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Background and Aim: Helicobacter pylori is a curved gram negative organism which colonizes in human digestive tract and cause different digestive tract disorders such as duodenal ulcer, gastritis and is associated with adenocarcinoma. This bacterium has several adhesion molecules the most important of them is BabA protein. This protein attaches to lewis_b blood group antigen on the surface of stomach epithelial cells. This protein is coded by babA₂ gene. The aim of this study was to assess frequency of babA₂ genotype in H. pylori isolated from patients, and its relationship with duodenal ulcer, gastritis and adenocarcinoma.                                                                

Method and Materials: By use of polymerase chain reaction, the frequency of babA₂ genotype was studied in 81 H. pylori bacteria isolated from biopsy specimens of patients with gastritis (44), duodenal ulcer (24) and adenocarcinoma (10). Chi square test was used for data analysis.

Results: The frequencies of this genotype in H. pylori bacteria isolated from patients with duodenal ulcer, gastritis and adenocarcinoma were 68.2%, 74.1% and 80%, respectively. No significant relationship was noticed between bab A2 genotype and gastritis�and duodenal ulcer (p>0.05). But there was a relationship between this genotype and adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion:�In this study the frequency of bab A₂ was similar to the results obtained in eastern Asian countries but not to those of American and European countries. More studies about frequency of this genotype in different geographic regions and diffesrent ethnical groups with assessment of the relationship of this genotype with apoptosis and stomach cancer are recommended.

  

Conflict of Interest: Nill

Received: June 3, 2008      Accepted: August 4, 2008  

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ABSTRACT Background and Aim: Since no study on the prevalence of refractive errors had been performed in this optometry clinic, this study was designed to determine the prevalence rate of refractive errors among the patients examined in this clinic in 2008/2009. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the files of the patients examined in optometry clinic in 2008/2009 were reviewed. Variables included age, sex, rate and type of refractive errors and health of anterior and posterior eye segments. Results: The prevalence rates of myopia, hypermetriopa, astigmatism and emmetropia were 11.83%, 15/38%, 45%, 27/34% respectively. The respective prevalence rates of refractive errors in men and women were: 10/3% and 13/1% for myopia, 16.7%, 15.1% for hypermetropia, 45.6% and 44.5% for astigmatism, and 27.4% and 27.3% for emmetropia. The mean ages of the patients with myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism were 36.1±19.36, 41.27±22.06 and 32.16±20.98. Respectively Difference of the ratios of the patients with different ages suffering from refractive errors was significant (P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the male to female ratio in the patients with refractive errors (P<0.741). Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence rate of myopia increased up to the age of 20-30 years but that of hypermetropia decreased, and prevalence rates of myopia and hypermetropia in some age groups increased after the age of 40. In addition, the prevalence rates of refractive errors in different age groups were not similar and gender had no effect on the prevalence of refractive errors. These results are compatible with the results of other studies. Key words: Refractive error, Myopia, Hypermetropia, Astigmatism, Age and sex. Conflict of Interest: Nill Received: May 24, 2010 Accepted: Oct 14, 2010

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Background and Aim: There are few studies on the isolation of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis from patients´ sera. The aim of this study was simultaneous isolation of pathogenic brucella species from human serum samples by multiplex PCR method. Material andMethods: 50 blood and serum samples isolated from patients with clinically suspected brucellosis were inoculated into brucella agar medium and we used multiplex-PCR, with three primers to detect brucella species. We incubated 0.5 ml of serum in Brucella broth for 72 hours at 37 °C in 5% carbon dioxide. To confirm the results of PCR, the PCR products were restricted by restriction enzymes, TaqI and RsaI. Result: From 50 blood samples 4 (8%) cultures were positive. Using biochemical tests and after determination of the characteristics of the positive cases, they were identified as B. melitensis. After multiplex PCR, 9 cases (18%) were positive and 41 cases (82%) were negative. Among the positive sera, B. melitensis was identified in 7 cases (78%) and B. abortus in 2 cases (22%). Of 50 blood samples, 5 (10%) were positive and 45 (90%) were negative for B. melitensis. All the results were confirmed by PCR-RFLP. Conclusion: Our study showed that multiplex PCR method was simple, rapid and is more sensitive for isolation of brucella from serum (especially B. abortus and B. melitensis) in comparison to complete blood. Keywords: Brucella spp., Multiplex-PCR, Serum blood, PCR-RFLP Received: Jul 7, 2014 Accepted: Dec 10, 2014

