farzad maleki

In recent studies of physical education teaching and learning, cognitive and metacognitive functions have been studied in addition to physical factors. However, the complexity of teaching methods and individual differences has created significant challenges for experts in teaching motor and cognitive skills. The purpose of the research was to compare the effectiveness of linear and non-linear training on metacognitive knowledge and learning soccer dribbling skills of children. The current research was semi-experimental with two experimental groups and three measurement times. The statistical population was 9-11-year-old male students of Andimshek city, and 72 children were selected as a sample using the available purposeful sampling method, and they were randomly divided into two groups of 36 people, linear pedagogy with an average age of 10.34±0.81 and non-linear pedagogy with an average age of 10.08±0.73. Yeagley dribble skills test and Metacognitive Behavior Questionnaire of Papaiano et al (2012) were used to measure the measurements. Data were analyzed by Anova with repeated measure and Independent t test. The intra-group results showed that both linear and non-linear training groups improved soccer skills, declrative knowledge, procedural, conditionals and metacognitive knowledge in general (P≤0.05). The intergroup results showed that the effectiveness of non-linear training was higher than linear training (P≤0.05). Interventions based on non-linear pedagogy compared to linear pedagogy cause more improvement and effectiveness in children's metacognitive knowledge and soccer dribbling skills. Therefore, teachers and trainers are suggested to improve children's motor and metacognitive skills use pedagogy based on non-linear principles instead of using traditional usage pedagogy.

The neonatal mortality rate (NMR) is a crucial indicator of a country’s population health

This study aims to assess the rates and causes of NMR in West Azerbaijan.

This population-based cross-sectional study utilizes data from the Child Mortality Surveillance System (CMSS) spanning from 2013 to 2022. The study population comprised all neonates (< 28 days old) with permanent residency in any of the 17 cities within the West Azerbaijan province who died within the stated period. Mortality rates, both all-cause and cause-specific, were determined per 1 000 live births for the years 2013, 2016, and 2022.

The investigation covered 3 689 reports of neonatal deaths (< 28 days old) from 2013 to 2022. Of these, 53% were males, with an average gestational age of 31.85 ± 5.56 weeks. Over 72% of the deaths occurred in preterm infants, and 69% were linked to cesarean section deliveries. Perinatal prematurity was the leading cause of death during the periods examined, with rates of 32.3%, 35.2%, and 36.8% in 2013, 2016, and 2022, respectively. The distribution of neonatal mortality across the province was uneven, with Poldasht city experiencing the highest mortality rates and Shot city the lowest (9.13 and 2.89 per 1 000 live births, respectively).

West Azerbaijan province has achieved the Health-related Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-3) of reducing neonatal mortality to below 12 deaths per 1 000 live births by 2030. Nonetheless, significant disparities in NMR persist across the province. Further epidemiological research and the development of targeted health programs are essential to address areas with elevated mortality rates.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of linear and non-linear training on learning badminton long serve skills in 9-12-year-old boys with Down Syndrome. The present study was applied, semi-experimental and pre-test, post-test with control group. 45 boys from 9 to 12 years old with Down Syndrome in Tabriz Welfare Center were selected and after homogenization based on the pre-test scores randomly in three groups of linear training (15 people), non-linear training (15 people) and control group ( 15 people) were placed. The acquisition phase consisted of 12 weeks and 2 sessions per week and each session lasted for 60 minutes. The task of the test was badminton long serve. After the end of the acquisition phase, the post-test and 48 hours later the memory test was performed. So that there is a significant difference between the measured steps in linear and non-linear training methods. It was also found that there is a significant difference between the different experimental groups in the post-test and memorization stages, so that the subjects of the linear and non-linear training groups performed better than the control group. In the explanation of the current research, it can be stated that in most motor learning studies, especially those conducted in young people, researchers believe that interventions and training have a significant effect on growth, learning and motor performance, and therefore the type of intervention is necessary.

This research aimed to investigate the effect of physical training and selective and compulsory observational pattern on the intrinsic motivation and cognitive learning of basketball jump shot skill with the approach of basic psychological demands.

