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Abstract Dust pollution poses environmental hazards, affecting agriculture through reduced sunlight exposure, photosynthesis, crop yields, and food security. This study explores the interference of dust pollution on herbicide efficacy to control weeds in a semi-arid region. In a factorial experiment conducted in 2019 and replicated in 2020, the interaction of dust and various herbicide applications, including bentazon, sulfosulfuron, tribenuron-methyl, aminopyralid + florasulam, foramsulfuron + iodosulfuron + thiencarbazone, 2,4-D + MCPA, and acetochlor, in controlling Amaranthus retroflexus L. were assessed. Dust induced a 9.2% reduction in the total chlorophyll content of A. retroflexus, while herbicide application independently led to a 67.5% decrease. Contrary to expectations, herbicides performed better in dust, except bentazon, which caused a 28% drop in plant height and a 29% decrease in total biomass compared to non-dust conditions. Both herbicides and dust exerted suppressive effects on A. retroflexus's leaf and stem weights and overall biomass. Despite dust presence, tribenuron-methyl (95.8%), aminopyralid + florasulam (95.7%), sulfosulfuron (96.5%), and foramsulfuron + iodosulfuron + thiencarbazone (97.8%) effectively controlled A. retroflexus. These findings indicate that dust's effect on herbicide efficacy is herbicide-dependent but except bentazon, dust generally increased herbicide efficacy and amplified the control of A. retroflexus.

Introduction: Scorpion bite is an important health issue that in many cases occurs in Sistan and Baluchistan province. Severe complications of scorpion bite include: decreased renal blood flow, renal failure, severe hemolysis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, DIC, miscarriage, and death. In this study, a case of mother's death due to DIC caused by scorpion bite is reported. Case presentation: A 19-year-old primigravid woman with the gestational age of 33 weeks, 5 days after being bitten by a scorpion, following a decrease in the level of consciousness with GCS: 3/15, intubation,undergoing blood transfusion was transferred from Rusk Hospital and admitted to the ICU ward. After being sent to Iranshahr, the patient was examined by anesthesiologist and gynecologist. In the examinations, severe lung rales were heard and bruises caused by scorpion bite were observed on the left side. In ultrasound, a fetus without heartbeat, biliary edema and hydronephrosis were evident. Induction and antiserum treatment started for scorpion stings. Four hours later, mother suddenly had bradycardia and asystole, CPR was performed and despite 45 minutes of CPR, the patient died. Conclusion: In this patient, due to delay in transferring her to the medical center caused the doctors to fail to save her in time. If the patient bitten by scorpion does not come to hospital within the first 6 hours, she will lose the chance of treatment, and if the more time passes, she will face the risk of death due to the infiltration of poison into the bloodstream, so a person bitten by scorpion should refer to the hospital at the first opportunity and special tests should be performed.

Background & Objectives: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was confirmed as the cause of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The disease presents with a wide range of clinical signs and symptoms involving vital organs such as the lungs, heart, gastrointestinal tract, liver, central nervous system, blood, and kidneys. It also potentially affects other organs, including the placenta.The present systematic review aimed to evaluate effects of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnant women, fetuses, and infants born to infected mothers. Material & Methods: The search fields used in this study were angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor (ACE2), fetus, pregnancy, and SARS-CoV-2. We reviewed articles published in 2020 and 2022. The inclusion criteria were articles on receptor expression, virus entry into the host cell, studies on the characteristics and outcomes of pregnant or recently pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection who were approved and characteristics and outcomes of infants whose mothers were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Results: The virus uses the ACE2 to enter the cell. The coronavirus can be expected to affect any cell or organ that expresses ACE2. Female reproductive system is one of the systems that express ACE2. The destructive effects of COVID-19 on maternal and fetal health are strongly influenced by the spatial-temporal distribution of ACE2. Conclusion: The harmful role of COVID-19 in pregnancy is highly controversial, although maternal COVID-19 infection contributes to adverse consequences of pregnancy. There is a limited amount of information on the efficacy of COVID-19 on pregnants and their fetuses.

Highlights Plant-based nano-fertilizer prepared from Paulownia. Nano-fertilizer prepared from Paulownia characterized by TEM, XPS, XRD, and FTIR. Use of Nano-fertilizer prepared from Paulownia (NFPs) had a significant effect on O. basilicum. The highest basil biological yield was obtained at NFP-110.

Introduction:This study aimed to compare social adjustment, school satisfaction, and mental health among secondary school female students with and without precocious puberty.Materials and Methods: The statistical population of this study consisted of female high school students in Urmia city, Iran (n=1,225). To achieve our aim, samples of 204 students (102 girls with precocious puberty and 102 girls with normal puberty) were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling method from this statistical population. All participants were asked to complete social adjustment, school satisfaction, and mental health questionnaires. The research method was a causal-comparative type. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean, variance, standard deviation, and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).Results: The result of MANOVA revealed that there was a significant difference between two groups of girls in social adjustment, mental health, and school satisfaction (P≤0.05).Conclusion:The results of this study revealed that there was a more social adjustment, mental health, and school satisfaction among girls with normal puberty. Therefore, it is necessary that specialists intervene earlier and prevent later problems among such girls.

Abstract Purpose Timely detection of carbapenemases is essential for developing strategies to control the spread of infections by carbapenem-resistant isolates. The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiology of carbapenemase genes among carbapenem-resistant isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. In addition, the efficacy of the modified Hodge test (MHT), Carba NP test, and modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM) were compared. Methods A total of 122 carbapenem-resistant clinical isolates including 77 K. pneumoniae, 39 A. baumannii, and six E. coli were collected from hospitalized patients. Three phenotypic methods, including the MHT, Carba NP test, and mCIM were used for investigation of carbapenemase production. In addition, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect carbapenemase-encoding genes. Result The sensitivity and specificity of the MHT were 75.0% and 100%, respectively. In addition, Carba NP displayed 80.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity, whereas the sensitivity and specificity were 90.4% and 100% for the mCIM test, respectively. Among carbapenem-resistant isolates, 70, 84, and 87 isolates exhibited positive results according to the MHT, Carba NP test, and mCIM, respectively. PCR indicated the presence of one or more carbapenemase genes in 119 of carbapenem-resistant isolates, with bla KPC and bla VIM being the most commonly encountered. Co-production of ‘KPC and OXA-48’, ‘KPC and VIM’, and ‘KPC and IMP’ was detected in three, nine, and seven isolates, respectively. Conclusion Our results confirm that the mCIM test is a useful tool for the reliable detection of carbapenemase activity in enterobacterial isolates, especially in clinical microbiological laboratories with limited resources.

