فهرست مطالب seyed mahmood latifi

Prolonged labor is associated with various maternal and neonatal complications. This study aims to investigate the relationship between 25‑hydroxyvitamin D3 levels and pain intensity and duration of labor stages in primiparous women.

This cross‑sectional study was conducted in Iran from November 2021 to January 2022 and comprised primiparous women who were in active labor after a term pregnancy (37–42 weeks). Five milliliter of blood was taken from each subject and centrifuged for the measurement of vitamin D level using the enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay method. The High‑Performance Liquid Chromatography (HLPC) method was used to measure 25‑OH vitamin D. In addition, through history, examination, and investigations, the subjects were evaluated according to the pain intensity and duration of the first (active phase) and second stages of labor.

The results of the Pearson correlation test indicated a significant relationship between vitamin D and active phase duration (r = 0.64, p </em>= 0.012), second stage duration (r = 0.73, p </em>= 0.001), pain intensity of the active phase (r = 0.61, p </em>= 0.022), and pain intensity of the second stage (r = 0.65, p </em>= 0.026). According to the analysis of variance table, based on vitamin D, there were statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of the active phase duration, second stage duration, pain intensity of the active phase, and that of the second stage of labor (p </em>< 0.05).

Low levels of vitamin D may influence the progress of labor and increase the rate of prolonged labor.

Manual Material handling includes activities in which pushing, pulling, lifting, lowering, carrying, and holding the load, the most common of which is lifting. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of the KIM-LHC method to identify high-risk manual load lifting tasks.

This cross-sectional study was performed on healthy male workers with a history of manual material handling in a laboratory setting. The sample size was determined according to previous studies of 15 people. The participants were required to perform 25 tasks with four iterations randomly. An inclinometer device was used to determine the forward bending angle at the waist. Compression loads exerted on L5/S1 were estimated using 3DSSPP software using participants' postural and anthropometric information. Also, the tasks were evaluated using the KIM-LHC method, and their final scores and levels of MSD risks were determined. Data were analyzed using SPSS.20 software and the Chi-square test.

The results of compression load estimation for lifting tasks showed that 92% of the tasks had a low-risk level (less than 3400 N), and 8% of the tasks had a medium-risk level (3400 to 6800 N). While the results of the KIM-LHC method showed that 28% of tasks had a low-risk level, 64% had a medium level, and 8% had a high-risk level. 

The results of this study showed no correlation between the risk levels of the KIM-LHC method and the estimated compression load for some designed lifting tasks. Therefore, there is a possibility of error in estimating the risk level of some lifting tasks by the KIM-LHC method, and more biomechanical studies should be performed on kinetics and kinematics.

Weight management is the key to prevent and treat the adverse consequences of overweight and obesity. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of consuming milk and pistachio snacks on anthropometric indices in overweight or obese women.

In this randomized crossover trial, 60 overweight or obese women with a mean age of 24 ± 4.2 years were randomly divided into two groups. Women in the milk group received 200 mL/day low‑fat milk while women in the other group received 30 g/day pistachio for 4 weeks. After a 6‑day washout period, the participants received a similar intervention in a crossover manner.

Out of the total 60 participants, 52 completed the study. At the end of the study, the weight of women in the milk group significantly decreased (70.8 ± 8.4 vs. 69.9 ± 8.3, P value = 0.001). No statistically significant changes were observed in the weight of participants in the pistachio group (70.3 ± 8.4 vs. 70.6 ± 8.3, P value = 0.06). Further analyses showed a slightly significant beneficial effect on waist circumference (WC) (P‑value =0.068) and body mass index (BMI) in the milk group P value = 0.01).

Based on the observed positive effects of milk intake on weight loss in this crossover study, milk consumption may be considered an appropriate snack in weight loss programs in overweight or obese women.

