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Background & Objective: Studies about the prevalence of Celiac disease (CD) in western Asian countries are scarce and there is only one study on the prevalence of CD in healthy blood donors in Iran. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of CD in general population of the city of Sari in north of Iran. Materials & Methods: This was a descriptive study and the blood samples were obtained from 1438 person from general population (686 males, 752 females: Mean age 35.5 range 18-66 year) of the Sari which were selected by stratified randomized sampling method during 2003. Total serum IgA was measured in all and IgA-deficient cases were excluded. From this study all cases were analyzed for IgA tissue transglutaminase antibody (Human recombinant tTG). All persons who had a positive serology for tTG-Ab underwent small intestinal biopsy. The biopsy samples were classified according to modified Marsh criteria. Results: All of the samples had normal total IgA. 13 cases showed positive IgA-tTG Ab (6 males and 7 females, mean age 37.5 yrs). All subjects with positive serology except one of them were found to have small bowel biopsies compatible with gluten sensitive enteropathy. One of 13 had Marsh 0, 8/13 Marsh I, 3/13 Marsh II and 1/13 showed Marsh IIIa lesion. Conclusion: The minimum prevalence of gluten-sensitivity among general population in north of Iran is 1/120. This data confirms our study on healthy blood donors, which has published previously and is like of prevalence of Celiac disease in western countries. So Celiac disease is not a rare disease as it thought before in this area.

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Background & Objective: The pathogenesis of appendicitis remains poorly understood. However there is increasing evidence of involvement of the enteric nervous system in immune regulation and in inflammatory responses.This study was setup to characterize the status of the enteric nervous system and mast cells in acute appendicitis with normal and non inflamed appendix with clinical symptoms Materials & Methods: In this descriptive study, staining in surgically resected appendixes from 15 patients with histologically proven acute appendicitis (Histologically appendicitis, HA), 15 histologically normal appendix (Histologically normal, HN) from patients with a clinical diagnosis of appendicitis and normal histology,and15 normal appendixes from patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery were studied in Shaid Mostafa Khomeyni medical center, Iran during 2000-01. S100-Positive schwann cells and synaptophisin-positive nerve fibers were evaluated with immunohistochemical staining and mast cells were evaluated with histochemical staining with Toloiden –blue.The number of nerve fibres, schwann cells and mast cells in each tissue compartment was measured quantitively with light microscope in 20 microscopic high power fields. Then the mean number of cells was calculated in each field (×400). Results: Increased numbers of fibers and schwann cells widely distributed in the Muscularis and submucosa were seen in the all HA appendixes. Increased numbers of mast cells distributed in submucosa were seen in the all HA appendixes. A significantly increased number of individually stained nerve fibers, schwann cells and mast cells were present in HA appendixes compared with control appendixes (P<0.05). Conclusion: In this study showed that significant increase in neural components and mast cells in acute appendicitis indicates the interaction between the nervous system and mast cells in pathogenesis of acute appendicitis.

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Background and Objective: Weight bearing position is considered as a functional condition. However, available data about it and also knee position sense is little. This study aimed to compare knee joint position sense in weight bearing and non weight bearing positions in men and women, and to determine the effect of target angle on knee joint position sense. Materials and Methods: This interventional study was performed in Zahedan University of medical sciences, Zahedan, Iran in 2006. Forty-four healthy subjects (22 women, 22 men) participated in this study through simple non-probability sampling. Subjects were asked to flex their knees in prone or in standing position, while their eyes closed. Three target angles (45, 60, 90 degrees of knee flexion) were reproduced by each subject. Angle matching errors were measured using an electrogoniometer. Outcomes were collected in form of relative, absolute and variable errors. Data were analyzed using MANOVA test. Results: There was significant difference between weight bearing and non weight bearing positions in terms of angle matching error (P<0.05), while no significant difference was seen between women and men, and also in three target positions. Conclusion: This study showed that subjects are more capable of recognition and identification of the angles during weight bearing position. A larger amount of proprioceptive afferent data may result from sources other than examined knee and lower extremity.