Background: Ceratonia silique (Ceratonia) is a medicinal herb with antioxidant properties that reduces oxidative stress. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant effects of Ceratonia extract on improving the toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) on spermatogenesis. Materials and Methods: 54 male Wistar rats (4 months old) weighing 200-250 gr were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 9/each): “group 1 (control) underwent the normal diet and water; group 2 (sham) received 2 ml/day normal saline; group 3 (positive control) received 300 mg/kg/day Ceratonia extract; group 4 (Ceratonia + CP) received Ceratonia extract (300 mg/kg/day) + 5 mg/kg/day CP (Endoxan, baxter oncology gmbh, Germany) after 4 hr; group 5 (CP) received 5 mg/kg/day CP + normal saline 4 hr after it; and group 6 (CP + Ceratonia) received Ceratonia extract (300 mg/kg/day) 4 hr after 5 mg/kg/day CP." 24 hr after the last gavage, heart blood sampling was performed to measure the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), ferric reducing antioxidant power, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone. The left caudal epididymis was cut in the Ham's F10 and the released spermatozoa were used to analyze sperm parameters. The histology of the right testes was studied using stereological techniques and the left testes were used to measure the level of tissue MDA and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Results: A significant increase in the mean level of MDA (p = 0.013) was seen in the CP compared to the control group. Sperm motility (p = 0.001) and count (p = 0.002), serum and tissue total antioxidant (p ≤ 0.001) and serum testosterone levels (p = 0.019) decreased in the CP compared to the control group. Ceratonia extract could significantly prevent the adverse effects of CP on sperm motility (p < 0.001), the mean levels of tissue MDA (p = 0.018), serum total antioxidant (p = 0.045), and testosterone (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The Ceratonia extract can modify the reproductive toxicity of CP in rat due to the presence of antioxidant compounds.

Background: Foodborne infection caused by EnterotoxigenicEscherichia coli (ETEC) and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is one of the major health problems, particularly in the developing countries. Therefore, it is vital to identify the origin of food contamination to plan control strategies efficiently. Method: A total of 219 E. coli isolates from human and calf feces, raw meat, and dairy product samples were screened for virulence genes of ETEC and EPEC pathotypes by duplex-PCR assay. Then, rep-PCR was performed for the pathotypes. DNA fingerprints were analyzed with NTSYS-pc program, and dendrogram was generated. Results: Among the E. coli isolates, ETEC (6.4%), typical-EPEC (3.2%) and atypical-EPEC (5.5%) were detected. Dendrogram analysis showed two clusters; all human ETEC isolates and one meat ETEC isolate were grouped under cluster A, and all EPEC isolates collected from the four sources along with two animal fecal ETEC isolates and one ETEC isolate from meat products were grouped under cluster B. According to Jackknife analysis, the average percentage of ETEC and EPEC strains that were accurately clustered were 98% and 93.75%, respectively. Conclusion: Animal source food (ASF) isolates were placed in the same phylogenetic group as calf isolates. Moreover, the positioning of human and animal isolates in two separate groups suggested the genetic diversity between these two groups. Thus, it could be argued that E. coli isolates from animals may be transmitted via meat and dairy products, emphasizing the necessity of applying more accurate standards in the processing of ASFs.

Background and Aim: multiple sclerosis is a degenerative disease of central nervous system that causes a lot of psychological problems. the aim of this study was to investigate the cognitive, emotional and social factors in the psychological problems of patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy people. Material and Methods: the method of this study was descriptive from its comparative casual types. Statistical population of this study was all of patients with multiple sclerosis were referred to M.S association in the urmia. Sample of this study was 40 patients with multiple sclerosis were referred to M.S association in the urmia and selected by available sampling method. Data were analyzed by Multivariate Analysis of Variance and one-way analysis of variance. Results: The results of this study showed that there is significant deference between two groups in the variables of looming maladaptive style (F=6/526, sig:0/002), negative problem-orientation (F=4/26, sig:0/04), interpersonal emotion regulation (F=3/195, sig:0/02), emotional processing styles (F=2/503, sig:0/04), social desirability (F=18/29, sig:0/000) and rejection sensitivity (F=4/00, sig:0/049) and patients with multiple sclerosis get the higher scores in these variables but there is no differences between two groups in meta-worry. Conclusion: Many psychological problems that these patients experience are in part as a result of cognitive, emotional and social factors that have been studied in current study. Then, paying attention to these factors in the etiology and treatment of psychological problems of these patients can be a useful step in the reducing of these problems and improving of mental health in the patients.

Background and Aim: There are few pieces of evidence on the association between nut consumption and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. This study investigated the relationship of nut consumption with the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality in the Iranian population.Methods and Results: This population-based prospective cohort study was carried out in 6,504 randomly selected participants aged ≥35 years in central Iran (2001–2013) in the framework of the Isfahan Cohort Study. Dietary data were collected by a validated 48-item food frequency questionnaire. Subjects or their next of kin were interviewed biannually, looking for the possible occurrence of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. During the median follow-up of 135 months and 52,704.3 person-years, we found a total of 751 CVD events. In unadjusted model, participants in the highest quartile of nut intake had a lower CVD risk {hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.57(0.47–0.70); P for trend < 0.001}, CVD mortality [HR (95% CI): 0.54 (0.33–0.72); P for trend < 0.001], and all-cause mortality [HR (95% CI): 0.24 (0.14–0.42); P for trend < 0.001]. In the fully adjusted model, the association was diluted, and no significant relationship was found between nut intake and CVD events and all-cause mortality, except for CVD mortality in the highest quartile vs. the lowest one [HR (95% CI): 0.55 (0.30–0.98)].Conclusion: Nut intake had an inverse association with the risk of CVD mortality. It is suggested to perform studies to examine the association of individual types of nuts and different preparation methods on CVD risk and mortality.

ContextAutoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS-2: autoimmune Addison’s disease or type 1 diabetes) is conferred by predisposing HLA molecules, vitamin D deficiency, and heritable susceptibility. Organ destruction is accompanied by cytokine alterations. We addressed the monocytic cytokines of two distinct APS-2 cohorts, effects of vitamin D and HLA DQ risk.MethodsAPS-2 patients (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 30) were genotyped for HLA DQA1/DQB1 and their CD14+ monocytes stimulated with IL1β and/or 1,25(OH)2D3 for 24 h. Immune regulatory molecules (IL-6, IL-10, IL-23A, IL-15, CCL-2, PD-L1), vitamin D pathway gene transcripts (CYP24A1, CYP27B1, VDR), and CD14 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and RTqPCR.ResultsPro-inflammatory CCL-2 was higher in APS-2 patients than in controls (p = 0.001), whereas IL-6 showed a trend – (p = 0.1). In vitro treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 reduced proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, CCL-2, IL-23A, IL-15) whereas anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and PD-L1) rose both in APS-type 1 diabetes and APS-Addison´s disease. Patients with adrenal autoimmunity showed a stronger response to vitamin D. Expression of IL-23A and vitamin D pathway genes VDR and CYP27B1 varied by HLA genotype and was lower in healthy individuals with high-risk HLA (p = 0.0025; p = 0.04), while healthy controls with low-risk HLA showed a stronger IL-10 and CD14 expression (p = 0.01; p = 0.03).Conclusion1,25(OH)2D3 regulates the monocytic response in APS-2 disorders type 1 diabetes or Addison´s disease. The monocytic cytokine profile of individuals carrying HLA high-risk alleles is proinflammatory, enhances polyglandular autoimmunity and can be targeted by vitamin D.

Background and Objectives: Anxiety has a significant impact on academic and social performance as well as quality of life. The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between brain/behavioral systems and difficulties in emotion regulation with cognitive and physical aspects of social anxiety. Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study, 306 students were selected from the student population of the Urmia University using multistage cluster sampling. Data collection was performed using measuring scales of social anxiety dimensions, behavioral activation and inhibition system, and difficulties in emotion regulation. Data were analyzed using descriptive indicators, correlation, simultaneous multiple regression analysis, and t-test analysis. Results: In this study, there was a significant positive correlation between behavioral inhibition system and social anxiety dimensions (p

Objectives: The parent-child relationship is one of the strongest predictors of a child’s adjustment during adulthood. Many hearing-impaired children have normal hearing families, and this issue adversely affects the parent-child relationship; however, studies on interventions have focused on high-risk clinical specimens. Methods: The effect of the Faranak parent-child program (Persian version of parent-child Mother Goose program) on the quality of mother-child relationship has been evaluated in this study, which involved families having preschool, hearing-impaired children. A group of 14 mothers with hearing-impaired children participated in this 12-week program. The control group received no training. Both groups were asked to complete the Gerrard parent-child questionnaire before and after the intervention program to assess their relationship with their children before and after the program. Results: The mothers who were part of the experiment group reported many positive changes in their relationship with the child during the program. Discussion: The Frank parent-child Mother Goose program could help families with hearing-impaired children in this 12-week community-based program, wherein parents learned skills that affect the relationship between mother and child.

Objective Speech and language disorders, when happening during childhood will ultimately lead to important negative outcomes in the life of the child. The farther we move from this critical period, that is, the first 3 years of life, the less will be the positive effects of environmental stimuli on the development of speech and language. Early detection of children at risk for or in the preliminary phases of developmental delays and provision of early intervention services for them is of utmost importance. The objective of this research was to compile and produce protocols for early intervention in childhood speech and language developmental disorders in Iranian children. Materials & Methods This study was conducted in two main phases: review phase and qualitative phase. In the review phase, all accessible search engines and databases, especially those for systematic reviews and guidelines were searched. In the qualitative study phase, several focus group discussions and rounds of Delphi were carried out with 20 experts in 7 subgroups, who were selected purposively. Results The result of this study is presented as 7 intervention packages, including the following domains of disorders: prelingual lingual speech and language hearing impairment, speech sound, dysphagia, stuttering, and dysarthria Conclusion Most studies have confirmed the effectiveness and need for early interventions for children with speech and language impairment. However, most do not explain the details of these interventions. Before the present study, no systematic and evidence-based protocol existed for early intervention in childhood speech and language impairments, in Iran; and due to language differences, as well as possible differences in the speech and language developmental process of children of different communities, making direct use of non-Persian references was not possible and effective. Thus, there was a clear demand for the production of such a protocol.

Introduction: Professional ethics and moral reasoning are among the critical factors influencing professional nursing practice, the quality of patient care, and the patient’s health outcome. Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between demographic characteristics of nurses and their ethical reasoning in the medical wards. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with descriptive-analytical approach that was conducted in 2016. The study participants consisted of 180 nurses working in the medical wards of hospitals affiliated to Tabriz university of Medical Sciences. The census sampling method was implemented. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire and the Nursing Dilemma Test questionnaire (NDT) designed to measure the ethical reasoning among nurses in pre-conventional, conventional and post-conventional levels. Data were analysed by using SPSS version 21.0 with, one-way ANOVA, t-test and Pearson correlation tests. Results: The results indicated that the mean score for ethical reasoning among nurses in medical wards was 45.7±6.1, where nurses scored 37.5%, 35.08%, and 27.42% for preconventional, conventional and post-conventional levels respectively. Researchers found a statistically significant relationship between nurses ethical reasoning and nurses’ shift (p-value 0.05). Conclusion: Nurse’s ability to accurately identify and manage ethical dilemmas was among the factors that influenced their ethical decision making process. The relationship between nurses’ shift and type of work contributed to the way ethical reasoning was applied. These findings are essential for healthcare administrators to design strategies towards the highest quality nursing care.

