maryam rashidi

The newly emerging and rapidly evolving technology of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs), covering a wide range of devices and enabling photogrammetric applications from user-driven platform, presents new possibilities for research in geomorphology by obtaining spatially accurate geographic data. The low-level altitude of flight allows researchers to obtain imagery at high levels of detail, which is necessary for a detailed analysis of even fine fluvial forms of the dynamic river channels or landslides. After the early 2010s, the use of UAVs equipped with an RGB camera has become widely applied in geomorphology. It has expanded the capability of low-altitude aerial photo shootings and subsequent SfM photogrammetry. The basic principle of SfM photogrammetry is the same as the conventional photogrammetry, but SfM enables automatic alignment of many (hundreds to thousands) images thanks to automated detection of numerous tie-points, and then produces dense point cloud and rasterized DEMs, as well as orthorectified mosaic images. One of the advantages of SfM photogrammetry is its flexibility across camera platforms. conventional aerial images, and ground-based images are commonly used platforms to 3D models by SfM.

The Vaz watershed is located in the northern slope of the Alborz Mountain range and in the south of Chamestan city, which in terms of political divisions, this basin is located in Noor city of Mazandaran province. First, using the library method, international and domaestic scientific literature was studied in order to examine the background and different methods of using UAVs in river studies and to prepare a study framework. After imaging, it was processed in Metashape software (Metashape 1.5.5) and orthophoto image and digital elevation model (DEM) were extracted in centimeters in order to prepare cross-sections and check the morphometric and hydrological characteristics of the river.

The lateral changes of the Vaz River were studied across 2 different sections of the river. The first level of analysis included building an elevation model based on imagery provided by UAVs and processed in Metashape software, with a pixel resolution size of 4.6 centimeters. Through measuring cross sections of the channel at different flows at the edges and bankfull discharge of the channel, data was acquired. This data included active depth and width of the channel, cross sectional areas, average depth, hydraulic radius and width to depth ratio. These data could be combined with hydraulic data to calculate flow velocity, discharge, stream power, shear stress and other parameters which enable the quantification of river processes. In the statistical comparison of 2 reach at channel edge discharge, some parameters such as cross-sectional area, hydraulic radius, flow velocity, maximum and average channel depth, width-to-depth ratio, channel width susceptible to flooding, channel depth ratio, discharge and Froude number, decrease at the downstream section comparing to the upstream section. However, shear stress and specific stream power of the river increase in the downstream. At the bankfull discharge of the channel, all parameters except specific stream power of the river decrease comparing to the 1st section. The specific stream power increases at the 2nd section. Afterwards the research investigated the change in cross sections across the 2 sections. At the upstream, sand mining, road construction across the channel and construction of a secondary channel had changed the composition and material of the right banks of the river. At the downstream, dam construction, had changed the flow and sedimentation regime of the river.

The data acquired from UAVs enables extraction of relevant morphometric and hydrological data regarding the channel and its transverse sections, due to geometric precision and high resolution. The high precision of this data provides an appropriate alternative for field works such as mapping and surveying with different cameras. Orthophoto images prepared using UAVs have enabled the more accurate identification of geomorphic features and landforms. According to data acquired from the 2 different sections of River Vaz, it was demonstrated that upstream and downstream sections are not similar and variation in morphometric characteristics causes difference in hydraulic characteristics such as flow velocity, shear stress and specific stream power. These varieties have led to different geomorphic forms at the studied sections.

The present paper investigates the effect of soil-structure interaction on the seismic behavior of base-isolated frames under near and far-fault earthquakes. For this purpose, the nonlinear time history results of 1, 4 and 8-story base-isolated frames are compared with corresponding fixed base ones. ABAQUS finite element software is used for numerical modeling on which time history analyzes are performed.

