Background and Objective: Loneliness is one of the problems experienced by the aging population, and the lack of social communication plays a major role in the emergence of loneliness. This study was conducted to determine the effects of telenursing on the loneliness of the elderly.
Methods: This field trial was conducted on 100 elderly people over 60 years of age who were selected by convenience sampling from the clients of Gonabad (Iran) community health centers during 2017. The elderly participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups of 50 people, intervention and control. Then, the demographic information questionnaire, the Informant Questionnaire for Cognitive Decline in the Elderly, and Dehshiri et al.'s Loneliness Scale were completed. The intervention group received face-to-face training by the researcher for 2 hours. There was no intervention for the control group, and the elderly received routine care from the family health unit. After the face-to-face meeting, phone calls were made by the researcher to the intervention group for 12 weeks. One month after the end of the intervention, the questionnaires were completed again by the two groups and evaluated and compared.
Results: The mean (standard deviation) score of loneliness was 60.82±21.07 and 57.48±18.76 before the intervention in the intervention and control groups, respectively, and this value after the intervention was 35.06±14.20 and 61.40±18.72, respectively, in the intervention and control groups. After the intervention, a statistically significant difference was found in terms of a reduction in the loneliness score of the elderly in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: This study showed that telenursing was effective in reducing the loneliness of the elderly.

Background and Objective: A basic factor in the reduction of fertility levels is delayed fertility. This research was carried out in Khorramabad, Lorestan Province, Iran.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 535 married women aged 15-49 years in Khorramabad. The data were collected face-to-face through a cross-sectional survey in 2020 using a researcher-made questionnaire between September and December 2019. This study used the Kaplan-Meier test to determine the childlessness survival time. A logistic parametric model with the gamma shared frailty distributions was employed to analyze its determinants.
Results: The mean of childlessness survival time was 31.76 months, with a median of 24 months. Women in the age group of 15 to 30 years, women with university education, women who married at the age of less than 25 years, and women with a higher sense of socioeconomic insecurity had a longer childlessness survival time (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Childlessness was evaluated as low in Khorramabad. Only 2% of the women remained childless after 10 years of marriage.

Background and Objective: Physical disability caused by multiple sclerosis (MS) increases MS patients' need for support from others. Medication adherence is one of the main success factors in the treatment of chronic diseases, which is influenced by various factors. This study aimed to determine the relationship between perceived social support and medication adherence in patients with MS.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 110 patients (70 women and 40 men) aged 39±9 years with MS who visited the 2 medical training centers of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (Kashani and Al-Zahra), Isfahan, Iran during 2021. After sampling by the systematic random method, the data were collected by interviews and using Zimmet's Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS) and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8).
Results: The mean and standard deviation of the scores of medication adherence and perceived social support were 6.10±1.72 and 62.83±14.97, respectively. According to the Pearson correlation coefficient, perceived social support did not show any significant relationship with medication adherence (r=0.185, P=0.053). Perceived social support showed a statistically significant relationship with income satisfaction (F=4.54, P=0.01), the pattern of clinical course (F=2.95, P=0.03), difficulty in accessing medical care (t=-2.29, P=0.02), and clinical symptoms, including motor (t=-3.72, P=0.001), balance (t=-3.23, P=0.002), and urinary disorders (t=-2.53, P=0.01).
Conclusion: Perceived social support in patients with MS did not cause medication adherence.

Background and Objective: Paraquat toxicity can damage organisms through mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. Evidence shows that regular exercise and appropriate antioxidant supplements can help reduce the complications caused by paraquat toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise training, along with piperine supplement, on the liver levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in Wistar rats induced with paraquat.
Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult Wistar rats were randomly placed into 5 groups of 8, including 1) sham, 2) negative control-paraquat, 3) paraquat + training, 4) paraquat + training + piperine, and 5) paraquat + piperine. Aerobic training included 7 weeks of walking on a treadmill (5 sessions per week for 30-40 min per session, at a speed of 10-18 m/min). Paraquat was administered to the rats by intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight. The piperine supplement was daily gavaged at a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight. The concentration of TNF-a and IL-10 was measured in the liver tissue.
Results: A significant increase in IL-10 and a decrease in TNF-a concentrations were observed between the paraquat-negative control groups compared to the sham, paraquat + exercise, paraquat + piperine, and paraquat + exercise + piperine groups (P<0.05). There was a significant difference between the mean concentrations of TNF-a in the liver tissue between the two negative control groups - paraquat with paraquat + piperine supplement (P<0.05), paraquat + exercise + piperine (P<0.05), paraquat + exercise (P<0.05), and sham (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in concentrations of IL-10 in the liver tissue between the two negative control groups - paraquat with paraquat + piperine supplement, paraquat + exercise + piperine, paraquat + exercise), and sham (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The concentration of TNF-a and IL-10 in male rats induced with paraquat were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, compared to paraquat + piperine supplement, paraquat + exercise + piperine, paraquat + exercise, and sham groups. Therefore, it seems that performing aerobic exercise, along with piperine supplementation, can be a proper way to reduce the inflammation caused by paraquat.