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Background and Aim: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the end result of metabolic disorders. It is caused by severe insulin hormone deficiency or effects of insulin. This study aimed at evaluating the association between ketoacidosis and vitamin D3 levels in children with type 1 diabetes. Material and Methods: This was a case-control study. Study population consisted of children with type 1 diabetes referring to Mohammad Kermanshahi Hospital in 2013.The patients were assigned to control and intervention groups. Intervention group had type 1 diabetes with DKA, and control group had type I diabetes without DKA. In both groups five milliliters of blood was taken from every patient to determine 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3serum levels. Also, ABG test was performed to evaluate serum bicarbonate and PH level. Using SPSS version 21, data were analyzed by statistical tests. Results: There was a significant difference between age and vitamin D3 levels in both groups (with DKA and without DKA)(P<0.05). In children with severe acidosis, 20 (95.2%) had vitamin D3 deficiency and one (4.8%) patient had insufficient level of vitamin D3. Consequently, we found a significant relationship between the level of vitamin D3 and ketoacidosis in the children with type I diabetes (P<0.05). Conclusion: Children with severe ketoacidosis were more prone to develop vitamin D3 deficiency. Therefore, timely administration of vitamin D3 can reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes. Keywords: Ketoacidosis, Vitamin D3, Type I diabetes. Received: May 31, 2014 Accepted: Feb 8, 2015

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Background and Aim: A low level of adiponectin have a great effect on the breast cancer incidence and increase in adiponectin after a period of exercise training may be associated with changes in insulin resistance. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of selected Pilates exercise training on serum adiponectin level and insulin resistance in female survivors of breast cancer and its role in prevention of the recurrence.

Material and Methods: 27 breast cancer survivors (mean age 44.11±6.19 years old, BMI 29.24±4.92 kg/m²) were selected based on our inclusion criteria and randomly divided into experimental (n=14) and control (n=13) groups. The experimental group participated in a 12 weeks of selected Pilates exercise training (three session per week). During this period, the control group did not participate in any exercise training program. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-test.

Results: Serum adiponectin level and VO₂max significantly increased, but insulin level, insulin resistance and body fat percentage significantly decreased and the FBS level had no significant change after selected Pilates exercise training (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Considering the increase in adiponectin level and decrease in insulin resistance after selected Pilates exercise training, it seems participation of the breast cancer survivors in Pilates exercise training can prevent breast cancer recurrence.

Keywords: Breast cancer, Adiponectin, Insulin resistance, Pilates

 

Received: Aug 16, 2015      Accepted: Sep 12, 2015

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Background and Aim: Mothers of children with cerebral palsy have a significantly higher prevalence rate of musculoskeletal pain than the mothers of normal children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of eight weeks of core stability exercises on pain and functional disability in the mothers of children with cerebral palsy.

Materials and Methods: In this semi experimental study which was done in Isfahan, 30 mothers of children with cerebral palsy (age of children between 6 and 18 years), who had chronic non-specific low back pain were selected by convenience sampling method. They were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Each group included 15 subjects. Experimental group performed core stabilization exercises for 8 weeks. The level of pain and functional disability were measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) and   Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire respectively before and after eight weeks of exercise program. Data were analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA (P = 0. 05).

Results: Our findings showed significant effect of core stabilization exercises on the pain (P=0.001) and functional disability (P=0.001).

Conclusion: Based on current results, core stabilization exercise program reduces pain and improves functional disability in mothers of children with cerebral palsy. Considering the positive effect of these exercises on pain and functional disability, this program could be recommended for people with similar problems.

Keywords: Core stabilization exercises, Nonspecific chronic low back pain, Cerebral palsy.

Received: Dec 7, 2015      Accepted: May 8, 2016

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Background and Aim: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is an orthopedic disorder of the knee joint which results in pain and impairment of performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of combined exercise (hip abductor and external rotators strengthening + balance) on pain and performance in the patients with PFPS.

