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The most serious hallmark step of carcinogenesis is oxidative stress, which induces cell DNA damage. Although in normal conditions ROS are important second messengers, in pathological conditions such as cancer, due to imbalanced redox enzyme expression, oxidative stress can occur. Recent studies with firmly established evidence suggest an interdependence between oxidative stress and thyroid cancer based on thyroid hormone synthesis. Indeed, a reduced antioxidant defense system might play a part in several steps of progression in thyroid cancer. Based on studies that have been conducted previously, future drug designs for targeting enzymatic ROS sources, as a single agent or in combination, have to be tested. Polyphenols represent the potential for modulating biological events in thyroid cancer, including antioxidative activity. Targeting enzymatic ROS sources, without affecting the physiological redox state, might be an important purpose. As regards the underlying chemopreventive mechanisms of natural compounds that have been discussed in other cancer models, the confirmation of the influence of polyphenols on thyroid cancer is inconclusive and rarely available. Therefore, there is a need for further scientific investigations into the features of the antioxidative effects of polyphenols on thyroid cancer. The current review illustrates the association between some polyphenols and the key enzymes that take place in oxidation reactions in developing thyroid cancer cells. This review gives the main points of the enzymatic ROS sources act and redox signaling in normal physiological or pathological contexts and supplies a survey of the currently available modulators of TPO, LOX, NOX, DUOX, Nrf2, and LPO derived from polyphenols.

Objective: The burden on caregivers of patients with severe mental disorders is significantly higher than the care burden of patients with other medical conditions. Substance use disorder is also one of the most common psychiatric disorders that has negative effects on people's quality of life. This study was designed to investigate caregiver burden in severe mental disorders versus substance use disorder. Method: First-degree relatives of patients admitted to the Razi Psychiatric Hospital of Tehran with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder type1, schizoaffective disorder, or substance use disorder entered this study. They completed the sociodemographic questionnaire for patients and caregivers and the Zarit burden interview for caregivers. Results: Our study shows that caregiver burden in substance use disorder has no significant difference with that in severe mental disorders (P > 0.05). In both groups, the highest spectrum of burden was moderate to severe. To find caregiver burden related factors, a general linear regression model with multiple predictor variables was fitted. In this model, caregivers’ burden was significantly higher in patients with comorbidity (P = 0.007), poor compliance (P < 0.001), and in female caregivers (P = 0.013). Conclusion: Statistically speaking, the caregiver burden in substance use disorders is as severe as other mental disorders. The considerable burden on both groups necessitates serious efforts to minimize its negative effects.

Background: Relapse in People Living with Schizophrenia (PLS) has several reasons and recognizing these can increase the effectiveness of treatment interventions. Formal and informal caregivers are an informed source to reduce relapse in PLS. Aim: This study explores the caregivers’ perspective in Iran on the factors affecting relapse in PLS. Method: A total of 28 caregivers (16 formal caregivers and 12 informal caregivers) of PLS were enrolled in our qualitative study. A content analysis was conducted using individual and group, semi-structured in-depth interviews with informal and formal caregivers of PLS. This study was conducted in a hospital, three universities, and a non-governmental organization in Tehran, Iran. Results: The majority (69%) of the participants were females. About half of the informal caregivers were over 60 years old and about 40% of the formal caregivers were in the age range of 30 to 40 years. The average number of years of work for informal caregivers was 17.6 years and the average of work experience among the formal caregivers was 14.1 years. Seven key dual themes were identified from data: ‘awareness-stigma’, ‘social support-social exclusion’, ‘treatment adherence-treatment discontinuation’, ‘holistic approach – one-dimensional approach’, ‘supported employment-social dysfunction’, ‘emotional management in family – family with high emotional expression’, and ‘access to treatment-treatment gap’. Conclusion: The results of this research can help practitioners and policymakers to enable evidence-based practices to reduce relapse in PLS by emphasizing and acting on factors identified in our analyses.

Background: The literature suggests the increasing application of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of ACT on the positive and negative symptoms and emotion regulation of patients with SSD. Methods: The experimental design of the current study was an AB (baseline and intervention phases) along with the follow-up phase, in addition to Treatment-As-Usual (TAU), ACT sessions were held for the participants. Among the 20 participants who had inclusion criteria to the study, five participant (three men and two women in the age range of 32 - 43 years) were randomly allocated to participate in the intervention through drawing and evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) in three phases of baseline, intervention, and follow-up. For data analysis, non-overlapping indices and Cohen's d effect size were measured, and visual diagrams were plotted for interpretation. Results: The present results showed that the effect sizes of psychotic symptoms in the first to fifth participants were 1.7, 1.9, 0.6, 4, and 1.4, respectively in the intervention phase relative to the baseline; the effect size was only large for the fourth participant. Also, the effect sizes of emotion regulation in the first to fifth participants were 0.8, 1.6, 1.5, 1.2, and 2.7, respectively; the effect size was only large for the fifth participant. Conclusions: The results of data analysis showed that ACT is effective in reducing psychotic symptoms and improving emotion regulation. The effect size of ACT was the largest for the fourth participant; medium for the first, second, and fifth participants; and small for the third participant.

