Search

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) as a leading cause of death is a major health problem. One of the major contributor of CKD is diabetes. On the other hand, anemia as a common complication of CKD among diabetics increases risk of morbidity and mortality. Then, this meta-analysis identified the prevalence of kidney failure in the diabetic individuals with and without anemia. Methods: We searched electronic databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus from 2010 to 2023 to find out related reports. Data were extracted by two reviewers independently. The random-effect model used to calculate pooled estimates. Heterogeneity of studies assessed using Q statistic. Data were analyzed using Stata software version 17. Results: This study included a total of 8348 participants with an age range of 45–63 years. The combined prevalence of kidney disease in anemic patients was 28.29 % [31.28 % in diabetic anemic patients compared to 15.08 % in those without anemia (P for heterogeneity

Abstract Background Various techniques with different grafts and implants have been proposed to establish a smooth and symmetric nasal dorsum with adequate function. Broadly, two categories of materials have been used in this regard: alloplastic implant materials and autograft materials. The aim of these meta-analyses is to explore the incidence of complications after dorsum augmentation surgery using alloplastic materials. Materials and methods After duplication removal 491 papers remained that title and abstract were assessed for eligibility. Regarding the study type, 27 observational studies were included, 21 retrospective and 6 prospective case series. A total of 3803 cases were enrolled in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Result Twenty-seven articles reported on complications and outcomes of dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty with synthetic materials. In a random-effects model, the weighted mean percentage was 2.75% (95% CI 1.61 to 4.17%). the weighted mean percentage were 1.91% (95% CI 0.77 to 3.54%), 0.72% (95% CI 0.316 to 1.31%), and 0.78% (95% CI 0.43 to 1.24%) respectively. Conclusion The widely used alloplasts were expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), high-density polyethylene, and silicone. The total rates for complications, infection, deviation, irregularity, hematoma, extrusion, and overcorrection were 2.75%, 1.91%, 0.72%, 0.70%, 0.78%, and 0.49%, respectively. The revision rate, based on the random effects model, was 6.40% with 95%CI (3.84 to 9.57). Trial registration This meta-analysis was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, registration number CRD42020209644 ).

Abstract Background The rapidly developed vaccines against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 carry a risk of provoking side effects. This study aimed to evaluate current vaccination non-serious/serious side effects. Methods A multicenter electronic questionnaire via an online platform was conducted over a 1-week period among vaccinated dental staff and dental students inquiring whether they experienced vaccine-related side-effects after vaccine administration. Results A total of 1205 respondents with a mean age of 39 (SD: 12) were retained for the analyses. The following vaccines were reported; Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik V), ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AstraZeneca), BBV152 (Covaxin), or BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm). The majority of respondents received ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (51.1%) and Gam-COVID-Vac (37.6%). The symptoms most frequently reported after vaccination were fatigue (79%), local pain in the injection site (77.4%), malaise (73%), and body pain (71.1%). Enrollees reported more onset of reactions on 0–12 h (44.1%) and 12–24 h (29.0%) after vaccine administration (p value

Optimal availability of nutrients, particularly nitrogen (N), from authorized resources is one of the most important issues in organic agriculture. Intercropping forage legumes with cereal crops may be a way of providing ecological services such as providing N for companion or following crops by biological N fixation. To determine the effect of biological, chemical, and organic fertilization on the quality and quantity of ten different wheat cultivars, an experiment was conducted during two successive growing seasons. The three experimental factors (F1, F2, F3) were: mix cropping with Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.) (F1: biological N fixation, as control); chemical nitrogen fertilizer (F2: 100 kg ha-1, urea), and organic cow manure (F3: 40 t ha-1). The vegetative growth parameters improved by F1 and F2 treatments. The F2 had the highest values of spikelet and seed number per spike, 1000-grain weight, and seed yield, followed by F1. The cv. ‘Kabul-13’ was the best among all tested cultivars in terms of almost all reproductive parameters. The highest seed yield was obtained by F2 ‘Kabul-13’ (8.02 t ha-1), and F1 ‘Kabul-13’ (7.26 t ha-1). By considering seed yield, ‘Chont-1’ and ‘Kabul-13’ were more suitable to be intercropped with clover. The effect of experimental factors was not significant on seed potassium and phosphorus contents, while percentage of seed protein improved by F3 (13%), and ‘Mugawim’ (13.59%). The highest protein yield was gained by F2 and F1 (820 and 650 kg ha-1) and also by ‘Kabul-13’ (850 kg ha-1). Overall, mixed cropping of wheat and clover can be suggested as a possible alternative for nutrients providing in wheat production in low input agro-ecosystems.

