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Background:Noticing the side effects associated with chemical drugs, using natural medicinal plants has gained more prominence recently. Physalis alkekengi extract is a medicinal plant belonging to Solanaceae family which similar to most drugs used in traditional medicine, despite possessing a multitude of medicinal properties, has not received sufficient attention. The aim of the present study was to briefly review the effects of Physalis alkekengi extract on the concentration of thyroid hormones, blood cholesterol, some plasma biochemical factors, liver function, immune system, and sexual hormones. Due to the extensive usage of Physalis alkekengi extract in traditional medicine, determining its advantages and possible side effects is of great physiologic and pharmacologic significance. Physalis alkekengi extract due to the presence of such effective substances as alkaloids, lycopene, glucocorticoids, alcoholic agents, and a large amount of vitamin C as well as antioxidant properties can play a significant role in changes in body homeostasis. This study dealt with the function and effect of Physalis alkekengi extract on different body organs through using proper keywords and extensive online search through electronic databases and credible sources. The results of this mini-review showed that Physalis alkekengi extract can bring about various significant changes in different body organs that have not been properly recognized. Therefore, further and more extensive studies should be done on this plant.

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Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most important health problems in the world. B-cells are susceptible to damage by free radicals. Noticing the mechanism of cupping, this study was carried out to evaluate the effect of cupping together with drug therapy on biochemical factors and oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 5ml of intravenous blood was obtained from diabetic patients in beginning and late stages of this disease who referred to a diabetes center. In addition to receiving metformin and glibenclamide, the patients underwent cupping after one month and were analyzed one month later. Blood samples obtained one month before and after the treatment were compared in terms of diabetes and oxidative stress indicators. To evaluate lipid peroxidation, TBA method was used and FRAPS method was employed to measure total serum antioxidants and blood factors by Pars Azmon kit. Results: Hemoglobin A1C, fasting blood sugar, blood sugar 2 hours after fasting, triglycerides, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein as well as high-density lipoprotein showed significant increases. Aspartate transferase in diabetic patients significantly decreased after phlebotomy (p<0.05). Conclusion: Cupping improves blood factors in diabetic patients and it is recommended to be used as a complementary treatment in patients with diabetes type II.

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Background: In recent years, changes in the composition of Iranian population into aged population have increased the need for more information about the quality of life (QOL) of this group. Proper planning for this age group for increasing their quality of life depends on the identification of factors associated with QOL. The aim of the current study was to assess the quality of life and its relationship with the quality of diet in elderly people aged 60 years and more living in the urban areas of Markazi province. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 165 elderly people in the urban areas of Markazi Province in 2010. Data obtained via general and QOL (SF-36) questionnaires and three 24-hour recalls on food. The quality of diet was measured using Healthy Eating index. Results: The means of total SF-36, physical and mental components scores were 55.66, 51.32 and 57.30, respectively. Additionally, the average overall healthy eating index score was 82.83. The results showed that the total, physical, and mental components of SF-36 scores in the elderly were positively associated with the healthy eating index but not significantly (P=0.2). QOL and diet scores were significantly associated with age, sex, education, previous employment, income, leisure activities, exercise, insurance, smoking, present disease, and drug consumption (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that the QOL in the elderly was not related to their quality of diet.

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Background: For calculating intraocular lens (IOL) power required for cataract surgery, ultrasonic biometry is used and the axial length of the eye is the most important error in this estimation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the final refractive power based on the axis length of the eye in patients undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, from June 2010 till December 2011, 446 eyes which underwent phacoemulsification cataract surgery were investigated. Biometry was performed before cataract surgery to achieve emmetropia in all eyes. Based on the axis length of the eye, patients were classified into four groups: less than 22 mm, 22-24.5 mm, 24.5-26 mm, and more than 26 mm.

Results: There was not a significant difference in mean absolute value of final refractive power deviation from zero. The highest amount of mean absolute value of final refractive power deviation from zero was in myopia group which was equal to 1.52±1.17 diopter. However, there was not a significant difference in the amounts of mean absolute value of final refractive power deviation from zero according to axial length of the eye (p=0.081).

Conclusion: With increases in axial length of the eye, intraocular lens power calculation decreases, but the absolute difference of means is not significant in two apparatuses.