Background and Objective: Obesity and overweight, one of which symptoms is chronic inflammation, is associated with changes in tryptophan metabolism, culminating in numerous diseases. Sport training is among the ways to control obesity and overweight. This study was conducted to determine the effect of eight weeks of endurance training on amino acid tryptophan serum levels and body mass of overweight women.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 24 overweight women in two groups of 12 people, including the control and experimental groups. The mean age and standard deviation of the control and experimental groups were 41.16±3.45 and 41.08±2.93 years, respectively. The body mass was measured using the anthropometric device, and blood samples were taken in the pre-test and post-test in a 12-hour fasting condition. The subjects of the experimental group underwent endurance training 3 sessions a week for 8 weeks with an intensity of 60% to 75% of the maximal heart rate reserve. Serum tryptophan level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.
Results: Eight weeks of endurance training led to enhancing serum tryptophan levels, reducing fat mass, and reducing body mass index (BMI) (P<0.05), and also resulted in a statistically insignificant increase in fat-free mass in overweight women.
Conclusion: Eight weeks of endurance training could be effective in improving the physiological status and body composition of overweight women.

Background and Objective: The application of different nanoparticles using green synthesis is increasing due to fewer complications. This study was conducted to identify the effect of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized with sumac extract on changes in biochemical and histological factors in rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 30 five-month-old male Wistar rats with an approximate weight of 250-300 mg/kg of body weight were divided into three groups: The control group (saline receiving), the experimental groups receiving intraperitoneal cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized with sumac extract at a dose of 10 and 20 mg/kg of body weight. Serum and tissue samples (liver, kidney, and spleen) were isolated. Serum concentrations of urea, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatinine were determined. The photometric method was used to measure liver enzymes, the calorimetric method without omitting proteins based on the Jaffe method was used to measure creatinine, and the urease-glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) method was used to measure urea. Tissue samples were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) microscopic studies were used for microscopic investigations.
Results: No statistical significance was observed in blood samples and factors (urea, creatinine, ALT, and AST) in the experimental groups compared to the control group. Similarly, in the morphological investigation, the size of the liver, kidney, and spleen of the groups receiving cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized with sumac extract was normal compared to the control group.
Conclusion: Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized with sumac had no toxic effect on the rats’ liver, spleen, and kidney tissues.

Background and Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to organ failure by the occurrence of mechanisms such as increased thrombosis and, subsequently, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). This study was conducted to determine LDH serum levels in COVID-19 patients and the factors affecting their mortality.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 212 patients (57 males and 155 females) with COVID-19 with a mean age of 49.19±10.6 referring to Imam Ali Hospital in Chabahar, Iran during 2021. After obtaining patients’ informed consent and demographic information, the heparinized peripheral blood sample was taken from them. The LHD levels were determined using an autoanalyzer.
Results: Twenty-nine (13.67%) patients died. The mean LDH serum level of 29 deceased patients (708.420±96.25 U/L) was not statistically significant compared to survivors (640.360±96.80 U/L in 183). The comparison between the surviving and deceased groups showed that 25% of the deceased patients were hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU), and 90.90% of the survivors were hospitalized in the internal ward (P<0.05). All the deceased and 85.85% of the survivors were 40 years old and above, and this difference was not statistically significant. Furthermore, 24.56% of the deceased were male, 90.32% of the survivors were female (P<0.05), 22.72% of the deceased had a university education, and 88.69% of the survivors had a diploma or under-diploma education (P<0.05), and 71.42% of the deceased patients had thin, and 91.37% of the survivors were overweight (P<0.05).
Conclusion: There was no difference in the LDH serum levels of the COVID-19 survivors and deceased. The age of 40 years and above, lean and morbidly obese body mass indices, male gender, and the need for hospitalization in the ICU were determined as risk factors.