Purpose: One of the main challenges of saffron production under controlled environments (CE) is that when flowering ends, there is no specific plan for corm proliferation. It seems that transplanting can provide economic justification for saffron production in CE, by providing the possibility of replacement corms production. This study aimed to evaluate the possibility and effectiveness of transplanting of those corms that previously flowered in controlled condition. Research method: To compare the vegetative growth of saffron between two planting methods including direct planting (DP) and transplanting (TP) an experiment was conducted. In the TP method, corms that were flowered under CE were transplanted to four plots beside the plots of DP. At the end of the growing season, leaf and replacement corms (RC) criteria were measured in both planting methods. Findings: Leaf length and weight in DP were 19.5 and 85.1 % more than TP, respectively. Mean RC weight (4.01 vs. 2.35 g), the weight of main RC (14.22 vs. 9.56 g), and number of buds with flowering potential (1.87 vs. 1.28 No. per corm), in DP was more than TP. The number of RC (524 vs. 612 corms per m2) was higher in TP, while RC yield (2093 vs. 1432 g m2) was more in DP method. The percentage of large RC (> 9g) in DP and TP was 19.8 and 6.5 %, respectively. Also, 68 and 32 % of RC yields were belonged to large corms, in DP and TP methods, respectively. Limitations: This study was one of the first studies on saffron transplanting, and the methodologies should be improved in future studies to gain more favorable results. Originality/Value: It was concluded that transplanting of those corms which were flowered under CE is possible, and at least one-third of the RC yield was at the desired weight.

Abstract Background Nasal sill is one of the components of the alar ring, affecting the esthetic outcomes of rhinoplasty; accordingly, we developed a novel technique to adjust defects in this area and compared it with the available techniques. Methods Our technique was based on creating a tunnel access to the nasal sill area through an incision made in the lower third of the columella using the open approach or through a nostril base incision in patients, who underwent alar base reduction, followed by insertion of a cartilaginous graft into the marked defect area. Results A total number of 54 patients with a defect in the nasal sill area were included in this study. Thirty-one patients underwent open rhinoplasty with the sill approach from the lower third of the columella, while 23 patients underwent rhinoplasty with a nostril base approach for nasal sill augmentation procedure. There were no reports of patient dissatisfaction, infection, bleeding, sensory dysfunction, or remaining asymmetry of the sill area. Conclusion Based on the findings of the present study, this technique can be successfully used in reconstructing the nasal sill area with minimal complications and morbidity.

Abstract Background Orthognathic surgery such as bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) for the treatment of mandibular deformities is one of the most common procedures in maxillofacial operations that may lead to neurosensory disturbance. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on augmenting recovery of neurosensory disturbance of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in patients who underwent BSSRO surgery. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted by two independent authors in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar electronic databases. Besides, a manual search of all textbooks and relevant articles were conducted. Searches took place in August 2020 and were limited to published and peer-reviewed articles from 2000 to 2020. All analysis was performed using the comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) and the STATA MP (version:16) software. The weighted mean difference (WMD) using the inverse variance method and the standard mean difference (SMD) was considered for continuous variables. Results Seventy-four papers were retrieved after removing duplicate studies and finally, eight studies were assessed for qualitative synthesis and five for meta-analysis. Totally, 94 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Based on the meta-analysis, it was shown that LLLT was not effective in a short interval (0 to 48 h) after surgery, but in a period of more than 1 month after surgery, the positive results of treatment can be observed strikingly. Also, LLLT side/group showed no significant difference in some aspects of neurosensory recovery such as thermal sensation compared to the placebo side/group. Conclusions The meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials revealed that LLLT generally improves IAN sensory disturbance caused by BSSRO. Further high-quality clinical trials with longer follow-up periods and larger sample sizes are recommended.