Eighty male students (18-22 years old) were selected voluntarily and based on their pre-test scores, were randomly divided into four Self-Control, Paired, Experimenter-Control, and Control groups (20 people in each group). To examine the motivation level, the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI), and to examine the cognitive learning level, Recall Questionnaire (adapted from Knudson, 1993) was used. An educational video of the expert model that showed the movement components was presented to the participants. A retention test was conducted 24 hours later. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine the data (p≤0.05).

The results showed that in the acquisition phase, the level of intrinsic motivation of the participants to learn the basketball jump shot skill in the Self-Control observation condition was significantly higher than the participants in the Paired and Control conditions. Also, in the retention phase, the level of intrinsic motivation in the Self-Control observation condition was significantly higher than in other experimental conditions. In addition, in the acquisition and retention phases of cognitive learning (recall success), the participants in the Self-Control observation condition scored significantly higher than the participants in the Paired and Control conditions.

In general, the results of this study show that motivation affects learning. Also, task demonstration as a whole-part-whole is an effective and efficient method in the cognitive phase.

Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and impaired metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. This disease is caused by defects in insulin secretion, insulin function, or both (1, 2). This chronic disease can have serious short-term and long-term consequences that affect the health and quality of life (QOL) of patients (3). Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90% of all cases of diabetes and is associated with a variety of immutable and modifiable risk factors (4). QOL refers to a person's individual perception of physical, emotional, and social status (5, 6). Patients with type 2 diabetes have a lot of stress to treat and their QOL is lower than healthy people (7, 8). Also, for chronic diabetics, complete cure cannot be achieved and clinical interventions can provide a good estimate of disease control, but the ultimate goal of diabetes care is to prevent the patient's QOL from worsening (3). It is important to understand the predictors and identify risk factors for QOL, and these factors may be targeted for prevention (5). Since the improvement of QOL is one of the important goals of treatment of diabetic patients (3, 10) and studies have shown that diabetes can have negative effects on physical function, development of complications, mental and psychological and personal, family and social relationships (15, 16); Therefore, understanding the factors related to QOL is of particular importance in the treatment programs of these patients (5). Cardiorespiratory endurance is one of the health-related physical fitness factors (2). Cardiorespiratory endurance is defined as the ability of the circulatory and respiratory systems to supply oxygen during physical activity and is usually defined as the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) during submaximal or maximal tests. The main determinants of VO2max are cardiovascular function, cardiac output, pulmonary diffusion capacity, oxygen carrying capacity, liver function, and other environmental constraints such as muscle diffusion capacity, mitochondrial enzymes, and capillary density, all of which are examples of determinants. Are VO2max (2, 21). VO2max is associated with functional capacity and human function and has been shown to be a strong and independent predictor of mortality from all specific causes and diseases (22). Physical activity and the resulting cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with several health benefits, including reduced risk of diabetes, cardiovascular complications, and mortality (23). In view of the above, cardiorespiratory fitness is a variable related to mortality prediction and as a health-related variable in diabetic patients (23); Therefore, cardiorespiratory fitness can be considered in determining the strategies of primary and secondary prevention programs of cardiovascular diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes; Considering the importance of factors related to the prediction and identification of risk factors for QOL (5); It is necessary to measure the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness as a health-related physical fitness variable with QOL in patients with type 2 diabetes. In view of the above, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between QOL and cardiorespiratory endurance in patients with type 2 diabetes.

In this cross-sectional correlational study, 150 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomly selected from patients that had referred to health centers in Zabol city, which included 75 women and 75 men. QOL, demographic characteristics and history of diabetes in patients were measured using a questionnaire. Blood variables were measured on an empty stomach. Cardiorespiratory fitness was also measured using the Tecumseh step test. Pearson correlation coefficient was used for statistical analysis.

There was a positive and significant relationship between cardiorespiratory endurance and QOL in patients with type 2 diabetes. There was also a significant negative relationship between cardiorespiratory endurance with glycemic control, age and history of type 2 diabetes.