The visual processing disorder is broadly observed among individuals with autism. This study was conducted to develop an integrated rehabilitation program based on vibroacoustics and virtual reality and to assess its effectiveness on the visual processing of autistic children. This experimental case report was conducted using an Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) design on 5 children with autism referred to Zehnara Rehabilitation Clinic in the second half months of 2021. First, the integrated program was implemented for ten 30-minute sessions on 2 subjects randomly selected from among the samples. After determining the program validity, 3 more subjects were entered into the study. The sensory profile questionnaire-2 was used. The questionnaires were filled out at the baseline stage, at the end of each intervention session, and at the one-month follow-up stage. The visual analysis, the percentage of recovery, the percentage of non-overlapping data (PND), and the percentage of overlapping data (POD) were used for data analysis. The implemented intervention was evaluated to be effective for all five subjects so that for Subjects No. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the PND rates were obtained to be 90%, 90%, 70%, 100%, and 90%, respectively. The results of this study demonstrated that the integrated sensory rehabilitation program could be used to improve the visual processing of children with autism.

Background and Objective: Helicobacter pylori infection is a chronic bacterial infection in humans, and its link to epilepsy has been reported in some studies. This study was conducted to compare the frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with and without epilepsy.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 234 patients with focal and generalized epilepsy (the case group consisted of 88 males and 146 females) referring to Alavi Hospital in Ardabil, Iran and 234 individuals without epilepsy (the control group consisted of 88 males and 146 females) during 2019. Stool samples were taken from the subjects to assess the Helicobacter pylori stool antigen. Demographic information, including age, gender, place of residence, a history of alcohol, cigarette, hookah, and opium use, and the test result of the Helicobacter pylori stool antigen, were collected in a checklist.
Results: The frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection was determined to be 67.2% in the case group and 71.1% in the control group, and no statistically significant difference was found between the case and control groups. Cigarette and opium use had statistically significant relationships with epilepsy (P<0.05). Moreover, opium users had a 6.92 times higher odds rate (OR) of contracting Helicobacter pylori infection than other individuals (CI 95%=1.05-45, OR=6.92, P<0.04).
Conclusion: No difference was observed in Helicobacter pylori infection between individuals with and without epilepsy.

Background and Objective: Esophageal cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, and due to the placement of Iran in the Asian belt of esophageal cancer, the use of modern therapeutic approaches is necessary. Betanin is a natural compound extracted from the red beetroot of Beta vulgaris species whose antioxidant properties and role in removing free radicals have been proven. The present study was conducted to determine the cytotoxic effect of red beetroot aqueous extract on esophageal cancer cell line KYSE30.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, esophageal cancer cell line KYSE30 was cultured and then underwent treatment with different concentrations of red beetroot aqueous extract (3, 30, 300, 1000, and 3000 µg/mL) in the three time intervals of 24, 48, and 72 hours. The anticancer effect of treated cells was evaluated by the tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay and the effect of viability was evaluated by the trypan blue assay.
Results: The viability of esophageal cancer cell line at concentrations of 30, 300, 1000, and 3000 μg/mL of red beetroot aqueous extract within 24 hours was statistically significantly reduced compared to the control cells (P<0.05). The viability of esophageal cancer cell line in concentrations of 1000 and 3000 μg/mL of red beetroot aqueous extract within 48 hours showed a statistically significant reduction compared to the control cells (P<0.05). The viability of esophageal cancer cell line at concentrations of 3, 30, 300, 1000, and 3000 μg/mL of red beetroot aqueous extract within 72 hours showed a statistically significant reduction compared to the control cells (P<0.05). The MTT assay results approved the trypan blue assay results. Also, the trypan blue assay indicated that the concentration of 3000 μg/mL significantly led to reduced viability of cells within 72 hours (64.14±3.29) compared to 24 hours (77.22±3.34) and 48 hours (66.93±5.57) (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Red beetroot aqueous extract has a cytotoxic effect on esophageal cancer cell line KYSE30.