One of the effective methods to study the semantic aspects of mystical language in literary texts is critical discourse analysis, which is a new attitude of discourse analysis in linguistics studies that analyses texts considering cultural and social context. The present research analyses Hafez's mystical language with an analytic-descriptive method and based on three-level pattern of Fairclough. For this purpose, after describing Hafez's mystical poems according to Halliday’s systemic-functional linguistics framework and relying on the textual metafunction of language in that framework, by observing the interlingual and extralingual contexts of the poems and with an intertextual analysis, it interprets and explains them ideologically. The results of the research indicate that distinguished mystical features in Hafez's mystical language have some points in common with other mystical texts and besides presenting the intertextual characteristics and general principles of mystical discourse, they indicate Hafez's personal and ideological views in relation with cultural and social conditions of his time. The achievement of the present research is to justify and describe Hafez's mystical language scientifically and pattern based and also to express how and why his mystical discourse is formed, produced and comprehended with applying effective and reliable instruments of critical discourse analysis. Therefore, the achieved results are reliable and based on linguistics authentic and reasonable rudiments and are also far from generalization and its following mistakes.

The present research analyses Hafez's mystical language with an analytic-descriptive method and based on three-level pattern of Norman Fairclough and answers to this main issue: How and why did Hafez create his mystical discourse and make it comprehensible? For this purpose, after describing Hafez's mystical poems according to Michael Halliday’s systemic-functional linguistics framework and relying on the ideational metafunction of language in that framework, by observing the interlingual and extralingual contexts of the poems and with an intertextual analysis, it interprets and explains them ideologically. The results of the research indicate that distinguished mystical features in Hafez's language have some points in common with other mystical texts and besides presenting the intertextual characteristics and general principles of mystical discourse, they indicate Hafez's personal and ideological views in relation with cultural and social conditions of his time. The achievement of the present research is to justify and describe Hafez's mystical language scientifically and pattern based and also to express how and why his mystical discourse is formed, produced and comprehended with applying effective and reliable instruments of critical discourse analysis. Therefore, the achieved results are reliable and based on modern linguistics authentic and reasonable rudiments and are also far from generalization and its following mistakes.

One of the effective methods to study the semantic aspects of mystical language in literary texts is critical discourse analysis, which is a new attitude of discourse analysis in linguistics studies that analyses texts considering sociocultural context. The present research analyses Hafez's mystical language with an analytic-descriptive method and based on Fairclough’s pattern and answers to this issue: How and why did Hafez create his mystical discourse and make it comprehensible? For this purpose, after describing Hafez's mystical sonnets according to Halliday’s systemic-functional linguistics framework and relying on the interpersonal metafunction of language in that framework, by observing the interlingual and extralingual contexts and with an intertextual analysis, it pulls out the reasons and explanations required from the beddings of his words and interprets and explains them ideologically. The results of the research indicate that factors performing the interpersonal metafunction in Hafez’s language are marked and discursive; they play an ideological role and are considered discursive features. The interpretation and explanation of these meaning features indicate that worldview, ideology, power relations and epistemological devices are the main effective factors in the formation and comprehension of Hafez’s mystical discourse. The achievement of the present research is to justify and describe Hafez's mystical language scientifically and pattern based and also to express how and why his mystical discourse is formed, produced and comprehended with applying effective and reliable instruments of critical discourse analysis. Therefore, the achieved results are based on linguistics authentic and reasonable rudiments and are also far from generalization and its following mistakes.

In discourse analysis, Grice’s inference theory – particularly, his ideas on implication – is quite helpful in determining the speaker’s intention as well as discovering and justifying the relations between discourse and its illocutionary force in verbal communication. Likewise, Grice’s verbal implications can be useful in interpreting and analyzing literary texts which are filled with figures of thought and words and sentences which usually have implicit and metaphorical meanings. Following Grice’s inference theory and his cooperative principles, this paper studies the quality of deviation from standard language norms and it’s transformation into mystical and literary language in a ghazal of Hafiz in order to calculate and infer the implicit meanings within a methodic and systematic framework. Therefore, at first, Grice’s theory and concepts such as conversational implicatures are presented and further elaborated on with a discussion of appearance appropriateness in classical rhetoric. Then, adopting a descriptive-analytic method, the first ghazal of Hafiz is studied, and the intentions beyond his words are extracted. This analysis shows that this ghazal does not feature Grice’s cooperative principles, and has deviated from standard language norms. Thus, Hafiz has used words and sentences in other meanings, and has created a mystical-literary language in a syncretic ghazal. The present paper’s main contribution is the justification and explication of Hafiz’s mystical language in the ghazal in question using reliable devices in pragmatics.