Concerning demyelination’s process in multiple sclerosis (MS), speech changes often occur earlier than other symptoms; thus early diagnosis of these changes is necessary. According to recent studies, phonation subsystem appears with the most symptoms compared with other subsystems, especially in the initial stages. In this study, the researchers aimed at comparing these symptoms in MS patients with healthy people using dysphonia severity index (DSI) and its parameters.
This study was conducted on 40 MS patients and 20 healthy individuals in Ahvaz city. The subjects were asked to phonate vowel /a/ for calculating maximum phonation time (MPT), maximum F0, jitter, minimum intensity, and DSI score with the Praat software. For statistical analysis of data, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and independent t-test were used.
The mean scores of DSI in MS patients (1.07 ± 1.51) was significantly lower than the control group (3.603 ± 1.13) (P value The findings of this study indicated that the MS group had worse vocal quality than the healthy group, which means they were at risk of voice and speech problems; therefore, acoustic assessments can determine the vocal impairments of the disease at the early stages and prevent progression of vocal impairments with an appropriate treatment plan. Also, dysphonia severity index, as a reliable tool, can detect vocal quality impairments in multiple sclerosis and can be a supplementary assessment tool for early detection of degenerative diseases.

Executive functions generally refer to cognitive functions involved in the control and regulation of goal-directed behavior also the formation of mental representations. Several factors such as age, task complexity, and bilingualism affect executive functions. There are opposing effects for the role of bilingualism on executive functions. This study aimed to compare executive functions of bilingual patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) with their monolingual counterparts. In this cross-sectional study, 13 bilingual patients with RRMS are compared with 13 monolingual peers. The research instrument included progressive matrices raven test, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and clinical tests of executive functions (continuous performance test, Wechsler memory test and verbal fluency test). The Mann-Whitney test was used as statistical analysis. The results indicated statistically significant differences between two groups with regard to correct response, error of omission, and commission error. However, there was no difference in the digit span test. Monolinguals in Persian language, however, performed better than bilinguals in all verbal fluency tasks. Bilingualism promotes cognitive ability and executive functions in nonverbal tasks. Ironically, it seems that the only recorded negative impact of bilingualism are on verbal knowledge and skill.

Nosocomial infection that is limited or diffuse reactions associated with pathogenic infectious agent or its toxins at least 48 to 72 hours accepting patients in the hospital will be created.The present study has been designed for the effect of controlled contactson nosocomial infections in children wards.
This study is a interventional study in wich 120 children in the control group and 120 children in the case group who were eligible for inclusion sampled purposefully.The data gathering tool was a infection control checklist for checking the care of doctors,nurses and parents and the standard protocols of infection control was used in Ahvaz hospitals.Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics spss v.20.
There is no any significant difference beatween two groups in the rate of pneumonia, urinary infection, blood stream infection and rate of whole nosocomial infections with (p=0/582).
The controlled contact is a solution for infection control but is was not the ultimate method of infection control,so it is best done research on other methods of nosocomial infection control.

Since in multiple sclerosis (MS), changes in speech and voice quality often precede other signs and symptoms; early diagnosis of these changes is necessary. In this study, an acoustic examination of phonation subsystem was performed. Due to the progressive nature of multiple sclerosis, the aim of this study was to examine the correlation between acoustic parameters of voice quality and disease severity and duration.
This descriptive-analytic study was performed on 43 patients with multiple sclerosis. The disease severity was detected by a neurologist based on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) for each patient. Acoustic analysis was performed during the production of sustained vowel /a/ and accordingly, the maximum phonation time (MPT), perturbation of the frequency (jitter), perturbation of amplitude (shimmer), the maximum and minimum frequency, and the highest and lowest intensity were evaluated. All the acoustic analyses were performed using PRAAT software. Data were statistically analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficient by SPSS version 21.
The lowest intensity showed a significant correlation with disease severity (P=0.00). Also, the highest and lowest intensity showed a significant correlation with disease duration (P=0.022 and P=0.002).
One of the earlier symptoms of central nervous system impairment resulting from multiple sclerosis is changes in phonation subsystem and voice quality. These changes may appear at any clinical stages; however, the symptoms might get worse over time, with the progression of the disease. Therefore, immediate acoustic assessments and interventions can prevent more degradation of voice quality.

Exposure to electromagnetic fields occurs as a result of electronic equipment exploitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure to electromagnetic fields and its impact on the public health of computer users.
The present cross-sectional study involved 73 male employees. A calibrated gauss meter (model HI-3603, USA) was employed to measure the intensity of electromagnetic fields. A general health questionnaire was also used to assess the health status of the operators. T tests and chisquare test were used for data analysis. Ethical issues were all considered in all stages of the study, and required permission were received.
The electric field intensity range of desktop and laptop displays were measured 0.26 - 1.2 and 0.28 - 0.87 v/m, respectively. The corresponding intensity at a distance of 30 cm from desktop displays was 1.2 v/m; which was more than the standard level. Indeed, general health questionnaire results revealed that 39% of computer users suffer from the lack of public health. The public health status between two groups was significantly different (p Exposure duration factor is not considered in exposure level standards for electromagnetic fields, and a ceiling amount is only reported. According to the results of this study, electromagnetic field intensity values were below standard limits at most of the measured points; however, given the long duration time of equipment usage, the health consequences of this exposure could be accounted as cumulative exposure.