Introduction: Internet addiction has been emerged as a new field of psychopathology. Excessive use of the Internet has become a problem which can cause severe difficulties in daily life, social relationships, work, education and psychological adjustment. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to determine the role of the cognitive emotion regulation strategies, Impulsivity and Extraversion In the tendency of Internet addiction in students of Urmia University in 2014. Methods: Present study was a cross-sectional one. For this purpose, from Urmia University students in 2014, 290 individuals were selected by Stratified sampling. Then the Young’s Internet Addiction Scale, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies, impulsivity Scale and Extraversion were distributed among research participants. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS-19 and descriptive indicators, correlation coefficient and simultaneous multiple regression analysis was utilized. Results: Outcomes explained that there is a negative correlation between Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies and Internet addiction (P0.05). Also, a significant positive correlation was found between impulsivity and extraversion scales with internet addiction (P

Objective: This research was made to personal- social developmental screening of 4-60 months old children in Tehran city by DDST-II and ASQ and determining the agreement coefficient of two tests. Materials & Methods: In this study, the personal-social developmental status of 197 children 4-60 months old were screened by using ASQ and PDQ (93 girls and 104 boys). Convenient sampling was used. Data was analyzed by SPSS software. Results: By using DDST-II and ASQ personal- social developmental delay detected in 11% and 1.5% of children respectively. The estimated consistency coefficient between DDST-II and ASQ for Personal- social domain was 0.06. Conclusion: In this study personal- social developmental screening of children showed different results and kappa measure agreement of two tests was weak. For selecting a suitable tool we must consider the psychometric characteristics (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predicting power) of the tool. This study showed that the results of developmental screening of 4-60 months old children in Tehran by using ASQ and PDQ lead to different results. This finding emphasizes the need to comparing the results of screening tests with a diagnostic gold standard test.

BACKGROUND: Dietary assessment is the first step of dietary modification in community-based interventional programs. This study was performed to validate a simple food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) for assessment of selected food items in epidemiological studies with a large sample size as well as community trails. METHODS: This validation study was carried out on 264 healthy adults aged ≥ 41 years old living in 3 district central of Iran, including Isfahan, Najafabad, and Arak. Selected food intakes were assessed using a 48-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The FFQ was interviewer-administered, which was completed twice; at the beginning of the study and 2 weeks thereafter. The validity of this SFFQ was examined compared to estimated amount by single 24 h dietary recall and 2 days dietary record. Validation of the FFQ was determined using Spearman correlation coefficients between daily frequency consumption of food groups as assessed by the FFQ and the qualitative amount of daily food groups intake accessed by dietary reference method was applied to evaluate validity. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to determine the reproducibility. RESULTS: Spearman correlation coefficient between the estimated amount of food groups intake by examined and reference methods ranged from 0.105 (P = 0.378) in pickles to 0.48 (P < 0.001) in plant protein. ICC for reproducibility of FFQ were between 0.47-0.69 in different food groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The designed SFFQ has a good relative validity and reproducibility for assessment of selected food groups intake. Thus, it can serve as a valid tool in epidemiological studies and clinical trial with large participants.

In this article, DEA technique has been applied for the purpose of comparing national innovation system’s efficiency in Iran and countries mentioned in 20-year perspective document. According to previous studies on national innovation efficiency, the institutional variables, human capital and R&D, infrastructures, market sophistication and business sophistication have been chosen as the model’s inputs and knowledge, technology and creative outputs have been chosen as the model’s outputs. The results show that in terms of national innovation system’s efficiency the rank of Iran is 14 out of 20 countries included in DEA analyses. Furthermore, despite of rich capacity of educated human capital, the efficiency of this index is significantly low. The sensivity analysis also reveals that creative outputs are essentially important in increasing innovation efficiency. Finally according to efficiency scores, some suggestions are offered to improve strengths and weaknesses. It is worth to mention that Iran’s national innovation system’s efficiency has been investigated for the first time.

Inflammatory elements and genetics have major roles in febrile seizures (FS) pathogenesis. Seventy patients were enrolled and compared with 139 controls. The allele and genotype frequency of the IL-2 gene at -330 and +166 positions and the IFN-γ at +874 position were determined. A significant positive association with GG genotype at position -330 in the patient group was found (P=0.003). Further, a positive association was detected in simple and complex FS groups at the same position (P=0.03, P=0.004). IL-2 GT haplotype was significantly more common in the patients compared to controls (P=0.0008). Higher frequency of GT haplotype was detected in simple FS patients in comparison to controls (P=0.0003). Contrary, IL-2 TG haplotype frequency was lower in complex FS group (P=0.005). Overrepresentation of certain alleles, genotypes and haplotypes in IL-2 gene in FS patients could predispose individuals to this disease.

Fundamental understanding and characterization of neural response to substrate topography is essential in the development of next generation biomaterials for nerve repair. Aerogels are a new class of materials with great potential as a biomaterial. In this work, we examine the extension of neurites by PC12 cells plated on matrigel-coated and collagen-coated mesoporous aerogel surfaces. We have successfully established the methodology for adhesion and growth of PC12 cells on polyurea crosslinked silica aerogels. Additionally, we have quantified neurite behaviors and compared their response on aerogel substrates with their behavior on tissue culture (TC) plastic, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). We found that, on average, PC12 cells extend longer neurites on crosslinked silica aerogels than on tissue culture plastic, and, that the average number of neurites per cluster is lower on aerogels than on tissue culture plastic. Aerogels are an attractive candidate for future development of smart neural implants and the work presented here creates a platform for future work with this class of materials as a substrate for bioelectronic interfacing.

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of enneagram personality types teaching on educational adjustment. To achieve our aim, first, 120 available students were assigned to experimental (60 students) and control groups (60students). Then, the Baker & Syriak of educational adjustment questionnaire was administered to subjects. Experimental group received enneagram of personality training for six weeks of 1/30 hours. The research method of this study was quasi-experimental, pretest – posttest randomized group design. Finally educational adjustment questionnaire was administrated the 2 groups again. Analysis of the data involved both descriptive and inferential statistics including mean, standard deviation, Cronbach, t test, and Analysis of co-variance. Analysis of the data submitted to t test, and Analysis of co-variance indicated significant differences between the control vs., experimental group as for as the level of educational adjustment. The result of this study shows that enneagram training has positive effects on educational adjustment.