Background: People living with schizophrenia (PLS) suffer frequent relapse accompanied by emergency room visits, premature mortality, lower quality of life and a substantial social and economic burden on families and health systems. There is a dearth of community-based relapse prevention interventions (RPIs) in Iran. Aims: To determine an ideal model for a community-based RPIs for PLS. Methods: A qualitative study with 27 experts in Iran was carried out to understand the ideal RPIs for PLS and the key components of such interventions. Results: In 16 semi-structured interviews and 8 group-discussions, the participants identified six major stages of family and community-based RPIs including preparation, social mobilization, local team formation, design an RPI, implementing the RPI, participatory monitoring, and evaluation of the RPI. Conclusions: Given the suboptimal healthcare systems and lack of professionals and services, PLS in Iran may benefit from family and community-based RPIs. Our findings warrant pilot testing of such initiatives across developing communities like Iran to improve health outcomes of PLS.

The multivariate marginal model can be used to simultaneously examine the factors affecting both FBS and HbA1c using longitudinal data. The model fitted to multivariate longitudinal data should prevent redundant parameter estimation in order to have greater efficiency. In this study, a multivariate marginal model is used to simultaneously investigate the factors affecting both FBS and HbA1c with longitudinal data for patients with type 2 diabetes in Northern Iran. The present research is a retrospective cohort study. Overall, 500 medical records with complete information were reviewed. The multivariate marginal model is used to determine the factors associated with FBS and HbA1c using longitudinal data. Data have been analyzed in R-3.4.0 using ‘mmm2’ package. Given that the coefficients for the interactions of rtype with the intercept, time, family history of diabetes, history of hypertension, history of smoking, insulin therapy, systolic/diastolic blood pressure and duration of disease at first visit are significantly different from zero (P 0.05), indicating that their effect on the two response variables is similar and only one coefficient should be used for each. We examined the similarity of coefficients when fitting the longitudinal multivariate model for the relationship between FBS/HbA1c and sex, age, history of high blood cholesterol, and body weight. If an independent variable has similar effects on both responses, only one coefficient should be estimated, which will increase the efficiency of the model and the reliability of the results.

Objective: This study aimed to design a “gait enhancer” and investigate its effect on standing ability and gait speed of children with cerebral palsy spastic diplegia. Materials & Methods: A new gate trainer was designed based on Theo Johnson mechanism. Johnson's two separate movement chains were placed on either side of the gate trainer body and attached to the lower limbs by a foot plate. To investigate the effect of the designed device, a single-item experimental study with baseline design, treatment and maintenance (ABA) was performed on four children with available spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. These children received routine occupational therapy sessions. Results: The designed “gait enhancer” increased standing ability and gait speed scores in all subjects. Non-overlapping measures also indicated the improvement in both variables. Measured by Cohen’s d, the effect size for standing ability were 1.95, 2.29, 1.83, and 2.3 for the child No. 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Regarding walking speed, the effect size for these children, No. 1 to 4, were 1.13, 3.37, 2.15, and 2.21, respectively. Cohen’s d values were greater than 0.8, indicating the considerable effect of the intervention. Hedges’ g was also calculated due to the small sample size, which was greater than 0.8 for all subjects in standing ability and gait speed. Conclusion: Following the use of Gait Enhancer along with conventional occupational therapy, we observed an increase in the ability to stand and walk at children with cerebral palsy. Findings showed that the change in standing ability and walking speed occurred more during the period of using the designed device than other stages, which could be a consequence of using Gait Enhancer along with routine occupational therapy sessions at this stage of the study. However, it should be noted that this study was only a single case study and to prove the effectiveness of this tool in children with cerebral palsy, it is necessary to conduct clinical trial studies.

