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Volume 1, Issue 1 (3-2013)
Abstract

Aims: Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction (PS) is one of the most essential factors in improving the quality of healthcare systems. The aim of this study is to determine the norms and to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Najmiyeh Outpatients Satisfaction Questionnaire (NOSQ). Methods and Materials: This study has been conducted on 240 outpatients in Najmiyeh subspecialty hospital (Tehran-Iran) in 2011. They were selected using the proportional simple random sampling method. Following the confirmation of the content validity, we considered the construct validity and reliability applying Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Cronbach's Alpha. Also, SPSS and AMOS version 18 were used for data analysis. Findings: The sample population consisted of 240 subjects, including 132 females (55.1%) and 108 males (44.9%). The EFA reported three important factors in this regard, with a variance of 54% and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index of 0.82, all approved by the CFA (RMSEA= 0.04, CFI= 0.96). The outpatients' satisfaction factors were: “hospital information system, treatment and conditions”. The reliability of the questionnaire was reported at %71 based on the Cronbach's alpha. Conclusions: Both validity and the reliability indexes of the NOSQ have been reported at a desirable level; therefore it can be used as a valid and reliable instrument to measure the outpatients' satisfaction.

Volume 1, Issue 2 (6-2013)
Abstract

Aim: Patients' satisfaction (PS) is a dominant concept in medical care, due to the gap in the literature on Persian version of PS instruments, this study has conducted with aim to analyze the validity and reliability of self-designed Najmiyeh Inpatient Satisfaction Questionnaire (NISQ). Methods: This study was carried out on 247 inpatients that came in Najmiyeh subspecialty hospital in Tehran (the capital city of Iran) during year 2011 who were selected by proportional stratified sampling method. Statistical analysis used: In this study, after checking content validity we used confirmatory and explanatory factor analysis and Cronbach's Alpha in order to examine construct validity and reliability, respectively. SPSS (version18) and AMOS (version 20) programmer were used to analyze data. Findings: Samples consisted of 247 subjects (222 women (90%) and 25 men (10%)). The explanatory factor analysis showed 5 factors with 64% total variance and 0.91 Kaser-Meyer-Olkin Index, the result also confirmed with confirmatory factor analysis (PNFI=0.71, RMR=0.03, PCFI=0.76). Extracted factors consisted of: “satisfaction from nursing services and their behaviour”, “satisfaction from one’s doctor”, “satisfaction from inpatient department”, “companions’ satisfaction”, “satisfaction from one’s room”. Also the questionnaire’s reliability was 0.96 using the Cronbach's Alpha method. Conclusions: Because validity and reliability indexes of NISQ were reported in suitable range, we can confirm that this questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for measuring inpatient satisfaction.

Volume 2, Issue 1 (3-2016)
Abstract

  Background: The over-expression of recombinant proteins in large amount is important for production of therapeutic proteins and structural study. There are several systems for expression of recombinant proteins. One of the most relevant expression systems is Escherichia coli (E. coli). Although this organism has many advantages, most of recombinant proteins expressed in E. coli hosts form inclusion bodies. For gaining biological activities, these structures should be refolded. Many techniques have been developed for in vitro protein refolding.   Methods: In this study, a method was designed for inclusion body solubilization and protein refolding. IBs were solubilized in the solution containing 2M urea. This is a mild solubilization method without creating random coil structures in the protein. Results : Inclusion bodies undergo mild solubilization with maintain native-like secondary structures. Solubilized proteins were refolded on chromatography column by using native buffer conditions. The results showed the recombinant proteins were purified with high efficiency without aggregation. Conclusions : The results suggest that this method is easy, efficient, cheap procedure and usable for obtaining refolded recombinant proteins. In addition, purified protein with the method can be used in diagnosis and/or treatment of diseases.
Ali Ghanjal,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (9-2017)
Abstract