Breastfeeding self-efficacy could be a strong predictive factor in breastfeeding. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of breastfeeding self-efficacy applying TBC (crawling baby to the mother’s breast) and other self-efficacy promoting strategies after the first breastfeeding in primiparous women admitted to the maternity ward of Ganjavian hospital in the city of Dezful, Khuzestan Province, Iran.
In this quasi-experimental study, the sample size was 120 primiparous pregnant women admitted to the maternity ward of Ganjavian hospital in Dezful. Eligible individuals with consent were enrolled in the study. Participants completed a five-part pre-test questionnaire prior to childbirth. After childbirth, subjects were randomly divided into two intervention groups and one control group. Post-test was taken by breastfeeding self-efficacy questionnaire during the first 24 hours after delivery. For data analysis, descriptive statistics and ANOVA were used through SPSS 16. Significant correlation was considered as p Breastfeeding self-efficacy scores increased in all three groups. But only the intervention group based on educational strategies showed a statistically significant compared to the control group (p = 0.039). The breast crawl (TBC) group showed no statistically significant (p = 0.076) compared with other groups (p = 0.990).
Due to the many advantages of TBC, besides educating based on self-efficacy promoting strategies, TBC is also recommended for primiparous

Manual handling may cause workers to deal with various risk factors. Workers performing such tasks repeatedly for a long time are more prone to bodily injuries and physical problems such as back pain..
The current study aimed to assess the compressive loads estimation and analysis of forces exerted on the workers’ back in manual load lifting tasks using the national institute for occupational safety and health (NIOSH) equation and compare them with the recommended weight limit (RWL)..
It was a cross-sectional study in a laboratory setting on 15 healthy male workers in 2015. The participants were required to randomly perform 25 tasks with four iterations. The lifting index (LI) was calculated by NIOSH equation in simple tasks and compressive loads on the low back (L4/L5) for each task were calculated using the 3DSSPP. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16..
The results showed that the highest compressive force exerted on the back was equal to 4002 N and the lowest force 1425 N. Moreover, 76% of the tasks were reported to have the highest compressive force greater than the recommended limit; 72% of the tasks had an LI 1 - 3 and 28% of them had an LI less than 1. There was a weak direct correlation between compressive force and RWL..
The NIOSH equation and compressive force estimation function were partially similar to identify high-risk tasks, however, by the compressive force estimation, biomechanical analysis of tasks can be done better since it is quantitative and can determine the exact amount of forces exerted on the back..

Exposure to the electric and magnetic fields resulting from liquid crystaldisplays may cause adverse effects on users. This study aimed to assess the electromagnetic field intensities of liquid crystal displays and their impacts on the users’ general health. Electric and magnetic field intensities were measured at 30, 50, and 60 cm around the screens using anHI-3603 device. Also, to investigate the probable relationship between exposure to electromagnetic fields and the users’ general health, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was used. The questionnaires were completed by 69 employees, both in the study and control groups. Data from the questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS software. The magnetic field intensities were less than commonly accepted standards such as The Swedish confederation of professional employers (TCO) for both laptop and desktop displays. Also, the electric field intensities in laptop displays were all within the allowable range in this study. However, values in the desktop displays were higher than 1 v/m (based on TCO standard) in 15%, 4% and 2% of the cases involving the distances of 30, 50, and 60 cm in one or more directions, respectively. There is a significant relationship between the general health of the people exposed to electromagnetic radiation and that of the control group (P = 0.0001). The study results are indicative of the impact of electromagnetic fields on computer users’ health, and it is thus advisable to avoid leaving computers switched on unnecessarily in addition to observing the minimum distance of 60 cm from computer monitors to control the adverse effects of electromagnetic fields.

