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Background: Pronated foot is one of the most important factors that may lead to musculoskeletal injuries of the lower extremities. Among all treatments for this disorder, intrinsic foot muscles strengthening exercises (IFMSE) have an important role in management of the individuals with pronated foot. Although the effect of the IFMSE is well accepted in this population; however, their impacts on foot kinetic are yet to be clarified. The present study aims to identify the effects of the IFMSE on foot kinetic parameters in pronated foot individuals during forward jump landing. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 20 asymptomatic male and female subjects (mean age of 22.65 ± 2.51 years) with pronated foot structures were selected by using a simple non-random sampling method. The ground reaction force (GRF), rate of loading (ROL), and the resultant vector of time to stabilization (RVTTS) were examined during a forward jump landing task by using a force plate before and after six weeks of the IFMSE. Result: The findings showed that the following parameters were not significantly change before and after of the IFMSE: GRF (1.97 ± 0.49 vs. 2.03 ± 0.54, P =0.667), ROL (.09 ±0.12 vs. 08 ±.12, P =.632), and RVTTS (2836.60 ± 1144.62 vs. 2644.35 ± 704.71, P =.479). Conclusion: In the pronated feet subjects, the IFMSE alone was not capable of changing the kinetic parameters of the foot, or the duration of using these exercises. In this study, six weeks may not be enough to make changes the foot kinetic parameters and therefore these exercises should be used for a longer period of time.

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Introduction: The foot and ankle are a complex set of multiple joints with multiple degrees of freedom that play an important role in static and dynamic activities. The intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of this complex play a role in controlling the deformity of the arch; thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the intrinsic foot muscle-strengthening exercises on knee kinematic parameters in pronated foot subjects during forward jump landing. Methods: This interventional study was performed on students aged 20-30-years old with foot pronation in the School of Rehabilitation. In this study, the kinematic changes of the knee in the frontal, sagittal and transverse plane before and after 6 weeks of strengthening exercises of the intrinsic foot muscles during the forward jump-landing task were examined using a motion analyser. All data analysis was performed offline using a special software program in the MATLAB software environment. Results: Knee angle variables have a normal distribution before and after exercise. The ICC coefficient of all variables was calculated as between 0.44 and 0.71; therefore, the reproducibility of the variables under study in this study was considered moderate to good. The knee angle on the frontal plate was 2.54 ± 2.4 before the exercises and 2.49 ± 2.14 after the exercises, and there was no significant difference between them (P = 0.21). Conclusion: Plantar intrinsic foot muscle-strengthening exercises alone have no effect on the kinematic changes of the knee in people with foot pronation, or the duration of strengthening exercises should be increased during the day to see the effect of strengthening the intrinsic muscles among pronated foot subjects.

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This study investigated the effects of massage therapy (MT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as three physical therapies on pain perception and negative emotional state (NES) in males with chronic joint pain (CJP). This double-blind randomized experimental study was done with three pretest, posttest, and follow-up stages within three experimental groups and the control group. Participants recruited by a random sampling method in each group that they were 160 patients with CJP. A demographic questionnaire, the Short-Form-McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale- 21 (DASS-SF-21) were used in this study. Findings showed significant differences in the effectiveness of MT, HIIT, and NMES on pain symptoms and NES in experimental and control groups during post-test and follow-up stages. The MT, HIIT, and NMES were effective in decreasing the sensory experience of pain, the affective experience of pain, the present pain intensity (PPI), and depression, anxiety, and stress among outpatients with CJP in the experimental groups during post-test and follow-up stages. NMES, HIIT, and MT may be considered by health professionals as effective interventions to reduce pain perception and NES in patients with CJP.

