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Altered sensory processing especially in the auditory system is considered a typical observation in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Auditory temporal processing is known to be impaired in ASD children. Although research suggests that auditory temporal processing abnormalities could be responsible for the core aspects of ASD, few studies have examined early time processing and their results have been conflicting. The present event-related potential (ERP) study investigated the early neural responses to duration and inter-stimulus interval (ISI) deviants in nonspeech contexts in children with ASD and a control group of typically developing (TD) children matched in terms of age and IQ. A passive auditory oddball paradigm was employed to elicit the mismatch negativity (MMN) for change detection considering both the duration and ISI-based stimulus. The MMN results showed that the ASD group had a relatively diminished amplitude and significant delayed latency in response to duration deviants. The findings are finally discussed in terms of hyper-hyposensitivity of auditory processing and the fact that the observed patterns may potentially act as risk factors for ASD development within the research domain criteria (RDoC) framework.

IntroductionFollicular Lymphoma (FL) results from the malignant transformation of germinal center (GC) B cells. FL B cells display recurrent and diverse genetic alterations, some of them favoring their direct interaction with their cell microenvironment, including follicular helper T cells (Tfh). Although FL-Tfh key role is well-documented, the impact of their regulatory counterpart, the follicular regulatory T cell (Tfr) compartment, is still sparse.MethodsThe aim of this study was to characterize FL-Tfr phenotype by cytometry, gene expression profile, FL-Tfr origin by transcriptomic analysis, and functionality by in vitro assays.ResultsCD4+CXCR5+CD25hiICOS+ FL-Tfr displayed a regulatory program that is close to classical regulatory T cell (Treg) program, at the transcriptomic and methylome levels. Accordingly, Tfr imprinting stigmata were found on FL-Tfh and FL-B cells, compared to their physiological counterparts. In addition, FL-Tfr co-culture with autologous FL-Tfh or cytotoxic FL-CD8+ T cells inhibited their proliferation in vitro. Finally, although FL-Tfr shared many characteristics with Treg, TCR sequencing analyses demonstrated that part of them derived from precursors shared with FL-Tfh. DiscussionAltogether, these findings uncover the role and origin of a Tfr subset in FL niche and may be useful for lymphomagenesis knowledge and therapeutic management.

Objectives: Individuals should have good sensory processing ability to function appropriately and participate in daily activities. This investigation aimed to evaluate the sensory processing characteristics of children aged under 14 years. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study population comprised all children aged >14 years referred to child’s developmental centers and elementary and middle schools in Tehran City, Iran. After considering the inclusion criteria, 1272 children were selected using multistage cluster sampling. The research tool was sensory profile-2, completed by children’s caregivers and teachers. Their sensory processing characteristics were measured according to the cut-off scores of the separate questionnaires of Sensory profile-2 in the section, school, and quadrant factors. Results: The research samples scored just like the majority of others on most sensory processing areas, with only two quadrants, one sensory section, and one school factor score indicating “less than others” or “more than others.” Discussion: According to the findings, a high sensory sensitivity leads to intolerance of children in schools. Also, the low level of sensory seeking in toddlers is associated with less than other scores in movement items.

Background and Objective: In the last decade, cross-linking (CXL) has been widely used for treating people with progressive keratoconus. The present study aimed to compare corneal aberrometry parameters before and after CXL in patients with keratoconus. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 67 patients with keratoconus referred to Farshchian Sina Medical Education Center, Hamadan, Iran, who underwent CXL surgery at Mahdia Surgery Center, were selected. The results of refractometry and aberrometry before the surgery and six months after the CXL, were examined and compared. Data were extracted from patients’ medical records and analyzed in SPSS software (version 26). A P-valuec less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of patients was 22.28 ± 5.03 years, and 65.7% were male. Mean aberrometry parameters before and six months after the treatment for K1: 44.33 and 44.04 (P=0.003), K2: 48.01 and 47.91 (P

Objectives: Sensory processing patterns can be related to children's preferences for various activities. Still, our understanding of how different sensory processing patterns are related to children's participation in leisure activities is fairly limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between sensory processing patterns and children's participation in leisure activities. Methods: In this systematic review, the PRISMA (The Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Reviews And Meta-Analyses) Guidelines were followed. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer, ProQuest, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Medline, OT Seeker, SID, and Healio databases using the following keywords: “Participation”, “leisure”, “play”, “sensory processing”, “sensory integration”, “sensorimotor”, “sensory”, and “children”. A total of 5040 articles were found, of which 5027 were eliminated after the review, and finally, 13 articles were included in the study based on the inclusion criteria; 6 of them entered the meta-analysis process. The meta-analysis was performed using CMA software. Results: The meta-analysis of 6 studies illustrated a significant correlation between the energy level and desire to participate in leisure activities, the auditory-visual sensitivity and willingness to participate in leisure activities, the sensory processing patterns and the intensity of involvement in leisure activities, the general sensory processing and desire to participate in leisure activities, the sensory processing patterns and desire to participate in informal activities, the olfactory sensitivity and desire to participate in leisure activities, the auditory filtering and desire to participate in leisure activities, the sensory processing patterns and enjoyment of participation in leisure activities, and finally sensory processing patterns and desire to participate in recreational activities. Discussion: The evidence in articles on sensory processing patterns and participation in play and leisure activities is inadequate. The only conclusion drawn from all patterns of sensory processing is the significant relationship between these patterns and the preference to participate in recreational activities (which is just one of the several leisure activities).

Background and Objectives: Impairment in the way of sensory information by the central nervous system can cause functional problems in all areas of an adolescent’s activities, including education, self-care, social participation, and leisure. Therefore, in the presence of problems in such activities, it is necessary to evaluate and screen for sensory processing. In the present study, the sensory processing assessment tools that cover the adolescent age group were investigated. Methods: In this review, PubMed, Science Direct, Google, OTseeker, and Google Scholar databases were searched, and articles published between 2000 and 2022 on sensory processing assessment tools in adolescents and their psychometrics were selected. Keywords used included sensory integration dysfunction (SID), sensory processing disorder (SPD), adolescence, adolescent, assessment, measurement, reliability, validity, psychometry, environment, scale, and instrument. Results: The assessment tools identified to evaluate sensory processing in the adolescent age group include the “adolescent/adult sensory profile” (AASP), “Glasgow sensory questionnaire” (GSQ), “sensory processing measure (SPM)”, “sensory response in autism spectrum” (SR-AS) questionnaire, “sensory processing scale” (SPS), and “SPM-second edition” (SPM-2). Conclusion: The environment was considered as a factor that needs to be evaluated only in the second version of the SPM among the selected tools. The results of this review also showed that the only tool available in Persian in this field is the AASP, which does not seem to be a suitable tool for use in adolescence because the population studied in the psychometric evaluation of the Persian version was elderly people with dementia. Therefore, it seems necessary to prepare the Persian version and psychometric evaluation of an appropriate assessment tool for evaluating the sensory processing of Iranian adolescents.