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Background and Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Neonatal Intensive Cares Many different data banks have been developed. Furthermore, various scoring systems such as SNAP and CRIB have been validated to designate and compared differences among hospitalized patients in NICU. This study was done to determine mortality rate and prevalence of complications in neonates admitted to Taleghani and Dezyani NICU centers in Gorgan - Iran. Materials and Methods: In this discriptive study a questioniare including sex, birthweight, gestational age, duration of hospitalization, age at the time of discharge or death, complications and other information needed for CRIB scoring system, was completed for 46 neonates with gestational age of less than 37-week old and birth weight of less than 1500 grams. Results: Mortality rate was 37% (17 neonates) with the most common cause being respiratory failure. RDS was associated with a 101-fold increase for the chance of death (OR=1.1, CI=12.9-793.6). This probability was 4.7 fold for delivery-time asphyxia. The mean of birthweight, gestational age and CRIB in living and dead infants were 1201 and 934 grams, 30 and 28 weeks and 3.76 and 11.7, respectivly. Using a ROC curve, a cut off point of 7 was reached to predict neonatal outcome for CRIB scoring. Conclusion: This study showed that the mortality rate was higher than the rate in most centers of the world. The mortality rate was directly related with the increase of CRIB score,especially for scores more than 11.

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Cervicogenic headache (CEH) is a chronic, hemicranial pain syndrome in which the sensation of pain originates in the cervical spine or soft tissues of the neck and is referred to the head. Cervicogenic headache is a relatively common but often overlooked disorder. There is sufficient evidence to support this category and the existing diagnostic criteria are adequate. The purpose of this case report was to describe an intervention approach consisting of release and muscle energy techniques for an individual with cervicogenic headache. Clinical examination revealed myofacial trigger points in trapezius, sternocliedomastoid and upper cervical spine erectors. Visual analogue scale (VAS) identified severe pain. Range of flexion and rotation was reduced. Complete pain relief was seen following three times treatment sessions. The results indicating definite diagnosis and appropriate treatment of cervicogenic headache.

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Background and Objective: Cervical stabilization training is a method of exercise which is designed to improve the mechanisms by which the cervical spine maintains a stable, injury-free state. The aim of this study was to compare effectiveness of muscle stabilization training with dynamic exercises on the chronic neck pain and disability. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind clinical trail study twenty-six patients with chronic neck pain were recruited. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a stabilization (n=13) or a dynamic exercises group (n=13). Before and after intervention, pain was assessed with visual analog scale (ordinal) and Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPNPQ), disability (ordinal) with Neck Disability Index (NDI), neck muscles strength (bar) using Dynatest and cervical ranges of motion (degrees) with specific neck goniometer. A 24 session exercise program which lasted 12 weeks, two sessions per week, and 45 minutes per session was performed for both groups. Independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U and paired t-test or Wilcoxon were used for comparison between the pretreatment and post treatment test results between groups and within groups, respectively. Results: The mean neck pain (NPNPQ) decreased from 18.23±0.77 to 7.54±4.39 in the stabilization group and from 18.31±3.99 to 11.85±3.89 in the dynamic group (P<0.05). The mean disability (NDI) decreased from 22.69±4.99 to 8.23±4.09 in the stabilization group and from 22.23±4.88 to 14.92±5.54 in the dynamic group (P<0.05). After treatment, neck muscles strength and range of extension increased and both neck pain and disability decreased in the stabilization group compared with the dynamic ones (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between two groups regarding flexors and left lateral flexors strength and ranges of flexion, right and left lateral flexion. Conclusion: This study showed that neck specific stabilization and dynamic exercises increase, range of motion, decrease pain and disability. Also specific stabilization exercies was more useful than dynamic procedure.

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Background and Objective: There are some factors including socio-demographic, maternal and nutritional variables reported to influence the growth of children in the first two years of life. The aim of this study was to determine some factors related to undesirable growth of 6 months–2years old children in Tabriz-Iran. Materials and Methods: In this case - control study 233 children with undesirable growth as cases, and 412 children with desirable growth as controls selected in five primary health care centers in Tabriz city in North-West of Iran during 2007. A questionnaire which included some questions regarding demographic characteristics, fertility history, and nutritional status was filled by using face -to - face interview with selected children’s mother. The influence of different factors on undesirable growth was evaluated with a logistic regression model by using SPSS-14 and EPI-2000 software. Results: Having any disease during two monitoring (OR=4.23, 95% CI: 2.95-6.07, P<0.001), type of pregnancy (unwanted) (OR=1.87, 95% CI: 1.20-2.93, P<0.006), gender (girl) (OR=1.51, 95%CI: 1.05-2.17, P<0.025), low birth weight (OR=1.0, 95% CI: 0.99-1.01, P<0.097) and having conflict in the family (OR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.01-1.47, P<0.045) associated with undesirable growth. Conclusion: This study determined having any disease, type of pregnancy, sex of child and low birth weight related with undesirable growth of 6 months –2years old children. Using safe family planning methods and help to reduce unwanted pregnancy, parental training about the nutritional requirements of children particularly during period of disease, is recommended in order to enhance the health of children.