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BACKGROUND: Pesticides are widely used to control pests and prevent diseases in crops, including cereals, vegetables, and fruits. Due to factors such as the persistence of pesticides, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity, pesticide residue monitoring in foodstuffs is very important. OBJECTIVE: In the current research, we proposed a novel approach using countercurrent salting-out homogenous liquid-liquid extraction combined with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on the solidification of floating organic droplets (DLLME-SFO) for isolation and preconcentration of pesticides from aqueous samples for analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). METHODS: In brief, sodium chloride was used as a separation reagent, in a small glass column, through which was passed a mixture of an aqueous solution of, for example, fruit juice and acetonitrile. In this process, the droplets rose through the column and a separated layer would be formed on the remained an aqueous phase. Following that, acetonitrile as the organic phase was mixed with 50.0 µL of 1-undecanol (extraction solvent). To further enrich the analytes, the mixture was injected into 5 mL of a 4% w/v sodium chloride solution and placed in a tube for the DLLME-SFO. RESULTS: Under optimal conditions, a dynamic linear range of 0.5-500 µg/L, extraction recovery of 65-85%, enrichment factors of 108-142, and limit of detection of 0.2-0.4 µg/L were obtained for the organophosphorus pesticides analysed. In addition, the repeatability and reproducibility from five replicate measurements of the pesticides (100 µg/L) were within the ranges of 3.5-5.1% and 4.5-6.3%, respectively . CONCLUSION: In this research, a new extraction method based on countercurrent salting out homogeneous liquid-liquid extraction combined with DLLME-SFO has been applied for the determination of pesticide residues in fruits, juice and environmental samples before using HPLC-UV analysis. The combined method not only leads to high enrichment factors, but can also be used in complex matrices (such as fruits, juices and high-salt solutions) without pre-treatment or dilution. Compared with other sample preparation methods, this analysis procedure has many advantages, including simplicity, ease of operation, high pre-enrichment factor, low detection limit and relatively short analysis time. HIGHLIGHTS: Combination of CCSHLLE and DLLME-SFO was applied for the analysis of organophosphorous pesticide residues in fruit, fruit juices and environmental samples. The DLLME-SFO method avoided using high density and toxic extraction solvents. LODs are achievable at ng L-1 using CCSLLE-DLLME-SFO-HPLC-UV.

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Interactions between efavirenz (EFZ) with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) were investigated in vitro under stimulated physiological conditions using multispectroscopic techniques, cyclic voltammetry viscosity measurement, and gel electrophoresis. Methylene blue and acridine orange dyes were used as spectral probes by fluorescence spectroscopy. Hypochromicity was observed in ultra-violet (UV) absorption band of EFZ. Considerable fluorescence enhancement of EFZ was observed in the presence of increasing amounts of DNA solution and the binding constants (Kf ) and corresponding numbers of binding sites (n) were calculated at different temperatures. Thermodynamic parameters including enthalpy change (ΔH) and entropy change (ΔS) were calculated to be -304.78 kJ mol(-1) and -924.52 J mol(-1) K(-1) according to the van 't Hoff equation, which indicated that reaction is predominantly enthalpically driven. In addition, UV/vis absorption titration of DNA bases confirmed that EFZ interacted with guanine and cytosine preferentially. Gel electrophoresis of DNA with EFZ demonstrated that EFZ also has the ability to cleave supercoiled plasmid DNA. Circular dichroism study showed stabilization of the right-handed B form of CT-DNA. All results suggest that EFZ interacts with CT-DNA via an intercalative mode of binding.

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The fluorescence spectra and response characteristics of two porphyrin compounds meso-tetrakis(2-hydroxynaphthyl) porphyrin and meso-tetra (2-thiophene) porphyrin (MTHNP) to Hg(2+) were investigated. MTHNP showed preferable fluorescence response to Hg(2+). Thereby, an efficient and selective fluorimetric optode membrane based on the fluorescence quenching of MTHNP for Hg(2+) ion determination at low concentration levels has been developed. The sensing membrane containing MTHNP reversibly responded to Hg(2+) with a working concentration range covering from 5.0×10(-9) to 1.25×10(-5)M with a relatively fast response time less than 3min. In addition to high stability, reversibility and reproducibility, the sensor showed extremely high selectivity toward Hg(2+) ion with respect to some alkali, alkaline earth and heavy metal ions. The limit of detection for Hg(2+) was 5.0×10(-9)M. The proposed fluorescent sensor was successfully applied to the direct determination of mercury content of biofenac eye drop, hair and different water samples.