Materials and Methods: In this semi experimental study, 20 men with PFPS were selected by purposeful sampling and then randomly assigned to two groups, i.e. experimental (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. The experimental group performed a training program which consisted of hip abductor and external rotators strengthening and balance exercises, 3 sessions per week for eighth weeks. Pain and physical performance in the patients were assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and WOMAC respectively, before and after exercise. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the data. P ≤0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The results indicated that the changes and interactions of the two variables of pain (F=14/2 and p=0/001) and physical performance (F=60/2 and p=0/001) were significant in the experimental group (P < 0.05) after exercise. The results also showed that the experimental group, had reduced pain and showed a significant improvement in the physical performance (p<0/05),  compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of training in the improvement of performance and reduction of pain, this training protocol can be useful in the physical rehabilitation of PFPs.

Keywords: Pfps, Combined training (hip abductor and external rotators strengthen + balance), Function disabality, Pain.

 

Received: Aug 3, 2016      Accepted: Dec 18, 2016

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Background and Aim: In order to enhance in vivo stem cell viability and considering similar anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of human adipose derived stem cells (hADSCs) and astaxanthin (AST) and their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, we investigated the effects of (AST) on hADSCs proliferation and viability to provide a supplement for cell based therapy in MS patients.
Materials and methods:  After isolation of hADSCs and assessment of CD markers, they were cultured in DMEM-F12 medium in the presence of AST at various concentrations (1, 5, and 10 ng/ml) for 72 h. Finally, we assessed cell proliferation and cell viability by MTT and Tryphan Blue methods.
Results: The results revealed that a high percentage of hADSCs expressed CD90 and CD44 markers and a low percentage of them expressed hematopoietic cell markers. In addition, in the group cultured in the presence of  5 ng/ml AST the mean percentage of cell viability increased significantly compared to other groups (p = 0.04).  Tryphan Blue results also revealed significant effect of AST on stem cell proliferation and culture of these cells in the presence of 5 ng/ml of AST, led to significant increase in the mean percentage of cell count compared to the results of the control group (p = 0.03).
Conclusion: Astaxanthin can increase hADSCs proliferation and survival and this agent can be used in the cell-based therapies in MS patients.
Key words: Astaxanthin, Cell proliferation, Cell survival.
 
Received: Apr 18, 2017     Accepted: Jul 15, 2017

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Background and Aim: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease which affects central nervous system (CNS). The aim of this study was to provide a simple, short term and efficient method for differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hADSCs) into oligodendrocyte precursor cells in order to provide a homogeneous population of these cells.
Materials and Methods: After stem cell isolation, cell differentiation was performed by two methods using embryoid body and ectodermal-like cells. The cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay and the mean percentage of differentiated cells expressing Olig2 and A2B5 markers was determined by using immunocytochemistry techniques. Data were analyzed by independent- samples t- Test.
Results: The results showed that a high percentage of stem cells expressed CD90 and CD105 markers and a low percentage of them expressed CD14 and CD45 markers (hematopoietic cell markers). In addition, the mean percentages of the cells which expressed oligodendrocyte progenitor cells markers (Olig2 and A2B5) were different in the two groups (P=0.031). Moreover, comparison of cell viability showed significant light absorbance by the cells differentiated from embryoid body compared to the other groups (p = 0.044).
Conclusion: The differentiation of human adipose derived stem cells into oligodendrocyte progenitor cells using embryoid body is a rapid and efficient method in order to provide a homogeneous population of these cells.
Key words: Multiple sclerosis, Adult stem cells, Oligodendroglia.
 