Considering to the high distribution of cockroaches as urban pests, the efficacy of different formula­tions of Metarhizium anisopliae strain Iran 437C were assessed against the brown-banded cockroach, Supella longi­palpa F. under laboratory and field conditions. Metarhizium anisopliae isolates were screened with immersing adults of the brown-banded cockroachs in aqueous suspension of 108 conidia ml-1 followed by surface or bait treated with different doses of the most virulent isolate against the nymphs. Then formulations of conidia oil-in-water were examined versus cockroach nymphs us­ing different plant oils and paraffin. Then they were evaluated and compared with aqueous suspension and control group. On a large-scale, the sunflower oil-in-water formulation of conidia was sprayed at houses using a hand sprayer. Metarhizium anisopliae IRAN 437C was the most virulent isolate against the brown-banded cockroach, causing 100% mortality in adults at seven days post-exposure. Inoculated bait with this isolate was not enough path­ogenic against the cockroach even at two weeks after treatment. Treated surface with conidia as aqueous suspension or oil-in- water formulation was more effective than the bait formulation against the cockroach caused 39.4–97.2% mortality compared with 2.5% mortality in control group after two days. Spraying the conidia formulated with sun­flower oil was an effective formulation causing 76.1% reduction in the cockroach density on the third day post treatment in the houses. The oil-in-water formulation of M. anisopliae IRAN 437C could be recommended as a promising al­ternative for cockroach control.

Adherence to the principles of appropriate nutrition and diet therapy is one of the most important aspects of diabetes management. The present study aimed to assess the effect of nutrition education based on "MyPlate" Food Guidance on the anthropometric indices and blood profiles in people with type 2 diabetes.Methods & Materials: In this randomized clinical trial study conducted in 2014, 44 people with type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated either into the control group or the intervention group. Anthropometric measurements, blood profiles, energy intake and physical activity data were collected before and three months after the 2 hours face-to-face “MyPlate” nutrition education session for the intervention group or the usual educational sessions for the control group. Paired t-test, independent sample t-test, ANCOVA, and nonparametric tests were utilized to analyze the data. At the beginning of the study, the two groups were similar in terms of the anthropometric indices, glycosylated hemoglobin, blood sugar and physical activity. After intervention, except for physical activity which was higher in the nutrition education group based on "MyPlate" Food Guidance, the other above cases were lower than the control group (P<0.05), but no significant differences were seen in the changes of blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and energy intake between two groups of education and control. Nutrition education based on "MyPlate" Food Guidance for three months decreases the anthropometric indices and blood profiles in people with type 2 diabetes.

Most of the women suffer from vaginal atrophy and dryness, and therefore, efficient and safe treatment is needed to improve vaginal lubrication. Vitamin D has several important functions which may be effective in proliferation and repair of the epithelial tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin D vaginal suppositories on maturation index, pH, and dryness in postmenopausal women. Women were enrolled in this double-blind clinical trial, in whom menopause occurred at least one year ago. Those women who had an abnormal Papanicolaou smear, had undergone hormonal treatment, or have had vaginal infection in the previous year were excluded. Forty-four women who found eligible were randomized into two equal groups, the treatment and control groups, which received vitamin D and placebo vaginal suppository daily for 8 weeks, respectively. Vaginal pH and maturation value were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Pain, dryness, and paleness were assessed before treatment and at the end of the 2, 4, and 8 weeks of treatment. In the treatment group, the number (Mean ± SD) of superficial cells increased (69.76 ± 12.4) and vaginal pH decreased (1.42 ± 0.67) significantly compared to the control group after 56 days. The mean pain significantly reduced after 8 weeks in the treatment group (1.23 ± 0.53) compared to the control group 1.95 ± 0.74 (P < 0.001). The mean of dryness and paleness reduced significantly in the treatment group versus control at 56 days. Vitamin D is effective in improving the maturation index and decreased the pH and dryness of the vaginal atrophy due to menopause.

Among the complications of diabetes, foot problems such as ulcers, infections of the feet and lower limb amputation is increasing due to nonconformity of safety and preventive issues. Therefore, this study has been conducted with the aim to evaluate the foot care status based on the theory of Planned Behavior in diabetic patients. In this cross-sectional study, 69 type II diabetic patients referred to the Golestan Hospital Diabetes Clinic of Ahvaz during a three months period from June to September 2013 were selected randomly. Data were collected by means of a three-parts researcher made questionnaire(59 items) including medical and demographic data, knowledge, planned theory’s structures (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and intention) and foot care performance were evaluated. The findings showed that 53.6% of participants had poor knowledge in foot care practices, whereas 79.71% had high attitudes toward these practices. 52.17% reported pressures and social support in high level and 52.1% stated an average level of the control on foot care practices. 79.7% had a high intention toward these practices, while 43.4% had poor performance. Also, the results showed that there is a direct and significant correlation between the mean of knowledge and performance and all theory's structures (P<0.05). The results of this study emphasis on necessity attention to a series of effective factors in diabetic patient's behavior change and could be the basis for developing theory-based educational interventions with the aim of improving the foot care.

