bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Most Common Bacterial Strains in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Patients
Authors: Rezazadeh Mohsen , Hajian Fatemeh , Radmanesh Esmat , Maghsoudi Fatemeh , Hazbenejad Alireza , Mobarak Sara
Published: October 2023

Background: Diabetes has been one of the most prevalent medical illnesses, and diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) infections are the main causes of hospitalization in diabetics. The present study aimed to investigate the factors contributing to DFUs in patients referred to Taleghani Hospital in Abadan. Methods: In this study, the data of 316 diabetic patients with DFUs referred to Taleghani Hospital in Abadan from March 21, 2019, to March 19, 2020, were analyzed by SPSS version 22.0. Results: The study revealed that out of the 316 patients, 212 (67.1%) were male and 104 (32.9%) were female. Additionally, 64.3% of them had type 2 diabetes. Most of the patients had third-degree ulcers (60.4%) and 26.9% had amputations. Staphylococcus aureus (34.5%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (30.4%) were the most prevalent bacteria isolated from DFUs. The highest frequency of antibiotic resistance was reported for Cotrimoxazole (33%) and Tetracycline (28.2%). Conclusion: In conclusion, Gram-positive bacteria had a higher prevalence compared to gram-negative bacteria. It is essential to conduct periodic examinations to reduce the risk of health-threatening complications in diabetic patients.
Immunological and Neurological Changes of COVID-19 in the Elderly
Authors: Mobed Ahmad
Published: October 2023

Objectives: To investigate the immunological and neurological changes of COVID-19 in the elderly. Design: A review study. Participants: People over 60 years old with neurological disorders were included in this study. Outcome measures: Review of immunological and neurological aspects of COVID-19 in the elderly. Results: The novel coronavirus, an acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronavirus 2, has caused an epidemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has infected millions and killed many people worldwide. Moreover, studies showed that mortality is high in the elderly, especially those with comorbidities. Studies have indicated that biological changes in the immune system are a major contributor to the spread of various diseases, especially infectious diseases in the elderly. Therefore, all data and immunological outcomes should be disaggregated and analyzed by age to better understand the heterogeneity between disease incidence and aging. Conclusions: Indeed, understanding the pathogenesis of novel coronavirus disease (i.e., COVID-19) and subsequent vaccine development requires prospective studies on the impact of a novel coronavirus, especially on its long-term effects on aging populations in each country.
Sleep Quality and Associated Factors Among Older Adults in Tabriz, Iran: Tabriz Older People Health Survey (TOPS-2019)
Authors: Yousefi Zahra , Taheri-Targhi Somaiyeh , Sanaie Sarvin , Haggani Samira , Samei-Sis Siros
Published: October 2023

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the sleep quality of aged people in Tabriz and identify its associated factors. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting(s): Tabriz, the capital of the East Azerbaijan province in northwest Iran. Participants: A total of 1362 participants were selected from a representative sample of community-dwelling older people aged≥60 years who were living in Tabriz, using the probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling method. Outcome measures: Blood pressure (BP), sleep quality, depression, anxiety, loneliness, physical activity, daily activities, living independently, and social support were assessed using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), Activity of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL), respectively. Results: The mean score of total PSQI was 5.39±2.91. The multivariable logistic regression model showed that being female (Odds ratio [OR]=1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.29 to 2.18), hypertensive (OR=2.12, 95% CI=1.52 to 2.95), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR=1.29, 95% CI=0.96 to 1.72), abnormal anxiety level (OR=2.38, 95% CI=1.67 to 3.38), and low PASE score (OR=0.99, 95% CI=0.99 to 1) were significantly associated with a higher risk of poor sleep quality. Conclusions: Low physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for low sleep quality in older adults. Hence, the development of physical activity programs can be effective in improving sleep quality. Furthermore, women are the priority in designing interventions.
The Role of Endothelial Cell Dysfunction in Hemorrhagic Fevers
Authors: Ghazaei Ciamak
Published: October 2023