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A solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on the solidification of floating organic drop (DLLME-SFO) method, using diethyldithiphosphate (DDTP) as a proper chelating agent, has been developed as an ultra preconcentration technique for the determination of inorganic arsenic in water samples prior to graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Variables affecting the performance of both steps were thoroughly investigated. Under optimized conditions, 100mL of As(ΙΙΙ) solution was first concentrated using a solid phase sorbent. The extract was collected in 2.0 mL of acetone and 60.0 µL of 1-undecanol was added into the collecting solvent. The mixture was then injected rapidly into 5.0 mL of pure water for further DLLME-SFO. Total inorganic As(III, V) was extracted similarly after reduction of As(V) to As(III) with potassium iodide and sodium thiosulfate and As(V) concentration was calculated by difference. A mixture of Pd(NO3)2 and Mg(NO3)2 was used as a chemical modifier in GFAAS. The analytical characteristics of the method were determined. The calibration graph was linear in the rage of 10-100 ng L(-1) with detection limit of 2.5 ng L(-1). Repeatability (intra-day) and reproducibility (inter-day) of method based on seven replicate measurements of 80 ng L(-1) of As(ΙΙΙ) were 6.8% and 7.5%, respectively. The method was successfully applied to speciation of As(III), As(V) and determination of the total amount of As in water samples and in a certified reference material (NIST RSM 1643e).

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BACKGROUND: Increased concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in blood and amniotic fluid are observed in women with preterm delivery (PTD) and TNF-α mutations at -308 position are associated with higher expression of this gene. Therefore, we compared the frequency of G308A transition in the promoter region of TNF-α gene of women and neonates delivered preterm with the normal subjects. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 135 mothers who were referred for delivery. According to the gestational age, mothers and their neonates were allocated to the case (preterm, 64 subjects) and control (term, 71 subjects) groups. Using the polymerase chain reaction, restrictive fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), genotyping was performed on both maternal peripheral blood and cord blood samples to determine single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of TNF-α gene at -308. RESULTS: Two mothers in the case group, one mother in the control group and one neonate in the case group had genotyping assays (GA) mutation. All other subjects had normal GG genotype. Frequency of GA mutation was not significantly different between two groups (P = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant association between PTD and either maternal or fetal TNF-α -308 polymorphism and frequency ofGAmutation is not significantly increased in mothers and neonates delivered preterm. It means that the presence of this mutation by itself does not modify the overall risk of PTD. Investigations on the combination of various polymorphisms indifferent genes are recommended to achieve more accurate results.

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A novel fluorescent chemical sensor for the highly sensitive and selective determination of Fe(3+) ions in aqueous solutions is prepared. The iron sensing system was prepared by incorporating 5-(8-hydroxy-2-quinolinylmethyl)-2,8-dithia-5-aza-2,6-pyridinophane (L) as a neutral Fe(3+)-selective fluoroionophore in the plasticized PVC membrane containing sodium tetraphenylborate as a liphophilic anionic additive. The response of the sensor is based on the strong fluorescence quenching of L by Fe(3+) ions. At pH 5.5, the proposed sensor displays a calibration curve over a wide concentration range from 6.0 × 10(-4) to 1.0 × 10(-7) M, with a relatively fast response time of less than 2 min. In addition to a high stability and reproducibility, the sensor shows a unique selectivity toward Fe(3+) ion with respect to common coexisting cations. The proposed fluorescence optode was applied to the determination of iron(III) content of straw of rice, spinach and different water samples. The fluorescent sensor was also used as a novel probe for Fe(3+)/Fe(2+) speciation in aqueous solution.

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BACKGROUND: Antropometric measures with biochemical indicators have been used as screening tools for metabolic abnormalities in adolescents and adults. A few studies have assessed the relation of EWET (Enlarge waist Elevated triglyceride) phenotype with diabetes, especially among individuals with first relative history of diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the association of EWET phenotype with diabetes among individuals with family history of diabetes. METHODS: Antropometric and biochemical measurments were evaluated in a population - based cross - sectional study of 332 male and 991 female Isfahani adults aged 35-55 year. The EWET phenotype was defined as serum trigcylglycerol concentrations ≥ 150 mg/dl and concurrent waist circumference (WC) ≥ 88 cm in females and ≥ 102 cm in males. RESULTS: The prevalence of EWET phenotype was respectively 9.6% and 23.6% among male and female. Individuals with the phenotype had significantly higher BMI and WHR (waist to hip ratio) as compared to other groups. After control for age and physical activity, male with EWET phenotype were significantly more likely to have high serum triglyceride levels (p < 0.001), cholesterol (p < 0.001). Even after additional control for BMI, the significant associations remained except for low HDL Cholestrol. Female with EWET phenotype had significantly adverse metabolic risks as compared to other groups, either before or after control for BMI (p < 0.001). Individuals with the phenotype were more likely to have diabetes (both gender) and (IGT) Impaired Glucose Tolerance (female only). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that EWET phenotype has significantly associated with diabetes. This phenotype could be used for early identification of diabetes and IGT.