One of the ignored topics in Persian rhetoric is “Eshfagh” which is accounted a part of “Tarajji”. Eshfagh is a considerable topic in Arabic syntax and rhetoric with specific means and functions, and it deserves to find its position in Persian rhetoric that is based on Arabic rhetoric. This article wants to describe the topic of Eshfagh in Persian language and rhetoric, and define its position in Persian semantics using language of Hafez. Hence, after explanation of some generalities about Tarajji and Eshfagh in philology, syntax and Arabic rhetoric studies its position in Persian rhetoric and investigates the means and functions of Tarajji and Eshfagh in one sonnet of Hafez using the descriptive-analytic method. Additionally, offers noticeable issues in the realm of Persian semantics, introducing new remarks entitled “The function of verb want in transforming information to composition” and “The possibility of separation of Tamanni and Tarajji in Persian rhetoric”.

Among all natural disasters, floods are the most frequent and affect the highest number of people. Flood risk is particularly severe in urban areas. Improving urban flood risk management has become a high priority at virtually all levels of governance. The proper design and evaluation of measures to enhance urban flood resilience should be based on the analysis of a range of scenarios, in which various hydro meteorological conditions and management options are tested. Human activities in varies forms has increased the flood events probability. These include: location of Iran's villages and cities in Foothills, destruction of vegetation, not respecting river privacy, excessive construction along the rivers, agriculture on the riverside and etc.  Therefore, the risk of flood is very high in urban areas. Urbanization also aggravates floods by increasing the amount of impermeable surfaces and redirect water flow. To describe the watershed hydrologic behavior are used from precipitation and runoff models. The curve number is one of the models for the calculation of runoff volume from rainfall. The curve number in comparison to other factors has the most impact on peak flow during various return periods. However, the rainfall volume has a great effect on peak flow and the intensity of this effect will increase by increasing the curve number.

The study area is located between 31° 51´ N to 31° 58´ N latitudes and 49° 46´ E to 49° 56´ E longitudes. The catchment study area is located in southwest of Izeh city that consists of three sub-basins: Sheykhan, Alahak and Tape- Shohada. Using the digital elevation model (12.5 m resolution), the boundary of watersheds and drainage system were extracted in WMS software environment. Land use map of the region was prepared, using Landsat Satellite Images. Then, field assessment in the region was done to measure cross sections, current velocity, and river slope and to determine the area affected by flooding in the rainy seasons. Furthermore, sediment sampling to identify soil texture was done aiming at characterizing soil hydrologic group. Curved number layer (CN) was prepared using soil characteristics, land use, and soil moisture conditions. Moreover, peak flow values and its duration for various return periods were measured using SCS Flood Calculator software and the data consists of basin extent, average of precipitation and its duration, curve number, river length and slope. To evaluate flooding of urban channels we prepared cross section profile, channel geometry parameters and hydrological features of each sections such as current velocity and discharge. Then, we used from Ghahreman and Abkhezr method (2004) to calculate the amount of rainfall intensity-duration in various return periods.

Based on the data obtained from the sub-basins, the curve number values were calculated and was prepared the curve number map. Based on maps prepared, most sub-basin area especially upstream of the basin have the highest curve number and the least permeability because the Asmari Formation and rock outcropping. Then, there are built-up areas and impenetrable surfaces, such as roads with a curve number of 87. Based on Ghahreman method in varies rainfall intensities, the expected amount of precipitation is calculated and intensities consistent with basin concentration time (30 to 120 minutes) were selected. In the following at the intensity of 30, 60 and 120 minutes, maximum precipitation volume was calculated in 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 return periods.