Objective: One of the most significant issues in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is emotional/behavioral problems, which disrupt their social communication at home and school. Some of these problems include social problems, rule-breaking behavior, and aggressive behavior. These problems, if left untreated in childhood, can cause problems in adulthood such as substance abuse, insubordination in the workplace, shorter stay at a job, and more anti-social acts. Nowadays, the use of play therapy for children with ADHD has become common. It is an active approach that allows the children to express their feelings through play. In group play therapy, children are asked to evaluate their personality according to their peers’ reactions. The study investigates the effect of group play therapy on emotional/behavioral problems in children with ADHD aged 6-12 years. Materials & Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial. The study population consists of all children with ADHD referred to the Dostdaran Koodak Occupational Therapy Clinic in Isfahan City, Iran. Of these, 28 children aged 6-12 years (average age: 8 years), including 8 girls and 20 boys, were selected using a convenience sampling technique. First, the study objective was explained to the parents, and children were then randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups. Considering error (d)=3, with 95% confidence level and 80% test power, the sample size was determined 14 for each group. The intervention group received 12 sessions of group play therapy (2 sessions per week, each for 45-60 minutes), besides two sessions of individual occupational therapy per week. However, the control group received two sessions of occupational therapy per week only. The emotional/behavior problems of subjects in both groups were assessed before and after the intervention using the CBCL. Data analysis was performed in SPSS V. 21 software using the Shapiro-Wilk test and ANCOVA. Results: After the group play therapy, there was a significant decrease in the scores of emotional/behavioral problems, including social issues, aggressive behavior, and rule-breaking behavior, as well as in the overall score (P˂0.001). Conclusion: Group play therapy can be used as a complementary method with other common occupational therapies for reducing the emotional/behavioral problems in children with ADHD.

Objectives: The most distinctive group of people with sensory disabilities is those with visual impairment. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between behavioral problems and demographic variables in students with visual impairment in the academic year of 2018-2019 in Tehran City, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted on students with visual impairment studying in four schools of exceptional children at the elementary and high school levels. The research population was 400, and the sample size was estimated at 200 using Cochran’s formula. The sampling was carried out using the random cluster sampling method, where the floors of the school were considered and visually-impaired students were selected randomly from each school based on the number of students. Demographic characteristics questionnaire and Rutter behavior evaluation questionnaire (teacher form) were used to collect data. Results: The Mean±SD behavioral problems score was 12.9±10.7. According to the results, there was a negative and significant correlation between the subscales of behavioral problems with age and duration of the impairment. A significant difference was found in the mean of behavioral problems of visually-impaired or blind children caused by accident with those with congenital and hereditary problems. The regression model showed a significant difference between male and female subjects in terms of behavioral problems in a short duration after the injury (≤5 years). Discussion: Given the relationship between behavioral problems with gender and duration of injury, it is recommended that interventions be carried out during the first few years of injury, especially for female individuals, to prevent or reduce the severity of behavioral problems.

Since there is currently no specific instrument for measuring addiction to Social Network Systems (SNSs), in the Iranian adolescent users, the present study aimed to investigate the psychometric pr...

Objective: Cerebral Palsy is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Due to the increase in the number of students with Cerebral Palsy (CP) entering ordinary schools and facing problems with independent functioning, there is a need for a valid and comprehensive assessment tool for their successful entry as well as providing a proper treatment plan. The School Function Assessment (SFA), by measuring many school-related functional skills, can identify the strengths and weaknesses affecting the students’ independence and participation in school assignments. It has 320 items and three main parts of participation, task support, and activity performance. The test score can be reported in general or based on each part, separately. The purpose of this study is to examine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the SFA in children with CP. Materials & Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with methodological design. The study population consists of all children with CP aged 7-12 years in Tehran. Of these, 120 were selected from exceptional public school using a convenience sampling method. The inclusion criteria were: CP diagnosed by a neurologist, age between 7 and 12 years, no other disabilities (e.g. deafness or blindness), and the willingness of children’s parents to participate in the study. A demographic form and the Persian SFA were used for data collection through interview. In order to measure the content validity, Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) were calculated according to the standard protocol of International Quality of Life Assessment. In this regard, 8 experts in the field of pediatrics completed the Persian SFA. To determine the test-retest reliability, the questionnaire was completed by the parents of children with a 4-week interval. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were examined by using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC), respectively. Data was analyzed in SPSS V. 22 software. Results: Participants were 64 boys and 56 girls with CP (mean age= 9.4 years). The distribution of CP was as follows: 10% hemiplegic CP, 27.5% diplegic CP, 5.8% monoplegic CP, and 56.7% quadriplegic CP. Eighty hundred-eight percent of respondents were the mothers of students. The CVR and CVI values were in a range of 0.7-1 and 0.87-1, respectively indicating an acceptable validity. All the items had acceptable content validity. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was obtained 0.95 for participation, 0.95-0.99 for task support, 0.83-0.99 for activity performance, and 0.92 in total. Moreover, the ICC value was reported 0.90 for participation; 0.84-0.91 for task support; 0.84-0.97 for activity performance; and 0.89 for the overall test. Conclusion: The Persian version of SFA has acceptable content validity and reliability (internal consistency and test-retest) for children with CP. Therefore, it can be applied as a research and clinical tool to assess the school-related performance of these children.

