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Abstract Background: The important reality is that all of human developments and successes are due to learning. Knowing students learning styles will help to produce an educational plan in order to optimal and effective learning. The aim of this study was the comparison of learning styles and preferred teaching methods of different students of medical sciences. Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional research. That was done on all students at Fasa Medical Sciences University in 2009. For data gathering, questionnaires of demographic variables and Kolb Learning Style Inventory (KLSI) was used and analyzed. Results: Majority of students learning style was convergent learning (38.3%) and then assimilator learning style (29.9%). More frequent preferred teaching method was group discussion. There was a significant difference between learning styles and course of students (P=0.011). Conclusion: Since, the majority of students had convergent and assimilator learning styles is recommended, considering the diversity of learning styles, educational methods related ro learning styles were using.

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Background: This investigation was designed to determine the effects of a selective A1-AR antagonist (DPCPX) on renal hemodynamic and excretory dysfunctions induced during the early hours of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Materials and Methods: In this experimental research, rats were anaesthetized by sodium pentobarbital, and their renal arteries were, then, occluded for 30 min, four hours after the reperfusion period. There was a clearance period during the last one hour of reperfusion period throughout which urine was collected under 30-mm of paraffin, and arterial blood samples were taken during its beginning and end. Animals were divided into four groups DPCPX (2 mg/kg) or normal saline were injected 30 min before renal ischemia to the two groups of I/R+DPCPX and I/R, respectively, and to DPCPX and Sham groups which were subjected to surgery without clamping of renal arteries, respectively. Results: I/R resulted in elevations of plasma osmolality, plasma concentrations of Na, K, creatinine, and urea, fractional excretions of Na, K, and bicarbonate, absolute bicarbonate excretion, and urinary pH, but it induced reductions in arterial bicarbonate concentration, pH and Pco2, creatinine clearance, absolute excretions of Na and urea, free-water re-absorption, and urinary osmolality in the I/R group in comparison to the Sham group. Comparison between I/R+DPCPX and I/R groups showed that applying DPCPX could improve I/R-induced alterations in most of these parameters. Conclusion: Activation of A1-AR during the early hours of reperfusion following renal ischemia definitely contributes to the development of disorders in hemodynamics, tubular Na re-absorption, as well as excretions of K, urea, and acid-base.

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Background: To date, researchers have paid extensive attention to happiness and its relationship with a wide variety of personality, socio-demographic, and health-related factors. However, there is still little research on the issue of happiness. This study was done to investigate happiness and mental health and the relationship between them in the students studying at Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran, in 2010. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 315 students at Arak University of Medical Sciences who were randomly selected during 2010. The students' happiness was measured by Oxford questionnaire and their mental health was measured using GHQ28. Data were analyzed by t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, Logistic regression, and Chi-square test using SPSS software. Results: The mean of happiness in the students was 40.72±14.14 with only 9.2% of them in the normal range of happiness. Their mental health score was 25.73±7.47 with 32.1% of them within the normal range. Pearson correlation coefficient showed a statistically significant relationship between happiness score and mental health score (r=-0.14, p=0.012). Conclusion: Happiness and mental health status in the students at Arak University of Medical Sciences necessitate the need for more serious attention to this issue in educational planning.

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Background: In recent years Influenza viruses have caused widely spread moderate to severe infection in all around the world and there is no Influenza vaccine which can protect people only with one dose injection till now. Therefore , producing a universal vaccine based on virus like particle (VLP) could be ideal. In this study one of the molecular structures was considered for VLP based Influenza vaccine. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the human influenza virus (A /New Caledonia 20/1999/ (H1N1)) was propagated in MDCK cell culture. Viral RNA was extracted using RNX-plus solution. Complementary DNA synthesis was carried out using uni-12 primer and random hexamer as specific and general primers, respectively. Neuraminidase open reading frame (1413-bp) was amplified by PCR and cloned into pBlue-script SK. Neuraminidase coding frame sub cloned into pFastBac11 plasmid through SalI/XhoI sites. After verification of cloned Neuraminidase by restriction analysis, it was subjected to automated sequencing bi-directionally. The recombinant pFastBac Neuraminidase vector was transformed to E.coli DH10Bac cells which harbor bacmid DNA and helper plasmid to create Neuraminidase recombinant bacmid. Results: Neuraminidase recombinant bacmid was created by homologous recombination between pFastBacNA and bacmid and was verified by PCR using Neuraminidase specific and M13 universal primers. Conclusion: Recombinant baculovirus expressing Neuraminidase gene can be also used with other individual recombinant baculoviruses expressing HA and M1 genes in production of influenza VLPs or proteins resulting from this structure could be purified in specific insects for vaccine research studies.