Abstract Background Different genioplasty techniques are applied for the adjustment of chin area deformities such as chin deviation. Results Thirty patients with simple facial asymmetry due to chin deviation underwent computer-assisted horizontal translational osseous genioplasty. In this technique, a surgical guide was used to cut a bone strip from the side where the chin should be transferred to; then, the same bone strip was used for the filling of the gap that was formed on the opposite side. Conclusion According to the experience gained from this study, the authors believe that computer-assisted horizontal translational osseous genioplasty is a simple and reliable technique for patients with facial asymmetry due to chin deviation.

Abstract Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes serious acute respiratory diseases including pneumonia and bronchitis with approximately 2.3% fatality occurrence. Main body This study argues the main concepts that need to be considered for the gradual reopening of dental offices include treatment planning approaches, fundamental elements needed to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus in dental healthcare settings, personal protection equipment (PPE) for dental health care providers, environmental measures, adjunctive measures, and rapid point of care tests in dental offices. Conclusion This article seeks to provide an overview of existing scientific evidence to suggest a guideline for reopening dental offices.

Abstract Coronavirus is an enveloped virus with positive-sense single-stranded RNA. Coronavirus infection in humans mainly affects the upper respiratory tract and to a lesser extent the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical symptoms of coronavirus infections can range from relatively mild (similar to the common cold) to severe (bronchitis, pneumonia, and renal involvement). The disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was called Covid-19 by the World Health Organization in February 2020. Face-to-face communication and consistent exposure to body fluids such as blood and saliva predispose dental care workers at serious risk for 2019-nCoV infection. As demonstrated by the recent coronavirus outbreak, information is not enough. During dental practice, blood and saliva can be scattered. Accordingly, dental practice can be a potential risk for dental staff, and there is a high risk of cross-infection. This article addresses all information collected to date on the virus, in accordance with the guidelines of international health care institutions, and provides a comprehensive protocol for managing possible exposure to patients or those suspected of having coronavirus.

Abstract Background Reduction in postoperative complications is of vital considerations in impacted third molar teeth surgery. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative complications of impacted third molar surgeries for bone removal using laser, piezoelectric equipment, and conventional rotary instruments. Methods To address the research purpose, the investigator designed the prospective double-blind clinical trial study. The sample size was determined 20 (40 teeth) by sampling formula in any kind of operation. The data of patients were obtained in the different periods in terms of pain, trismus, swelling, ecchymosis, and patient’s satisfaction and then analyzed using SPSS 20 software via paired t test and Wilcoxon and McNemar’s tests. Results The pain immediately after surgery and 2 days and 7 days after surgery was higher in the laser group. The swelling immediately after surgery was more in the laser group but not significant. The amount of mouth opening immediately after surgery and 2 days and 7 days after surgery was significantly lower in the laser group than in the piezosurgery group. The total duration of surgery and duration of osteotomy were significantly longer in the laser group. The patient’s satisfaction from surgery with piezosurgery was more than that with laser, but this difference was not significant. Conclusion Due to the rising demand for impacted wisdom tooth surgery, the present study suggests that hard tissue laser surgery and piezosurgery can clear the future of impacted molar surgery, and these approaches are more efficient in reducing postoperative complications compared to the conventional surgeries.

Abstract Background To introduce a novel technique for advancement genioplasty helping surgeons to avoid soft tissue difficulties especially in short-faced patients with deep mentolabial fold and everted lower lip. Case presentation In a trapezius-shaped, osteotomy was performed in the chin region. The mobilized segment was advanced, and the existing gap was grafted using interpositional allograft materials. Each side had been fixated by three-hole plates and two screws. The outcomes revealed no change in lower anterior teeth vitality. The patients did not report any changes of sensation in lower lip and chin either. The measurements indicated no increase in depth of mentolabial fold in patients undergoing this surgical technique. The postoperative evaluation showed a successful esthetic outcome for the patient and the surgeon concurrently. Conclusion Based on our experience, the authors concluded that the Balcony technique is a simple and reliable procedure for patients with a deep mentolabial fold.

Aim of study: Comparison of saffron flowering between open field and controlled environment. Possibility of saffron transplanting. Area of study: University of Birjand (Iran) Material and methods: In a first experiment, saffron yield and quality produced by traditional production system (TPS) and by soilless one (SPS) were compared. In a second experiment, the effects of the production method, by direct planting (DP) or by transplanting plant (TP) in open field were studied. Main results: Percentage of flowering corms grown by SPS was 39% and 65%, while by TPS was 6% and 56% in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Flower and stigma yields were significantly higher by SPS than by TPS. Stigma obtained from SPS had higher L (lightness) and crocin. Safranal content was higher in stigma produced by TPS. Leaf and root numbers and corm weight were higher for SPS, but after transplanting there was better status for DP than for TP. At the end of the first growing season (2018-19), mean replacement corms weight (4.4 vs 3.0 g), replacement corms yield (21.3 vs 12.8 g per plant), weight of main replacement corm (11.7 vs 6.0 g) and number of large replacement corms (0.6 vs 0.1 corms per plant) for DP were significantly higher than for TP. However, during the second growing season (2019-20), the plants in TP plots improved their performances. Research highlights: Saffron production was more favorable under controlled environment. Transplanting is possible, but there is a need to improve methods to gain more favorable results.

Abstract BackgroundAutologous fat has become more frequently used for nasal volume augmentation and nasal correction. Nasal lipofilling refers to the use of injectable autologous fat grafts for nonsurgical aesthetic corrections. ObjectivesThis systematic review aims to assess the satisfaction, complication, and retention rates of fat injection in nasal shape corrections. MethodsThe authors searched PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar up to and including October 2020 with no time and language restrictions for pertinent materials. Two authors conducted a duplicate searching process independently to determine proper materials based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. One author retrieved the following data from the finally included studies based on a predefined checklist worksheet. ResultsThe included studies report data from a total of 564 patients undergoing nasal fat injection in 12 studies. The mean score in our included materials was 6.08 with a range of 4 to 7 scores. In most of our included materials, no complication was reported for the peri/postsurgical period. Although some papers reported manageable complications such as an insufficient volume or decreased volume by resorption, tip excess and supratip fillness, and mild displacement, more than half of our included materials reported on patient satisfaction with aesthetic results of fat injection. The satisfaction rates were mostly high and ranged from 63% to 100%. ConclusionsAutologous fat injection is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for nasal aesthetic and contour correction with a high satisfaction rate and low complication rate. Clinical expertise is essential to have a safe injection and to minimize the potential complications. Level of Evidence: 4