Objective: High-risk behaviors are seriously threatening health and wellbeing, and increasing the likelihood of physical, psychological, and social consequences. High-risk behaviors, such as tobacco use, drug abuse, alcohol use, or malicious behaviors can endanger the health and wellbeing of adolescents and hinder their success and future growth. Today, the prevalence of high-risk behaviors among adolescents has become one of the most important concerns in society and despite the provisions made in recent years, its rate has increased. One of the vulnerable groups is orphaned/abandoned adolescents who face various social and psychological problems during their stay in welfare bearding centers that requires special skills to deal with. This study aimed to investigate the effect of social competence training on the tendency towards high-risk behaviors in male adolescents living in welfare boarding centers. Materials & Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design. The study population included all male adolescents aged 12-18 years living in welfare boarding centers located in Sabzevar and Mashhad cities in Iran. For sampling, 15 adolescents were selected from a boarding center in Sabzevar City by census method and assigned to the experimental group, and 15 from a boarding center in Mashhad City selected randomly and assigned as controls. The experimental group received social competence training program in twelve 60-min sessions, while the control group received only two 8-hour first aid training. Iranian Adolescents Risk-Taking Scale (IARS) and a demographic form were used to collect data before and after the intervention. The collected data were analyzed by Multivariate Covariance Analysis (MANOVA) in SPSS V. 22. Results: The mean IARS scores in the experimental group decreased from 93.9 to 86.81 after the intervention, and the t test results indicated a significant difference between the mean scores before and after the intervention (t=2.97, P=0.010). The MANCOVA results revealed a significant difference between the mean overall score of IARS (F=24.08, P

Corruption has relatively higher negative consequences in third world countries, which have weak and vulnerable structures. However, only a limited number of studies have been conducted on the prevalence and causes of corruption in these countries and these have mainly focused on the perception of corruption or the propensity to bribe. Besides determining the prevalence of bribe in different institutions, the present study also provides the feasibility of analyzing the determining factors affecting bribery. In this cross-sectional survey, 400 residents in different regions of Tehran were selected through cluster sampling method, and their experiences and opinions about corruption and bribery were examined. The results showed that, the perception of high corruption is most important factor affecting pay bribe. In addition, low obedience to the law and an increase in the perceived procedural justice are also among the other determinants affecting bribery. Each individual had paid bribes in one-third of their referrals to the institutions, as demonstrated by the findings, suggests that this problem may become a norm in certain organizations, so it must be taken seriously while framing anti-corruption policies.

Objectives: The categorical data analysis is very important in statistics and medical sciences. When the binary response variable is misclassified, the results of fitting the model will be biased in estimating adjusted odds ratios. The present study aimed to use a method to detect and correct misclassification error in the response variable of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), applying binary logistic regression. Methods: Data from the Diabetes Screening test in the Health Center of Zahedan City, Iran, were explored. It included 819 Iranian adults with a binary response variable (T2DM). By a new method, the misclassification parameters and the estimated parameters in logistic regression were validated. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS, and P

Due to the lack of appropriate tests for the assessment of speech sounds of Azeri Turkish speaking children, the present study aimed to develop and validate a single word test. A total of 150 typically developing children were recruited in the study (30 children for investigating the name agreement and 120 children to establish construct validity). In the first step, a test with 31 items was developed in terms of suggested criteria in the literature including word frequency, word length, syllabic structure, familiarity, and picturability of words. Then, we asked the expert panel's opinion for the test items. The value of the content validity ratio for each target word was 1.00 except for one item. To administer the test, we asked the participants to name images. Name agreement of the items was determined through administrating the test. The percentages for the indices of name agreement were 87.68 and 0.17, respectively. The findings of the item-by-item test-retest and inter-rater reliability showed satisfactory values in terms of consonants in the initial and final positions. Also, the value of the internal consistency was calculated to be kr = 0.78 (p

Background: Recently, 36-item COVID Stress Scales (CSS) was designed for assessing anxiety and stress related to COVID-19 outbreak. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of CSS in the Iranian population.Methods: A total of 393 participants volunteered to cooperate in the present study via an online survey. They completed a collection of scales, including the CSS, COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S), and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). The CSS reliability was determined by calculating Cronbach alpha and test-retest reliability. The validity assessed by Pearson correlation among the CSS and its subscales with C19P-S and BSI. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to evaluate the structure of CSS. All analysis assessed by SPSS-26 software.Results: Results showed that 45.3% of the participant’s age were in 18-25 years. Moreover, 72.8 % of the participants were female. Also, Cronbach’s alpha for all subscale was between0.83 to 0.92. The test-retest reliability coefficient of CSS was 0.87. The correlation between the CSS, BSI and C19P-S showed that CSS has suitable convergent validity. CFA and EFA showed that the 5-factor of CSS is the best model. Conclusion: To conclude, Persian version of CSS has suitable psychometric properties for utilizing in Iranian population.

