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BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most important problems faced by ergonomists today. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of weather conditions, working conditions and mental workload on musculoskeletal disorders of rescuers and water and sewage company accidents in hot and cold seasons. METHODS: The present study was a longitudinal study that was performed on all employees of rescue and disaster teams of Shiraz Water and Sewerage Company in Iran (184 people) by census. Demographic and Nordic questionnaires, NASA Load Index (NASA-TLX), work environment assessment with temperature screening checklist and workplace ergonomic risk factor (WERA) assessment method were performed by the researcher. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 software and parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. RESULTS: The results showed that the highest and lowest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders related to knee and back in winter and thigh in summer with prevalence of 57.1, 55.4 and 6%. The comparison of exposure to heat stress factors in summer and winter seasons showed that the temperature factors and work clothes of the workers in both seasons are in worse conditions than other factors (P < 0968). The results of the mental workload of people in two seasons showed that the highest and lowest mental workload is related to physical changes in the winter season and frustration in the summer season, and this relationship was significant (P < 0.001). Using multiple logistic regression model, the potential risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries including age, height, BMI, level of education and work experience in both hot and cold seasons were compared. The results showed that in summer, work experience (OR = 1.16 (1.06–1.28.)) and height (OR = 1.03(0.98–1.08) had a direct effect on the prevalence of pain and discomfort arranged in the back areas. One year of increase in work experience significantly increases the chance of a disorder in the back by 16% and a one centimeter increase in height increases the chance of a disorder in the lumbar region by 3%, although this relationship is significant. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that suitable solutions such as using appropriate and up-to-date mechanical tools, reducing activity time, increasing rest time, increasing the number of personnel in order to reduce mental workload, using work clothes suitable for the season and type of work, and ergonomics training for workers are on the agenda of company officials. Water and sewage should be placed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic characterization of the Iranian honey bee was investigated by analyzing 10 polymorphic DNA microsatellite loci in 300 honey bee samples representative of twenty Iranian provinces. This study evaluated the heterozygosity (Ho and He), the Shannon index, the number of observed alleles, and F-statistics among tested populations as genetic parameters. Our finding demonstrated that the Iranian honey bee populations were described by low genetic diversity in terms of the number of observed alleles, Shannon index, and Heterozygosity values. Most populations had significant deviations from Hardy Weinberg equilibrium cause of heterozygote shortage. Low FST and FIS values proposed the absence or very low genetic diversity within and among A. m. meda populations in the present study. The cluster analysis has categorized the honey bee samples gathered from various regions of Iran into two main groups, including honey bees in the North-West (i.e., North, Northwest, and West) provinces and honey bees in the East-South (i.e., Eastern North, Central part, and Southern) provinces of Iran. Our results also revealed lower genetic differentiation and heterozygosity among tested honey bee populations. The results from this study are consistent with previous investigations in Iran, alarming the loss of genetic diversity in the Iranian honey bee populations, which leads to more homozygosity. This study presented new data and reports on genetic structure in investigated native Iranian honey bee populations, and it will benefit future studies on selection, native biodiversity preservation and other conservation breeding projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigates the relationship between smoking and blood parameters in the Iranian Kurdish population. Method: The current study was conducted based on the recruitment phase of the Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease (RaNCD) cohort study. Results: Current smokers had higher levels of RBC count, HCT, HGB, MCV, MCH, MCHC, WBC count, and GR%, than in other groups significantly. Passive smokers had higher levels of PLT count and PCT statistically. The increasing exposure time of smoking positively affected WBC count, GR%, PLT count, PCT, and RDW in female passive smokers. In addition, heavy smokers, as well as participants with a higher duration time of smoking, had the same results for significantly lower levels of lymphocyte and monocyte and a higher level of RBC indices. Conclusion: According to the present study, along with the current smokers, the intensity of smoking, as well as the duration time of the smoke, could have a positive correlation with blood parameters. Furthermore, passive smokers and specifically secondhand female smokers were more vulnerable to smoke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More attention is paid to the survival and treatment of the sick infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and parental stress is not considered. The purpose of this study was to determine samples of the level of parental stress in the NICU. Method: This study is a descriptive-analytical study in which Parental Stress and General Health were used in an analytical national survey in Iran. The research sample consists of 2456 parents of infants admitted to NICU. The sampling method was multi-stage random. We used 11- item parental stress questionnaire and 28-item general health questionnaire for the data collection. Result: Baloch ethnicity with an average of 11.52 had the highest level of stress. The mean stress score of mothers was higher than fathers. The mean score of all dimensions of physical symptoms, anxiety, social functioning, depression, and total mental health score in mothers was higher than fathers. There was a statistically significant difference in the length of hospitalization in terms of different levels of parental stress scores (p < 0.002). Lack of decisive response to parents was one of the most stressful issues (8.1%). Conclusion: Our result shows mothers' stress was higher than fathers. So that health policymakers should pay attention to stress risk factors to provide appropriate interventions according stress risk factors Future studies should design appropriate interventions to reduce parental stress, especially in high-risk mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The transition from teacher‐centred towards student‐centred approaches in English language teaching, accompanied by developments in educational technology, has attracted researchers' attention to reverse teaching or flipped class. The related literature asserts that this mode of instruction might influence instructors' and students' participation in the class. Objectives: To shed more light on the role of flipped class in affecting language learning strategies and skills, this study applied a sequential explanatory mixed‐methods approach to explore the impact of flipped class on English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' writing metacognitive strategies and writing skills. Methods: Forty‐six intermediate EFL learners with an age range of 21–27, studying at a private language institute, were randomly divided into two groups of 23 learners. The two groups were randomly assigned to a flipped class, which received writing metacognitive strategies and writing skills through video clips before the class time, and a non‐flipped class, which received writing metacognitive strategies and writing skills in a conventional way during the class time. Results and Conclusions: The results revealed that both flipped and non‐flipped classes improved the EFL learners' writing metacognitive strategies, writing performance, writing content, and writing organisation. Furthermore, one‐way ANCOVA analyses indicated that the flipped class outperformed the non‐flipped class in writing metacognitive strategies, writing performance, writing content, and writing organisation. Thematic analyses, which were used to help analyse individual semi‐structured interviews, uncovered a number of categories and themes, signifying the flipped learners' positive perceptions towards the flipped class, such as enhancing motivation, self‐confidence, and writing collaboration. Implications: Pedagogical implications were discussed for flipping writing metacognitive strategies and writing skills. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic?: Metacognitive strategies, including planning, monitoring, and evaluation strategies, help English language learners become more successful writers.Writing skills, including writing content, writing organisation, and language use, help learners deal with collaborative writing activities effectively.Flipped class has been shown to be an effective mode of instruction to improve English language learners' language learning strategies and skills. What this paper adds?: Flipped class improves English language learners' writing metacognitive strategies, writing performance, writing content, and writing organisation.Flipped class is more effective than non‐flipped class in improving English language learners' writing metacognitive strategies and writing skills.English language learners' motivation, self‐confidence, and writing collaboration are increased as a result of the flipped writing course. Pedagogical implications: Writing metacognitive strategies and writing skills need to be flipped in English language contexts in order to free up time for more effective in‐class collaborative writing activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Today, colon cancer is one of the most common types of gastrointestinal cancer worldwide. CD133 as a known cancer stem cell marker has been found effective in cell proliferation and differentiation in various cancers, including colon cancer. We aimed to investigate the relationship between CD133 expression in colon cancer with prognostic factors and survival rate of patients with colon cancer by immunohistochemistry. Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue was taken from patients with colon cancer. Histopathology examination was done using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine CD133 expression. Association between CD133 expression and clinicopathological profile was then assessed. Results: There was a statistically significant association between CD133 protein expression and sex , cancer stage, and lymphatic invasion (p = 0.044, p = 0.131, and p = 0.002, respectively). However, no significant correlation was identified between CD133 expression and other factors, including age of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) (p = 0.267), tumor location (p = 0.494), tumor differentiation grade (p = 0.263), neural tissue invasion, and 5-year survival (p = 0.054). Conclusion: CD133 is a useful predictive or prognostic biomarker for CRC in clinical assessment and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hospitalization of children is a stressful event. However, the child's education at the time of hospital admission can be effective for the prevention of their anxiety via the use of more attractive methods. The study's aim was to assess the effectiveness of the education using a digital education package on the level of anxiety of hospitalized children. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with the randomized block method. The sample size was calculated based on Shahrabadi et al.'s study and sixty eligible hospitalized children were allocated to the two study groups from June 2019 to December 2020, in Hefdah-e-Sahrivar hospital which is the central pediatric hospital in Rasht city. The intervention was education using a digital package that was done 15 min after the hospitalization of the children. Pediatrics' Spielberger's anxiety Inventory was used for measuring the participants' anxiety before and after the intervention. We used Chi square test, Fisher exact test and paired t-test to analyze data. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In the post-intervention phase, total mean scores of anxiety were significantly lower in the experimental group (60.17 ± 6.46) rather than in the control group (72.6 ± 8.83) (P < 0.001). The mean anxiety scores before and after the intervention were 87.43 ± 11 vs. 60.17 ± 6.46 in the intervention group and 81.5 ± 11 vs. 72.6 ± 8.83 in the control group, respectively. There were significant differences in intergroup anxiety scores between the two study groups (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The current study showed that the Digital Education Package (DEP) is an effective method for reducing children's anxiety during hospitalization. Therefore, we recommended it as a preferred and simple method rather than routine education for pediatric nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between spiritual intelligence and resilience in family caregivers of patients with chronic mental disorders referred to psychiatric clinics in Isfahan (Iran). Design and Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 188 family caregivers. Data were collected using demographic characteristics checklist, spiritual intelligence self‐report inventory, and Connor–Davidson resilience scale. Findings: There was a significant and positive relationship between resilience and spiritual intelligence, including all its components, among the family caregivers (p < 0.05) Practice Implications: Healthcare managers are recommended to consider the components of spiritual intelligence and resilience in designing preventive, educational, and personal promotion interventions for patients with mental disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The sugarcane stem borer, Sesamia nonagrioides (Lefebvre), is the most important pest of sugarcane in Iran and some other regions of the world. Variation in the resistance of six commercial sugarcane cultivars to S. nonagrioides was investigated using the oviposition preference, life history, and population growth parameters. Moreover, the physical and biochemical properties of the tested sugarcane cultivars were estimated to understand any possible correlation between the insect's parameters and the physiochemical features of the cultivars tested. The physicochemical properties of sugarcane cultivars significantly affected S. nonagrioides oviposition behavior, life history, and population parameters. Based on the obtained results, the resistant cultivar, SP70-1143, could be recommended for cultivation in sugarcane fields where the risk of S. nonagrioides damage is usually high. The use of resistant cultivars is an efficient management strategy against S. nonagrioides. The effects of different sugarcane cultivars, CP48-103, CP57-614, CP69-1062, CP73-21, SP70-1143, and IRC99-02 were evaluated on the oviposition preference (free-choice assay), life history, and life table parameters of S. nonagrioides at 27 ± 1 °C, 60 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16: 8 (L: D) h. The longest and shortest developmental times were on cultivars SP70-1143 and CP48-103, respectively. The oviposition preference of S. nonagrioides was the highest on cultivars CP48-103 and CP69-1062, and negatively correlated with the shoot trichome density and shoot rind hardness of the cultivars. The highest intrinsic rate of increase of S. nonagrioides was on cultivar CP48-103 and the lowest was on cultivar SP70-1143. The shortest mean generation time was on CP48-103 and the longest was on SP70-1143. The results indicate that cultivars CP48-103 and CP69-1062 were susceptible, and cultivar SP70-1143 was partially resistant against S. nonagrioides. This information could be useful for developing integrated management programs of S. nonagrioides, such as the use of resistant cultivars to reduce the damage caused by this pest in sugarcane fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pistachio fruit hull borer, Arimania komaroffi (Rogonot) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is a damaging insect pest of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) cultivars in Iran and some other areas of the world. In this research, A. komaroffi was reared on the fruit hull of different commercial pistachio cultivars (Ahmad Aaghaei, Akbari, Kaleghochi, Momtaz and Ohadi) at 25±2°C, 45±5% R.H. and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L: D) h, and its life history and life table parameters were investigated. To evaluate the development, survival and body weight of pre-adult stages, sixty first instar larvae were reared on the fruit hull of each pistachio cultivar. Also, the weight of shelters made by larvae was measured on each cultivar. After emergence of adults, fecundity (number of eggs deposited), incubation period, and adult longevity were recorded. Based on the obtained results, cultivar Ohadi was unsuitable for population increase of A. komaroffi, because a prolonged immature period and the lowest values of food consumption (FC), larval weight gained (LW), shelter weight (SW), and population growth of the pest were on this cultivar. However, cultivar Momtaz was relatively suitable for this pest, since the shortest immature period, and the highest FC, LW, SW, and population growth were on this cultivar. There were significant positive correlations between SW of larvae and FC, LW and intrinsic rate of increase (rm). Our results showed that Ohadi was relatively resistant, and Momtaz was relatively susceptible cultivars to A. komaroffi development and population increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rate of childhood cancer death has dropped steadily over the past 50 years. The pediatric cancer risk has remained under investigation. Objectives: This study aims at investigating the associated factors with the survival of pediatric patients with retinoblastoma, sarcoma, brain tumor, and leukemia cancer. Methods: The cohort study of 1879 children with retinoblastoma, sarcoma, brain tumor, and leukemia aged < 1, 1 - 5, 6 - 10, 11 - 15, and > 15 years in Mahak Hospital and Rehabilitation Complex from 2007 to 2016 were enrolled in the study. Median survival time was reported for each cancer. Parametric survival models including Gompertz, Weibull, lognormal, and log-logistic models were fitted. Then, the model with almost minimum Akaike information criterion (AIC) was chosen. The hazard ratio (HR) and the analysis were performed by R3.5.1. Results: Totally, 270 (14.37%) patients with Retinoblastoma, 667 (35.5%) with leukemia, 625 (33.26%) with a Brain tumor, and317 (16.87%) with Sarcoma were included in this study; 815 (43.37%) patients were female. Gompertz's model was chosen to fit the data due to the minimum AIC. The associated factors with the survival of childhood cancers were as follows: age < 1 year, parental relation, locoregional relapse and chemotherapy alone (HR: 7.63, 1.56, 4.61, 1.12) in leukemia, other nationalities, metastasis or metastasis and loco-regional relapse and chemotherapy alone (HR = 3.74, 5.75, 2.12) in retinoblastoma, loco-regional relapse and metastasis (HR = 2.40, 3.71) in brain tumor, other ages except for 5 - 10 years, parental relation, chemotherapy alone, and metastasis (HR = 33.3, 1.80, 3.57, 3.8) in sarcoma. Conclusions: Age, parental familial relationships, combination therapy, and metastasis of primary cancer were the risk factors for survival of children with 4 common cancers of leukemia, retinoblastoma, brain tumors, and sarcoma, using the Gompertz model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of the Problem: Sex determination, using skeletal remains, is of paramount importance in forensic studies. The skull accounts for the most sexual dimorphism after the pelvis. Recent studies have shown that paranasal sinuses are valuable in sex determination and considering the location of the sphenoid sinus, the risk of traumatic injuries to this structure is low. Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the morphology of the sphenoid sinus and determine the validity of sphenoid sinus volume (SSV) in sex determination using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and Method: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, CBCT images of 469 Iranian patients (186 male and 283 female), aged 24-45 years, were selected. The morphology of the sphenoid sinus was recorded. 3D Slicer software (4.10.0) was used to assess SSVs in coronal and axial planes. For data analysis, t-test, chi-square test, and discriminant function analysis (DFA) were performed using predictive analytics software (ver. 18.0). Results: The most common morphology of the sphenoid sinus in both genders was the sellar type (50.5%). SSV was significantly larger in males than in females (p< 0.001). DFA showed that the capability of SSV in sex identification was 86.0% and 92.9% in males and females, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that SSV is a reliable variable in gender discrimination in a northeast Iranian population. However, since the morphology of the sphenoid sinus and sex were independent of each other, the morphology of the sphenoid sinus is not a suitable indicator for sex determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12 week exercise training on the immune system of kidney transplant recipients. 23 kidney transplant recipients were randomly divided into two groups including control (n = 10) and training (n =13) groups. The training groups participated in the training for 10 weeks (three days a week; each day 60-90 minutes). The control group performed no regular exercise during this time. The blood samples were taken before and after 12 weeks. ELISA and Real-time PCR were used to evaluate cytokine profiles, including TNF-a, IL-6, IL-4, IL-31 and IL-35 as well as T-bet, GATA-3, RORYt and FOXP3, respectively. Finally, the data were analyzed, using paired T-test. ELISA results showed decreased levels of TNF- α, increased levels of IL-6 and no significant differences in the IL-35, IL-31 and IL-4 levels in the training group in comparison to the control group. Gene expression profiles showed significantly increased expression of T-bet and no changes in the GATA-3, RORYt and FOXP3 levels. According to these results, a moderate exercise including aerobic and resistance training could inhibit inflammatory cytokines and have beneficial effects on the immune system, but this issue needs further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Tinnitus is defined a phantom sound percept. Few studies have examined the occurrence of synaptopathy in tinnitus patients utilizing a battery of tests that indicate synaptopathy. This study aimed to investigate the role of synaptopathy in tinnitus production and compare the various characteristics of the auditory brainstem response (ABR) test and electrocochleography (ECochG) in normal-hearing people with and without tinnitus. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 34 normal-hearing individuals, 20 without tinnitus as controls (11 females and 9 males) and 14 with tinnitus (8 females and 6 men). The test components (amplitude, growth and slope of wave I, V/I ratio, action potential (AP) amplitude, and summating potential (SP)/AP) ratio were recorded during the ABR and ECochG tests for each subject. Results: The control group had higher mean values of amplitude, growth and slope of wave I, and AP amplitude compared to the tinnitus group, and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean V/I ratio and SP/AP ratio were lower in the control group than in the tinnitus group, and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: The significant difference in the parameters of ABR and ECochG tests between normal-hearing people with and without tinnitus indicates that these parameters can be used to evaluate the presence of synaptopathy in tinnitus patients. These findings suggest the need for proper interpretation of the results of ABR and ECochG tests in tinnitus patients with a focus on the parameters indicating synaptopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and 14.2% of deaths in Iranian women were due to breast cancer. Objectives: The present study aimed at investigating the survival of females with breast cancer diagnosed over 14 years and its related factors in Kerman Province. Methods: This is a longitudinal study. Information about 2851 females diagnosed with breast cancer was inquired from the Cancer Registry of Kerman University of Medical Sciences from March 2001 to March 2015. Data analysis was performed by Stata 14 and SPSS 22. Results: Totally, 8511 women diagnosed with breast cancer were enrolled in this study. The median survival time among patients with grade 3 at diagnosis was 0.51 of patients with grade 1 (P = 0.016). The median survival time among patients with stage 4 at diagnosis was 0.11 of patients with stages 0 and 1 (P < 0.001). The median survival time among post-menopause patients at diagnosis was 0.65 of pre-menopause patients (P = 0.014). The median survival time among patients with secondary metastasis was 0.22 of patients without it (P < 0.001) and the median survival time among patients with hormonotherapy was 1.52 of patients without this treatment (P = 0.013). Conclusions: Early diagnosis can improve the survival of patients with breast cancer. Periodic checkups especially in menopause ages are recommended. Hormone therapy has been successful in increasing patients' survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The discharge of uncomplicated patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) within 48 to 72 hours has been proven safe and feasible. The safety and feasibility of the very early discharge (≤48 h) of such patients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic with limited bed availability and infection risk, have yet to be evaluated. Methods: In this cohort study on 108 patients with STEMI who presented to Farshchian Heart Center between February and May 2020, 30 patients received fibrinolysis and 78 were scheduled for emergent coronary angiography. One patient had no coronary obstruction, 3 underwent emergent surgery, and 3 had high-risk features mandating a prolonged stay. The remaining patients were assigned to either Group A (≤48 h) or Group B (>48 h) regarding hospital discharge. Demographic, angiographic, procedural, and outcome data were compared between the 2 groups. Results: Group A consisted of 51 patients, including 7 women (13.7%), at a mean age of 62.74±12.35 years, and Group B comprised 20 patients, including 4 women (20.0%), at a mean age of 65.20±12.82 years. The mean hospital length of stay was 38.02±9.15 hours in Group A and 88.20±23.31 hours in Group B (P<0.001). The mean stent diameter was smaller in Group B (3.19±0.34 mm vs 2.96±0.29 mm; P=0.008). Demographic, angiographic, procedural, and outcome data, including the rates of in-hospital, 1-week, and 1-month mortality, were similar between the 2 groups. Conclusion: This study shows that a hospital discharge in less than 48 hours in low-risk patients with STEMI is safe and feasible. The potential advantages of this approach in the COVID-19 pandemic should be balanced against its risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women and the seventh most common worldwide. Objectives: The present study aimed at investigating the usability of cure models in analyzing patients' survival. Besides, the factors affecting the long-term and short-term survival of the patients were determined, usingWeibull, log-logistic, and log-normal models. Methods: The sample population of the study included 109 female patients with cervical cancer referred to Motahhari Hospital of Urmia (West Azerbaijan province) from 2004 to 2015. The cure survival analysis was used to determine the patients' survival. Results: The mean and standard deviation age at diagnosis was 50.1±11.7 years. The patients' age, age at marriage, and the disease relapse were significant in the single-variable model on the long-term survival function of the patients. Moreover, the findings showed that Cured Log Logistic Parametric Model was more suitable for analyzing survival data in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. The relapse variable was significant for all the parametric models. Conclusions: Given the divided sample population into immune and susceptible groups, the mixture cure models can be used to analyze the long-term and short-term survival of the patients with cervical cancer. Moreover, these models can be used to recognize the factors affecting both groups simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (L.), is one of the major insect pests of cole crops in Iran. In most instances outbreaks are normally kept under control by application of insecticides. In this study, the sublethal effects (LC30) of three insecticides, acetamiprid, buprofezin, and thiamethoxam-lambda cyhalothrin, (TLC) were evaluated on the population growth rate of the progeny of insecticide-treated cabbage aphid adults. The age-stage, two-sex life table method was used to analyze the collected data. The results indicated that the insecticide applications affected the duration of the preadult period, their survival, reproduction, life span/longevity, and consequently, the population growth rate of the F1 generation. The indicators of the greatest sublethal effects were noted in the progeny of the TLC-treated adults. These included the lowest net reproductive rate (R 0 ), intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and the longest mean generation time (T). The highest values of r , λ , R , and the lowest value of T occurred in the control group followed by, in order, the acetamiprid and buprofezin groups. These research findings will be useful in the development and implementation of future aphid management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clubfoot occurs in approximately 1 in 1000 live births and is one of the most congenital birth defects. The Non operative technique for the treatment of idiopathic club foot is described by Ponesti as a popular method. Tenotomy is on integral step of this method. The purpose of this study was to evaluation of predictive factors for tonotomy at the initiation of the Ponesti treatment. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, all patients with idiopathic clubfoot under the age of 6 months who had referred to the orthopedic clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia from April 1 to March 2017, and were treated by pontic method, were included in the study. Parametric statistical tests such as chi-square and t-test were used. The significance level for all tests was below 0.05. All analyzes were performed using SPSS software version 21. Results: Tenotomies were performed in 39 feet of 52 feet (75%). Of 22 feet with initial Pirani scores ≥ 5.0, 95.5% required a tonotomy. Of 11 feet with an initial scores≤2.5, only 18.2% required a tenotomy. There was a significant difference between the need for tenotomy and severity of the deformity at onset of treatment (P<0.001). Removal of the last cast, there was no significant difference between those that did and did not have a tenotomy (P=0.789). Those that underwent tenotomy did not require more casts. Casting began in the newborn period (≤ 30days) on 34 feet. Tenotomy was not needed in 11 feet. There was a significant difference between the need for tonotomy and age at beginning of treatment (P=0.018). Conclusion: Tenotomy is not required in all cases. Severity of the deformity at presentation, especially hindfoot contracture and age at the beginning of treatment can predict the need for tenotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heart transplantation is a stressful event, and its waiting time is often associated with worsening of clinical conditions and deterioration of the patient's quality of life. Spirituality plays an important role in mental health, so the present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between spiritual health and quality of life of patients undergoing cardiac transplantation. The present descriptive study was performed on 48 patients undergoing cardiac transplantation at the Shahid Rajaee Cardiovascular Center in Tehran during the first half of 2016. The data were collected by Ellisan–Palutzian Spiritual Well-Being Scale, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and Iranian Heart Failure Quality of Life Questionnaire (IHF-QOL). We used the SPSS v.20 software to analyze the data via descriptive statistics, parametric and non-parametric correlation and regression tests. The majority of patients (60.4%) had high spiritual health with a median score of 105, and its religious dimension was reported better (P < 0.001 and r = 0.591). With a mean of 63.23 ± 23.25, the quality of life of the majority of patients (75%) was at a poor level based on the Minnesota questionnaire. According to the IHF-QOL, the median total score was 39.50. There was a significant relationship between spiritual health score and quality of life in both questionnaires (MLHFQ: P = 0.006 and r = − 394; IHF-QOL: P = 0.022 and r = 0.329). Considering the positive relationship between spiritual health and quality of life of patients in this study, it is recommended to implement spiritual care and provide fulfillment for various needs of patients along with other medical care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schizotetranychus smirnovi Wainstein is a serious pest of almond in Iran and its population has extremely increased recently in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province. Biological parameters of this mite were determined on almond leaves (Mamaei variety), under laboratory conditions at 27.5 ± 1 °C, 50 ± 10 % RH, and photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D). Moreover, population fluctuation of S. smirnovi and its predator, Scolothrips longicornis Priesner, were studied on almond (Mamaei c.v.) under field conditions (from April to October) during two successive years 2008-2009. Laboratory results showed that egg incubation period is the longest (3.25 ± 0.25 and 3.05 ± 0.25 days for female and male, respectively) in the immature stage. In addition, the female total immature period (2.91 ± 0.43 days) is longer than the male (2.87 ± 0.64 days). Female and male longevity were calculated as 13.20 ± 1.10 and 9.25 ± 0.75 days, respectively. Mean fecundity of the mite was calculated as 58.13 ± 6.60 eggs/female. Field studies showed that the mite overwintered as eggs around the buds of almond shoots. Overwintering eggs hatched depending on the climate conditions from the third decade of March (in 2008) to the third decade of April (in 2009). In both years, mite population continuously increased and reached to a maximum density during June and July. According to total degree-days the mite could produce 12-14 generations per year under field conditions. In addition, S. longicornis showed a strong response (F1,25 = 20.58, r = 0.69, P = 0.0001) to the S. smirnovi fluctuations; population of the mite and predatory thrips fluctuated simultaneously. Our findings may provide practical information about the seasonal abundance of S. simrnovi and be useful for agricultural experts and farmers to develop a successful integrated pest management (IPM) program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the effect of a supportive educational intervention based on the Orem self-care model on women with type 2 diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Setting: Hospital outpatient diabetes clinic. Subjects: Adult women with type 2 diabetes and mild-to-moderate diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Out of 410 patients, 120 diabetic patients were recruited and randomly assigned to trial group (N = 60) and control group (N = 60). Intervention: The trial group received a designed intervention consist of one-month supportive educational program with three months of follow-up (totally four months), based on self-care requisites according to the Orem self-care regarding diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The control group only received a routine care program in the diabetes clinic. Main measurements: The main outcomes were symptoms and severity of diabetic neuropathy. Further outcomes were fasting blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin. Results: By the end of the intervention, the number of participants reduced from 60 to 58 in the trial group and to 57 in the control group (totally 115). The intervention significantly decreased mean score of diabetic neuropathy symptoms (trial group: 3.26 vs. control group: 9.57, P = 0.001), severity (trial group: 5.86 vs. control group: 9.02, P = 0.001), fasting blood sugar (trial group: 151 vs. control group: 204, P = 0.001), and glycosylated hemoglobin (trial group: 7.85 vs. control group: 8.62, P = 0.004). Conclusion: Delivering a supportive-educational intervention based on the Orem self-care model on outpatient diabetes clinic can decrease the symptoms and severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Trial registration: It was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT2015021521095N1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to estimate the cure proportion and effects of related factors on colorectal cancer in Iranian patients after surgery. Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death. The relative survival of CRC varies worldwide given the quality of care, including surgical techniques. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 490 patients, aged 20-94 years, with colorectal cancer. All the colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgery in Faghihi hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were prospectively followed-up for 8 years from 2008 to March 8, 2016. We used parametric cure model (mixture and non-mixture) to estimate the cure proportion and the adjusted hazard ration (HR) for colorectal cancer mortality after surgery. Data were analyzed by the "flexsurvcure" package in R software (version 3.4.2). Results: The median age of patients was 57.5 (interquartile range =18) years. Specifically, 56.33% of the patients were male. The median time of follow-up in patients was 618 days. The cumulative survival proportion varied from 0.90 to 0.49 which indicated a reduction followed by a flat line in the probability of survival by sex. The flexible survival for adjusted cure proportion (%) was 68.3. Only obesity was associated with a decreased risk of mortality (HR=0.34; 95% CI: 0.12-0.97). Conclusion: The overall eight-year survival proportion and adjusted cure proportion for CRC were 49% and 68.3%, respectively. Knowing the cure proportion and its related factors in patients with CRC, better services can be provided. Thus, early detection and screening strategies are required to reduce mortality and increase survival of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer (BC) was the fifth cause of mortality worldwide in 2015 and second cause of mortality in Iran in 2012. This study aimed to explore factors associated with survival of patients with BC using parametric survival models. Materials and Methods: Data of 1154 patients that diagnosed with BC recorded in the East Azerbaijan population-based cancer registry database between March 2007 and March 2016. The parametric survival model with an accelerated failure time (AFT) approach was used to assess the association between sex, age, grade, and morphology with time to death. Results: A total of 217 (18.8%) individuals experienced death due to BC by the end of the study. Among the fitted parametric survival models including exponential, Weibull, log logistic, and log-normal models, the log-normal model was the best model with the Akaike information criterion = 1441.47 and Bayesian information criterion = 1486.93 where patients with higher ages (time ratio [TR] =0.693; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.531, 0.904]) and higher grades (TR = 0.350; 95% CI = [0.201, 0.608]) had significantly lower survival while the lobular carcinoma type of morphology (TR = 1.975; 95% CI = [1.049, 3.720]) had significantly higher survival. Conclusion: Log-normal model showed to be an optimal tool to model the survival of patients with BC in the current study. Age, grade, and morphology showed significant association with time to death in patients with BC using AFT model. This finding could be recommended for planning and health policymaking in patients with BC. However, the impact of the models used for analysis on the significance and magnitude of estimated effects should be acknowledged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Objective: Many mothers of children with cerebral palsy experience low back pain, so the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of stabilization exercises along with self-care training on transverse abdominal muscle activity, pain, disability, and depression in them. Design: In this single-blinded randomized clinical trial, 32 mothers with cerebral palsy children were selected were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups received self-care training individually. For the experimental group, in addition to the self-care training, 24 sessions of stabilization exercises were held. Outcome measures included visual analog scale, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, Persian version of Beck Depression Inventory-II, and ultrasonography. Results: In the experimental group, the transverse abdominal muscle activity during abdominal hollowing exercises was significantly increased (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in pain, disability, and depression (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Stabilization exercises could improve the voluntary activity of transverse abdominal muscle of mothers of children with cerebral palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is conducted with the aim of the relationship between mindfulness and positive psychological skills on the response rate to pain in cancer patients in Alborz province by descriptive-correlational method. The population of the study consisted of 150 cancer patients (and a sample of 116 patients) who referred to Sarhad Abad Fardis Hospital in 2016-2017. They were selected using Morgan table and by the convenience method. In order to measure the variables used in the study, three questionnaires of Mindfulness, Positive Psychology and Response rate to Pain were used. According to inferential statistics, there is a positive and significant relationship between mindfulness and positive psychological skills in cancer patients (r = 0.657), which is significant at the alpha level of 0.01. There is also a negative and significant relationship between mindfulness and response rate to pain in cancer patients (r = -0.525), which is significant at the alpha level of 0.01. The results of regression analysis indicate that among the components of mindfulness, only one dimension (non-response) with beta coefficient, -0.52% as predictive variables has the criterion of entering the final equation of regression to explain changes of response rate to pain in cancer patients (criterion variable), the non-response alone can explain 0.27% of the response rate to pain in cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease that occurs in different parts of the gastrointestinal system. Objectives: This study aimed at analyzing the effects of risk factors on survival and cure fraction of patients with CRCin a population of Iranian patients, using parametric non-mixture cure rate model. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences on 512 patients with CRC. Patients were followed-up for 8 years, from January 2009 until February 2017. Stepwise selection and parametric non-mixture cure rate model were used to find the risk factors of survival in patients with CRC. Akaike information criteria was used to identify the best parametric non-mixture cure rate model in this study. Results: Staging III (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.19 - 0.90, P = 0.026), staging IV (OR = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.04 - 0.50, P = 0.002), Perineural invasion (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.21 - 0.92, P = 0.007), and lymph node ratio (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.51 - 0.82, P = 0.002) had significant effects on cure fraction and survival of patients with CRC. Conclusions: Perineural invasion, Lymph node ratio, and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging should be assessed as an important factor in modeling survival analysis of patients with CRC. Patients who were in advanced stages of CRC should have received treatment and appropriate therapies given their shorter survival rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Addiction is a progressive and has physiological and psychological consequences. One of the physical consequences of drug using is pain. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Mindfulnessbased Stress Reduction on reducing pain index in patients under treatment in detoxification phase. Methodology: In a single-site experimental study, a randomized clinical trial with control and pre-test and post-test group of fifty (N =50) males (ages 18-38 with an average age of 26.6) in the detoxification phase were selected among the patients admitted to the camp Residents of Karaj city through randomized sampling and were randomly assigned to experimental groups (n=25) and control (n=25) using Excel Office software. The experimental group received 12 sessions (3 sessions per week and 50 minutes each session) of group treatment of mindfulness, and the control group received only routine center treatment. Then, the two groups were evaluated in two stages of pre-test and post-test by McGill's Pain Questionnaire (response rate = 91%) in three sensory, emotional and neuropathic levels. Participants received twice-weekly urine tests with a threshold of three hundred ng / ml in order to ensure adherence to avoidance. Data were analyzed by parametric tests of multivariate covariance analysis. Also, qualitative data derived from demographic evaluations were analyzed using Atlas.ti-5.2 qualitative analysis tools. Results: The results showed that the mindfulness treatment had a significant effect on the improvement of sensory pain indices with a confidence interval of 21.32 (16.90-25.74) and neuropathic with a confidence interval of 20.92 (16.20-25.64) (P<0.01), although the effectiveness of the above treatment on the emotional pain component (confidence interval of 17.24-20.74; 24.24) was not significant (P >0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study, in line with the research background, show the effectiveness of emerging therapies, including mindfulness, on the modulation of pain indices. The findings, while providing a clear perspective within the framework of psychological therapies, can be significant in the area of addiction and designing effective interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mentoring on the clinical perioperative competence of nursing operating room students in Iran. Background Mentoring is an essential part of clinical education, which has been studied in different populations of students. However, there is a need to assess its effectiveness in operating room students' competence. Design A randomised controlled trial was performed. Methods Sixty nursing operating room students were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Both the control and experimental groups had routine training in the form of faculty supervision. The experimental group had an additional mentoring program. Using the Persian Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale-Revised, clinical competence was compared between the two groups, before and after the intervention. Using SPSS 19, descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square and t-tests, were conducted. Results In the experimental group, the difference between the mean scores of clinical competence before (19·43 ± 2·80) and after (27·86 ± 1·87) the intervention was significant ( p ≤ 0·001). After intervention, the difference between the mean scores of the control (3·9 ± 0·15) and experimental (8·61 ± 0·68) groups was significant ( p ≤ 0·003). Conclusion Findings affirmed the positive effect of mentorship programmes on clinical competence in nursing operating room students. Relevance to clinical practice Mentoring is an effective method for preparing nursing students in practice. Health care systems may improve as a result of staff-student relationships that ultimately increase the quality care for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce the Iranian Light Source Facility (ILSF) pre-injection system. The optimized parameters of its components, the related beam dynamics issues and the expected performance of the designed system have been described with detail. This paper explains fabrication procedures of some main components and gives the low power microwave measurement results of the constructed RF electron gun. The outcome bunches at the end of the ILSF pre-injection system will have the normalized emittance of 6 mm mrad, length of 1.55 ps and energy spread of 0.06%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study was proposed for estimation of survival time in patients with stomach adenocarcinoma. Background: North of Iran has a high mortality rate of stomach adenocarcinoma. Patients and methods: The study was historical cohort. The samples were the patients with stomach adenocarcinoma referred to Tooba Clinic between three years (2007-2010). Survival estimates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method the effects of covariates on survival time were assessed by, using survival parametric regression model with gamma frailty. Results: The survival probability of more than two years of patients was calculated 27.7% by using Kaplan Mayer method. The stage, metastasis, surgery, and age were the variables which affect the survival probability of patients, by using survival parametric regression model with gamma frailty and hazard ratio of patients with three treatment protocol was 0.43 times of others (P<0.01) and increasing of patients ages decrease life time of them significantly as per year increasing patient age, risk of death increased by 4% (P<0.04) and patients with staging disease lower 4 had hazard ratio lower than 0.46 times of stage 4 (P<0.01). Conclusion: The survival time of our patients is much lower than the developed countries, which are related to latency in diagnosis and therapeutic limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Filmed modeling in comparison with commonly used Tell-Show-Do technique (T.S.D) on the anxious and cooperative behavior of 4-6 years old children during dental practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty six children aged 4-6 years were enrolled in this study and randomly allocated into two groups. Group I: At the first visit, the procedure of Tell-Show-Do, and at the second visit, the treatment procedures were performed by the dentist for the children. Group II: At the first visit, children watched a film consisting of the procedure of Tell-Show-Do performed on a child model. At the second visit, treatment procedures were performed. In both groups, during the treatment procedure, index of heart rate was measured and behaviors of children were recorded. The children's anxious and cooperative behaviors on the recordings were quantified according to Venham and Frankl rating scales, respectively. The data were compared between two groups using T-test method. All statistical references were made at 0.05. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in heart rate measures, clinical anxiety and cooperative behavior scores of children between the two groups (P = 0.6). CONCLUSION: Filmed modeling can be an efficient alternative method to Tell-Show-Do technique in pre-appointment preparation of the 4-6 years old children during dental treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Localized gingival recession can be treated successfully via coronally positioned flap (CPF) and additional use of root surface demineralization agents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of additional use of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and citric acid as a root conditioner in association with CPF to cover localized buccal gingival recessions. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven patients with 66 Miller class I buccal gingival recession ≥ 2 mm on single-rooted teeth were studied. Patients were randomly assigned: CPF with EDTA gel (test 1) and CPF with saturated citric acid (test 2) or CPF alone (control). Clinical parameters were measured at baseline and 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after surgery; assessment included recession depth (RD), clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD) and height of keratinized gingiva (HKG). SPSS version-20 was used to perform all statistical analyses. Data was reported as Mean ± SD. Age, RD, CAL, PD, and HKG before treatment and after 6 months among study groups were compared by one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey test. The level of significance was considered to be less than 0.05. Results: At 6 months, all treatment modalities showed significant root coverage and gain in CAL. RD was reduced from 2.86 ± 0.76 mm to 0.55±0.53 mm in the EDTA group and from 2.37±0.57 mm to 1.03±0.43 mm in the acid group and from 2.37±0.54 mm to 0.85±0.49 mm in the control group. The average percentage of root coverage for the EDTA, acid, and control groups were 80.73%, 52.16%, and 64.50%, respectively. At 6 months, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in all parameters for the EDTA group (except HKG that did not vary among the groups). Conclusion: Root preparation with EDTA was an effective procedure to cover localized gingival recessions and significantly improved the amount of root coverage obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Caucasian norms are still used in the orthodontic treatment of Iranian patients, despite the different ethnic backgrounds of Iranians. The aims of this study were to evaluate the cephalometric features of an Iranian population and to establish cephalometric norms for Iranian living in the central region of Iran (Isfahan). Materials and Methods: A total of 238 lateral cephalometric radiographs and dental casts of Iranians (142 females and 96 males; aged 6-17 years) with acceptable profiles and Class I dental relationships were analyzed in five age groups. The mean value, standard deviation and range of 20 angular and linear variables were calculated. The resulting norms for Iranian were compared with Caucasian norms and results of other studies on Iranian population using t-test. Male and female groups were also compared using the independent t-test (P < 0.05). Results: Iranians tend to have an increased angle of convexity and IMPA (incisor to mandibular plane angle) and bimaxillary protrusion as compared with norms of Down‘s analysis. Anterior lower face height and anterior face height were greater than Burrstone’s sample measurement. Sella-Nasion (S-N) length was greater than Rakosi‘s norm. Iranians tend to have an increased ANB (A point-Nasion-B point) angle as compared with Steiner's norms. Males tend to have greater cranial dimensions than females as indicated by the statistically significant increase in anterior face height and S-N length (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Iranians have distinct cephalometric features, which should be used as a reference in treating Iranian orthodontic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of oral n-acetyl cysteine, as a potential nephroprotective agent, in preventing and/or attenuating amphotericin B-induced electrolytes imbalances. Methods: During a one year period, patients were to receive conventional amphotericin b for any indication for at least one week and were randomly allocated to receive either placebo or 600 mg oral n-acetyl cysteine twice daily during the treatment course of amphotericin b. Demographic and clinical data of the study population were gathered. Different aspects of amphotericin b nephrotoxicity including decrease of glomerular filtration rate, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, renal magnesium and potassium wasting were assessed. Each patient was monitored for any adverse reaction to n-acetyl cysteine. Sixteen and 14 patients in the n-acetyl cysteine and placebo groups completed the study, 3incidences of hypokalemia (75 % versus 70 %; P = 0.724) and hypomagnesemia (30 % versus 20 %; P = 0.468) did not differ significantly between placebo and NAC groups, respectively. Although the rate of AmB nephrotoxicity was higher in the placebo than in the NAC group (60 % versus 40 %), this difference was not statistically significant ( P = 0.209) even after adjusting for probable associated factors of amphotericin b nephrotoxicity ( P = 0.206). The incidence as well as time of onset of electrolyte abnormalities also did not differ significantly between placebo and n-acetyl cysteine groups. About 44 % of n-acetyl cysteine recipients experienced new onset nausea and a mild unpleasant taste during the study. Conclusion: Oral n-acetyl cysteine during the amphotericin B treatment course was not significantly effective in preventing or mitigating different features of its nephrotoxicity including decrease of glomerular filtration rate, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and renal potassium as well as magnesium wasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To compare the effectiveness of the double cervical cerclage method versus the single method in women with recurrent second-trimester delivery. Method In this randomized clinical trial, we included 33 singleton pregnancies suffering from recurrent second-trimester pregnancy loss (≥2 consecutive fetal loss during second-trimester or with a history of unsuccessful procedures utilizing the Mc Donald method), due to cervical incompetence. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo either the classic Mc Donald method ( n = 14) or the double cerclage method ( n = 19). The successful pregnancy rate and gestational age at delivery was also compared between the two groups. Results The two study groups were comparable regarding their baseline characteristics. The successful pregnancy rate did not differ significantly between those who underwent the double cerclage method or the classic Mc Donald cerclage method (100% vs 85.7%; P = 0.172). In the same way, the preterm delivery rate (<34 weeks of gestation) was comparable between the two study groups (10.5% vs 35.7%; P = 0.106). Those undergoing the double cerclage method had longer gestational duration (37.2 ± 2.6 vs 34.3 ± 3.8 weeks; P = 0.016). Conclusion The double cervical cerclage method seems to provide better cervical support, as compared with the classic Mc Donald cerclage method, in those suffering from recurrent pregnancy loss, due to cervical incompetence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of the stability of natural and artificial rock slopes is an important topic in the rock mechanics sciences. One of the most widely used methods for this purpose is the classification of the slope rock mass. In the recent decades, several rock slope classification systems are presented by many researchers. Each one of these rock mass classification systems uses different parameters and rating systems. These differences are due to the diversity of affecting parameters and the degree of influence on the rock slope stability. Another important point in rock slope stability is appraisal hazard and risk analysis. In the risk analysis, the degree of danger of rock slope instability is determined. The Lashotor pass is located in the Shiraz-Isfahan highway in Iran. Field surveys indicate that there are high potentialities of instability in the road cut slopes of the Lashotor pass. In the current paper, the stability of the rock slopes in the Lashotor pass is studied comprehensively with different classification methods. For risk analyses, we estimated dangerous area by use of the RocFall software. Furthermore, the dangers of falling rocks for the vehicles passing the Lashotor pass are estimated according to rockfall hazard rating system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work, kinetic parameters of Tehran research reactor (TRR) mixed cores have been calculated. The mixed core configurations are made by replacement of the low enriched uranium control fuel elements with highly enriched uranium control fuel elements in the reference core. The MTR_PC package, a nuclear reactor analysis tool, is used to perform the analysis. Simulations were carried out to compute effective delayed neutron fraction and prompt neutron lifetime. Calculation of kinetic parameters is necessary for reactivity and power excursion transient analysis. The results of this research show that effective delayed neutron fraction decreases and prompt neutron lifetime increases with the fuels burn-up. Also, by increasing the number of highly enriched uranium control fuel elements in the reference core, the prompt neutron lifetime increases, but effective delayed neutron fraction does not show any considerable change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of diet quality indices in predicting obesity and abdominal obesity in a population in nutrition transition. Methods: This study explored the association of the Mediterranean Diet Scale (MDS), Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005), and Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in a cross-sectional study after 6.7 years of follow-up in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) population. Results: Out of 192 subjects who had BMI < 25kg/m² and of 283 subjects who were free of abdominal obesity at baseline, 39.6% developed overweight and obesity and 43.1% developed abdominal obesity, respectively during 6.7 years of follow-up in the study population. In cross-sectional analysis, after adjusting for age, sex, energy intake, physical activity and smoking status, multivariate analysis of covariance did not show any significant results regarding the relation of the diet quality indices, BMI and WC. According to follow-up analysis, none of the indices had significant associations with BMI and WC after adjustments for confounders and baseline values of BMI and WC. Conclusion: Adherence to MDS, HEI-2005, and DQI-I could not predict BMI and WC in Iranian participants after 6.7 years of follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Congenital hypothyroidism is characterized by inadequate thyroid hormone production in newborn infants. Many infants with CH have co-occurring congenital malformations. This is an investigation on the frequency and types of congenital anomalies in infants with congenital hypothyroidism born from May 2006-2010 in Hamadan, west province of Iran. Methods: The Iranian neonatal screening program for congenital hypothyroidism was initiated in May 2005. This prospective descriptive study was conducted in infants diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism being followed up in Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic of Besat Hospital, a tertiary care centre in Hamadan. Cases included all infants with congenital hypothyroidism diagnosed through newborn screening program or detected clinically. Anomalies were identified by clinical examination, echocardiography, and X-ray of the hip during the infant's first year of life. Results: A total of 150 infants with biochemically confirmed primary congenital hypothyroidism (72 females and 78 males) were recruited during the period between May 2006-2010. Overall, 30 (20%) infants had associated congenital anomalies. The most common type of anomaly was Down syndrome. Seven infants (3.1%) had congenital cardiac anomalies such as: ASD (n=3), VSD (n=2), PS (n =1), PDA (n=1). Three children (2.6%) had developmental dysplasia of the hip (n=3). Conclusion: The overall frequency of Down syndrome, cardiac malformation and other birth defect was high in infants with CH. This reinforces the need to examine all infants with congenital hypothyroidism for the presence of associated congenital anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper is a report of a study to translate one Swedish and three English instruments into the Persian language, and to estimate their validity and reliability. Background. The Sense of Coherence Scale, Health Index, Brief Religious Coping Scale and Spiritual Perspective Scale are all well tested instruments for use in nursing research. Since there was no Persian translation of these instruments, they had to be translated and cross-culturally adapted for nursing research in the Iranian culture. Method. After the translation process, sampling for psychometric tests was done. A sample of healthy Iranian people (n = 375) was selected to response to the instruments in 2006, at baseline and 1 month later. Findings. Cronbach's alpha values and intra-class correlations were high (>0.70). Tests of criterion-related validity showed that six of the ten hypotheses were confirmed, and the four rejected hypotheses did not imply a threat to validity. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that sense of coherence was the strongest predictor of well-being (Health Index scores) both at baseline (β = 0.52, P < 0.001) and 1 month later (β = 0.58, P < 0.001). Conclusion. There is a sound psychometric basis for using the Iranian versions of these instruments in nursing research with the Iranian population. The Sense of Coherence Scale proved to be as valid and reliable as in Western countries, which supports its cross-cultural applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) typically affects young adults; however, the first symptoms can occur after age 50 and is classified as late-onset MS (LOMS). Methods: In this retrospective study, we extracted the records of 3522 MS patients (2716 females and 806 males) registered in the Isfahan MS Society (IMSS) from 2003 to 2010. Next, we searched for LOMS cases. We aimed to compare these cases with 1698 non-LOMS subjects also extracted from the IMSS database. Results: We found 48 LOMS patients (28 females and 20 males), which gave a crude frequency of 1.36%. The frequency by sex of LOMS in males (2.4%) was significantly greater than in females (1.0%, P = 0.002). The mean age at onset was 55.1 ± 4.3 years. The female to male ratio of 1.4:1 in these patients was significantly lower than in non-LOMS subjects (3.37:1, P= 0.003). The leading pattern of MS was relapsing-remitting (RR) in 62.5%, followed by primary progressive (PP) in 27.1%, and secondary progressive (SP) in 10.4%. Predominant presenting symptoms and signs were motor disturbances (35.4%), followed by brainstem (25%), optic neuritis (22.9%), and sensory related deficits (18.7%). The mean progression index (PI) in LOMS patients (0.88 ± 0.48) was significantly higher than in non-LOMS cases, 0.37 ± 0.17 (P< 0.0001). Discussion: In comparing LOMS patients with the non-LOMS cohort, there was a higher frequency of the PP pattern and a higher PI in the LOMS group. In comparing other high-risk populations with the Isfahan cohort, LOMS formed a lower percentage of the total Isfahan MS population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design of water distribution networks (WDNs) is classified as a large combinatorial discrete nonlinear nondeterministic polynomial-hard (NP-hard) optimization problem. The main concerns associated with the optimization of WDNs are related to the nonlinearity of the discharge–head loss relationships for pipes and the discrete nature of pipe sizes. This paper proposes a new evolutionary algorithm, called fittest individual referenced differential evolution (FDE), which is significantly more efficient and reliable than other algorithms for optimization of WDN designs. The fundamental structure of FDE is similar to conventional differential evolution (DE), although the functions of the mutation and crossover operators are to exploit good solutions, and explore very different solutions, respectively, and counting and restarting mechanisms are introduced to identify and avoid local optima. These features are beneficial in WDN design because such problems may have an array of local optima that are far from one another, making finding the global optima difficult. The mutation and crossover operators are developed to accelerate convergence and, although the optimal mutation and crossover parameters may vary among networks, the efficiency of the algorithm reduces the need for adaptive parameters or population size. A sensitivity analysis is conducted for algorithm parameters, as well as counting and restarting limits, based on eight evolutionary algorithm (EA) benchmark test problems, and the efficiency of the FDE for solving 2- and 10-dimensional versions of these problems is demonstrated using the most effective values of the parameters and limits. FDE-based optimal designs of four benchmark networks—the Two-loop, Hanoi, and New York WDNs and the Balerma Irrigation Network—show that on average, a minimal number of function evaluations (or hydraulic simulations) is required to reach the best known optimum, which is less than or equal to 600 in all cases for the first three networks. Furthermore, a detailed application of FDE to a large-sized network, that for the City of Farhadgerd, Iran, shows that FDE is significantly more effective than other EAs in terms of its speed of convergence and reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]