Musculoskeletal pains are a common symptom in many people (Malmberg-Ceder et al., 2017). In Europe, musculoskeletal pains account for approximately 40% of all occupational diseases and are considered as a growing problem (European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, 2017). The presence of musculoskeletal pains has been associated with reduced quality of life for individuals, decreased productivity, increased sickness, absence from the workplace, and economic consequences for the society (European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, 2017; McDonald, Dibonaventura, & Ullman, 2011; Cancelliere et al., 2011).
Musculoskeletal pain is usually caused by: performing repetitive activities in inappropriate body conditions, keeping body in a steady state for a long time, not paying attention to ergonomic issues in daily activities and during work, not performing simple and periodic exercises during daily activities, having poor physical fitness for exercise, having weak muscles, shortening the length of the tendons and ligaments and fascia, doing improperly stretching exercises, removing and moving heavy loads (especially high altitude), and not paying attention to psychological issues (Dalager, Justesen, & Sjøgaard, 2017).
Therefore, in order to prevent from the occurrence of these pains, special attention should be paid to changing the status of the body during activities; performing simple and periodic exercises; paying attention to stretching exercises, keeping right ergonomic position in life and work, doing daily activities in a proper physical condition, carrying out activities for physical fitness; reducing repetitive tasks; intervention for musculoskeletal pains prevention and early identification of pain causes (Dalager, Justesen, & Sjøgaard, 2017; Linton, 2002; Falla et al., 2017). Furthermore, the use of virtual reality in the treatment of musculoskeletal pains such as manipulating sensory signs to improve motor function during walking should be considered (Powell & Simmonds, 2014).

Volume 3, Issue 2 (11-2012)
Abstract

Proper solubilization after precipitation and keeping the purified proteins in solution during the whole separation process are very critical to achieve accurate and high resolution patterns in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). Chaotropes and detergents are embedded in the sample and rehydration buffers in order to prevent hydrophobic interactions between the hydrophobic protein domains and avoid loss of proteins due to aggregation and precipitation. Unfortunately, detergents used for IEF must bear no net electrical charge and only week nonionic and zwitterionic detergents may be used in this process. Because of the low solubility of proteins at or very close to their isoelectric point, it seems that choice of chaotropes and detergents can dramatically affect on2D separations, especially in the case of very hydrophobic proteomes. Considering the physico-chemical heterogeneity of tear film protein content, it is deemed that solubilization can play an important role in 2D tear proteome analysis. So herein, we investigated the effect of some various detergents and chaotropes on the solubility of tear proteome during the sample preparation and IEF process. The results illustrated a very poor performance of non-ionic detergents (Triton­X-100 and Tween­80). Zwitterionic detergents (CHAPS and SB­3-10) had a better solubilization power and provided more reliable 2D maps. Last of all a great improvement in spot number and 2D resolution is achieved using a combination of urea/Thiourea in rehydration buffer and application of SDS in the sample buffer with a modified protocol, which ensures complete removal of anionic detergent during the first step of IEF and its replacement with the zwitterionic CHAPS.  
Monireh Motaqi, Ali Ghanjal,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (Winter 2019)
Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries in the musculoskeletal system which is also named as “repetitive motion injury”or “repetitive stress injury” or “overuse injury” [1]. These disorders are the most prevalent and costly injuries which effect on suffered people’ life. As MSDs are multifactorial injuries, implementing a multidimensional musculoskeletal health program may be effective [2]. MSDs can arise from a sudden exertion due to lifting a heavy object [3], arising from repetitive strain, from repeated exposure to force, vibration, or awkward posture [4]. MSDs can affect many different parts of the body including shoulders and extremities (arms, legs, feet, and hands) neck, and upper and lower back [5]. Carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, tension neck syndrome, tendinitis , hand-arm vibration syndrome and epicondylitis, are types of MSDs [4].The development of Musculoskeletal Disorders: When a worker is exposed to MSD risk factors, they begin to fatigue which may outruns his/ her body’s recovery system that in turn may be resulted in musculoskeletal imbalance And finally over time, leading to musculoskeletal imbalance persists MSDs develop [6] MSDs can arise from the interaction of physical risk factors with ergonomic risk factors such as biomechanical load, heavy loads, repetitive motions or from static positions, repetitive heavy loading [7-8] , Individual factors like gender and obesity [8-9], psychological factors such as workplace stressors, high job demands, low social support, overall job strain or job dissatisfaction [10-14] .However, social, and occupational factors such as workplace design, standing, twisting or tension in the body, posture during work repeated motion, or forces needed to perform actions on the job and vibration exposure [4,15-16]. These risk factors can be broken up into two categories: workrelated risk factors as ergonomic risk factors and individual-related risk factors. Thus, the basic cause of MSDs is exposure to MSD risk factors – both work-related risk factors and individual-related risk factors should be considered in controlling MSDs [17].

