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Abstract Introduction. Upper cross syndrome is one of the most common disorders of the upper part of body, often associated with abnormalities of forward head, forward shoulders, elevated and protracted of scapula, and increased thoracic kyphosis. Conducting research on upper cross syndrome, especially in girls, is of highly significant, considering this issue and lack of examination of complications and consequences of this syndrome; therefore, this study aims to compare the balance and proprioception of the shoulder joint in girls with and without upper cross syndrome. Method The statistical population included two groups of 10-12-year-old female students, i.e., healthy and those with upper cross syndrome in the city of Khalkhal in Iran in 2022–2023. A total of 60 girl children were included in this study. The subjects were screened using a checker board and after quantitative evaluations of posture, they were assigned into two groups: healthy group (No. 30) and the one suffering from upper cross syndrome (No. 30). Forward head and forward shoulder angle were assessed using photography and kinovea software, kyphosis angle using Goniometer-pro app, static and dynamic balance using BESS and Y tests, also proprioception at angles of 45- and 80-degrees external rotation of the shoulder joint through photography and kinovea software. Data were analyzed through independent t-test in SPSS software version 26 at the significance level of 0.05. Results Healthy girls were in a better position in all variables of static balance (1.14 95% CI: [0.96, 1.70], p = 0.001), dynamic balance (0.81, 95% CI: [0.73,1.24], p = 0.001), proprioception of external rotation of shoulder joint at 45- (0.78, 95% CI: [0.64, 1.14], p = 0.001) and 80-degrees (0.89, 95% CI: [0.59, 1.34], p = 0.001) angles than those with upper cross syndrome. Conclusion It can be concluded that upper cross syndrome causes a decrease in balance and proprioception of the shoulder joint in female students; therefore, along with correcting the abnormalities, special attention should be paid to strengthening and improving these components. It is recommended for rehabilitation professionals to apply exercise training programs to improve the balance and proprioception and correct of the upper cross syndrome: that the strengthening of these components prevents musculoskeletal disorders. Implications for clinical practice • It is recommended for rehabilitation professionals to apply exercise training programs to improve the balance and proprioception of individual with upper cross syndrome. • It is recommended for rehabilitation professionals to apply exercise training programs to correct of the upper cross syndrome in order to prevents musculoskeletal disorders.

The pattern recognition receptor (PRR), which drives innate immunity, shields the host against invasive pathogens. Fish and other aquatic species with poorly developed adaptive immunity mostly rely on their innate immunity, regulated by PRRs such as inherited-encoded toll-like receptors (TLRs). The discovery of 21 unique TLR variations in various aquatic animals over the past several years has sparked interest in using TLRs to improve aquatic animal’s immune response and disease resistance. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the latest investigations on the various characteristics of TLRs in aquatic animals. It emphasizes their categorization, insights into 3D architecture, ligand recognition, signaling pathways, TLRs mediated immune responses under biotic and abiotic stressors, and expression variations during several developmental stages. It also highlights the differences among aquatic animals’ TLRs and their mammal counterparts, which signifies the unique roles that TLRs play in aquatic animal’s immune systems. This article summarizes current aquaculture research to enhance our understanding of fish immune systems for effective aquaculture -related disease management.

Background: The World Health Organization has introduced two sets of child growth standards for growth assessment. These reference values may not be suitable for use in other populations. Therefore, this study aimed to determine specific Z scores in the population covered by Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on data obtained from the evaluation of height, weight, and head circumference of children aged from 0 to 18 months visiting the healthcare centers of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences from March 2018 to March 2021. A total data of 128,472 children were extracted from the Electronic Health Records (SinaEHR®) and included in the study. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using Minitab and SPSS software (version 16). Results: The L, M, and S parameters were used to calculate Z scores for weight, height, and head circumference. These Z scores were then compared to standard deviation values ​for each age from our study and international standards to determine any differences. Our study found that mean weight scores were 0.16 kg higher than the CDC standard and 0.34 kg higher than the WHO growth standard. Conclusion: The provision of this exclusive reference to children's growth indicators not only allows for a more accurate evaluation but also provides the possibility of comparison with other populations using their specific growth charts. It seems that one of the best plans is to compare growth charts with international populations and national growth charts, which due to the electronization of the entire processes of the health system, is more possible than ever.

