Showing 30 results for Zare
Alireza Ghorbani Birgani, Parvin Abedi, Kourosh Zare, Saeed Assadpoor,
Volume 15, Issue 8 (January 2013)
Abstract
Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disease which usually appears as white and silvery spots on the skin. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of berberine on patients with psoriasis. Materials and Methods: This double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 60 psoriasis patients who referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz, between July and December 2011. The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups that applied berberine and placebo to the treatment of their lesions twice a day. Lesions severity rate in the patients was assessed 7 times using a Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI). Data were analyzed by ANOVA with repeated measurements and Chi-square using SPSS software. Results: After 6 months, severity of lesions showed a significant decrease in the group receiving the berberine cream compared with the placebo group so that the mean PASI score of the group receiving berberine decreased from 3.99 to 2.11 while in the placebo group this decreased from 3.98 to 3.71. Mean difference in PASI score was not significant before receiving the treatment till the third month in berberine and placebo groups, but in the fourth to sixth months it was statistically significant (p=0.013). Conclusion: Berberine cream was more effective than the placebo in reduction of skin lesions of psoriasis patients. Therefore, it is recommended that plant-based drugs, like berberine, be used more besides the main medications of patients.
Kazem Biabani, Ahmad Zare, Hamid Kohram, Mehdi Khodaeimotlagh,
Volume 15, Issue 10 (March 2013)
Abstract
Background: Heat stress reduces reproductive performance in farm animals. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of heat stress and different concentrations of melatonin on nuclear maturation of ovine oocytes. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, ovary collection and oocyte recovery were carried out by standard methods. Oocytes culture was in A: TCM199+10% FBS, 5µg/ml FSH, 0.01IU/ml LH, 100 IU/ml penicillin, and 100 IU/ml streptomycin, B: A+heat stress at 40 C0, and C and D:B+1 and 10 µM melatonin, respectively. Results: Heat stress significantly (P<0.05) decreased nuclear maturation in the treatment group in comparison with the control group (60.60 vs. 84.89). Also, 1 and 10 µM melatonin could improve oocytes to reach metaphase-II stage (60.60 vs. 76.92, 78.82, respectively). However, increasing the melatonin dose from 1 to 10 µM did not alter oocytes maturation. Conclusion: Overall, this study showed that melatonin improves ovine immature oocytes maturation during heat stress.
Majid Motamedzade , Ali Dormohammadi, Hosein Amjad Sardrodi , Esmaeil Zarei , Reza Dormohammadi, Masoud Shafii Motlagh,
Volume 16, Issue 6 (9-2013)
Abstract
Background: Load lifting is the most stressful activity of the Manual Material Handling and can trigger of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of workers. Purposes of this study are determining the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, assessment lifting tasks by NIOSH lifting equation method, ergonomic design and assessment of its effectiveness.
Materials and Methods: This analytical and interventional study was performed on 30 workers in a Porcelain Health Manufacturing industry in Hamadan. Assessment of lifting tasks by NIOSH lifting equation and determining the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders by Nordic questionnaire was conducted. Then, construction steps and determination of the effectiveness of ergonomic design was conducted.
Results: The results showed that the most frequent musculoskeletal disorders related to back. Results of the lifting index (LI) showed that the risk of lifting load in before intervention is high (greater than 3). This value after the conducting of ergonomic intervention (load-carrying cart) decreased to moderate level (between 1 to 3). The relationship of risk average amount before and after interventions were significant (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Load-carrying cart designed with shelves capable of moving vertically up and down has considerable role in safe making of lifting tasks and probability of reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and lumbar injuries will bring in the near future.