Monireh Motaqi, Ali Ghanjal,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (Spring 2019)
Abstract

Musculoskeletal Disorders
This category includes epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis. Musculoskeletal Disorders can be caused by repetitively carrying heavy loads over a long period of time, doing heavy tasks with an improper posture, and even participating in sporting activities. Athletes are susceptible to MSDs, since they perform the same tasks over and over again through the course of training.
Lifestyle Modification
Lifestyle encompasses the ordinary activities of people in their daily lives and that can have an impact on their health. Through lifestyle choices, people may practice measures and activities that protect and promote their health and prevent diseases. Evidence suggests that the cause of many chronic diseases, such as Low Back Pain (LBP), is related to lifestyle and human behaviors. Accordingly, establishing health-promoting behaviors is one of the best ways that people can protect and manage their health [1-2]. Lifestyle behaviour change warrants being considered in musculoskeletal care including chronic pain management in that common lifestyle behaviours, often associated with conditions such as ischaemic heart disease, impact musculoskeletal health and functional capacity.musculoskeletal problems including the presence of chronic pain and exercise incapacity is associated with several lifestyle behaviour practices that are associated with lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases. These include smoking, unhealthy diet, unhealthy weight, poor sleep, and unmanageable stress [3-4].

Ali Ghanjal, Monireh Motaqi,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (summer 2019)
Abstract

MusculoSkeletalDisorders( MSDs) are injuries and disorders that affect the human body’s movement or musculoskeletal system.Different therapeutic approaches have been proposed to treat musculoskeletal disorders. This article summarizes the common treatmentsfor treating these disorders.

Volume 5, Issue 2 (Summer 2021)
Abstract

The rise of bacterial infections has become a serious problem in human societies. As a result, the development of nanocomposite materials based on biocompatible and non-hazardous materials, besides having antimicrobial and biocompatibility or non-cytotoxicity, associated with unique structural properties, possesses a great importance. Research approach: In this study, bacterial cellulose (BC)/polypyrrole (PPy) and zinc nanoparticles (ZnO), which simultaneously have antimicrobial properties and cell proliferation, were introduced as a new generation of nanocomposite scaffolds produced by freeze-drying. To begin with, ZnO with different weight percentages of 1%, 3% and 5% was added to BC and then PPy in the amount of 2 mmol was embedded in the structure by in situ polymerization. FESEM images proved that the nanofibrous and porous structure of BC was also preserved in the presence of PPy and ZnO. However, after adding PPy and ZnO, they formed a dense structure and microstructure of grape clusters. By adding 2 mmol PPy into BC and upon in situ synthesizing, the tensile strength and Young modulus of BC were significantly reduced to 71 MPa and 2.5 GPa, respectively. On the other hand, with the addition of ZnO nanoparticles, the mechanical properties significantly increased (both of Young modulus and tensile strength compared to BC/PPy samples) due to the compaction of the nanocomposite aerogel’s structure and the formation of the interface of ZnO nanoparticles with both polymers of BC and PPy. The observation of the inhibition zone in the culture medium containing two gram-positive and negative bacteria, well proved the antibacterial ability of ternary nanocomposite scaffolds. The results of MT9 related to L929 on aerogels showed that by adding 3% of ZnO nanoparticles, adhesion and cell proliferation increased significantly during different days of 1 day, 5 days and 7 days of culture.
Ali Ghanjal, Monireh Motaqi,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (summer 2020)
Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus belonging to the betacoronavirus category that targets the respiratory system and Causes symptoms similar to pneumonia. The patients with-covid 19 do not only suffer from respiratory problems and their clinical symptoms range from no symptoms to severe pneumonia. In fact, they may have a variety of symptoms including fever, shortness of breath, dry cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, myalgia, arthralgia, fatigue (muscular and mental), joint swelling (as reactive arthritis), headache, diarrhea and rarely arthritis. The major musculoskeletal symptoms which might be appeared include arthralgia, myalgia, chronic fatigue, and joint swelling (as reactive arthritis)

Monireh Motaqi, Ali Ghanjal,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (Fall 2020)
Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview on trigger points and tender points and to briefly describe their similarities, differences and treatments.
Monireh Motaqi, Mahsa Afrand, Ali Ghanjal,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (Winter 2022)
Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide simple and practical tips for pain care and management for patients with musculoskeletal pain during the Covid epidemic.