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Background and Objective: Adolescence is a critical period which has physical, sexual and psychosocial changes. Scientists believe that adolescent must aware from necessary knowledge at critical time, because unawareness causes more sexual deviation. Thus in this study parents and teacher's view had been assessed about the best time and appropriate method for reproductive health education for female adolescents. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study 400 parents and 50 teachers from girls' high school were chosen by multiple sampling in Gorgan-Iran. Information collected by a questionnaire which consisted of two parts of demographic characteristics and polling which contains three parts: fertilization and pregnancy, family planning, HIV and STDs. Descriptive statistic was used for analysis the Data by SPSS-9 software. Results: 43.5% of mothers and 38.5% of fathers believed that the best time for fertilization and pregnancy education is at marriage time, and 46% of teachers believed grade III high school and pre- university is suitable time. Majority of teachers and parents believed that the best time to teach family planning is at marriage time. 32% of mothers believed that the most suitable time. for teaching HIV and STDs is grade 3 at high school and pre- university but about 30.7% of fathers and 38% of teachers noted the best time is grade I and II at high school. About the most suitable education method, 45% of mothers and 44% of teachers believed that attending a midwife at school is necessary. Conclusion: This study showed that majority of parents and teachers agree with reproductive health education during high school and marriage time and they mentioned that the best education method should be done at school with attending a midwife as a counselor.

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Background and Objective: Abdominal operations as gynaecological procedures result in gastrointestinal dysmotility. Early feeding and ambulation are nonpharmacologic interventions which can be useful in re-initiation of bowel function. This study was done to evaluate the effect of early oral hydration on the return of bowel function and woman's satisfaction after elective caesarean section in primiparous women.

Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 120 primiparous women undergone elective cesarean section were assigned to control and intervention groups in Hajar hospital, Shahrekord, Iran during 2007. In the interventional group, oral hydration with liquids was started 4 hours after surgery regardless of presence of bowel sounds and solid food was started after bowel sounds appeared. The control group recieved liquid diet 12 hours after the operation if it was tolerated, they were given soft diet and regular food at the next meal. The return of bowel activity, time of ambulating, satisfaction, discharge from the hospital and complications were compared in two groups. The data were analyzed using SPSS-15, Chi-Square, T and one way ANOVA tests.

Results: The mean postoperative time interval to first hearing of normal intestinal sounds in interventional versus control groups were (9.5±1.38 and 12.5±2.5 hours) the first passage of flatus (15.7±3.61 vs.22.4±4.1 hours), time to first sensation of bowel movement (10.8±1.99 versus 15.7±3.4 hours) and defecation (18.9±3.65 versus 23.4±4.85 hours). These differences were significant (P<0.05). Also discharge from the hospital (0.96±0.18 versus 1.1±34 days) were significantly shorter in interventional group (P<0.05). The women in the early feeding group got out of bed (patient mobilisation) earlier than their interventional group (14.1 hours versus 18.8 hours (P<0.05). Maternal satisfaction was significantly higher among the early fed women (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Early oral hydration after elective cesarean section associated with rapid resumption of intestinal motility and increased woman’s satisfaction.

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Background and Objective: Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the painful conditions of the musculoskeletal system. There is controversy about the effectiveness of treatment strategy. This study was done to compare the effects of diclofenac phonophoresis with ergonomic instructions on neck and shoulder pain and disability in women with myofascial trigger points in trapezius muscle. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted on thirty female students with trigger points in trapezius muscle in Razmejo-Moghadam Physiotherapy Clinic, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Iran during 2009. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three equal groups: diclofenac phonophoresis, ergonomic instructions, and control groups. In phonophoresis group, after applying diclofenac gel, ultrasound with frequency of 1 MHz, continuous mode, intensity 1.5 W/cm2, and duration 4.5 min was used. Ergonomic group received instructions in order to maintain appropriate posture during activity of daily life. Control group received ultrasound without output. A 12 session treatment program, during 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week was performed. Neck pain was assessed before and after intervention with Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire and shoulder pain and disability with Shoulder Pain and Disability Index. Data were analyzed using SPSS-17, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, paired t-test, One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results: Neck pain score decreased from 18±3.5 to 7.6±4.4 in phonophoresis group and from 17.8±3.5 to 10.5±3.4 in ergonomic group (P<0.05). Also, shoulder pain and disability score decreased from 106.2±28.1 to 36.76±30.7 in phonophoresis group and from 103.3±22.9 to 26.2±12.3 in ergonomic group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between post and pretreatment results in control group. After treatment, there was no significant difference between two treatment groups regarding neck, shoulder pain and disability. However, after treatment there was significant difference between two treatment groups and control group regarding pain (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that diclofenac phonophoresis and ergonomic instructions are effective in decreasing neck and shoulder pain and disability in patients with myofascial trigger points in trapezius muscle. None of both treatment strategy was superior to other.