Abbas Zaree Mirakabadi, Abdolhamid Angaji, Adele Hooshmandi,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (5-2014)
Abstract
Background: One of the acute effects of snakebite is injury to vital organs including kidneys. This study examines the effects of snake (Najanajaoxiana) venom on renal function.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, six male Dutch rabbits with average weight of 1.5± 0.3 kg were selected. Before injection of the venom, blood samples were collected for serum analysis and then the snake (Najanajaoxiana) venom (140µg/kg) was injected intramuscularly. Following venom injection, blood sampling from each rabbit was carried out at hours 1, 3, and 24. All serum samples were separated within two hours and the amounts of creatinine, urea, albumin, and glucose were determined by quantitative detection kits. Statistical analyses were carried out by SPSS software version 21. Obtained information was compared by one-way ANOVA and F and Tukey tests. p value<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Following venom injection at hours 1, 3, and 24, some serum parameters showed slight changes which were not statistically significant. However, glucose showed a significant increase (71%) at hour 1 (p<0.05). Following venom injection, this returned to normal at hour 24.
Conclusion: Based on the results obtained in the present study, it seems that the Najanajaoxiana venom, unlike the viper species, have no severe effects on the kidney.
Abolfazl Mozafari, Latif Moini, Shahram Arsang, Mahdi Gholamzadeh Baeis, Abbas Javid, Sam Hatami, Zahra Faraji, Bahareh Zareh,
Volume 17, Issue 9 (12-2014)
Abstract
Background: Despite control, prevention and the availability of drugs to cure tuberculosis, TB remains an important cause of death from an infectious agent in Iran. Pulmonary tuberculosis is more than 80% of tuberculosis cases. Chest x-ray is sensitive, cheap and accessible instrument for the diagnosis of tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to determine the radiological changes in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, after consideration of inclusion and exclusion criteria, finally 477 radiographic patients referred to rural and urban clinics in recent decade were enrolled. The affected lobe or lobes of the left or right lung were recorded. The types of involvement were categorized based on patchy consolidation, cavitation, fibrosis, bronchiectasis, gohn lesion, bronchogenic spread and bronchopneumonia. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to measure the strength of association between continuous variables. For analysis of qualitative parameters, we use from Chi-square test. Data analysis was done in SPSS18 and p value below than 0.05 was significant.
Results: Out of 477 patients, mean age was 48.24±22 years old, male including 33.3%, Iranian and urban cases were 44% and 91.3% respectively. The most frequent involved site was the left upper lobe followed by the right upper lobe. The most frequent radiographic finding was patchy consolidation and then bronchogenic spread and pneumonic consolidation respectively. There was significant correlation between lung cavities in patients with nationality.
Conclusion: This study could help to early diagnosis and treatment of suspect patients to pulmonary tuberculosis.
Fatemeh Eskandari, Shohreh Zare Karizi, Mohamad Taghi Akbari,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (5-2015)
Abstract
Background: The pathogenesis of recurrent pregnancy loss includes complex interaction of several genetic and environmental factors. Changes in blood coagulation factors during pregnancy may play an important role in the occurrence of recurrent abortions (RA). Recently, inherited thrombophilia has been considered as a possible cause. Therefore, in this study we have investigated association of factor V (G1691A) and factor II (G20210A) polymorphisms in Iranian patients with recurrent abortions.
Materials and Methods: A total of 203 women participated in this study: 105 women with two or more consecutive unexplained miscarriage as cases and 98 women with at least two healthy children as control group. Total genomic DNA was isolated from Peripheral blood leukocytes. The presence or absence of mutation in the FV (G1691A) and FII (G20210A) polymorphisms were assessed by PCR-RFLP, using Mnl1 and HindIII digestion enzymes, respectively. Finally, the data were analyzed using Chi-Square test.
Results: The results showed no statistical significant differences in the prevalence of FV (G1691A) and FII (G20210A) polymorphisms between patients and control group.
Conclusion: considering the results of this study, these polymorphisms Seem to have no role in etiology of recurrent pregnancy loss in the studied population.
