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As in other contexts, Iranian students encountered challenges in the closedown of schools due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. The present study investigated the attitudes of 108 high school EFL students, using an online questionnaire to find out whether students preferred either to receive distance e-learning or the traditional face-to-face methods of instruction at schools. To this end, the participants completed a 20-item questionnaire. Also, the study attempted to explore EFL students' perceptions of the use of distance learning using individual semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data and the major emergent themes were discussed. The results revealed that most of the students were not ready to adopt the ongoing distance e-learning system. They complained that the pandemic had negatively impacted their learning and found the distance e-learning system ineffective. The results suggested the need for further studies on empowering the learners and teachers to improve the effectiveness of instruction in critical situations.

The present study aims to extend our understanding of motivational factors that improve the knowledge sharing intention of employees thereby can lead to creating knowledge successfully. Specifically, we aim to extend previous knowledge management research to contribute to both knowledge sharing theory and knowledge creation process with consideration of motivational factors including socialization, externalization, combination and internalization. This study has used quantitative research methodology wherein the data have been collected from 405 students from various universities in Iran using a survey questionnaire. Structural equation modelling has been applied to test the hypotheses of the study. The findings of the study reveal that motivational factors positively influence knowledge sharing and knowledge creation. Results reveal that motivational factors tend to increase the usage of knowledge sharing methods, and consequently, they impact on the creation process of knowledge. Further, motivational factors act as a mediator between knowledge sharing and knowledge creation. This study has limitations that present opportunities for future research. First, the research context covered people from universities only, which limits the generalizability of findings. Second, we did not consider regional cultural differences, which could cause variations in people' knowledge sharing intention. Future studies can build upon the research models to understand the influence of the cultural factors on other type of organisations. This research contributes to both knowledge sharing theory and knowledge creation process with consideration of motivational factors including socialization, externalization, combination and internalization. Thus, the study provides directions to managers to focus on cognitive social aspects (i.e., motivational factors) to encourage the people to share and create knowledge. To the best of authors' knowledge, this study is an early study conducted to examine the influence of motivational factors on knowledge sharing and knowledge creation. This research provides valuable information and guidelines that will be helpful for the managers to consider the important issues during knowledge creation establishment in the universities and organizations which are directly involved with creating knowledge.

Though dynamic assessment (DA) has gained strong theoretical and empirical support over the last decades, second language (L2) practitioners have blamed it for its applicability in large classes. To ameliorate this limitation, peer-dynamic assessment (peer-DA), rooted in the conceptualization of zone of proximal development (ZPD), can be introduced and practiced as an alternative approach. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of peer-DA on cultivating Iranian upper-intermediate EFL learners' interlanguage pragmatic (ILP) competence. Additionally, it was to disclose how peer-DA leads to improving the learners' ILP competence. To achieve these aims, a sample of 84 upper-intermediate EFL learners, including females was selected through a convenience sampling method at Iran Language Institute in Borujerd City, Iran. Then, a total of 37 EFL learners whose scores fell around the mean score were selected and randomly assigned to two groups, namely an experimental (n = 19) and a control (n = 18). Then, they went through a pre-test, interventions (lasting 16 one-hour sessions held two times a week), and a post-test. The experimental group's interactions were meticulously recorded. The collected data were analyzed through two independent samples t-tests, and the microgenetic development approach. Findings documented a statistically significant difference between the experimental group and control group concerning the gains of ILP competence on the post-test. Furthermore, the results of the microgenetic development analysis evidenced how the gradual, contingent prompts could lead to noticeable improvements in the learning of ILP features. These findings may have some pedagogical implications for different stakeholders.

This paper explores teachers' experiences of using only Persian language in Iranian schools and its consequences. To do this qualitative method and phenomenological approach was employed. Participants included all teachers of K-12 across Sanandaj and fifteen experienced teachers (8 male and 7 female) were selected via purposive sampling. A semi-structured interview was conducted to gather data. Using the Braun & Clarke (Braun and Clarke in Cooper et al. Camic et al. Long et al. Panter et al. Rindskopf et al. Sher (eds), APA handbook of research methods in psychology, American Psychological Association, Washington DC, 2012) framework, thematic analysis was applied for analyzing the data. Despite teachers emphasizing the significance of the mother tongue in various aspects such as Cultural Identity, Sense of Belonging and Communication Knowledge and Skills, they perceive that the educational system enforces a monolingual policy (Persian) through Educational Centralization, Cultural Assimilation, and A Policy of Denying or Neglecting Linguistic Rights. They also highlighted potential consequences of this policy, including Students' Identity and Cultural Crisis, Intensifying Cultural Duality and Hindered Learning. These findings prompt policymakers to consider language minorities in educational planning.

The present study aims to investigate the correlation between university students' satisfaction and anxiety in online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. To this aim, using a random sampling method, a sample of 430 male (n=150) and female (n=230) university students were selected at Ayatollah Borujerdi University. They filled out two questionnaires: one measuring their satisfaction and the other one measuring their anxiety in online classes. To triangulate the quantitative data, 22 university students completed a reflective written statement. To analyze the collected data, a Pearson correlation analysis, a multiple regression analysis, and a thematic coding analysis were used. Findings evidenced a moderate negative correlation between the participants' satisfaction and anxiety in online classes. Additionally, results documented that instructor, technology, and outcomes factors had the largest effects on the participants' anxiety in online classes. Complementary with the quantitative findings, the results of the reflective written statements yielded four overarching themes, including 'instructors are facilitators', 'technology makes learning easier', 'outcomes are more promising', and 'interacting with others is poor'. Finally, in light of the findings, a range of implications is suggested.

This study examines the relationship between time management, academic engagement, and academic success among 11- and 12-year-old students in an online learning environment. A sample of 250 Iranian students was selected using a multi-stage random cluster sampling method The data were collected from students that self-reported via surveys. Results from structural equation modeling revealed that time management significantly predicted academic performance (p < 0.01), with academic engagement mediating this relationship. Students with high academic engagement demonstrated an increased willingness to invest time and effort in their studies. The findings suggest that while interventions aimed at developing time management skills are beneficial for students transitioning to middle school, prioritizing the increase of academic engagement and enthusiasm in middle school students, without explicitly focusing on time management, will lead to enhanced time management skills as well. Consequently, teachers can optimize their efforts and resources by focusing on academic engagement interventions, as academic engagement inherently fosters improved time management skills.

The present study sought to investigate the effects of meaning-focused input (MFI) and meaning-focused output (MFO) activities on willingness to communicate (WTC) of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. The study aimed at exploring learners' perceptions towards the efficacy of MFO and MFI activities for developing WTC. The participants of study were 70 learners homogenized via an Oxford Placement Test, who were then randomly divided into two groups of 35. The WTC questionnaire, adopted from MacIntyre et al. (2001), was used both as pretest and posttest, and a semi-structured interview was used to probe participants' perceptions towards MFI and MFO. The first experimental group received MFO activities and were given a reading text and asked to present a summary in spoken form based on the notes they took during the reading. In experimental group two, the reading activities were administered in an input mode. The learners were asked to read the texts and answer some reading comprehension questions. The results of statistical analyses indicated that the MFO group outperformed the MFI group for WTC. The content analysis of the interview also revealed students receiving MFO had more positive perception and found it more useful in enhancing WTC than those receiving MFI. Pedagogical implications are offered to teachers and material developers.