Background and Objective: Antioxidant apigenin (AP) is a natural, non-mutagenic, and less toxic flavonoid with pharmacological anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities. This antioxidant is easily received by the cell, binds to sperm DNA, and forms a DNA-AP complex, thereby protecting sperm DNA. The present study was conducted to determine the antioxidant effect of AP on human sperm quality after freezing-thawing.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 10 normozoospermic samples underwent freezing-thawing conditions, and sperm functional tests were investigated in different AP concentrations, including 0.4 mM, 0.2 mM, 0.1 mM, and 0.05 mM.
Results: The quality of total sperm parameters and functional tests decreased after freezing compared to before freezing. Among the AP concentrations, only in the 0.2 mM AP concentration, the improvement of the additional histone percentage, protamine deficiency, and sperm DNA health were observed compared to the control; this finding was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: The use of AP with a concentration of 0.2 mM during freezing-thawing culminates in improving sperm functional tests.

Background and Objective: Bacterial nanocellulose is known as a potential carrier for a widespread spectrum of biological compounds, including antibacterial and antifungal compounds. The present study was conducted to determine the impact of bacterial nanocellulose containing Natamycin and Amphotericin B on Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium citrinum in an in vitro environment.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical research, Aspergillus flavus-PTCC: 5006 and Penicillium citrinum-PTCC: 5304 fungi were prepared from the Fungal Collection of the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of Natamycin and Amphotericin B against Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium citrinum were evaluated by the microdilution method. Bacterial nanocellulose was prepared using Komagata xylinum bacterium, and Natamycin and Amphotericin B were added in three concentrations of 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.1% to wet and lyophilized nanocellulose films by the immersion method. Then, the antifungal effects of the film containing the above compounds against the investigated fungi were investigated by the agar diffusion method. Parchment paper was used as a control for comparison. Spectral properties of nanocellulose film containing antifungal compounds were evaluated by the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) method.
Results: MIC and MFC of Natamycin for Aspergillus flavus were determined as 3.9 μg/mL and 7.81 μg/mL, and for Penicillium citrinum as 7.81 μg/mL and 15.62 μg/mL, respectively. MIC and MFC of Amphotericin B for Aspergillus flavus were determined as 7.81 μg/mL and 15.62 μg/mL, and for Penicillium citrinum as 15.62 μg/mL and 31.25 μg/mL, respectively. The increased concentration had a statistically significant impact on the antifungal properties of all films (P<0.05). The best antifungal effects of the film were related to the film containing Natamycin.
Conclusion: Bacterial nanocellulose containing Natamycin showed stronger antifungal effects in an in vitro environment compared to Amphotericin B against Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium citrinum.

Background and Objective: Opium use is one of the most common problems that impose significant social, psychological, and economic burdens on societies. Understanding the factors involved in the treatment of opium use is essential. This study aimed to evaluate inhibitory response and impulsivity in opium users.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 170 opium users (139 men and 31 women) who visited the Methadone Maintenance Treatment Center in Gorgan, Iran during 2022, selected through convenience sampling. The Stop Signal Task (SST) was used to assess participants' inhibitory response, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) was used to measure impulsivity levels.
Results: The average overall impulsivity score was 67.8±11.85. The average correct responses were 45.09±5.67, incorrect responses were 4.51±3.95, and delays were 0.96±2.32. The mean response time to each stimulus was 1290±512.83 milliseconds. There was a statistically significant correlation between impulsivity dimensions and age, correct responses and education level, and response time for inhibitory control with age and education level (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between the various dimensions of inhibitory response and impulsivity (cognitive impulsivity, non-planning impulsivity, and motor impulsivity) and overall impulsivity.
Conclusion: Opium users are generally impulsive. Additionally, younger individuals and those with lower education levels are more impulsive compared to others.

Background and Objective: Dermatophytosis is a significant skin disease in humans and animals, with increasing resistance to conventional treatments. This study aimed to determine the antifungal activity of petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and hydroethanol extracts from the aerial parts of Artemisia khorassanica, Artemisia scoparia, and Artemisia vulgaris against common dermatophytic fungi, including Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton verrucosum, Epidermophyton floccosum, and Microsporum canis.
Methods: This descriptive study examined the antifungal activity of various extracts from the aerial parts of Artemisia khorassanica, Artemisia scoparia, and Artemisia vulgaris against fungal isolates of Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton verrucosum, Microsporum canis, and Epidermophyton floccosum. The aerial parts of the three Artemisia species were extracted using five solvents: petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and 50% hydroethanol. The extracts were screened for antidermatophytic effects against the fungi mentioned above, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the agar dilution method. The most active extracts underwent preliminary phytochemical testing.
Results: In the initial screening, Microsporum canis and Trichophyton verrucosum showed the highest sensitivity (86.66%) and resistance (100%) to the tested extracts, respectively. Extracts from Artemisia scoparia exhibited the broadest range of activity. The most effective extracts, with an MIC of 78.12 µg/ml, were also from this plant. Hydroethanol extracts from all plant species demonstrated the least antidermatophytic activity. Preliminary phytochemical studies revealed the presence of terpenoids in all petroleum ether and dichloromethane extracts of the plant species.
Conclusion: Some lipophilic compounds, particularly in the petroleum ether and dichloromethane extracts of Artemisia scoparia, exhibit significant in vitro antidermatophytic activity.