Endothelial cells (ECs) that line the inner surface of blood vessels play a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood vessels and regulating consistent blood flow. EC dysfunction (ECD) is the improper functioning of ECs as a result of any modification or damage. Numerous health issues such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, lightheadedness, exhaustion, diabetes, and the like could result from this. Both extrinsic and intrinsic factors may cause ECD. Many virus-induced hemorrhagic fevers, including dengue fever, Ebola, and Lassa fever, exhibit ECD. ECs maintain barrier functions by regulating immune cell interactions, homeostasis, and capillary permeability, and in viral infections, viral interaction alters these factors. These pathogens destroy ECs, leading to a loss of integrity in the blood vessels and increased permeability. Hemorrhagic fever can cause a wide range of symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, exhaustion, bruises, bleeding, shock, and occasionally even the emergence of additional issues such as organ failure. Hemorrhagic fevers can be life-threatening if not treated promptly and correctly. Considering that ECD can be a silent condition, consultation with physicians about individuals’ risk factors and regular screenings to detect and prevent this condition is highly important. There is no specific antiviral treatment for most hemorrhagic fevers, but research is ongoing to develop effective treatments. This review will discuss the ECD due to viral interactions to cause hemorrhagic fevers, available treatments, and challenges associated with such viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs).
Long-Term Complications After Discharge of Patients With COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Study in Iran
Authors: Mirenayat Maryam Sadat , Abedi Mohsen , Zahiri Reyhaneh , Amraei Zahra , Khoshkbari Negar , Fakharian Atefeh
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Many patients with COVID-19 complain about the remaining symptoms after being discharged from the hospital. Therefore, monitoring possible complications after contracting COVID-19 can play a significant role in the management of this disease. The purpose of this study was to assess long-term complications in patients with COVID-19. Methods: Patients with COVID-19 who were referred to the hospital from June to November 2021 were examined in our cross-sectional study. Before the discharge of patients, the six-minute walk was performed and the patient’s clinical information was recorded. Then, patients were recalled and analyzed 2 weeks and 1 month after discharge. Results: Ninety-one patients participated in our study. After 2 weeks, fatigue with a prevalence of 62.6% was the most common clinical symptom residual in patients. In addition, 1 month after discharge, dyspnea (46.4%) and fatigue (35.7%), as well as muscle weakness and anxiety (28.6%), were the most common symptoms. The mean of oxygen saturation was 93.43±3.71 two weeks after discharge and 94.79±2.14 one month after discharge. The distance traveled at 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) was not significantly increased 1 month after discharge (P=0.43). However, the mean of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (P=0.001), forced vital capacity (FVC) average (P=0.002), and total lung capacity (TLC) (P=05) increased significantly after 1 month. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, in some patients with COVID-19, symptoms such as dyspnea and fatigue remain until 1 month after discharge from the hospital. In such patients, chest computed tomography scans, pulmonary rehabilitation, and patient follow-up can help patients recover faster.
Molecular Identification of Eimeria tenella in Migratory Birds, Quails, and Coturnix japonica in Balochistan, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Faiz ullah , Jan Saadullah , Taj Kamran , Din Zia Ud , Tariq Muhammad Masood , Khan Muhammad Ali , Essa Muhammad , Ghayas Abdul , Akbar Haroon , Rashid Muhammad Imran , Matiullah Matiullah , Zafar Asma , Turkoglu Mete , Eyduran Ecevit
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Coccidiosis is a global health issue in the poultry industry. It causes serious economic losses and huge treatment costs to farmers. The current study was conducted to detect Eimeria tenella in migratory Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) in Balochistan. Methods: In this study, a total of 300 quail fecal samples were used. Quails from Zhob, Sibi, and Quetta districts were captured using nets in September 2017 and 2018. Oocysts were detected by direct microscopy in a saline solution (0.85%), which were further identified by morphology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting mitochondrial CO-1 gene. Results: Of 300 fecal samples, 218 (72.6%) were positive for oocysts. The length, width, and shape index of oocysts of E. tenella were 21.7±1.29 µm, 19.5±1.9 µm, and 1.27±0.12, respectively. The oocysts of E. tenella were further confirmed by PCR targeting mitochondrial CO-1 gene (723 bp). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the migratory Japanese quails may be infested with E. tenella, and these birds may play roles in the transmission of this protozoan to domestic poultry
The Appendix: A Reservoir for Giardiasis Intestinalis
Authors: Bouree Patrice , Bisaro Francine , Ensaf Alireza
Published: October 2023

Giardia intestinalis is a highly common parasite in humans. It is cosmopolitan and can remain asymptomatic. Most commonly, Giardia infection causes intestinal disorders such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Severe infection can produce a malabsorption syndrome. Refractory giardiasis is due to some reservoirs such as the diverticulum or gallbladder. The authors present an uncommon case of chronic giardiasis due to the appendix as the reservoir. The parasitological examination of the gall-bladder was normal, while the appendix revealed a great number of Giardia. The patient was cured after the appendectomy.
Prevalence of Malaria Among Children Attending AlFaw Teaching Hospital, El-Gedaref State, Sudan
Authors: Mohammed Hamad Mosab Nouraldein , Almajed  Altahe Tibyan Abd , Abulgader Sulima Rania Saad , Mahjaf Ghanem Mohammed , Ahmed Elgak Mohammed Ahmed Salah Mohammed , Adam Altom Mohammed Alhai , Isam Mustfa Duha , Osman Samah A. , Zain Mustafa Mustafa M. , Abdelmola Ammar
Published: October 2023