Background: Despite participation is an important outcome of person’s rehabilitation process.there is no reliable and valid instrument for evaluation of participation in Persian-speaking spinal cord injuries (SCI). While SCI has serious damages on person’s social participation, assessment of participation demands culturally adapted and valid instruments. Objectives: This study took place to obtain a valid, reliable instrument for evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation (P-USER-P) in an Iranian SCI. Methods: This study was methodological research, participating in 200 individuals. Analysis of face and content validity, discriminant validity, internal consistency, and reliability conducted after receiving permission and verification of the backwards-translation from the main developer. Results: During the cultural adaptation process, several modifications proposed by experts’ panel were made to ensure adaptation of items’ descriptions with Iranian culture. The Cronbach’s α and ICC coefficients of the frequency, restriction and satisfaction sub-scales were 0.61, 0.71, 0.69, and 0.75, 0.84, 0.84, respectively. The instrument also showed good reliability and discriminant validity characteristics. Conclusions: P-USER-P is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring objective and subjective participation in SCI patients. It is also adapted with Iranian culture which qualifies its utility in the rehabilitation process of Persian-speaking SCI patients.

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) has the most common malignant gastrointestinal cancer which representing about13% of all malignant tumor. CRC Cancer Stem Cell is the major reasons for recurrence of disease cause of solid tumor metastasis, relapse of cancer after treatment and drug resistance. Silibinin, an herbal extract from milk thistle plant, has been identified as a potential cancer medicine that can target the signaling pathway of CSCs and change their abilities. In our study, the results of CSC confirmation test such as specific surface CD markers and ability to form colonospheres was indicated the HT-29 cells as CSC-CRC. To increase the effectiveness of Silibinin, and also, to evaluate therapeutic intentions on HT-29 cancer stem-like cells, we encapsulated Silibinin in polymersome nanoparticle and validated the anti-proliferative and apoptotic activities of this new patent by MTT assay, AnnexinV/PI method, cell cycle analysis and DAPI staining. Furthermore, the efficacy of drug on Multicellular Tumor Spheroid (MCTS) and single cell suspension was showed that SPN had succeed to decrees the expression level of CSC CD markers compared with control group. Follow by using miRNAs as a novel and minus invasive expertise for prognostic, RT-qPCR confirmed that SPNs can repress oncogenic miRNAs such as miR-221 and miR-222. Silibinin encapsulated in Polymersome Nanoparticles (SPNs) can also enhance the expression of tumor suppressor miR-34a and some of its proapoptotic target genes such as P53, BAX, CASP9, CASP3, and CASP8. Our results suggested that SPNs can be recognized as a new stimulant factor to direct the HT-29 cancer cells toward apoptosis pathways thorough modify expression of some miRNAs and their apoptotic target genes directly and/or indirectly.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an acquired autoimmune disease of the brain and spinal cord, resulting in the loss of control, vision, balance, and senses. Among the most important complications of MS in the course of the disease are speech disorders, especially dysarthria, as well as impairment of difficulty and language disorders. Objectives: Therefore, this research aimed to study the verbal fluency of Persian patients on three types of MS (Relapsing-Remitting, Primary Progressive, and Secondary Progressive). Methods: The descriptive-analytical approach was employed in this cross-sectional research. Since three types of MS were analyzed in this study, the samples collected using the convenience non-probability sampling technique from the MS patients in Rofeideh Rehabilitation Hospital in Tehran. Based on the inclusion criteria, 24 patients were put in each subgroup, and a total of 72 patients were selected. Besides, the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was carried out in this research to study the cognitive conditions of the patients. The verbal fluency test has two subtests: semantic and phonological fluency. These two components were analyzed for analyzing lexical knowledge and flexibility. In the data analysis phase, the normal distribution of the data was examined by the Shapiro-Wilk test, and paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Bonferroni non-parametric tests were used to compare the mean values of the variables and analyze the data. Results: Our findings revealed a mean switching and total verbal fluency of 11.6 (SD = 4.56) and 27.3 (SD = 7), respectively. The different forms of word switching and phonological fluency had no significant relationship with age and gender, but MMSE had a significant positive relationship with all of them (P < 0.05). The results from the analysis of variance and Bonferroni test also revealed no significant difference between the mean values on the SP and PP types of MS, but there was a significant difference between all mean values on the RR as well as the PP types (P < 0.05). However, the types of PP, SP, and RR did not significantly differ in word switching. Besides, phonological switching and verbal switching varied significantly in patients by academic degree (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings from this research revealed that the three types of MS differed significantly at least in lexical switching, phonological fluency, or semantic fluency.