Background and Objective: Weight regain following bariatric surgery is a significant challenge for this obesity treatment method. This study aimed to identify factors associated with weight regain after bariatric surgeries in obese patients in Gorgan, Iran.
Methods: This longitudinal study included 143 obese individuals (125 women and 18 men) with a mean age of 43.13±9.83 years who underwent bariatric surgery in Gorgan, Iran during 2013-19. Participants were invited to join the study via phone calls. Research variables (type of surgery, blood group, pre-surgery weight, and body mass index [BMI]) were extracted from patient records, and their current weight and waist circumference were measured and recorded. Weight regain was determined based on one of three different criteria: (1) regaining more than 25% of the maximum weight lost post-surgery, (2) regaining more than 10 kg from the minimum weight post-surgery, or (3) an increase of more than 5 BMI units from the lowest BMI post-surgery.
Results: Overall, 33% of individuals experienced weight regain, with 26.6% according to the first definition, 29.4% according to the second definition, and 18.2% according to the third definition. Men had a higher rate of weight regain (P<0.05). Additionally, 93.6% (44 cases) of those with weight regain had abdominal obesity. On average, 79.7% of participants who were 48 months post-bariatric surgery experienced some degree of weight regain. Individuals with a pre-surgery BMI of 50 or higher had a 2.69 times greater chance of weight regain compared to those with BMI lower 50 (P<0.05). The mean weight loss after surgery was significantly higher in individuals who experienced weight regain than those who did not (P<0.05). There was no significant statistical association between weight regain and the type of surgery, age, education level, marital status, or blood group.
Conclusion: Weight regain over time is a reality after bariatric surgery, indicating that this method is not a definitive cure for obesity. Therefore, long-term follow-up for weight control is crucial, especially for individuals with a pre-surgery BMI of 50 or higher or those who experienced significant weight loss post-surgery.

Background and Objective: Oral and dental health are crucial for nutrition intake, speech, and facial aesthetics. They also significantly influence individuals' physical, social, and psychological activities. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the Dental Caries Index (DMFT) and oral health-related quality of life.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 61 patients (29 men and 32 women) aged 20-50 years who visited the Gorgan Dental School Clinic, Iran during 2019. The DMFT index, encompassing Decay (D), Missing (M), and Filled (F) teeth, was calculated. Quality of life was assessed using the 36-item DIDL (Dental Impact on Daily Living) questionnaire, which covers five domains: dental appearance and aesthetics, oral comfort, overall oral and dental function, eating limitations, and dental and jaw pain. Scores were categorized into three groups: dissatisfied (below 0), moderately satisfied (0 to 7), and satisfied (above 7).
Results: The mean score for oral health-related quality of life was 5.14±0.229, indicating a relative level of satisfaction. Pearson's correlation coefficient between DMFT and oral health-related quality of life was -0.358, suggesting a significant inverse relationship between DMFT and quality of life (P<0.05). The mean DMFT score ranged from 0 to 28, with a mean of 9.36, and the most frequent scores were 7, 11, and 13, each accounting for 11.5% of the sample. The mean decay (D) score was 3.44, the mean missing (M) score was 1.98, and the mean filled (F) score was 3.93, with ranges of 0-12, 0-19, and 0-13, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate an inverse impact of the Dental Caries Index on patients' quality of life. Oral health-related quality of life is a multifaceted construct that affects various aspects such as appearance, oral comfort, and eating limitations, which are critical components of overall quality of life and satisfaction.