E-learning anxiety plays a key role in students' success in online courses. One of the factors that may affect students' e-learning anxiety is computer self-efficacy (CSE). However, the role of CSE in high school students' e-learning anxiety has remained unexplored in the Iranian context. Therefore, the present mixed-methods study purports to explore the role of CSE in Iranian high school students' e-learning anxiety. To this end, for the quantitative part, 410 female high school students were selected, as well as for the qualitative part, 30 female high school students were selected using a random sampling method. The required data were collected using a computer self-efficacy questionnaire, an anxiety in online classes questionnaire, and semi-structured interviews. The collected data were analyzed through a Pearson correlation analysis, a multiple-regression analysis, and a content analysis. Results revealed a strong negative correlation between the students' CSE and e-learning anxiety. Further, the findings documented that the factors of CSE (i.e., beginning skills, mainframe skills, and advanced skills) determined the high school students' e-learning anxiety. Moreover, the complementary qualitative findings yielded four overarching themes: 'promoted digital literacy', 'increased problem-solving', 'increased learning satisfaction', and 'enhanced self-regulated learning'. Finally, a range of implications is suggested for different stakeholders.

Although a mass of studies has demonstrated the effectiveness of scaffolding through group-dynamic assessment (G-DA) in fostering English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' language skills and components, its contributions to developing psychological constructs, such as motivation, learning anxiety (LA), and willingness to communicate (WTC) have remained largely unexplored in the context of Iranian high schools. Thus, this study purported to disclose the contributions of G-DA to Iranian high school students' motivation, LA, and WTC. For these purposes, 124 grade 11 students were chosen through a random sampling method at Shahed High School in Borujerd City, Iran, homogenized through the Oxford Quick Placement test (OQPT), and randomly allocated as a control group (CG) (n = 23) and an experimental group (EG) (n = 23). Afterward, a pre-test, interventions (for 16 one-hour sessions held two times a week as an extra-curricular program), and a post-test were implemented. The results of the independent samples t-tests evidenced that EG's motivation significantly improved compared to CG after the interventions. Additionally, the findings revealed that the G-DA-based instruction significantly contributed to relieving EG's LA. Further, the results uncovered that a statistically significant difference existed between EG and CG concerning the gains in WTC. The findings gained in this study are anticipated to contribute significantly to the various EFL settings, as well as they offer a variety of recommendations and implications for relevant stakeholders.

The role of corrective feedback in general and focused feedback in particular has been investigated widely in second language (L2) writing over the past several decades. Moreover, Dynamic Assessment (DA) with its roots in socio-cultural theory has been noticed to play a role in fostering language learner development and assessment. However, their differential effects have rarely been investigated. Thus, the present study was an attempt to explore the impact of dynamic assessment (DA) and Coded Focused Feedback (CFF) on the Iranian EFL students' writing performance. To this end, two experimental groups of high intermediate learners were selected to compare the effects of assisted writing instruction through Dynamic Assessment (DA) versus unassisted feedback (CFF) on their process writing. A mixed method analysis was used to answer the research questions. Students' performance on pre-test and post-test were analyzed via paired sample t-test and independent t-test. Transcripts of the teacher-student interactions in the DA group were also used to analyze the data further qualitatively. Results of the t-tests (p= 0.00aZ5 T=-7.415 and p= 0.5 T=-1.0) and the descriptive study of the transcripts indicated that the DA group outperformed the CFF group both in the process writing and the revisions of the assigned topics implying that assisted writing instruction through DA helped learners to improve their writing ability. A careful design of the study via the sequential mixed-methods approach enhanced the originality and strength of the present study. It concluded that scaffolded assessment through dialogue would result in improvement in students' process writing performance.

There has been a growing call for listening to test-takers' voices across diverse assessment contexts. Within classroom assessment (CA), however, test-takers' voices on ethics are under-researched in the high school context of Iran. Hence, this study purported to disclose Iranian high school test-takers' (n = 15) perceptions of the ethical requirements in CA. For this purpose, a systematic thematic coding approach (constant-comparative method) was used to analyze the participants' perceptions. Findings yielded two overarching categories, including "do no harm" (e.g., establishing a supervision group, considering test-takers' individual differences, keeping test results confidential, and turning back test sheets with feedback) and "avoid score pollution" (e.g., using additional knowledge sources, using alternative assessment methods, clarifying grading criteria, avoiding unfamiliar contents and surprise items). The findings refer to a local gloss on global principles of ethics, which is hoped to map out specific dimensions of this important notion for diverse assessment contexts (e.g., high-stakes language testing and CA) and stakeholder groups (e.g., high school teachers, assessment developers, and education officials).

Purpose: Considering the role that students' diverse identifications play in education, this paper aims to contribute to the developing discourse on multicultural education concerning the status of ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity in Iranian upstream educational documents (UEDs). Design/methodology/approach: This paper explores the status of ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity in Iranian UEDs through quantitative and qualitative content analysis. Findings: Findings show that three continuous patterns are repeated throughout the documents: (1) The so-called diversity: although there are promising and positive statements about diversity in the documents, they are indirect, and this level of attention is very superficial and limited; (2) Affirming assimilation: the documents are covered by presenting the Islamic-Iranian identity, and somehow almost all the issues raised in the documents end up in this pattern; and (3) Pattern of contradictions: content analysis shows that the content of documents does not have intellectual and logical coherence. Practical implications: This research paper points to the need for a systematic analysis of ignoring diversity operating in UEDs in Iran. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this paper broadens the document analysis as one of the first research to critically explore the depiction of diversity in important UEDs in Iran.

This study attempted to investigate the impact of extensive reading (ER) on the writing ability of Iranian EFL students. The study also took a further step to explore the effect of adding group work activity to the extensive reading program to find its possible positive effect on improving writing ability. The present study had two experimental groups with no control group. Participants were 35 students majoring in English Literature as ER plus GW (group work) group and 30 students majoring in English Language Teaching as ER group both taking the course of reading comprehension(II) in the University of Mazandaran. Participants were first given a reading comprehension test taken from TOEFL from which 24 students were chosen as the participants of this study according to their marks. The ER plus GW group read one graded reader each week at home, discussed the summary or related topic in the groups of five or six. The group members took notes on each other's talk including new vocabulary and language structure. At home, they wrote a summary of the book. ER group, on the other hand, read one book each week and wrote its summary at home without any discussion. Both groups were asked to write about a common topic one before and one at the end of the program as their pre/post test. Their summary examined in terms of four writing aspects including: run-on sentences, vocabulary errors (word choice and word form), and overall accuracy. The results of t-test revealed that adding group work to ER was almost effective in improving overall accuracy, run-on sentences, word choice but not in word form errors. Keywords: extensive reading, writing ability, group work, English literature, research.