In the study of the relationship between cardiorespiratory endurance and QOL, the results showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between cardiorespiratory endurance and QOL in patients with type 2 diabetes. In a study of patients with type 2 diabetes, Leite et al. (2009) reported that a decrease in VO2max is associated with impaired insulin sensitivity, and that the most common abnormality in the population is at risk for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, and a decrease in VO2max is one. Is an important risk factor for disease progression (28). Low resting heart rate and VO2max are associated with a reduction in cardiovascular events (29). Cardiorespiratory disorders are more common in diabetic patients and may partly explain the morbidity and mortality in these patients. There are several potential causes for dysfunction in diabetics: hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, microvascular dysfunction, myocardial dysfunction, and skeletal muscle changes. These changes are somewhat reversible, and improvement in each of these components may increase functional capacity in diabetic patients (30). Interventional studies indicate an increase in VO2max in adaptation to exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes (2, 31, 32). It can be said that with increasing cardio-respiratory endurance, the level of health increases and with increasing health, patient satisfaction with treatment and satisfaction with QOL improve (27). Also, The results of the present study showed that there was a significant negative relationship between aerobic fitness and HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Jekal et al. (2010) in a study that examined aerobic fitness and HbA1c levels, stated that people with higher cardiorespiratory fitness had better weight and lower HbA1c levels than people with lower endurance (25), which It was consistent with the results of the present study. Abushamat et al. (2020) also stated in their research that diabetes leads to decreased cardiorespiratory function, which is associated with poor glycemic control and its complications (35). Physical activity is effective in controlling blood glucose in diabetics; because it increases insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance and decreases the level of hyperglycemia in these patients (36). Adaptations in insulin signaling as well as insulin receptors can lead to better blood glucose uptake by muscles. Increasing the number of GLUT4 carriers and increasing muscle mass, which plays a major role in blood glucose uptake, increases the body's response to insulin (38). The results of the present study also showed that there was a significant negative relationship between aerobic fitness and history of diabetes in patients with type 2 diabetes. Hadipoor et al. (2014) also introduced the years of diabetes as one of the factors affecting the physical dimension and QOL of these patients (45). Due to the fact that type 2 diabetes is associated with aging (46) and also the complications of diabetes, including cardiovascular complications with a history of diabetes and poor glycemic control are increased (47); with an increased history of diabetes, it reduces cardiorespiratory endurance in these people. On the other hand, due to having an active lifestyle and higher level of physical fitness, in addition to controlling blood sugar, the potential benefits of physical activity on reducing the complications of diabetes can be enjoyed (44, 50), which can improve QOL in patients with Type 2 diabetes is effective (50, 51). Overall, the results of our study showed that cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with improved QOL in patients with type 2 diabetes, which was negatively associated with age, duration of diabetes, and HbA1c levels.

Accurate information on the causes of child mortality is required to achieve Millennium Development Goal 4 (MDG4). The causes of child mortality are used to assess the pattern of diseases and make health policies. The accuracy of these mortality statistics depends on the proper completion of death certificates.

The study aimed to measure the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of death certificates obtained from the hospital information system (HIS) in a children's specialized hospital in Iran.

This cross-sectional study assessed death certificates of 580 children of 1-59-month-old died in the hospital from 2011 to 2018. Pediatricians identified the minor and major errors and the underlying causes of death (COD). A misclassification matrix was used to measure agreement, sensitivity, and PPV using multiple causes obtained from death certificates and pediatrician reviews.

The HIS had a sensitivity of 43.27% and a PPV of 39.37%. The highest sensitivity was 73.33% for kidney diseases and urinary tract infections, and the lowest sensitivity was 18.18% for diarrhea and dehydration. The HIS had the highest PPV for accidents and injuries and the lowest PPV for diarrhea and dehydration (65.63% and 20.69%, respectively). The most identified underestimation and overestimation numbers were related to "respiratory disease and pneumonia" and "cardiac arrest", respectively.

A large proportion of CODs in death certificates were registered inaccurately. The mortality statistics should be used with caution for planning and policy-making.

Mental imagery, incudes visualizing or motor cognitive review without physical components, is one of the sychological methods to improve performance and facilitate skills. Although the applied model has shown that there is an interaction between the type of imagery and and the ability of imagery and motor output is increased by bettter performance, there is a research gap whether neural representation causes different behavioral effects among children through vividness of imagery.

