Cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Affordance in the Home Environment for Motor Development

Objective. The intent of this study was to translate the Affordance in the Home Environment for Motor Development (AHEMD) scales (3-18 months [IS] and 18-42 month [SR] versions) into Persian, and examine its cultural adaptation and psychometric properties.Method. A four stage process was conducted: translation of the questionnaires (use of International Quality of Life Assessment protocol), cultural adaptation, and determination of its psychometric properties. Qualitative judgments were provided by 11 experts and 30 mothers for interview sessions. Quantitative data were gathered using 212 mothers.Results. For the IS version, validity values ranged from 0.63 to 0.95. Intraclass correlation coefficient for reliability of total score was 0.87 (0.83-0.97), and was Cronbach’s alpha (0.75). Validity for the AHEMD-SR ranged from 0.63 to 0.90, with reliability for total score at 0.98 (0.98-0.99, ICC). Cronbach’s alpha for this version was 0.84. Correlations with SES were significant for both scales: IS (r = 0.40) and AHEMD-SR (r = 0.42).Conclusion. Both translated versions of the AHEMD were determined to be valid and reliable assessments of the home environment of Iranian young children.Keywords: Home environment, Assessment, Validity and reliability, Motor ability, Affordanc

The efficacy of Schwann cell transplantation on motor function recovery after spinal cord injuries in animal models: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim: This article aimed to assess the efficacy of Schwann cell transplantation on motor function recovery in animal model of spinal cord injuries via meta-analysis. Methods: An extended search was carried out in the electronic databases of Medline (via PubMed), EMBASE (via OvidSP), CENTRAL, SCOPUS, Web of Science (BIOSIS), and ProQuest. Finally, 41 eligible studies conducted on 1046 animals including 517 control animals and 529 transplanted animals were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were reported. Results: The findings showed that treatment with Schwann cells leads to a modest motor function recovery after spinal cord injury (SMD = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.63–1.07; p < 0.001). Transplantation of these cells in acute phase of the injury (immediately after the injury) (OR = 4.30; 95% CI: 1.53–12.05; p = 0.007), application of mesenchymal/skin-derived precursors (OR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.28–4.29; p = 0.008), and cells with human sources are associated with an increase in efficacy of Schwann cells (OR = 10.96; 95% CI: 1.49–80.77; p = 0.02). Finally, it seems thatthe efficacy of Schwann cells in mice is significantly lower than rats (OR = 0.03; 95% CI: 0.003–0.41; p = 0.009). Conclusion: Transplantation of Schwann cells can moderately improve motor function recovery. It seems that inter-species differences might exist regarding the efficacy of this cells. Therefore, this should be taken into account when using Schwann cells in clinical trials regarding spinal cord injuries

Research Paper: Fabrication and Study of Planar Waveguide Based on SU-8 Polymer using Different Substrates

In this work, the planar waveguides are investigated by depositing a SU-8 polymer on PET and quartz substrates. Maxwell equations are solved for the designed waveguides to obtain the characteristic equations. By solving these equations, the minimum thickness of SU-8 necessary for operation as a waveguide is found. Afterward, the waveguides are fabricated and characterized by profilometry and UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy. It is observed that SU-8 polymer shows suitable optical transmission. Then, the effective refractive index of the waveguide, as well as the wave propagation, is recognized by the finite element method. The results of simulations show that the total reflectance phenomenon that is required for a waveguide operation is occurring more effectively in the PET/SU-8 device than in the Quartz/SU-8 and in a waveguide configuration, it possesses better performance. Also, the flexibility and low cost of PET make it a proper candidate for substitution of the typical rigid substrate such as quartz

Catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of phenol over ZnFe2O4 nano spinel

The catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of phenol was investigated over ZnFe2O4 nano spinel under different conditions, designed by the experimental design. ZnFe2O4 nano oxide was synthesized by the sol-gel combustion method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. The mean particle size was determined around 80-90 nm. The experiments were designed by Box-Behnken type of response surface methodology (RSM) through considering four process variables: CH2O2 (M), ZnFe2O4 amount (g), temperature (Ë C) and reaction time (min). The optimum condition for the degradation of the phenol was predicted by the response surface methodology. The optimal conditions for phenol degradation were at 0.144 M, 0.156 g, 70 Ë C and 300 min of peroxide concentration, catalyst amount, temperature and reaction time, respectively. The predicted response under these conditions was 99%, whereas the experimental test of predicted condition led to 97% degradation of phenol. Pareto analysis predicted that the order of relative importance of model terms is as follows: Reaction temperature (29 %) > catalyst amount- reaction temperature (19%) > reaction temperature- reaction time (14%)> reaction time (10.9%)> catalyst amount (9.8%). The study revealed that zinc ferrite nano spinel could be promising for removal of pollutants by catalytic wet peroxide oxidation process.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

The challenges of managing childhood fever by parents referred to health centers in Bushehr

Background: Fever is one of the most common reasons for which parents of infants and young children seek medical care. This study aimed to understand the problems of parents in the care and management of febrile children in depth and ultimately provide ways to resolve this issue. Materials & Methods: The present study is a descriptive exploratory research (a kind of mix method design) with the aim of examining the problems of managing fever in children by their parents. The study population was parents of children referred to health centers in Bushehr. The study sample was purposively selected. Data collection included semi-structured interviews, demographic information and empowering questionnaire. The qualitative data were analyzed based on directed content analysis. The quantitative data was analyzed using the SPSS software (version 19) and descriptive and analytical statistics at a significance level of 0.05. Results: In the qualitative study, coding and condensing data from interviews determined in six categories, including: the need for awareness, preparedness for coping, acting independently performance of effective care, sense of control and management positions and satisfaction. The mean and standard deviation of the scores of knowledge, attitude and practice of parents were, 6.65&plusmn;1.58, 11.87&plusmn;3.41 and 55.44&plusmn;5.97, respectively. In addition, scores of empowering in terms of some demographic characteristics showed significant correlation. Conclusion: The need for basic information about how to manage fever and also need to empowering mothers in such a way to be prepared enough to cope with fever were presents in most of participants&rsquo; interviews. It is recommended that health workers provide the parents more complete education by empowerment models to reach satisfactory abilities in managing their children,s fever

Frequency of middle mesial canal and radix entomolaris in mandibular first molars by cone beam computed tomography in a selected Iranian population

Introduction: Although there are many studies about the internal anatomy of mandibular molars, there is still controversy over the frequency of middle mesial canals and isthmuses in the mesial root of mandibular molars and distolingual third root (Radix entomolaris) that it can be seen in any population, but it is more frequent in Asians and makes endodontic treatment difficult. Because of limited studies on the middle mesial canal, isthmus in north of Iran; therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of these variations in the north of country. Materials & Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 200 mandibular first molar teeth without any root canal treatment and completely erupted and developed were evaluated. Samples with open apex, internal root resorption, calcification, crown and extensive restoration were excluded. The patients’ gender, age, tooth location (left and right), count of canals in the mesial root, presence or absence of isthmus in mesial root, middle mesial canal and isthmus level in the mesial root and distolingual root (Radix entomolaris) were studied in three groups based on age; 40. Results: From 200 samples, 18 teeth (9%) had middle mesial canal, 38 teeth (19%) had isthmus in mesial root and 6 teeth (3%) had distolingual root (Radix entomolaris). Conclusion: due to the high frequency of isthmuses, middle mesial canals and Radix entomolaris in the population, which cannot be ignored, missing and treating these spaces could be one of the main reasons for failure in root canal treatment. Therefore, it is advised to put more effort into detecting and completely clean and obturate these spaces in surgical and non-surgical endodontic treatments

Impacts of Reconstruction and Restoration of Old Fabric of Yazd City on Tourism Development

One of the main components of economic growth in countries hinges on the dynamism of the tourism industry, as the reconstruction and restoration of old fabrics of cities has been a critical element of old cities. The basic goal of interventional strategies to reconstruct and restore old fabrics and redesign them is to return those fabrics to the life cycle, that can be useful in attracting and activating sustainable tourism of old cities. This study investigates the effects of reconstruction and restoration of the old fabric of Yazd City on tourism development. This study is an applied study in terms of goal, and survey and correlative in terms of method. The statistical population of this study consists of residents of old fabric of the city of Yazd. Data from 384 residents were gathered via cluster sampling, and for this a questionnaire was used. Three measures of reliability, convergent validity and divergent validity were used to explain the fit of the measurement models. Structural equation modeling was also used to analyze the data. Findings revealed there is a significant correlation between reconstruction and restoration of the old fabric of the Yazd City in terms of economic, social, cultural, structural and environmental dimensions and tourism development. In fact, reconstruction and restoration of the old fabric of the city not only strengthens the economic growth but also increases social vitality, promotes cultural standards, rejuvenates the physical structures and improves the environmental situation that would lead to tourism boom. On the other hand, tourism development has a positive impact on reconsecration and restoration dimensions of the city of Yazd

Body Composition in Healthy Obese/Overweight and Normal Weight Subjects Compared to Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Background: According to previous studies, patient with metabolic syndrome (MetS) are different in terms of body composition from healthy subjects. The purpose of the present study was to determine the body composition of healthy obese/overweight patients and compared them with those having MetS. Methods: A case-control study was conducted on both men and women aged 20 to 55 years, who were selected using sequential sampling method, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, from those referred to an endocrinology and the diabetes clinic affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. One hundred and forty seven subjects were enrolled in the study and divided into three groups, including 49 with MetS, 49 obese/overweight subjects without MetS, and 49 were normal weight subjects. Body composition was measured for all subjects using bioelectrical impedance analysis. NCEP ATP III was the criterion for definition of Mets. Results: No significant differences were found between the study groups in terms of demographic variables. The mean of the waist circumference (WC) was higher in MetS patients (P < 0.05) as compared with the control groups. Obese/overweight group had higher percentage of body fat and lower fat free mass than normal weight group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Obese/overweight patients with and without MetS had significantly higher fat mass and WC than normal weight controls, while only WC was higher in MetS group as compared with obese/overweight patients without MetS. Therefore, reduction in body fat and WC should be emphasized in patients with MetS