The present study seeks to critically review the state of the blended learning researches in the Iranian context. For this critique, 47 papers about blended learning were found in a number of indexing databases and their contents were analyzed. The contents mainly revolved around use of relevant terminology, features of blended learning, methodology, levels of blended learning, variables of the study, and the analyzed educational programs. Some major criticisms that can be leveled at these studies include limited range of terminology, inappropriate use of key concepts, overemphasis on quantitative methods, overuse of pseudo-empirical method, lack of case studies, mistaking blended learning for application of computers in education, excessive concentration on the level of educational programs, superficial treatment of the distinction between learning and retaining, lack of attention to some of the variables of blended learning, and use of blended learning for primary and secondary education.

This study compared students with specific learning disorders (SLDs) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) based on the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale (FEATS). Thirty students with SLDs, 30 students with ADHD, and 30 students without SLDs/ADHD in Babol (Iran) completed the Person Picking an Apple from a Tree (PPAT) assessment. Findings revealed: (1) a significant difference between the SLD and non-SLD/ADHD groups in all elements, except for logic and rotation, (2) a significant difference between the ADHD and non-SLD/ADHD groups in all 14 elements of the scale. The inter-rater scoring correlation was significant and high in 14 elements of the scale, except for realism and person. Accordingly, the PPAT shows potential for application in preliminary identification and on-going evaluation.

Owing to the limitations of linguistic modes to portray aptly L2 learners' metaphors of language learning experience, growing attention has been paid to taking advantage of other modes like visual ones to ameliorate this concern. Hence, the present study sought to explore images and metaphors Iranian EFL learners may have in mind about the essence of English language as a foreign learning. To this end, Iranian EFL learners' verbal and non-verbal forms of metaphorical depiction were examined. One intact class, including intermediate male and female learners (n = 11) at a non-profit language institute was selected randomly. The data were collected through both verbal (a single-item questionnaire) and non-verbal (drawings) tools. The learners' drawings and written descriptions were examined so as to both tap into their mental representations of what 'English learning' means to them and get closer insights into the learners' belief system. The study's conceptual framework was mainly built on Oxford et al.'s (System 26:3-50, 1998) perspectives on education and Vygotsky's (Mind in society: the development of higher psychological processes, Harvard University Press, 1978) Socio-cultural theory (SCT) of learning. The multimodal analysis of the metaphors evidenced that the learners' verbal and visual metaphorical representations shared the common perspectives towards English learning. Additionally, the extracted metaphorical concepts disclosed the learners' positive attitudes, enthusiasm, and desire for English learning. Results unveiled that most of the visual and verbal metaphorical depictions portray language learning as a joyful, dynamic and discovery individual process. The study ends with presenting some implications and offering some avenues for further research.

Though the empirical findings of the past studies in the literature have offered strong support to the significant role of language knowledge and background knowledge in reading comprehension, this issue has not been explored with regard to specific purposes tests in the Iranian higher education context. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring the interaction effects between language knowledge and background knowledge among Iranian university students majoring in economics. For this purpose, a total of 90 students including male students (n = 35) and female students (n = 55) majoring in economics were selected through a convenience sampling method. Having been divided into three proficiency levels, they took three high-stakes reading tests constructed by the National Organization of Educational Testing in Iran for Economics candidates. Based on three criteria, including sentences with passive, Flesch Readability Index, and sentences with participles as attributes, the three texts were ranked in order of easy to difficult (text 1, text 2, and text 3). Afterward, 15 participants participated in semi-structured interviews to express their experiences with the reading tests. The results indicated that background knowledge had marked effects on the performances of the participants across the three reading texts. However, in the more specific reading text (text 3), neither general language knowledge nor general background knowledge were strong indicators. Additionally, the results of the semi-structured interviews with the participants revealed they lacked the required language and content knowledge to perform well on the reading text 3. In light of the findings, a range of implications is proposed for pertinent stakeholders.

Although fairness in assessment practices (APs) in traditional classes has gained noticeable attention in recent years, it has remained unexplored in online education (OE). Thus, this study explores Iranian university English teachers' perceptions of fair APs in OE. For this purpose, 21 university English teachers from Lorestan University and Ayatollah Borujerdi University, Iran, were selected using a purposive sampling method. They were invited to express their conceptions of fair APs by completing a reflective written statement questionnaire. The collected data were subjected to a thematic coding analysis. The results yielded three overarching categories: distributive justice (i.e., equality should be considered, equity is of paramount importance, and assessment practices should be tied with students' needs), procedural justice (i.e., voices of students should be heard, both consistency and flexibility are required, and assessment procedures should be transparent), and interactional justice (i.e., interpersonal justice is crucial and informational justice should be considered). The study concludes by proposing a range of implications for different testing stakeholders.

The present study attempted to investigate the effects of audio input enhancement on EFL learners' retention of intensifiers. To this end, two research questions were formulated. In order to address these research questions, this study attempted to reject two null hypotheses. Pretest-posttest control group quasi-experimental design was employed to determine the extent to which audio input enhancement could have an effect on the retention of intensifiers by EFL learners. Cluster sampling was used and 43 students participated in the study. They were assigned into two groups: an audio input enhancement group and a control group. A multiple choice test of English intensifiers was used during three phases of the study to collect the required data. The reliability of the test was estimated to be 0.74. At the initial stage, English-Beginner Test was administered to assure the students' homogeneity. Before implementing the treatment, a pre-test consisting of 20 multiple-choice items on intensifiers was administered to ensure that the participants' knowledge of the target forms was more or less the same. English intensifiers were taught through audio input enhancement in the experimental group; however, no input enhancement was applied in the control group.