Trauma to the face usually involves nose and perinasal structures due to anatomic position. Treating injuries caused by trauma to these structures is hard for maxillofacial surgeon, especially if secondary rhinoplasty is being considered. In this article, after a short introduction to anatomy and diagnosis process, secondary rhinoplasty is discussed. A total of 13 articles is used for available articles between 1967 to 2014.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fertilizer type and irrigation scheduling on biomass partitioning in saffron. Research Method: The experimental factors were saffron fertilization (no-fertilizer, cow manure and NPK chemical fertilizer) and irrigation regimes (FI=7200 and DI=3600 m3 ha-1) which were tested during 2015-16 growing season, using a factorial layout. Findings: The weights of roots and leaves had an increasing trend up to 72 and 114 days after first autumnal irrigation (DAFAI), respectively, and then were decreased. Corm production started from 51 DAFAI and its maximum was obtained at DI and chemical or organic fertilizer application. In all combined treatments corm production (maximum rate between 114 and 157 DAFAI) was prior to corm filling (started from 135 DAFAI) and both mentioned indices were higher in DI. The weight of replacement corms per clone in plants that were treated by cow manure and received 7200 m3 ha-1 water, was higher (~10%) than all other treatments. Corm growth rate increased from 50 DAFAI and the maximum value (0.32 and 0.34 g day-1 plant-1 in 56 and 78 DAFAI, respectively) obtained at combined treatment of FI × cow manure. Research limitations: Access to similar scientific references on the topic of research was a limitation. Originality/value: This study was the first research which specifically deals with the allocation of photo-assimilates in saffron and based on its findings, application of 3600 m3 ha-1 water plus cow manure is an appropriate strategy in saffron cultivation during first growing season.

The effects of thiamin (Thi) applied as foliar spray on some morphological and physiological traits were investigated in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Four levels of Thi including 0 (distilled water), 250, 500 and 750 µM were tested in a randomized complete design with three replications at research greenhouse of University of Guilan, Iran. Thi exerted a significant effect on the most studied indices. The highest amounts of leaf, stem and root dry weights and number of lateral branches were obtained in plant which were treated by 500 µM Thi. Thousand grain weight increased by increase in Thi levels, as, its value in 700 µM Thi, was 26% more than control. Thi spraying especially in concentration of 750 µM improved the leaf nutrients content (N, P and Ca). Chlorophyll b content in leaves affected positively by Thi, and its highest value obtained in 750 µM treatment (0.75 mg g-1 FW). The highest and the lowest phenolic compounds were gained in 0 and 750 µM levels of Thi (47.2 vs. 40.3 mg 100g-1 FW). Similar trend was observed about total antioxidants, where their content in 750 µM was 13% more than control treatment. Generally, it seems that Thi can be considered as an appropriate growth regulator in basil medicinal plant cultivation.

Saffron production will be increased in arid regions by providing sufficient water through appropriate agronomic strategies. Therefore, in this investigation the impact of different rates of super absorbent polymer (SAP) including 0,10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 kg ha-1 was studied on saffron flowering traits during two growth cycles. Results showed that the influence of experimental factor was significant on almost all studied indices in both years. Number of flower was on average 22% more than control when 30-40 kg ha-1 SAP was used. Flower yield in the first growth cycle was higher in 40 kg ha-1 (24.9 g.m-2) and in the second one in 30 kg ha-1 (89.4 g.m-2) SAP application, while these values in control treatment were 19.7 and 71.2 g.m-2 for the first and second seasons, respectively. Altogether in two years application of 40 kg ha-1 SAP produced the highest fresh stigma + style yield (4.54 g.m-2) compared with the control (3.47 g.m-2). SAP application at the rates of more than 30 kg ha-1 increased dry stigma yield in average of two years (0.45, 0.50, 0.49 and 0.44 g.m-2 for 0, 30, 40 and 50 kg.ha-1 treatments, respectively). In addition, SAP usage at the rate of 40 kg ha-1 produced the highest number (12.6) and weight (86 g per plant) of replacement corms at the end of second growth season. In total, it seems that SAP consumption can be considered as a suitable option for improvement of saffron flowering in areas affected by drought stress.

