bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Eight Weeks Endurance Training, Somatropin Injection, and Its Lipolytic Fragment (AOD9604) on Cytokeratin-18 and Liver Enzymes of Mice Induced Liver Damage Due to a High-Fat Diet
Authors:   Department of Sport Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran., Dehbashi Mohsen , Fathi Mehrdad ,   Department of Sport Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran., Attarzadeh Hosseini Seyed Reza ,   Department of Sport Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran., Mosaferi Mohammad ,   Department of Sport Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
Published: March 2022

Aims: Fatty liver and its treatment are among the concerns of today’s society. So this study aimed to investigate the effect of endurance training, Somatropin injection, and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on cytokeratin-18 (CK18) levels and liver enzymes of mice with fatty liver. Methods & Materials: In this experimental study, 28 male mice were randomly divided into four groups (7 mice in every group): control (C), exercise (E), exercise + fragment (EA), and exercise + growth hormone (EGH). A medium-intensity endurance training program was performed for 8 weeks, 5 sessions per week with an intensity of 50% VO2max. The somatropin and fragment injection protocols were 1 mg and 250 mc/kg of body weight, respectively. The mice were evaluated 48 hours after the last training session. The obtained data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests at the significant level of P<0.05 in SPSS version 26. Findings: CK18 showed a significant decrease in group E compared to the control group only (P=0.00). CK18 values were significantly higher in the EGH group compared to the E (P=0.00) and EA (P=0.04) groups. HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance) index had a significant decrease in the E (P=0.00) and EA (P=0.03) groups, but no significant changes were seen in the EGH group. Changes in aspartate transaminase were not significant in any of the groups. Alanine transaminase levels in all three groups of E (P=0.00), EGH (P=0.03), and EA (P=0.00) were significantly lower than those in the control group, but the inter-group changes were not significant. Conclusion: Endurance training has produced a more effective response in improving nonalcoholic fatty liver disease markers than GH and fragment peptides. Growth hormone injection can have negative consequences on some indicators of this abnormality.
Effects of Upper Limb Resistance Training on Cognition and Daily Living Activities in Older Adults
Authors:   Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Mirzakhani Navid , Esmailian Habib ,   Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Shohada-e-Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Jamebozorgi Ali Asghar ,   Physiotherapy Research Center, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Tabatabaee Seyed Mehdi ,   Physiotherapy Research Center, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Hejazi-Shirmard Mahnaz ,   Physiotherapy Research Center, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Physical exercise is a promising intervention to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia and other related neurodegenerative disorders. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an upper limb-focused physical exercise intervention on cognitive function and daily living activities in older adults. Methods: Forty older residents of a nursing home participated in this clinical trial and were randomly assigned to the experimental (n=20) or the control (n=20) groups. Participants in the experimental group received a physical exercise intervention for six weeks. This intervention included resistance training of the upper limbs using free weights. Evaluations were performed at baseline and after three and six weeks of the resistance training. Stroop test and Barthel index were used to evaluate cognitive function and daily living activities, respectively. Results: Upper limb resistance training significantly improved cognitive function in the experimental group, but there was no significant difference between the groups in the ability to perform daily activities. Discussion: The present study revealed that resistance training of the upper limb can yield cognitive improvement in older adults. Upper limb strengthening seems to have the potential to improve cognitive performance in the elderly and can be recommended as a regular exercise activity. However, further studies with more comprehensive outcome measures are needed.
Translation, Validity, and Reliability of the Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-UE) in Persian Speaking Stroke Patients
Authors:   Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran., Hassani Zahra , Mokhtarinia Hamid Reza ,   Department of Ergonomics, Faculty of Rehabilitation, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Kahlaee Amir Hossein ,   Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Philip Gabel Charles ,   Physiotherapist, Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia.
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) is the common scale for clinical and functional evaluation of sensorimotor conditions and related Upper Extremity (UE) dysfunction after stroke. This study was done to translate and cross-culturally adjust the original upper extremity FMA (FMA-UE) into Persian and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the translated version. Methods: A procedure of forward/backward translation based on the published guidelines was adopted and two independent bilingual translators performed the translations in each stage. The conceptual and semantic equivalence was obtained through a consensus between experts. Consecutive stroke patients (n=47, male=63%) with a mean age of 61.54±10.9 years were recruited. Content, face, and concurrent validity was calculated using the content validity index, a cognitive interview, and correlation with the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). Internal consistency and intra-rater reliability were determined by calculating Cronbach’s alpha and the Intra-Class Correlation coefficient (ICC2.1). Results: During the forward translation and cultural adjustment, some wording changes were performed. In the forward translation, the most challenging clarifications are related to anatomical terms and positions. The total FMA-Persian score demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (α=0.86) and intra-rater reliability (ICC2.1=0.96). Joint passive motion showed the lowest reliability among all domains. The FMA motor subscales showed a floor effect, while sensation, joint passive motion, and pain domains showed ceiling effects. The correlation between the FMA-UE score and the WMFT was 0.78 (P<0.001). Discussion: The FMA-UE translation and adjustment were performed successfully into the Persian language. The results of the current study found FMA-UE as an acceptable, reliable, and valid instrument for evaluating the upper limb function after stroke in Persian-speaking patients. However, it should be noted that floor and ceiling effects are respectively present in the domains of the motor subscales and for sensation, passive motion, and pain.
Norovirus Gastroenteritis Outbreak in Kurdistan Province, Iran: Contamination of the Water Supply System
Authors:   Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran., Veisi Nasrollah , Hosseini Seyed Mehdi ,   Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran., Rahimzadeh Ardashir ,   Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran., Mirzaei Mansour ,   Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran., Rezaei Hadi ,   Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran., Navshad Mansour ,   Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran., Ghazaei Seyede Parvin ,   Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran., Shokri Payam ,   Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran., Olfatifar Meysam ,   Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Kazempour Khosro ,   Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
Published: March 2022