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Background: Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of irreversible central visual loss in individuals over 50 years old. The aim of this study was to assess visual loss due to age-related macular degeneration and some of its associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 150 patients with age-related macular degeneration and 150 controls, both aged over 50. A questionnaire on demographic and medical information was completed for each participant and an ophthalmological examination was performed. The results were recorded andthe data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16. Results: Mean age of the subjects in the case and control groups was 78.38 and 79.28 years, respectively.In a multivariable model, hypertension(p=0.003), diabetes(p=0.006), light iris color(p=0.05), hypercholesterolemia (p=0.036), lens opacity (p=0.029), and previous cataract surgery(p=0.029) were significantly associated with age-related macular degeneration. There was not a significant relationship between body mass index (p=0.11) and refractory errors (p=0.94) andage-related macular degeneration. Conclusion: Age-related macular degeneration is associated with hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, light iris color, lens opacity, and previous cataract surgery.

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Background: Vibrio cholera is an important agent causing cholera in human. The expression of Flagellum and the movement of the bacterium are critical in the colonization and virulence of Vibrio cholera. FlaA gene is one the five genes encoding Flagellin which plays an important role in the activity and movement of the bacterium and its colonization which has a significant role in its immunogenicity. The aim of this study was to express and produce the recombinant FlaA protein in E.coli using Western blot method. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, FlaA gene was proliferated by PCR method using the specific primers and cloned with BamHI and Xhol in pTz57R/T. Then it was proliferated and sequenced in DH5a vector of E.coli. The cloned FlaA gene was inserted into pGEX-4T-1 vector. The cloned vector was transformed to BL21-DE3 of E. coli and successfully expressed by induction of IPTG. The expressed protein was purified by GST affinity resin. For preparation of the primary antibody, the purified recombinant protein was injected to rats. Western blot assay method was used for determining the antigenicity of the recombinant FlaA. Results: Determination of gene sequencing showed that this gene has been proliferated properly and the antibody used in Western blot verified the production of the recombinant protein. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that FlaA protein is immunogenic and can be evaluated in vaccine designing and as a diagnostic tool for detection of cholera infection.

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Background: Influenza type A virus is one of the most important viral agents in human respiratory diseases. The genetic variability of the influenza viruses leads to the incidence of new epidemics worldwide. Hence, there is a growing need for rapid and effective new methods capable of detection and differentiation of influenza virus circulating strains. This study was done to develop a method for rapid differentiation of the subtypes of influenza type A virus. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, reverse-transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed using a primer set based on M gene of H1N1, H3N2, H5N1, and H9N2 influenza subtypes. Then the amplified fragments were subjected to digestion using subtype specific restriction endonuclease enzymes. Results: The results of PCR reaction showed that the primer pair of the M gene was specific and capable of amplifying all influenza subtypes understudy. Also, different restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns (RFLP) were generated using enzyme digestion reaction on the amplified segment of M gene. Conclusion: RT-PCR and RFLP analysis of the M gene can be employed as a useful method for differentiating influenza virus subtypes

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Background: Atrazine is an herbicide used widely by farmers in controlling weeds. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of atrazine, as an herbicide, on sperm quality, sperm DNA damage, invitrofertilization (IVF), and embryonic development in mature male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 42 mature male Wistar rats weighing 170±5g were divided into three groups, including one control and two treatment groups. The rats in the control group were administered corn oil (0.2 ml/day) and the rats in the test groups were orally gavaged with atrazine 150mg/kg (high dose) and 75mg/kg (low dose) body weight daily for a total of 45 days. Epidydimis tail was cut and placed in 1 ml of human tubular fluid (HTF) medium for 30 minutes in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air at 370C. The sperms were analyzed for sperm count, sperm viability, motility, DNA damage, immature sperm, and in vitro fertilization. Data were analyzed by One-Way ANOVA. Results: In this study, atrazine provoked a significant decrease (P<0.05) in sperm number, sperm viability, and sperm motility. The data suggest that the atrazine had a negative impact on sperm maturation and DNA integrity in a time-dependent manner, which consequently caused a significantly remarkable reduction in IVF ability (P<0.05). Conclusion: Atrazine is capable of inducing DNA damage and chromatin abnormalities of spermatozoa which can contribute to a low fertilization rate.

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Background: The prevalence and incidence of cancer in different parts of the world have different patterns. To recognize the frequency of malignancies in different social groups according to climatic conditions is considered as the primary component of prevention programs at different levels. This study was conducted to investigate the epidemiology, survival rates and geographical epidemiology of breast cancer in Markazi province.

Materials and Methods: In this epidemiological study, needed data were obtained from cancer registration program and death registration data. The data were analyzed by using SPSS software version 16 and Winpepi and significant level was 0.05. And to draw a map to show the breast cancer incidence rate in Markazi district, Arc view software was used.