Background: Previous research has highlighted the potential role of inferential confusion in the development and maintenance of obsessive- compulsive disorder symptoms. In some of these studies, the factors predicting obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, including fear of self and obsessive beliefs, have been identified, but the mediating mechanisms of this relationship have not been identified yet. Aims: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the mediating role of fear of self and obsessive beliefs in the relationship between inferential confusion and obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms. Methods: The research method was correlational and structural equation medeling. The statistical population of the study included all social network users in mashhad in year 2022, from which 300 subjects participated were selected by available sampling method. To collect research data, measures of Obsessive-Compulsive Insentory-Revised (Foa et al., 2002), Feared Self Questionnaire (Aardema et al., 2013), Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire (OCCWG, 1997), and Inferential Confusion Questionnaire (Aardema et al., 2010) were used. Data analysis done through structural equation modeling using path analysis method by SPSS26 and AMOS22 softwares. Results: The results showed that inferential confusion (β=0.19), fear of self (β=0.23) and obsessive beliefs (β=0.55) had a positive and significant effect on obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms (P

Introduction: Upper crossed syndrome causes movement limitation and weakness in people's movement functions. This study aimed to compare physical literacy and upper extremity movement functions in girls with and without the upper crossed syndrome.Methods: The method of this research was descriptive and causal-comparative using field data collection. The statistical population of the research included two groups of healthy 10- to 12-year-old female students and also students with the upper crossed syndrome in Khalkhal City in the academic year of 2022-2023. Using G-power software, the statistical sample size was determined to be 60 people. These people were screened using a checkerboard and after quantitative height assessment, they were assigned to two Healthy (30 people) and the Upper Cross Syndrome (30 people) groups. Forward head angle and forward shoulder angle were measured using photography, kyphosis angle was measured using the Goniometer-pro app. The Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy – version 2 (CAPL-2) questionnaire was used for the evaluation of physical literacy and Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (UQYBT) was used to assess upper limb function. The Data were analyzed using an independent t-test in SPSS-26 software at the significant level of 0.05.Results The results showed that healthy girls were significantly in a better condition in all variables of physical literacy and upper limb function than girls with the upper crossed syndrome.Conclusion: According to the results of this research, it is suggested that coaches and sports and health professionals use the results of this study to develop the physical literacy and functions of students with the upper crossed syndrome.

Background and Aim: Zinc oxide nanoparticles are one of the nanoscale materials that by inducing the production of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage and apoptosis may have cytotoxic effects on the reproductive system and endanger male fertility. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant effect of N-acetylcysteine on sperm and biochemical parameters in mice treated with zinc oxide nanoparticles. Materials and Methods: 24 adult male NMRI mice with average weight (35.45 ± 2.11 g) were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6) of control, zinc oxide nanoparticles (50 mg/kg), N-acetylcysteine (150 mg/kg) and N-acetylcysteine + zinc oxide nanoparticles and treated intraperitoneally for 28 days. Then the mice were anesthetized and their left epididymis was used to evaluate sperm parameters (number, motility and viability). In addition, serum levels of testosterone, LH and FSH, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity were measured. Using SPSS software, data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test. Differences among mean values were considered significant at p

Background: Food security is one of the basic needs of humans and is regarded as a priority in the development goals of all countries. This study aimed at an epidemiological assessment of food security in healthcare centers affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS). Methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, information on food security, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, education, smoking, hypertension, domestic violence, psychological status, and demographic characteristics were extracted using SINA health records. A total of 60625 mothers referring to MUMS healthcare centers were studied from May 2017 to June 2019. Food security was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Multinominal logistic regression was run to assess the relationship between study variables and food security adjusted for important potential confounders. Results: The mean age of participants was 42.01±14.3 years. Also, 64.7% (N=39209) of the participants had food security; 25.3% (N=15321) suffered from mild food insecurity; 6.7% (N=4044) suffered from moderate, and 3.4% (N=2051) suffered from severe food insecurity. Physical activity, BMI, education, nationality, smoking, and psychological distress were significantly associated with odds of severe food insecurity in comparison to normal food security (P

Abstract Background Violence against women is one of the most widespread, persistent and detrimental violations of human rights in today’s world, which has not been reported in most cases due to impunity, silence, stigma and shame, even in the age of social communication. Domestic violence against women harms individuals, families, and society. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and experiences of domestic violence against women in Semnan. Methods This study was conducted as mixed research (cross-sectional descriptive and phenomenological qualitative methods) to investigate domestic violence against women, and some related factors (quantitative) and experiences of such violence (qualitative) simultaneously in Semnan. In quantitative study, cluster sampling was conducted based on the areas covered by health centers from married women living in Semnan since March 2021 to March 2022 using Domestic Violence Questionnaire. Then, the obtained data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. In qualitative study by phenomenological approach and purposive sampling until data saturation, 9 women were selected who had referred to the counseling units of Semnan health centers due to domestic violence, since March 2021 to March 2022 and in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The conducted interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi’s 7-step method. Results In qualitative study, seven themes were found including “Facilitators”, “Role failure”, “Repressors”, “Efforts to preserve the family”, “Inappropriate solving of family conflicts”, “Consequences”, and “Inefficient supportive systems”. In quantitative study, the variables of age, age difference and number of years of marriage had a positive and significant relationship, and the variable of the number of children had a negative and significant relationship with the total score and all fields of the questionnaire (p