Received: Feb 22, 2017     Accepted: May 31, 2017

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Background and Aim: A proper warm-up method can be used as a strategy to improve performance of athletes in various sport fields. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of traditional and post-activation potentiation warm-up methods on ground reaction forces during squat jump.
Materials and Methods: Fourteen trained male athletes (age=26.5±3.64 years, weight=70±10.65 kg, height=180 ± 8.39 cm) participated voluntarily in this study. Athletes randomly performed three different warm-up protocols on three separate days: typical traditional warm-up method, static and dynamic post-activation potentiation implementing half-squat at 90% 1RM. After performing the warm-up protocols, the subjects completed squat jump test on a force platform in order to assess ground reaction forces.
Results: In the jumping and landing phases, the peak values of horizontal and vertical ground reaction forces in the traditional warm-up method were significantly lower than those in the static (P=0.001 for both phases) and dynamic (P=0.001 for both phases) PAP warm-up methods. Also, we found a significant difference in the horizontal peak ground reaction force in the jumping phase between the static and dynamic PAP warm-up methods (P=0.003). In addition, significant differences in the vertical jump height and rate of force development (RFD) were observed between the traditional and static PAP warm-up methods (P=0.001 for both methods), between the traditional and dynamic PAP warm-up methods (P=0.001 for both methods), and also between the static and dynamic PAP warm-up methods (P=0.002 and P=0.003, respectively).
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it seems that the PAP warm-up method may have more advantage over traditional warm-up method in order to improve record and performance of the athletes during squat jump movement.
Keywords: Warm-up, Ground reaction force, Post-activation potentiation (PAP), Squat jump.
 
Received: Sep 6, 2017     Accepted: Jan 8, 2018

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Background and Aim: Learning and memory defect occurs following chronic diabetes with uncontrolled blood glucose. Ginkgo leaf extract improves brain blood flow. Also it contains antioxidant components and has shown beneficial effects in neurological diseases. In this study we investigated the effects of Ginkgo leaf extract on spatial memory impairment and hippocampal neuronal loss caused by diabetes.
Material and Methods: This experimental study included 28 adult male Sparague-Dawley rats. The rats were made diabetic by injection of streptozotocin (STZ: 60 mg/kg). Ginkgo leaf extract (40 mg/kg) was administrated orally every day for two weeks and its effects on memory impairment and hippocampal tissue damage were investigated. Spatial memory was assessed in Morris water maze for four days. Then, the brains of the animals were extracted and after tissue staining hippocampal tissue damage were evaluated by neuronal count.  
Results: Latency to find the platform in water maze were significantly increased in STZ group compared to that in the control group (p<0.05). While, administration of the Ginkgo extract in STZ injected animals significantly reduced the latency to find the platform (p<0.05). In addition, STZ reduced hippocampal neuronal count (p<0.001) and administration of the Ginkgo extract in STZ injected animals significantly improved hippocampal neuronal loss (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Ginkgo leaf extract significantly improved spatial memory impairment and hippocampal neuronal loss, induced by diabetes.
Keywords: Learning, Morris water maze, Neuronal count, Neuropathy.
 
Received: Dec 8, 2017     Accepted: Apr 9, 2018

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Background and Aim: Recently, several studies have indicated that the central nervous system has the capacity for endogenous repair. But, the proliferation capacity of endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) isn’t sufficient for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. So, it sounds that stimulation of endogenous NSC proliferation is essential for neuroregeneration. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Sambucus ebulus extract on the proliferation of neonatal rat hippocampus-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) under oxidative stress condition induced by H2O2. 
Material and Methods: The NSCs were isolated from neonatal rat hippocampus. To confirm neural characteristics of neural stem cells, the expression of neural-specific marker, Nestin was investigated by immunocytochemistry technique. 5×10⁴ cells were cultured in every well of a 96 well plate and H2O2 was added to induce oxidative stress condition. Then NSCs were exposed to 50 µg Sambucus ebulus extract for 24 hours, at various concentrations (25, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 500 μg/ml). The cell proliferation rate was assessed by MTT colorimetry assay before and after treatment with the extract.
Results: Immunofluorescent studies showed that neural stem cells expressed specific neural marker; Nestin. The proliferation rate of NSCs increased in the treated groups in comparison to that in the control group. The highest rate of survival was observed when Sambucus ebulus was used at the concentration of 500 μg/ml. (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results showed that the methanolic extract of Sambucus ebulus can promote proliferation and survival of NCSs in vitro and also after exposure to oxidative stress condition, suggesting its potential beneficial effect on neuroregeneration.
Key Words: Neural stem cells, Sambucus ebulus, Proliferation, Survival.
 