Importance: As average life expectancy increases, the role of beauty in quality of life (QOL) becomes more important. Invasive rejuvenation methods, such as cosmetic surgery and botulinum toxin injections, do not address the underlying causes of facial aging, are expensive, and carry inherent risks. Acupuncture, as a holistic alternative, may offer a safer method for facial rejuvenation by addressing the overall health of the body. Objective: This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of facial and body acupuncture in reducing frown lines in women aged 30-59 in Mashhad, Iran. Design, Setting, and Population: A total of 72 participants will be randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. Exposures: The intervention group will receive 12 sessions of face and body acupuncture over six weeks, while the control group will receive no treatment. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome will be the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) assessed using standardized photographs. Secondary outcomes include the Subject Satisfaction Scale (SSS) and the QOL scores. Results: Outcomes will be measured at three time points: baseline (week 0), posttreatment (week 7), and follow-up (week 12). Conclusions and Relevance: The results of this trial will provide robust evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in reducing frown lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing language learning motivation, Dörnyei's second language (L2) Motivational Self-system (L2MSS) theory consists of three components: (1) "Ideal L2" self which refers to all the language-related characteristics a person wishes to have in the future, (2) "Ought-to L2 self" which concerns the language-related attributes that one believes one ought to possess, and (3) "L2 learning experience" which concerns the immediate language learning environment and experience. Building on this theory, this mixed methods study investigated third language Motivational Self-system (L3MSS) of 40 Iranian EFL teachers, as successful EFL learners (25 EFL teachers with university education in TEFL and 15 EFL teachers with language learning experience in language institutes). They completed an adaptation of L2MSS questionnaire and an open-ended self-report questionnaire. Moreover, six participants were randomly selected to be interviewed. The findings indicated a positive relationship between Ideal L3 self and L3 learning experience of EFL teachers. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed between TEFL graduates and language institute graduates in their L3MSS. Self-report analyses showed that "learning environment" (as a dimension of L3 learning experience) and "positive attitude" (as a dimension of Ideal L3 self) were the most effective motivational factors in EFL teachers' success in L3 learning, whereas "aptitude" and "the impact of people" were rated as the least effective ones. Finally, the interview results were consistent with the findings of the self-report. The findings have certain implications in better appreciation of motivational profiles of successful EFL learners.

This study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on anxiety and aggression in the 11th grade female students in Iran. This study was an experimental one with pretest-posttest control group design. The th statistical population of the study included all the 11th grade female students in Fereydunkenar city, Mazandaran Province, Iran (N=294), out of which 170 students were selected using Random Cluster Sampling method. They were asked to fill in Beck anxiety inventory and Buss-Perry aggression questionnaire. Forty five students had attained simultaneously high score in anxiety and aggression, out of which 30 people were selected using Random Sampling Method and assigned into the experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) group. The experimental group received MBCT in 8 sessions (weekly and 90 minutes per session), and the control group did not receive any treatment. The collected data were analyzed using Multi Variate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA). The results showed a significant difference in mean scores of anxiety and aggression in the post-test of two groups, indicating that anxiety and aggression scores decreased significantly in the post-test (P<0/001). The findings indicate mindfulness based cognitive therapy is an important way that can be used in decreasing the student's aggression and anxiety.