The intensity and duration of precipitation during different return periods were used to investigate the flood potential in upstream catchments of Izeh city. The results showed that Shahda Tapeh basin had the highest water withdrawal at the entrance reaches to the city. As a result, it has the most impact on flooding the streets and creating floods in Izeh City.In the second place, Elahak basin has the most effect on the flood in Izeh City, because the topographic slope of the area is high, also the channel was changed regardless of the hydrological parameters. Sheikhan Basin has the most negative impacts from flood damage on agricultural land because it is more distant from the city. The main causes of flooding in Izeh are: Change the natural channel of the river to artificial channels without considering the volume of inlet water, not increasing the width and depth of the channel at the city entrance (from upstream to downstream) and creating inappropriate transverse structures on the channel. Another reason for the increase in flood potential is the loss of the drainage network around the city; because the city has expanded. Also, alluvial fan cones between the city and the mountain were changed and converted into a city. Whereas in the past, alluvial fans have been used for flood spreading.

To investigate the effects of chemical and phosphorus bio-fertilizers on element accumulations, chlorophyll content, seed yield and root growth of three local populations of mung bean, a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications was carried out at the Research Farm of Agricultural Faculty of Ilam University, Ilam, Iran, in 2015. The treatments were three local populations of mung bean (Fereydouni, Arteshi, Gotvandi), chemical fertilizer with three levels: (without using fertilizer (P0), using 75 kg.ha-1 of super phosphate (P75) and 150 kg.ha-1 of super phosphate (P150) and bio-fertilizer with two levels: without using fertilizer (B0) and using 100 g.ha-1 of barvar-2 phosphate (B100). Result showed that application of bio-fertilizer and chemical phosphorus (75 and 150 kg.ha-1 of super phosphate) increased phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium in seeds and root dry weight of mung bean. Application of bio-fertilizer increased phosphorus and nitrogen contents of three local populations of mung bean. Highest contents of zinc and iron in seed, leaf chlorophyll, number of nodules and root dry weight belonged to Arteshi population. Zinc concentration, chlorophyll and number of nodule in roots increased by using bio-fertilizer. Application of chemical phosphorus (75 and 150 kg.ha-1 super phosphate) increased chlorophyll content of leaves and number of nodule in root of mung bean. Application of both bio-fertilizer and chemical phosphorus increased seed yield of Fereydouni, Arteshi, and Gotvandi by 32.33, 64.87 and 81.35 percents, respectively, as compared to that of control. It can be concluded that reduced application of chemical and phosphorus bio-fertilizers improves the yielding ability of mung bean.

Development of transportation network and the increasing number of vehicles have become worldwide threat to wildlife habitats and birds. This study investigates the effect of road on the diversity and abundance of birds in an urban park located between Zayandeh-rood River and one of the main heavy traffic highways in Isfahan city. To do so, three transect were designed with 65, 335 and 605 m distance from the highway, 270 m distance from width and 150 m distance from length of each other. The number and distribution pattern of birds were recorded using point-counting method, every 5 minutes from sunrise to 2 PM o’clock and repeated 6 times during seasons. Birds were recorded, in each transect using binoculars and audio tracking and were identified filed guides. The Canon SX50 was used to take photos. In total, 39 species belonging to 20 families and 9 orders were identified. Based on the results of one-way ANOVA and Duncan's test, there was a significant difference in mean of species presence between transects. In transect 3, Jack-knife index comprises 73.8 percent of the species richness. Richness and evenness indices were higher in transect 3. Higher diversity and density of birds in transect 3 could be due to the longer distance of this transect to the highway, its safety, intense vegetation cover and adjacency to agricultural fields and Zayandeh-rood River.

