrations methods. Finally, the structure of the extracted metabolite was confirmed by HPLC and mass spectrometry methods.&#x0D; Results: The isolate shared 99% sequence similarity with Nocardia soli. The strain showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against some pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028 and Shigella sonnei RI366) and fungi (Aspergillus niger ATCC 1015 and Aspergillus fumigatus ATCC 1022) in the agar well diffusion method. The ethyl acetate extract of the strain exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity against E. coli (MIC= 4.67±3.055 μg/mL) and K. pneumoniae (MIC=3.33±1.155 μg/mL). The metabolite showed high similarity with C2 1H28N7 O14.&#x0D; Conclusions: The current study confirmed the presence of a bioactive metabolite in strain N4, suggesting that this may be a promising candidate for discovering bioactive components with broad antibacterial activities against a variety of pathogens.

Molecular Characterization of Quinolone Resistance Determinants in Non-Typhoidal Salmonella Strains Isolated in Tehran, Iran

Background: Quinolone resistant Salmonella serotypes have been reported in recent years and have become increasingly widespread worldwide. Objectives: We evaluated the molecular mechanism of quinolone resistance in non-typhoidal Salmonella strains isolated from clinical samples in Tehran, Iran. Methods: The present study included the Salmonella isolates originated from hospitalized individuals and outpatients in Tehran, Iran. Serotyping of nalidixic acid-resistant Salmonella isolates was done by slide agglutination method. Then, the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) of topoisomerase gene gyrA and the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants were detected using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was also employed to determine the possible mutation in the gyrA gene of those strains. Mutant strains were detected by enzymatic digestion, and their PCR products were sequenced immediately. Results: Amongst 141 isolates, 60% showed nalidixic acid resistance, whereas none of them were ciprofloxacin-resistant. The commonly prevalent serotypes were S. Enteritidis and S. Infantis. Of 85 nalidixic acid-resistant strains, 17 (20%) isolates harbored the qnrS gene. However, PCR analysis of the quinolone-resistant strains did not detect qnrA and qnrB genes. PCR-RFLP and sequencing analysis of the QRDRs of the gyrA gene indicated that 16 (18.8%) isolates had mutant patterns, and the most common point mutation was serine to phenylalanine at position 83. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that point mutations in gyrA and the existence of plasmid-mediated gene qnrS were important mechanisms of quinolone resistance in non-typhoidal Salmonella strains isolated from human origin. Other alternative mechanisms of resistance, such as alterations in the expression of efflux pumps, should be studied to provide greater insight into the molecular mechanism of quinolone-resistant non-typhoidal Salmonella isolates.

Measurement of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Baby Food Samples in Tehran, Iran With Magnetic-Solid-Phase-Extraction and Gas-Chromatography/Mass-Spectrometry Method: A Health Risk Assessment.

Baby food is one of the most sensitive foods available, which is closely monitored for carcinogens. In this study, 16 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds were evaluated by using the method of magnetic-solid-phase-extraction and gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry (MSPE/GC-MS). The recovery, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ) of PAH compounds were 93.4–101.6%, 0.06–1.12, and 0.18–3.38 μg/kg, respectively. The results indicated the mean of total PAHs in all samples was 3.73 ± 0.8 μg/kg, and the mean of Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) was 0.29 ± 0.14 μg/kg that were lower than the USA-Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standard level (1 μg/kg, BaP in baby foods). In addition, our results showed that mixed five cereal-based baby food had a maximum mean of ΣPAHs (5.06 ± 0.68 μg/kg) and mixed wheat and date-based baby food had a minimum mean of ΣPAHs (3.03 ± 0.41 μg/kg). The carcinogenic risk due to PAH in the tested baby foods sold in Iran was adequately low, and all examined products were safe for consumers. Therefore, it can be said that the consumption of baby foods does not pose a threat to consumers.

