Journals
2026 EN
Bavi Sasan · Heidari Soureshjani Farzaneh · Ahmadi Zeinab
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in mitigating perceived stress, rumination, and distress tolerance among women diagnosed with Bulimia Nervosa (BN) in Ahvaz, Iran. A quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design with a control group was employed. The target population consisted of all female BN patients referred to the Ahvaz Binge Eaters Association between February and May 2022. Patients were definitively diagnosed with BN by a clinical specialist using a structured clinical interview adhering to DSM-5 criteria. From an initial pool of 91 patients, 50 were randomly selected for participation and subsequently assigned to either the experimental or control group, with each group comprising 25 individuals. Pre-test analysis revealed no significant group differences in perceived stress, rumination, or distress tolerance among women with BN. However, post-test scores indicated a significant decrease in both perceived stress and rumination within the experimental group compared to the control group ( p < .01). Furthermore, the post-test analysis demonstrated that ACT intervention significantly improved distress tolerance in women with BN ( p < .01). These findings suggest that ACT may be a promising therapeutic approach for alleviating psychological distress and enhancing emotional regulation in individuals grappling with BN.
Journals
2026 EN
Akbari-Gharalari Naeimeh · Aliyari-Serej Zeinab · Ghahremani-Nasab Maryam
+4 more
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe condition characterized by neuronal apoptosis and inflammation, with limited therapeutic options. This study aimed to assess the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-derived exosomes (Exo), Cerebrolysin (CBL), and Cerebrolysin-loaded exosomes (CLE) on inflammation, apoptosis, tissue organization, and motor function recovery in a mouse model of compression SCI. An experimental study using a mouse model of SCI, investigating the effects of Exo, CBL, and CLE treatments. Laboratory-based research in a controlled environment. Sixty healthy adult female BALB/c mice, aged 8–10 weeks, weighing 24 ± 2 g were used. SCI was induced via compression to model SCI. Mice with induced SCI were treated with Exo, CBL, or CLE. Apoptosis was assessed by Bax and Bcl2 expression. Inflammatory markers TNF-α and IL-10 were measured. Histological analysis examined tissue organization, and motor function recovery was evaluated using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor scale. The study measured Bax and Bcl2 expression, TNF-α and IL-10 levels, tissue organization, and motor function recovery. CLE treatment significantly modulated Bax and Bcl2 expression, reducing apoptosis and enhancing neuronal survival. TNF-α levels decreased, indicating reduced inflammation, while IL-10 levels increased, showing anti-inflammatory effects. Histological assessment revealed improved tissue organization, and motor function recovery was significantly enhanced as measured by BBB scores. CLE showed neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing apoptosis and inflammation while promoting tissue repair and motor function recovery in SCI, making it a promising therapeutic candidate.
Journals
2026 EN
Makki Faezeh · Zangiabadi Zahra · Rezaei Ehsan
+3 more
Bus drivers are exposed to various health, safety, and ergonomic risks, making them vulnerable to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of MSDs among bus drivers. This study followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024509249). Relevant studies were identified up to February 12, 2024, through databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SID, ISC, and Google Scholar. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 index, and a random-effects model was used for meta-analysis. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 14. Out of 723 initially identified studies, 22 were included in the meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of MSDs among bus drivers was 73.87% (95% confidence interval [CI] [64.37, 83.36], I2 = 98.2%, p < 0.001). Prevalence by the body region was as follows: lower back (50.22%), neck (39.88%), shoulder (38.72%), upper back (32.42%), knee (31.74%), foot (28.29%), hip/thigh (14.86%), hand (14.74%), and elbow (9.36%). MSDs are highly prevalent among bus drivers, especially in the lower back. Given the presence of various ergonomic risk factors, it is imperative to implement comprehensive strategies, including targeted training, ergonomic assessments, accessible healthcare, and effective rehabilitation programs, to manage and mitigate the progression of MSDs in this population.
Journals
2026 EN
Gaafar Zeinab Hassan · Fangary Suzan · Farouk Ahmed K. B. A. W.