Results: Out of the 400 cases recorded during the 5-year, 8.5% died due to breast cancer. 5-year survival rate was 87% and there was a significant correlation between survival rate and age. Most records were related to the age group 49-40 years and the highest incidence rate was in Arak. The trends of incidence rate was not significant.

Conclusion: The results showed that 5-year breast cancer survival rate is more than some other places which could be due to new and improved methods of treatment and methods of screening and early detection of disease. Other aspects of the epidemiology of the disease is similar to other parts of Iran.

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Background: Nitric oxide is synthesized in endothelial cells by eNOS and acts as a pleiotropic regulator involved in carcinogenesis. Most gastric cancers develop from stomach epithelial cells therefore, NO may play a role in their development. Polymorphisms of eNOS have been shown to be associated with cancer susceptibility. In the present study, we investigated the association of the eNOS genotypes with gastric cancer risk in Guilan Population.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, we analyzed the Glu298Asp polymorphism of eNOS in 87 patients with gastric cancer and 90 healthy controls. The genotyping of eNOS polymorphism was performed using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism assays. All statistical analyses were conducted by the MedCalc statistical software.

Results: No association between the eNOS genotypes and gastric cancer risk was found. Among the 87 patients, 45 had Glu/Glu, 38 were Glu/Asp, and 4 were Asp/Asp. In the control group, 44 had Glu/Glu, 40 were Glu/Asp, and 6 were Asp/Asp. We found no significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies between control and patient specimens.

Conclusion: We found that there was no association between this polymorphism and gastric cancer risk. Results suggest that eNOS polymorphism may play a role in inhibition of gastric cancer. However, larger population-based studies are needed for clarifying the role of eNOS polymorphism in gastric cancer.

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Background: Reducing the duration of the effect of sedatives and increasing their quality is one of the tasks of ICU staff. The aim of this study is to compare the sedative effects of these medications on neurosurgery patients under mechanical ventilation.

Materials and Methods: In this double-blind clinical trial, 70 patients requiring mechanical ventilation in neurosurgery ICU were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to one of remifentanil or fentanyl groups. The first group received 0.05 µg/kg/min remifentanil and the second group received 1 µg/kg/hr fentanyl infusion for sedation and analgesia in the first 24 hours. Sedation score, Minogue scale and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated throughout the study and at regular intervals. 

Results: There was no significant statistical difference in demographic variables such as age, sex, and body weight between two groups. The results of this study showed a significant difference in sedation score (p=0.0001) and Minogue scale (p=0.0001) and both variables were lower in remifentanil group. Also, heart rate (p=0.011) and mean arterial blood pressure (p=0.007) were significantly higher in fentanyl group.

Conclusion: Generally, sedative effect of remifentanil has several relative advantages over older medication of fentanyl and causes more effective sedation and better control of hemodynamic parameters in patients under mechanical ventilation.

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Background and Aim: The aim of study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high intensity interval training (HIIT) on the GLUT4 gene expression in skeletal muscle of obese male rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male Wistar rats with 150 ± 25 grams body weight were divided into base control (n = 6), obese control (n = 6), MICT (n = 8), and (n = 8) HIIT groups as study sample. At the beginning of the study, base control group rats were sacrificed. In other groups, rats underwent high fat regime diet for 8 weeks. After one week of familiarization, rats in training groups run on treadmill for 8 weeks and 5 days per week. Forty-eight hours after the last session, the rats were scarified and gastrocnemius muscle tissue sample were removed. GLUT4 gene expression was measured by Real-Time PCR methods. Findings: Results indicated that high fat diet for 8 weeks significantly increased rats body weight (p= 0.001), whereas both of MICT and HIIT training significantly decreased body weight (p= 0.001). Moreover, the MICT and HIIT had significant increase in GLUT4 gene expression in gastrocnemius muscle of obese rats (p = 0.001). Although, there were no differences between two experimental groups (p = 0.99). Conclusion: According to the results, the MICT and HIIT increase gene expression of GLUT4 in mixed muscle fibers in obese rats.