The brown-banded cockroach Supella longipalpa (F.) as a mechanical vector of pathogens and source of allergens has recently become widespread in the city of Ahvaz, southwestern Iran. This research was done to evaluate the efficacy of a dust-formulation of Metarhizium anisopliae isolate IRAN 437C, as a common entomopathogenous fungus, against S. longipalpa. Conidia dust-formulations of M. anisopliae were prepared in proportions of 1%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50% and 100% with bad wheat flour as the carrier. Cockroaches were exposed to surfaces treated with 1.5 mg/cm2 of the formulations under laboratory and semi-field conditions. Cockroach mortality rates increased and survival times (ST50) decreased with an increased proportion of conidia from 1% to 100% but records taken for mortality and survival time from proportions of 25%, 50% and 100% were not significantly different. The mortality rates reached 100% and 90-100% in adults and nymphs, respectively on the seventh day. The lowest ST50 was related to the proportion of 100% (3 days). Probit analysis indicated LD50 and LD90 values of 1.7 × 106 and 1.7 × 107 conidia/cm2 for adults and these values changed to 4.5 × 106 and 2.9 × 107 for third and fourth instar nymphs at three days post exposure. Proportion of 25% caused mortality rates of 87%, 81% and 73% in adult, adult & nymph and nymph populations, respectively at four days after exposure under room conditions. Conidia dust-formulation of M. anospliae isolate IRAN 437C could present a promising alternative to control the brown-banded cockroach.

Chemotherapy drugs can be dangerous for nurses. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of knowledge with application of standard principles of working with chemotherapeutic agents among nursing staff in Ahwaz، Iran. Subjects and This is a descriptive-analytical study. Based on the census method، 59 nurses and healthcare employees working in chemotherapy wards in hospitals affiliated to Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences were recruited in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire to assess their knowledge and performance of application of the principles precautions related to administration of chemotherapeutic agents. Descriptive statistics (Mean and SD، frequency، percentage)، Pearson correlation coefficient and Independent T-test were used for analyzing the data. The mean knowledge score of the participants was 8. 62± 2. 46. Mean score of awareness of risks of working with chemotherapeutic agents was 4. 06± 2. 2 and the mean score of nurses'' practice was 78. 30±14. 32. There was no significant relationship between knowledge about risks of chemotherapy exposure and their safety practice (P= 0. 18)، as well as between awareness of risks and safety practice (P= 0. 65). However there was a significant relationship between training in the workplace and safety practice (P= 0. 03). Nurses'' knowledge and performance about standard principles of working in the chemotherapy wards was not satisfactory; therefore، continuing education for nurses to reduce the risks associated with exposure to chemotherapeutic agents is needed in order to improve the work environment.

To determine the incidence and risk factors associated with glaucoma following congenital cataract surgery (CCS) in children under age of 15 This prospective cohort (since 2006) consisted of children less than 15 years of age who underwent cataract surgery with or without intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. The role of the following factors on the development of glaucoma after CCS including age at surgery, gender, laterality of the cataract, IOL implantation, congenital ocular anomalies, intra- and postoperative complications, length of follow-up, central corneal thickness (CCT) as well as the effect of the age of onset, time to development of glaucoma, and response to treatment were evaluated. Overall, 161 eyes of 96 patients were included in this study of which 28 eyes developed glaucoma. Incidence of glaucoma was 17.4%. Mean±SD age at surgery was 9.3±6.9 (range, 1-24) months in glaucomatous and 40.4±41.1 (range, 1 m-13.6 year) months in non-glaucomatous group (p<0.001). All glaucoma patients had the operation under two years of age. In group 1, 9 (60%) and in group 2, 24 (30%) patients were female (p=0.001). In group 1, 17 eyes (60.7%) and in the group 2, 41 eyes (30.8%) were aphakic (p=0.001). Mean time to diagnosis of glaucoma was 111.2 days (range 30-1200 days). Mean follow-up time was 3.1 years (range, 1-6 years). In 22 (78.6%) eyes glaucoma was diagnosed within six months after surgery. Glaucoma was controlled with medications in 23 eyes (82%) and with surgery in five eyes. In this study the incidence of glaucoma after CCS was 17.4% over a follow-up period of six years. Younger age at the time of lensectomy increases the risk of secondary glaucoma. IOL implantation may protect against glaucoma. Female gender was affected more than male.