Introduction: In Sudan, malaria is still a major cause of death and the primary cause of death for children. A strategy for reducing and eradicating malaria may be developed with the help of knowledge regarding the prevalence of the disease among children. The goal of this study was to examine the prevalence of malaria in children at the AlFaw Teaching Hospital, as well as the risk factors and contributing factors. Methods: In this study, questionnaires were used to gather socioeconomic, demographic, and vector control data from the families of children aged 1 day to 17 years in order to detect Plasmodium falciparum and other spp. Age, gender, place of residence, usage of a vector control intervention, and mother’s educational degree are all associated with malaria positivity. Results: During June through July 2022, 400 children who visited AlFaw teaching hospital participated in a facility-based crosssectional survey. P. falciparum species made up 279 of the Plasmodium species (70%), and other species consisted of 121 (30%). Children who regularly spend the night outside and those who live in homes with stagnant water in the complex had higher probabilities of contracting malaria than those who regularly sleep under long-lasting insecticide-treated nets. Malaria diagnoses were more common in children of mothers with no formal education than in children of mothers with secondary education. Conclusion: Children who were patients at AlFaw teaching hospital had a significant malaria prevalence. In this study, a higher proportion of moderate parasitemia was also detected, and those with the highest prevalence of malaria were in the age group of 0–17 years. The main correlations with malaria were irregular usage of bed nets, night-out times, and parents not receiving malaria health education. To reduce the impact of malaria, the local government and other concerned organizations should put more emphasis on routine insecticide-treated net (ITN) use, infections linked to nighttime exposure to the outdoors, environmental management, and modification of attitudes toward malaria prevention and control through health education. Other actions that can be taken to decrease this impact include improving health management and planning, redistributing resources (including consultants) at the central and regional levels, and implementing appropriate training programs on the management of severe malaria at all levels.
Serological Evaluation of Human Toxocariasis in Patients With Hypereosinophilia Referred to Tabriz Hospitals in Iran
Authors: Garedaghi Yagoob , Shabestari Asl Ali
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Toxocariasis is a parasitic infection that causes eosinophilia in humans. Infection in humans is created by swallowing parasite eggs through contaminated soil or hands. Then, the larvae exit from eggs in the small intestine and enter the bloodstream through the perforation of the intestine, and from there, they migrate to all various organs, leading to the creation of visceral larva migrans syndrome and ocular larva migrans syndrome. Methods: In this case study, a prospective study was performed on 100 patients who referred to these centers from February 2017 to January 2018 in different hospitals in Tabriz, in Iran. After the diagnosis of 50 hypereosinophilic patients (more than 10% eosinophilia) without a history of allergic disease as a case group and 50 patients without eosinophilia as a control group, we collected blood samples from these individuals and isolated their serum or plasma. Then, anti-Toxocara antibodies were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method in these patients. The data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: The prevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies was observed in 20% (10 patients) and 2% (1 patient) of hyperosinophils and controls, respectively. The mean age of the case and control groups was 22–75 years and 17–79 years, respectively, and 57% and 43% of the subjects were males and females. Conclusion: Seroepidemiological studies in Iran have shown a seroprevalence of the disease between 2% and 25.6%. Due to the fact that toxocariasis is caused by worm larvae, this disease can be diagnosed only by serological methods. Therefore, it is necessary to suspect toxocariasis in people with unspecified hypereosinophilia and perform an immunoserological test by the ELISA method. The findings demonstrated that this infection exists in the city of Tabriz.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser in Minor Oral Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Asnaashari Mohammad , Behnam Roudsari Mohammadreza , Shirmardi Maryam Sadat
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Lasers in oral surgery have been extensively studied in recent years. Laser treatment is now a well-known technology that is frequently employed on oral soft tissues. The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser was one of the first soft tissue removal lasers. Because of the strong affinity of the CO2 laser to water, it is best used for removing, vaporizing, and coagulating these tissues. In minor oral surgery, CO2 laser therapy has shown advantages. Therefore, this study examined the CO2 laser use in minor oral soft tissue surgery. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards were followed in this study. A question for research encompassing the inclusion criteria for the participants, intervention, comparison, outcome, and study design (PICOS) was formulated. The search queries were entered into the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases. Consideration was given to publications published between January 1, 2018 and March 15, 2023. Results: The research included 37 studies after narrowing search results, eliminating duplicate titles, and conducting an eligibility review (three animal studies, seven case reports, three case series, and twenty-four clinical studies). CO2 lasers alone or in combination with other therapies successfully treated oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), oral tumors, oral fibrous-epithelial lesions, gingival melanin hyperpigmentation, pyogenic granuloma, socket preservation, mucocele, high labial frenulum attachment, and so on. CO2 lasers reduced intra- and postoperative complications and adverse effects, improved postoperative functional results, ablated tissues with precision, and minimized disease recurrence and malignant transformation. Conclusion: Our study found that the CO2 laser in oral minor surgeries is successful, but further randomized clinical trials and multicenter studies are recommended to compare CO2 laser surgery to other treatments.
Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Wound-Healing Effects of Photobiomodulation on Type-2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Moheghi Atefeh , Noori Mougehi Seyyed Mohammad Hossein , Amini Abdollah , Mostafavinia Atarodalsadat , Rezaei Fatemehalsadat , Bagheri Tadi Fatemeh , Chien Sufan , Bayat Mohammad
Published: October 2023