Volume 7, Issue 2 (Spring 2019)
Abstract

Aims: Since communication problems between caregivers and the elderly cause reduction and deficiency in caring and issues such as ignoring elderly people and negligence in caring by the caregivers, therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the interpersonal communication skills of elderlies and their caregivers in Khorzugh, Isfahan province.
Materials & Methods: In this descriptive-analytical research, 140 elderly people in Khorzugh were selected by as a target community. Data collection tools were demographic information questionnaire and Queendam's communication skills questionnaire. Spss16 software, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Chi-square tests, and Spearman correlation were used for data analysis.
Findings: The mean and standard deviation of elderly people and their caregivers were 66.39±6.16 and 55.0+6.38, respectively. Average score of communication skills of caregivers and elderly from 170 scores was 75.83±11.79 and 90.37±3.81, respectively. The communication skills showed a significant statistical relationship with the age caregivers group and age and occupation in the elderly group (p<0.05). Also, in the elderlies, there was a significant statistical relationship between attitude toward communication with marriage status, listening with living , and emotion control with of children (p<0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the level of communication skills of caregivers and most of the elderly was moderate regarding the importance of these skills in establishing effective communication between caregivers and the elderly. The necessity of creating appropriate conditions is felt for improving these skills and it is better to conduct educational programs to enhance the communication skills of the elderly and their caregivers.

Monireh Motaqi, Ali Ghanjal, Mahsa Afrand,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (Summer 2022)
Abstract

Aim: Stroke is the third leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease and cancer. Stroke causes disability in various forms in sufferers. It has been suggested that various pathological mechanisms are involved in causing this injury. Articles show that regular exercise is a way to treat stroke patients. One of the most common exercise therapy models is treadmill exercise.However, there is still controversy about when to start   treadmill workouts, the intensity of the workout, the type of treadmill workout, and how it has positive effects. This article offers an overview of treadmill exercise and its’ effects on post-ischemic stroke rehabilitation. In this study, the effect of exercise time, exercise intensity, exercise style, and the positive effects of this type of exercise on rehabilitation of patients after ischemic stroke were briefly examined.


Volume 7, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract

The leafhopper genus Euscelis Brulle in Iran comprises three species: Euscelis alsia Ribaut, E. incisa Kirschbaum and E. lineolata Brulle. The fourth species, E. distinguenda Kirschbaum is here recorded for the first time from Iran. Diagnostic characters of the species, as well as a male-based key for the identification of the known Euscelis in Iran are provided.

Volume 8, Issue 1 (1-2019)
Abstract

The whitefly, Aleuroclava jasmini Takahashi (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is an important pest on paper mulberry Brousson etiapapyrifera (L.) Vent. (Moraceae) plants in the green space of Tehran, Iran. Considering the importance of essential oils in the integrated management program of pests, the present survey were carried out to assess the insecticidal effects of essential oils extracted from garden thyme, Thymus vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae), and neem seed, Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae) on mortality of immature stages of A. jasmini including eggs, first-instar nymphs, and pupae, and adult repellency. Three doses of the above mentioned essential oils consisting of 0.125%, 0.25% and 0.5% (v/v), were tested in contact toxicity assays. Separately, various essential oils (0.5%), as well as Tween-20 (0.5%) were applied as treated and control for adult repellency. Responses differed according to the type and concentration of oils, as well as growth stage of A. jasmini. The highest mortality was detected with increasing concentration of assayed essential oils. The results showed that younger nymphs were more sensitive to treatments than other growth stages. Essential oil derived from T. vulgaris was the most effective, decreasing the survival rate of eggs, nymphs and pupae 64%, 76% and 50%, respectively, as compared with controls. In free-choice assays, the mean numbers of eggs laid on 0.5% A. indica and T. vulgaris oil-treated plants were 80.98% and 58.57% lower than on control plants, respectively. In conclusion, extracted oils from T. vulgaris and A. indica represented the highest contact toxicity, and repellency to A. jasmini respectively. Finally, the assayed essential oils show promise for inclusion in integrated A. jasmini management programs in green space of Tehran, Iran.
 

Volume 8, Issue 3 (Summer 2022)
Abstract

Backgrounds: The fungal pathogen Candida albicans is a cause of biofilm formation in patients with oropharyngeal candidiasis. Saccharomyces boulardii is a nonpathogenic fungal probiotic that plays an important role in preventing or treating intestinal diseases. This research aimed to determine the inhibitory effect of S. boulardii probiotic yeast on biofilm formation capacity of C. albicans, which is one of the main virulence factors.
Materials & Methods: In this study, 33 oropharyngeal samples were collected from patients with suspected oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). The inhibitory activity of S. boulardii against biofilm formation capacity of C. albicans was investigated by crystal violet-based staining (CVS) and MTT reduction reaction. The collected data were analyzed using student's t-test in SPSS statistical software.
Findings: In this study, the probiotic yeast S. boulardii reduced the pathogenicity and virulence of C. albicans in vitro. According to the results of CVS and MTT assays, a considerable reduction (p< .001) in the biomass and viability of C. albicans biofilms was observed after 48 hours of incubation in the presence of S. boulardii extract.
Conclusion: There was a significant association between S. boulardii extract concentration and biofilm formation in both CVS and MTT assays. Biofilm formation decreased with increasing S. boulardii extract concentration and incubation time in both methods compared to the control group.
 