Received: Jan 13, 2018     Accepted: Apr 11, 2018 

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Background and aim: Unstable shoes usually are used in work environments to reduce work-related disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of using unstable shoes on the activity of trunk muscles during load lifting.
Material and Methods: This semi-experimental study included 15 able-bodied men. Activation of rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, multifidus, erector spinae, latissimus dorsi, quadratus lumborum, and gluteus medius muscles in the dominant side of the body was recorded during load lifting in barefoot condition and with typical shoes, and unstable shoes on. We used analysis of variance with repeated measure test for data analysis (α=0.05).
Results: The results of this study showed significant decrease in the mean normalized muscle activation of the rectus abdominis, internal oblique, and quadratus lumborum during load lifting and also decreased normalized peak muscle activation of the rectus abdominis, quadratus lumborum, and erector spinae as well as an increase in the normalized peak muscle activation of multifidus with unstable shoes on (P<0.05). Morover, with unstable shoes on, we found significant increases in the mean frequency values of external oblique, internal oblique, multifidus, and erector spinae muscles, compared to barefoot condition and with typical shoes on (P<0.05). Also, use of unstable shoes compared to the two other conditions decreased co-contraction level of the rectus abdominis/ erector spinae, rectus abdominis/ multifidus, internal oblique/ erector spinae, and external oblique/ multifidus muscles (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Considering decreased activation and co-contraction levels of the selected trunk muscles use of unstable shoes may have some beneficial effects such as reduction of stress on the lumbar vertebrae and prevention of various injuries to the lumbar region such as low back pain. However, more investigations are needed in order to provide more precise results.
 

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Background and Aim: Artificial gamete production from stem cells is a novel strategy for treatment of infertility. Among various stem cell sources, embryonic stem cells (ESC) can be considered as an appropriate source for in vitro formation of germ cells. In this study we evaluated the effect of BMP4 on proliferation and differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into primordial germ cells (PGCs).
Materials and Methods: Embryonic stem cells (ESC) were cultured in ES medium. At first, embryoid bodies (EBs) were formed by hanging drop method, and then were differentiated into primordial germ cells at different concentrations of BMP4 (10, 50 and 100 ng/ml). The viability and proliferation rate of treated cells with BMP4 were evaluated by MTT assay. The EBs were cultured in induction medium. Expression of Oct4، Stella and Mvh genes were evaluated by real time PCR.
Results: In the group treated with BMP4 for 7 days, maximum cell viability was detected at the concentration of 10ng/ml. But the groups treated with100ng/ml of BMP4 showed minimum cell viability. Maximum expression of Stella and Mvh genes were detected at the concentration of 10ng/ml of BMP4 in the treated group.
Conclusion: The results showed that BMP4 can promote proliferation and differentiation of ES in vitro. Also different concentrations of BMP4 showed different effects on in vitro differentiation of ES into germ cells.

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Background and Aim: Evaluation of root and canal morphology and anatomy of the teeth is essential for successful root treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the morphology and anatomy of the root canal of maxillary second premolars using the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) technique in a radiology center.
Material and Methods: We used CBCT images of a specialized radiology center archived in 2014 in Qazvin and evaluated them by use of Remexis software. Evaluation of the images was carried out by a radiologist and an endodontist. The number of roots and their morphology, number of canals, the direction of root curvature, and canals in buccolingual and mesiodistal directions were assessed using the chi-square test in two genders. The significance level was considered 5%.
Results: A total number of 106 CBCT involving 117-second premolar teeth were evaluated. 93.2 % of the teeth had one root and 6.8 % had two roots. There was no significant difference in the number of roots between the two sexes   (Pv=0.164). According to Vertucci classification for single-rooted teeth, 59.6 % were of type I, 20.2 % of type II, 9.2 % of type III, 0.9 % of type IV, 6.4 % of type V, 1.8 % of type VI, and 1.8 % of type VII. Among two rooted second premolar teeth, 87.5 % were of type I and 12.5 % of type III.
Conclusion: In maxillary second premolars, the majority of teeth had one root with type I and type II canals. During root treatment, these anatomical variations should be considered