Introduction: In the current study, the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) treatments were examined based on biomechanical and histological criteria and mRNA levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and NADPH oxidase (NOX) 1 and 4 in a postponed, ischemic, and infected wound repair model (DIIWHM) in rats with type 2 diabetes (DM2) during the inflammation (day 4) and proliferation (day 8) stages. Methods: To study ischemic wound repair in a diabetic rat model (DIIWHM), 24 rats with type-2 diabetes were randomly divided into four groups and infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The control groups consisted of CG4 (control group on day 4) and CG8 (control group on day 8), while the PBM groups comprised PBM4 (PBM treatment group on day 4) and PBM8 (PBM treatment group on day 8). These group assignments allowed for comparisons between the control groups and the PBM-treated groups at their respective time points during the study. Results: On days 4 and 8 of wound restoration, the PBM4 and PBM8 groups showed substantially modulated inflammatory responses and improved formation of fibroblast tissue compared with the CG groups (P<0.05). Concurrently, the effects of PBM8 were significantly superior to those of PBM4 (P<0.05). The antioxidant results on days 4 and 8 revealed substantial increases in CAT and SOD in the PBM groups compared with the CGs (P<0.05). Substantial decreases were observed in the antioxidant agents NOX1 and NOX4 of the PBM4 and PBM8 groups compared with both CGgroups (P<0.05). Conclusion: PBM treatments significantly sped up the inflammatory and proliferating processes in a DHIIWM in DM2 animals by modifying the inflammatory reaction and boosting fibroblast proliferation. Overall, the current findings indicated substantially better results in the PBM groups than in the CG groups.
Evaluation of the Cellular Resistance Process in Treated Cells Via Extracorporeal Photopheresis
Authors: Arjmand Babak , Rezaei Tavirani Mostafa , Jahani Sherafat Somayeh , Rezaei Mitra , Farahani Masoumeh , Rezaei Tavirani Majid
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a therapeutic method applied against some diseases such as cancers. Using 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and UVA radiation in ECP is associated with achievement in the treatment of patients with leukemic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Evaluation of cellular resistance versus ECP is the aim of this study. Methods: Data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and were analyzed via the GEO2R program. The significant DEGs were assessed via protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis by using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. The critical genes were evaluated via gene ontology by using the ClueGO application of Cytoscape software. The identified biological processes were determined and analyzed. Results: Fifty-seven significant DEGs were determined. The main connected component of the PPI network including 32 queried significant DEGs plus 50 first neighbors was constructed. Nineteen histones as critical nodes were assessed via gene ontology, and "nucleosome organization" was pointed out as the crucial biological process. Finally, 15 histones from H2A, H2B, and H3 histone families were identified as the key genes that are involved in the resistance property of the treated cells. Conclusion: In conclusion, 15 members of H2A, H2B, and H3 families (especially H2A family) were considered as the origin of resistance versus ECP treatment. It is concluded that sensitivity to ECP treatment depends on gross molecular events which are involved in the functions of histones.
Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Differentiation and Proliferation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells: A Systematic Review
Authors: Karkehabadi Hamed , Zafari Jaber , Khoshbin Elham , Abbasi Roshanak , Esmailnasab Sogand , Doosti-Irani Amin
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Considering the positive impact of laser treatment on the proliferation of certain cell types, we opted to perform a systematic review aimed at evaluating the effects of laser therapy and photobiomodulation on the proliferation and differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Methods: We included all research studies examining the impact of laser therapy on hDPSCs, without limitations on publication dates or article languages. The major international databases, including PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus, were searched from inception to April 2022 by the relevant keywords. Results: In total, 1886 studies were identified in the initial search from the mentioned databases and other sources. Finally, 17 relevant studies were included in the present systematic review after removing duplicates and non-relevant articles. The results indicated the useful effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the hDPSCs. Conclusion: The findings of this systematic review indicate the useful role of LLLT in cell therapy, proliferation, and differentiation associated with hDPSCs.
Depression, anxiety, and stress of emergency medical technicians in the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in Zanjan, Iran
Authors: Karami Rajabpoor Aliasghar , Gheiasi Seyede Fatemeh , Amini Kourosh , Rabie Siahkali Soheila
Published: October 2023