The aim of present study was the effect of various types of visual and kinesthetic mental imagery on learning of close motor skill in children as well as the relationship between the ability to imagery vividness and motor performance.

the research was quasi-experimental with a multi-group pre-test- post-test design along with a control group. The statistical population of the study was all female students aged 8 to 10 years in Ahvaz. 90 female students were deployed by random sampling method available in 6 groups of 15 people of physical practice (PPG), visual imagery (VIG), kinesthetic imagery (KIG), visual imagery and physical practice composition (VIPPG), kinesthetic imagery and physical practice composition (KIPPG), and control group (CG). Each participant performed 35 throws in 7 blocks of 5 trials in pre-test 5, acquisition 20, post-test 5, and transfer 5. The ability of imagery vividness of participants was measured by questionnaire of motor imagery vividness (Isak et al., 1986). Data analysis was performed using mixed variance analysis (phase) 3× (group) 6 and Pearson correlation by Spss21 software.

The performance of the various imagery groups was equal to that of physical practice group in the post-test (retention) phase. The results at the transfer phase showed that the combination of mental imagery with physical training had significantly higher performance than the other groups. The results of the research also showed that the visual mental imagery and kinesthetic imagery groups showed equal performance in the transfer and retention stages (KIG=VIG, KIPPG=VIPPG). The results of the research did not show any relationship between the ability of imageryvividness and motor performance.

The results of the research showed that children have the ability to visualize motor skills the same as adults. However, children (8 to 10 years of age) do not have the ability to separate the visual and kinesthetic imagery and understand their differences.  The results also showed that the ability to have a vivid imagery has no significant effect on childrenchr('39')s motor performance.

The Gail model is the most well-known tool for breast cancer risk assessment worldwide. Although it was validated in various Western populations, inconsistent results were reported from Asian populations. We used data from a large case-control study and evaluated the discriminatory accuracy of the Gail model for breast cancer risk assessment among the Iranian female population.

We used data from 942 breast cancer patients and 975 healthy controls at the Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran, in 2016. We refitted the Gail model to our case-control data (the IR-Gail model). We compared the discriminatory power of the IR-Gail with the original Gail model, using ROC curve analyses and estimation of the area under the ROC curve (AUC).

Except for the history of biopsies that showed an extremely high relative risk (OR=9.1), the observed ORs were similar to the estimates observed in Gail's study. Incidence rates of breast cancer were extremely lower in Iran than in the USA, leading to a lower average absolute risk among the Iranian population (2.78, ±SD 2.45). The AUC was significantly improved after refitting the model, but it remained modest (0.636 vs. 0.627, ΔAUC = 0.009, bootstrapped P=0.008). We reported that the cut-point of 1.67 suggested in the Gail study did not discriminate between breast cancer patients and controls among the Iranian female population.

Although the coefficients from the local study improved the discriminatory accuracy of the model, it remained modest. Cohort studies are warranted to evaluate the validity of the model for Iranian women.

Over recent decades, with the increase in the prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity, the prevalence of pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has increased.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of NAFLD and its predisposing factors in overweight and obese children of Urmia, Northwest of Iran.

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 843 children aged 2 to 19 years were recruited out of 10800 children referred to the Digestive Disease Clinic of Shahid Motahari Hospital during 2016 - 2017. Anthropometric and laboratory measurements and abdominal ultrasound were performed for the children. Demographic data and their medical history were collected by a questionnaire. Unconditional logistic regression was used to predict the predisposing factors of NAFLD.

Fatty liver was diagnosed by ultrasound in 9.5% of overweight and 21.4% of obese children. The prevalence of NAFLD in obese children was 9.26% for the 2 - 5.9-year age group, 22.3% for the 6 - 11.9-year age group and 35.5% for the 12 - 19-year age group. Compared to the normal liver group, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) [95% confidence interval (CI)] for predictive factors of NAFLD were as follows: ALT: 1.05 (1.03 - 1.09), ALK: 1.02 (1.01 - 1.03), AST: 1.04 (1.02 - 1.08), triglycerides: 1.1 (1. 08 - 1.21), TSH: 1.18 (1.1 - 1.40), FBS: 1.04 (1.01 - 1.08) and HOMA-IR: 1.19 (1.03 - 1.38). Compared to the age group of 2 - 5.9 years, the odds ratio of NAFLD was increased by 4 and 8 times in the age group 6 - 11.9 and 12 - 19 years, respectively.