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A novel fluorescence chemical sensor for the highly sensitive and selective determination of Pb(2+) ions in aqueous solutions is described. The preliminary potentiometric and spectrofluorimetric complexation studies in solution revealed that the lipophilic ligand 5,8-bis((5'-chloro-8'-hydroxy-7'-quinolinyl)methyl)-2,11-dithia-5,8-diaza-2,6-pyridinophane (L2) forms a highly stable and selective [PbL2](2+) and [Pb(L2)(2)](2+) complexes which results in a strong fluorescence quenching of the ligand. Thus, a novel fluorescence Pb(2+) sensing system was prepared by incorporating L2 as a neutral lead-selective fluoroionophore in the plasticized PVC membrane containing tetrakis(p-chlorophenyl) borate as a liphophilic anionic additive. The response of the sensor is based on the strong selective fluorescence quenching of L2 by Pb(2+) ions. At pH 5.5, the proposed sensor displays a calibration curve over a wide concentration range of 3.0 x 10(-7) to 2.5x 10(-2)M with a relatively fast response time of less than 5 min. In addition to high stability, reversibility and reproducibility, the sensor shows a unique selectivity towards Pb(2+) ion with respect to common coexisting cations. The proposed fluorescence optode was successfully applied to the determination of lead in plastic toys and tap water samples.

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A novel fluorescence chemical sensor for the highly sensitive and selective determination of Co(2+) ions in aqueous solutions is prepared. The cobalt sensing system was prepared by incorporating 7-[(5-chloro-8-hydroxy-7-quinolinyl)methyl]-5,6,7,8,9,10-hexahydro-2H-1,13,4,7,10-benzodioxatriazacyclopentadecine-3,11(4H,12H)-dione (L) as a neutral cobalt-selective fluoroionophore in the plasticized PVC membrane containing sodium tetraphenylborate as a liphophilic anionic additive. The response of the sensor is based on the strong selective fluorescence quenching of L by Co(2+) ions. At a pH 5.0, the proposed sensor displays a calibration curve over a wide concentration range of 5.0 x 10(-7) to 2.0 x 10(-2)M with a relatively fast response time of less than 5 min. In addition to high stability and reproducibility, the sensor shows a unique selectivity towards Co(2+) ion with respect to common coexisting cations. The proposed fluorescence optode was successfully applied to the determination of cobalt content of vitamin B12 ampoule, cobalt cake, cobalt alloy and tap water samples.

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An optical probe responsive to gallium(III) ion has been developed. The gallium sensing system was prepared by incorporating 4-(p-nitrophenyl azo)-pyrocatechol (NAP) as ionophore in a plasticized PVC membrane containing tributylphosphate (TBP) as plasticizer. The sensing membrane in contact with gallium ion at pH 3.5, changes color from yellow-brown to pink-brown. Under optimum conditions, the proposed membrane displayed a linear range of 5-83muM with a limit of detection of 4muM. The response time of the membrane was within 10-15min depending on the concentration of Ga(3+) ions. The selectivity of the probe towards gallium determination was found to be very good. Experimental results showed that the probe could be used as an effective tool in analyzing the gallium content of water samples.

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The development of an optical pH sensor for high pH values is described based on the immobilization of Aniline Blue on an optically transparent triacetylcellulose membrane. The membrane is useful for repetitive and reversible pH measurements in the pH range of 8.8-13. The relative standard deviation is about 1.6% and 2% for seven measurements of the maximum change at 579 nm from pH 9 to 10.8 and from pH 11.1 to 12.8, respectively. Other advantages of the sensor include rapid equilibration time, long term stability, reversibility, high sensitivity, freedom from interference of other cations and ease of fabrication.

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