We aimed to investigate the associations of macronutrient quality indices with the incident metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW) and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity (MUO) phenotypes. This prospective study included 512 metabolically healthy normal weight and 787 metabolically healthy overweight/obese adults from the third study examination of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. The participants were followed through the sixth study examination. Diet was measured with a food frequency questionnaire. The macronutrient quality index (MQI), carbohydrate quality index (CQI), fat quality index (FQI), and healthy plate quality index (HPPQI) were calculated. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) were estimated for incident unhealthy phenotypes using Cox regression. After controlling all possible confounding factors, a one-point higher HPPQI was linked to a 28 % lower risk of MUNW (HR = 0.72; 95 % CI = 0.59, 0.87). Compared to the lowest quartile, the incident MUNW was also lower in the two last quartiles of the HPPQI. A one-unit increase in MQI was associated with a 5 % lower incident MUO (HR = 0.95; 95 % CI = 0.92, 0.99). The incident MUO was also higher for the highest compared to the lowest MQI quartile. In quartiles 2–4 of the HPPQI, incident MUO was lower with respective HRs (95 % CI) of 0.71 (0.54, 0.93), 0.60 (0.45, 0.80), and 0.66 (0.50, 0.86) in the fully-adjusted model. A higher overall macronutrient quality was independently associated with a lower incident MUO. A higher dietary protein quality was related to a lower risk for MUNW and MUO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of the Problem: Staphylococcus aureus (S.A) can colonize in the skin, nasal cavity, and oral cavity. In the oral cavity, it can cause dental caries and periodontal disease. Mouthwashes can be used as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control methods to decrease the load of oral microorganisms. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a commonly used antimicrobial mouthwash with side effects such as changing the sense of taste, tooth discoloration, oral mucosal burning, allergy, and xerostomia. It also has adverse systemic effects, if swallowed. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with curcumin and methylene blue (MB) photosensitizers and different laser parameters on S.A colony count. Materials and Method: In this in vitro experimental study, 99 samples of standardstrain S.A were subjected to PDT with curcumin and MB photosensitizers with/without irradiation of 660 and 445 nm laser with different exposure parameters, and CHX in 9 groups (n=11). The samples were cultured in microplates containing Mueller-Hinton agar, and the number of colony forming units (CFUs) was counted after 24 h of incubation at 37°C. Data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. Results: The minimum colony count was noted in CHX group (CFUs=0) followed by MB and 660nm diode laser group irradiated for 100 s (CFUs=147.2727±169.35707). The difference in this respect was significant between MB+660nm diode laser for 100 s and other groups (p< 0.05) except for the MB + 660 nm diode laser for 60 s group. Conclusion: CHX is superior to laser for elimination of S.A. However, PDT with 660 nm diode laser + MB has considerable antimicrobial efficacy against S.A; increasing the duration of laser irradiation enhances the antimicrobial effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of the Problem: Oral health status has been suggested as one of the possible risk factors for oral human papillomavirus (OHPV) infection. There is inconsistent evidence concerning its relationship with the presence of OHPV. Purpose: This study aimed to compare oral health status between two groups of patients with and without OHPV infection. Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study was performed on 272 oral rinse samples, collected from our previous study population. After signing the written informed consents, the oral examination was performed to determine some clinical parameters of oral health status including periodontal disease status, oral hygiene status, decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) of participants. Next, viral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and HPV genotyping tests were performed on the samples. Results: OHPV DNA was detected in a total 31 (11.40%) samples that were considered as OHPV+ group. None of the determined clinical parameters of oral health status was significantly different between OHPV+ and OHPV DNA negative (OHPV-) groups (p> 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of the current study did not indicate a significant association between oral health status and OHPV. Further studies with larger sample size are recommended to reach a definite conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of anthropometric measures to predict mortality in normal-weight subjects is unclear. We aimed to study the association of central obesity measures, e.g., waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), with the risk of all-cause and CVD mortality. In a prospective population-based Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, 8287 participants aged ≥30 y, followed for a median of 18 years. The association of WC, WHR and WHtR with the risk for mortality was estimated using multivariate Cox proportional hazard models in different BMI groups. We documented 821 deaths, of which 251 were related to CVD mortality. Normal weight individuals with central obesity were significantly at increased risk of all-cause (HR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.1) and CVD mortality (HR: 1.6; 95% CI: 0.92, 2.9) compared with normal-weight individuals without central obesity; the risk remained significant only in women. Also, normal-weight women (not men) with high WHR were at increased risk of all-cause (HR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.0, 2.8) and CVD mortality (HR: 5.9; 95% CI: 1.5, 23.2). High WHtR increased the risk of all-cause (HR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2, 1.8) and CVD mortality (HR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.7) which remained significant in normal-weight men and women. All central obesity indicators were significantly associated with all-cause and CVD mortality in subjects aged under 65. Even in normal-weight individuals, WC and WHR in women and WHtR in both sexes are predictors of all-cause and CVD mortality. WHtR shows a stronger association, especially in the population aged under 65. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: There is still controversy on optimal percentage of macronutrient intakes especially carbohydrate on prevention of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the iso-energetic substitution of dietary macronutrients in relation to incidence of T2D.Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 6547 subjects who were followed for 3.0 ± 1.6 years. Dietary intakes were evaluated using a valid and reliable semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Biochemical variables and anthropometrics were evaluated at baseline and follow-up examinations. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate the hazards ratio (HR) of T2D.Results: A one unit higher proportion of carbohydrate from whole grain at the expense of carbohydrate from non-whole grain (HR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.71-0.95), protein (HR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.60-0.94), total fat (HR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.67-0.93), saturated fatty acid (HR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.65-0.96), poly-unsaturated fatty acid (HR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.68-0.96) and mono-unsaturated fatty acid (HR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.60-0.94) was associated with decreased risk of T2D. The substitution of protein and fats was not associated with diabetes. Risk of T2D increased from quartiles 1-4 for trans-fatty acid (HR: 1.00, 1.27, 0.95, 1.97, Ptrend = 0.01).Conclusions: A higher proportion of carbohydrate from whole grain in replacement of refined grain, and other macronutrients was associated with decreased risk of T2D. Also our study suggests a positive association between trans-fatty acid intake and risk of T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The time-varying association between physical activity (PA) and incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is still unclear. The present study aimed to investigate this association in the early- and late-adulthood during a 9-year follow-up.Methods: This study was conducted on 3905 participants in early and late adulthood, using the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) dataset. PA was assessed via the Iranian version of Modified Activity Questionnaire (MAQ). The association between trend of PA and incident T2DM was investigated using time-varying Cox's proportional hazard model. Variables including job, education, smoking and body mass index (BMI) were adjusted in the final model.Results: The distribution of sex- and age-specific levels of PA changed significantly over time. Compared with physically inactive women, for older women with high level of PA, the risk of T2DM was 0.64 (95% CI: 0.43-0.95, P = 0.02) in adjusted model. Moreover, hazard for low PA group was significantly higher than the moderate group, and for these two groups were significantly higher than high PA level (P < 0.05).Conclusion: High PA level can postpone the incident T2DM in early-aged and elderly women, over time. Therefore, gender and age are of great importance in designing the PA modifying programs to prevent T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the preoperative clinical features of patients with sensory esotropia (ET) and sensory exotropia (XT). In a retrospective study, the medical records of 13,252 patients who underwent strabismus surgery were reviewed at the Farabi