Volume 8, Issue 4 (fall 2022)
Abstract

Backgrounds: SARS-COV-2 infection is not always correlated with protection. Antibody seroprevalence in unvaccinated individuals, which is usually measured by N-specific antibodies, is not necessarily correlated with protection, while antibodies against S protein show a better correlation with protection due to its neutralizing epitopes. In this study, we tried to improve our conception of the hidden perspective of SARS-COV-2 in epidemiological reports and investigate anti-S antibody prevalence among anti-N antibody-positive asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients.
Materials & Methods: Blood samples were collected from asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic volunteer participants and symptomatic hospitalized patients with negative PCR results from May 30 to June 17, 2020. Detection of SARS-COV-2 antibodies was done using an ELISA kit targeting N or S protein.
Findings: Totally, 716 samples from volunteer participants and 81 samples from symptomatic hospitalized patients with negative PCR results were evaluated. The test performance-adjusted seroprevalence (95% CI) of SARS-COV-2 antibody was 17.3% (8.8-25.8%) for anti-N IgG in volunteers and 25.5% (12.8-39.7%) for anti-N and anti-S IgM in hospitalized patients. Among anti-N IgG positive infected individuals, 49.2% (21.4 and 78.8%) were anti-S antibody positive.
Conclusion: The results showed that SARS-COV-2 infection sometimes occurs in individuals without symptoms or with mild symptoms, but in more than half of them, the produced antibody is not protective. The findings of hospitalized patients showed that the combination of IgM assay with real-time PCR improved the disease diagnosis by more than 25% in cases with negative molecular test results.

Volume 9, Issue 1 (Winter 2018)
Abstract

Aims: The induction of artificial over-expression of miRNAs is an appropriate approach to more effective cell differentiation. The significant role of microRNA-1(miR-1) has been reported in the development and differentiation of cardiac cells. Lentivirus is an effective vector for stable cell line production. The aim of this study was the production of recombinant HEK293T with miR-1 overexpression as a biological model for cardiac studies.
Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, HEK 293T cells were cultured in DMEM medium with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) and L-glutamine 2mM and Penicillin-Streptomycin 1X in incubator medium. After cloning of miR-1 gene, recombinant clones were selected and the recombination was confirmed by sequencing. The miR-1 carrying vector and auxiliary vectors were packaged in the HEK293T to produce the recombinant virus. The infection of HEK293T by recombinant virus was performed in order to achieve stable cell line. Then, GFP fluorescent marker evaluated the efficiency of transfection and effective virus dilution. Finally, the alteration in expression level of miR-1 was assessed by qPCR. Data analysis was performed by comparing the threshold cycle and Pfaffl method.
Findings: The most GFP expression was detected in transfected cells by 150 micromole dilution. GFP fluorescent marker facilitated optimization and purification of recombinant cells. qPCR investigation demonstrated the significant increase in expression of miR-1 in transfected cells in comparison to controls.
Conclusion: The stable recombinant HEK293T miR-1 over-expressing cell line in lentivirus can be utilized as a suitable biological model for investigation of cardiac evolution and development processes.

Volume 9, Issue 1 (Winter 2018)
Abstract

Introduction: Growth hormone is a non-glycosylated polypeptide strand of the pituitary glands of all vertebrates that has a wide range of biological activities and considering the importance of this hormone and its importance and diverse therapeutic applications in medicine, its recombinant production can be of great importance. In recent decades, protein engineering and genetic engineering have resulted in a high level of expression and production of this protein in a variety of hosts, including Escherichia coli bacteria using new techniques and methodes, hormone purification and assay are carried out easily. Therefore, the aim of this review was to investigate the production of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) and future challenges.
Conclusion: One of the problems of the expression and purification of the human growth hormone may involve that maybe noted the production of inclusion bodies in the expression of recombinant proteins in the cell cytoplasm, the contamination caused by host proteins, low protein recovery from these inclusion bodies, low protein secretion into the Periplasmic space, high cost of production, especially in Purification stage and so on. Due to the lack of need for glycosylated hormone and high efficiency and simplicity of work, bacterial systems, especially Escherichia coli, are the most economical and effective systems for the expression of heterologous proteins. The hormone purification stage is usually the most costly process. Therefore, an optimal design for achieving the highest target protein recovery with the elimination of all contamination from the final product and reducing the purification step is required.

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