Introduction: Intra-articular injection has been used in patients with chronic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain for several years; however, there are still doubts regarding its effectiveness and duration of action. The aim of this study was to compare the analgesic effects of intra-articular injection of morphine, diclofenac, and isotonic saline on the patients with chronic TMJ pain. Materials and Methods: Sixty-six patients with TMJ pain were enrolled in a prospective randomized double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical study. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups in which 12 patients consisted in each group. The analgesic effect of intermittent morphine injection (10 mg/ml), diclofenac sodium (25mg/ml), and normal saline was evaluated. In each group, pain reduction was evaluated by using visual analog scale (VAS) by following time points: 10, 60 min, and a week after injection. Results: All patients in the three groups experienced pain reduction during the experiment. Among them, patients who received morphine showed significantly more reduction in pain than the other the two groups at 60 minutes (P

Two field and laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and irrigation management on seed and essential oil yields of Cumin, as well as the impact of water quality on water holding capacity of SAP. Salinity had a negative effect on the amount of water absorbed by SAP (335 and 59 g H2O per g SAP, for distilled water and solution of 0.5% NaCl, respectively). SAP application (30 kg.ha-1) along with three times irrigation at sowing, flowering and seed filling stages increased the amounts of seed and essential oil yields by 2.79 and 3.05 times, compared to control. Positive effects of SAP were related to enhancement of soil water holding capacity (120 gr irrigation water per gr SAP), leaf area duration (one week) and subsequently grain filling period.

In this study the effect of different concentrations of leaf (LR) and corm residue (CR) of saffron on seedling growth of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and arugula (Eruca sativa Mill.) as three potential companion crops for saffron were investigated under greenhouse condition. The experimental treatments were four concentrations (0.5, 1.5, 3 and 6 %) together with no residue treatment of LR and CR were arranged in completely randomized design. Results showed that the highest emergence percentage of chickpea was obtained at LR concentration of 6 %. Chickpea shoot length and mass had an increasing trend with increase in concentrations of saffron CR. LR and CR of saffron only at concentration of 3 and 6 % reduced the emergence percentage and emergence rate of fenugreek, but all concentration of CR and LR had no negative effect on length and mass of shoot. Saffron residue imposed a slight inhibitory effect on emergence percent and emergence rate of arugula, while had it a positive effect on some seedling growth characters especially root dry mass. Hence, three tested crops can be recommended as potential candidates to be associated with the saffron, although, the growth response of selected plants was dose-dependent and somewhat different.

Sustainable use of water resources in agriculture is a necessity for many arid countries. In order to investigate the effect of water deficit, irrigation after 120 (control), 155 (moderate water stress) and 190 mm (sever water stress) pan evaporation and super absorbent polymer rates (SAP) (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha-1) on growth, yield and water use efficiency of cotton, an experiment was conducted as split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Moreover, the effect of water quality (distilled water and solutions of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 1.25% NaCl) was investigated on water holding capacity by SAP. Results revealed that moderate water stress (irrigation intervals of aprox. 15 days) along with 60 kg ha-1 SAP application was the best treatment in terms of growth and yield indices of cotton. The results for plant height, plant dry weight, boll number per plant and fiber yield in this treatment were 16, 28, 42 and 10% higher than control treatment, respectively. Water deficit and SAP application improved the water use efficiency (WUE) of cotton. The amount of WUE in moderate water stress treatment along with consumption of 60 or 90 kg ha-1 SAP was 26% higher than for control treatment. In addition, water holding capacity by SAP in distilled water treatment was 7 times higher than in the case of 1.25% NaCl solution. The overall results showed that irrigation deficit and SAP application are two appropriate strategies for crop production in areas affected by drought stress, especially if low saline water sources are used.