One of the proposed topics in Persian semantics is the cases where information with rhetorical intentions turns into composition. One of these cases is the function of the verb “want” in expressing information. This verb normally transforms information to demanding composition when it is used in predicative sentence and it turns into a means for transmitting Tamanni and Tarajji’s conception. This function is definite in some cases and has the ability to pass a rhetorical judgement and become a rule in the Persian semantics. In some other cases it depends on appropriacy of the teller condition. This article intends to investigate the mentioned cases and extract a new rule. Hence after explanation of some generalities about information and composition, it assesses the features of the verb “want” in Persian grammar with an analytic- comparative approach and investigates the function of that from semantics aspect. Next, using the descriptive-analytic method it confirms the mentioned function through Hafez language. This research, in addition to explain of a rhetorical rule, recognizes a new remark in Persian grammar and reckons the verb “want” as a subjunctive construction factor that it can transform predicative modality of the future verb to potential modality.

Mysticism experience and revelation ,from the viewpoint of Islamic Mysticism, are the most essential instrument for mystic to receive spiritual inspiration and the mystical knowledge. Such spiritual inspiration receive to mystic in a type of altered state of consciousness characterized by greatly reduced external awareness and expanded interior mental , which designated KHALSEH (ecstasy) Mawlana Rumi (1207-74) as one of the world’s most revered mystical poets , produced a prolific range of inspiring and devotional poetry in his such mysticism ecstasy He describes his ecstasy as a loss of self-control , rapture and sometimes a temporary loss of consciousness.In this article, we attempt to review Mawlana’s Ecstasy. And today, the tale of different names is also mentioned in various works.

In cognitive semantics, metaphor has been assigned a new meaning, aiming to evaluate the meaning of a more abstract field expressed in a more concrete field. Using a descriptive-analytic method within the framework of Laykoff’s contemporary theory of metaphor, this research aimed to explore metaphor development and to study the function of metaphor expressions in the conversations of high school students. Attempts were to find out the frequency of the metaphors used by the young people for expressing their opinions and intentions. The statistical population of this research included all 5000 high school students (aged 15-18) studying at some high schools in the academic year 2015-2016, of whom a sample of 550 students was selected using the random cluster sampling method. We used interviews and a questionnaire to collect the data required for this research. The data extracted from the ordinary conversations of the students were analyzed by quantitative statistical techniques, including the frequency distribution of the metaphors and the chi-square test. The metaphors in the data were classified based on their semantic functions and relevant mapping. The results indicated a significant difference between the metaphorical expressions used by male and female students. The findings revealed that male students used more metaphors in their conversations than females did. The findings also showed that structural metaphors were the most frequent ones used by both groups. In addition, orientational metaphors had the highest frequency of occurrence among male students, while female students most frequently used ontological metaphors.

In the Persian translations of the Holy Quran, numerous equivalents have been used for the verb “kaada” and its different forms which is a controversial issue in syntactic, interpretive and investigative works. One of these equivalents is verbal structures of the infinitive “want” that has been chosen in some of the ancient and contemporaneous translations. The present research studies the mentioned translations with a limited scope of 60 prose translations and considers whether the verb “want” is able to transmit the exact definition of “kaada” in the Holy Quran`s translations or not? Therefore, after explaining kaada`s rhetorical and syntactic features in Arabic language, it assesses the verb want features in Persian grammar and researches its rhetorical functions. Afterwards it recognizes the verses where “kaada” has been translated to want and with presenting syntactic and rhetorical reasons it explains the verb want as one of the most rational equivalents for “kaada” in Holy Quran`s translations. This research’s findings indicate that besides the main meaning of kaada it can have the meaning of willing and desiring in some verses, and the meaning of predicting, expecting and possibility in some other verses which in both cases, want in Persian language can present the same definitions and do the same functions with absolute conformation with Persian language structures.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most important forage crops because of high quality, growing extensively in farms and rangelands of Iran. Genetic variability is one of the most aspects for crop improvement. The experiments were carried out to determine genetic variability among 17 alfalfa populations based on ISSR and cytogenetic markers. All of the tested ISSR primers showed 44 visible bands. Three primers had the most number of bands while another primers showed the least band numbers. Mean percentage of polymorphism in the primers was 90.18 percent. Polymorphic information content (PIC) and marker index (MI) average were 0.36 and 1.88 respectively. Cluster analysis classified the populations genotype into four clusters. In order to investigate karyotipic variation between the populations, the populations were studied for several karyotipic characteristics. Including long arm, short arm and total length of the chromosomes, long arm to short arm and short arm to long arm ratios and total form percentage (TF%). All of the genotypes had 32 chromosomes. Analysis of variance of mitotic data in completely randomized design, showed highly significant differences between the studied genotypes for all of the studied traits (p