Eye Hospital, Iran, from 2012 to March 2022. There were 1017 patients with sensory horizontal strabismus whose, in their worse eye, had corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) equal to or <20/160 tested with the Snellen chart. The mean age of patients was 29.0 ± 12.4 years [574 (56.4%) males and 443 (43.6%) females]. Sensory XT and ET were observed in 717 (70.5%) and 300 (29.5%) patients, respectively (P <.001). The mean CDVA in the strabismic and non-strabismic eyes was 1.40 ± 0.75 and 0.05 ± 0.13, respectively (P <.001). Also, the CDVA in the strabismic eyes was significantly worse in the patients with sensory XT than in the patients with sensory ET (P <.001). Sphere and spherical equivalent (SE) components were more hyperopic in both eyes of patients with sensory ET than sensory XT (P <.001). In sensory ET group, the mean horizontal deviation at far and near was significantly higher than the sensory XT group (both P <.001). The prevalence of moderate and severe amblyopia among all patients with sensory strabismus was 274 (26.9%) and 727 (71.5%), respectively (P <.001). There were 398 (39.1%) patients who needed more than one surgery. The frequency of sensory XT was about 2.5 times more than the sensory ET. Most patients with sensory ET were operated at a younger age, had better CDVA, more hyperopic spherical and SE, and higher angle of deviation compared with patients with sensory XT. The chance of reoperation in patients with sensory strabismus was about 40%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating and comparing the safety performance of a group of spatial regions (i.e., countries, states, provinces, etc.) is an interesting topic among researchers and decision makers. This study proposes a composite safety performance index that takes performance efficiency into account. This is done using a three-dimensional approach called 'Risk-Exposure-Resources'. Actually, in addition to the risk and exposure indicators, four variables pertaining to the safety equipment and resources allocated to each spatial unit are considered in the analysis as indicators of the Resources dimension. As a case study, the safety performance of provinces of Iran was evaluated and compared using two approaches, i.e., 'Risk-Exposure' and 'Risk-Exposure-Resources' approach. Results indicate that inefficient use of available resources can lead to an increase in the size of safety problem. Thus, the Risk-Exposure-Resources framework might be regarded as an appropriate complementary tool for evaluating the safety performance and facilitating fair comparison among subnational regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data shows that interactions between dietary factors and genetic variants can modulate the association of polymorphisms such as the Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene with obesity. Considering the limited data available on this topic we aimed to investigate interactions between dietary patterns (DPs) and MC4R polymorphisms in relation to obesity phenotypes. This cohort study was performed in the framework of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study; for eligible participants in this study (n = 3850), the median follow-up was 4 years. DPs were determined using factor analysis. The genotypes of polymorphisms (17782313rs and 12970134rs) were identified and their interaction with DPs were assessed in relation to incidence of obesity phenotypes including central obesity, general obesity and visceral adiposity dysfunction. The mean age of participants (62.5% females) were 37.0 ± 13.7 years. Two main DPs (healthy and unhealthy) were extracted. C-allele carriers of rs17782313 in higher quartiles of the healthy DP score had a significant decrease in the incidence of general obesity, compared to those who had the TT genotype (HR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.42–0.89, P interaction = 0.01). For rs12970134 A-allele carriers, subjects in the second compared to the first quartile of the healthy DP score, had a significant decrease in the incidence of general obesity (HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.46–0.99). There were no significant interaction between DPs and MC4R variants in relation to other obesity phenotypes. Our results indicate that the healthy DP could interact with rs17782313 in relation to incidence of general obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the effects of aqua-cycling on pain, physical function, and muscle strength among elderly people with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: We performed a randomized controlled trial from November 2016 through July 2017 in an outpatient clinic of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University Hospital. Patients were 60 years and older and had knee osteoarthritis. Among 32 patients who were randomly allocated to the groups aqua-cycling and control, 30 completed the study. We used the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score to assess the patients' opinion about their knees and associated problems. The measurements were performed at the baseline, and after 4, 8, and 12 sessions of aqua-cycling. Participants in the intervention group performed aqua-cycling, 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Each session lasted 50 minutes including 10 minutes of warm-up, 30 minutes of cycling, and 10 minutes of cool-down exercises. Both groups used acetaminophen, if needed, and followed lifestyle recommendations for 4 weeks. Results: There were significant improvements in pain reduction, physical function, and muscle strength in favor of aqua-cycling (all P < .001). Within-group analyses showed that participants in the aqua-cycling group experienced significant pain reduction (P < .001), and improved in physical function (P < .001), quadriceps (P < .001), and hamstring muscle strength (P < .001). Within-group comparisons for the group control were not significant (all P > .05). Conclusion: Aqua-cycling is effective, and can be used alone or combined with other treatments in the management of osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eastern flank of the Talesh range of western Alborz, northwestern Iran, exposes volumetrically significant Late Cretaceous volcanic and volcaniclastic associations as well as cross-cutting dykes and minor subvolcanic equivalents. The volcanic units appear as massive to pillowed flows interlayered with volcaniclastic beds and subordinate limestones. We present new field data, zircon U Pb ages, bulk-rock major and trace element geochemistry, and Sr Nd isotopes on the igneous rock suite. Geochemical data show that the lava units and dykes are mainly basaltic in composition with minor basaltic andesites and trachytes. They form two contrasting series of arc-related calc-alkaline (Group 1) and OIB-like (Group 2) rocks. The zircon U Pb age of Group 1 rocks is 95.6 ± 1.8 Ma (2σ), whereas for Group 2 rocks, cross-cutting relationships and stratigraphic constraints indicate a somewhat younger age. Group 1 rocks have 87Sr/86Sr (i) varying from 0.7038 to 0.7070 and ε Nd (t) values ranging from +0.5 to +5.0. Group 2 rocks have 87Sr/86Sr (i) = 0.7040–0.7065 and ε Nd (t) from −3.0 to +3.7. Trace element and isotopic modelling shows that the primitive Group 1 magmas were derived from a metasomatized mantle source enriched by the addition of ∼6–10 % sediment melt component, while Group 2 rocks are consistent with melts of an asthenospheric mantle source enriched by ∼1–5 % EMII component. Trace element modelling indicates that Group 1 rocks formed from ∼6–13 % partial melts of a spinel-garnet lherzolite with garnet:spinel ratios of 45:55 to 10:90, whereas primitive Group 2 melts were generated through ∼1–3 % partial melting of a garnet-spinel-lherzolite with garnet:spinel ratios of 90:10 to 80:20. We propose a geodynamic model in which a north-dipping Neotethyan slab beneath the western Alborz (Talesh area) continental margin produced arc assemblages of Group 1 rocks and subsequent slab rollback led to the upwelling of an asthenospheric mantle to generate OIB-like magmatism of Group 2 rocks in an extensional intra-arc to back-arc setting. [Display omitted] • The Talesh magmatic rocks are dominated by basaltic lavas. • They were emplaced during the Late Cretaceous. • The magmatic rocks include both arc-type calc-alkaline and OIB-like alkaline rocks. • The mantle source of arc-type rocks was enriched by slab-derived sediment melts. • Slab rollback triggered asthenospheric melting and formation of OIB-like magmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinops is a genus of Asteraeceae that is represented in Iran by 72 species Six species of the genus (E. robustus, E. polygamous, E. orientalis, E. ilicifolius, E.pungens, E. chardinii) from twelve different Iranian populations, belonging to three sections (Oligolepis, Ritropsis, Echinops), are studied cytologically. Somatic chromosome numbers of four species are reported for the first time. Chromosome number 2n=2x= 34 is reported for the first time in section Oligolepis. The chromosome numbers of the studied species and populations were different among members of sections (2n=2x=30, 32 and 34). The chromosomes were mainly metacentric or sub-metacentric. The species differed significantly in the total chromosome length and Mean chromosome length indicating the role of quantitative genomic changes in the Echinops species diversification. The Echinops species were placed in 3A and 3B classes of Stebbins karyotype symmetry. Cluster analysis of karyotype features indicated that cytological studies did not support sectional classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a study which aim to develop the Persian version of the patient-rated wrist and hand evaluation (PRWHE) and also evaluate its psychometric properties. Topics discussed include evaluation of construct and convergent validity; assessment of Test-retest reliability; and translation through the World Health Organization's procedures for cross-cultural validation and adaption of self-report measures.