Relapse prevention (RP) programs mainly focus on substance users. However, workplace support and communications with colleagues can also play an important role in RP. This study compared relapse and abstinence duration between a group of Iranian substance users enrolled in a peer-supported vocational network (PVN) and a similar group enrolled in mid term residential treatment centers (MTRTCs). A case–control study was conducted among PVN members (n = 85 cases) and substance users discharged from MTRTCs (n = 85 controls) in Tehran, Iran. Case and control groups were matched for age, age of first substance use, duration of substance use, and date of registration in treatment center or PVN. One step multi-drug Abon rapid drug test in urine samples of participants was conducted to assess abstinence. Majority of the participants were single (44%) and 31–40 years old (48%). Statistically significant differences in abstinence were observed between control and PVN supported case groups. The duration of abstinence was four times higher in the PVN supported case group and MTRTCs’ clients reported relapses three times more than PVN members. PVNs could be effective method for reducing the triggers in workplace and RP among substance users. Additional research on feasibility and cost-effectiveness is suggested for broader and population based implementation of PVNs across cross-cultural settings.

We designed and ran an empowerment-oriented social group work intervention to assess whether the intervention could improve the quality of life of older Iranians. The intervention consisted of nine group sessions that focused on capacity building and increasing individual competences, environmental resources and opportunities. Using a randomised controlled trial (RCT), 60 elderly people (30 men and 30 women in the intervention and control groups) from Social Services Centres in Tehran Municipality participated in this study. The WHOQOL-BREF instrument was used to measure quality of life, comparing before, after and follow-up measures between the groups and within each group. ANOVA and GEE tests were applied to analyse the data. The results showed significant progress in overall quality of life of the participants, particularly in the domains of physical health, psychological health, social relationships and environmental health. In pretest, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of quality of life and its domains, but there were significant differences in the post- and follow-up tests. This study provides support for the empowerment-oriented social group work intervention with Iranian elderly people. This kind of intervention can be a useful model for empowering older people, especially in countries where social support and health services for seniors are not yet freely available.

Introduction Divorce is a stressful life event with rising prevalence around the world. Following a parental divorce, adolescents who live in a single-parent arrangement, experience more negative effects of divorce than those who benefit from a co-parenting arrangement. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an after-divorce co-parenting intervention on parenting stress among Iranian adults. Methods This study was a randomized control trial with two groups (intervention and control groups) conducted in Tehran, Iran. Participants were recruited through the internet using volunteers and clients of the State Welfare Organization of Tehran. Sixty-two eligible parents were randomly allocated to intervention or control groups and were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. The intervention group received After Divorce Coparenting Intervention (ADCPI) and the control group received no services. Results Mothers comprised majority of the custodial parents who participated in the study (91.9%). The majority of participants were divorced in the years after 2014 (88.7%). The results of paired sample t-test revealed the average of parenting stress scores were changed significantly at baseline (M ± SD = 111.87 ± 27.81) and post-intervention (M ± SD = 93.52 ± 25.49) in intervention group. Conclusion The result suggests that ADCPI is an effective intervention in reducing parenting stress and could be included in after-divorce services in middle eastern countries.

Social workers in substance abuse treatment settings are responsible for involving families in treatment program to improve family functioning. The effectiveness of available interventions in treating codependency of family members of drug users in Iran is not well explored. We evaluated the effectiveness of the Satir communication family therapy (CFT) in healing codependency of drug dependents' family members in Tehran, Iran.The intervention group participants (n = 27) received a seven-session social work intervention with CFT approach and the control group (n = 26) received treatment as usual. We used the Holyoake Codependency Index to measure participants' codependency at baselines, end of intervention, and 90 days post intervention.Codependents enrolled in the intervention had a significantly lower codependency score than controls at the end of intervention and 90 days post intervention.CFT is an effective strategy to reduce codependency in Iranian population and can be explored as a population-based strategy.