Objective Despite the evidence that rehabilitation interventions are effective for spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, these interventions usually impose costs on the health system. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the cost-effectiveness of these interventions for the health system of countries through economic evaluation. In this study, we examined the cost-effectiveness and net financial benefits of rehabilitation services in treating spinal cord injuries in Iran. Materials & Methods Considering that this research is the first economic evaluation study related to spinal cord injury rehabilitation, the first stage of the economic evaluation was dedicated to designing an economic evaluation model. The model was designed based on disease groups, the natural course of the disease, the details of rehabilitation interventions for spinal cord injury patients in different disease groups, clinical outcomes, probability of occurrence of outcomes, and related costs. The structure of the economic evaluation model of this study is based on the design of a lifetime Markov model with a 1-year cycle length for each strategy and two groups of patients (paraplegia and tetraplegia). In this study, we also used the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) to determine the cost of the most effective strategy. All findings were analyzed using Excel 2016 and TreeAge 2011 software. Results According to the annual incidence of spinal cord injury patients in need of rehabilitation services in the country, which is about 2000 people, based on public sector tariffs, the total annual cost of SCI rehabilitation in Iran in the paraplegia group ranges from 32997 to 40200 million Iranian Rials (IRR) and in the tetraplegia group from 25476 to 26119 million IRR in mild to very severe conditions. Also, the total rehabilitation costs of SCI patients based on public sector tariffs in one year were calculated to equal 256847 million IRR. Similarly, based on private sector tariffs, the total annual costs of SCI rehabilitation in the paraplegia group were estimated from 86374 to 103122 million IRR and in the tetraplegia group from 67509 to 68997 million IRR in mild to very severe cases. Meanwhile, the total rehabilitation costs of SCI patients were calculated based on private sector tariffs in one year, equivalent to 668847 million IRR. Also, the average lifetime of SCI patients undergoing rehabilitation is lower compared to non-rehabilitation and also has higher QALY (The quality-adjusted life year) values, which indicates the dominance of the rehabilitation strategy. The amount of ICER, in this case, is estimated based on public sector tariffs equal to negative 674 million IRR and based on private sector tariffs equal to negative 629 million IRR per QALY unit. Possible sensitivity analysis of the results and Monte Carlo simulation in both scenarios confirmed the initial analysis findings with high probability. Based on the public sector tariff, the net amount of incremental financial benefits of rehabilitation for the total annual incidence is estimated at 8991 billion IRR. These amounts were calculated based on private sector tariffs of 8579 billion IRR. Conclusion Generally, the results of this economic evaluation showed that the rehabilitation of spinal cord injury patients in Iran, based on public and private sector tariffs, is quite cost-effective and has significant net positive financial benefits. The results of the sensitivity analysis also confirmed this finding.

Caffeic acid (CA) and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) are natural compounds that have been found in various foods and plants. These compounds have attracted much attention in recent years due to their potential health benefits, including their ability to protect against natural and chemical toxins. This article comprehensively reviews the promising effects of caffeic acid and CAPE against natural and chemical toxins. Mechanisms supporting the protective effects of these compounds, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, are discussed. Studies have shown that caffeic acid and CAPE can protect against a wide range of toxins, including mycotoxins, heavy metals, and environmental toxins. These compounds have also been shown to protect against chemical toxins such as pesticides, industrial chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Overall, the promising effects of caffeic acid and CAPE against natural and chemical toxins make them potential candidates for developing novel therapeutics and functional foods.

Introduction: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood psychiatric disorders characterized by poor attention and subsequently lower learning abilities than normal children. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of neurofeedback and perceptual-motor exercises as two common nonpharmacological treatments for visual attention. Methods: A total of 40 combined medicated ADHD children (aged 5-12 years) were randomly allocated into two groups: neurofeedback training and perceptual-motor exercises. Visual attention and motor proficiency were assessed before and after the treatment by continuous performance test (CPT) and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test (BOT), respectively. Results: According to repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), both groups showed significant improvement in three attention-related areas of CPT, including reaction time, omission, and commission errors (P0.05). However, in the perceptual-motor exercises group, motor proficiency improved significantly (P

Abstract Alstrom syndrome is a rare genetic disorder with an autosomal recessive mutation in the ALMS1 gene. The disease's manifestations include ophthalmic problems, hearing loss, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders. In addition, medical cases include other organ complications. However, the overlapping variety of such symptoms with other diseases may delay the diagnosis. In this article, we describe the case of a 7‐year‐old female patient with Alstrom syndrome, and cardiovascular and hyperphenylalaninemia diseases since birth. Other symptoms included diabetes and ophthalmologic problems with skeletal disability. Blindness and hearing impairment were diagnosed, along with recurrence of respiratory problems at the age of 7 years. The patient's obesity‐induced snoring predisposed her to uncontrolled blood glucose. In fact, respiratory tract problems and sleep disorders had occurred as a degraded cycle and left her with a severe disability for years. The similarity of the symptoms with other diseases had misled the physician in diagnosis. However, a polysomnography test (because of complaints of short sleep duration) recognized the source of the patient's sleep disorders and breathing problems. Eventually, we delivered a portable ventilator to the child for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The child's breathing and oxygenation conditions improved. Using the ventilator and the CPAP system, we discharged her from the hospital without requiring oxygenation, in a stable condition. The procedure could prevent the patient from hypoxia and retinal problem.

Background: In addition to academic problems, children with a specific learning disability (SLD) encounter problems with participation in activities outside school. Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) with and without Four Quadrant Model of Facilitated Learning (4QM) in the mothers of children with SLD. Method: A single-blinded, parallel-group randomized clinical trial will be carried out. Mothers of children with SLD will constitute the participants and be allocated to experimental (OPC+4QM) and control (OPC alone) groups. Key issues: Children's occupational performance and satisfaction, participation in activities outside school, goals attainment, executive function, and academic achievement along with self-efficacy of mothers will be measured in baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up stages. Implications: An OPC intervention protocol may improve children's participation in activities outside school and may help clarify whether 4QM promotes maternal empowerment and better results for children with SLD. Trial registration: Clinical Trials, IRCT20140416017301N9. (https://en.irct.ir/trial/55842)

Introduction: Activities of Daily Living (ADL), as an ultimate goal of rehabilitation, rely on cultural and environmental factors. This study aimed to develop a questionnaire based on the occupational therapy practice frame to accurately evaluate Iranian children’s occupational performance. Methods: This scale was developed in two phases of planning and construction. The planning phase involved a literature review and a collection of the available evaluation tools in the area. The advice of two expert panels was used to develop a preliminary 87-item questionnaire. In the construction phase, 40 parents were surveyed to assess the popularity of the activities in Iran. After a face to content validation, the final version of the questionnaire was prepared with 93 items. Results: The final 93-item questionnaire was used to assess the ADL of 3-6-year-old children. The 93 items, selected according to criteria found in the literature and the panel of experts, were categorized into six ranges of occupational therapy practice framework (bathing/washing/personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, eating/feeding, functional mobility, and others). Conclusion: The ADL in Iranian children is a practical and culturally relevant tool for measuring the occupational performance of Iranian children. It can be used in clinical and population-based research.

Abstract Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) refers to the incidence of two or more abortions before the first half of pregnancy. Oxidative stress has been hypothesized to play a central role in RPL. Objective: To investigate the relationship between Q192R and L55M polymorphisms of PON1 as antioxidant enzyme and the risk of RPL. Materials and Methods: In this case–control study, 110 women with RPL (case) and 110 healthy fertile women (control) referred to the Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shiraz, Iran were enrolled. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood in all participants. Polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: Statistical analysis of Q192R polymorphism showed a significant difference for the RR genotype between the case and control group (OR = 11, CI = 1.39–86.87, p = 0.005) but none for the QR and QQ genotypes. No significant association was observed between the R and Q allelic frequency in the RPL participants compared to the control group (p = 0.53). Also, statistical analysis of the L55M polymorphism for MM genotype in the case group compared with the control group showed a significant difference (OR = 3.59, CI = 0.97–13.30, p = 0.042), but none for the LM and LL genotypes. Conclusion: The findings showed a significant correlation between the Q192R polymorphisms and the L55M PON1 enzyme and RPL in this study population.

Background and Objective: Burn injuries impose heavy costs on the healthcare systems. Since the available treatments for burn injuries are costly and have several complications, the present study aimed to compare the effects of an Iranian traditional medicine product in the form of a herbal ointment with silver sulfadiazine ointment on second-degree burn wounds. Methods: In this single-blind randomized clinical trial, the patients were divided into two groups of herbal ointment (Rosa damascena, Solanum nigrum, and Malva sylvestris) and SSD ointment (control). They were evaluated in terms of improvement, wound closure, wound appearance, and intervention complications prior to the treatment, on the fourth day, and after 1-4 weeks. Results: Fifty three participants completed the trial (27 in herbal ointment and 26 in SSD group). The mean burn wound healing time was 11.58±5.36 and 16.80±5.60 days in the herbal and SSD groups, respectively, which showed a significant difference in this regard (p=0.001). Moreover, the wound closure percentage in the first two weeks was significantly higher in the herbal group compared to the SSD group (p

Background and Objective: Dry eye syndrome is a multifactorial ocular surface disease characterized by visual disturbance, irritation, discomfort, and injury. Due to the impact of dry eye on vision function, daily activities, and quality of life, patients with dry eye may experience some levels of depression and anxiety. Therefore, the present study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with dry eye syndrome. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 113 female patients with the symptoms of dry eye referring to the Ophthalmology Clinic of Farshchian hospital in Hamadan, Iran, within 2018 to 2019. The subjects were evaluated by an ophthalmologist for the symptoms and signs of dry eye using the Schirmerʼs test and tear breakup time. Then, the patients with dry eye syndrome were assessed in terms of depression and anxiety by the Beckʼs Depression Inventory. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16) at a 95% confidence interval. Results: In this study, the mean age of the patients was 42.90±13.50 years. The frequency rates of mild, moderate, and severe dry eye syndrome were reported as 8.8%, 64.6%, and 26.5%, respectively. The prevalence rates of depression and anxiety (i.e., mild, moderate, and severe) were 28.3% and 54.5%, respectively. There was a positive and significant correlation between the dry eye score with depression (r=0.210; P=0.026) and anxiety (r=0.324; P

This study was carried out to increase production efficiency of Persian sturgeon Acipenser persicus fingerlings. In this experiment, 600 pieces of Persian sturgeonfingerlings (10.76 ± 0.74 g in weight and 14.49 ± 0.7 cm in total length) in four treatments were introduced into twelve fiberglass tanks with 300-L water capacity for 60 days. The treatments were fed with diets containing 0, 150, 300 and 450 mg of four bacterial strains including Lactococcus lactis, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Weissella cibaria and Enterococcus faecalis powder per kg pelleted diets to make certain concentrations including 0 (T1), 1.5 × 109 (T2), 3 × 109 (T3) and 4.5 × 109 CFU/g (T4). The results showed that there was no significant difference in growth indices in different treatments (p>0.05). However, the maximum and minimum mean final weights were observed in T2 and T1, respectively. The minimum and maximum values of liver enzymatic indices, LDH, IgM, lysozyme activity and the number of colonial intestine bacterial flora were observed in T2 and T1, respectively, significantly different from the other treatments (p

Background and Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children and causes defects in social functions, behaviors, and limited and repetitive interests.One of the symptoms of ASD is a disturbance in sensory function, which can disturb the social participation of affected people. Therefore, the present study was done to determine the relationship between the sensory processing pattern and social participation in children with autism aged 6 to 12 years. Methods: This applied research was carried out in 2022 using a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical method. The research population included 6-12-year-old children with ASD in Tehran. A total of 54 children participated in this study, of whom 49 cases were included in the study after meeting the inclusion criteria. Data collection tools included the Gilliam autism rating scale-3, the children participation assessment scale-parent version (CPAS-P), and sensory profile-2. Finally, the data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics using SPSS software, version 26. Results: The overall score of autism in the studied children was 76.22±33.82. Among the variables of sensory processing, the highest mean score was related to low registration (51.17±18.55) and the lowest was related to sensation seeking (40.16±93.92). No significant relationship was observed between most variables of sensory processing patterns and social participation in CPAS-P. However, there was an inverse and significant statistical relationship between social participation and sensory-seeking pattern. Conclusion: The results showed that sensory seeking is related to social participation in children with autism. There is an inverse and significant statistical relationship between social participation and sensory search pattern and no relation with the others. Therefore, more severe sensory problems in these children are associated with more prominent social problems.

Background. Children with a specific learning disability (SLD) have deficits in everyday occupations along with executive function in addition to academic issues. Objective. The present study is aimed at investigating the effectiveness of Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) and the Four-Quadrant Model of Facilitated Learning (4QM) interventions on the participation in occupational performance and executive function skills in children with SLD. Method. This study was a single-case experimental design (multiple baselines) in which six children with SLD were randomly assigned to three groups. In the baseline phase, three groups of children underwent repeated executive function assessments using the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) in the multiple baselines. In the intervention phase, all six mothers of children with SLD individually received OPC and 4QM interventions once a week for 14 sessions of 60 minutes and during this period, children were evaluated six more times for executive function skills according to SCWT and WCST. In addition, The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) at the beginning and the end of the baseline phase and the end of the intervention phase were completed by mothers of children with SLD. Results. More than 50% PND of the SCWT and WCST in the visual analysis graph’s information along with significant changes in COPM scores and large effect size of BRIEF subscales (Cohen’s d≥0.8) in pre- and postintervention showed the effectiveness of OPC and 4QM on the participation in occupational performance and executive function skills in children with SLD. Conclusion. The results of the study support the effectiveness of OPC and 4QM interventions on children with SLD. However, research with more participants and experimental methods can provide further evidence.

Background and Objectives: The onset of rehabilitation interventions in children with autism spectrum disorder below 5 years old has been associated with the reduction of autism symptoms in all developmental domains. The present study aimed to illustrate the importance of early family-oriented interventions in the reduction of the problems and symptoms of children with autism spectrum disorder. Methodology: This study was a pretest-posttest clinical trial without a control group. Fifty patients were selected using a convenience sampling method, of which forty patients were male and 10 females with a mean age of 3.2 ± 1.4. The efficacy assessment was evaluated using the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) and the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) as pretest and posttest. Data were analyzed by independent T-test using SPSS software. Results: The difference between pretest and posttest was significant in all aspects of the ATEC test (communication, health, sensory and cognitive awareness, socialization) at the level of P < 0.001. Moreover, the difference between pretest and posttest was significant at P < 0.001 for the aspects of speech, social and communication, and general performance, and at P < 0.002 for the sensory processing. Conclusion: Timely interventions under 6 years old with an emphasis on family-oriented and growth aspects over one year can help autistic children in the aspects of speech, social and communication, sensory processing, and sensory and cognitive awareness.

Background and Objective: Cataract is one of the most common causes of blindness in the world, and posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is the most common complication after cataract surgery. Nd: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy is a standard method for the treatment of PCO. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Yas laser capsulotomy on anterior segment parameters and lenticular astigmatism. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, a total of 37 eyes from 30 patients with posterior capsular opacity after uneventful phacoemulsification were enrolled and underwent Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy. Full ocular examination, including intraocular pressure and refractive errors, was performed on the samples. The AC depth, volume, and angle were measured by Pentacam before capsulotomy and 3 months following that. Results: Mean visual acuity improved preoperatively (0.505±0.276) and 3 months after capsulotomy (0.646±0.268); )P

Background and Objective: This study aimed at comparing the results of refractive cataract surgery in patients undergoing sequential surgeries in both eyes. Considering the preoperative refraction and final refraction of the first eye, it is possible to correct the refrative result of cataract surgery using the adjustment of the second eye intraocular lens (IOL) power. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted based on a matched-pair clinical-trial design. Regarding the final result of the first eye refraction, the adjustment of the second eye IOL power was determined by 50% of uncorrected refractive error. Finally, the mean spherical equivalent (SE) of the first and second eyes were determined, and the differences were analyzed using a paired t-test at a significant level of 95%. Results: A total of 470 candidates who underwent bilateral sequential cataract surgery were investigated in this study. The refractive errors ranged from -8.25 to + 6.50 and from -6.75 to +7.25 for the first and second eyes, respectively. The mean values of SE for the first and second eyes were 2.55 and 2.48 preoperatively, and 1.13 and 0.47 postoperatively, respectively. Moreover, there was a significant difference between the two groups (P

BACKGROUND: Executive functions (EF) impairments are considered as central deficits in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CRT) on EFs of children with high-functioning ASD (HFA). METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design and control group. The study population included all children with HFA referred to the comprehensive Arman Shayan Rehabilitation Center in Tehran, Iran. Using the high-functioning Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) and clinical diagnostic interviews by two clinical psychologists, 24 children with HFA were selected purposefully and were randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. Subjects in both groups completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) in pretest and posttest. The experimental group received 1-2 sessions (1 hour) per week of CRT for 6 months. Data analysis was performed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in SPSS. RESULTS: Data analysis showed that the use of CRT resulted in a significant difference between groups in terms of the total EFs score, which was 88.5%, as well as the components of inhibition (57%), orientation (46%), emotional control (42%), initiate (43%), working memory (55%), planning (56%), organizing (36%),and monitoring (36%). CONCLUSION: CRT, as an evidence-based intervention, seems to be effective in improving neuropsychological functions in children with HFA.

Background and Objective: Pterygium is a fibrovascular and wedge-shaped lesion that extends from bulbar conjunctiva to the cornea. Pathogenesis of pterygium depends on several factors and sunlight exposure is an important risk factor for this syndrome. Surgery is regarded as the key to successful treatment of pterygium. With this background in mind, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for the treatment of pterygium. Moreover, this technique was compared clinically with conjunctival autograft transplantation (CAT). Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 70 patients either referred to the ophthalmologic clinic of Farshchian Hospital in Hamadan, Iran, or diagnosed by an ophthalmologist with primary or recurrent pterygium were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, (n=35). One group underwent pterygium surgery using AMT and the other one was subjected to CAT. Furthermore, the inflammation and recurrence rates after surgery were compared in both groups. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (Version16) through the Chi-square and the independent sample t-tests. Results: According to the results, the mean ages of patients in the AMT and CAT groups were 47.34±14.85 and 48.26±15.26 years, respectively (P=0.778). Moreover, inflammation was observed in 28.6% and 8.6% of patients in the AMT and CAT groups, respectively. The recurrence rates were 22.9% and 11.4% in the AMT group and CAT group, respectively (P=0.205) Conclusion: The AMT had a higher recurrence rate and postoperative inflammation, compared to the CAT. Although this difference was not statistically significant, the CAT is widely used as a treatment for patients with pterygium.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to establish the item analysis and internal consistency of the Persian version of the Child Sensory Profile 2 in 2 groups of typical and atypical children (autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities) aged 3 to 14 years. Method: The sample of this study included 120 typical and atypical children aged 3 to 14 years who referred to schools and rehabilitation centers in Tehran were selected using multistage sampling method. To collect data, the Child Sensory Profile 2 questionnaire was used, which is a set of questionnaires of the Sensory Profile 2. To analyze the data, the discrimination index was used to determine the discriminant validity of the Child Sensory Profile 2, and the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to determine the reliability in terms of internal consistency. Results: Discrimination index was satisfactory for all the items of the Child Sensory Profile 2. The values of Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.795-0.919 in typical children and 0.617-0.901 in autistic children, and 0.792-0.920 in children with learning disabilities. Conclusion: The Persian version of the child sensory profile 2 is a valid (discrimination with vulnerable populations) and reliable (internal consistency) tool for assessing sensory processing.

Background and Objective: Ocular biometry refers to the measurement of the axial length of the eye and thickness of the intraocular structures. This process is routinely performed for all patients before cataract surgery. The accuracy of the biometric data is directly associated with the refractive status after cataract surgery. Currently, two methods of biometry, namely ultrasound and optical biometry, are used to calculate the intraocular lens power. The purpose of this study was to compare the Lenstar and ultrasound biometry methods in determining the axis length and refractive error after cataract surgery. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 372 patients with cataract. The study population was randomly divided into two groups of Lenstar and ultrasound based on the biometry methods they received. A total of 17 patients were excluded from the study due to having mature and dense cataract. Therefore, the study was continued with 355 patients, 186 and 169 cases of whom were managed with ultrasound and Lenstar biometry methods, respectively. Postoperative refractive errors were evaluated in each patient 4-6 weeks after the surgery. The two groups were compared in terms of the mean absolute refractive error using paired sample t-test. Results: The mean absolute refractive errors before the surgery were obtained as 2.38±3.93 and 2.19±2.68 diopter in the ultrasound and Lenstar groups, respectively, which were not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.2). The mean axial lengths of the eye were 23.10±1.19 and 23.34±1.17 mm in the ultrasound and Lenstar groups, respectively. The two groups showed no significant difference in this regard (P=0.96). After the operation, the mean absolute refractive errors in the ultrasound and Lenstar groups were 0.56±0.45 and 0.51±0.38 diopter, respectively. This variable was not significantly different between the two groups after the surgery (P=0.11). Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed no significant difference between the ultrasound and Lenstar biometry methods in terms of determining the axis length and mean absolute refractive error after cataract surgery.

Objectives: Handwriting problems are among the most frequent reasons for case referrals to school-based occupational therapy centers. Persian Handwriting Assessment Tool (PHAT) is a valid tool available in Iran to evaluate handwriting components in school-aged children. However, its reliability has not been investigated yet. This study aimed to determine the reliability of the PHAT in Iranian primary school-aged children. Methods: The current methodological study was performed in Tehran city, Iran during 2015-2016. In total, 208 primary school-aged students participated in this study that aimed to investigate the internal consistency of the PHAT. Forty-eight students were also recruited to examine the intra- and inter-rater reliabilities of the PHAT. Selection of the schools and sampling were conducted using the random cluster sampling method. Results: Results suggested good to excellent internal consistency (α=0.84 to 0.99) for the measures of PHAT in dictation and copying domains. Intra-rater reliability of the PHAT ranged from 0.87 to 1.00. Furthermore, PHAT inter-rater reliability ranged from 0.7-1.00. Discussion: The PHAT is a reliable tool to evaluate handwriting components in primary school-aged children. It can also be useful for Iranian therapists to identify primary school students with handwriting problems.

Background and Objectives: Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive disorder in the growing brain that disrupts movement and ultimately limits the individual’s performance and participation in a variety of areas, such as everyday life, play, and school activities. Individualized occupational interventions help these children receive appropriate services and supports based on their needs, abilities, and disabilities. Current research aimed at investigating effect of individualized occupational therapy interventions on mobility in children with cerebral palsy in the schools. Methods: This is a Single-blind randomized clinical trial, in which 18 children with cerebral palsy at ages 6-12 were selected using convenience method, and were divided into control and intervention groups using block randomization method. During the research period, the control group like before the research received the conventional occupational therapy interventions for 5 weeks and 12 sessions. The intervention group received occupational interventions based on the individualized appropriate goals. Both groups were assessed by School Function Assessment (SFA). Results: The average age of participants was 10.17 years old. Of these children, 52% used wheelchair .Difference in changes of mobility variables was significant between control and intervention group (P

Background and Objectives: Performing recreational and leisure activities are an important part of children’s school function, including children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to examine the association between motor proficiency, performing recreational, and leisure activities in school for the children with autism spectrum disorder. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 52 students with autism spectrum disorder aged 7-12 years old were selected by available sampling method and the students with co morbidity were excluded from the study. Data were collected using a school function assessment (SFA) and the Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency- Second Edition (BOTMP-2). Results: The results of Pearson correlation coefficient showed that there was a significant positive linear relationship with moderate strength between performing recreational and leisure activities and components of motor proficiency, including gross motor skills (P = 0.001, r = 0.41), upper limb coordination (P=0.000, r=0.44), and fine motor skills (P = 0.00, r = 0.58). Also, the results of multiple linear regression model indicated that only the fine motor skills as one of the components of motor proficiency had the ability to predict performing recreational and leisure activities(β = 0.5, P = 0.002). Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that there was a relationship between performing recreational, leisure activities, and motor proficiency and the highest correlation was observed with fine motor skills, upper limb coordination, and gross motor skills, respectively. Also, fine motor skills had a moderate predictive ability. Thus, in order to improve student’s function in their school, perceptual motor interventions would be an important part of their treatment program.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 virus is on the rise globally, and people with the disease experience a variety of physical and mental problems. According to studies, depression can be a complication of the virus. So far, limited measures have been taken to prevent and treat emotional–psychological complications of COVID-19. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on depressive symptoms in recovered patients with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in a quasi-experimental design. A sample of 150 recovered patients with COVID-19 who referred to Imam Reza Hospital in Tabriz city, were selected by random sampling method. The patients' emotional–psychological status was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory, and they entered the treatment process according to the inclusion criteria. As a therapeutic intervention, a scientific and valid approach called CBT was implemented, which two occupational therapists performed in eight treatment sessions in the context of a social communication application. Paired sample t-test was used to analyze the time sequence of quantitative data due to its normality. RESULTS: After the last session of the intervention, the effect of this therapeutic approach on reducing the depressive symptoms of patients was evaluated. According to the findings, the Beck score of the participants decreased significantly after the intervention (MD = −45/9, P < 0/001). CONCLUSION: Therefore, in order to promote the recovery of patients with COVID-19 and help health authorities to develop preventive measures and effective treatment of emotional–psychological problems caused by this virus, it is recommended to use the online CBT approach.

Background: Participation in daily life activities is an essential aspect of health, which can facilitate a child’s development. Children with cancer are at risk of functional limitations and participation restrictions. The present study aims to investigate participation of children with cancer in daily life activities compared to healthy peers. Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional study. In the first phase, we assessed the test-retest reliability of the Iranian Children Participation Assessment Scale in 30 children (6-12 years of age) diagnosed with cancer and their parents (child and parent versions). The second phase of the study included a comparison of daily life activities as measured by the Iranian Children Participation Assessment Scale between the children with cancer (diagnosed at least 4 months prior and currently receiving active treatment) and their age- and gender-matched healthy peers. Results: The child version had excellent reliability according to Cronbach’s alpha in diversity of activities (0.97), intensity of participation (0.95), with whom they participated (0.95), and enjoyment of daily activities (0.94). The parent version had excellent reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) as follows: 0.99 for diversity, 0.97 for intensity, 0.97 for with whom, 0.98 for enjoyment, and 0.98 for parents’ satisfaction. The coefficients of agreement were 0.77 (total scores of diversity), 0.63 (intensity), 0.60 (with whom), and 0.91 (enjoyment). The child version indicated that children with cancer had significantly lower scores in daily life activities items of diversity (P=0.000), intensity (P=0.000), with whom (P=0.000), and enjoyment (P=0.000) compared to healthy children. Based on the total scores in the parent version, children with cancer showed significantly lower scores in diversity (P=0.001), intensity (P=0.000), with whom (P=0.001), enjoyment (P=0.002), and satisfaction (P=0.000) compared to the healthy group. Conclusion: The findings of the present study show that cancer diagnosis and treatment can restrict children’s participation in daily life activities. Early planning and intervention to facilitate participation in these activities can minimize negative consequences and may mitigate or prevent adverse long-term functional effects of childhood cancer.

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between spiritual intelligence and mental health among librarians working in academic libraries. This study is a descriptive-correlational study. The study population consisted of 210 librarians working in the libraries of all public universities in Tehran. The required data is obtained through the librarian’s responses to the questionnaires of spiritual intelligence and public health. Findings show that there is a statistically significant relationship between spiritual intelligence and mental health. The coefficient of determination between the two variables showed that 51 percent of mental health changes can be predicted with the help of spiritual intelligence. Besides, little difference was found neither between the spiritual intelligence of men and women working in the libraries nor in marital status. The mean score of mental health according to the librarians’ gender shows that, descriptively, the mean of male librarians’ mental health score (66) has been higher than the mean female librarians’ mental health score (65), but this is not as significant as to be able to confirm it statistically. In today's world, to continue their human lives, people need a factor to maintain their spirituality, which is called spiritual intelligence. Introduction of spiritual intelligence as a structure could provide new capacity in the psychology of religion and keeping this human greatness in contrast to today's materialism is crucial.

Introduction With the expansion of the Internet, new forms of interaction and communication among individuals have been provided. Internet network allows the users to communicate with each other with no restrictions at different times and places and exchange information at various levels and with a wide of variety of potential people for marriage within the shortest time possible and experience multilateral social environments. The Internet led to the formation of a new kind of matchmaking, expression of love and attempt to find the right person for marriage. People establish a close relationship with others through the Internet, and sometimes may propose someone or receive such proposals. For this reason, the norms, patterns and traditional values that govern acquaintance and the attempt to find the right person to marry, have been seriously challenged. People are no longer limited by having to refer to neighbors, local people, relatives or acquaintances for marriage. The present study examined young people’s attitudes to marriage through cyberspace as well as some social factors which might have affected their attitudes in Sari City, Mazandaran, Iran. In other words, the main questions of this research are “What is the attitude of young people towards finding the right person to marry through cyberspace?” and “What social factors influence young people's attitudes?”. Materials and Methods This study was based on the survey method and the data was collected through questionnaires developed by the researchers. The sample of this research (400 single people including 200 males and 200 females out of a total of 49988) was drawn from young people aged 18- 29. The sampling method was based on multi-stage cluster sampling. The independent variable of the study was the youths' attitudes towards marriage through cyberspace and the depended variables included religiosity, relationships with friends and peers, dependence on family, socio-economic status, and the amount of the Internet use. Attitude to marriage through cyberspace as the dependent variable was measured by cognitive, emotional and tendency-to-act dimensions. Other dimensions were used to measure the independent variables. Religiosity was operationalized and measured through ritual, experiential, consequential, and faith dimensions. Relationships with friends and peers was measured by 8 items such as the amount of time spent with friends, and friends’ role in decision making. Dependence on family was defined as moral commitment towards family members and included 10 items. Amount of the Internet use was measured based on the average number of hours per week spent at home, in an Internet café, work place, etc. The reliability of the different sections of the questionnaire dealing with different variables were calculated separately using Cronbach's alpha. Discussion of Results & Conclusions The findings showed that 54.5 percent of respondents had negative attitudes, 15 percent positive attitudes, and 30.5 percent neutral attitudes towards marriage through cyberspace. The independent variables of the study including religiosity, relationships with friends and peers, dependence on family, socio-economic status, and the amount of the Internet use explained 61% (adjusted R Square) of the variance of the dependent variable (young peoples' attitudes towards marriage through cyberspace). The unexplained residual variance was related to others factors which were not investigated in this study. The results indicated that the variable of “religiosity” was the most important predictor (β=-0/43), and “dependence on family” (β=-0/20) and “socio-economic status” (β=-0/16) were respectively less important predictors of negative attitudes towards marriage through cyberspace. However, predictors of positive attitudes included “relationship with friends and peers” (β= 0/26), “the amount of internet use” (β= 0/23), and “age” (β=0/08) respectively. According to the findings, the number of girls who had negative attitudes towards marriage through cyberspace was more than the boys and socialization did not function equally for them. Also girls’ dependence on family was more than that of the boys. As girls are considered more vulnerable than boys in the Iranian society due to such acquaintance and socialization before marriage, there is more control over the girls by the families in order to avoid the problems caused the cyberspace. The results suggested that changes in attitudes and values with respect to marriage through cyberspace is one of the indicators of extensive social changes which are taking place and being reproduced in our transient society.