Background and aims: Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are healthcare professionals caring for COVID-19 patients. The prolonged pandemic may lead to fatigue and threaten caregivers’ mental health. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the level of stress, depression, and anxiety among EMTs in Zanjan during the third year of the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 194 EMTs from Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, between June 2021 and September 2021. participants were selected using random cluster sampling. Data collection involved using a demographic questionnaire and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Results: All participants in the study were male, with a mean age of 33.46±7.25. The mean and standard deviation of depression, anxiety, and stress were 3.12±3.03, 2.24±2.38, and 4.16±3.27, respectively. A significant association was found between the mean score of anxiety and the number of missions and between the mean score of stress and the number of tasks, age, and work experience (P<0.05). Conclusion: The level of depression, anxiety, and stress among EMTs was within the normal range. The prolonged pandemic may have helped EMTs adapt to this critical situation. However, it is essential to note that this study was conducted on a limited group of EMTs, and socio-cultural contexts influence psychological characteristics. Therefore, further research in this field is necessary in the future.
The Effect of psychological intervention based on the mobile application on the anxiety level of cholecystectomy candidates
Authors: Karimzadeh Zahra , Aliakbari Fatemeh , Salehi Shahriar , Raeisi Hadi
Published: October 2023

Background and aims: This study aims to investigate the effect of psychological intervention based on the mobile application on the anxiety level of laparoscopic cholecystectomy candidates. Methods: This semi-experimental was conducted on 60 laparoscopic cholecystectomy candidates in 2022 in Shahrekord. The participants were randomly divided into control and test groups using the block randomization method. The test group received a psychological intervention based on a mobile application installed on their mobile phones and used for two months. The control group received usual hospital care only. Data were collected before, immediately after, and two months after the intervention using the Spielberger Anxiety Questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, independent t-test) were used to analyze the data in SPSS 24 software. Results: Before the intervention, the average scores for state anxiety in the test and control groups were 45.97±11.71 and 46.00±11.10, respectively. The average scores for trait anxiety were 43.60±10.24 and 44.37±10.55 in the test and control groups, respectively. There were no significant statistical differences between the groups regarding state anxiety (P=0.99) and trait anxiety (P=0.78). However, immediately after the intervention, the test group showed significantly lower scores for state anxiety (P=0.01) and trait anxiety (P=0.04). Additionally, two months after the intervention, there was a significant difference in the average scores for state anxiety (P=0.03) and trait anxiety (P=0.02) between the two groups. Conclusion: Psychological intervention based on a mobile application can be an efficient and cost-effective way to manage anxiety in cholecystectomy candidates.
The effect of sports activities on the level of corona anxiety of the treatment staff of Ilam province with the mediator role of professional identity: With structural modeling approach
Authors: Rezaei Shamseddin , Gohari Ziba , Farokhshahi Nooshafarin
Published: October 2023