Hearing loss can affect physical, mental and social health of deaf adults and lead cause depression, anxiety, isolation, suspicion and stress. This study was aimed to compare mental health in the hearing-impaired elderly with hearing aid and hearing-impaired elderly without hearing aids referring to Ahvaz Imam Khomeini Hospital. Methods and Materials: In this cross- sectional study, the participants included 72 hearing-impaired elderly elderly aged 60 years or older who referred to Ahvaz Imam Khomeini Hospital, 36 of which were with hearing aids and 36 without. Each group consisted of 18 women and 18 men. Data collecting tool included Goldberg General Health Questionnaire–28 (GHQ-28). GHQ-28 included general health and four subscales of anxiety, depression, physical symptoms and social dysfunction. The independent t-test was used for analyzing the data. The mean mental health scores in hearing-impaired elderly without hearing aids and with hearing aid were as 48.13 (57.2%) and 35.66 (42.4%), respectively. Comparing the two groups means through t-test, it was concluded that differences between them is statistically significant (p=0.001). The mental health mean score between men and women in the two groups was significant p≤0. 049. In addition, the difference in the mean mental health subscales between the two groups was significant. Thus the hearing-impaired elderly without hearing aids compared to those with hearing aid are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, physical symptoms and social dysfunctions (p≤0. 003). The results suggest that the hearing-impaired elderly with hearing aid compared to those without hearing aid have more mental health score

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide disease caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii and can cause severe infections in immune- compromised individuals.. The aim of this study was to determinate the anti- Toxoplasma antibodies in hemodialysis patients of Abadan and Khoramshahr, Southwest of Iran.. Sera of 150 patients (test group) aged 21 to 87 years referred regularly to hemodialysis departments in Abadan and Khoramshahr cities, and 150 healthy individuals (control group) were examined for anti- Toxoplasma (IgG and IgM) antibodies using ELISA kits and the results were analyzed using Chi-square and fisher exact test.. 61 (40.67%) out of 150 sera of patients were positive, 6 (4%) were borderline and 83 (55.33%) were negative for anti-Toxoplasma IgG. For anti- Toxoplasma IgM, 13 (8.67%) of 150 were positive, 21 (14%) were borderline and 116 (77.33%) were negative. In control group 39 (26%) of 150 individuals were positive, 14 (9.33%) were borderline and 97 (64.67%) were negative for anti- Toxoplasma IgG. In the sera of individuals in control group, anti- Toxoplasma IgM was not detected. In hemodialysis patients, 7 (4.66%) cases were positive for anti- Toxoplasma IgG and IgM and 8 (5.33%) cases were IgG positive and IgM borderline. There were significant differences in IgG and IgM level of the test and control groups (P 0.05). Hemodialysis patients are high risk group for toxoplasmosis and should be tested periodically to prevent the dissemination of toxoplasmosis during dialysis..

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) obviously disturbs quality of life by reducing exercise tolerance، dyspnea and fatigue. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle training on improving the quality of life in COPD patients. This randomized controlled trial consisted of 30 patients (27 males، 3 females) with mild to very severe COPD referred to the specialist pulmonary clinic. The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. Training was performed with respivol flow-volumetric inspiratory exerciser. The IMT group trained 8 weeks (21 minutes/day for 6 days/week). The quality of life was evaluated by St George questionnaire at the beginning and end of 8 weeks of inspiratory muscle training. At the end of training، a significant improvement in total score of quality of life was observed in IMT group versus control group (P<0. 001). The 3 dimensions of quality of life include: activity (P<0. 001) symptom (P=0. 001) and impact (P<0. 001) showed statistically significant improvement in comparison with control group. The findings of this study demonstrate that inspiratory muscle training has beneficial effects on quality of life in COPD patients.

