Zahra Zamani

Objective: Body image dissatisfaction is a prevalent concern among adolescents, with potential implications for mental and physical health. Understanding its correlates in diverse cultural contexts, such as Iran, is crucial for developing targeted interventions. This study aimed to investigate the demographic {Body Max Index (BMI), gender, etc.} socioeconomic status and family structure associated with body image dissatisfaction in a sample of adolescent students in Tehran, Iran. Method: This cross-sectional study included 1,430 students (grades 7, 8 and 9) from randomly selected schools in Tehran. Body image dissatisfaction was assessed using a validated international questionnaire measuring demographics, body perceptions, eating patterns, and family structures. Self-reported weight height values were used to calculate BMI. Misperceived body status was defined as discordance between self-perceived image and actual BMI category. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, t-tests, and multivariate regression (SPSS v26). Results: A total of 1, 430 participants completed the questionnaires and the mean age of participants was (14.13 ± 1.2), and 54.8% were females and 785 males (54.9%). The findings revealed that 59.1% of adolescents misperceived their body status. Female gender (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.18–1.90, P = 0.001), lower family SES (socioeconomic status) (OR = 4.27, 95% CI: 1.87–9.74, P < 0.001), higher BMI (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.06–1.12, P < 0.001), and non-biological family structures (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.26–2.3, P = 0.05) were significantly associated with body dissatisfaction. Students living with stepparents or relatives reported lower body satisfaction compared to those living with biological parents. These findings underscore the importance of gender, socioeconomic status, family structure, and BMI as key factors influencing body image dissatisfaction among adolescents. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of gender, socioeconomic status and family structure in body dissatisfaction among adolescents. Importantly, these findings reflect the heightened challenges facing youth in the post-COVID-19 era, during which lifestyle changes, increased social media exposure, and altered social interactions have intensified body image concerns. Further research is needed to explore this correlation in more detail and to develop culturally appropriate interventions to promote positive body image.

The widespread use of the Internet among teenagers has raised concerns about cyberbullying and its impact on adolescent well-being. This study examined the association between cyberbullying victimization and suicide attempts among adolescents in high-income and low/middle-income countries. Data from six countries (Singapore, China, Iran, Indonesia, India, and Lithuania) were collected as part of the Eurasian Child Mental Health Study. A total sample of 9892 adolescents aged 13–15 years old (51.9% girls) was analyzed. Generalized estimating equation models with school-wise clusters were conducted. The prevalence of suicide attempts was 4.8%, with higher rates among girls. Cyberbullying victimization only was reported by 5.4% of the participants, while traditional bullying victimization only was reported by 19.2%. The study found that being a victim of combined (both traditional and cyberbullying) had the highest odds of suicide attempt in both high-income and low/middle-income countries. Emotional symptoms were identified as a moderator, influencing the association between combined bullying victimization and suicide attempt. These findings highlight the urgent need for global efforts to prevent and intervene in cyberbullying and its detrimental effects on adolescent mental health. The study emphasizes the importance of examining regional risk factors and implementing targeted interventions to address this growing public health concern.

Echinocandins selectively inhibit fungal cell wall synthesis and, therefore, have few side effects. However, there are reports of hemodynamic and cardiac complications. We conducted this study to investigate the effects of caspofungin both on the noninvasive echocardiographic indices of myocardial function and myocardial injury based on serum high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) levels. This study was conducted on patients treated for candidemia. The hs-cTnI level and echocardiographic parameters were measured before and 1 h after the infusion of the induction dose of caspofungin. Data were compared between central and peripheral venous drug administration routes. Fifteen patients were enrolled in the study. There were no significant differences in the echocardiographic parameters between the baseline and post-treatment period. The mean hs-cTnI level exhibited a significant rise following drug administration (0.24 ± 0.2 ng/mL vs 0.32 ± 0.3 ng/mL; p = 0.006). There was also a significant difference concerning the hs-cTnI level between central and peripheral venous drug administration routes (p = 0.034). Due to differences in the hs-cTnI level, it appears that the administration of caspofungin may be associated with myocardial injury. Our findings also showed a higher possibility of cardiotoxicity via the central venous administration route.