Background: Noroviruses are the most common known causes of non-bacterial acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Norovirus gastroenteritis usually presents with vomiting and diarrhea in the winter. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the outbreak of gastroenteritis in one of the villages of Kurdistan Province, Iran, from February 1 to 12, 2019. In this period, 149 people developed joint illness and symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, whose information was recorded. Data analysis was done with Stata7 software. Results: The attack rate of the total population in the village was 31.17% (26.5% in men and 36.24% in women). The median age of the patients was 26.5 years. The mean patients’ age on the first days of the outbreak was less than on the other days, and this relationship was statistically significant (P=0.003). The most common symptoms were non-bloody diarrhea (57.71%), vomiting (52.34%), abdominal cramps (26.17%), and nausea (24.83%). According to the shape of the epidemic curve, the outbreak was a community-wide outbreak caused by the norovirus. Conclusion: Based on clinical evidence, epidemiological examination, and human and water samples analyses, outbreaks occurred due to the consumption of drinking water contaminated with norovirus. To prevent similar outbreaks, it is recommended to fix the bugs observed in the water supply system and implement the water safety program.
Effect of Sulfur Granular, Iron Sulfate, and Thiobacillus Bacteria on Biodegradation of Diesel Oil
Authors:   Department of Soil Science, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran, Baghaie Amir Hossein , Daliri Amir ,   Department of Soil Science, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran
Published: March 2022

Background: Remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons from the soil is one of the essential factors. This study was conducted to test the impact of sulfur granular Municipal Soil Waste (sulfur granular MSW), foliar application of iron sulfate on biodegradation of diesel oil in a cadmium (Cd)-polluted soil in the presence of thiobacillus bacteria. Methods: Treatments consisted of applying sulfur granular MSW at the rates of 0 and 15 t/ha and foliar application of iron sulfate (0 and 500 mg/L) in a Cd-polluted (0, 10, and 20 mg Cd/kg) soil that simultaneously contaminated with diesel oil (0%, 4%, and 8% w/w) in the presence of thiobacillus bacteria. After 60 days, the corns were harvested, and the plants’ Fe and Cd concentration was measured using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). In addition, the biodegradation of diesel oil in the soil was measured. Results: Soil application of sulfur granular MSW (15 t/ha) significantly increased the biodegradation of diesel oil in the soil by 16.1%. However, soil contamination with Cd had an adverse effect on the biodegradation of diesel oil in the soil. The presence of thiobacillus bacteria had a considerable effect on reducing the Fe and Cd concentration of the plant by 16.1% and 17.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the study results, using sulfur granular MSW and foliar application of iron sulfate has a significant effect on the biodegradation of diesel oil in the heavy metal polluted soil. However, the role of plant physiology, the type, and the amount of pollution on phytoremediation efficiency cannot be ignored.
Investigating the Effect of Vermifiltration with Different Bulking Agents on Some Important Properties of Municipal Sewage Influent
Authors:   Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran., Jafarzadeh Ghahdarijani Abdol Rasoul , Hoodaji Mehran ,   Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran., Tahmourespour Arezoo ,   Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
Published: March 2022