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the main risk factor of diabetic foot ulcer and its early diagnosis is important to prevent limb amputation. We assessed the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients. This cross-sectional study was performed on 352 randomly selected diabetic patients using a standardized questionnaire including age, gender, duration of diabetes, BMI, smoking status, HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, triglyceride, cholesterol and uric acid as well as past medical history. Peripheral neuropathy was evaluated using United Kingdom Neuropathy Score screening test and 10 gram Semmes Weinstein monofilament tests. Ankle-Brachial Index was also used for detecting peripheral arterial disease. Forty-eight percent of patients were male and 52% were female; Mean age of the subjects was 57.0±10.3 with a median duration of diabetes of 12.6±7.5 years. The overall prevalence of neuropathy was 59.3%; 40.3% of patients failed to sense the monofilament. There was a statistically significant correlation between the results of United Kingdom Neuropathy Score screening test and 10-point monofilament testing (r=0.43, P<0.001). The prevalence increased with age, from 5.6% in the participants aged less than 40 years to 51.8% in patients more than 60 years. Neuropathy was associated with duration of diabetes, and was present in 14.1% and 34% of patients with diabetes duration less than 5 years and greater than 15 years, respectively. The prevalence of neuropathy was not significantly different between men and women. Our study showed significant correlation between neuropathy and history of cerebrovascular accident. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common complication associated with diabetes. It increases with both age and duration of diabetes.

Stress and cortisol increase blood glucose. Considering the role of central catecholaminergic pathways on hypothalamic-pituitary adrenocortical axis, and results of some studies that alprazolam (a benzodiazepine) has inhibitory effect on catecholamines, it seems that alprazolam may reduce blood glucose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of alprazolam on serum insulin level in non-diabetic rats. This was an experimental study done on 20 male adult rats weighing 180-200g which were selected randomly and divided into three treatment and one control groups. Animals in test groups were administrated different alprazolam doses (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg) intraperitoneally and blood insulin and glucose levels were assessed 0, 2, 4 and 6 hours following the treatment. General Linear Model was used to compare the alterations in serum insulin and glucose levels between four groups in different times. For comparison of mean serum glucose levels between two different times paired t-test and for insulin, Wilcoxon test was used. The serum insulin level alternations were significant in 2 mg/kg group (P=0.0001), with a peak at 4 hour. These alternations were not significant in 0.5 and 1 mg/kg groups, as well as controls. Our findings show thatblood insulin increases in response to alprazolam injection and this effect is dose-dependent. Maximum increase is induced by the dose of 2 mg/kg.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a state characterized by atherosclerotic occlusive disease of lower extremities. Diabetes is the main risk factor for PAD. To assess the prevalence of PAD, a cross sectional study was performed on 352 diabetic patients who referred to Yazd diabetes research center from 2007 to 2010. Vascular assessment was done by measuring the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) and Toe-Brachial Index (TBI). PAD was defined when ABI was less than 0.9 in each leg or ABI was more than 1.3 and TBI less than 0.6. The mean age of diabetic patients was 56.97±10.3 and the mean of diabetes duration was 12.6±7.5 years. Fifty-two percent of these subjects were women and 48% men. ABI less than 0.9 was found in 8.5%, ABI 0.9-1.3 in 84.5%,and ABI more than 1.3 in 7%of the patients. Prevalence of PAD was 9.8%.In this study the age of diabetic patients with ABI less than 0.9 was significantly more than other groups. The prevalence of PAD in type 2 diabetes is 9.8% and history of cerebrovascular disease significantly associated with PAD.