Background and The newly updated American Diabetes Association guidelines based on evidence-based medical practice have proposed screening of the patients for neuropathy at the time of diagnosis with type II diabetes mellitus. However, the complex and extensive clinical manifestation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and lack of objective evaluation indexes makes this screening rather troublesome. The goal of this study was screening of sensory peripheral neuropathy in type II diabetic patients in Ahvaz, Iran. Our study population consisted of 150 patients treated for diabetes mellitus in the Clinic of Diabetes at the Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. Non-randomized sampling method was used to select the participants. All patients were tested for sensory neuropathy using two different modalities of testing: 8 and 10 gram Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments Examinations. In next phase nerve conduction velocity was examined. Then, sensitivity and specificity of 8 and 10 gram Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments were analyzed. Gram Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament had a sensitivity ranging from 30.8% to 64.1% at sites 1-10 while its specificity ranged from 64% to 89.2%. The sensitivity and specificity of 8 gram Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament were 28.2 to 64.1% and 62.2% to 88.3%, respectively. Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament is believed to be the best choice for clinical screening that has a good predictive ability for the risk of ulceration and amputation among people with diabetes.

Stuttering is a motor disorder that disrupts the fluent and connected speech flow and appears with different severity. The aim of this investigation was to explore the efficacy of prolonged speech technique in treating persons with severe stuttering. Thirty patients subjects with severe stuttering (8 to 14 years)، received 20 sessions of speech therapy with prolonged speech technique. The control group consisted of 30 subjects with stuttering who did not receive the intervention stuttering severity was assessed by Stuttering Severity Instrument (SSI-3) before intervention، and immediately 4 months after intervention program. The results were analyzed. A significant difference was observed between stuttering severity before and immediately after intervention (P=0. 0001). There was also a significant difference between stuttering severity، before and at 4 months after intervention (P=0. 0001). Those difference did not observe in control group (P>0. 05). The results showed that prolonged speech technique is a efficient treatment method for individuals with severe stuttering and these individuals could maintain high levels of speech fluency even 4 months after intervention.

To determine the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in type 2 diabetic patients and to assess its possible risk factors. Two hundred and seventy two (186 females and 86 males) diabetic patients were studied. Liver ultrasound was performed along with the measurement of such labratoary tests as alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phospahatase, fasting blood sugar, glycosilated hemoglobin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroxine, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Patients with other causes of fatty liver disease such as autoimmune hepatitis or Wilson’s disease were excluded. The mean age of the subjects was 51±10 years. One hundred and eighty nine of them (70%) had fatty liver, of whom 60 (32%) and 129 (68%) subjects were males and females, respectively. One hundred and fifteen (61%) out of 189 patients were in grade 1, 66 (35%) were in grade 2, and the rest, 8 (4%), were in grade 3 of fatty change in liver. In logistic regression analysis, the variables with significant changes were Body Mass Index (BMI) with OR = 1.26 (95% CI = 1.16-1.37) and triglyceride (TG) with OR = 1.46 (95% CI = 1.01-2.11). The prevalence of fatty liver disease was high in the studied patients (70%). In diabetic patients, Body Mass Index (BMI) and triglyceride (TG) had significant relationship with the presence of fatty liver.

Stuttering is a motor disorder that disrupts the fluent and connected speech flow and appears with different severities. Based on clinic experiences, same treatment approach may yield different levels of fluency for people with mild, moderate, and severe stuttering. Hence, the aim of this investigation was to explore the efficacy of prolonged speech technique in treating boys with mild stuttering. In this semi-experimental study, 44 school-age (8-14 years old, mean age of 10.8±1.9 years) boys with mild stuttering were selected among student population in Ahvaz city using available method. They were divided into two groups. Case group (n=30). Received 20 sessions an intensive speech therapy with prolonged-speech technique. The control group (n=14) did not receive prolonged-speech technique. They just received counseling sessions and book reading. Stuttering severity was assessed by Stuttering Severity Instrument (SSI-3) before the intervention, immediately after intervention, and 3 months after intervention program. Repeated measures ANOVA test and Independent sample t-test were used for data analysis by SPSS software. A significant difference was observed in stuttering severity between control and study group (P<0.001). In addition, there was a significant difference between stuttering severity before intervention, immediately after intervention, and at 3 months after intervention in case group (P<0.01), whereas, no significant difference was observed in the control group (P=0.067). The results showed that prolonged speech technique might be a benefit and efficient treatment option for boys with mild stuttering and that these persons could maintain high levels fluency of speech even at 3 months after intervention.