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Background: Paraoxonase1 activity shows decline in patients with coronary artery disease. The C to T change in the -107 position of promoter is the most important genetic determinant of serum levels of paraoxonase 1. Study of this polymorphism and its relationship with the type of fatty acid composition of phospholipids in HDL particles can be found in the common pursuit of better medicines and considered in drug treatment.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study 265 Patients were selected and divided in two groups based on LDL level (131 in case and 134 in control). Information of subjects were collected from questionnaire and the results of biochemistry and molecular tests. Fatty acids of HDL phospholipids were measured with Gas chromatography technic .

Results: PON1aryl esterase activity, had no significant changes after treatment with lovastatin but paraoxonase activity had more significant increases in the CC genitype of -C/T107 polymorphism. Percent of oleic acid, linoleic acid and icosapentanioc acid in HDL phospholipids were increased by lovastatin.

Conclusion: Treatment with lovastatin in the CC genotype is probably more protective effect against cardiovascular disease. Following treatment, in patients with higher paraoxanase 1 activity Oleic acid and linoleic acid have also increased in HDL phospholipids.

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Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent type of cancer and the second cause of death among American men. Its prevalence has a direct relationship with increasing age. The present study was carried out to determine the level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) and calcium level in blood in men with prostate cancer and BPH in Arak.

Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, out of 400 Arak males, were selected from different inner-city areas through cluster sampling during a period of two years (august 2011-august 2012). After the population was approved to have the necessary criteria to be included in the study, their PSA and calcium level was measured and its mean in over 40 years. In order to determine mean difference among the seven groups T-test analysis and to determine "PSA", PSA Assay and Tandem-R kits were utilized and for measurement of serum calcium, pars azmoon kit was used.

Results: In this study, there was a markedly relationship between age and serum calcium and serum PSA in both groups.in this way that there was a negative relationship between age and serum calcium and a positive relationship between age and serum PSA.

Conclusion: With respect to the findings of the study, it could be confirmed that was a markedly relationship between serum PSA and serum calcium only in prostatic cancer patients,according to this study in future maybe we used serum calcium as a tumor-marker for screening for prostate cancer.

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Background: Intraocular pressure (IOP) rise is the most common complication of Nd YAG laser posterior capsulotomy, and the aim of this study was to compare the effect of oral acetazolamide versus topical Co-biosopt in preventing IOP rise following Nd YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.

Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was done on 200 patients who underwent laser Nd: YAG capsulotomy. First group received oral acetazolamide 250 mg q 6h and placebo drops q 8h and second group received Co-biosopt) timolol 0/5% and dorzolamide 2%) drops q 8h and oral placebo capsule q 6h. IOP was measured before and 24 hours after laser capsulotomy.

Results: Mean IOP of right and left eye 24 hours after capsulotomy in the acetazolamide group was significantly decreased as compared to the previous (p=0.001) and in Co-Biosopt group the values 24 hours after capsulotomy was significantly decreased as compared with the previous in right and left eye (p=0.001).

Conclusion: According to oral acetazolamide side effects and desirable IOP reduction with Co-Biosopt that recently entered to Iran’s market and have typical domestic, this medication can be an option for preventing IOP rise after laser capsulotomy in a patient with posterior capsular opacification.

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Background: The importance of maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in (tuberculosis TB) patients is essential. The purpose of this study was to use N - acetylcysteine to improve the quality of life in patients with tuberculosis.

Materials and Methods: This study is a double-blind clinical trial that performed on 88 patients on anti-TB treatment that aged over 50 years in the central province of Iran within 15 months. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire and the Short Form Quality of life (SF12). Data were analyzed using SPSS software and t-test, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis were used. p less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: This study showed that the two groups before the intervention in different features were not significantly different, but in quality of life at the end of the first month. The intervention group compared with the control group in physical subscale score (p=0.0068) and psychological subscale scores (p=0.0284) and quality of life score (p=0.0112) were better. Also, our study showed that age of patients (p=0.0331), duration of disease (p=0.0416), and serum CRP mean (p= 0.0234) and type of tuberculosis (p=0.0372) were significantly related to total score of quality of life at the end of the first month in the intervention group.

Conclusion: According to this survey results we hoped to combine the use of adjuvant therapy with N-acetylcysteine and standard tuberculosis treatment improves quality of life and increase life expectancy of patients.