Highlights • Municipal solid waste characteristics were determined. • Demographic characteristic of 1750 women in this study was surveyed and its impact on KAP regarding waste management and recycling was evaluated. • Systematic tracking survey of municipal solid waste management was conducted in a Iranian city. • Recommendations were made regarding the management of municipal solid waste management in relation to recycling in Kermanshah province, Iran. Abstract The present study was conducted with the aim of surveying the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of 1750 females from Kermanshah city in Iran on separation and reduction in source, recycling, harmful effects of solid waste mismanagement on the environment and human health. Also, the relationship between the demographic characteristics of individuals (age, occupation, education, family size, and marital status) and solid waste management was evaluated. The results indicated that Kermanshahi women had satisfactory levels for knowledge (79%) and attitude (86%) on solid waste management. However, 77% of the people showed a poor performance. The present study revealed that females with academic education and public employment as well as young females had a greater KAP, while they had less satisfaction with the waste collection systems. The women's practice showed that 48.33% had received waste management training on TV, 24% as face-to-face, 32.21% by brochures, 2.66% through newspapers, and 1.99 via radio. Also, 83% of females emphasized the role of internet in raising their knowledge and attitude. According to this study, increasing the participation, education, raising the knowledge of individuals, providing appropriate facilities and equipment and implementing coordinated coherent programs of recycling by the governmental and private sectors played a very important role in solid waste management. With more emphasis on educational aspects, especially through municipalities and by creating participatory and encouraging programs among the families and the municipality, it is possible to improve the practice of citizens by improving their knowledge, while taking effective steps for promoting this environmental activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebellar acute ischemic stroke (CAIS) can be a complication of minor head trauma, vertebral artery dissection, vasospasm or systemic hypoperfusion. CT scan usually is negative few hours after acute infarction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is superior to CT scan for posterior fossa lesions and also in acute phase of cerebellar stroke especially in children. Here we report a 9-year-old girl referred to the Pediatric Emergency Room, Moosavi Hospital, Zanjan, Iran in January 2017 presenting with sudden onset of headache and recurrent vomiting, ataxia, and history of 3 consecutive days of fever and malaise. In the report of MRI, there were abnormal low T1 and high T2 signal intensity in left cerebellar hemisphere involving superior and middle cerebellar peduncles. After 4 days of admission, the patient became drowsy, symptoms progressed and transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The patient underwent hemispherectomy surgery of the left cerebellar hemisphere because of acute obstructive hydrocephaly. After 5 months of occupational therapy, the force of her extremities was normal and the ataxia completely disappeared. Childhood acute ischemic stroke although rare can happen with cerebellar involvement. Because in our patient the first brain CT scan was nearly normal and a false negative rate for initial computed tomography (CT) scanning of 60%-80% also contributes to missed and delayed diagnosis of childhood AIS, for every child presenting with acute ataxia without identified cause in addition to CT scan, MRI also being ordered and from the beginning besides other causes, stroke be contemplated as a cause of ataxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This case-control study was carried out to compare serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the newly diagnosed children with epilepsy and that of a control group of healthy children at the same age and probable effects of antiseizure medications prescription on it. Materials & Methods Overall, 130 participants (65 in each group) aged between 1 and 17 yr old were enrolled. The study was conducted in Children's Medical Center, the Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran, Iran in 2015. Serum TAC test was done for both control and patients group before antiseizure medications therapy and after 3 months of monotherapy with sodium valproate, carbamazepine and phenobarbital in patients. Serum TAC values were measured based on Erel's method using an automated commercial kit. This method is based on the bleaching of the characteristic color of a more stable 2, 2'-azinobis- (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation by antioxidants. The results were expressed in mmol Trolox equivalent/l. Results Serum TAC values were significantly lower in the patients group before drug administration [mean (SD): 1.31 (0.19) mmol/L] in comparison with the control group [mean (SD): 1.46 (0.21) mmol/L] (P<0.001). In the patient's group, no differences were found in the serum TAC before and 3 months after antiseizure medications monotherapy. Conclusion Reduced serum TAC and an increased vulnerability to oxidative stress should be considered as an etiologic factor in the children with epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jurassic mafic to felsic magmatism affecting the older Ediacaran-to-Cambrian basement of the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone of Iran has been traditionally interpreted as the product of arc and/or back-arc magmatism related to the early stages of Neo-Tethys subduction beneath Iran in the early Jurassic. Recent works and new compositional and geochronological data have started challenging this commonly accepted model in favor of scenarios involving continental rifting, mantle plume activity, and/or passive margin formation. In the Hamedan area of the central sector of the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, the Jurassic Cheshmeh-Ghasaban gabbro (ca. 165 Ma) is a key formation to better understand the tectono-magmatic framework of the whole area. Our new data, combined with the existing literature, suggest a transitional to alkaline OIB-like compositional character for this gabbro similar to the nearby but slightly younger (ca. 145 Ma) Panjeh and Ghalaylan basaltic complexes (in the Songhor-Ghorveh area). When integrated with the existing geochemical data of Jurassic mafic rocks from the central Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, our results point to a scenario of intracontinental rifting, possibly involving the upwelling old metasomatized (by Proto-Tethys subduction?) mantle or mantle-plume activity. [Display omitted] • Jurassic OIB-like plume-type mafic magmatism in Central Sanandaj-Sirjan zone of Iran • Jurassic plume-influenced continental rifting affecting the Ediacaran-to-Cambrian crust of Iran • Rethinking the Mesozoic framework of SW Eurasia margin [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Aims We investigated the association between two hypertriglyceridemic waist (HW) and waist-to height ratio (HWHtR) phenotypes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) using cross sectional and prospective analysis. Methods Data of 12,012 individuals (44% men) of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) at two phases [(1999–2001) and (2002–2005)], were used for cross-sectional analysis. This population was followed until 2014 with median follow-up 12.4 years (95% confidence interval (CI): 11.8; 12.4). The data of 8225 individuals (45% men) were used for prospective analysis. The outcome was the development of CKD defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . The HW phenotype was defined as waist circumference (WC) >90 cm in men and >85 cm in women, along with TGs >2.0 mmol/L. The HWHtR phenotype was defined as waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) >0.5 and TGs >2 mmol/L. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression were used to statistical analysis. Results Cross sectional analysis showed that in women, both HW and HWHtR phenotypes were associated with CKD after controlling for confounders [(OR: 1.37, CI: 1.01–1.86, p < 0.05) and (OR: 1.58, CI: 1.03–2.41, p < 0.05)], respectively. Among men, HW and HWHtR were associated with prevalent CKD in unadjusted and age adjusted models; these associations were not significant after further adjustment for confounders. In prospective analysis, neither HW nor HWHtR phenotypes were significant predictor for CKD progression. Conclusion HW and HWHtR phenotypes were associated with prevalent CKD in cross sectional setting. In prospective analysis HW and HWHtR did not show significant effect in prediction of CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is considered a chronic disease with a potentially fatal outcome. Studies have suggested that environmental factors and personal habits play an important role in the pathogenesis of PV, but more studies are required to elaborate their connection to the disease. The goal of this multicenter case-control study was to determine some of the environmental factors related to PV. Cases (n = 99) were patients with PV, and controls (n = 198) were individuals who did not have PV. Data about demographics, history, clinical findings, occupational exposures to pesticides, smoking status, number of births (parity), herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, and fast food consumption were collected using a structured questionnaire. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used for data analysis. Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the statistically significant factors related to PV were infection with HSV in recent weeks (odds ratio [OR], 3.