Background and Objectives: Tooth decay is the most common chronic oral disease that can be caused by the long-term use of oral liquid medications. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the carcinogenic potential of three common supplements syrups on deciduous teeth in pediatric dentistry. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 18 extracted healthy deciduous teeth were randomly divided into three groups including the first group of Osteocare, the second group of Feroglobin, and the third group of Kindermulti. The amount of micro-hardness of the teeth was measured using the Vickers hardness testing machine on the first day and after 28 days. The pH of the supplements was measured by a digital pH meter. Comparison of groups was performed by one-way analysis of variance and paired t-test using. Results: The test results showed that after 28 days of immersion, the mean micro-hardness in the groups of Feroglobin, Osteocare, and Kindermulti was not statistically significant. The mean micro-hardness of the Osteocare group was different on the first day and day 28 and the amount of micro-hardness in this group was decreased during 28 days. Conclusions: According to the results, Osteocare had the most cariogenic potential. Feroglobin and Kindermulti have a slight cariogenicity that can be ignored. The type of sugar and the number of times the supplement is used have a greater effect on caries than the minerals in the supplement.

Artist’s novel is one of the major and nearly independent subtypes of the bildungsroman novel and a product of the genre’s development and modifications. The present research aims to introduce the novel’s features by focusing on the structural elements of an English novel, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce and You’re No Stranger Here by Houshang Moradi Kermani, and using a descriptive-analytical approach. In this type of novel, the stages of the artist’s personality development, his mental concerns, and viewpoints regarding art are explained thoroughly. Also, in this novel, art tools and the titles of some prominent works of art are mentioned. The artist uses his art to serve the community and eventually, his special way of thinking (against his family’s ideals) forces him to immigrate. In the final part of the novel, we occasionally see an artist writing his own life story. Although according to these features, you’re No Stranger Here is the best match for the English novel, apparently, these features can also be observed in most of the selected examples of this subgenre. However, the description of the artist’s personality development, his mental and social concerns, and his loyalty to art originality and importance are among the prominent features of this type of novel.

Background: Research activities promote the appreciation for evidence-based medicine (EBM), quality patient care and clinical competence of resident physicians. We decided to investigate the research background of Iranian neurological surgery residents and their attitude toward research through a survey. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on Iranian neurological surgery resident physicians between February and April 2020. We provided an online survey, including 13 questions, using Google form and then sent the link to survey via WhatsApp application. Following the first post, two more reminders were sent to the groups after 2 and 4 weeks. Results: Responses were received from 89 respondents from which about 88% used to spend two hours or less per week for research. Almost equal numbers of resident physicians chose academic position (n=43) or private practice (n=39) as their future job. Only seven respondents stated immigration for assumed future job position. Clinical research (47%) was the most frequent type of research done by participants and clinical research education (43.2%) during medical school was the most common way of obtaining research experience. Agreement with doing research during residency program (45.6%) was more than disagreement (22.4%) and neutral attitude (32%). Conclusion: There is a low tendency among Iranian neurological surgery residents for conducting research projects during their programs. Lack of a proper research curriculum, heavy clinical duties and consequent shortage of time as well as insufficient encouraging points, are the main reasons. Designing a research plan for residency programs may successfully increase the research involvement rate.

This research aims to identify the factors that affect the export of steel products and then prioritize them using the Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) method. This industry has a crucial role in various countries and the company involved in the case study is one of the three largest steel exporters in Iran. In our study, 56 effective factors have been extracted and classified after a review of the literature in the area of export and marketing, especially the export and marketing of steel products. For identifying the factors affecting the steel products export, the Delphi method was used. This method identified 26 effective factors. In the third part of the study, these effective factors were prioritized using Shannon’s entropy and the WASPAS method in combination. As a result, we have recognized three factors that are the most important to affect the export of steel products: problems and questions of export, transport aspects, and skills/knowledge.

Background and Objectives: Cancer incidence and recurrence, antibiotic resistance, and overuse of antibiotics have become a global concern. The purpose of this study was to identify and isolate bacteria from the skin of the Rana ridibunda, Iranian swamp frog, which has produced antimicrobial compounds, and investigate its cytotoxic activity on the breast (MCF7) and glioblastoma (U87) cancer cell line. Materials and Methods: An antibiotic-producing bacterium was isolated from the frog skin. The bacterium was identified based on 16S rDNA sequencing and biochemical and morphological characteristics. Antimicrobial activity of the culture supernatant was examined by disc diffusion and MIC methods. Cytoplasmic and cell wall extracts of bacteria were prepared by sonication. SDS-PAGE was then used to examine protein contents of them. The cancer cell lines were treated with cytoplasmic and cell wall extracts at different concentrations. The effects of cytotoxicity were assessed by MTT assay at 24 and 48 h intervals. Finally, the results were analyzed by SPSS. Results: The isolated bacterium was identified as a new strain of Bacillus atrophaeus. MIC and disc diffusion methods showed that the Bacillus atrophaeus antimicrobial activity was broad spectrum. MTT assay showed IC50 values 30 μg/ml and 20 μg/ml for U87 and MCF7 cells after 24-48 h exposure, respectively. Conclusion: The cytoplasmic extracts of Bacillus atrophaeus has anticancer potential and can be used as an alternative or complementary candidate in the treatment of cancer. Further in vivo and in vitro mechanistic studies are suggested to confirm the biological activities.

Let X be an arbitrary topological space. F(X) denotes the set of all real-valued functions on X and C(X)F denotes the set of all f ∈ F(X) such that f is discontinuous at most on a finite set. It is proved that if r is a positive real number, then for any f ∈ C(X)F which is not a unit of C(X)F there exists g ∈ C(X)F such that g ≠ 1 and f = gr f. We show that every member of C(X)F is continuous on a dense open subset of X if and only if every non-isolated point of X is nowhere dense. It is shown that C(X)F is an Artinian ring if and only if the space X is finite. We also provide examples to illustrate the results presented herein.

Background and Objective: Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases and also the biggest health problem in all countries. The world health organization has called it a silent epidemic. Self-care is one of the most important factors in controlling blood sugar in diabetics’ patients. This study was done to determine the relationship between self-care and glycosylated hemoglobin level diabetic patients in rural area in Golestan Province, northern Iran. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was done on 239 male and female patients with type 2 diabetes (56.92±10.70 years) in rural area in Golestan Province, northern Iran during 2016. Data collection tool were a standard diabetes self-care questionnaire with demographic variables and HbA1C test. Completion of data and sampling was done by referring to the health center and calling patients. Results: There was no significant relationship between glycemic controls with any of the self-care items studied. Mean of HbA1c was 8.23±1.85%. 97 patients (40.6%) had good blood sugar control (less than 7.5%). Patientchr('39')s self-care had a mean of 3.58, of which the highest score was related to the dietary regimen (6.60) and the lowest was related to self-monitoring of blood glucose (0.88) and regular physical activity (2.3). Conclusion: Self-care of the patients was moderate. Interventions to increase self-care of patients are recommended in this area.

Background and Objectives: DNA extraction is an important step of any molecular experiment. DNA could not be easily extracted from members of actinomycetes by the usual methods of lysis. Due to the low efficiency of the conventional DNA extraction methods, development of an effective technique for DNA extraction of actinobacteria in emergency cases seems to be necessary. Since most of the DNA extraction techniques and commercial kits are not efficient enough to extract DNA from actinobacteria, this study was conducted to improve an efficient method obtained from conventional one to extract DNA from this group of bacteria. Materials and Methods: DNA extraction was performed using five methods (an improved method, Invisorb Spin Plant Mini Kit, EZ-10 Spin Column, Sarrbrucken method (HZI, Germany) and Kirby Bauer's method). To evaluate the quantity and quality of extracted genomic DNA, UV absorbance of all samples and efficiency of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were evaluated. Results: Overall, the results revealed that the highest quantity (up to 4000 ng/µl) and good quality of DNA was obtained using introduced DNA extraction method. Conclusion: Results indicated that recently introduced improved method was more efficient for extraction of DNA from actinobacteria for DDH (DNA–DNA hybridization) test and for those require the high concentration of DNA.

BACKGROUND: Ascites syndrome is one of the most important metabolic disorders in growing broiler chickens world-wide. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effect of broccoli in comparison to ascorbic acid on controlling pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) in broiler chickens. METHODS: A total of 144 one-day old chicks were randomly divided into four groups. Each group included 36 chicks with three replicates of 12 birds. Experimental treatments were control, ascorbic acid (500 mg/kg dietary), and two levels of broc-coli (0.5% and 1% dietary broccoli powder). Growth performance, hematocrit or packed cell volume (PCV), heterophil to lymphocyte (H:L) ratio, right ventricle to total ventricle weight ratio (RV:TV), serum biochemical factors, lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity, as well as humoral and cellular immune responses were evaluated. RESULTS: Growth performance parameters improved in experimental treatments compared to control, even though it was not statistically significant. The RV:TV ratio in treatment groups was lower than control, and it was significant in ascorbic acid and broccoli 1% (p ≤0.05). H:L ratio decreased in treatment groups than control (p ≤0.05). Nitric oxide and HDL-C levels increased at both broccoli levels than control (p ≤0.05), but LDL-C and triglyceride levels decreased (p ≤0.05). Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity were lower and higher in treatment groups than control, respectively (p ≤0.05). There were no significant changes in other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: This research showed that addition of broccoli to the diet of broiler chickens, through improving anti-oxidant parameters, increasing serum nitric oxide levels, and decreasing blood pressure, blood lipids, RV:TV ratio, and mortality, could be effective to prevent PHS.

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Considering its long process of the treatment and significant influence on the health of patients, we aimed to investigate the functional and symptom scales of quality of life and the factors affecting patients with breast cancer during chemotherapy. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 94 women with breast cancer visiting Imam Reza Healthcare Center in Mashhad, who were in the course of chemotherapy, selected through convenience sampling. To investigate the functional and symptom scales of the quality of life, EORTC QLQ-BR23 was used. Data was analyzed via multiple linear regression model and significance level was considered as 0.05. Results: In functional scales, the highest and lowest score were obtained for sexual functioning (38.12±18.55) and future perspective (17.73±19.98), respectively. In the symptom scales, the highest and lowest score belonged to upset by hair loss (28.39±25.66) and breast symptoms (6.74±10.39), respectively. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that education had a negative effect on body image, menopause had a positive effect on sexual function, and tumor size had a negative effect on breast symptoms. Conclusion: Breast cancer deserves serious consideration as it affects different aspects of quality of life. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to take some measures for early diagnosis, achieve better therapeutic methods, use supportive therapy to decline the symptoms of the disease, and promote the functional level of women with breast cancer.

Introduction: Myxobacteria are Gram-negative Deltaproteobacteria with rod-shaped vegetative cells, aerobic organotrophs that exhibit unique group behavior. Materials and Methods:The myxobacterial strain Mx18Zk was isolated from intestinal tract of earth worm of GhaemshahrCounty in Mazandaranprovince and the extraction of the fermented broth culture was prepared with organic solvent extraction method. Methanol extract tested for potential antimicrobial activity against11 various human pathogens. Finally the rest of methanol extract fractionated by HPLC and tested again against sensitive pathogens. Results: Strain Mx18Zk significantly inhibited growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Chromobacterium violaceum, therefore was used for further characterization. Analysis of morphological, biochemical, 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic tree indicated that this strain with 100 % homology belongs to the genus Corallococcus macrosporus . The methanol extract was subjected to HPLC fractionation against sensitive pathogens. The active extracts studied by LC-MS and its results compared by previously identified myxobacterial secondary metabolites deposited in Myxobase database of HZI. LC/MS analysis resulted in the identification of Myxochromids and unknown Myxovirescins, Myxalamides antibiotics in methanol extract of the strain Mx18Zk. Discussion and conclusion: On the basis of results, isolated strain was active against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Chromobacterium violaceum and100 % homology was belong to the genus Corallococcus macrosporus. LC/MS analysis resulted in the identification of Myxochromids and unknown Myxovirescins, Myxalamides antibiotics in methanol extract of the strain Mx18Zk.

A novel myxobacterial strain ZKHCc1 1396T was isolated in 2017 from a soil sample collected along Chalus Road connecting Tehran and Mazandaran, Iran. It was a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterial strain that displayed the general features of Corallococcus, including gliding and fruiting body formation on agar and microbial lytic activity. Strain ZKHCc1 1396T was characterized as an aerobic, mesophilic, and chemoheterotrophic bacterium resistant to many antibiotics. The major cellular fatty acids were branched-chain iso-C17:0 2-OH, iso-C15:0, iso-C17:1, and iso-C17:0. The strain showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Corallococcusterminator CA054AT (99.67%) and C. praedator CA031BT (99.17%), and formed a novel branch both in the 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenomic tree. The genome size was 9,437,609 bp, with a DNA G + C content of 69.8 mol%. The strain had an average nucleotide identity (ANI) value lower than the species cut-off (95%), and with the digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) below the 70% threshold compared to the closest type strains. Secondary metabolite and biosynthetic gene cluster analyses revealed the strain’s potential to produce novel compounds. Based on polyphasic taxonomic characterization, we propose that strain ZKHCc1 1396T represents a novel species, Corallococcus soli sp. nov. (NCCB 100659T = CIP 111634T).

“Iconology” is one of the methods of artistic studies from the standpoint of phenomenology in which it has gained much attention in the 20th century. Focusing on ideas of Panofski,this article tries to compare the saint Mary's icon with the concept and content of Quranic verses comparatively. The main goal of this paper is to study and scan Mary’s image in the renaissance time and its decoding from the picture language of holy Quran in relation to saint Mary’s life iconologically. The present article tries to match saint Mary’s images’ iconological features with the symbolic portaiture of her Quranic features providing the possibility of content and subject review of saint Mary’s life story. The main point of this study is to convert the text into a picture and image,in which both Bible and holy Quran talked about her holiness and characters. In renaissance art this text is turned into an image, but in Islam the text has remained intact. This article tries to match the texts and images. The necessity of implementing new studies about the Mary’s pictures is highly needed as a way to recognize. The sample population includes 20 samples of renaissance paintings in random way. Among them, 8 samples of icons has been studied for visual analysis. The research findings demonstrate reflection of 3 kinds of saint virgin icons in 3 eras of renaissance in row. In the first renaissance era the icon of saint Mary had more match and correspondence with the holy Quran’s sacred in terms of form and content, in middle and advanced eras of renaissance icons they lost their holyness and abstractional synmbols have turned into some earthly and anthropocentric symbols.

Background. Successful anesthesia is a major concern during pulpotomy treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the anesthetic efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve block using 2% lidocaine and buccal infiltration using 4% articaine for pulpotomy of mandibular primary second molars. Methods. This randomized cross-over clinical trial was performed on 23 children (5‒8 years of age) from July through November 2016, referred to the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, who needed pulpotomy treatment in both mandibular primary second molars. The patients’ feeling during injection and their behavior during pulpotomy and postoperative complications were registered. Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used for analysis of data. A significant level of differences was taken as P≤0.05. Results. Patients’ feeling during injection and postoperative complications did not significantly differ between the two groups (P>0.05). Patients’ behavior during pulpotomy was significantly better in the articaine group (P=0.004). Conclusion. Articaine buccal infiltration can be used successfully in pulpotomy of mandibular primary second molars.

Objective: Aggregation of the TAU proteins in the form of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brain is a common risk factor in tauopathies including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Several strategies have been implemented to target NFTs, among which chaperones, which facilitate the proper folding of proteins, appear to hold great promise in effectively inhibiting TAU polymerization. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the chaperone Artemin on TAU aggregation in vitro. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, recombinant TAU- or Artemin proteins were expressed in E.coli bacteria, and purified using ion-exchange and affinity chromatography. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was used to run the extracted proteins and check their purity. Heparin was used as an aggregation inducer. The interaction kinetics of TAU aggregation and disassembly was performed using thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence analysis and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Results: Ion-exchange and affinity chromatography yielded highly pure TAU and Artemin proteins for subsequent analyses. In addition, we found that heparin efficiently induced TAU fibrillization 48 hours post-incubation, as evidenced by ThT assay. Importantly, Artemin was observed to effectively block the aggregation of both physiologic- and supraphysiologic TAU concentrations in a dose-dependent manner, as judged by ThT and CD spectroscopy analyses. Conclusion: Our collective results show, for the first time, that the chaperone Artemin could significantly inhibit aggregation of the TAU proteins in a dose-dependent manner, and support Artemin as a potential potent blocker of TAU aggregation in people with AD.

Background: In medical sciences, commitment to lifelong learning has been expressed as an important element. Today, due to the rapid development of medical information and technology, lifelong learning is critical for safe medical care and development in medical research. JeffSPLL is one of the scales for measuring lifelong learning among the staff of medical sciences that has never been used in Iran. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the factor structure and reliability of the Persian version of JeffSPLL among Persian-speaking staff of universities of medical sciences in Iran. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study, methodologically, that was conducted in 2012-2013. In this study, 210 staff members of Birjand University of Medical Sciences were selected. Data collection tool was the Persian version of JeffSPLL. To investigate the factor structure of this tool, confirmatory factor analysis was used and to evaluate the model fit, goodness-of-fit indices, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), the ratio of chi-square to the degree of freedom associated with it, comparative fit index (CFI), and root mean square residual (RMR) were used. To investigate the reliability of tool, Cronbach's alpha was employed. Data analysis was conducted using LISREL8.8 and SPSS 20 software. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis showed that RMSEA was close to 0.1, and CFI and GFI were close to one. Therefore, four-factor model was appropriate. Cronbach's alpha was 0.92 for the whole tool and it was between 0.82 and 0.89 for subscales. Conclusion: The present study verified the four-factor structure of the 19-item Persian version of JeffSPLL that included professional learning beliefs and motivation, scholarly activities, attention to learning opportunities, and technical skills in information seeking among the staff. In addition, this tool has acceptable reliability. Therefore, it was appropriate to assess lifelong learning in the Persian-speaking staff population.