There was a strong relationship between pediatric NAFLD and ALT, AST and HOMA-IR in the overweight and obese children. Our findings emphasized the importance of prevention of obesity and early intervention to prevent abnormalities among obese children.

World’s older population is growing, and attention is being directed to theimprovement of their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This article was conducted to investigatethe HRQoL and associated factors in rural elderly residents in west of Iran. By using the multistage sampling method, 346 elders from rural areas of Shahindezh wereenrolled in this population-based, cross-sectional study conducted in 2014. To assess the HRQoLof the elderly people, the Leiden-Padua (LEIPAD) questionnaire was used. The economic statuswas classified into 3 categories (good, moderate, and low) using the principal component analysis.Descriptive statistics, independent t test, ANOVA, and Spearman correlation coefficient were used toanalyze data. Multivariate linear regression was performed to determine predictive factors. The mean values and confidence intervals of total core scale and total moderator scale were38.6 (36.7-40.6) and 31.2 (29.6-32.6), respectively. Univariate analysis showed age, marital status,economic status, occupation, income source, and ethnicity were associated with HRQoL (P < 0.05).Multivariate analysis showed the married, the illiterate, widows/widowers and the divorced, peoplewith low economic status, and the self-employed had low HRQoL with respect to total scale and totalcore scale models (P < 0.05). HRQoL varies according to socioeconomic factors. Its determinants should be addressedin social and health policies designed to improve the health of older people, especially the mostvulnerable groups.

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of selective and compulsive video augmented information on motor learning of Basketball Jump Shot emphasizing on the Challenge Point theory. 80 male students (18to22 years old) were voluntary selected. After homogenization based on the first pre-test scores (block5of trial) they were randomly assigned into four groups (20subjects) of self-control, yoked, examiner-control, and control. Instructional video of the expert model demonstrating specific biomechanical component was provided for 6 minutes. And then a second Pre-test (block5of trial) was done. The acquisition phase included 10 blocks of 5 trails and the retention test was performed in 2 blocks of 10 trails after 24 hours. The acquisition accuracy and technique scores differences were analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) in 4(groups) x 10(Block). The retention accuracy and technique score differences were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of accuracy in the acquisition phase showed that the main effect of the block is significant. In the retention phase, the accuracy scores in the experimental conditions were significantly higher than the control group. The results of accuracy in the acquisition phase demonstrated that the main effect of the block, group, and interaction of the block and the group is significant, and the skill performance of self-control group was significantly better than the yoked and control groups. In the retention phase, the self-control group technique of skill performance was better than other experimental conditions, and examiner-control group was significantly better than the control conditions during the acquisition and retention phases.

This study is aimed at analyzing the relationship between physical activities and some physical and physiological indexes of the above-fifteen-year-old citizens of Khuzestan province. To this aim, 2075 Khuzestani citizens were selected as the participants of the study. The measurement tools in this research were the questionnaire of individual and career characteristics, the Baekce Physical Activity Questionnaire (1982), digital scales, tape meters and a digital barometer. To assess the relationship between physical activity and physiological indexes, we used Pearson correlation test and an independent t-test. The results of the research showed that there was no meaningful relationship between physical activities and physiological indexes such as heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and other physiological indexes (body mass index, Waist hip Ration). However, a meaningful and negative relationship was found between the sports index in physical activities and heartbeat and Waist Hip Ration (WHR). Likewise, a meaningful relationship was observed between systolic blood pressure, heartbeat, WHR, and physical activities. But no meaningful relationship was found between Diastole Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and physical activity. The results of an independent t-test showed that the amount of physical activities of male citizens exceeded that of female citizens. The rate of the heartbeat of female citizens was however greater than that of male citizens. The study concludes that doing suitable physical activities and participating in sports programs can decrease heartbeat and WHR.