Background and aims: Sports activities positively reduce mental disorders, especially in critical situations. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the effect of sports activities on corona anxiety with the mediating role of professional identity in the treatment staff of Ilam province. Methods: This research was applied, and its method was descriptive-cross-sectional. The statistical population of the research was all the treatment staff of Ilam province, which was selected using Morgan’s table and stratified sampling method, with 320 people for the sample. Four standard questionnaires on coronavirus anxiety of Alipour et al, the physical activity of Baecke et al, and the professional identity of Hao et al were used to collect data. The structural equation model (SEM) was used to analyze the data with the help of SPSS-22 and Amos-22 software. Results: The mean and standard deviation were obtained for the variables of sports activities ,(X̄=2.65, S=1.72) corona anxiety (X̄=3.23, S=2.25), and professional identity (X̄=3.30, S=3.77) The research showed that sports activities (β=-0.19, t=-2.808) and professional identity (β=-0.29, t=-2.624) have a negative and significant effect on corona anxiety, and the mediating role of professional identity in the relationship between sports activities and corona anxiety was also confirmed (β=0.55, t=-3.766). Conclusion: Based on the research results, the mediating role of professional identity was confirmed. Therefore, strengthening the professional identity through training causes the treatment staff to understand more about the need to participate in sports activities and, as a result, reduces their anxiety about the coronavirus.
Explaining medical students’ perceptions of virtual assessment in the pandemic COVID-19: A content analysis study
Authors: Ahmady Soleiman , Habibi Amin , Radmanesh Esmat
Published: October 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a significant challenge to education systems worldwide, disrupting traditional teaching and learning methods. This study aims to explore the perceptions of medical students at Abadan University of Medical Sciences regarding electronic assessment methods during the pandemic. Methods: This qualitative study utilized conventional content analysis and involved medical students in their second semester of 2021 who had chosen a unit during the pandemic. Results: Through the analysis process, the participants’ experiences were categorized into six main classes, which included the following: information technology infrastructure, teaching methods of teachers, design of virtual exam questions, monitoring of online exams, psychological issues, and types of virtual assessment. Conclusion: The medical students shared their experiences with virtual assessment during the pandemic, highlighting challenges related to internet infrastructure, communication issues between teachers and students, exam monitoring, psychological factors, reduced learning efficiency due to virtual summative assessment alone, and better learning efficiency through formative assessment alongside summative assessment. They also suggested improvements to online exams, such as increasing the number of questions on each page, allowing the possibility to return to previous questions, and ensuring non-randomness in clinical questions.
Coping self-efficacy and its contributing factors among medical students at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Abbasi Amin , Zarei Mahdi , Omranifar Dourna , Mohammadi Mahya , Alizadeh Mahasti , Mohammadpour Ebrahim
Published: October 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic declaration in 2019 required schools and universities to close, challenging students and their education. The mandatory stay-at-home quarantine rules and change to online education accentuate how mental health plays a crucial role in maintaining performance during challenging times. Coping self-efficacy (CSE) is associated with higher mental health levels and resilience to distress. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate students’ CSE and related factors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, CSE scores and demographic characteristics of the participants were evaluated through online questionnaires. A total of 364 medical students from Tabriz University Medical Sciences completed the questionnaires and were included in the study. CSE scores of students and their demographic characteristics were obtained, and the analysis was performed using a t-test and one-way ANOVA. Results: Of those included, 37.1% were males and the mean CSE score of the students was 83.75±24.8. Students’ type of residence was found to be significantly related to their CSE scores (P=0.003). Students living with their spouses had the highest CSE scores, while those living with their parents had the lowest CSE scores. The association of CSE scores with gender, marital status, academic year of study, and source of income was not significant. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, students living with their parents had the lowest CSE scores. CSE plays a crucial role in managing distressful events, and our findings may be useful in identifying groups prone to stressful factors and help enhance future educational policies and planning.
Cameraria caryaefoliella (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) pecan leafminer moth in North of Coahuila, Mexico
Authors: Hernández Macotulio Soto , Torres Víctor Hugo González , López Elizabeth Santiago , Silva Salvador Ordaz , Rojas Pedro Hernández , Marín Dagoberto Flores
Published: October 2023

El nogal pecanero es uno de los cultivos de gran valor económico en México, con un valor de producción de $12, 896 138 (millones de pesos) en 2022; se cultiva en 20 de los 32 estados de la República mexicana. Coahuila es el segundo estado productor de nuez con dos grandes zonas productoras, la Comarca Lagunera y la Región Norte; en esta última, las principales plagas que se presentan cada ciclo agrícola son Acrobasis nuxvorella (Neunzing) Gusano Barrenador de la Nuez, Carya caryana (Fitch) Gusano Barrenador del Ruezno y Menellia caryella (Fitch) y Monelliopsis pecanis Bissell los pulgones (negro y amarillo); sin embargo, en años recientes se han presentado de manera esporádica organismos que cada vez amplían su distribución, insectos conocidos como plagas emergente, la mayoría invasoras; en el presente trabajo se estudió al minador de la hoja (Cameraria caryaefoliella (Clemens)) plaga invasora, originaria de la Costa Este de los Estados Unidos de América.
Probiotics in the Treatment and Prevention of Allergic Diseases
Authors: Титова Н.Д.
Published: October 2023

Пробиотики являются многообещающим средством борьбы с эпидемией аллергии, основная концепция их применения основана на модуляции кишечной микробиоты и развитии детского иммунитета. В статье рассмотрены основные биологические механизмы, с помощью которых пробиотики оказывают благоприятное воздействие на организм человека, включая усиление барьерной функции, подавление патогенов и модуляцию иммунной системы. Обсуждена эффективность использования пробиотиков для профилактики развития аллергии у детей с позиций доказательной медицины, проанализированы данные последних систематических обзоров и метаанализов. Приведены данные рандомизированных клинических исследований по лечению атопического дерматита, астмы, аллергического ринита с использованием пробиотиков. Проведена оценка безопасности использования пробиотических микроорганизмов с учетом опубликованных в литературе сведений о возможных побочных реакциях. Учитывая неуклонный рост аллергических заболеваний, перспективным для лечения и профилактики аллергии (особенно в группах детей с высоким риском развития аллергии) является использование современных и высококачественных пробиотиков, имеющих доказанную клиническую эффективность и безопасность применения.