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Background and Aim: Brucellosis is one of the most common infectious diseases between humans and livestock in Iran. Because of the diagnostic problems of brucellosis, especially in endemic areas, the use of new diagnostic methods is of great importance. Therefore, this study was performed to compare BrucellacapT sensitivity and specificity with the standard Wright tube agglutination test in the diagnosis of Brucella.
Materials and Methods: A total of 100 sera from a patient with suspected symptoms of brucellosis and without laboratory confirmation were studied. Wright, Coombs wright, and BrucellacapT tests were performed at diagnostic threshold titers of 1.160 and 1.80 Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were evaluated and finally, data were analyzed with SPSS software version 14.
Results: A total of 100 patients were included in the study, of which 45% were female and 55% were male. In titrate 1.160 positive Wright test as a diagnostic threshold, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the BrucellacapT test were 97.95, 86.27, 87.27, and 97.97 percent, respectively. In titrate 1.80 positive Wright test as a diagnostic threshold, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of BrucellacapT test were 98.43, 97.50, 95.45, and 97.05 percent, respectively.
Conclusion: The results showed that the BrucellacapT test in the studied cut points has acceptable sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value for the diagnosis of brucellosis and the diagnostic and accuracy of this test in the titrate 1.160 is very close to the Coombs Wright test.

 

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Background and Aim: The current treatment for hemophilia B is replacement therapy, which involves the intravenous infusion of human coagulation factor IX (hFIX) purified from plasma or a recombinant form produced in mammalian cells. In this study, using a bicistronic expression system, the stable expression of the hFIX in a serum-free and suspension-adapted Chinese hamster ovary cell line (CHO-s) was investigated.
Materials and Methods: A DNA fragment consisting of hFIX, Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES) and Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (EGFP) nucleotide sequences was cloned into pcDNA3.1 expression plasmid under the control of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. The bicistronic plasmid was then linearized using BglII restriction enzyme and transfected into CHO-s cells. The transfected cells were treated with geneticin for 14 days. The culture medium of the stable cells was then collected and the expression level of the hFIX were examined using western blotting and ELISA. The coagulation activity was also evaluated by the chromogenic method.
Results: The recombinant CHO-s cells resistant to geneticin were observed under a fluorescence microscope in green color, which indicated the expression and accumulation of the EGFP in the cytoplasm of the cells. The results of Western blotting confirmed the expression and secretion of the hFIX into the culture medium. The amount of the secreted hFIX was 150 ng/mL/10⁶cells with a coagulation activity of 5.6 ±0.2 mU/mL.
Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that this bicistronic expression system could simultaneously produce EGFP and hFIX in CHO-s cells. This expression system facilitates selection and isolation of hFIX-expressing cells.

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Background and Aim: High prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and their control among the workforce is one of the most important concerns of ergonomics experts in the world. On the other hand, many countries consider the prevention of these disorders as one of their national priorities. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of brochure-based education on ergonomic principles abidance among operating room technologists in Iran University of Medical Sciences from 2017 to 2018.
Materials and Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental study with an experimental group (brochure-based education) and a control group with a pre-test post-test design. A total of 66 operating room technologists of the Iran University of Medical Sciences were selected by simple random sampling method and non randomly assigned to the groups. Data were collected by Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) checklist and using SPSS V.20, they were analyzed by non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests.
Results: The results showed positive effect of the brochure-based education method on ergonomic principles abidance among operating room technologists and a comparison between the control and brochure groups showed a statistically significant difference (P = 0.001).
Conclusion: This study showed the effectiveness of brochure-based education on ergonomics principles abidance among operating room technologists. Therefore, use of this method instead of conventional methods is recommended to prevent complications of musculoskeletal disorders.

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Background and Aim: Students' learning during their study period is one of the most important educational goals in the universities. During the corona pandemic, universities were forced to change traditional methods and turn to virtual education. However, this new method had not been investigated comprehensibly. Therefore, we conducted this study to compare the learning efficiency of students in virtual versus face-to-face education during the outbreak of the corona pandemic in the faculties of health and paramedicine of Gonabad University of Medical Sciences.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 210 students with different disciplines via convenient sampling. For data collection we used a two-part questionnaire: demographic data including nine questions and a standard learning efficiency questionnaire consisting of 45 questions. Data were entered into SPSS version22 software and analyzed by appropriate statistical tests.

Results: The mean scores of learning efficiency in face-to-face and virtual training were 165.96 ± 32.07 and 104.79 ± 25.39, respectively, and there was a statistically significant difference between the two training methods (P=0.000). Based on the Wilcoxon test, the total score of learning efficiency and all indexes in the questionnaire were significantly higher in the face-to-face training group compared to those in the virtual training group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: In this study, students in the face-to-face training group had higher learning efficiency. We recommend this method in the future programs.