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.75-6.43), parity (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.39-0.63), and lack of occupational exposure to pesticides (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.21-0.60). Multivariate analysis revealed that significant factors were cessation of smoking (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 4.36; 95% CI, 1.50-12.66), HSV infection (AOR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.47-5.75), and lack of occupational exposure to pesticides (AOR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.20-0.63).The findings indicated that cessation of smoking and HSV infection in recent weeks are risk factors for PV, while lack of occupational exposure to pesticides and increasing parity (a greater number of births) are protective factors against PV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the infection rates of mesenteric and mediastinal lymph nodes in relation to Linguatula serrata (L. serrata) nymphs. Methods: In the present study, mesenteric and mediastinal lymph nodes of 200 sheep with different sex and age that were slaughtered in a Shahrekord slaughterhouse were collected. The lymph nodes were examined macroscopically and for histopathological examination, tissue samples were taken from the gross lesions processed routinely by paraffin method and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Results: Out of 200 examined sheep, the mesenteric lymph nodes in 18 sheep (9%) and the mediastinal lymph nodes of 9 sheep (4.5%) were infected by L. serrata nymphs. The infection rate increased with age, but no significant difference was observed between males and females or the two types of lymph nodes (P > 0.01). Different nonspecific gross and macroscopic lesions were seen in infected lymph nodes. L. serrata nymph sections were observed in some histopathological slides. Conclusions: It is concluded that the sheep may play an important role in linguatulosis of final hosts and human beings in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of the Problem: The head and neck region is an uncommon site for metastatic involvement, but it can be the first and only symptom of primary cancer. The incidence of these tumors and their primary origins are limited in Iranian patients. Purpose: Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to investigate the frequency and the common related clinical manifestations, as well as, the most common types of cancers and the prevalent sites of the primary tumor. Materials and Method: All medical records related to patients with history of head and neck tumors between 1991 and 2011 at Iran Cancer Institute were evaluated and the essential information was statistically analyzed. Results: Sixty cases of cervical lymph node metastasis (0.36%) and 26 cases of head and neck metastatic tumors (0.16%) including 17 cases of distant cancer (0.10%) were recorded among all 16232 registered cancers. Out of all distant head and neck metastatic tumors, 4 cases were related to oral and maxillofacial area. Pain, swelling of neck, oral mucosa ulcer and dryness were the chief complaints. Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma were the most frequent types of cancers. The most common metastatic sites were cervical musculature, scalp and parotid gland, and the most prevalent sites of primary tumor in females were breast and lung in males. Conclusion: According to these cases, the incidence rate of head and neck metastatic tumors seems to be low. However, feasible similarity of clinical presentation of oral metastatic lesions to benign lesions might result in misdiagnosis. Hence, biopsy is mandatory in any case with unusual clinical presentation, especially in patients with a known malignant disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mission statement describes the strategic priorities of a company. It determines the roadmap for strategic decision in the corporation. Research on mission statement elements is an interesting field because it clarifies the strategic priorities of the company. This paper aims to analyze these priorities among 48 large Iranian companies active in four selected industries based on David's (1989) nine-element model. These components include customer, market, general image, product, technology, survival, growth and profitability, philosophy, self-understanding, and employees. The first three components are categorized as external and the remaining ones are grouped as internal components. The sample is drawn from pharmaceuticals, oil and petrochemicals, bank and insurance, and industrial manufacturing sectors. Data was gathered using a checklist based on the aforementioned model to study the mission statements of the selected companies. These mission statements were found on the companies' websites. Exploratory content analysis of mission statements was applied manually. Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests showed that the use of mission statement elements in the companies from each industry group was similar. Elements of market and product are used by majority of the companies. In the service industries with high competition, both internal and external elements are seriously taken into consideration. External elements of customer and public image are not considered by all the studied industries. On the other hand, in all the studied industries, the most important elements were respectively product, survival and growth. However, philosophy and self-concept, which somehow reflect organization identity, are not strongly taken into consideration. Emphasis on the internal element of employee is less in other three industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato has an important role in human food. It was the sixth alimentary product in the world after sugar cane, maze, rice, wheat and milk in 2011 year. In addition, potato is the third product in Iran after wheat and sugar cane in 2011 year. Therefore, any attempt in the improvement of potato harvester will be valuable. In this study, a new semi-mounted one-row potato digger with rotary blade was designed and made in the workshop of Shahrekord University. It can be connected to rotary potato graders. Transmission system was mechanical from tractor (PTO) to blade by belt, pulley, gearbox, chain and sprocket. Blade diameter was 76 cm and the length was 10 cm which was assigned by the researchers. For separating of soil from potato, a helix containing bars with 2.6 cm distance and diameter of 9 mm was applied. Entered soil into set was calculated as 227 ton/h. Required power was got 5.5 horsepower. Computerized model of set was prepared in Mechanical Desktop Software and potato motion was studied in Visual Nastran Software. The device was tested at field with various advance speed, blade angle and rotational speed. Results showed that advance speed of 1.5-3 km/h, rotational speed of 20-25 RPM and blade angle of 10- 15° were proper for system. The average of damaged potatoes was 4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short Message Service (SMS) advertising is a growing phenomenon in the Iranian marketing industry. Many Iranian companies are intensively interested in SMS advertising for its low cost and comprehensive coverage. The vital challenge in using SMS as an advertising medium is mobile avoidance. In this research, a conceptual model containing six hypotheses was developed and tested. Using 211 self-reporting questionnaires and structural equation modeling (SEM), this study found that self-esteem and cynicism play a key role in SMS advertising skepticism (β = 0.29; p<0.05 and β = 0.33; p < 0.05, respectively). Positive subjective norms also impact SMS advertising skepticism negatively (β = -0.13; p<0.1). SMS advertising skepticism impacts SMS advertising avoidance positively (β = 0.85; p<0.01). Moreover, the current study demonstrated that cynicism had no significant impact on SMS advertising avoidance. Effects decomposition also revealed that SMS advertising skepticism had the largest effect on the SMS advertising avoidance. As a personal trait, cynicism is a negative attitude toward believability of others' motivations and behaviors while advertising skepticism is a media-specific construct. To decrease the SMS avoidance, marketers need to decrease skepticism about SMS. They may use permission-based advertising and traditional advertising simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To investigate on patients leishmanial infections in Jask County. Methods: Impression smears were prepared from patients in 2008, all, were chequed for leishmanial infection by microscopy and molecular assays. Whole DNA was extracted using Proteinase K and Phenol/Chloroform/Isoamyl alcohol method. The variable segment on minicircles of kinetoplast DNA was amplified via a Nested-PCR technique using species-specific primers (LIN R4-LIN 17 -Lin 19). Results: A total of 40 smears were prepared from 20 patients, from which, eight samples (40%) were positive for leishman body by microscopic method, while, 18 samples (90%) were positive, molecularly. The parasite was identified as Leishmania major (L. major). Conclusion: Zoonotic or Rural cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in Jask County whose pathogen is L. major. Molecular assays using specific primers are very accurate and more sensitive and specific than microscopy which is time consuming and needs master microscopists. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (SSZ) trends northwestward in western Iran on the Precambrian to Paleozoic basement and exposes abundant I-type granitoids and calc-alkaline volcanic rocks that were most active during the Late Jurassic to Upper Cretaceous. The petrogenesis of the granitoids and associated volcanic rocks has been widely related to Neotethyan subduction beneath the Iranian plate. We report a geochronological and geochemical study of the Suffi abad granite (SLG) body that crops outs southeast of Sanandaj within the SSZ and is mainly composed of K-feldspar+quartz+plagioclase±hornblende. The SLG, which shows a high-K calc-alkaline affinity, has LA-ICPMS zircon U–Pb ages ranging between 149±2 and 144±3Ma and initial 87Sr/86Sr of ∼0.7024–0.7069 and 143Nd/144Nd of ∼0.5125–0.5127. These value correspond to an ɛ Nd (145Ma) of +1.5 and +4.9, suggesting that the SLG originated from the juvenile crust or depleted mantle with a young TDM (650–900Ma) over the subduction zone beneath the SSZ. Zircon saturation temperatures suggest that crystallization of the zircons, or emplacement of the host magmas, occurred at 560–750°C, consistent with an intergrowth texture of K-feldspar and quartz that implies crystallization around the K-feldspar-quartz eutectic at lower temperatures. Overall, geochemical data suggest that crystallization of the hornblende and plagioclase played a role in magma differentiation. These data allow us to conclude that the high-K SLG did not originate directly from the juvenile mantle source as do most I-type, calc-alkaline granitoids, but more likely was produced from the partial melting of pre-existing I-type granitoids in the upper continental crust under low pressure conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aims to explore the non functional shopping motives among Iranian consumers. In addition, the effects of marital status, gender, age and residential region as an indicator for social class on the non-functional shopping motives are investigated. This paper uses a self-reported and 15 items questionnaire. The analysis is done based on 363 returned and usable questionnaires. Multivariate analysis of variance is applied for this study. MANOVA results show that marital status, gender, age and region have different significant effects on the non-functional shopping motives among Iranian consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]