Mohammad Reza Hashemzadeh, Mojtaba Saadati, Mohamadreza Baghaban Eslaminejad, Reza Aflatoonian, Mokhtar Zarea,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (6-2015)
Abstract
Background: Shigella is the causative agent of human shigellosis and its lipopolysaccharide is detected by TLR4. TLR4 belongs to Toll-like receptors family and many immunological pathways are triggered when these receptors are stimulated. Many researches showed increasing in TLR4 expression in mesenchymal stem cells through lipopolysaccharide treatment. The main goal of this study is detecting the optimum lipopolysaccharide between shigella strains through stimulation of immune system for vaccine studies.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells were treated with three distinct concentrations (0.1, 0.01, and 0.001) of shigella (S. flexneri, S. dysenteriae, S. sonnei) extract containing lipopolysaccharide. Then TLR4 expression in mRNA level was investigated by RT-PCR and Q-PCR. The cells treated with phosphate buffered saline have been considered as a control group.
Results: Expression of TLR4 was shown in all of case groups except treatment with concentration 0.001 of extracts from sonnei and dysenteriae and also control group. The variations in the expression of TLR4 was dose-dependent in all of case groups. The maximum expression of TLR4 related to treatment with extract from shigella flexneri strain and the minimum expression related to treatment with shigella sonnei extract. The use of lipopolysaccharide from E. coli as a positive control indicated that lipopolysaccharide in shigella extracts is responsible for the increased expression of TLR4.
Conclusion: The TLR4 expression level was increasesed by S. flexneri extract, so it could be recommended for increasing vaccine efficiency.
Zahra Hadi Chegeni, Shahrbanoo Oryan, Abbas Zare Mirak Abadi, Azam Bakhtiarian, Somayyeh Akbari, Giti Ghamami, Khadijeh Nazari,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (6-2015)
Abstract
Background: There have been numerous reports of snake venoms being employed as analgesics in attempts to relieve severe pain associated with cancer, immune dysfunction and viral infections. This study investigates the antinociceptive effects of iranian cobra snake venom (Naja naja oxiana) in comparison with morphine and lidocain on laboratorial femal mice.
Materials and Methods: This study has been done on 48 NMRI female mice of 18-20 g in weight. Antinociceptive activeity of snake venom was evaluated by formalin test. In this test, the animals were divided into 6 groups (each group consisting of 8 mice): Sham, positive Control (receiving morphine at dose of 5 mg/kg, and receiving lidocain at dose of 20 mg/kg), and experimental groups receiving venom at doses of 1, 3 and 4.5 µg/mice. In all groups, the formalin test was recorded for 60 min after administration of venom and drugs in mice. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey test.
Results: The results showed that the venom of Naja naja oxiana decreased nociception meaningfully in both acute and chronic phases. We also showed that this venom revealed even a better analgesic activity in comparison with morphine and lidocain.
Conclusion: This study showed that the antinociceptive effect of the venom was mediated through central nervous system and peripheral mechanisms. Although details of the mechanism remain unclear, and further studies should be considered to demonstrate its therapeutic effects.
Mona Amin Beidokhti, Reza Mirfakhraie, Shohreh Zare Karizi, Fatemeh Karamoldin, Mirdavood Omrani, Naser Sarsabili,
Volume 18, Issue 8 (11-2015)
Abstract
Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as the occurrence of two or more consecutive pregnancy losses prior to 20th week of gestation. There are several leading causes of RPL including uterine anatomical defects, infections, genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. However, despite in a large number of cases no causes have been identified, therefore, it is introduced as idiopathic.
Recent studies have implicated the role of miRNAs in endometriosis, preeclampsia, infertility and RPL. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association of miR-196a2C>T (rs11614913) with RPL in Iranian women.
Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 183 Iranian women including 83 patients with at least two unexplained consecutive pregnancy losses and 100 healthy controls with at least one live birth and no history of pregnancy loss were investigated. Patients with recurrent pregnancy losses due to anatomic, hormonal, chromosomal, infectious, autoimmune, or thrombotic causes were excluded from the study group. Genotyping was performed using Tetra- ARMS PCR method.
Results: Significant difference in distribution of miR-196a2 rs11614913 genotypes was found in RPL patients in comparison to controls, with p value of 0.04 and odds ratio equal to 2.96 (95% CI: 1.03-7.03).
Conclusion: The results of the present study provide evidence for association between genetic variation in miR-196a2 and recurrent pregnancy loss. Further studies will be required to validate the significance of the studied genetic variation in diverse populations and its regulatory role on target genes.