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Background: Treatment failure and relapse is a major problem in the treatment and control of brucellosis. The present study directed to determine risk factors for failure of treatment and relapse in patients treated for brucellosis.

Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive - analytic and prospective study and were conducted in 72 patients with acute brucellosis.Patients were followed up during treatment and for six months after completion of therapy, and patients with treatment failure or relapse were analyzed. All data analyzed using SPSS software and P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The mean value of age in patients was 40.2 ± 16.5 years. Treatment failures was 6.9% and the relapse at the end of the ninth month was 12.5% that recurrence of symptoms were associated with increased titers of serological tests and 80.6 percent had successful treatment. In this study gender of male (P = 0.026), occupational exposure (P = 0.005), delayed treatment in less than two weeks (P = 0.016), hepatosplenomegaly (P = 0.003), thrombocytopenia (P = 0.023), CRP &ge +2 (P = 0.017) and Wright &ge 1/320 and 2-ME &ge 1.160 at the end of the sixth week of treatment (P = 0.004 and P = 0.010) were risk factors of treatment failure and relapse in brucellosis.

Conclusion: The diagnosis and treatment of relapse and treatment failure in acute brucellosis is not clear, therefore, the prediction of relapse may be useful in preventing recurrence and treatment of patients.

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Background: Saprolegniasis is an important aquatic fungal disease that causes severe damages at different growth stages of aquatic animals. Saprolegnia parasitica has been identified as an important pathogen in aquaculture. This study was investigated the activity of antifungal methanolic extracts of Foeniculum vulgare, Achillea millefolium, Satureja hortensis, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, as well as Artemisia annua essential oil against S. parasitica in comparison with formalin.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, Saprolegnia parasitica originated from rainbow trout’s farm effluent. Phenotypic identification was performed and amplification of ITS rDNA region was adjusted by using of two general primers like ITS1 and ITS4, subsequently sequencing by use of internal primer were performed. The antifungal effects of the plants were investigated based on broth microdilution method and compared by formalin.

Results: The results of sequencing verified the obtained fungus is S. parasitica. In broth microdilution method, the essential herb Artemisia inhibited the growth of S. parasitica at a concentration of 128 &mug/ml (MIC = 128 &mug/ml). At the same concentration, however, it did not show any fungicidal activity (MFC &ge 2048 &mug/ml). Methanolic extracts of the plants fennel, yarrow, Savory, and cinnamon displayed no direct effects on S. parasitica.

Conclusion: Based on the results obtained in the present study, Artemisia can be classified as a powerful antifungal essential plant. The essence of Artemisia performed more effectively compared to formalin for the growth inhibition of S. parasitica.

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Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) has estrogenic properties and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on sperm parameters against toxicity induced with BPA.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, adult male mice with mean body weight 32±3 g were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=6) Control, BPA (200mg/kg/day), NSO (5ml/kg/day), and BPA+NSO. Oral treatment was performed till 34 days. After end of treatment, body and left testis weight were recorded and left caudal epididymis was also cut. Released spermatozoa were used to analyze sperm parameters such as motility, viability and abnormalities. Sperm chromatin quality was assessed. Data were analyzed with One-Way ANOVA.

Results: Body and testis weight showed no significant change in four groups (p<0.05). A significant decrease in the motility, viability and normal morphology of sperm (p<0.001) was found in BPA-treated mice compared to the control group. In BPA+ NSO group, NSO could significantly increas the mentioned parameters compared to the BPA group (p<0.05). BPA had no effect on the uncleus diameter of the spetmatogonia and sperm DNA integrity and histon-protamine replacement.

Conclusion: The results indicated that NSO could partially ameliorate Bisphenol A-induced toxicity on sperm parameters.

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Background: Phacoemulsification is a modern cataract surgery that developed surgery from large incisions into smaller incision size and lead to faster wound heal and earlier visual rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes and complications of 3.2 and 2.65 mm main Incisions in phacoemulsification .

Materials and Methods: In this clinical study in Amir Kabir Hospital of Arak, 78 patients with senile cataract were divided into two groups. Half of them experienced 3.2 mm main incision (first group) and the others were under main incision with 2.65 mm (group 2). Immediately after operation if patients had a wound leak, the standard stromal hydration was used and a suture was placed. A day after operation, the patients were examined in the light of iris prolapse, if it existed, then a suture would be palced.