Saffron intercropping with other plants needs to preliminary investigations about the possible negative interactions between saffron and associated crop. In this study, allelopathic effects of saffron leaf and corm extracts on germination and seedling growth indices of alfalfa (Medicago sativa), arugula (Eruca sativa) and rapeseed (Brassica napus) was investigated in six separate experiments based on completely randomized design. Experimental treatments were consisted of different levels of saffron leaf and corm extracts including 0, 0.75, 1.5, 3 and 6%. The maximum germination percentage of all selected crops was obtained at control treatment (on average 92%) and then decreased with increasing extracts concentration. So that, the germination percentage of arugula, canola and alfalfa in highest concentration of extracts were 18, 10 and 8% for leaf extract and 72, 68 and 93% for corm extract, respectively. The relatively similar trend was observed about germination rate, root and plumule lengths and dry weights. Therefore, the inhibitory effect of saffron leaf extract was more than corm extract on initial growth indices of studied plants. The lowest inhibitory effect of saffron leaf extract and even relatively high stimulatory effect of corm extract were obtained on alfalfa initial growth criteria. Considering the differences in allelochemicals mode of action and concentrations in laboratory bioassays with natural condition, it is necessary to investigate the effects of saffron residues on growth of selected associated crops in greenhouse and field scales for the final decision.

Purpose: To evaluate intelligence quotient (IQ) in patients with congenital strabismus. Methods: All patients with congenital strabismus scheduled for surgery were enrolled consecutively over a one year period in a cross-sectional study and were evaluated for verbal, performance and total IQ scores, and compared to the mean normal IQ of 100±15. Results: During the study period, 109 patients with mean age of 18.4±10.5 (range, 4-63) years were included. Educational status in most patients (80%) was less than high-school. Most patients (80%) lived in urban areas and 46 patients (42.2%) had some degrees of unilateral or bilateral amblyopia. Mean verbal IQ was 87.2±19.6 (range, 45-127), performance IQ was 81±15.5 (range, 44-111) and total IQ was 83.5±18.3 (range, 40-120). Total IQ was significantly lower in comparison to the normal population (P0.05 for all comparisons). Conclusion: Patients with congenital strabismus in this study had lower mean IQ scores than the normal population which may be due to genetic background or acquired causes secondary to strabismus.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical features, etiology and outcomes of treatment for superior oblique (SO) palsy over a 10-year period at Labbafinejad Medical Center. Methods: A complete ophthalmologic examination with particular attention to forced duction test (FDT) and tendon laxity was performed in all patients preoperatively. The palsy was divided into congenital and acquired types. Results: Overall, 73 patients including 45 male (61.6%) and 28 female (38.4%) subjects with mean age of 19.7΁11.7 (range, 1.5-62) years, were operated from 1997 to 2007. SO palsy was congenital in 56 (76%) and acquired in 17 (24%) cases. The most common chief complaint was ocular deviation (52.1%). FDT was positive in only 7 (9.7%) cases. Other clinical findings included amblyopia (19.2%), head tilt (13.7%), chin down position (4.1%), facial asymmetry (6.8%) and tendon laxity (2.7%). Mean preoperative vertical deviation was 16.1 prism diopters (PD) which was decreased to 1.9 PD postoperatively. Mean exotropia and esotropia were 15 and 13.9 PD respectively before the operation and both decreased to 1.5 PD of horizontal deviation postoperatively. The most common type of SO palsy based on Knapp′s classification was type 3 (42.5%). The most common operated muscle was the inferior oblique (83.6%) and the most common type of operation was inferior oblique myectomy (83.6%). The success rate for initial surgery was 84% and was increased to 96% with a second intervention. Conclusion: The most common form of SO palsy requiring surgical intervention was congenital which occurred most frequently in young males. Most cases of SO palsy can be successfully treated with a single surgical procedure.