Nutritional Literacy Measurement among Iranian Elderly Population

Background &amp; Objective: One of the criteria for determining health is health-promoting behaviors. A high level of nutrition literacy is an important factor for differences in diet and nutritional behaviors which promotes health. Therefore, the present study investigates nutrition literacy status and its related factors in the older adults in Tehran. Materials &amp; Methods: This is a descriptive-analytic (correlational) study. The study population included 270 older adults of Tehran city selected using random cluster sampling in Tehran in 2018. Data collection was carried out using a 28-item nutrition literacy scale (NLS) and demographic characteristics questionnaire. Then, data analysis was conducted using SPSS ver. 16 and descriptive statistics and Chi-square, Kruskal–Wallis, Spearman correlation coefficient and multiple regression tests. Results: In this study, the majority of the older adults were in the group aged 60–64 years (41.9%). According to NLS, 52.2% of the older adults had inadequate nutritional literacy, 37% had borderline nutritional literacy, and only 10.7% of them had adequate nutrition literacy (p&lt;0.001). Also, there was a significant relationship between nutrition literacy and age, sex, level of education, and occupation. Conclusion: The majority of Iranian elderly had inadequate and borderline nutritional literacy, and only one-tenth of them had adequate nutrition literacy. Therefore, due to low nutritional literacy and its relationship with age, the elderly need to receive simple and understandable information to communicate and understand health information to make appropriate decisions, and it needs more attention from health workers, health workers and physicians.

Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Improving Sleep Quality and Reducing Insomnia Severity in Afflicted Patients

Background: Based on the proven role of sleep quality in promoting health, the treatment of insomnia should be premised on identification of characteristics and severity of insomnia symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) in improving sleep quality and reducing insomnia severity among the afflicted patients. Methods: This was a semi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design and control group. The statistical population included all patients visiting the Sleep Disorder Clinic of Rasoul Akram Hospital and two private psychiatric clinics, selected using convenience sampling in Tehran in 2020. Twenty out of 60 patients with insomnia disorder, diagnosed based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Insomnia, were randomly selected using a lottery method. The participants were divided into the experimental and control groups. In the cognitive-behavioral group, each participant individually received a 6-week treatment intervention. All participants in both groups were evaluated at the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment, and one month after the treatment. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were used for data collection. Results: The results showed a significant between-group difference in the scores of sleep quality and insomnia severity at post-test stage (p&lt;0.05). Moreover, the follow-up test results suggested the stability of the effect of treatment interventions on sleep quality and insomnia severity among the experimental and control groups relative to their pre-test scores (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that CBT-I could improve sleep quality and insomnia severity in afflicted patients.

Subtilisin Gene Activity in Dermatophytes: A study on the Presence of the Subtilisin Gene in Trichophyton verrucosum and Microsporum gypseum in Clinical and Nonclinical Samples in Tehran, Iran.

The keratinolytic activities of dermatophyte species are accompanied by the secretion of enzymes, such as serine proteases, which are coded by the Subtilisin (SUB) genes. This study aimed to determine the presence of the SUB genes in the clinical and nonclinical samples of Trichophyton verrucosum and Microsporum gypseum. Isolation was carried out by direct and laboratory examination. Following that, for the determination of the presence of the SUB gene, polymerase chain reaction with specific primers was conducted. The frequencies of the SUB gene were observed in almost 66% of the isolates. Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between the presence of the SUB gene and the samples collected from human, animals, and soil (p ˂0.005). The current investigation has been the first study of the presence/absence of the SUB gene in the clinical and nonclinical isolates of T. verrucosum and M. gypseum in Iran which may be a new step to perform further studies.

Psychological challenges of people in Quarantine during COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

Introduction: Following the outbreak of COVID-19, people started to exercise quarantine. With all the psychological, economic, and social implications of the quarantine at home, an interesting topic has been the differences in the way different individuals have encountered these implications. Methods: In the study, a psychodynamic approach was followed to investigate this topic using a qualitative methodology based on the content analysis. The data was collected through a total of 10 semi-structured interviews with individuals who have exercised a 3-month quarantine. Samples were taken via purposive sampling in Tehran, with the sampling process started in 2020 and continued until data saturation was achieved. Simultaneously with data collection, data analysis was performed via qualitative content analysis. Results: Based on the analysis results, five principal classes were extracted, which represented the experiences and feelings about and the type of encountering the then-new conditions. These included the fear and anxiety, different approaches to the outbreak of the disease, improvement of the health level, taking attitude toward the patients, and growth under pressure. Conclusion: Considering the emergence of negative psychological feelings, the research tends to provide psychologists and other practitioners in the field of the psychology with valuable information that can be used for prevention and treatment purposes.