Muslim cancer patients and healthcare professionals face several challenges about the necessity of fasting and its possible side effects during the holy month of Ramadan. We aimed to study the prevalence of fasting among cancer patients during Ramadan and opinions of health care professionals about fasting among cancer patients in Iran.
We conducted a cross-sectional survey during the Ramadan (July-August) in 2013. Participants were 620 cancer patients and, 187 healthcare professionals in several cancer clinics from different provinces of Iran. We used self-administered questionnaires and collected data from patients, and healthcare professionals to collect data. We performed descriptive analysis by using Stata statistical software.
Out of 620 patients who participated in this study, 428 (69%) were women. 76 (13%) of patients had fasted for at least a day during Ramadan and, from which 41 (7%) had fasted whole months because of their religious belief. Among patients who had refrained from fasting, the reasons were lack of sufficient physical strength (403, 65%), excessive thirst (141, 23%). 275 (44%) of participants had consulted with their physician about fasting. We found that more than 50% of physicians advised against fasting for patients following surgery, pre-operation, recent hospitalization, and consumption of oral or intravenous chemotherapy. Most of the healthcare professionals (68%) believed that cancer survivors could not fast even if they have no signs or symptoms or side-effects after the treatment.
Although most of the cancer patients refrain from fasting, some cancer patients practice fasting and face challenges during the holy month of Ramadan in Iran. Most patients consult about fasting in Ramadan with their doctor who has variable opinions about this issue. Development of guidelines for healthcare professional and cancer patients regarding Ramadan fasting is needed.

To investigate trend and seasonal pattern of occurrence and mortality of motorcycle accidents in patients referred to hospitals of Isfahan.
This cross-sectional study was carried out using traffic accidents data of Isfahan province, extracted from Ministry of Health (MOH) database from 2006 to 2010. During the study period, 83648 people injured due to motorcycle traffic accidents were referred to hospitals, all of them entered in the study. Logistic regression model was used to calculate the hospital mortality odds ratio, and Cochrane-Armitage test was used for assessment of linear trend.
During the study period, the hospital admission for motorcycle accident was 83,648 and 89.3% (74743) of them were men. Mean age in accidents time was 26.41±14.3 years. The injuries and death sex ratio were 8.4 and 16.9, respectively. Lowest admission rate was during autumn and highest during summer. The injury mortality odds ratio was 1.01 (CI 95% 0.73-1.39) in the Spring, 1.34 (CI95% 1.01-1.79) in summer and 1.17 (CI95% 0.83-1.63). It was also calculated to be 2.51 (CI95% 1.36-4.64) in age group 40-49, 2.39 (CI95% 1.51-5.68) in 50-59 and 4.79 (CI95% 2.49-9.22) in 60-69 years. The mortality odds ratio was 3.53 (CI95% 2.77-4.5) in rural place, 1.33 (CI95% 1.15-1.54) in men, and 2.44 (CI95% 2.09-2.85) in the road out of town and village. In addition, trend of motorcycle accidents mortality was increasing (p Motorcycle accidents injuries are more common in men, summer, young age and rural roads. These high risk groups need more attention, care and higher training.

One of the Millennium Development Goals is 50% reductions in tuberculosis (TB) mortality rates by 2015, compared to 1990. This study was aimed to determine the factors associated with mortality in patients with tuberculosis in the city of Abadan during 20092013. The present cross-sectional survey studied all of the registered tuberculosis cases in Abadan during 2009 to 2013. The patients’ information were provided through tuberculosis registration software, together with patients’ records in health centers of Abadan. Among of the total 367 identified TB patients, 36 (%9.8) patients have been passed away. The mortality relative risk of patients with early treatment 3+ sputum smear test was 12.8 increased compared to the patients with 1+ sputum smear test. Furthermore, the risk of death in group 2 of treatment (including relapses, treatment failures and the absence of treatment) were significantly greater (2.87 times) than the new treated patients (group 1 of treatment). The mortality rate of TB patients is affected by some factors like treatment group (previous treatment history) and the result of sputum smear test at the beginning of treatment. So, the health care system should be more sensitive to identify and treat TB patients at the proper time and in accordance with the standard protocol, in order to reduce treatment failures, relapses, and most importantly resistance to treatment of the patients.