Purpose: Low Back Pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems in the world so that about 80% of people are affected by LBP at least once in a lifetime. Therefore, knowing the risk factors for LBP is an important topic. Obesity is also a major health problem that is dramatically rising. If there is a proven relationship between obesity and LBP, losing weight can be an effective advice to help treat effectively LBP. This study aimed to evaluate the association between LBP and Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Fat Percentage (BFP), Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR), and Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 60 women aged 20 to 40 years were randomly recruited by convenience sampling method during 2016-2017. They were living in one of the dormitories of Tehran, and were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of them, 30 persons suffered from LBP during the past year and 30 were healthy. Therefore, the participants were divided into two groups: LBP and healthy. Height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, and also the skin folds at triceps, quadriceps, and suprailiac were measured for all participants. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS22. Results: The mean BMI value, although, was higher in patients with LBP, but showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.17). The mean values of WHR (P=0.04), WHtR (P=0.04), and BFP (P=0.03) in participants with LBP were significantly higher than those in the control group. Conclusion: The present study confirmed the relationship between the WHR, WHtR, and also BFP with the incidence of LBP in women. The strongest relationship was found between LBP and BFP.

Purpose: Having the child with Cerebral palsy is a very stressful experience for the family that could affect daily patterns and routines, habits, needs and occupational performances of all family members specially mothers. This study aimed to investigate life balance of mothers of children with Cerebral palsy (MCCPs) based on the Life Balance Model. Method: Fifty MCCPs aged 3 to 9 years with sample convenient method participated in this descriptive and cross-sectional study. The Severity of cerebral palsy was determined by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) and the life balance of mothers was evaluated by Persian version of the LBI (P_LBI). The collected data were evaluated and analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The total mean score of LBI and its subscales showed that there is no balanced or very balanced life in mothers and they could be categorized to unbalanced (n = 21) and very unbalanced (n = 29). The total mean score of LBI was 1.46. χ2 test revealed statistically significant difference between two categories (unbalanced and very unbalanced) of mothers regarding GMFCS level (p = 0.009). Also, the total mean score of LBI and its subscales showed no significant difference between two categories (unbalanced and very unbalanced) regarding mother job and age and child age (p > 0.05) but it has significant difference regarding mother education (p = 0.009). Evaluation of the results of LBI and its different subscales indicated that the life balance at balanced or very balanced levels was not observed in any of the studied mothers, and they could be categorized in 2 groups of unbalanced (21 mothers ) and very unbalanced (29 mothers) (Table 2). Discussion: Based on the result of this study, mothers of Cerebral Palsy do not experience balanced life and this feeling of unbalance is related to the level of their child’s disability. Thus, it is necessary to consider this fact in family-centered evaluations and Occupational therapy interventions.

Phytotherapy can be an alternative for the control of gastrointestinal parasites in human and animals. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is a medicinal plant which grown as a spice crop all over the world. The seeds of this plant have been used to treat parasitic disease, indigestion, diabetes, rheumatism and pain in the joints. This study was carried out to compare the efficacy of Niclosamid and alcoholic seed extract of C. sativum on Hymenolepis nana infection, in vivo and vitro. For in vivo study, Balb/c mice were used, to compare the efficacy of 50 mg/kg body weight (B.W) of Niclosamid with different doses of alcoholic extracts of C. sativum (250, 500, and 750 mg/kg B.W). It was found that the efficacy of Niclosamid had reached 100 % after 11 days post treatment, while the efficacy of 500 and 750 mg/kg B.W of C. sativum reached to 100 % after 15 days after treatment. For in vitro study, special nutrient broth media was used. It was found that the addition of 1000 mg/ml of Niclosamid had paralyzed and killed worms within 5 min, while C. sativum killed them within 30 min. Our results showed that extract of C. sativum has good effect against H. nana and could be use in traditional medicine for treatment of parasitic disease.

Background: The parents of children with intellectual disabilities may have problems in effective use of their time and hence, suffer from varying levels of stress. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of time use training on stress among the mothers of female children with intellectual disabilities. Methods: In this experimental study, eighty mothers of school-age female children with intellectual disabilities were selected through cluster random sampling from two schools in the west of Tehran, Iran. They were randomly allocated either to a control or an intervention group. A six-hour time use training workshop was held for participants in the intervention group, while their counterparts in the control group did not receive any time use training. Data on participants' time use and stress were collected before and six weeks after the intervention using the Mothers' Time Use Questionnaire and the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress, respectively. The Chi-square, paired-sample t, and independent-samples t tests were used for data analysis. Results: The mean score of time management quality in the intervention group significantly increased from 42.10 ± 6.46 to 46.80 ± 6.98 (P = 0.003) and the mean score of stress in this group significantly reduced from 29.3 ± 4.46 to 26.38 ± 5.67 (P = 0.007). However, none of these mean scores significantly changed in the control group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The mothers of children with intellectual disability may benefit from time use training programs.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of emotional intelligence on the behavior problems of boys with Externalized behavior disorder in Primary Schools. Method : This quasi-experimental study was conducted along with a pre-test, post-test, with a control group and a follow-up test. For sampling, 40 students identified with Externalized behavioral problems through the Teacher Report Form (TRF) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) were chosen and randomly divided into two groups (20 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group). The experimental group received emotional intelligence training program in 17 sessions (2 sessions per week, 60 minutes per session) and the control group received no training beyond their regular school program. After two months, in order to examine the stability (durability) of training effect, the follow-up test was conducted. Finally, the data obtained were analyzed using the statistical method of generalized estimating equations. Results : The results showed that the intervention program had created a significant difference between the scores of the experimental and control group (p

