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Introduction: Radiotherapy after breast cancer surgery will increase local control of the disease and also increase overall survival. Radiation have some side effects on lung function. In different radiotherapy techniques, these side effects are different. Pulmonary function tests and oxygen saturation are methods for evaluation of these complications. In this study we decide to campare pulmonary complications in two radiotherapy methods. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study fifty one patients with breast cancer in stage II and III according to TNM staging system, which were under modified radical mastectomy in Imam Hosein hospital and refered for adjuvant radiotherapy, randomly divided in two groups. In one group patients were treated with three field technique and in others with four field technique. All patients received total dose of 48-50 Gy. For patients, pulmonary function test and pulse oxymetery were done once before initiation of radiotherapy and then one and three months after radiotherapy. Results: Measurement of FEV1 , FVC and show that no significant statistical difference was present between the two groups one month and three months after radiotherapy, also in each of the two groups the amount of FEV1 , FVC and one month after radiotherapy had no significant statistical difference in comparison to baseline tests but FEV1 and FVC after three months was decreased and had significant statistical difference respectively (p<0.001, p<0.006). SO2 had no significant defference between the two groups and also in each group after one and three month of radiotherapy. Conclusion: Locoregional radiotherapy of breast and lymph nodes areas causes a decrease in some parameter of pulmonary function tests but no difference was present between three field and four field techniques.

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Introduction: Studies have shown that there is a relationship between metabolic syndrome and coronary heart disease. Hypertension is a common risk factor of both cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome phenotypes in patients with hypertension in Isfahan and Markazi provinces in center areas of Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was implemented in Isfahan and Markazi provinces in year 2001. Sampling method was random-clustering. 12514 people from both sexes who were above 19 years old were considered which based on ATP III, 1936 person of them had metabolic syndrome. Based on the definition, these people were those who at least had three of the following factors abnormally: HTN, FBS, TG, HDL and WC. Also hypertension was considered for all groups. Data was analyzed using Chi square test and Odds ratio. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 0.6% to 7.5% in central areas of Iran. The most prevalent of metabolic syndrome was in hypertensive women with high TG and WC and the least prevalent was in hypertensive men with these two phenotypes: 1-high FBS and WC, and 2-high FBS and low HDL (p<0.05). Overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome in hypertensive people in the most of urban population was more than rural population. Conclusion: Results showed that hypertension is associated with different metabolic syndromes, especially in women with central obesity and dyslipidemia which necessitates more attention in preventing and treatment of the disease in this high risk group.

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Introduction: Typhlitis is a complication in GI tract specially in ileum and cecum due to sever prolonged neutropenia. The syndrome usually occurs in patients with leukaemia who take aggressive chemotherapy or in solid tumor treated with taxane base regimen. The syndrome is accompanied with neutropenia, fever, generalized abdominal pain specially in right lower quadrant and probably a mass in this area. Case: The patient is a 44 year old man which was presented with enlargement of right testes since two months ago. In sonographic evaluation of testes a mass was defined and surgery was done for him, which pathologic result was seminoma. Staging workup was done and in CT Scan a lymph node with size of 35 mm was detected in paracaval area . According to this result the patient received chemotherapy with Cisplatin and Etoposide. One day after completion of chemotherapy he developed abdominal pain , fever and bloody diarrhea and referred to hospital and admitted with diagnosis of typhlitis. Conclusion: Typhlitis is not restricted to a complication of leukaemia treatment or taxane base chemotherapy and other cytotoxic drugs can induce this problem. On the other hand, neutropenia and typhlitis can occur immediately after chemotherapy in sensitive patient and so the time of nadir value of white blood cell is too short.

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Background: Radiotherapy is one of the cancer treatment methods. Prescribed dose for each fraction is considered based on radiosensitivity of tumoral and normal tissues. Viral agents are the effiectiv factors on tissue sensitivity. This research aimed to determine the effect of ionizing radiation of Cobal 60 on radiosensitivity of Hela cells infected with Measles virus. Methods and Materials: In this study, the radiosensitivity of Hela cells is investigated experimentally and qualitively. The cells have been cultivated in two groups (experimental and blank) and plating efficiency has been obtained. Then 100λ measles virus with serial dilution method was used to induce infection in different ratio for experimental group. After cell growth and passage, the two groups were irradiated with 2Gy gamma radiation of cobalt 60. Results: Results respectively indicated cell death increases up to 5-7%, 15-20% and 50-65%, after 2Gy irradiation by Co 60 for contaminating to Measles in low, moderate and high concentrations. Conclusion: Radiosensitivity of tumoral cells increases when they are infected by viral agent. The result in radiotherapy of cancers showed, in prescribing dose fraction non cancer disease should be considered.