Background and Objective: Non-adherence to treatment regimens is a significant factor contributing to the persistence of cardiovascular diseases and their complications. This study aimed to compare the effects of two educational methods, with and without short message service (SMS) reminder, on adherence to treatment regimens among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 111 patients with ACS divided into three 37-people groups: A control group (receiving routine education), the first intervention group (receiving education and a booklet), and the second intervention group (receiving education, a booklet, and SMS reminders). The study was conducted in patients at the coronary care units (CCUs) and post-CCUs of the following educational therapeutic centers: Shahid Sayyad Shirazi in Gorgan, the Fifth Azar in Gorgan, Amir Al-Momenin in Kordkuy, and Al-E-Jalil in Aqqala, Iran, during 2019. The research instrument consisted of the Treatment Adherence Perception Questionnaire (TAPQ) in three domains, including dietary regimen, medication regimen, and exercise and activity, which was completed at the time of discharge and two months later.
Results: The mean scores of adherence to treatment dietary in patients with ACS two months after discharge in the three domains of dietary regimen, medication regimen, and exercise and activity were significantly higher in the group receiving education and SMS reminders (105.54±75.8, 16.00±2.71, and 23.67±3.85, respectively) compared to the education group (84.73±5.02, 11.05±1.69, and 17.45±2.48, respectively) (P<0.05). Moreover, the scores in the three investigated domains were significantly higher in both intervention groups compared to the control group (82.68±13.54, 11.40±1.96, and 17.67±5.04, respectively) (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The use of education and a booklet along with SMS reminders to patients with ACS discharged from the hospital increased adherence to treatment. This adherence was higher in the intervention group receiving SMS reminders.

Background and Objective: Restrictions imposed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to a decrease in physical activity levels across various age groups, particularly among students. This study aimed to determine the effect of eight weeks of corrective exercises on musculoskeletal pain levels in 13-15-year-old students.
Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 101 students (44 girls and 57 boys) aged 13 to 15 experiencing musculoskeletal pain in various body parts in Bandar Mahshahr, Khuzestan Province, during the second half of the academic year 2021-2022. Participants were selected based on the Adolescent Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), considering only the first question regarding the presence or absence of pain in each of the nine body regions (neck, shoulder, elbow, hand, upper back, lower back, pelvis, knee, and ankle) in the past seven days. A score of 1 was assigned to the presence of pain and 0 to the absence of pain. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups of 60: A control group and an intervention group. The intervention group performed corrective exercises at home for eight weeks, with three sessions per week, each lasting 40 minutes. No intervention was provided to the control group. Musculoskeletal pain levels in the neck, shoulder, upper back, elbow-arm, wrist, lower back, knee, and ankle were then compared in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of the total pain scores for the intervention and control groups were 1.32±0.41 and 1.33±0.46 in the pre-test, 1.01±0.08 and 1.34±0.46 at the post-test, and 1.17±0.36 and 1.11±0.31 at follow-up, respectively. Results revealed that eight weeks of corrective exercises significantly reduced musculoskeletal pain levels in the students’ neck, shoulder, upper and lower back, elbow, knee, wrist, ankle, pelvis, and thigh (P<0.05); however, this improvement was not sustained at the follow-up.
Conclusion: Performing corrective exercises reduced musculoskeletal pain levels in the neck, shoulder, upper and lower back, elbow, knee, wrist, ankle, and pelvis and thigh of 13-15-year-old students; however, the benefits were not sustained when the exercises were stopped.

Background and Objective: The therapeutic outcomes of amblyopia after the age range of 8-10 years are poor, and amblyopia in older individuals is resistant to treatment. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), among the efforts intended to modulate cortical excitability in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, has been believed to be associated with a specific disease. This study aimed to determine the effect of rTMS on the treatment of treatment-resistant amblyopia in adult patients.
Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 16 patients (12 males and 4 females) with unilateral amblyopia, with a mean age of 30±5 years referring to the clinics of Khatam al-Anbia Eye Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, during 2016-17. Patients were randomly selected from those with unilateral amblyopia (refractive, strabismic, or mixed) who had not responded to conventional treatments (patching or penalization). The healthy eye was considered a control. The therapeutic intervention consisted of four rTMS sessions at two-week intervals. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were measured and compared three times: Before the intervention, at the first session of intervention, and at the fourth session of intervention.
Results: The mean visual acuity at baseline (0.36±0.19) was not significantly different compared to the first treatment session (0.41±0.1); however, a significant increase was observed compared to the fourth session (0.45±0.23) (P<0.05). The mean contrast sensitivity at baseline (2.02±0.74) was not significantly different compared to the first (1.97±0.63) and the fourth (2.16±0.94) treatment sessions.
Conclusion: In most follow-ups, improvement in contrast was not observed in patients with treatment-resistant amblyopia at older ages using rTMS. Only an improvement in visual acuity was observed in the last follow-up compared to the baseline in the patient group.