Fahimeh Zare Ebrahim Abad, Abdolhosein Shahverdi, Mitra Heidari Nasr Abadi, Alireza Alizadeh,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2017)
Abstract
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fed fish oil (FO) with or without vitamin E for mothers on the testis cells of male offsprings.
Materials and Methods: Sixty mature female NMRI mice were divided into different groups: control (CTR; Standard diet(vitamin E 50 mg IU/kg) pre and postnatal period); I) Gavages 0.01 ml/day/mother fish oil (FO)+CTR diet during prenatal period; II) Gavages FO+CTR diet during postnatal period; III) consumed VITE(125 mg IU/kg) 2.5 folded greater than standard recommendations(2×)during prenatal period; IV)consumed VITE(2×)diet during pre and postnatal period; V)consumed VITE(2×)diet during postnatal period; VI) Gavages FO+VITE(2×) diet during prenatal period; VII) Gavage FO+VITE(2×)diet during postnatal period ;VIII) Gavages FO+VITE (2×)diet during pre and postnatal period. After weaning, the testes were collected and histological data were analyzed using SAS software by Duncan test.
Results: testes cells length, width and weight was lower in offspring which their mothers fed FO+CTR diet during prenatal, (p<0.05).Vitamin E consumption during postnatal period improved these parameters (p<0.05). Spermatogoni (47 vs. 43), spermatocyte (43 vs. 34), Spermatid (63 vs. 44), Sertoli (0.9 vs. 2), and Leydig (3 vs. 1.7) were increased as FO+VITE was used than CTR (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The positive effects of supplementation maternal diet by FO with VITE or sole VITE was observed. Thus, antioxidants should be consumed along with omega-3 fatty acids in maternal diet.
Tahereh Yahya, Shohreh Zare Karizi, Ali Jahanian,
Volume 20, Issue 9 (12-2017)
Abstract
Abstract
Background: DNA-based computing is an emerging research aspect that enables the in-vivo computation and decision making with significant correctness. Recent papers show that the expression level of miRNAs are related to the progress status of some diseases such as cancers and DNA computing is introduced as a low cost and concise technique for detection of these biomarkers. In this paper, DNA-based logic gates are implemented in the laboratory to detect the level of miR-21 as the biomarker of cancer.
Materials and Methods: At the first, required strands for designing DNA gates are synthesized. Then, double stranded gate is generated in laboratory using a temperature gradient that followed by electrophoresis process. This double strand is the computation engine for detecting the miR-21 biomarker. miR-21 is as input in designed gate. At the end, the expression level of miR-21 is identified by measuring the generated fluorescent.
Results: at the first stage, the proposed DNA-based logic gate is evaluated by using the synthesized input strands and then it is experimented on a tumor tissue. Experimental results on synthesized strands show that its detection quality/correctness is 2.5x better than conventional methods.
Conclusion: Experimental results on the tumor tissues are successful and are matched with those are extracted from real time PCR results. Also, the results show that this method is significantly more suitable than real time PCR in view of time and cost.
Zahra Zare Bidaki , Mohammad Mahdi Jahangiri,
Volume 21, Issue 7 (2-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of acceptance-based treatment on psychological flexibility of mothers of children with autism disorder.
Materials and Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest with control group. The statistical population of the present study included mothers with autistic children referring to the autism community in Qom city at 2017. According to the semi-experimental design and Criteria for research, a sample of 30 patients (each group of 15) was selected voluntarily. Samples were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The experimental group received 8 sessions of "acceptance and commitment therapy. The instrument for collecting information included the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II). Data were analyzed by SPSS software using covariance.
Ethical Considerations: This study with research ethics code IR.IAU.ARAK.REC.1396.39 has been approved by research ethics committee at Islamic Azad University of Mahallat, Iran.
Findings: Based on study findings, the acceptance- and commitment-based therapy had significant impact on psychological flexibility in mothers of children with autism.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that acceptance and commitment therapy is effective in improving the mental health of mothers with childhood autism.