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Background and Objective: Immobilization stress has a variety of effects on the enzymes activity. This study was conducted to determine the protective effect of Aloe vera extract on the serum level of creatine kinase enzyme in male rates exposed to acute and chronic immobilization stress. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 45 male Wistar rats weighing approximately 200±30g. Animals were randomly allocated into 9 groups of 5 rats: control, normal saline, chronically immobilized, acutely immobilized, chronically immobilized normal saline, acutely immobilized normal saline, Aloe vera extract (600mg/kg/daily), acutely immobilized Aloe vera (600g/kg/daily) and chronically immobilized Aloe vera groups (600g/kg/daily). Aloe vera extract with a dose of 600mg/kg/BW was administered by gavage feeding before applying stress. For chronic immobilization, animals were put under immobilization stress for 2 hrs a day for 3 weeks and for acute immobilization animals were put under immobilization for 8hrs a day for one week. At the end of the experiments, blood samples were collected using cardiac puncture method and serum level of creatine kinase enzyme (units/L) was measured by spectrophotometery. Data were analyzed using SPSS-19, one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests. Results: Serum level of creatine kinase enzyme represented a statistical significant increase in rats exposed to acute (2368.20±104.96 units/L) and chronic immobilization (2177.80±234.75 units/L) compared with control group (1240.40±706.40 units/L) (P<0.001). The enzyme alteration level was not significant in Aloe vera (1619.80±171.41 units/L), acutely immobilized Aloe vera extract (1619.00±206.03 units/L) and chronically immobilized Aloe vera extract (1448.00±106.07 units/L). Conclusion: This study showed that gavage of Aloe vera extract (600mg/kg/daily) in rats can prevent the elevation of creatine kinase enzyme activity resulted by immobilization stress.

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Anomalous coronary artery origin is a rare clinical entity with varied clinical outcomes ranging from asymptomatic to sudden cardiac death. The incidence of anomalous origin of left coronary artery arising from the right coronary cusp is 0.3-1%. CT angiography is the choice method for coronary anomalies, but often coronary angiography in RAO (right anterior oblique) view shows the coronary course. We present a case that referred to our hospital with post myocardial infarction angina for coronary angiography. A resting 12-lead electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation in leads v2, v3, v4. A transthoracic echocardiogram indicated LVEF 25% (Left ventricular ejection fraction), septal akinesia and apical dyskinesia. Coronary Angiography showed an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the right coronary cusp and significant stenosis in LAD (left anterior descending) and LCX (left circumflex) arteries with poor run off.

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Background and Objective: Parents of children with cancer are more susceptible to psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, stress, and generally, mental health risks. This study was done to determine the effectiveness of group acceptance and commitment therapy on self-efficacy among mothers of children with cancer.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 30 mothers of children with cancer referring to Children’s Medical Center in Tehran, Iran during 2017. Mothers were non-randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. For gathering the data, the parental self agency measure of Dumka and colleagues (PSAM; 1996) was used. The group acceptance and commitment therapy was offered to subjects in the interventional group for 2-hour in 10 sessions, but the control group's mothers did not receive any intervention.
Results: Mean scores of self-efficacy among mothers of children with cancer were 31.40±6.40 and 53.87±13.35 in pre-test and post-test, respectively (P<0.05). Mean scores of self-efficacies among mothers in the control group were 30.07±5.73 and 29±7.58 in pre-test and post-test, respectively. This difference was not significant.
Conclusion: Acceptance and commitment therapy significantly improves parental self-efficacy among mothers of children with cancer.