Objective: The aim of the study was to develop a valid and reliable Persian version of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddlers Development Screening Test. Materials & Methods: Forward and backward translation, face and content validity determination, and cultural and linguistic adaptations of the questionnaires were performed, consecutively. Clarity of items of the translated version of the scale were examined by a study that carried out on 45 Persian 1- to 42-month-old children, recruited by sampling in Tehran, during the year 2012 . In order to determine the reliability internal consistency, inter-rater and test-retest, 34 tests carried out. For determining the psychometric properties of the tests, later a representative sample of 260, 1- to 42-months-old children recruited through consecutive sampling from health -care centers in five main districts in Tehran. Results: Performing cultural and lingual adaptations, our expert team made some inevitable changes to the test items. Almost in all age groups, cultural or linguistic changes were made in items in communication domains. The Cronbach alpha in cognitive, communication (receptive and expressive), fine and gross motor subtests were 0.96, 0.95. 0.95 and 0.94 respectively. The construct validity of the tests by factor analysis and comparison of mean scores in age groups was confirmed. Conclusion: The Persian version of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddlers Development Screening test is a valid and reliable tool.

Objective: Emotional intelligence has an important role on mental and social health of children and its defect prompts children for many problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of emotional intelligence training on reducing aggression and hyperactivity of girl students with physical disability. Materials & Methods: This study was experimental and؛ Pre-test post-test with control group was used. The samples were 40 physically disabled girl' students with behavior disorders whom were in3rd, 4th and 5th grades. The instrument Rutter behavioral questionnaires (the teacher and parent forms). Was used to measure behavior problems. Spss was used for data analysis. Results: The emotional intelligence training reduced the aggression and hyperactivity of students. The pre-testو post-test results by teachers (P

Objective: Motor function in children with Down syndrome is similar to mentally retarded children. But the movements are slower and have lower quality. The purpose of this study was to identify weaknesses in motor function in children with Down syndrome, by using Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP). Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, thirty six children with intellectual disability, 18 girls with Down syndrome and 18 girls without Down syndrome, with chronological aged 8-13 years were investigated. The subjects of Down syndrome were selected by available sampling. The subjects of intellectual disability were selected by simple random sampling. Two groups of participants were matched for chronological age and IQ level. The measurement was BOTMP. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U rank sum test and t-test. Results: The children with Down syndrome scored significantly lower than the mentally retarded children in the areas of gross motor skill composite (P

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of attribution retraining group program on anxiety of students with learning disabilities. Materials & Methods: In this semi-experimental study pre-test and post-test design with control group was used. Two learning disorders centers were selected on purpose and conveniently in Tehran City in 2012-13 academic years. Thirty six students (9 girls and 27 boys who were educating in 2nd to 6th grade in elementary school) with learning disabilities selected in convenience. One center was considered as experimental group and the other one as control group randomly (each group consisted of 18 individuals). Experimental group was divided into three subgroups (each consisted of 6 individuals), and were participated in 11 intervention sessions (each lasts for 45 minutes twice a week) and received attribution retraining program, but control group received no training. Spence Children Anxiety Scale (SCAS) was completed before and after the intervention by all subjects. Data were analyzed by independent t-test and analysis of covariance. Results: The results of analysis of covariance showed that attribution retraining intervention did not influence the anxiety. There is no significant difference between the anxiety of experimental and control group (P=0.34). Conclusion: It was concluded that attribution retraining group program can not probably reduce anxiety symptoms of students with learning disabilities.

Objective: To gauge the gross and fine motor development of early treated phenylketonuria (ETPKU) in children in the age range of 1–4 years. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted in PKU clinics (reference clinics for PKU follow-up), Tehran, Iran. Seventy children with ETPKU were selected as the case group for the study. ETPKU children were those with early and continuous treatment with a phenylalaninerestricted diet (the mean of blood phenylalanine level during the recent 6 months was 2–6 mg/dL or 120–360 mmol/L). Also, 100 healthy and normal children matched with the ETPKU group for age were randomly selected from 4 kindergartens in four parts of Tehran as a control group. The measurements consisted of a demographic questionnaire, Peabody Developmental Motor Scale-2 (PDMS-2), and pediatrician assessment. Motor quotients were determined by PDMS-2 and then compared in both groups by two independent samples t-test. Results: The mean ages in case and control group were 28.5 (±11.6) and 29.7 (±11.3) months, respectively. Comparison of the mean fine, gross, and total developmental motor quotients (DMQs) showed statistically significant differences between the two groups (P

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic studies have shown an inverse association between dietary fiber and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association between MetS and consumption of legumes in adults in Isfahan, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 2027 individuals who were a subsample of the 3rd phase of the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP). Basic characteristics information such as age, sex, smoking status, and physical activity were collected using a questionnaire. A validated 48-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary behaviors. Blood pressure, waist circumference (WC), glucose, triacylglycerols, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured, and MetS was defined based on Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. Multiple logistic regression models examined associations of frequency consumption of legumes with MetS occurrence and its components. RESULTS: All MetS components were less prevalent among subjects with regular legume intake (P < 0.01). Legume intake was inversely associated with the risk of MetS, after adjustment for confounding factors in women. Life style adjusted odds ratio of Mets between highest and lowest tertile and no consumption (as reference category) of legume intake were 0.31 (0.13, 0.70), 0.38 (0.17, 0.87), respectively, in women (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study showed that age has a crucial role in MetS incidence; therefore, after further age adjustment to lifestyle adjusted model there was no significant difference in lower and higher tertile of legume intake and MetS. Keywords: Legumes, Metabolic Syndrome, Iran

This article has tried to simulate the behavior of national Iranian copper industries company’s stock in the stock exchange market and help the share holder and policy makers to analyze the fluctuations and forecast the future of the stock. For the aim of simulation, first we have identified the influential factors in stock price in the stock exchange market and the influential factors incopper price in the market. The relation between different variables is shown by causal diagrams using system dynamics approach. Then the research model is simulated and analyzed by Vensim DSS. The results showed that production costs and copper’s world price are the most important factors in shaping the fluctuations of the stock price. At the end different scenarios such as reducing the subsidies in the second phase are examined and the results are discussed.