+1 more
Ledipasvir is one of the direct-acting antiviral agents used for treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. To achieve dose reduction and cost-effective therapy, this study aimed to enhance the interaction of ledipasvir with HCV-infected hepatocytes through the development of cationic bilosomes (CBs) and galactosylated bilosomes (GBs). These delivery systems were designed to promote hepatocellular targeting via the asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPRs). Eight bilosomal formulations were developed by the ethanol injection method following a 2³ full factorial design, and numerical optimization using Design Expert ® software identified the optimized formulation. In parallel, galactosylated stearylamine (GSA) was synthesized through conjugation of stearylamine (SA) with lactobionic acid (LB). The successful synthesis of GSA was verified through FTIR and 1 H NMR spectroscopic analyses. SA and GSA were subsequently incorporated into the optimized bilosomes to obtain CBs and GBs, respectively. The prepared systems were evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, and zeta potential, and their morphology was identified using transmission electron microscopy. Following 8-h incubation with HepG2 cells, CBs and GBs achieved significantly higher cumulative cellular uptake of ledipasvir (31.79% ± 3.11% and 20.62% ± 2.12%, respectively) compared to the ledipasvir free dispersion (11.02% ± 3.02%). These findings highlight CBs and GBs as promising nanocarriers for targeted delivery of ledipasvir to hepatocytes.
Journals
2026 EN
Naderpour Zeinab
The unique sociolinguistic positioning of Iran and its complex sociopolitical relationship with the West render it a compelling context to explore the potential emergence of a local variety of Persian English. Examining the status of English within the complexities surrounding the politics of foreign language recognition and the intricate role of religion in this context contributes significantly to our understanding of the Expanding Circle. Despite this potential, prior work has yet to initiate an independent discourse on Persian English. Thus, grounded in the World Englishes paradigm, this study aims to synthesize the existing, yet fragmented, scholarly findings on English in Iran from various Sociolinguistic disciplines to enable a comprehensive account of the overarching realities of Persian English at both institutional and grassroots levels. The findings reveal that although top-down policies and bottom-up social realities stand in contradiction, they nonetheless operate in parallel and collectively diminish the visibility of Persian English.
Journals
2026 EN
Mahfouz Khalil Marwa Ibrahim · Shaala Reem Said · Elnakeeb Mayar
+6 more
To validate the 11-item Neglect and Abuse Scale (NAS) in Arabic and establish its psychometric robustness within a sample of community older adult. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 539 Arabic-speaking older adults from Egypt. The total sample was divided randomly into two subsamples (1/3 for the EFA and 2/3 for the CFA). The initial analysis of the unidimensional structure indicated poor fit. Consequently, an EFA using oblimin rotation was conducted, which revealed a clear two-factor structure, explaining 54% of the variance. The first factor captured neglect-related experiences (e.g. being deceived, neglected, or denied rights), while the second factor reflected more overt forms of abuse (e.g. physical or verbal assault, betrayal, sexual harassment). A CFA, conducted on the solution obtained in the EFA, demonstrated acceptable fit. Reliability assessments indicated a commendable level of internal consistency. Sex invariance results showed no significant differences between male and female participants in the measurement characteristics. Concurrent validity analysis indicated a moderate negative correlation between the NAS scores and resilience and quality of life scores. This research provides a reliable and valid instrument for identifying and assessing elder neglect and abuse among Arabic-speaking communities, thereby supporting effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Journals
2026 EN
Soroosh Davood · Davarzani Samin · Nematshahi Mohammad
+2 more
The use of opioid substances during pregnancy, including heroin and methadone, is associated with adverse outcomes. This study aims to investigate the relationship between maternal opioid use and factors related to neonatal health at birth in Iran in 2022. This was a case-control study conducted with 206 mothers (103 with opioid use disorder and 103 without). Data concerning maternal health were collected via questionnaires, while neonatal health information was obtained from maternal medical records. Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation, independent t-tests, multiple regression, and descriptive statistics. The average APGAR score one minute after birth was 8.94 ± 0.23 in the group of mothers with opioid use disorder and 8.98 ± 0.19 in the group without opioid use disorder. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups regarding APGAR scores at one minute and five minutes after birth ( p > 0.05). A multiple regression analysis revealed a significant statistical relationship between maternal opioid use and neonatal weight, height, and head circumference ( R = 0.71, p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed between mothers with opioid use disorder and those without in terms of neonatal weight, head circumference, and height.