Introduction: Physical and psychological changes during pregnancy lead to changes in pregnant mother's health behaviors and life style and has effects on physical, psychological and social health and eventually on her quality of life in different stages of pregnancy . This study was done with aim to determine the relationship between quality of life and minor ailments of pregnancy. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 199 pregnant women referred to health centers of Birjand University of Medical Sciences in 2014. Data collection tools included: researcher-made questionnaire consisting of demographic and midwifery information, minor ailments of pregnancy questionnaire, and shorted version of the quality of life standard questionnaire (SF-26). Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 16) and using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analysis. PResults: The mean of overall satisfaction of life was 68.84±16.75 and the mean score of pregnant mothers' common complaints was 38.12±9.1. The most common complaint was related to fatigue (82.3%). Also, the results of Pearson correlation coefficient showed significant reverse correlation between minor ailments of pregnancy and the score of overall satisfaction of life (r = -0.34, p < 0.001), the score of physical (r = -0.425, p < 0.001), mental (r = -0.239, p < 0.001), social (r = -0.228, p = 0.002) and environmental (r = -0.161, p = 0.04) areas. The results of linear regression model showed that social support had positive effect on quality of life. So that mean score of quality of life in a group with average support was about 8 unit and in a group with high support was 11 unit more than a group with low level of support (p < 0.001). Also, with increasing pregnant mothers' common complaints, the mean score of quality of life decreased as 0.57 unit that was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The incidence of ailments during pregnancy has a remarkable effect on pregnant women's quality of life. So, the health workers' attention to these complaints and planning for care and health measurements for control and support of others can be effective on pregnant women's quality of life.

Introduction: Today, the importance of students’ education as lifelong learners is taken seriously and its development is considered in all suggestions for improving medical education. Jefferson Scale of Physician Lifelong Learning-Medical Students (JeffSPSLL-MS) is one of the lifelong learning measures which has not been implemented in Iran yet. This study aimed to investigate factor structure and reliability of the Persian version of JeffSPLL-MS among Iranian Persian speaking students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 430 students in Birjand University of Medical Sciences who were selected through stratified random sampling. The data were collected by Persian version of JeffSPLL-MS. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to investigate the factor structure of JeffSPLL-MS the adequacy of model fit was assessed by the goodness-of-fit index, adjusted goodness-of-fit index, the root mean square error of approximation, chi-square index and its corresponding degrees of freedom, and comparative fit index. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to check the reliability. Results:The goodness of fit indices including RMSEA approximated 0.1 and GFI and CFI approximated 1 therefore the fit of model was good. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the three-factor structure of Persian version of JeffSPLL-MS had acceptable fit to the data. Also, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.69 for the whole tool it ranged from 0.64 to 0.78 for the subscales. Conclusion:This study confirmed the three-factor structure of 14-item Persian version of JeffSPLL-MS including beliefs related to education and motivation, information search skills, and attention to learning opportunities. Therefore, this tool seems to be appropriate for assessing lifelong learning among Persian speaking students.

BACKGROUND: Some studies showed that smoking follows an upward trend in Asian countries as compared with other countries. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of cigarette smoking on cardiovascular diseases and risk factors of atherosclerosis in patients with hypertension. METHODS: This study was conducted on 6123 men residing in central Iran (Isfahan and Markazi Provinces) that participated in Isfahan Healthy Heart Project (IHHP). Subjects were randomly selected using cluster sampling method. All the subjects were studied in terms of their history of cardiovascular disease, demographic characteristics, smoking, blood pressure, physical examination, pulse rate, respiratory rate, weight, height, waist circumference, and blood measurements including LDL-C, HDL-C, total cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood sugar and 2-hour post prandial test. RESULTS: While 893 subjects suffered from hypertension, 5230 subjects were healthy. The hypertension prevalence was 2.5 times more in urban areas compared to rural areas that showed a significant difference as it increased to 3.5 times smoking factor was considered. The prevalence of risk factors of atherosclerosis and also cardiovascular complications in patients with hypertension were significantly higher than healthy people. Furthermore, they were higher in smokers with hypertension and those exposed to the cigarette smoke than nonsmokers. CONCLUSION: Smoking and passive smoking had an increasing effect on the prevalence of risk factors of atherosclerosis and consequently the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in patients with hypertension. Keywords: Hypertension, Cigarette Smoking, Cardiovascular Disease, Risk Factor.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of mortality all around the world. Obesity is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this respect, we decided to examine the effect of the subgroups of weight on cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was done in 2006 using the data obtained by the Iranian Healthy Heart Program (IHHP) and based on classification of obesity by the World Health Organization (WHO). In this study, the samples were tested based on the Framingham risk score, Metabolic Measuring Score (MMS) and classification of obesity. Chi-square and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 12514 people with a mean age of 38 participated in this study. 6.8% of women and 14% of men had university degrees (higher than diploma). Obesity was seen in women more than men: 56.4% of women and 40% of men had a Body Mass Index of (BMI) ≥ 25 Kg/m2. 13% of the subjects had FBS > 110 and13.9% of them were using hypertensive drugs. In this study, we found that all risk factors, except HDL cholesterol in men, increased with an increase in weight. This finding is also confirmed by the Framingham flowchart for men and women. CONCLUSION: One of every two Americans, of any age and sex, has a Body Mass Index of (BMI) ≥ 25 Kg/m2. Obesity associated CVD and other serious diseases. Many studies have been done in different countries to find the relationship between obesity and CVD risk factors. For example, in the U.S.A and Canada they found that emteropiotic parameters, blood presser and lipids increased by age(of both sexes). Moreover, another study done in China, which is a country in Asia like Iran, shows that BMI has an indirect effect on HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride. This data is consistent with the results of the current study. However, In China they found that this relationship in men is stronger than women, but our study reveals the opposite. Keywords: Body Mass Index (BMI), Overweight, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Framingham Risk Score, Metabolic Syndrome.

Background: Hypertension prevention and control are among the most important public health priorities. We evaluated the impacts of a workplace intervention project "Stop Hypertension in Mobarakeh Steel Company" (SHIMSCO) on controlling hypertension in industrial workers. Methods: The study was carried out in Mobarakeh Steel Company in Isfahan among 7286 male workers and employees. All individuals were evaluated for the presence of hypertension (HTN). According to examinations, 500 subjects with systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg, and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg, and/or those using antihypertensive medications were confirmed to have HTN and thus included in this study. They were questioned for sociodemographic characteristics, past medical history and medication use. They received an educational program including healthy lifestyle and self-care recommendations of HTN management and control as well as training for accurate blood pressure measurement and home monitoring for two years. SBP, DBP, weight, height and routine lab tests were measured for all hypertensive subjects before and after the interventions. Paired t-test, generalized estimation equation (GEE) and ordinary linear regression (OLR) were used for statistical analysis in SPSS. Results: The comparison of SBP and DBP before and after the educational program showed significant reductions in both parameters (-7.97 ± 14.72 and -2.66 ± 9.96 mmHg, respectively). However, a greater decrease was detected in case of DBP. GEE showed SBP and DBP to decrease about -0.115 and -0.054 mmHg/month. OLR also revealed reductions of 4.88 and 2.57 mmHg respectively in SBP and DBP upon adding each antihypertensive drug. Conclusion: SHIMSCO, a 3-year interventional project in workplaces, was effective in reducing SBP and DBP among hypertensive employees and workers. We conclude that implementing simple educational programs in worksites can improve the management and control of hypertension and perhaps other chronic diseases. Keywords: Hypertension, Worksite, Industrial, Blood Pressure, Control

The pattern recognition receptor (PRR), which drives innate immunity, shields the host against invasive pathogens. Fish and other aquatic species with poorly developed adaptive immunity mostly rely on their innate immunity, regulated by PRRs such as inherited-encoded toll-like receptors (TLRs). The discovery of 21 unique TLR variations in various aquatic animals over the past several years has sparked interest in using TLRs to improve aquatic animal’s immune response and disease resistance. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the latest investigations on the various characteristics of TLRs in aquatic animals. It emphasizes their categorization, insights into 3D architecture, ligand recognition, signaling pathways, TLRs mediated immune responses under biotic and abiotic stressors, and expression variations during several developmental stages. It also highlights the differences among aquatic animals’ TLRs and their mammal counterparts, which signifies the unique roles that TLRs play in aquatic animal’s immune systems. This article summarizes current aquaculture research to enhance our understanding of fish immune systems for effective aquaculture -related disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to determine the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between positive orientation towards school and students' academic well-being. Correlational and structural equation model research methodologies were implemented. The statistical population comprises 360 students from the first secondary school in Minoudasht city during the academic year 2022-2023. Utilizing Cochran’s formula, 186 students were chosen as the research sample. Three questionnaires were employed to collect data: positive orientation towards school (POTS), academic well-being (AWBQ) and cognitive flexibility (CFI) questionnaires. Data analysis has been done with the help of SmartPLS3 software and structural equation modeling. The results showed that a positive attitude toward school has a direct and beneficial impact on academic well-being and cognitive flexibility. Additionally, cognitive flexibility has a positive and direct effect on academic well-being. Moreover, the indirect impact of a positive attitude toward school on academic well-being, which is mediated by cognitive flexibility, is both positive and significant. The findings indicate that the more students have a positive orientation towards school and have higher cognitive flexibility, the higher their academic well-being increases.