The global outbreak of novel A/H1N1 spread in human population worldwide has revealed an emergency need for producing a vaccine against this virus. Current influenza vaccines encounter problems with safety issues and weak response in high-risk population. It has been established that haemagglutinin is the most important viral antigen to which antibody responses are directed, and recombinant subunit vaccines, haemagglutinin of influenza A and B viruses, have been considered in order to facilitate vaccine production. In the present study, we have focused on construction of a recombinant baculovirus encoding the large subunit of novel influenza virus A/H1N1 haemagglutinin. The full genome of haemagglutinin was cloned into pGEM-TEasy vector and sequenced. The large subunit of the haemagglutinin gene was amplified by PCR using specific primers and cloned into pFast- BacHTc donor plasmid, which was then confirmed by restriction enzyme analysis and sequencing and transformed into E. coli DH10Bac competent cells. The bacmid DNA was transfected into insect cells to produce recombinant baculovirus. Expression of recombinant haemagglutinin in insect cells was determined by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. It has been shown that the recombinant haemagglutinin (rHA) obtained from the baculovirus insect cell expression system has suitable immunogenicity in human and can be considered as a candidate flu vac- cine. Here we produced large amounts of the HA1 protein of novel influenza A/H1N1 (Iranian isolate) in insect cells. The immunogenicity and efficacy of the recombinant HA1 will be evaluated as a vaccine candidate and compared to the recombinant HA1 produced in a prokaryotic system.

Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease causes many negative effects on the individual's physical, psychological and cognitive conditions. The multi sensory stimulation helps the patients to improve their physical, psychological and cognitive conditions. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of multi sensory stimulation on cognitive status and quality of life of the patients with Alzheimer’s disease which was resident in Nasimshahr elders' center. Methods: In this quasi-experimental research plan samples were divided into experimental and control groups and both of them were tested thrice: before, during and after the intervention. 90 Alzheimer's disease patients were recruited by available sampling technique and with random allocation method the groups were set. Data were collected by demographic questionnaire geriatric quality of life questionnaire and mini mental status examination (MMSE).The rehabilitation program consisted of 20 session education program and multi sensory stimulation program. The experimental group took part in standardized 45-60 minutes multi sensory stimulation sessions and they received the MMSE and quality of life questionnaires in 10th and 20th sessions and were asked to fill them in. the control group didn't receive any intervention. Results: The results indicates that the multi sensory stimulation in experimental group improved their quality of life in all dimensions were including physical-activity (P=0.001), self care (P=0.001), depression and anxiety levels (P=0.001), social function (P=0.001), sexual function (P=0.001), life satisfaction (P=0.001), intellectual-function (P=0.058) and overall (P=0.001). But in the cognitive status domain no improvement has been observed (P=0.596). Discussion: The multi sensory stimulation can be an effective method to improve the general Condition or the signs and symptoms stabilization of Alzheimer's dementia patients. The results of this study show that multi sensory stimulation improves the patients' quality of life and the patients will experience a better life after the intervention.

Background & Aim: Diabetes is a chronic disease that needs lifelong special self-care behaviors. Adolescents with type 1 diabetes need self-care education for the control of diabetes and the prevention of its complications. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the impact of self-care education on the control of diabetes complications, medications and HbA1C in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Methods & Materials: This study is a non-randomized clinical trial (IRCT2015051322258N1) carried out on seventy four adolescents aged 12-18 years old with type 1 diabetes referred to the Iran diabetes association. They were selected using convenience sampling method and allocated into two groups (intervention: 34 people, control: 40 people). An educational intervention was performed in five sessions for the intervention group. After education, the patients were trained and followed up using mobile services for three months. The instruments consisted of a demographic characteristics form and a section of the self-care behaviors scale evaluating medications and the control of complications. Data were analyzed by the SPSS software v.18. Results: Before the education, no significant difference was observed in the mean scores of medications and control of complications and level of HbA1C between the two groups of intervention and control (P>0.05). After the education, there was a significant difference between two groups in the mean scores of medications and control of complications and level of HbA1C (P0.05). After the education, there was a significant difference between two groups in the mean scores of medications and control of complications and level of HbA1C (P