Selection of suitable mother corms is an important factor for achieving optimum yield in saffron. In order to investigate the effect of some agronomic factors on the growth of replacement corms of saffron, an experiment was done at the Faculty of Agriculture, the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran during 2009-2011. The experimental treatments consisted of planting on the following dates (22 May, 22 July and 22 September, 2009), irrigation management (Irrigation and no irrigation after each planting date and repeating them in the second year in late spring, summer and early autumn irrigations) and companion crops [Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum), Bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia) (Lathyrus sativus) and control), that were arranged in a split-split plot experiment based on a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Sampling of replacement corms was done after the second growth cycle of saffron in May, 2011. The results showed that with delay in corm planting from May to September, the number of replacement corms and percentage of corms with contractile root increased by 25 and 33%, respectively. However, the amounts of total weight of replacement corms per clone, mean number of flowering buds per corm, mean number of total buds per corm, mean weight and mean diameter of replacement corms planted in July were 21, 70, 40, 32 and 37% higher than those planted in September, respectively. Irrigation increased the amount of contractile roots and number of replacement corms per clone (12%), but decreased the amount of mean number of flowering buds (19%), mean number of total buds (11%) and mean weight (19%) and diameter (8%) of replacement corms. Moreover, application of companion crops had a partially positive impact on the indices of growth of replacement corms of saffron such as follows: the total weight of replacement of corms per clone (8%), corms to scales weight ratio (14%), number of flowering buds (10%) and mean weight of replacement corm (10%). Overall, mother corm planting during real dormancy, no irrigation after planting and during summer as well as application of associated crops have a positive effect on the mean weight of replacement corms as the main important factor in saffron flowering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of soil texture on flower and corm yield of saffron. This experiment was carried out based on Randomized Complete Block Design with four treatments and four replications in box at Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, in 2011. Treatments included of: 1- 100% field soil + cow manure, 2- 70% field soil + 30% sand, 3- 70% field soil + 30% sand + cow manure and 4- 70% sand + 30% field soil + cow manure. Results showed that the effect of soil texture was significant on all flower and corm properties. The highest flower and stigma fresh weight per box (1.59 and 0.10 g, respectively) and petal dry weight (0.12 g) were observed in 70% sand + 30% field soil + cow manure. The highest corm number in 2-3 cm diameter per box was obtained in 70% field soil + 30% sand + cow manure (3.75 numbers). Treatment of 70% sand + 30% field soil + cow manure produced the highest corm number in 3-6 g (1.75 numbers) and 6-9 g (1.25 numbers) per box, but the lowest values of most studied indices were obtained in 100% field soil + cow manure. Generally, our results indicated that light soil texture has more advantages than heavy soil texture in saffron cultivation. Therefore, soil modification through lighter soil application can improve saffron flower and corm yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop production in dry areas is strongly affected by water shortage. In these regions, the application of water-absorbent materials is a useful strategy for sustainable crop production. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two water preservative materials (WPM) on the growth and yield of sesame under two irrigation regimes. The experiment was carried out as factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications, during 2018 and 2019. Experimental factors were water availability levels (100 and 50% of sesame water requirement as normal and deficit irrigation, respectively) and application of WPM, including control (no-WPM), 125 kg ha-1 super absorbent polymer (SAP), 6200 kg ha-1 Zeolite (Z1), 11200 kg ha-1 Zeolite (Z2), SAP+Z1 and SAP+Z2. At the end of both growing seasons, vegetative growth parameters, yield components, seed and biological yields, water use efficiency and seed quality indices (oil and protein contents) were measured. The highest and the lowest amounts of vegetative parameters were obtained at SAP+Z2 under normal irrigation and control under deficit irrigation, respectively. Yield component indices were improved significantly by all WPM especially SAP+Z2 at both levels of irrigation. The highest seed yield was recorded by SAP+Z2 under normal irrigation (1304 and 1481 kg ha-1, for the first and the second growing seasons, respectively). The highest oil yield (749 and 843 kg ha-1, for the first and the second growing seasons, respectively) was gained at SAP+Z2 under normal irrigation, while its lowest value (125 and 136 kg ha-1, for the first and the second growing seasons, respectively) was obtained with no- WPM under deficit irrigation. Similar trend was observed for protein yield. Overall, despite yield reduction, deficit irrigation improved water use efficiency. Moreover, WPMs were useful to improve growth and yield of sesame under both irrigation regimes.