Journals
2026 EN
Hamzehgardeshi Zeinab · Farjamfar Maryam · Keramat Afsaneh
+2 more
We aim to explore the sexual factors related to SRH behaviors among Iranian women using structural equation modeling (SEM). The sexual factors considered were sexual function, distress, and satisfaction, with a specific emphasis on sexual esteem and genital dissatisfaction. This online cross-sectional study recruited 722 married women of reproductive age in Amol, Iran through a two-stage sampling method at health centers from March to June 2022. To analyze the data, SEM was employed in Amos software version 24. The results indicated an acceptable fit of the model to the data. Sexual esteem was directly ( β = 0.29, p = 0.009) and indirectly ( β = 0.29, p = 0.009) associated with SRH behaviors. However, genital dissatisfaction was only indirectly associated with SRH behaviors ( β = 0.29, p = 0.009). Furthermore, a direct effect of genital dissatisfaction on sexual esteem ( β = 0.41, p = 0.007) and an indirect effect of genital dissatisfaction on SRH behaviors was found via only sexual esteem ( β = 0.07, p = 0.003). By considering the roles of sexual factors especially genital dissatisfaction and sexual esteem on SRH behaviors, this study offers practical implications for designing interventions aimed at enhancing SRH behaviors and sexual well-being.
Resource
2026 EN
Mobasheri-Shiri Maryam · Ramezanipour Sepehr · Azizi Zahra
+5 more
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains the most prevalent form of anemia in children and adolescents globally. In addition to iron (Fe), other trace elements, such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg), may influence hematopoiesis, yet the extent of their dysregulation in IDA remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies assessing the serum levels of Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mg in pediatric IDA populations. The literature was searched in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science up to January 2025. The data were standardized to consistent units (μmol/L), and pooled weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses were performed. The study protocol was registered online (PROSPERO number: CRD42024578704). Eight articles encompassing twelve datasets and 1105 participants were included. Compared to controls, IDA patients had significantly lower levels of Fe (WMD: −13.07 μmol/L, 95% CI: −16.09 to −10.05), Zn (WMD: −4.33 μmol/L, 95% CI: −5.30 to −3.35), and Mg (WMD: −18.17 μmol/L, 95% CI: −21.00 to −15.33) but higher levels of Cu (WMD: 4.33 μmol/L, 95% CI: 2.21–6.46). High heterogeneity ( I ² > 95%) was noted for Fe, Zn, and Cu. Subgroup analyses confirmed consistent trends across age, gender, and geography. Pediatric IDA is associated with broad alterations in trace elements, highlighting potential roles for Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mg in the pathophysiology of anemia. These findings may inform comprehensive nutritional strategies in managing IDA.
Journals
2026 EN
Fekar Gharamaleki Fatemeh · Fathipour-Azar Zeinab · Farmani Elahe
Currently, there is no available scale to measure the school participation of Persian students. This study aimed to adapt the School Participation Questionnaire (SPQ) for Persian-speaking individuals and evaluate its validity and reliability. The cultural adaptation of the SPQ into Persian (P-SPQ) was conducted using the forward-backward methodology. The study comprised 103 teachers for students without and with special needs. Then, content and face validity were conducted. Construct validity was determined by comparing the overall scores of the P-SPQ with teacher-assessment results. Furthermore, the internal consistency of the P-SPQ was analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The P-SPQ scores revealed significant differences between children with and without special needs ( p < 0.001). The construct validity results indicated a strong correlation between the overall P-SPQ scores and teacher-assessment results ( r = 0.64, p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve was measured at 0.23, while the optimal cutoff point was determined to be 58.5, demonstrating a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 100%. Furthermore, the P-SPQ showed a high level of internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.99, indicating excellent reliability. The P-SPQ is a reliable and valid assessment tool that allows for a straightforward evaluation of student participation.