Postoperative Care in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Brief Study on Expert Opinions

Background: An operation called functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) can improve symptoms with success rates ranging from 67% to 98%. However, post-FESS management is still uncertain, and this expert opinion provides guidelines for managing patients after the surgery. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate postoperative care in functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods: In the current descriptive cross-sectional study, a questionnaire consisting of 25 questions about pre- and post-FESS considerations in terms of medications, imaging and the follow-up period was designed and 40 expert rhinologists in this field responded to the questions. Results: Post-operative antibiotics, pre-and post-operative corticosteroids especially in the form of nasal spray, corticosteroid-soaked Gelfoam, saline irrigation in large volumes, and nasal debridement after surgery were recommended by the majority of the surveyed experts. Post-operative imaging was suggested if any adverse event is suspected. Furthermore, oral corticosteroids are suggested for exacerbations. Most of the experts recommend long-term follow-ups. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the current survey, the experts' practice not only is remarkably variable over each other but also differs from the current guidelines. Further investigations and practical workshops are strongly recommended to improve the experts’ performance in FESS

THE EFFECTS OF FORM-FOCUSED INSTRUCTION ON LOWER-INTERMEDIATE EFL IRANIAN LEARNERS’ GRAMMAR LEARNING

One of the most controversial questions raised by classroom second language acquisition (SLA) researchers is whether and how to include grammar in second language (L2) classrooms. This study tried to investigate how the form-focused instruction affects lower-intermediate EFL Iranian learners’ grammar learning. Based on an experimental data collection and analysis, the design of the study was a pre-test and post-test which dealt with 45 female participants at the pre-intermediate level. The pre-test was administered at the beginning of the course; then, the researchers observed two groups-- experimental (FFI) and control groups (traditional method). The researchers used an observation checklist which contained some items to investigate if the teacher used the related items in classes. Afterwards, the researchers provided the frequency of observation of teachers’ operations which showed differences between the FFI and the traditional instruction. After observing the teaching sessions, we administered the same test as a post-test to both groups, the experimental and the control group. The data were analyzed through two types of t-tests, independent t-test and paired t-test.Key Words: form-focused Instruction (FFI); traditional Grammar Instruction

Reproductive toxicity of manganese dioxide in forms of micro- and nanoparticles in male rats

Background: Manganese Dioxide (MnO2) has long been used in industry, and its application has recently been increasing in the form of nanoparticle. Objective: The present study was an attempt to assess the effects of MnO2 nanoparticles on spermatogenesis in male rats. Materials and Methods: Micro- and nanoparticles of MnO2 were injected (100 mg/kg) subcutaneously to male Wistar rats (150 ± 20 gr) once a week for a period of 4 weeks, and the vehicle group received only normal saline (each group included 8 rats). The effect of these particles on the bodyweight, number of sperms, spermatogonia, spermatocytes, diameter of seminiferous tubes, testosterone, estrogen, follicle stimulating factor, and the motility of sperms were evaluated and then compared among the control and vehicle groups as the criteria for spermatogenesis. Results: The results showed that a chronic injection of MnO2 nanoparticles caused a significant decrease in the number of sperms, spermatogonia, spermatocytes, diameter of seminiferous tubes (p < 0.001) and in the motility of sperms. However, no significant difference was observed in the weight of prostate, epididymis, left testicle, estradiol (p = 0.8) and testosterone hormone (p = 0.2). Conclusion: It seems that the high oxidative power of both particles was the main reason for the disturbances in the function of the testis. It is also concluded that these particles may have a potential reproductive toxicity in adult male rats. Further studies are thus needed to determine its mechanism of action upon spermatogenesis

Combined Exercise and Vitamin D on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a highly conserved neurotrophic protein of the nerve growth factor family. Neurotrophins are proteins that help to stimulate and control neurogenesis, BDNF being the most active one. BDNF may be useful in the prevention and management of several diseases including Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Diabetes. Lifestyle modifications (physical activity and diet) are among the most promising strategies for altering BDNF levels. In this chapter, we aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic and resistance training and combined exercise and vitamin D therapy on BDNF levels

Influence of seam structural parameters on seam strength under unidirectional and multi-directional load exertions

In the present study, seam failure mechanism has been investigated as a result of fabric exposure to unidirectional and multi-directional loads, considering the seam structural parameters, such as stitch type and length. To this end, three common groups of fabrics, namely worsted, shirting and dress woven, have been examined and the effect of seam properties and its interaction with fabric type is analysed through the measurement of seam’s unidirectional and multi-directional strengths and the seam efficiency. The results show that stitch type and length have a significant effect on the tensile properties of seams. Suitable selection of stitching parameters can enhance the seam performance at unidirectional and multi-directional loadings and improvement of the seam efficiency.

Influence of seam structural parameters on seam strength under unidirectional and multi-directional load exertions

251-259In the present study, seam failure mechanism has been investigated as a result of fabric exposure to unidirectional and multi-directional loads, considering the seam structural parameters, such as stitch type and length. To this end, three common groups of fabrics, namely worsted, shirting and dress woven, have been examined and the effect of seam properties and its interaction with fabric type is analysed through the measurement of seam’s unidirectional and multi-directional strengths and the seam efficiency. The results show that stitch type and length have a significant effect on the tensile properties of seams. Suitable selection of stitching parameters can enhance the seam performance at unidirectional and multi-directional loadings and improvement of the seam efficiency

Effects of Moderate-Intensity Resistance Exercise on Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Individuals

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of moderate-intensity resistance exercise on postexercise hypotension (PEH) in the hypertensive. The study was conducted with eighteen hypertensive elderly individuals (20–30 years). They were subjected to two experimental sessions: control session (SC) and 50% (S50%) of 1RM. For each session, subjects were evaluated pre-and postintervention. In the preintervention, the blood pressure (BP) and FVR were measured after 10 min of rest. Thereafter, they were taken to the gym to perform the exercise sessions or remained at rest in each of the equipment during the same time.In the S50% group was composed of a set of ten repetitions of ten exercises, with an interval of 90 s between exercises. Subsequently,the FVR and BP measurements were again performed at 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 min of recovery (postintervention). The PEH was greater in S50% compared with SC, with the lower value of BP being found at 75 min of recovery for the two sessions (systolic BP:125.21 ±0.98mmHg versus 145.45 ±1.72 mmHg; diastolic BP: 83.60 ±1.67 mmHg versus 95.14 ±0.74 mmHg respectively). Moderateintensity resistance exercise was effective in promoting PEH, this phenomenon being accompanied by a reduction in FVR within the first minute of recovery in the hypertensive young