Thymolipoma is a benign and rare tumor that could be found at any age. Thymolipoma associated with the myasthenia gravis, Graves disease, aplastic anemia, and hypogammaglobulinemia was reported previously, but in this case, thymolipoma is associated with lymphocytosis. A 6-year-old girl was brought to the hospital because of a chronic cough. Her evaluation revealed a 130 × 160× 160 mm fat-containing soft tissue mass arising from anterior mediastinum with complete left lung collapse and contralateral mediastinal shift. Her past medical history showed that she had been evaluated and treated unsuccessfully due to severe lymphocytosis two years earlier. Her peripheral blood and bone marrow cell morphology were normal; in contrast, blood cell count and CD flow cytometry showed severe lymphocytosis. The patient's tumor was excised entirely without any complications, and lymphocytosis resolved during the follow-up period. Because the T lymphocytes are developed in the thymus, and more than 80% of cells in CD flow cytometry were T lymphocytes, and the lymphocytosis resolved with tumor removal; therefore, the authors suggested that Thymolipoma could be associated with lymphocytosis.

Objective Executive functions are referred to higher and self-tuning cognitive processes that help managing behaviors and thought controls. Executive functions in children are assessed in different ways. The most prestigious and valuable way is using daily functions reports on a child's natural environment. This study aimed to prepare the Persian version of behavior rating inventory of executive function-preschool (BRIFF-P) and study of its face and content validity among Iranian children. The questionnaire completed by parents of 2-5 years old children. Materials & Methods This study has methodological and psychometric design. We studied the Persian version of tests using standard protocols IQOLA and determined its validity. This protocol includes translation, evaluation of translation quality, backward translation, and comparing the English version with its Persian one. Face validity was determined by 20 samples (parent) and the impact score was measured. Content validity index (CVI) and ratio of the content validity (CVR) was determined by asking the opinions of 15 experts. Moreover, the simplicity, relevance, and transparency of each item was evaluated. Results Based on the simplicity and clarity of questionnaire items, over 80% agreement of the sample group indicated the simplicity and clarity of the items. also the difficult and complex items were discussed among experts in several sessions and as a result the simpler and clearer concepts took the place of difficult and ambiguous items. Then, the score of proportion index effect and relation of items for each of 63 items of questionnaire was calculated. the results showed that all items of questionnaire were simple and clear, also all items except 7 achieved impact score of higher than 1.5. To evaluate the content validity of the questionnaire, we used ratio of content validity and index calculation. Content validity showed that almost all items of the questionnaire achieved CVI score of higher than 0.79 (The lowest score was 0.8 and highest one was 1); however, as regards the index of relatedness, 3 items got scores lower than 0.79 The scores of the content validity ratio were more than 0.49, except the fifth item. Conclusion The Persian version of this questionnaire possesses a good match in terms of cultural and face validity. The results of content validity confirms that the Persian version is clear, simple, and understandable for the target society. However, 7 items of the questionnaire got scores lower than 1.5. of course, as in this study, the parents of normal children were investigated, the importance of these items in evaluation of abnormal children must be considered, because in many abnormal growth development of children (like attention deficit/hyperactivity, autism) such behaviors are clearly considered problematic. Therefore, the importance of these items are seen in final questionnaire and in spite of low score of 1.5 of some items, in the sample group (normal children), these items were kept and inserted in the final questionnaire. The results of content validity were also indicative of different cultural assumptions from some items of this questionnaire. We suggest that in future studies, the content validity of the Persian version was estimted with regard to opinions of parents of abnormal children with growth development problems and then the results were compared. We also suggest examining the other kinds of reliability and validity of this test.

Green chemistry - also called sustainable chemistry - as the cost-effective and environmentally friendly techniques have been gaining more attention recent years. Here, we introduced a fast, non-toxic and sustainable method to synthesize Ag nanoparticles. Various parameters are involved in the bio-synthesis of Ag nanoparticles/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Ag/MWf-CNT) composites, including silver nitrate concentration, initial pH, temperature, CNT concentration, agitation time, biomass and stirring rate. The Plackett–Burman Design (PBD) approach indicated that the initial pH, the carbon nanotube concentration and the weight of biomass are the major effects of the Ag/MWf-CNT biosynthesis. A quadratic polynomial model was developed using Central Composite Design (CCD) to statistically evaluate the effect of the initial pH (3.5-7), the carbon nanotubes concentration (0.2-1 g/L) and the weight of wet biomass (6-16 g) on the response- reduction percentage of Ag ions. The significant factors and their interactions in the biosynthesis process were examined by means of analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the wet biomass weight has the most significant effect on the response compared to the other variables. Additionally, the model predicted that up to 89% of Ag+ reduction to Ag nanoparticles were obtained at the optimum range conditions– weight of biomass 13 g, the initial pH range 5.5-6.2 and concentration of carbon nanotubes 0.6 g/L.

Background and Objectives: Generally, spinal cord injuries can lead to functional limitations and restrict participation in different areas of occupations. One of the areas of occupations that are less considered is rest and sleep. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between physiological, emotional status and daily activities, and sleep quality in patients with spinal cord injury. Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional analytical study that was conducted in 2019-2020. The statistical population of this study was patients with spinal cord injury referring to the occupational therapy clinics in Tehran and Karaj as well as hospitalized patients and daily patients referring to the Kahrizak care unit in Alborz province. The sample size was considered 100 spinal cord injury patients who were randomly selected. Data were collected using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire, STOP-BANG Respiratory Apnea Probability Questionnaire, Beck Anxiety and Depression Questionnaire, Pain Scale, and Barthel Questionnaire. Results: The results showed that there was a significant relationship between the risk factors of respiratory apnea, anxiety, depression, pain, the time elapsed after the accident and functional mobility, and sleep quality (P≤0.05). Conclusion: Sleep quality in patients with spinal cord injury is low and is significantly associated with factors, such as the likelihood of respiratory apnea, pain, mood factors anxiety and depression, muscle tone, functional mobility, and independence in daily activities