Background: Farmers have been persuaded to use wastewater in agriculture due to drought and water deficiency. However, an important challenge is the environmental constraints. Methods: This study investigated the effect of vermifiltration on the properties of sewage influent. The sewage influent was obtained from the aerated lagoons of the Qahdarijan wastewater treatment plant, Isfahan Province, Iran. The sewage was mixed with Rice Husk (RH) and Wheat Straw (WS) as the bulking agents at three proportions (0%, 5%, and 10%v/v). Then, EarthWorm (EW) (Eisenia fetida) were added to the sewage sludge in two proportions (0 and 50 adult earthworms/6 kg sewage sludge). Results: The results showed a significant decrease in electrical conductivity (about 100% decrease compared to the control), total dissolved solids (up to 3 times in RH0+ EW treatment less than the control), total suspended solids (up to 90 times in WS10+EW and RH+EW treatments decrease compared to the control), biochemical oxygen demand (significant decrease in RH levels+EW compared to other treatments), and chemical oxygen demand (a reverse status was observed for WS and RH treatments, but the role of vermifiltration was considerable). The concentration of Pb was significantly decreased in WS when it was enriched with earthworms (about an 8% decrease compared to control), but a reverse status was observed for RS treatment. Conclusion: Vermifiltration may be an efficient tool for improving the properties of wastewater to use in agriculture, but more studies are suggested to evaluate different aspects of this technique.
Comparing and Prioritizing Different Methods of Collection and Decontamination of Waste in Decentralized Healthcare Centers
Authors:   Student Research Committee, Faculty of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran., Ostadi Fatemeh , Mortezazadeh Fatemeh ,   Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran., Gholami-Borujeni Fathollah ,   Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Published: March 2022

Background: One of the most critical problems in the safe management of healthcare wastes is using different methods in decentralized centers in Iran. This study aimed to compare and prioritize different methods of collection and decontamination of healthcare waste in decentralized health centers in Iran. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical research, we studied various methods of collecting and decontaminating the healthcare waste of decentralized healthcare centers in Iran in terms of administrative, health, economic and environmental. Also, the opinions and the preferences of experts for selecting each method were collected and analyzed. Results: According to environmental health experts, health issues had the highest priority for decontamination of waste from decentralized health centers. Waste collection by special vehicles with the help of the private sector and transfer to centralized disinfection centers is the best method of collecting waste (33%). Also, decontamination by autoclave was the most desirable method (56%) of decontamination. According to the experts’ opinions, landfilling is the most harmful, and autoclave/hydroclave is the least harmful method to the climate and soil. Based on the environmental health experts, the health aspect was the most important priority in waste management of decentralized healthcare centers (54%). Conclusion: The most appropriate way to decontaminate this type of waste is autoclaving after collection at a centralized location. It is suggested that further studies be conducted on modern collection and disinfection systems along with localization and determination of workplace health policies.
Assessment of Human Health Risk and Surface Soil Contamination by Some Toxic Elements in Arak City, Iran
Authors:   Department of Environment, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran., Bineshpour Meghdad , Payandeh Khoshnaz ,   Department of Soil Sciences, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran., Nazarpour Ahad ,   Department of Geology, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran., Sabzalipour Sima ,   Department of Environment, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran.
Published: March 2022

Background: Population growth, numerous factories, and many vehicles are the primary sources of environmental pollution and toxic elements in the industrial city of Arak, Iran. Methods: In June 2016, a total of 30 toxic element samples were taken from surface soils to examine their contents of lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr), and Cadmium (Cd). The samples were collected from 0 to 20 cm depth and measured using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) (PG990 Model). Results: The results showed that the mean concentrations of all toxic elements except arsenic had a higher value than the background values in the world. The Top Enrichment Factor (TEF) of toxic elements of nickel, chromium, lead, and copper was higher than other elements. The Potential Ecological Risk (PER) index showed high and very high risk for the elements. For all elements, the Hazard Index (HI) values were higher for children than for adults. Moreover, the results of carcinogenic health risk assessment (Carcinogenicity Risk [CR]) of the toxic elements for Cr in children with an average value of 0.001 and adults with an average value of 3.81e-04 showed that the CR of chromium for children poses a serious threat to the health of children and adults. Conclusion: In general, the toxic element pollution for the surface soil of Arak is of concern, and significant measures should be taken to reduce the pollutants.
Studying the Effluent Quality of Enhanced Modified Ludzack Ettinger-oxic Settling Anaerobic Process (E-MLE-OSA) for Treating Real Municipal Wastewater
Authors:   Department of Environmental Engineering, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran., Nikpour Behzad , Jalilzadeh Yengejeh Reza ,   Department of Environmental Engineering, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran., Takdastan Afshin ,   Department of Environmental Engineering, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran., Hassani Amir Hessam ,   Department of Environmental Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran., Zazouli Mohammad Ali ,   Department of Environmental Health, Health Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Published: March 2022

Background: Wastewater collection, treatment, discharge, additionally as reusing the treated wastewater in urban are critical factors for maintaining public health preventing contamination of water resources. This study aimed to investigate the performance of enhanced modified Ludzack Ettinger process-oxic settling anaerobic (MLE-OSA) process for treating real municipal wastewater in Sari wastewater Treatment, Sari City, Iran. Methods: To combine the OSA process technique with the MLE system, the Sludge Holding Tanks (SHT) were implemented in the return sludge line of designed pilot studies which comprised 1) MLE, which was regarded as the control system similar; 2) MLE-OSA4 with a 70-L SHT operated at 4-h Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT), and 3) MLEOSA6 with a 107-L SHT operated at 6-h HRT. To start the process, the overflow effluent of the primary settling tank of the Sari wastewater treatment plant was used. After 45-60 days, the reactors reached a steady state. The parameters of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP), temperature, pH, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and nutrients were analyzed. Results: The results revealed that the average TSS, COD, BOD, phosphorus, nitrite, nitrate, and total nitrogen in MLEOSA4 effluent decreased 20.1, 14.6, 2.97, 10, 51.1, 19.3, and 20.7%, respectively compared to MLE. Similarly, in MLE-OSA6, the values decreased 34.2, 16.1, 14.6, 16.7, 69.6, 31.3, and 25.8%, respectively compared to the control process. Conclusion: Therefore, using natural wastewater, the enhanced MLE-OSA process showed better performance in removing the study parameters and better quality for the effluent. Furthermore, the quality of effluent is following the Iran Department of Environment (IDE).
Developing Germophobia Questionnaire: A Pilot Study on Psychometric Characteristics
Authors:   Department of Psychology, Electronic Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran., Alavizadeh Seyed Mohammadreza , Sepah Mansour Mojgan ,   Department of Psychology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran., Nokani Mostafa ,   Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Science, Arak, Iran., Entezari Somaye ,   Department of Psychology, Electronic Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran., Sabet Mehrdad ,   Department of Psychology, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran., Seirafi Mohammadreza ,   Department of Psychology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran., Kaekhaneh Roxana ,   Department of Psychology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran., Shahabi Amirshahab ,   Department of Computer Engineering, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Published: March 2022

Background and Aim: The World Health Organization has recently identified COVID-19 as a pandemic. The outbreak of the disease has caused many people around the world to become extremely frightened and they show phobic signs. The purpose of the present study was to develop and normalize of Germophobia Questionnaire (GPQ). Methods & Materials: The participants were 113 individuals (74-female) of the Iranian population. They completed the GPQ and Y-BOCS. Ethical Considerations: All ethical principles and privacy policies of the results informed the participants. This study was approved in the second session of the Psychological Committee of the Islamic Azad University of Tehran’s province in March 2020. Results: The results illustrate that the GPQ has acceptable internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (a=0.67), reliability coefficients with split-half (0.72), and one-week test-retest (r=0.73); in addition, the GPQ demonstrate moderate convergent validity with contamination obsessions checklist of Y-BOCS (r=0.44) as a convergent coefficient; and finally, the exploratory factor analysis indicates three-factors of the GPQ. Conclusion: Based on these findings, the GPQ has acceptable and good psychometric properties; researchers can use the GPQ as a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the germophobia levels in epidemic and pandemic crises like COVID-19.
Evaluation of the Method of Binding Tamoxifen to DNA Experimentally and Computationally
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Qom, Qom, Iran., Sharafi Bajgan Fatemeh , Safari Reza ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Qom, Qom, Iran., Nejat Dehkordi Maryam ,   Department of Basic Science, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
Published: March 2022

Background and Aim: Tamoxifen is a group of drugs of selective estrogen receptor modulators, and is one of the drugs effective in the prevention and treatment of some cancers (such as breast cancer). In this study, the interaction of tamoxifen with DNA is investigated experimentally. Also, the electronic structure (at atomic scale) of the molecular system of tamoxifen was theoretically investigated, using atom in molecule (AIM) theory. Methods & Materials: First, in the experimental section of this study, the interaction of Tamoxifen with DNA were investigated by UV-ViS technique and hydrodynamic method (Viscometry). In addition, the analysis of the experimental results shows the obvious effect of concentration on the mechanism of how the tamoxifen molecule binds to DNA. Then, in the theoretical part of this research, using computational biophysical chemistry methods, some properties of tamoxifen molecular system, such as electronic Density of States (DOS), boundary orbital’s energy (HOMO/LUMO), Electrostatic Potential Energy (EPS) and electronic contour maps of the electron density and its Laplacian, will be calculated. Ethical Considerations: This article is a meta-analysis with animal sample. Results: Result of the UV-ViS spectroscopy technique and viscometry indicated hyperchromism and hypochromism effect. In addition, the result were depend on the concentration of the drug and affected the kind of binding of Tamoxifen to DNA. the analysis of computational studies on the drug tamoxifen suggests that the mechanism of the local charge/energy distribution in the molecular system of tamoxifen plays an important role in how this drug binds to DNA. Conclusion: Based on the experimental results of UV-ViS technique and viscometry, as well as the electronic/vibrational properties of the tamoxifen molecular system, it was defined that the Tamoxifen interacts significantly with all the binding sites of DNA.
Survey Development of Compound Sentences and Mean Length of Utterance a Persian-speaking Child From 15 to 34 Months: a Longitudinal Case Report
Authors:   Department of of Speech Therapy, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Zarei Mahmood Abadi Manijeh , Zarifian Talieh ,   Department of of Speech Therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Teymouri Robab ,   Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: March 2022

Background and Aim: Acquisition skill in sentence producing is one of the criteria for speech development. By developing and increasing the age, we are witnessing the emergence of compound sentences in speech. Clinical treatments for language disorders in Iran are mostly based on the experiences of Speech Language Therapists or in accordance with English language norms. We need to examine how the length of utterance and compound sentences develop in Persian. The study aimed to report the development of compound sentences and Mean Length of Utterance (MLU) for a Persian-speaking child from 15 to 34 months. Methods & Materials: In this longitudinal case report, based on Developmental-Descriptive model, MLU and emergence of simple compound sentences of a Persian speaking girl sampled and described from 15 to 34 months by daily scripting. R software version 4.0.2 was used for data analysis. Correlation of age with linguistic variables through Pearson correlation coefficient was evaluated. Ethical Considerations: In this paper, the principles of publication ethics were considered. Results: At the age of 21 months and 13 days, the child uttered her first simple two-word sentence, and at the age of 26 months and 29 days, she used a four-word compound sentence. With the emergence of compound sentences, the increase in the MLU has gained considerable speed. In a few days, we see the addition of a unit to the length of the sentence (word). There was a significant relationship between the MLU and age (r=‌0.925, P=‌0.001), Mean length of sentence and number of words in Persian speaking child (r‌=‌0.910, P=‌0.002) and total number of words and age (r‌=‌0.928, P<0.001). Conclusion: Although several longitudinal studies have been conducted on the development of MLU and number of words in other languages, similar studies are rare in Persian. It is important to conduct studies of this type in order to make cross-linguistic comparisons and to study the linguistic universality and language specificity. By increasing age, we see an increase in the number of words in a child's vocabulary, the emergence of compound sentences, and an increase MLU. At 27 to 28 months, there is a dramatic change in the development expressive language as the compound sentences appear. It seems that emergence of compound sentences in the language output, also plays a significant role in increasing the MLU and can be considered in clinical language assessments.
The Experience of Living With Retinitis Pigmentosa: An In-depth Exploration of Patients’ Challenges
Authors:   Department of Internal Medical-Surgical, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Varaei Shokoh , Malek Masoumeh ,   Department of Internal Medical-Surgical, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Cheraghi Mohammad Ali ,   Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Norouzi Mehdi ,   Department of Virology, Faculty of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Mahmoudi Amir Hossein ,   Department of Opthalmology, Retina and Laser Surgery, Novin Didegan Clinic, Tehran, Iran.
Published: March 2022

Objective Progressive visual impairment is one of the problems that threatening the health of patients and has the negative effects on their abilities. This study aimed to explore the health concerns of patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). Materials & Methods A qualitative inductive approach was used. Eleven patients with RP, participated in this study in Iran. Patients were selected through purposeful sampling. Data collection was done through two methods of in-depth semi-structured individual interviews and field notes. Data analysis was performed using approach of conventional content analysis. Results The categories of "perceived health threat" and "perceived support needs", were extracted. The category of perceived health threat included sub-subcategories of "gradual decline in physical function", "sustained fluctuations in mental health", and "weakening of social capability". "need for socio-economic support", "need for educational support", "need for psychological support", and "need for a personal assistant" were extracted as sub-subcategories of perceived support needs. Conclusion RP Patients faced with the problem of abilities impairment in various physical, mental, and social dimensions and need for support in society. So, to improve the health of these patients, members of the health group are suggested to develop a context-based wholistic care program through multidisciplinary cooperation.
The Effects and Adverse Effects of tDCS on Motor Learning Process in Chronic Unilateral Stroke Patients
Authors:   Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran., Talimkhani Ailin , Abdollahi Iraj ,   Department of Physical Therapy, University of Rehabilitation Sciences and Social Health, Tehran, Iran., Mohseni-Bandpei Mohammad Ali ,   Department of Physical Therapy, Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Research Center, University of Rehabilitation Sciences and Social Health, Tehran, Iran., Mazdeh Mehrdokht ,   Department of Neuroogy, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran., Rezaei Bahareh ,   Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
Published: March 2022

Objectives: It seems that psycho-physical factors of stroke patients undergoing Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) treatment can affect implicit motor learning process in patient with stroke. The aim of this study was to determine the effects and adverse effects of tDCS on motor learning process in chronic unilateral stroke patients. Methods & Materials: This crossover, sham-controlled, randomized, blinded study was conducted in 2020 on 12 patients with chronic unilateral stroke (Mean±SD age, 60.33±1.87 years), (The Mean±SD time elapsed since the onset of the disease, 1.96±1.36 years) referred to Mobasher Kashani clinic in Hamadan, Iran who were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Patients were randomly divided in to 2 groups: experimental (dual tDCS+SRTT) (n=6) and sham (sham tDCS+SRTT) (n=6) groups. After 3 weeks of washing out period, patients in each group were treated in other brain stimulation group again. Data were collected using the record of reaction time and error of sequenced blocks by related software. Also, adverse effects of tDCS, pain or discomfort, attention and fatigue of patients were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire. The data were analyzed using linear mixed effects. Results: Data analysis showed a considerable improvement in implicit motor learning in both brain stimulation groups. The most reported sensations were itching and tingling, which continued during all stimulation sessions. The pain or discomfort of the patients was negligible during the intervention sessions. Moreover, the type of brain stimulation, the time and their interaction had no significant effect on the fatigue, attention and pain of the patients (P>0.05). Conclusion: Dual-tDCS technique does not cause serious adverse effects in patients with stroke. It can be used as an effective and useful therapeutic strategy for increase in implicit motor learning in chronic stroke patients.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Frailty and Polypharmacy in the Elderly Referred to the Emergency Departments of Ardabil 2019
Authors:   Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran., Asadi Hosein , Habibi Soola Aghil ,   Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran., Iranpour Sohrab ,   Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Frailty is characterized by an increased vulnerability to stressors. Frail older patients are at increased risk of Emergency Department (ED) visits, hospitalization, and disability. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between frailty syndrome and polypharmacy in the elderly referred to the emergency department of Ardabil teaching hospitals. Methods & Materials: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 505 elderly people referred to the hospital emergency department were selected by convenience sampling method. Frailty syndrome was measured using the five-item criteria of fried which include: 1) slow walking, 2) muscular weakness, 3) exhaustion, 4) low physical activity and 5) unintentional weight loss. Polypharmacy considered the use of 5 or more drugs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including mean and standard deviation and inferential analysis including analysis of variance, independent t-test, correlation, and multiple regression using spss v. 22 statistical software. Results: The mean age of participants was 70.91‌±‌7.49 and 255 (50.5%) were male, 318 (63%) were married and 271 (53.7%) were illiterate. the results of the study showed that 204 (40.4%) of the elderly who referred to the emergency department had frailty and 177 (35%) had pre frailty. In this population, we identified a 42.2% (n=98) of frail with polypharmacy, 37.1% (n=86) of prefrail with polypharmacy. The correlation test showed that there is a significant relationship between fertility and polypharmacy (P˂0.001). Linear regression analysis showed the variables of age, education, living arrangement, hospitalization, and the number of medications used by the patient as predictors of frailty syndrome in the elderly referred to the emergency department. Conclusion: Number of drugs used, age, education, living arrangement and number of hospitalizations were predictors of frailty syndrome in the elderly. Considering the living conditions of the elderly and the prevention of unnecessary hospitalizations can reduce polypharmacy and ultimately a preventive strategy to prevent and manage frailty. Of course, further research is needed to confirm the possible benefits of reducing polypharmacy in the development, reversion, or delay of frailty.
The Effect of Supplemental Health Insurance on Out-of-Pocket Payments for Elderly Households in Urban Areas of Iran: Hackman Sample Selection Model
Authors:   Department of Economics, Faculty of Management and Human Science, Chabahar Maritime University, Chabahar, Iran., Shahraki Mahdi
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Considering the growth of the elderly population and the need of the elderly for health services and the importance of supplementary insurance on improving the quality of life of the elderly households, this study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementary health insurance on out-of-pocket payments for elderly households in urban areas of Iran. Methods & Materials: This descriptive-analytical and applied study was conducted at the national level using the two-stage Hackman econometric method in Stata 16 software in 2021. The sample size was 6171 elderly households which data was extracted from different sections of the cost and income questionnaire of Iranian urban households in 2019. Results: Increasing age, education, and employment of the head of the household, increasing household size, having a private home, increasing per capita health expenditures and income of household had a positive effect on the probability of purchasing medical insurance. Increasing the age, level of education and employment of the head of the household led to an increase in out-of-pocket payments for the elderly household by 61164, 84466 and 140032 Rials per month, respectively. Having supplementary health insurance, living in provinces with high human development and being an elderly head of household increased the out-of-pocket payments to 606207, 849739 and 109274 Rials per month, respectively. Conclusion: Elderly households were less likely than other households to purchase supplementary health insurance and having supplementary health insurance by an elderly household led to an increase in out-of-pocket payments compared to other elderly households. Therefore, to reduce out-of-pocket payments, increase coverage Insurance of health goods and services required by the elderly as well as reduction of the elderly franchise is offered.
A Systematic Review of the Management of Preventive Health Care for the Elderly in the World
Authors:   Department of Health Services Management, Faculty of Management, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran., Bahador Faezeh , Mahfoozpour‌ Soad ,   Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ,, Masoudiasl Iravan ,   Department of Health Services Management, School of Management and Medical Information, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Vahdat Shaghayegh ,   Department of Health Services Management, Faculty of Management, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Published: March 2022