Pooneh Roghanian, Jafar Amani, Shoreh Zare, Zahra Nour Mohammadi,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (4-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrhea deaths among children and travelers in developing countries. The ETEC colonization factors, such as CFA/I and CS2 play an important role in the development of the disease. In this study, to produce the CFaE fusion recombinant protein, the tip subunits CFA/I(CfaE) and sub structural unit of CS2 (CotD) from ETEC, were used. Since mucosal immune responses to CFs can prevent disease, the aim of this study was to develop a chimeric antigen for developing the effective vaccine.
Materials and Methods: In order to amplify the cfae-cotd gene, a dual gene construct consisting of cfae and cotd, the PCR reaction was performed by designed primers. The propagated gene was cloned in the expression vector pET28a. Following the induction of a recombinant gene construct with IPTG, the recombinant protein was expressed and purified by Ni-NTA chromatography column and confirmed by western blotting by Anti-Histag.
Ethical Considerations: This study with research ethics code IR.IAU.SRB.REC.1397.066 has been approved by research ethics committee at Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch of Tehran, Iran.
Findings: Cloning accuracy was confirmed by PCR and enzyme digestion reaction. The presence of the band in the SDS-PAGE 10% gel in the 68 kDa region, the expression of the recombinant protein, and the presence of the band on the nitrocellulose paper in the Western blotting test confirmed the production of recombinant protein.
Conclusion: Optimization of codon and expression in heterologous hosts is a useful method for the production of recombinant proteins. The production of ETEC antigens as a candidate for vaccination against this bacterium is also prominent.
Marzieh Kamkar, Samad Zare, Farrin Babaei,
Volume 22, Issue 3 (8-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Food restriction (FR) affects on depression and anxiety behavior. Previous studies have pointed to the role of sulpiride in the treatment of depression and anxiety. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of dopaminergic system and food restriction on depression and anxiety.
Materials and Methods: Forty two adult male Wistar rats (180-220g) were divided into 7 groups including: control, sham, 25%, 50%, 75% FR, 75% FR with sulpiride and sulpiride(50µg/rat). The treatment period was 21 days. Day 19 surgery and cannulation was performed and Sulpiride was injected intracrebroventricularly (icv) on the 21st day. Depression and anxiety tests (Tail suspension test and Elevated Plus Maze), was taken from the rats on the 21st day. Data were analyzed by ANOVA test.
Ethical Considerations: Ethical points were observed according to the declaration of Helsinki and acts of Bioethics Committee at Urmia University (Ref No: AECVU-180-2018).
Findings: Mobility time in FR groups and sulpiride compared to control and in 75% with sulpiride compared to 75% had significant increase. immobility time in FR and sulpiride had significant decrease compared to control. Open arm entry in 75% FR had significantly decreased compared to control and in 75% FR with sulpiride had significantly increased compared to 75%. Open arm spend time in 75% FR with sulpiride had significant increase compared to 75%. Motor activity was reduced in FR groups and injection sulpiride.
Conclusion: It seems that sulpride and FR play a role in improving
semi-depression circumstances. Sulpiride also play a role in controlling the anxiety behavior induced by FR. |
Saeed Changizi-Ashtiyani, Majid Ramezani, Hossein Poorcheraghi, Seyed Mohammad Afzali, Parand Pirouzi, Sina Atashi, Ali Zarei,
Volume 22, Issue 5 (11-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim Among the plants with multiple healing properties and a long and common history of use in Iranian traditional medicine, is dog-rose plant with the scientific name of “Rosa canina” that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This study aimed to review the effectiveness of Rosa canina in treatment of different body organs and tissues and emphasizes its therapeutic mechanism.
Methods & Materials This is a review study. About 176 papers published from 2010 to 2018 were extracted from PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, Ovid, MagIran, and SID databases using related keywords and entered into study.
Ethical Considerations Ethical issues (including plagiarism, misconduct, data fabrication, falsification, double publication or submission, redundancy) have been completely observed by the authors.