Results: The occurrence of anterior chamber wound leak was 7.7% and 2.6% in group 1 and group 2, respectively. Stromal hydration was needed 5.1% and 3.2% in group 1 and group 2 respectively. In fact, suture was needed 2.6% and 0.0% in group 1 and group 2, respectively. There was no iris prolapse in both groups.

Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference between two groups from the point of view of wound leak and the need for suture and the rate of iris prolapse (p>0.05). Also, in low or intermediate nuclear density grade, the smaller and the more permanent incision with 2.65 mm is preferred.

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Background: Fungal spores are present in large amounts in the nature which may cause diseases in the susceptible individuals. Fungal rhinosinusitis has been increased during recent decades. This study aims to investigate fungal rhinosinusitis in the patients with chronic needing endoscopic sinus surgery aims and to determine the sensitivity of the isolates to rhin sinusitis antifungal agents.

Materials and Methods: In cross sectional study, specimens were obtained in sterile plates containing normal saline. from the suspected cases of chronic rhinosinusitis who had undergone endoscopic sinus surgery. Microscopic experiments and Cultures were done in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar medium. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the growth of fungi for seven antifungal agents against the isolates was determined using E-Test.

Results: In total, specimens from 102 immunocompetent patients were examined. Nine positive specimens were presented, consisting of 3 for Aspergillus fumigatus, 3 for Penicillium, 2 for Aspergillus flavus and 1 for Alternaria. The mean age of the patients was 38 years, with 59 males and 43 females. The isolates were most sensitive to the voriconazole and amphotericin B.

Conclusion: Since the prevalence of fungal rhinosinusitis is low, unfortunately, the clinicians are not attentive enough to the condition, and they initiate antifungal therapy if the patients are not responsive to antibiotics. Early diagnosis and suitable treatment can help more efficient management of patients.

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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.

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Background: Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that broadly is used to treat gram negative bacteria infections, although it has side effects such as nephrotoxicity. According to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties of Zataria Multiflora, the effects of co-treatment with zataria Multiflora and hydroalcholic extract on gentamicin induced nephrotoxicitj were investigated.

Materials and Methods: In this study, male rats of Vistar race were divided into 4 groups: control group, co-treatment with gentamicin and vehicle group, co-treatment with gentamicin and zataria Multifiora extract group, and co-treatment with zataria Multiflora extract and normal saline solution group. Zataria Multiflora hydroalcoholic extract was added to drinking water as 800 PPm concentration. They, systolic blood pressure and renal blood flow (RBF) were measured. Also, the amounts of urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium and osmolarity were measured in plasma and urine samples

 Results: In co-treatment group with zataria Multiflora extract, the amounts of urea, creatinine, absolute sodium excretion and relative sodium and potassium excretion and malondialdehyde (MDA) that have been inceased in treatment with gentamicin, significantly were reduced. Creatinine clearance, urine osmolarity, RBF and FRAP that was decreased in gentamicin group in compare to control group, significantly increased.

Conclusion: Co-treatment prevents nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin and attenuates oxidative-stress associated renal injury by reducing oxygen free radicals and lipid peroxidation, So it can be effective to cure rats receiving gentamicin.

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  Background: Trabeculectomy is one of the most common ophthalmic surgeries, but over filtration may cause serious ophthalmic complications. The aim of this study is to compare two suture methods in trabeculectomy.

  Materials and Methods: This clinical trial accomplished on 28 eyes of 28 patients with primary open angle glaucoma unresponsive to full medication. Patients were divided into two equal groups. In one group, standard and the other group releasable suture trabeculectomy was performed. Post-Surgery short-term complications and intraocular pressure were compared in both groups.

  Results: The mean IOP reduction in group with releasable sutures was 22.14±13.99 and in standard group was 28.14±14.10 (p=0.269). Frequency of iridocorneal touch in releasable and standard groups was 7.1 and 50 percent, respectively(p=0.016). Also, Frequency of shallow anterior chamber in releasable and standard groups was 21.4 and 92.2 percent, respectively(p<0.001).

Conclusion: Trabeculectomy with releasable suture reduces short-term complications and in this group, IOP control is equal to standard trabeculectomy.