Recently, omega-3 fatty acids are in the center of attention for their potent anti-inflammatory effects. Osteoporosis as a chronic senile disease is associated with inflammation, and the role of inflammatory mediators has been demonstrated in the recent years. The beneficial effects of n-3 fatty acids on bone were proven in many animal studies, while to date, no conclusive data is available in human. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of n-3 fatty acids on bone biomarkers in osteoporotic women. Forty osteoporotic post-menopausal women were recruited in the study and randomized in receiving either 40 g canola oil or the same amount sunflower oil per day as their dietary oil for 3 months. Serum levels of osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), N telo peptide collagen (NTX) and 25- hydroxy vitamin D3 were measured at baseline and at the end of the third month in both groups. In the canola oil group, BALP and NTX were increased after 3 months while osteocalcin decreased in both groups slightly; however, none of these changes were significant. In both groups, serum vitamin D3 was increased significantly; however, this change between groups was not significant. Canola oil did not affect bone formation and resorption significantly after 3 months consumption. Further investigations with longer follow up are recommended.

Skin problems caused by neuropathy and antipathy are common manifestations of diabetes. The most serious about such problem is the diabetic foot, which may lead to eventual ulceration and amputation, and will decrease a patient’s quality of life dramatically.. The aim of this study is to assess the level of foot self-care and foot conditions in diabetic patients, and to demonstrate the role of self-care education in diabetic foot care.. Patients and A total of 80 diabetic patients were included in the study, all of whom had referred to «Yazd Diabetic Research Center.» The levels of their foot self-care were recorded in pre-test questionnaires, and then all of the patients were visited and educated by a Dermatologist for their foot self-care on a monthly basis, after which their post-test results were recorded through a second administration of the same questionnaire. Eventually, data from the pre and post-test questionnaires were analyzed to identify the possible effects of education.. A total of 80 diabetic patients (34 males, 46 females) with a mean average age of 53. 53 ± 10. 19 and mean average duration of diabetes 12. 42 ± 6. 73 years were assessed. A significant increase in foot self-care through education was observed (baseline 27. 06 ± 8. 77, vs. post education 43. 12 ± 8. 77; P = 0. 0001). After education, foot and nail lesions improved completely in 84% and 62. 8%. Moreover, 77. 8% of patients had suitable shoes and 79. 6% had suitable socks.. Our findings showed that foot self-care education could improve knowledge and performance of patients about various foot problems, and was significantly important in preventing ulcers..

Due to the increased prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in subjects with type 2 diabetes and also this fact that antibodies could potentially identify subjects at risk of thyroid dysfunction, this study was conducted to investigate thyroid autoimmunity in type 2 diabetic patients. Among patients referred to Yazd Diabetes Research Center, 4000 type 2 diabetic patients were recruited and clinical examination was carried out and samples for thyroid function test including thyroxin (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3 resin uptake (T3RU), thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) and thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg-Ab) were obtained. Among 4000 type 2 diabetic subjects (1649 male and 2351 female), 1762(44%) were known to have thyroid disease. A total of 1466 (36.7%) had positive TPO antibodies and 1072 (26.8%) had positive Tg-Ab antibodies. The logistic regression of thyroid dysfunction on Tg-Ab as well as TPO-Ab status (positive vs. negative) was significant (P=0.0001). Our results showed strong association of thyroid dysfunction with autoantibodies, especially in patients with Tg-Ab positive. Therefore, the findings suggest that all subjects with type 2 diabetes, particularly those with positive antibodies, should undergo annual screening to detect asymptomatic thyroid dysfunction.