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Background and Aim: Reducing the fertility rates in Iran and use of multiple contraceptive methods in recent decades have been affected by many social, economic and demographic factors. Therefore, this study was conducted to study the fertility pattern and common preventive fertility methods at Arak city in 2017 year. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 married women referred to Arak remedial centers in 2017 year. The participants were randomly selected from Vali Asr, Taleghani and Amir Kabir hospitals. The participants information was collected using questionnaire and  subsequently analyzed using Stata software version 12. Ethical Considerations: This study with research ethics code IR.ARAKMU.REC.1396.4 has been approved by research ethics committee at Arak University of Medical Sciences. Findings: Our results showed that the mean age and average duration of marriage of women were 40.03 ± 11.19 and 21.08 ± 12.73 respectively, as well, 281 (73.2%) of women used the natural fertility prevention methods. Most of the participated women were post-graduate diploma with lacked income and housekeeping. Other contraceptive methods such as pills, condoms, IUDs, one-month menses and three-month injections were 8.9, 3.28, 6.38, 1.7 and 2.6, respectively. Conclusion: The most common method for preventing fertility is natural method. Condoms and pills are used more than the other contraceptive methods. There is a lack of awareness of modern contraceptive methods. Therefore, it is recommended that married women be educated about educational materials and counseling for familiarizing them with contraceptives.

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Background and Aim: Fertility pattern is one of the most important determinants of population fluctuations. Various individual and social factors affect this pattern. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting the fertility pattern using the structural equation model.
Methods & Materials: In this cross-sectional study, 384 women were randomly selected from married women of childbearing age who referred to Taleghani, Valiasr, and Amir Al-Momenin hospitals in Arak as patients. After obtaining verbal consent to participate in the study, a researcher-made and valid questionnaire was completed for them. Structural equation modeling was used to measure the effect of important individual and social variables on fertility patterns. Data analysis and analysis were performed with AMOUS software version 11 and SPSS V. 22.
Ethical Considerations: This study was registered with the ethics code IR.ARAKMU.REC.1396.4 by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences.
Results: The Mean±SD age of the participants in the study was 40.03±11.19. The variables affecting the fertility pattern using the structural equation model included, respectively, the type of individual exercise, the method of contraception, the type of infertility treatment, and the duration of use of the contraceptive method.
Conclusion: The results showed that physical activity, contraceptive method, and duration of use of this method and the type of infertility treatment were related to fertility pattern. By recognizing the factors affecting the fertility pattern and increasing the awareness of young couples, it is possible to help improve the fertility pattern.

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Background and Aim: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), is a chronic and potentially life-threatening disease. Numerous factors affect its development and progression. Therefore, the present study attempted to identify characteristics impacting the prognosis and progression of AIDS using multistate models.
Methods & Materials: The present retrospective study consisted of 2185 patients affected with HIV referring to Behavioral Disease Counseling Centers in Tehran City, Iran, from 2004 to 2013. We considered multiple states of AIDS, tuberculosis, and tuberculosis/AIDS in the natural history of the disease (from the onset of HIV disease until death occurred). Then, we applied the multistate models, to examine the effect of contextual demographic and clinical variables on survival time; subsequently, the transition probabilities of HIV.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.UMSHA.REC.1396.117).
Results: HIV-Related deaths in individuals with an incarnation history were 2.40 times higher than in those without the prison history. Death risk was also 1.70 and 1.80 times higher in those aged 25-44 and 44 years, respectively, compared to the individuals aged less than 25 years. An inverse relationship was also found between CD4 levels and the risk of death in our participants.
Conclusion: Antiretroviral therapy, CD4 count, age, and history of imprisonment were the main factors in the progression of the disease and subsequent death in HIV patients. Thus, preventing the further spread of the disease to the community and controlling the disease in the patients requires targeted educational and therapeutic interventions; accordingly, the community will be familiarized with transmission routes and the preventing principle of disease. Furthermore, we can encourage patients to visit the healthcare centers early.

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Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is a non-communicable disease that imposes a significant financial burden on the healthcare system each year. Numerous studies have demonstrated the involvement of inflammatory factors in the initiation and progression of this condition. The primary goal of this study is to compare the polymorphism of the interleukin 1 receptor antagonist gene among individuals with type 2 diabetes and those in the control group.
Methods: Following approval from the Ethics Committee of Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, blood samples were collected from 100 participants at Bohlool Hospital in Gonabad. These individuals were categorized into two groups: cases (individuals with type 2 diabetes) and controls (healthy individuals). DNA extraction was carried out using the salting out method. To examine the polymorphism, the specific segment was initially amplified through PCR with designated primers and then identified via gel electrophoresis. The data were analyzed using  subjected to the Chi-square test at a significance level below 5%.
Results: Findings from the polymorphism analysis revealed a notable contrast in the genotype 2/1 (P = 0.001) and 2/2 (P = 0.004) within the case group when compared to the healthy participants. Specifically, individuals with genotype 2/1 exhibited a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 15 times.
Conclusions: Within the examined population, the polymorphism of the interleukin 1 receptor antagonist gene substantially influenced the predisposition to type 2 diabetes, amplifying the likelihood of developing this ailment. Individuals harboring allele 2 are at an increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes.