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Movement-based brain–computer Interfaces (BCI) rely significantly on the automatic identification of movement intent. They also allow patients with motor disorders to communicate with external devices. The extraction and selection of discriminative characteristics, which often boosts computer complexity, is one of the issues with automatically discovered movement intentions. This research introduces a novel method for automatically categorizing two-class and three-class movement-intention situations utilizing EEG data. In the suggested technique, the raw EEG input is applied directly to a convolutional neural network (CNN) without feature extraction or selection. According to previous research, this is a complex approach. Ten convolutional layers are included in the suggested network design, followed by two fully connected layers. The suggested approach could be employed in BCI applications due to its high accuracy.

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are very likely to leave the profession due to their obligation to work in critical situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the ethical work climate and the intention to leave the service among EMTs. In this descriptive correlational study, 315 EMTs working in Zanjan province were surveyed using the census method in 2021. The research tools included the Ethical Work Climate and the Intention to Leave the Service questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21. We found the mean (SD) score of the organization's ethical workclimate to be 73.93 (±12.53), and the intention to leave the service12.54 (±4.52), which are at a moderate level.A statistically significant positive correlation existed between thesevariables (r = 0.148, P = 0.017). Also, there was a statisticallysignificant relationship between age and employment status amongthe demographic variables, and the ethical work climate and the intention to leave (P < 0.05).Our findings indicate that ethical work climate is one of the influential but less noticed factors that affect the performance of EMTs. Therefore, it is suggested that managers implement measures to develop a positive ethical work climate to reduce the tendency to leave the service among EMTs.

Background: Hormonal imbalance is one of the important etiological factors for Oligoasthenoteratospermias (OAT). Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hormonal changes including prolactin, TSH, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and anti-Mullerian hormone on sperm DNA fragmentation in normal men compared with OAT to design a clinical algorithm for the comprehensive study of male factor infertilities. Materials and Methods: We consecutively selected 60 candidates referred to the infertility clinic to collect the semen and blood samples. Then, a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling test was performed to evaluate the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). After semen analysis and DFI checking, they were classified into 4 groups consisting of normospermia and OAT men each with or without increased DFI. Hormone parameters were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results: Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels showed positive correlations with DFI in a significant way (p ≤ 0.01), while testosterone and thyroidstimulating hormone were associated with sperm concentration. Prolactin and anti- Mullerian hormone levels significantly correlated (p ≤ 0.01) with sperm concentration and DFI value simultaneously. Conclusion: Decreased and increased levels of serum hormones could adversely affect semen profile and sperm DNA integrity which lead to severe male infertility. Although we investigated the effects of the main hormones related to male infertility on DNA damage, the role of these hormones on the fertilization rate and embryo quality needs to be evaluated in further studies. Key words: DNA fragmentation, Oligospermia, Asthenospermia, Teratospermia, Hormones.

Although there is increasing awareness of the health risks of air pollution as a global issue, few studies have focused on the methods for assessing individuals' perceptions of these risks. This scoping review aimed to identify previous research evaluating individuals' perceptions of air pollution and its health effects, and to explore the measurement of perceptions, as a key resource for health behaviour. The review followed the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. PubMed and Web of Science were searched. After initial and full-text screening, we further selected studies with standardised scales that had previously been tested for reliability and validity in assessing awareness and perceptions. After full-text screening, 95 studies were identified. 'Perception/awareness of air quality' was often measured, as well as 'Perception of health risk.' Only nine studies (9.5%) used validated scaled questionnaires. There was considerable variation in the scales used to measure the multiple dimensions of risk perception for air pollution. Few studies used structured scales to quantify individuals' perceptions, limiting comparisons among studies. Standardised methods for measuring health risk perception are needed.

Objective: In vitro maturation (IVM) and cryopreservation of oocytes are two important parts of assisted reproductive technology (ART), but their efficacy is low. This study aimed to improve the quality of in vitro vitrified-warmed maturated oocytes using granulosa cell conditioned medium (GCCM). Materials and Methods: In the experimental study, fresh/non-vitrified and vitrified-warmed mouse germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes (as F and V) were in vitro maturated using basal medium (BM) and also BM supplemented with 50% GCCM as treated groups (GM), and categorized as FBM, FGM, VBM and VGM groups, respectively. The rate of successful IVM (MII oocyte formation), mitochondrial membrane potential and the viability of MII oocytes were determined using inverted microscopy, JC-1 and trypan blue staining. Then, the rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and subsequent two-cell embryo formation was calculated. Finally, the expression levels of Oct4, Sox2, Cdk-2, Gdf9, Integrin beta1 and Igf2 were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in MII oocytes and two-cell embryos. Results: These analyses showed that GCCM significantly increased the IVM rate, oocyte meiotic resumption and mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05). In addition, the rate of IVF and two-cell embryo formation was significantly higher in FGM and VGM compared to FBM and VBM (P<0.05). Interestingly, GCCM significantly affected the expression of the studied genes. Conclusion:Our findings suggest that GCCM might be useful for improving the efficiency of IVM and the subsequent IVF outcomes.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Iranian government swiftly implemented immediate and decisive measures to control the spread of the infection. This study aims to demonstrate the impact of restriction measure on air pollution, also to highlight the potential variability in results that can arias from different methodological approach. A comprehensive dual-approach assessment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the lockdown measures on criteria air pollutants. Firstly, a traditional approach compared air quality during the pandemic period with baseline conditions from 2013 to 2019. Secondly, observed air pollution values during different periods with varying restrictions in 2020 were compared with expected values. This comprehensive analysis allows for a robust comparison and quantification of the impact of different lockdown measures in Ahvaz. The study revealed significant changes in air pollutant concentrations in Ahvaz during 2020, with variations observed across different pollutants. Notable reductions were observed in O3 levels, particularly in November (-54.44% compared to the baseline) and December (-63.58% compared to expected values). Decreases in CO levels were observed in multiple months, while substantial reductions in PM10 and PM2.5 were observed during various periods. Inconsistencies in the magnitudes and directions of changes were found when comparing baseline and forecasted values. The overall stringency index showed an inverse association with changes in O3, NO2, and CO, with international travel controls and restrictions on internal movement having significant impacts. This study provides valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on air pollution in Ahvaz, Iran, using a comprehensive dual-approach assessment. The findings highlight the effectiveness of these measures in reducing specific criteria air pollutants and emphasize the importance of implementing appropriate strategies for air quality management during similar public health emergencies.

Between-group comparisons were made by independent t-test or chi-squared test. [...]ANCOVA used for comparison of the mean serum glucose and vitamin D between two groups Adjusted for, mothers age, BMI, parity, gestational week. According to results, the mean age of the pregnant women was 30.41±5.82 years and the mean gestational age was 22.57 weeks. [...]these conflicting results between serum level of 25(OH) D and GDM may be due to differences in study design, sample size, the gestation age in which vitamin D measured, sampling season and ethnic and genetic characteristics of the participants. First-trimester maternal vitamin D status and risk for gestational diabetes (GDM) a nested case-control study.

The tubular magnetic agar supported ZnS/CuFe 2 O 4 nanocomposite was fabricated via a simple procedure. Next, various properties of this nanocomposite were studied by employing multiple characterization techniques including FT-IR, EDX, SEM, TEM,VSM, XRD, and TGA. Then, the catalytic and antibacterial applications were evaluated for the fabricated nanocomposite. Based on the experimental result, the nanocomposite showed excellent catalytic activity to promote the multicomponent reaction between ethyl acetoacetate, hydrazine hydrate, aromatic aldehydes, and malononitrile to synthesize a variety of dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives with high yields (89–95%) in acceptable reaction times (20–40 min) under mild reaction conditions. It can be efficiently recycled and re-work in six consequent runs without notable reduction in catalytic productiveness. Furthermore, its antibacterial activity was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) and Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) bacteria by the agar diffusion and plate-count methods. These results indicate that the width of the inhibition zone around the S. aureus (G + bacterium) is more than that of E. coli (G − bacterium). Moreover, the agar supported ZnS/CuFe 2 O 4 nanocomposite exhibited strong prevention of the bacterial colonies’ growth.

Background Pain in the knee joint area and reduced sleep quality are prevalent symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. This study examines the impact of self-administered acupressure on pain severity and sleep quality in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods In this trial conducted in 2023, 126 patients were enrolled. They completed a demographic characteristics form, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Afterward, they were randomly allocated to three groups: acupressure, sham, and control. While the control group received routine care, patients in the acupressure and sham groups were instructed to apply pressure on selected acupoints daily for one minute for a duration of one month. All participants completed the PSQI and the VAS one month after the intervention began and one month after it ended. Data analysis involved Fisher’s exact tests, chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and one-way ANOVA tests. Also, per-protocol analyses were conducted with linear mixed-effects models. Results No significant effects associated with group allocation were observed on pain VAS scores in acupressure and sham groups compared to the control group. However, participants in the acupressure group showed a significant decrease in pain VAS scores as time progressed. PSQI scores significantly decreased over time. Interaction effects showed that PSQI scores decreased more in the acupressure than in the control group over time. Finally, PSQI scores in the acupressure group demonstrated a significant decrease from pretest to follow-up, while no significant change was observed over time in the sham group. Conclusions Self-administered acupressure may be useful in improving sleep quality in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This work may be informative in developing acupressure interventions with more effective outcomes in future research. Trial registration This trial is registered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials website with the identifier IRCT20211221053475N1 (Date: 10/01/2022).

Three physiological processes interact: sleep, learning, and stress. It is essential to understand how stress affects and interacts with the link between sleep, learning, and memory since it has long been recognized that sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation and learning. Through naloxone injection in the baso lateral amygdala (BLA), this study intends to shed light on the interactions between stress, learning, and sleep, as well as the function of the opioid system and its impact on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production in the hippocampus. Male Wistar rats (n=77) in eleven groups were implanted with electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) recording electrodes, and the BLA area was bilaterally cannulated. Recordings of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep and wakefulness steps were made for the three hours prior to and three hours following the implementation of the immobility stress protocol and learning with the Barnes maze for three consecutive days. Also, the animals' memory was tasted 48 hr later. Before the stress and learning procedure, naloxone was injected into each BLA three times in a row at a dosage of 0.05 μg or 0.1 μg in a volume of 0.5 μl. A molecular biomarker of learning and stress, BDNF, was also examined. The study demonstrated that the immobility stress model lowers REM and NREM sleep. On the other hand, putting the learning technique into practice results in more REM and NREM sleep, and stress situations do not stop this rise after learning. Naloxone injections in the BLA region also enhance learning and memory, preventing stress-related REM and NREM sleep loss. Additionally, stress lowers BDNF expression in the hippocampal region. BDNF expression rises in the hippocampus throughout the learning process, and naloxone administration in the BLA area also raises BDNF expression in the hippocampus. Stress generally reduces REM, NREM, and BDNF expression in the hippocampal region. Under stress, using the learning protocol increases REM, NREM sleep, and BDNF. Naloxone injection in BLA improves memory and learning, reducing stress-induced memory loss.