Objective: This Study aimed to investigate the level of personal-social developmental skills in 1-4 years old children with early treated phenylketonuria. Materials & Methods: This analytic, cross-sectional study has been done on 40 children 1-4 years old referred to clinics of phenylketonuria (PKU) who were diagnosed through screening at birth and were treated. The measurements were a demographic questionnaire, ASQ (Ages & Stages Questionnaire) and clinical assessment by pediatrician. Forty children were also selected randomly as control group from kindergartens of Tehran and completed the questionnaires. Data were analyzed by SPSS 19.0 software. Results: The mean age of Children was 30.7 (±10.5) months in the control group and 27.7 (±11.0) months in the case groups. There was no significant differences between two groups in terms of delivery type and the current and birth height, weight and head circumference. There was a significant difference between two groups regarding personal-social developmental skills (P

Objective: Having a child with cerebral palsy affected all aspects of quality of life the mothers. This is a Quasi-experimental study which was carried out in order to determine the effects of applying supportive program health-centered on the quality of life of cerebral palsy children’s mothers. Materials & Methods: This study is a quasi-experimental research with two groups case (n=30) and control (n=30) who were selected by random sampling method. Supportive Programs health-centered for case group performed in three stages (assessment, protection and evaluation). Data collection tools include: demographic questionnaire and quality of life questionnaire. Data collected before and two months after intervention. Statistical analysis was done by spss16 software. Results: Data analysis with Chi-square showed that demographic data were similar in both groups (P>0.05). Comparison of quality of life after intervention by independent samples t-test was significant in two groups (P0.05). Paired t-test showed that there is a significant difference between mean scores of eight dimensions of QOL and whole QOL before and after study in experimental group (P0.05).meams difference of whole QOL was significant in Both groups (P

Introduction:According to inconsistent relationship of glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) with diabetes type 2, this study was done to assess the relationship of glycemic index and glycemic load with diabetes type 2 in an Iranian adult population. Material and Methods:This cross-sectional study was carried out on 1754 individuals who were a subsample of the 1st phase of Isfahan Healthy Heart Program. Basic characteristics such as age, sex, education, smoking status and physical activity were collected using a questionnaire. Dietary assessment was done with a single 24 hour recall questionnaire and glycemic index and glycemic load were calculated. Weight, height, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and 2 hour post-prandial glucose (2hpp) were measured. Results:Energy intake and GL, but not glycemic index had a negative association with diabetes type 2, intolerance glucose test (IGT) (P

Objective: This research was designed to evaluate the developmental status of children aged 4–60 months in Tehran city by two developmental screening tests, Denver Developmental Screening Test II (DDST II) and Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) and also to determine the consistency coefficient between these two tests. Materials & Methods: In this cross–sectional study, DDST II and ASQ were performed on 197 children (104 boys, 93 girls), aged 4–60 months (Mean=23.5 months), at four health centers in Tehran city. Evaluation of 15% of children was repeated by Developmental Pediatricians who were blinded to the screening results. Results: Developmental disorders were observed in 37% and 18% of children who were examined by DDST II and ASQ tests, respectively. Considering those children who were healthy but their parents were concerned about their developmental status, these figures changed to 38% and 43%, respectively. The estimated consistency coefficient between DDST II and ASQ was 0.21 which is weak (P=0.002) (for gross motor 0.24, language 0.18, personal-social 0.06 and fine motor 0.05). The consistency coefficient between the physicians’ examination with DDST II and ASQ were 0.17 (P=0.099) and 0.47 (P=0.003), respectively. Conclusion: A weak consistency coefficient was found between DDST II and ASQ tests. Therefore, the results of these two screening tools should be compared with a developmental diagnostic test in order to choose an appropriate screening tool.

"nObjective: Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), is one of the important problems of the patients with schizophrenia. The emergence of these side effects depends on so many factors such as the patients' age and the duration of antipsychotic treatment. By discovering new drugs (Atypical), there has been an outstanding decrease in the emergence of these side effects. The present study investigates the symptoms of TD in the Patients with schizophrenia who were under treatments for more than 6 months. "nMethod: The sample of this study was 200 Patients with schizophrenia of four wards in Razi hospital (two acute and two chronic wards) who were hospitalized in the winter of 2006 and were qualified for this study. The subjects were 101 males and 99 females who were younger than 60 and had received antipsychotic drugs for at least 6 months. After psychiatric interview and filling the demographic questionnaire by the patients, the required information about the drugs and the intensity of the symptoms was acquired. Then clinical and physical examinations of tardive dyskinesia were done. Next, the tardive dyskinesia disorders' check list (AIMS) was used. Findings of this cross-sectional, descriptive study were analyzed by SPSS. "nResults: There was a high ratio of 95% between TD and the age factor (P=0.05). There was no relationship between symptoms frequency and duration of treatment (P=0.68). Facial muscles and oral zones were mostly involved in T.D disorder (72%). "nConclusion: No significant difference was observed between nine fold symptoms of T.D in patients who were using traditional drugs and those who were using the new ones (typical and atypical). Findings showed that in the intensity of the symptoms, gender does not play a major role.

Externally applied electrical stimulation (ES) has been shown to enhance the nerve regeneration process and to influence the directionality of neurite outgrowth. In addition, the physical and chemical properties of the substrate used for nerve-cell regeneration is critical in fostering regeneration. Previously, we have shown that polyurea-crosslinked silica aerogels (PCSA) exert a positive influence on the extension of neurites by PC-12 cells, a cell-line model widely used to study neurite extension and electrical excitability. In this work, we have examined how an externally applied electric field (EF) influences the extension of neurites in PC-12 cells grown on two substrates: collagen-coated dishes versus collagen-coated crosslinked silica aerogels. The externally applied direct current (DC) bias was applied in vitro using a custom-designed chamber containing polydimethysiloxane (PDMS) embedded copper electrodes to create an electric field across the substrate for the cultured PC-12 cells. Results suggest orientation preference towards the anode, and, on average, longer neurites in the presence of the applied DC bias than with 0 V DC bias. In addition, neurite length was increased in cells grown on silica-crosslinked aerogel when compared to cells grown on regular petri-dishes. These results further support the notion that PCSA is a promising material for nerve regeneration.