Esophageal cancer is the sixth cause of death in the world, there was a lack of population‑based information on the trend and incidence rate of esophagus cancer, so this study aimed to determine the incidence and pathological changes of esophagus cancer in Iran.
In this study, data were extracted from annual cancer registry reports of Iranian ministry of health between 2003 and 2008. Standardized incidence rates were calculated using the world standard population, and incidence rate was calculated by age groups, sex, and histological type. Data on epidemiologic trend and histology were analyzed using Joinpoint software package.
In this study, there were 18,177 recorded cases of esophagus cancer. Of all cases, 45.72% were females and 54.28% were males. Sex ratio was 1.19. The most common histological types related to squamous cell carcinoma NOS and adenocarcinoma NOS were 64.53% and 10.37%, respectively. The trend of annual changes of incidence rate significantly increased in both sexes. The annual percentage changes, the incidence rate was 7.9 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.3–12.6) for women and 9.6 (95% CI: 6.0–13.2) for men. The histology type of SCC, large cell, nonkeratinizing and SCC, keratinizing and SCC, NOS had a significant decreasing trend in total
population (P According to this study, the trend of age‑standardized incidence rate of esophagus cancer in Iran is rising. Hence, to prevent and control this cancer, it is necessary to investigate related risk factors and implement prevention programs in Iran.

Brucellosis is still one of the most challenging issues for health and the economy in many developing countries such as Iran. This study investigated the epidemiological features of brucellosis in Shahin Dezh, Western Azarbaijan province, North West of Iran.Patients and This study had across-sectional design and data was collected from private and public sectors over a five-year period (2008-2012). All cases were studied between years 2008 and 2012 in Shahin Dezh. In total, 492 cases of brucellosis were reported. The prevalence of brucellosis decreased from 152 cases/100000 inhabitants in 2008 to 97 cases/100000 inhabitants at the beginning of 2012. About 52.3% of subjects were male, and most cases of brucellosis were aged 25-30 years. Eighty-one percent of subjects lived in rural areas. There was a statistically significant difference regarding contact with livestock between rural and urban areas (91.7% vs. 68.8%) (P value <0.001). Raw milk was the most commonly consumed dairy product; consumed by 37% of cases. Finally, during winter and spring a high prevalence rate of brucellosis was reported. Comprehensive health-related interventions need to empower communities at risk, especially young men and young and adult women in the Shahin Dezh County. Health education is needed to raise awareness of people in the studied area.

The community assessment is the basis of strategic policies for health professionals and managers. The aim of community assessment is collection of the data that relating to public health problems, data analysis and concludes about necessary capacities for providing the necessary resources to resolve problems. In this study the databases of Scientific Information Database, MagIran, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and IranMedex were searched up to April 2014 (farvardin1393). All papers of community assessment in the country according to our standard community assessment model were included in this study. Overall 11 studies were evaluated and the common feature of all research is to identify problems of society and local problems. The drug addiction was classified in 3 of the studies as a main problem and in 7 of studies was classified in the ten major problems. Poverty and unemployment are allocated to the next priority, the second priority in 2 studies, the third priority in 3 studies and the fourth priority in 3 studies. Environmental health problems and socio-cultural problems were the next priorities. The proposed model can be used to suggest new health services with due consideration of community problems, as well as develop suitable, effective intervention strategies. This type of community study should not be conducted only once. Rather, it should be repeated periodically in any community, results compared and used for policy-making.

The present study aimed to examine throwing accuracy and spatial and digit working memory of field dependent-independent participants. The group embedded figure test (GEFT) was distributed among 320 male students and based on the GEFT scores, 45 participants were randomly divided into field dependent, field independent and control group (15 participants/each group). The study included two tasks (dart throwing and spatial and digit working memory). In dart throwing task, participants threw 10 darts in pre-test stage. In acquisition stage, participants threw 60 darts in 6 blocks of 10 trials. The retention test included a block of 10 trials which was performed 24 hours after the acquisition stage. The spatial and digit working memory test was performed individually with Cambridge brain science software. Data were analyzed with 2-way analysis of variance with repeated measures, one-way ANOVA test, Tukey post hoc test and Pearson correlation coefficient. The results indicated that field independent participants performed better in both tests of dart throwing and working memory than field dependent participants. The findings indicated that higher scores of the GEFT task demonstrated higher visuospatial ability (as a component of working memory) in field independent participants which may cause a better performance in spatial and digit working memory and dart throwing task.