COVID-19 is an acute viral disease that has so far infected more than 200 million and killed more than four million worldwide. It affects the immune system and other organs. Here, we investigated the level of free plasma amino acids in COVID-19 patients and compared them with non-COVID-19 subjects. We also compared amino acids levels in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with non-ICU patients and expired and recovered patients. Twenty-six COVID-19 patients and 32 non-COVID-19 subjects were included in the study. The mean of glutamic acid, serine, glycine, threonine, phenylalanine, leucine, lysine, alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, and ornithine was significantly higher in cases than controls. In addition, the mean of glutamine was significantly lower in patients than controls ( vs. , ). Low level of glutamine and isoleucine was seen in the majority of ICU and expired patients, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed low level of isoleucine as a predictor variable in mortality ( , , and ). There was a positive and significant relationship between some amino acids levels, serum liver enzymes, and sodium concentrations. There was also a significant but negative correlation between histidine levels, ESR, and ferritin. Phenylalanine had a highly positive relationship with serum procalcitonin in patients ( , ). Our studies have shown the alteration of plasma amino acids concentration in COVID-19 patients. These changes are more evident in critically ill and at-risk patients.

Echinocandins selectively inhibit fungal cell wall synthesis and, therefore, have few side effects. However, there are reports of hemodynamic and cardiac complications. We conducted this study to investigate the effects of caspofungin both on the noninvasive echocardiographic indices of myocardial function and on myocardial injury based on serum high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) levels. This study was conducted on patients treated for candidemia. The hs-cTnI level and echocardiographic parameters were measured before and 1 hour after the infusion of the induction dose of caspofungin. Data were compared between central and peripheral venous drug administration routes. Fifteen patients were enrolled in the study. There were no significant differences in the echocardiographic parameters between the baseline and post-treatment period. The mean hs-cTnI level exhibited a significant rise following drug administration (0.24 ± 0.2 vs 0.32 ± 0.3; P = 0.006). There was also a significant difference concerning the hs-cTnI level between central and peripheral venous drug administration routes (P = 0.034). Due to differences in the hs-cTnI level, it appears that the administration of caspofungin may be associated with myocardial injury. Our findings also showed a higher possibility of cardiotoxicity via the central venous administration route.

Background: While social media have an immense effect on children and adolescent interactions, they also have serious and potential effects on physical and mental health. Cyberbullying, as a form of bullying using electronic means, is an example of this trend. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of cyber-related behaviors and some of their related factors among high school students in Tehran. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study examining cyber behaviors in students in grades 7, 8, and 9. Since our study was conducted in line with an international study, we used the questionnaire of that research to collect data. Some of the characteristics of the adolescents and behavioral problems associated with them were examined, and students' experiences of cyberbullying and cybervictimization were asked in this study. A multi-stage cluster sampling was performed. The statistical population consisted of students from five districts of north, south, west, east, and center regions of Tehran, in which 1,456 questionnaires were completed. Results: The prevalence rate of cyberbullying was 22.3% while that of cybervictimization was 18%. It was also demonstrated that both trends were more significant in boys than in girls. Other parameters such as substance use, body thought scale, school environment difficulties, peer, conduct, and emotional problems had significant correlations with cybervictimization (P = 0.03 for peer problems to P < 0.001 for emotional problems) and cyberbullying (P < 0.04 for peer problems to P < 0.001 for school environment). A significant relationship was also found between prosocial problems and cyberbullying (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Cyberbullying and cybervictimization are more prevalent in boys than in girls. This phenomenon is related to many physical and mental health problems. This evidence can be used to inform decision-makers in the social arena to provide strategies for preventive programs and future interventions.

Objective: Bullying and victimization are common and serious problems in schools resulting in development of emotional and behavioral disorders in adolescents. This study aimed at examining the prevalence of bullying behavior and some of its associated factors among students. Method: This was a cross sectional analytic study involving junior high schoolers in grades seven, eight and nine. This study was part of an international study that used a questionnaire as a tool for data collection. The questionnaire investigated some of the characteristics and qualities possessed by most juveniles and some occasional problems which they may experience. Also, it was used to examine participants’ experiences with bullying and victimization. This questionnaire comprised of 15 sections on demographic characteristics, individual health, family status and types of bullying experiences at school and outside of school, along with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), which is an instrument for screening emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents. A multistage cluster sampling from five regions, consisting of the north, south, west, east, and central regions of Tehran, was conducted and 1456 questionnaires were completed by the students. Results: According to the results of this study, prevalence rate for bullying and victimization was 17.4% and 25.8%, respectively. The results indicated that gender had a significant relationship with bullying and victimization, with boys being more likely to be bullies and also more prone to victimization than girls (p < 0.001). Other parameters such as emotional, behavioral, and environmental influence also had a significant relationship with bullying and victimization. Conclusion: Bullying is more prevalent in boys than in girls, and boys are more likely to be victimized as well. Emotional and behavioral problems are identified as risk factors, and future interventions should focus on these risk factors to develop preventive measures.