Objective: Cerebral palsy is a nonprogressive disorder in body posture and movement, due to different etiologies. Different medical and rehabilitation interventions include massage have been used in these children. This study has been done to determine the effect of adding massage to occupational therapy on muscle tone of children with spastic cerebral palsy. Materials & Methods: This study was a double blind clinical trial. The children were recruited from clinics of University of Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences. The individuals were divided to intervention and control groups. The routine rehabilitation techniques were done in 3 months in both groups. The intervention group received massage for 30 minutes before rehabilitation. Muscle tonicity was evaluated at the beginning of the study and 3 months later by Ashworth test. The data analysis was done by parametric (t test, paired t test) and nonparametric (Mann Whitney, Wilcoxon) tests. Results: Thirteen subjects of case (intervention) group and 14 subjects of control group were studied. The average age in case group and control group was 49.5, and 42.1 months respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in Tonicity of upper and lower limbs, trunk and neck between intervention group and control group (P>0/05). Conclusion: In general based on the results of this study, adding massage to occupational therapy had no effect on tonicity of spastic cerebral palsied children. Regarding to some effects of massage mentioned in different articles on physical abilities of children with C.P. as well as executive limitations in this research, it is not possible to reject the effects of homeopathy on physical abilities of children with C.P.

Objective: High risk infants are those who have a history of one or more risk factors in prenatal, perinatal or postnatal period in their developmental period, shown as developmental delay (DD). The incidence of DD in these infants is higher than normal. This study is done in order to determine the incidence of motor developmental delay (MDD) and effective risk factors in developing of it in high risk infants who have been refered to developmental disorders center of SABA. Materials & Methods: Study is a descriptive (incidence determination) and analytic case – control type (Effective high risk factors determination). The samples include 403 referred infants from health centers and pediatric clinics of Tehran that have the history of one or more risk factors. The infants with MDD defined as cases and infants who had refered to SABA center for other reasons as controls. Results: The incidence of MDD in high risk infants was 30% that was significantly higher that of normal values. The most effective risk factors were prematurity (25.6), low birth weight (19%), neonatal seizures (7.4%), hyaline membrane disease (6.6%) systemic infections of mothers in pregnancy (5.7%) and severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (4.9%) in sequence. Conclusion: Regarding to effect of above risk factors in developing of MDD necessary and suitable attempts should be done for prevention of these factors in order to decreasing the incidence of DD. Developmental delayed infants also should be diagnosed early in order to early intervention rehabilitation & therapy in order to achieve a better results.

Background: There is evidence regarding the relationship between dietary proteins intake and blood pressure (BP), but they had inconsistent results. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the association between different kinds of protein intake (animal and plant protein) and BP. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from Isfahan Healthy Heart Program. We performed a cross-sectional study among 9660 randomly selected Iranian adults aged ≥19-year-old that they were selected from three large Iranian regions in 2007. A simplified validated 48-item-food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake including all kinds of protein. Systolic and diastolic BPs were measured in duplicate by trained personnel using a standard protocol. Multivariable regressions were applied to assess the relationship between protein intake and BP levels and the presence of hypertension (HTN). Results: More frequent consumption of animal, plant, and total protein intake were inversely associated with BP in a crude model (P < 0.001); however, after adjustment for potential confounders this relationship remained only for plant protein (P = 0.04). The risk of HTN occurrence decreased in the highest quintile of total and plant protein consumption by 19% (odds ratio [OR] = 0.81; confidence interval [CI]: [0.65–0.96]; P for trend = 0.004) and 18% (OR = 0.82; [CI: (0.67–0.94]; P for trend = 0.03), respectively. Conclusions: More frequent protein intake, especially plant protein consumption was inversely associated with BP and risk of HTN among Iranian adults.

Background: Early childhood is the most important step throughout the lifespan and it is a critical period continuing to the end of 8-year-old. Mothers' knowledge is one of the important aspects of child development. The goals of this study were to determine the situation of knowledge in Iranian parents about the concept and the importance of early childhood development (ECD) and determining the sources of parental knowledge about ECD from the perspective of parents and grandparents. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted based on the directional content analysis in 2016. The purposive sampling method is utilized to select 24 participants among parents and grandparents in Tehran. The inclusion criteria consisted of speaking in Persian and having a child or grandchild

Aerogels are a unique class of materials with superior thermal and mechanical properties particularly suitable for insulating and cryogenic storage applications. It is possible to overcome geometrical restrictions imposed by the rigidity of monolithic polyurea cross-linked silica aerogels by encapsulating micrometer-sized particles in a chemically resistant thermally insulating elastomeric “sleeve.” The ultimate limiting factor for the compound material’s performance is the effect of aerogel particles on the mechanical behavior of the compound material which needs to be fully characterized. The effect of size and concentration of aerogel microparticles on the tensile behavior of aerogel impregnated RTV655 samples was explored both at room temperature and at 77 K. Aerogel microparticles were created using a step-pulse pulverizing technique resulting in particle diameters between 425 μm and 90 μm and subsequently embedded in an RTV 655 elastomeric matrix. Aerogel particle concentrations of 25, 50, and 75 wt% were subjected to tensile tests and behavior of the compound material was investigated. Room temperature and cryogenic temperature studies revealed a compound material with rupture load values dependent on (1) microparticle size and (2) microparticle concentration. Results presented show how the stress elongation behavior depends on each parameter.

The baby's first words producing is one of the most important index of development. Development of talking is through a complex process that is influenced by both neuromaturation and human relationships (environment). It is not an imitative function in which children learn to repeat what they hear, but also it is a creative process through which children master a rule based, symbolic system. Talking development can be evaluated in 5 important dimensions: phonology, semantics, morphology, syntax and pragmatic. The receptive and expressive abilities of the child must be evaluated also. This paper discusses about the epidemiology, etiology and pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, how to assessment and make early diagnosis, differential diagnosis, management (treatment and rehabilitation) and prognosis of delayed or atypical talking in addition to above definitions. This paper also emphasizes on early intervention for children who develop significant behavior problems secondary to their communication difficulties and for whom long-term problems in social development are a major concern.