Results Different studies had indicated the importance of Rosa canina as a medicinal plant protecting liver, lowering glucose and lipid levels, and having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The highest flavonoid activity in the Rosaceae family is related to Rosa canina. The use of herbal extracts in the treatment of common diseases, such as diabetes, fatty liver, urinary tract and Alzheimer's, has been recommended.
Conclusion High qualitative and quantitative diversity of effective ingredients, ease of access, absence of adverse effects of consumption and endemic nature of Rosa canina plant make it necessary to use it for the control and treatment of common human diseases.
Zohreh Dehghani, Reza Tajik, Ramin Zare,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (April & May 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: High occupational stress reduces the workers’ concentrations and decision-making power. In industries with high risks in term of exposure to hazards, there may be negative consequence. This study aimed to investigate relationship between Occupational Stress (OS) and the job-related risks in the steel industry.
Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive-analytical study with cross-sectional design carried out in a steel industry located in Lorestan province of Iran in 2017. For risk and OS assessments, the Melbourne University’s 3D risk assessment model and the United Kingdom's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) questionnaire were used. Statistical analysis was performed by using Pearson correlation and Kruskal-Wallis tests in SPSS V. 22.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences with the Code: IR.NREC.007.1394.05.
Results: A total of 182 job-related risks were identified for 14 job titles. 19.3% of subjects had high OS level. The risk rank had a statistically significant correlation with overall OS score (P=0.03), and OS dimensions of control (P=0.02) and demand (P=0.02). There was no significant difference between the mean OS score and age, work experience, educational level.
Conclusion: Due to the relationship of risk amount and OS among workers in the steel industry, Planning to control stressors in the workplace and managing occupational risks by reducing the likelihood and consequence of job-related risks seems essential.
Azar Hamidi, Amir Rashidlamir, Rambod Khajei, Mehdi Zarei, Ahmad Zendedel,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (August & September 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Coronary Heart Disease (CAD) is one of the most important causes of mortality. Exercise activities after coronary artery bypass surgery increase the density of myocardial capillaries called angiogenesis and improve cardiovascular function. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of aerobic-resistance training on plasma basic fibroblast grown factor levels in post-coronary artery bypass grafting patients.
Methods & Materials: The sample consisted of 30 men aged 45-60 years who underwent bypass surgery. They were randomly divided into experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The experimental group performed aerobic resistance training for eight weeks (3 sessions per week) and the control group did not. Blood samples were taken 24 hours before the start of the first training session and 48 hours after the last training session while all subjects were fasting. In vitro ELISA method was used to measure BFGF. Independent and paired t-test and Shapiro-Wilk test were used to analyze the data at the significant level of 0.05 in SPSS v. 21.
Ethical Considerations: This study was registered (Ethics Code: IR.IAU.NEYSHABUR.REC.1398.01) in the Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University, Neishabour Branch, and with Clinical Trial Code: IRCTID:IRCT20191228045919N1.
Results: Eight weeks of aerobic-resistance training significantly increased bFGF levels in the exercise group compared to the control group (P=0.002). Also, pre and post changes in the experimental group showed a significant increase in plasma bFGF levels (P=0.002), which was not significant in the control group (P=0.758).
Conclusion: According to the results, it may be concluded that combined (aerobic resistance) exercise may increase angiogenesis and capillary density in post-CABG patients by increasing plasma bFGF levels
Mohammad Ranjbarian, Korosh Etemad, Fatemeh Zarei, Rozita Farhadi, Jalaledin Sa´di,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (April & May 2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: It is almost impossible to imagine life without electromagnetic waves. Such waves play a key role in the function of melatonin and create numerous diseases.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 230 kV substations in Golestan Province, Iran in 2016. In total, 44 workers of electrical substations (the case group) and 23 workers of healthcare centers (the control group) with 24-hour shift works were enrolled in this study.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shahid Beheshti University Medical Sciences( Code: IR.SBMU.THNS.REC.1395.9).
Results: The obtained data suggested that 100% of the electric field intensity and the magnetic flux density measured at the substations were within the permissible range of occupational exposure. The mean level of melatonin in the case group was lower than that in the control group; however, no significant difference was observed in this regard (P=0.761). Additionally, there was no significant difference between melatonin level and age (P=0.381), work experience (P=0.213), job groups (P=0.515), and employee activity area (P=0.482).
Conclusion: According to this study, no significant relationship was observed between electromagnetic waves and melatonin levels. Moreover, electromagnetic waves were within the permissible exposure. Thus, electromagnetic waves did not affect the level of melatonin hormone in male employees of 230 kV substations in Golestan Province. However, there was a decrease in the case group, compared to the controls. Therefore, definite comments require further investigation.
Manijeh Zarei Mahmood Abadi, Talieh Zarifian, Dr Robab Teymouri,
Volume 24, Issue 4 (October & November 2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Acquisition skill in sentence producing is one of the criteria for speech development. By developing and increasing the age, we are witnessing the emergence of compound sentences in speech. Clinical treatments for language disorders in Iran are mostly based on the experiences of Speech Language Therapists or in accordance with English language norms. We need to examine how the length of utterance and compound sentences develop in Persian. The study aimed to report the development of compound sentences and Mean Length of Utterance (MLU) for a Persian-speaking child from 15 to 34 months.
Methods & Materials: In this longitudinal case report, based on Developmental-Descriptive model, MLU and emergence of simple compound sentences of a Persian speaking girl sampled and described from 15 to 34 months by daily scripting. R software version 4.0.2 was used for data analysis. Correlation of age with linguistic variables through Pearson correlation coefficient was evaluated.
Ethical Considerations: In this paper, the principles of publication ethics were considered.
Results: At the age of 21 months and 13 days, the child uttered her first simple two-word sentence, and at the age of 26 months and 29 days, she used a four-word compound sentence. With the emergence of compound sentences, the increase in the MLU has gained considerable speed. In a few days, we see the addition of a unit to the length of the sentence (word). There was a significant relationship between the MLU and age (r=0.925, P=0.001), Mean length of sentence and number of words in Persian speaking child (r=0.910, P=0.002) and total number of words and age (r=0.928, P<0.001).
Conclusion: Although several longitudinal studies have been conducted on the development of MLU and number of words in other languages, similar studies are rare in Persian. It is important to conduct studies of this type in order to make cross-linguistic comparisons and to study the linguistic universality and language specificity. By increasing age, we see an increase in the number of words in a child's vocabulary, the emergence of compound sentences, and an increase MLU. At 27 to 28 months, there is a dramatic change in the development expressive language as the compound sentences appear. It seems that emergence of compound sentences in the language output, also plays a significant role in increasing the MLU and can be considered in clinical language assessments.
Fatemeh Kermanshahi, Mehdi Zare Bahramabadi, Hasan Heidari, Hossain Davoodi,
Volume 25, Issue 2 (June & July 2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim Old age is a critical period in life. Due to advances in technologies and improvement in healthy conditions, the number of aged population is increasing. Hence, it is necessary to pay attention to their life satisfaction and attitudes towards aging. The present study aims to assess the effectiveness of a psychological empowerment program on life satisfaction and attitude towards aging in older women living in Tehran, Iran.
Methods & Materials The study population consists of all women aged 60-70 years referred to a charity foundation in Tehran, Iran in 2020. Of these, 24 women were selected by a convenience sampling method. They were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. Using a pre-test/post-test design, the elderly first completed the life satisfaction index-Z and the attitude towards aging questionnaire. Then, the experimental group received the psychological empowerment program at 8 sessions. After the intervention, the questionnaires were completed again by both groups. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze the collected data in SPSS software, version 19.
Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University of Arak Branch (Code: IR.IAU.ARAK.REC.1400.027).
Results There was a significant difference in life satisfaction (F=9.673, P=0.006) and attitudes towards aging (F=8.385, P=0.009) between the two groups. The psychological empowerment program significantly improved life satisfaction and attitudes towards aging in older women.
Conclusion The psychological empowerment program is effective in improving life satisfaction and attitude towards aging in older women living in Tehran. It can be used by experts in the fields of counseling, geriatrics, psychology, and health.