Probiotics are a promising tool in the fight against the allergy epidemic, the main concept of their use is based on the modulation of the intestinal microbiota and the development of children’s immunity. This article discusses the main biological mechanisms by which probiotics have a beneficial effect on the human organism, including the enhancement of barrier function, suppression of pathogens, and modulation of the immune system. The effectiveness of the use of probiotics to prevent the development of allergies in children is discussed from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine, the data of recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses are analyzed. The data of randomized clinical trials on the treatment of atopic dermatitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis using probiotics are presented. The safety of the use of probiotic microorganisms was assessed, taking into account the information published in the literature on possible adverse reactions. Considering the steady growth of allergic diseases, it is promising for the treatment and prevention of allergies (especially in groups of children with a high risk of developing allergies) to use modern and high-quality probiotics with proven clinical efficacy and safety of use.
Gender analysis of the specificity of neurotic disorders in different categories of persons affected by hostilities
Authors: Zelenska K.O.
Published: October 2023

Post-stress mental disorders caused by military actions in the east of Ukraine become one of the important internal barriers during adaptation to the conditions of peaceful life due to the layering on this substrate of new stresses associated with social maladaptation. The study of the specificity of the clinical structure, the peculiarities of the diagnostic process, the prevention and treatment of post-stress disorders in persons who have survived combat operations, is definitely becoming one of the most important medical and social issues of our society at the moment. We conducted a comprehensive examination of 299 patients with non-psychotic mental disorders, both sexes, with an average age of (30.6±4.7) years. The I group included 96 servicemen of the Ukrainian Armed Forces who took direct part in hostilities in the Joint Forces Operations (JFO) zone (30 women and 66 men); The II group – 98 volunteers whose activities are related to the support of servicemen in the JFO zone (54 women and 44 men); Group III - 105 forced migrants (53 women and 52 men). The clinical structure of post-traumatic stress disorders in the examined patients was represented by: post-traumatic stress disorder (F43.1); adaptation disorders (prolonged anxiety-depressive reaction) (F43.21); anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety disorder (F41.1); panic disorder (F41.0). When analyzing the clinical symptoms, we have the following gender differences: in women, compared to men, neurotic disorders were manifested by a greater expressiveness of longing, and in men, irritability and anxiety manifestations came to the fore in the clinical structure. The data obtained during the work formed the basis for the development of a comprehensive personalized program for the correction of non-psychotic mental disorders and the rehabilitation of persons affected by combat stress with the differentiated use of psychopharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and psychoeducation methods.

Keywords: hostilities, non-psychotic mental disorders, combatants, volunteers, internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Numerical and analytical solutions for describing the mechanical response of segment joints for tunnels
Authors: GALVÁN-CHÁVEZ Arturo , MORENO-MARTÍNEZ Jatziri Yunuén , HERRERA-DIAZ Israel Enrique , PALACIOS-HERNÁNDEZ Otoniel
Published: October 2023

In literature there are several analytical models for describing the mechanical behavior of non-bolted segment joints (longitudinal joints) of shield driven tunnels. These joints modify the structural response of the segmental lining and therefore they affect the global response of this kind of tunnels. The rotational stiffness of these joints is divided into linear and multi-linear models being two typical moment-rotation constitutive equations those exposed by Janssen and Gladwell. The first one considers a linear stress distribution in the longitudinal joint. However, this is not correct according to elasticity theory due to at the edge of the contact area stresses reach infinite values and non-linear stress distributions are produced at the joint. The second typical moment-rotation equation is based on elasticity theory. The analytical results obtained from these moment-rotation equations were compared to numerical results of a 3D model based on Finite Element Method (FEM) using isoparametric solid elements for modeling the concrete segments, whilst for simulating the joint were incorporated contact elements; achieving to confirm that the constitutive equation proposed by Gladwell provides results more precise of the mechanical response of these joints achieving a difference of 0.07% in the maximum capacity of bending moment between the analytical model proposed by Gladwell and 3D numerical model carried out in this study.
HIGHLIGHTING OF FOCAL LANDSCAPES ON THE EXAMPLE OF VALLEY-RIVER LANDSCAPE-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS
Authors: Lavrуk O. , Korinnyi V. , Garbar O. , Vlasenko R. , Andriychuk T.
Published: October 2023

River valleys are important in the structure of natural landscapes. They are the places of population concentration, ecological gutters and the landscape "framework" around which all other geocomplexes function. If the framework landscapes have been analyzed in detail by scientists, the focal landscapes are inflated beyond the attention of scientists.
The purpose of the article is to analyze the structure of focal landscapes on the basis of the improved classification of anthropogenic landscapes by significance on the example of landscape-technical systems (LTchS) in the river valleys of the model region - the flat part of Right Bank Ukraine.
Within the valley-river landscapes, the focal group includes road, mining, agricultural, and beligerative LTchS. Most modern road landscape technical systems belong to the category of "landscape technogenic systems". The destruction of man-made cover is associated with the excessive load on the road surface of motor vehicles, the weight of which often does not meet the established standards. As a result of mining and processing of minerals in river valleys, mining LTchS are formed. Active mining LTchS are formed by quarries, waste rock dumps and beneficiation or crushing and sorting plants and factories. The river valleys of the Right Bank of Ukraine are characterized by new anthropogenic types of areas that were formed after the extraction of minerals: areas of pit-peat wastelands and "rocky badlands". Valley-river agricultural LTchS are represented by water regulation and irrigation systems and vineyards. The lack of modernization and the use of outdated equipment and facilities do not allow the LTchS to fully function and produce the appropriate amount of crops. Beligerative landscape and man-made systems include complexes of defensive nodal structures "lines of defense" of the 20th century. Some critical remarks were made regarding the analysis of the structure of focal landscapes after the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation on the territory of Right Bank Ukraine. It was concluded that in the context of the study of modern anthropogenic landscapes of Ukraine, the study of focal valley-river landscape-technical systems will contribute to a better understanding of their structure and the development of ways of optimization.
NATURE PROTECTION FUND IN THE STRUCTURE OF RECREATION AND TOURIST NATURE USE OF CHERNIGOV REGION
Authors: Shovkun T. , Zinchenko V. , Myron I.
Published: October 2023