Objectives: The global shift from infectious diseases to chronic diseases is a global problem that will reduce the quality of life and increase the need for services such as rehabilitation services and services related to disability. An important issue in relation to aging is preventive care and how it is managed in the world. This systematic review has conducted a comparative study on the management of preventive healthcare for the elderly in the world. Methods & Materials: This is a review study that was done comparatively in 2020. This study was conducted to model the existing policies and programs for the care of the elderly in the countries. To collect data, Persian and international databases as well as Google Scholar scientific search engine were used using appropriate keywords, and finally 200 suitable articles were identified. The studies were categorized and their management system was evaluated and differences and similarities were determined while comparing. Results: In the present study, it was found that 50% of the surveyed countries had insurance coverage for the elderly. 64% of the countries, management and organization of health prevention services at the national level, 7.5% local, 21.4% state-federal and 7.1% national. It was local. How to finance the provision of services for the elderly in 50% of the countries surveyed through taxes, 14.2% premiums, 7.1% national health system, 7.1 individual reserve funds and the rest of the countries through the payment of the federal government, health insurance and etc. In 50% of the surveyed countries, the providers of first level services were the public sector, 28.5% of the private sector and the rest of the countries were municipalities, government, etc. Conclusion: The systems of elderly support and primary healthcare are intertwined in the main health system and function similar to the primary healthcare system of the country.
Measuring of Older Adults’ Well-Being in Iranian Provinces Using Age Watch Index
Authors:   University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Zanjari Nasibeh , Sadeghi Rasoul ,   Tehran University, Tehran, Iran.
Published: March 2022

Aims: Today, the issue of older adults’ well-being has become a serious challenge of policy-making and a key subject of researches. The complexity, multidimensionality, and multileveled nature of the concept of well-being have resulted in numerous objective and subjective indexes at the micro and macro levels. The aim of the article is to assess and measure the well-being of Iranian elderly using the AgeWatch index. Materials and Methods: The method of the study was a secondary analysis of various data sources using Excel and SPSS25 software in the methodological framework of the Global AgeWatch index. This method assesses the well-being of Iranian older adults at the national and provincial levels for 2016. The index provides a holistic view of older people's lives in four dimensions included income security, health status, capability, and the enabling environment. Results: The results indicated the significant provincial differences in the AgeWatch index and its various dimensions, especially income security, and health status. The AgeWatch index scores ranged from 6.5 in Sistan and Baluchestan province to 77.9 in Tehran province. In general, the highest rank goes to the provinces of Tehran, Semnan, and Fars, respectively, and the lowest rank goes to the provinces of South Khorasan, Ilam and Sistan and Baluchistan, respectively. The results showed a significant correlation between AgeWatch index and human development index in Iran. In addition, the results showed Iran is ranked 64th among 97 countries in AgeWatch index. Iran was the best in terms of health status (43rd) and worst in terms of capacity dimension (88th). Conclusion: Economic and social policies supporting the employment, income, health, and independence of older adults play an important role in increasing the well-being and welfare of older adults. Therefore, dimensions of financial security, such as the development of universal coverage of pensions and poverty reduction, as well as capacity dimension, such as providing elderly self-employment and promoting the education and training of the elderly, should be a policy priority.
Prevalence of Chronic Diseases Among the Older Adults in Iran: Does Socioeconomic Status Matter?
Authors:   Department of Social Welfare Management, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Social Welfare, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Mohaqeqi Kamal Seyed Hossein , Basakha Mehdi ,   Department of Social Welfare Management, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Social Welfare, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Despite the growing population of the elderly in Iran, there is no clear picture of the prevalence of chronic diseases among them. Accordingly, the present study tries to specify the prevalence of the most important chronic diseases and multimorbidity among the elderly. In addition, the homogeneity of these diseases has been considered among different socio-economic groups. Methods & Materials: Research data were obtained through a checklist of chronic disease status among the elderly. The sample was selected from the elderly over 60 years old in Tehran in 2019 through multi-stage sampling. The sample size of the study is 1280 persons and the prevalence rate and chi-square tests were used to describe and analyze the data. Results: The results showed that hypertension (40.2%), musculoskeletal disorders (40.2%) and hyperlipidemia (32.4%) had the highest prevalence rate among the elderly in Tehran. The prevalence rate of chronic disease multimorbidity was 79.8, which was lower among men, never married, college-educated, and working-age seniors. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and ear diseases have also been found to have different prevalence rates among socioeconomic classes. Conclusion: The prevalence of chronic diseases has varied widely among socioeconomic groups; so the importance of the socio-economic status must be accentuated. Therefore, the pattern of prevalence of some chronic diseases can be influenced by lifestyle. As a result, research and policy-making in this field should be based on the inequalities in socio-economic status.
Bioprospecção de plantas da Caatinga com potencial para produção de fitomedicamentos
Authors: Souza Ana Valéria , Hernandes Camila , Souza Danilo Diego de , Costa Evelyn Sophia Silva , Bispo Luma dos Passos , Oliveira Flávio José Vieira de , Pereira Ana Maria Soares
Published: March 2022

A Caatinga é um bioma exclusivamente brasileiro que apresenta em seu domínio expressivo número de plantas com potencial medicinal e aromático. Porém pouco se conhece sobre essas espécies nativas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar plantas nativas da Caatinga com potencial medicinal e iniciar estudos voltados à domesticação daquelas espécies identificadas como promissoras para produção de fitomedicamentos. Para isso, foram realizados levantamentos e identificações de plantas medicinais utilizadas pela população no Território do Sertão do São Francisco, nos estados de Pernambuco e Bahia. A partir desse levantamento foram selecionadas espécies aromáticas e produtoras de óleos essenciais para a análise da composição química, testes de atividade antimicrobiana e ensaios farmacológicos e estudos de propagação e cultivo. Até o momento, as pesquisas nessas áreas avançaram para cinco espécies, em diferentes etapas - Lippia grata Schauer (Verbenaceae), Lippia schaueriana Mart. ex Schauer (Verbenaceae), Croton conduplicatus Kunth (Euphorbiaceae), Croton sonderianus Müll.Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) e Croton campestris A.St.-Hil. (Euphorbiaceae). Todavia, a extração do óleo essencial e a análise fitoquímica foram realizadas para todas espécies coletadas. Os resultados revelaram que os óleos essenciais dessas espécies apresentam teores de compostos majoritários com atividade terapêutica e, portanto, essas podem ser interessantes para produção de fitomedicamentos.
Typologies of 20-Minute Neighbourhoods, Active Transport Use, and Spatial Spillovers
Authors: Kamruzzaman Liton
Published: March 2022

20-minute neighbourhoods aim to promote active transport (AT) use by providing amenities locally. Using compactness and directional distribution of amenities, threshold population, and street patterns, this study derives five different typologies of 20-minute neighbourhoods: 1) Isolated and circular; 2) Semi-compact and semi-linear; 3) Compact and linear; 4) Organic; and 5) Semi-compact and circular. Spatial autoregressive models show that all types of 20-minute neighbourhoods promote people to use AT to work. However, Typology 5 has the largest effects, directly encouraging 7% more people to use AT locally and indirectly leading 18% more people to use AT in the neighbouring areas.