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Background and Objective: Infantile colic which can cause nervousness and anxiety in parents by fussing and restlessness in babies. This study was done to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of infantile colic in Babol, the North of IRAN.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was done on 591 breastfeeding babies (321 females, 270 males) born with birth weight 2500-4000 grams and gestational age ≥37 weeks without any medical problem during 2016-18. They visited in age 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks by neonatologist. On the basis of parents complain and Wessel's criteria babies were divided into three groups: Cramp with crying (colicky group), Cramp without crying and normal group. Then possible risk factors of infantile colic have been compared in three groups.
Results: 45.5% of babies presented cramp with crying as colic group. Time of restlessness was significantly more than morning during night and afternoon (P<0.05). Colic was higher in infants born by cesarean section (P<0.05), and in the first-born child (P<0.05). However, there was not significant relation with gender, mothers’ education, parents smoking and taking dairy product.
Conclusion: According to this study’s findings, nearly half of infants had the symptoms of colic, which was higher in first children, infants born by cesarean section and during night.

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Background and Objective: Perinatal mortality rate (PMR) is one of the main indicators in evaluation of health community and healthcare systems. This study was performed to determine the perinatal mortality rate in the referral third level of maternal and infant care center affiliated to Babol University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on by cross-sectional method and 19234 births (9751 male and 9483 female) from 22 weeks gestation to 29 days after delivery Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital in Babol, northern Iran during 2011-18. Data on the cause of neonatal death, maternal age, type of delivery, malformations, maternal underlying disease, maternal pregnancy-related conditions, and diseases at the time of death in neonate were collected from website of the Ministry of Health. Then each of the indicators was calculated per 1000 live births.
Results: In this study, the PMR was calculated per 1000 live births which was 29.01 (boys 16.17 and girls 12.84). The portion of vaginal delivery was 9.67 and cesarean section was 19.34. Out of 558 perinatal deaths, 59.9% died due to intrauterine death with an index of 17.37 and 40.1% of deaths were due to infant death with an index of 11.63. Most neonatal deaths (74%) occurred within the first 24 hours of birth and in terms of gestational age 86.02% were <37 weeks of gestation with an index of 24.95, and low birth weight were 83.8% with an index of 24.31. Underlying disease was found in 25.6% of mothers and pregnancy-related conditions in 74.4% of cases. Fetal distress in 14.4% with an index of 4.20 was the most common disease associated with infant death or cause of death in preterm infants. Other causes of perinatal death were specific disorders of perinatal origin, birth defects, chromosomal abnormalities, and accidents were 10.09, 4.06, and 0.58 per 1000 live births, respectively.
Conclusion: The most and important factors of prenatal mortality wrer prematurity and low birth weight that major causes include maternal pregnancy-related conditions and maternal underlying disease, Therefore, emphasis on adequate prenatal care, identification and follow-up of mothers with underlying diseases can be effective in reducing perinatal mortality.

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Background and Objective: Diabetes is one of the most common non-communicable diseases with debilitating complications and mortality rate those results from insulin deficiency, resistance to it or both. The role of nutrition and some micronutrients in the development and progression of diabetes has been investigated. Studies have shown that Magnesium deficiency can reduce insulin secretion and cell resistance. This study was done to determine the association of serum Magnesium level with glycemic control, serum lipids and renal function in type 2 diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetic patients.
Methods: This case-control study was done on 70 patients with type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes and 35 healthy individuals. Fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, creatinine and Magnesium were determined.
Results: Serum Magnesium level in diabetic and pre-diabetic patients were significantly lower than control group (P<0.05). Serum Magnesium level had reverses correlation with HbA1c in diabetic patients. Serum Magnesium level had reverse correlation with glycemic index (FBS, 2hpp) and creatinine in control group (P<0.05) were evaluated in all groups but there was no significant correlation between Renal function test (Cr, eGFR) and serum Mg level.
Conclusion: Serum Magnesium levels in diabetics and pre-diabetics were lower than healthy individuals and had reverse correlation with HbA1c in diabetic patients.

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Background and Objective: Binding of antibiotics to nanoparticles increases the antibacterial potential of nanoparticles and antibiotics. This study was performed to determine the antibacterial and hemolytic effect of zinc / ferrite / cellulose nanocomposite (ZnFe2O4 @ Cell) (single nanoparticle), zinc / ferrite / cellulose nanocomposite was aminated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) with the name of ZnFe2O4@Cell@APTES (Coated nanocomposite) and ZnFe2O4@Cell@APTES@Van nanocomposite (coated nanocomposite bound to vancomycin) against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).
Methods: In this descriptive study, antibacterial-activity was evaluated by broth macro dilution method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum lethal concentration (MBC) were determined for E. coli, S. aurous and P. aeruginosa. The hemolytic activity of nanoparticles was investigated by colorimetric method.
Results: Nanoparticles did not have hemolytic activity. ZnFe2O4@Cell and ZnFe2O4@Cell@APTES@Van did not have a significant antibacterial effect against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and vancomycin binding resulted in antibacterial-activity. ZnFe2O4@Cell@APTES@Van inhibited the growth of Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The growth of E. coli was reduced to 85% at a concentration of 0.4 mg/ml and a concentration of 0.1 mg nanoparticles completely prevented the growth of P. aeruginosa. The growth of gram-positive S. aureus bacteria at a concentration of 0.3 mg/ml nanoparticles was completely stopped.
Conclusion: Vancomycin-modified nanocomposite has antibacterial-activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and has the potential to overcome the antibiotic resistance of bacteria.

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Kawasaki disease is a medium-size vasculitis with peak incidence among infants of 9 to 11 month age. This case report represents a female infant of 18-month age whom was admitted to the Taleghani Pediatric Center of Gorgan, Iran; with referral for admission due to persistent fever for roughly 2 weeks despite various outpatient treatments. Upon the admission, Echocardiographic study was performed to assess whether the patient fulfils cardiac criteria of Kawaski disease which was consistent with the diagnosis and also positive for serious coronary complications in the infant. General condition of the patient improved as the treatment with both IVIG and Corticosteroids was initiated and carditis seemed to vanish in echocardiographic studies but as expected aneurysmal growth can last for over 80 days and in this case serial echocardiographic studies confirmed the formation of giant coronary aneurysms. Diagnosis of Kawasaki disease is based on persistent fever and consistency with clinical criteria and the main purpose of this case report was to emphasize the need to consider this disease in cases of persistent fever to avoid the serious following complications.

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Background and Objective: Any factor that disrupts the tear duct can cause epiphora, one of the most prevalent causes for patients to go to ophthalmology clinics. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction can be congenital or acquired. Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery, which can be operated using external or endonasal approaches, is the standard treatment for nasolacrimal duct obstruction. This study was carried out to assess the success rate of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy surgery for patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 38 patients (29 females and 9 males), aged over 18 with an average age of 43.07±13.83, suffering from epiphora referring to 5 Azar Hospital in Gorgan (Iran) between 2015 and 2018. The success rate of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy surgery for epiphora treatment was evaluated 6 months after the surgery. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the complications of the surgery and the connection to the CT scan results, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy surgery was assessed.
Results: The surgery was successful for 36 patients (94.74%). The extent of the nasolacrimal duct obstruction of the right eye and the left eye was measured at 63.2% and 36.8%, respectively. Slight and heavy bleeding during the surgery was observed in 76.3% and 7.9% of the cases, respectively. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage and orbital injury during the surgery were not seen in the patients. According to the CT scan findings, deviation of the septum was seen in 76.3% of the patients, while septoplasty was operated on in 41.37% of the patients during the surgery. Moreover, half of the patients were suffering from chronic sinusitis for whom, the involved sinuses were opened and sinuses drainage was performed.
Conclusion: Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy surgery is an acceptable and successful method for treating epiphora, especially for patients with sinusitis or nasal septum deviation.
 

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Background and Objective: Ankle instability is one of the most prevalent injuries among athletes. Biomechanical changes, sensory-motor impairments, and neuromuscular disorders have been reported in individuals with chronic ankle instability. The present study was conducted to compare the electrical activity of selected leg and thigh muscles during performing functional movements in female athletes with and without chronic ankle instability.
Methods: This case-control research was conducted on 40 female athletes in the age range of 18-30 years in two groups, including the case (with ankle instability, n=20) and healthy control (without ankle instability, n=20) groups. The electrical activity of selected leg and thigh muscles was recorded during three functional patterns, i.e., the overhead squat, overhead squat with heel lift, and single-legged squat, by electromyography apparatus. The investigated muscles consisted of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle, the gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) muscle, the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle, the fibularis longus (FL) muscle, the soleus (SO) muscle, the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle, the vastus mediali (VM) muscle, and the biceps femoris (BF) muscle.
Results: The activity of the VM, VL, BF, and TA muscles in the single-legged squat and the activity of the VM, VL, BF, SO, and TA muscles in the overhead squat showed a statistically significant increase in the case group compared to the control group (P<0.05). The highest difference in the muscle activity of the two groups was observed in the overhead squat with heel lift movement, which in this movement, except for the GL muscle, there was a statistically significant increase among all other muscles (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Functional movements culminate in increasing the electrical activity level of leg and thigh muscles in female athletes with ankle instability.