The article analyzes the territories and objects of the nature reserve fund (NRF) of the Chernihiv region as objects of recreational and touristic nature use. The NRF of the Chernihiv region includes 678 objects with a total area of 263.1 thousand hectares (7.89% of the territory of the region). The NRF of the region consists of eight categories, there are no such categories as biosphere reserve, nature reserve and botanical garden. The study of the dynamics of the number of objects and areas of the NRF of the region for the period from 1990 to 2023 revealed a tendency to increase multifunctional protected areas (national natural parks (NNP) and regional landscape parks (RLP)). Reserves and natural monuments predominate in the structure of NRF of Chernihiv region in terms of number, and in terms of area - reserves and regional landscape parks.
It was established that the most important for the recreation and tourism sphere are the multifunctional categories of NRF - NNP and RLP, in which tourism is actively developing. The main directions of tourism development in the Mezyn and Ichnya National Parks were analyzed - ecological trails, routes (car, bicycle, pedestrian) that provide an opportunity to get to know the nature of Polissia (Mezyn National Park) and the Forest Steppe (Ichnya National Park), and tourist infrastructure are indicated. It was determined that the most common type of tourism within the NNP is walking along ecological trails.
A special issue is the use of the recreational potential of nature reserves, which are the most widespread in the structure of the NRF of the region. It has been established that the predominant type of recreational and tourist activity within their borders is educational excursions along marked trails. Other categories of NRF of the Chernihiv region (natural monuments, arboretum, zoo, parks-monuments of horticultural art) have less recreational potential, but have educational value and can act as objects of recreational and touristic nature use. In order to increase the role and significance of the NRF of Chernihiv region in the structure of recreational and touristic nature use, it is advisable to create such categories of NRF as NNP and RLP.
INFLUENCE OF WINTER WHEAT PLANTS’ FOLIAR ERTILIZATION ON CROP’S YIELD AND QUALITY
Authors: Kotkova T. , Dovbish L.
Published: October 2023

The article presents the results of experimental studies on the effect of foliar fertilization of winter wheat plants of sort Amandus with complex water-soluble fertilizers NAIS grain and Accelerator Micro on the background of N100Р58К100 on grain yield and quality. The research was conducted at Normagro LLC, Berdychiv district, Zhitomir region. The experiment included fertilizing winter wheat plants at the IV-V stages of crop organogenesis. The research was conducted on gray forest loamy soils. The use of these fertilizers proved to be quite effective. Compared with the background, the addition of conventional fertilizer with the studied fertilizers contributed to the increase in ear length and increase in the number of ears in the ear. The effect of using Акселератор Мікро was especially noticeable. The addition of background doses of fertilizers to the studied foliar fertilizers in our experiment affected the mass fraction of the crop, as evidenced by the data. At fertilizer N100P58K100 – received a crop – 6,08 t/ha, at N100P58K100 + «NAIS grain», 1,5 l/ha – productivity was 6,56 t/ha, at N100P58K100 + «Accelerator Micro» 1,5 kg/ha – 6,78 t/ha. In addition, the effect of combining the usual doses of fertilizers with foliar fertilization on the formation of the structure of the ear of wheat was studied. Among the studied parameters were the weight of one ear, the weight of 1000 grains, the nature of the grain. The weight of the ear with fertilizer N100R58K100 was –1,12 g, with N100R58K100 + «NAIS grain» (1,5 l/ha) – 1,17 g, and with N100P58K100 + «Accelerator Micro» (1,5 kg/ha) – 1,21 g, weight of 1000 grains – 42,3 g, 45,6 g, 48,9 g and nature of grain – 735 g/l, 745 g/l, 751 g/l respectively. The effect of the use of these fertilizers on the quality of the grain seed, in particular on the content of protein, gluten, ash and glassiness of the grain, was positive. A significant increase was obtained with the use of «Accelerator Micro», compared with «NAIS grain».