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Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a heterogeneous condition with the prevalence of more than 1% among women of reproductive age, which is defined as the occurrence of more than two miscarriages. Immune-mediators, cytokines, determine the role of immune cells in response to tissue incompatibility conditions. Colony stimulating factor 3 (CSF3) is a cytokine affecting the expression of other cytokines such as IL-4, and suppressing the immune response against semi-allograft embryo. This study was done for the first time on the association of the rs1042658 polymorphism at 3’UTR of the CSF3 gene with the susceptibility to recurrent pregnancy loss, supposing the effect of it on the expression level and stability of the CSF3 gene transcript.

Materials and Methods: 122 RPL women and 140 healthy fertile women as a control group were enrolled in this case-control study. Genotype distribution of the selected polymorphism was evaluated by T-ARMS PCR method and the results were analyzed by logistic regression test.

Results: comparison of the genotypic frequencies in the 3'UTR of the CSF3 gene in patients and controls resulted in the statistically significant difference in the incidence of pregnancy loss in order to the protection effect of the genotypes carrying T allele was observed between two groups (p<0.05). History of the abortion among the relatives of RPL women versus the relatives of controls showed significant differences (p=0.05).

Conclusion: Findings showed significant relationship between rs1042658 polymorphism and the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss, which can affect the susceptibility of the condition.

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Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes two basic categories ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) that the etiology of which remains unclear. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) promoter polymorphisms are a good candidate for susceptibility to IBD as there is a significant relationship between them. The main aim of this study was to assess TNFα gene polymorphisms with IBD susceptibility at positions -1031in Iranian patients.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, were studied 101 patients with IBD (86 ulcerative colitis, 15 Crohn's disease) and 100 healthy controls were studied. PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) was used for determining of genotyping. In following, allele frequency and genotype distribution of polymorphism T> C in TNFα gene between the case and control groups were typed.

Results: The frequency of genotype TT, TC and CC among patients was 64.4%, 28.7% and 6.9% and in control group was 63%, 29% and 8%, respectively. Also, allele frequency T-1031 of TNFα gene in IBD patients was high, while there is no statistical significant(p>0.05).

Conclusion: There was no significant correlation between TNFα gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to IBD at position -1031. Our results showed that TNFα gene polymorphisms cannot be considered as a potential prognostic marker cause of IBD in Iranian population.

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Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is describesd as a disorder and skeletal disease that decrease bone strength and increases the risk of a bone fractures. Genetic factors have effect role in the progression of the osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between LRP4 gene polymorphism with osteoporosis in a population of postmenopausal women from north of Iran.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 80 female patients with osteoporosis and 80 healthy females without osteoporosis with average age of 45-60 has been investigated. After DNA extraction from genome samples, polymorphism of LRP4 (rs4752947) gene have been investigated by PCR-RFLP method. Data were analyzed by SPSS software.

Results: Our results showed no significant relationship between polymorphism of LRP4(rs4752947) gene and the risk of osteoporosis disease in two patients and control groups. Also, AT genotype and TT genotype compared with AA genotype increased the chance of disease by 1379 and 3.5, respectively. In addition, TT alleles compared with AA alleles, increased the chance of osteoporosis up to 1.605 times.

Conclusion: Of course, more complementary studies considering other LRP4 gene subtypes with more individuals for better findings are needed.

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Background: Understanding the real needs of children with cerebral palsy and their families  helps the therapists to provide adequate health care service for them. This study aimed to determine the needs  of  mothering handling training for family caregiving of children and youth with CP at home based on the level of gross motor function.

Materials and Methods: This research was a descriptive, analytical and cross sectional study that was performed on 186 children 4-12 year olds with CP from the rehabilitation clinics in the city of Arak. They were selected by simple and purposeful sampling. Clinical tests were Gross Motor Measure Function Classification System Expanded & Revised (GMFCS E&R) to assess the severity of gross motor function lesions and canadian Occupational performance measure (COPM) to determine the needs. Data were analyzed by descriptive tests such as: statistical test and two-way ANOVA.

Results:  The most important need of mothering handling training was self care training specially toileting, feeding, eating and functional mobility related to children with CP in the level of V of GMFCS E&R (transported in a manual wheelchair). There were no significant differences in needs of mothering handling training in areas of sex and severity of gross motor function lesions (p>0.05).

Conclusion: It seems that therapists should combine maternal handling trainings with other interventions in therapy programs, especially in the area of self- care.