Low-grade systemic inflammation is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. C-Reactive Protein (CRP), an acute phase protein produced by hepatocytes, may be associated with diabetes. This study aimed to compare serum levels of CRP in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), impaired glucose tolerance test and control subjects. In this case control study, 30 women with GDM and 28 women with impaired glucose tolerance, (according to Carpenter and Coustan criteria) were compared with 31 normal pregnant women as control group. Groups were matched for gestational age, age and BMI before pregnancy. At 24-28 weeks of gestation, CRP levels were measured in three groups and compared with each other. Our study showed serum CRP level was not significantly different among three groups. The median of serum CRP level in women with GDM, abnormal glucose tolerance test, and normal women was 8.8(7.5), 6.9(8.25) and 11.40(5.8) mg/dL respectively. In GDM patients, there was a significant correlation between CRP and BMI before pregnancy (r=0.467, p=0.033). We didnt find a significant correlation between maternal serum CRP level and gestational diabetes but our study showed a significant correlation between pre-pregnancy BMI and CRP in gestational diabetic women.

The present study was performed to compare the antioxidant effect of two different doses of zinc on lipid oxidation in type 2 diabetic patients.This double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 type 2 diabetic patients in Yazd Diabetes Research Center in 2008. The subjects were randomly allocated to receive Zinc sulfate (Iran, Alhavi) either 220 mg (containing 50 mg zinc) or 110 mg (containing 25 mg zinc) daily for two months. In the present study it was found that serum levels of zinc at the end of trial differed significantly after 50 mg/day zinc supplementation (P = 0.002), but this difference was not observed with dose of 25 mg/day zinc administration. There were no significant differences in the quantitative parameters of serum lipid oxidation after either of two doses of Zinc Sulfate (P > 0.05).This study showed zinc supplementation with 50 mg daily for two months could increase serum level of zinc significantly, but we did not observed any change in susceptibility of serum lipid oxidation by 25 or 50 mg zinc supplementation in diabetic patients.

Since bread is the main source of food in Iran, we aimed to assess the effect of four types of Iranian breads on metabolic and cardiovascular responses before and during 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes of consumption in type 2 diabetic patients.Ten type 2 diabetic patients (6 women and 4 men) with mean age of 51 ± 9.8 years and mean BMI of 31.9 ± 1.19 kg/m2 who were taking oral antidiabetic agents (Sulfonylurea or/and Metformin) or an antidiabetic dietary regimen alone were recruited in this study. After obtaining informed consent, the subjects received 60 g (2 serving) one of the four types of traditional breads (Sangak, Taftoon, Barbari, Lavash) in four visits. Blood samples were collected before and 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes after beginning of eating. 24-hour dietary recalls were obtained at the first, middle and end of the study.The mean of blood glucose after consumption of all types of breads differed significantly at 60, 90, 120 and 180 min. At 180 min after ingestion of Sangak (P = 0.023), Taftoon (P = 0.002) and Lavash (P = 0.000), a significant difference was observed compared with before ingestion. Result indicated that Barbari bread has the best effect on fasting blood glucose.Our findings indicated that Barbari bread has the best effect on control of blood glucose and consumption of whole-grain breads (Sangak and Barbari) may reduce glucose excursion, improving glycemic control and as a supplementary means of diabetic therapy.

: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) leads to some problems in the eye surgery specially cataract surgery. As the prevalence of eye problems is high in diabetic patients, we meant to assess the prevalence of PEX in diabetic patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 400 type 2 diabetic patients aged 50 or above who referred to Yazd Diabetes Research Center were selected consecutively in a year. Ophthalmologic examinations were performed with slit-lamp, 3-mirror lens, indirect Ophtalmoscopy and Applanation Goldman Tonometer. The criterion used to diagnose PEX was the presence of pseudoexfoliation material on one or more anterior segment structures.
Four hundred diabetic patients aged 50 years or above were recruited for the study. Of whom 24 patients were found to have PEX with an overall prevalence of 6%. The results of this study showed that the prevalence of PEX had a direct relationship with the age of participants until the age of 70.
In our study the prevalence of PEX was 6%. Comparing our results with similar studies in the same region in non-diabetic patients at the same age, the prevalence of PEX in diabetic patients was shown to be less than non-diabetic patients.