Background: Dual-cured composite resins are similar to self-cured composite resins in some of their clinical applications due to inadequate irradiation, lack of irradiation, or delayed irradiation. Therefore, incompatibility with self-etch adhesives (SEAs) should be taken into account with their use. On the other, the extent of dentin dehydration has a great role in the quality of adhesion of these resin materials to dentin. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dentin dehydration and composite resin polymerization mode on bond strength of two SEAs. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 dentinal specimens were prepared from extracted intact third molars. Half of the samples were dehydrated in ethanol with increasing concentrations. Then Clearfil SE Bond (CSEB) and Prompt L-Pop (PLP) adhesives were applied in the two groups. Cylindrical composite resin specimens were cured using three polymerization modes: (1) Immediate light-curing, (2) delayed light-curing after 20 min, and (3) self-curing. Bond strength was measured using universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Duncan post hoc tests. Statistical significance was defined at P < 0.05. Results: There were no significant differences for CSEB subgroups with hydrated and dehydrated dentin samples between the three different curing modes (P > 0.05). PLP showed significant differences between subgroups with the lowest bond strength in hydrated dentin with delayed light-curing and self-cured mode of polymerization. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, a delay in composite resin light-curing or using chemically cured composite resin had a deleterious effect on dentin bond strength of single-step SEAs used in the study.

Introduction: Semantic system plays a key role in all areas of language including understanding and expression of language. Based on a traditional view, the left hemisphere is dominant for processing of various linguistic information, including semantic information. It is believed that lesions in the left hemisphere impair the semantic component of language. In this study, we aim to study different types of semantic impairment in patients with aphasia; so that with early diagnosis of these sematic impairment we can identify patients who need treatment. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive-analytic study. A total of 39 subjects, comprising 13 patients with left cerebral ischemic stroke in the temporoparietal region and 26 healthy subjects, were evaluated using pyramids and palm trees test, concrete and abstract word synonym test, and Bilingual Aphasia Test (BAT). Results: In concrete and abstract word synonym test, patients with left hemisphere damage had lower performance than the normal group. Only in the verbal version of the pyramids and palm trees test, patients with left hemisphere damage obtained significantly lower scores than the normal participants. In the BAT test, patients with left hemisphere had a heterogeneous performance. Conclusion: Based on these findings, although a large part of semantic processing is performed by the dominant hemisphere of the brain, the right hemisphere has a complementary role in semantic processing.

The impact of natural killer (NK) cell alloreactivity on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) outcome is still debated due to the complexity of graft parameters, HLA class I environment, the nature of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)/KIR ligand genetic combinations studied, and KIR+ NK cell repertoire size. KIR genes are known to be polymorphic in terms of gene content, copy number variation, and number of alleles. These allelic polymorphisms may impact both the phenotype and function of KIR+ NK cells. We, therefore, speculate that polymorphisms may alter donor KIR+ NK cell phenotype/function thus modulating post-HSCT KIR+ NK cell alloreactivity. To investigate KIR allele polymorphisms of all KIR genes, we developed a next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology on a MiSeq platform. To ensure the reliability and specificity of our method, genomic DNA from well-characterized cell lines were used; high-resolution KIR typing results obtained were then compared to those previously reported. Two different bioinformatic pipelines were used allowing the attribution of sequencing reads to specific KIR genes and the assignment of KIR alleles for each KIR gene. Our results demonstrated successful long-range KIR gene amplifications of all reference samples using intergenic KIR primers. The alignment of reads to the human genome reference (hg19) using BiRD pipeline or visualization of data using Profiler software demonstrated that all KIR genes were completely sequenced with a sufficient read depth (mean 317× for all loci) and a high percentage of mapping (mean 93% for all loci). Comparison of high-resolution KIR typing obtained to those published data using exome capture resulted in a reported concordance rate of 95% for centromeric and telomeric KIR genes. Overall, our results suggest that NGS can be used to investigate the broad KIR allelic polymorphism. Hence, these data improve our knowledge, not only on KIR+ NK cell alloreactivity in HSCT but also on the role of KIR+ NK cell populations in control of viral infections and diseases.

The extraction of rhenium from molybdenite roasting dust leach solution was performed using a mixer-settler extractor by tributyl phosphate (TBP) diluted in kerosene as the extractant. In the single-stage extraction experiments, effect of the aqueous to organic phase ratios, Qa/Qo, and the number of extraction stages, N, on the rhenium extraction was studied. It was found that using the phase ratio of 1:1 in a two-stage extraction, 87.5% depletion of rhenium was obtained. The comparison of experimental results with the continuous co-current extraction showed a good agreement. The effect of internal recycle of organic phase was investigated in the phase ratio of 1:1 by changing the flow rate ratio of recycle-to-fresh organic phase, Qro/Qfo. The optimum performance was achieved in the phase ratio, Qro/Qfo, equal to 3:7. It was found that improvement in the performance of the mixer-settler for the rhenium-TBP system can be obtained in the phase ratio of 1:1when Qro/Qfo = 3:7.

Polarization sensitive second harmonic generation (pSHG) microscopy is an imaging technique able to provide, in a non-invasive manner, information related to the molecular structure of second harmonic generation (SHG) active structures, many of which are commonly found in biological tissue. The process of acquiring this information by means of pSHG microscopy requires a scan of the sample using different polarizations of the excitation beam. This process can take considerable time in comparison with the dynamics of in vivo processes. Fortunately, single scan polarization sensitive second harmonic generation (SS-pSHG) microscopy has also been reported, and is able to generate the same information at a faster speed compared to pSHG. In this paper, the orientation of second harmonic active supramolecular assemblies in starch granules is obtained on by means of pSHG and SS-pSHG. These results are compared in the forward and backward directions, showing a good agreement in both techniques. This paper shows for the first time, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, data acquired using both techniques over the exact same sample and image plane, so that they can be compared pixel-to-pixel.

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was comparing visuo-spatial attention between children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-Inattentive (ADHD-I) type and normal children. Methods: In this cross-sectional study fifteen (7-10 years of age) children were classified with ADHD-I type and 15 normal children were matched for age, sex, and IQ. They were selected trough simple random sampling. Measurement tools were Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children 4th edition (WISC-IV), the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory and the Star Cancellation Test. Results: The results suggest that there is no significant difference between ADHD-I and normal children from the visuo-spatial standpoint (P>0.05). But three ADHD-I children exhibited signs of unilateral neglect. Discussion: Although, in this study the visuo-spatial attention was not different between ADHD-I group and normal group, considering this form of attention as an item in assessment and therapeutic interventions should not be neglected.