This disorder is too rare that about 100 patients have been reported in the world. In this condition a liver enzyme (methylmalonyl CoA mutase) which should carry out one of many thousands of chemical processes that turn protein into energy or body tissues is defective. Clinical presentation of this disorder in first months of life may be failure to thrive, lethargy, poor feeding, mental retardation and seizures. Late-onset manifestations include other neurologic findings e.g. dementia, myelopathy and gait disorder. Increases in levels of plasma methylmalonic acid and homocystine confirm the diagnosis. Unlike patients with classic homocystinuria, plasma level of methionine is normal in these patients. The patient was 13.5 years old girl that presented to us due to convulsion, losing the ability to walk, loosing appetite, developing urinary incontinence and showing intellectual regression. In a number of investigations, there was severe increasing in urinary and plasma levels of methylmalonic acid and homocysitine. The patient has commenced on treatment with high doses of vitamin B12, Betaine and Carbamazepine and also physiotherapy. Following the treatment marked improvement in neurologic and mental state appeared and also Methylmalonic acidemia and homocystinuria was controlled.

The term “fragile X syndrome” is named after a constriction recognizable on chromosome (at Xq 27.3) cultured at chromosome media without folic acid. The unstable part includes repetition of 3 nucleotides which is intensified at subsequent generation (DNA amplification) and gives rise to a more severe phenotype in the individual. About 20% of males have normal fragile X syndrome. The daughters of these individuals have abnormal chromosomes (carrier) and their grandchildren will be marked. In typical syndrome, the boys will suffer from mental retardation, macrocephalia, large or protruding ears, elongated face, and macroorchidism. In terms of behavioral comorbidity, symptoms are similar to pervasive developmental disorder such as autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The impairments in cognitive abilities are manifested as learning difficulties to severe problems. Our patients were 2 boys (6 and 7 years old) referred due to their hyperactivity. In physical examination, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder as well as fragile X syndrome were confirmed. In chromosome culture test, the constriction at Xq 27.3 was specified.

BACKGROUND: Polyurea crosslinked silica aerogels are highly porous, lightweight, and mechanically strong materials with great potential for in vivo applications. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated the biocompatibility of this type of aerogel. The highly porous nature of aerogels allows for exceptional thermal, electric, and acoustic insulating capabilities that can be taken advantage of for non-invasive external imaging techniques. Sound-based detection of implants is a low cost, non-invasive, portable, and rapid technique that is routinely used and readily available in major clinics and hospitals. METHODOLOGY: In this study the first in vivo ultrasound response of polyurea crosslinked silica aerogel implants was investigated by means of a GE Medical Systems LogiQe diagnostic ultrasound machine with a linear array probe. Aerogel samples were inserted subcutaneously and sub-muscularly in a) fresh animal model and b) cadaveric human model for analysis. For comparison, samples of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were also imaged under similar conditions as the aerogel samples. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Polyurea crosslinked silica aerogel (X-Si aerogel) implants were easily identified when inserted in either of the regions in both fresh animal model and cadaveric model. The implant dimensions inferred from the images matched the actual size of the implants and no apparent damage was sustained by the X-Si aerogel implants as a result of the ultrasonic imaging process. The aerogel implants demonstrated hyperechoic behavior and significant posterior shadowing. Results obtained were compared with images acquired from the PDMS implants inserted at the same location.

Background: Dietary diversity score (DDS) measurement was used to assessment of diet quality in different disease like cardiovascular disease. One way to improve the cardiovascular patient′s ability is cardiac rehabilitation program that include exercise training, nutrition consultation and psychological treatment. No study was designed to compare the DDS before and after dietary consultation among cardiac rehabilitation patients, so this study was designed to examine this purpose. Methods: Subjects were participated in the 2-month cardiac rehabilitation program. All patients that completed the cardiac rehabilitation program and 2 dietary records (before and after nutritional counseling in cardiac rehabilitation program) enrolled in study. Kant et al method was used for scoring dietary diversity. Data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 20). Wilcoxon test were used to compare DDS score for each subgroup and pair sample T test was used to compare total DDS after and before nutrition counseling. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The differences between DDS of grain, fruit, vegetable and meat before and after nutrition counseling were not significant (P = 0.635, P = 0.423, P = 0.826, P = 0.207 respectively), but differences of DDS for dairy and total DDS before and after nutrition counseling were significant (P = 0, P = 0.001). Conclusions: Dietary diversity was increased after nutrition counseling among patients with cardiac disease.

BACKGROUND: Aerogels are a versatile group of nanostructured/nanoporous materials with physical and chemical properties that can be adjusted to suit the application of interest. In terms of biomedical applications, aerogels are particularly suitable for implants such as membranes, tissue growth scaffolds, and nerve regeneration and guidance inserts. The mesoporous nature of aerogels can also be used for diffusion based release of drugs that are loaded during the drying stage of the material. From the variety of aerogels polyurea crosslinked silica aerogels have the most potential for future biomedical applications and are explored here. METHODOLOGY: This study assessed the short and long term biocompatibility of polyurea crosslinked silica aerogel implants in a Sprague-Dawley rat model. Implants were inserted at two different locations a) subcutaneously (SC), at the dorsum and b) intramuscularly (IM), between the gluteus maximus and biceps femoris of the left hind extremity. Nearby muscle and other internal organs were evaluated histologically for inflammation, tissue damage, fibrosis and movement (travel) of implant. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: In general polyurea crosslinked silica aerogel (PCSA) was well tolerated as a subcutaneous and an intramuscular implant in the Sprague-Dawley rat with a maximum incubation time of twenty months. In some cases a thin fibrous capsule surrounded the aerogel implant and was interpreted as a normal response to foreign material. No noticeable toxicity was found in the tissues surrounding the implants nor in distant organs. Comparison was made with control rats without any implants inserted, and animals with suture material present. No obvious or noticeable changes were sustained by the implants at either location. Careful necropsy and tissue histology showed age-related changes only. An effective sterilization technique for PCSA implants as well as staining and sectioning protocol has been established. These studies further support the notion that silica-based aerogels could be useful as biomaterials.