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Background: HIV-1 and HCV are two of the most important blood-borne infectious agents. Hence, reliable, precise, and sensitive detection of these viruses in infected patients and donated blood units is highly important. Noticing the limitations of serological assays in detection of these infectious agents, this study was to use fast and sensitive molecular assays like real-time PCR. Materials and Methods: In this trial, a home-brewed SYBR green-based multiplex real time PCR, on the basis of melting curve analysis, was developed for the single or simultaneous detection of HCV and HIV-1 infections in plasma samples. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16. Results: The results obtained from different reactions on several clinical samples showed that the analytical sensitivities of the developed assay for HIV-1 and HCV were 200 and 100 copies/ml, respectively. It was also shown that the primers designed for each virus had no interaction with each other and other interfering agents. Conclusion: Noticing the good level of sensitivity and specificity, easy handling, relatively low cost, and rapid analysis of samples, this method can be a useful and rapid approach for simple and effective detection of HCV and HIV-1 in plasma samples.

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Background: Aquatic ecosystems pollution with heavy metals, especially mercury, has always been a major concern for aquatic organisms health. Hence this study not only described an innovative method for analyzing organic mercury compound, but also evaluated total and organic mercury concentrations in great cormorant and compared them with world health standards. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 18 great cormorants were randomly captured in March, 2009. Total and organic mercury of muscle, kidney, and liver tissues were analyzed by an advanced mercury analyzer made in the United States (Model Leco, AMA 254), and statistical analysis was done by Mann-Whitney U, and Kolmogrove-Smirnov tests. Results: Mean accumulated total mercury in liver, kidney, and muscle tissues were 5.67, 3.59, and 2.26 mg kg -1 w.w., respectively and organic mercury formed 82, 79, and 58 % of the total mercury. Conclusion: The levels of accumulated mercury in all tissues of great cormorant were more than the established limits by WHO, FAO, and EPA. These results can be a serious warning for consumers of these birds, especially vulnerable people.

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Background: Biochemical studies have shown that iron produces reactive oxygen species via Haber-Weiss and Fenton reactions. The goal of this study is to examine the role of iron in oxidation of human hemoglobin and its structural changes in erythrocytes. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, blood samples from healthy subjects were incubated aerobically with the iron containing metal catalyzed oxidation (MCO) system in the presence of 0.036, 0.7, 0.14, 0.28, 0.57, 1.14, 2.28, 4.55, 9.09, and 18.18 micromole of iron. Structural changes in Hb were followed by spectrophotometric analysis from 300 to 650 nm. In addition, carbonyl assay was performed for estimation of protein oxidation in globin chains. Results: Based on the results, oxy-Hb decreased up to 68% in iron-treated erythrocytes. Decrease in the absorbance ratio (A577, A542 wavelength) indicated the conversion of oxy-Hb to met-Hb. Also, met-Hb concentration was 4.7 fold of hemichrome. After 24 hours of incubation, oxyHb concentration decreased up to 50% and metHb concentration increased up to 85%. Moreover, increase in iron concentration resulted in significant carbonyl formation in hemoglobin. Conclusion: These findings indicate that Hb oxidation instead of its oxygenation leads to anemia and hypoxia. The findings of this study may be directly applicable to oxidation states during hemolytic diseases and iron treatment.

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Background: The aim of this study is to assess antioxidative and pro-oxidative efficacy of ascorbate on serum albumin during iron-induced oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, albumin was placed in the oxidative system containing iron ions and different concentrations of ascorbate. To monitor albumin degradation, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed according to Laemmli procedure. Oxidative modification of albumin was demonstrated using a method for determination of carbonyl groups by 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. Results: By applying the carbonyl assay, ascorbate showed a dual effect: initial pro-oxidative effect on albumin changed to an antioxidant one in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings showed prooxidant effects for ascorbate in low concentrations (0-100 µM) and antioxidant effects in higher concentrations (100-300 µM). Also, electrophoretic pattern of plasma proteins showed significant protein aggregations in the range of 35 to 45 kDa of MW and protein degradations in the range of 115 to 180 kDa. Conclusion: Ascorbate can produce reactive oxygen species and can also inhibit the production of these oxidants in the presence of iron ions as well. These findings may be directly applicable to oxidative states during the administration of ascorbate and may be important in preventing oxidative modifications of proteins in blood circulation and other biological fluids.

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Background: Several different molecular methods have been developed that are capable of detecting HIV-1 in clinical specimens with different levels of sensitivity and specificity. This article describes the results of a reliability study on the development and application of a new real-time TMA method for isothermal detection of HIV-1. Materials and Methods: In this ex Primental study, the molecular beacon primer and probe set were designed for a 176-base-pair region of HIV-1 pol gene using a specialized software. Logarithmic serial dilutions from 10-107 copies of an in-vitro transcribed RNA were used for determination of the analytical sensitivity of the assay. Clinical specimens that had previously been evaluated positive or negative by a valid commercial assay were used for assessing the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Results: The analytical and clinical sensitivities of the assay were determined 500 copies/ml and 93.3%, respectively. The primers and the probe were HIV-1 specific and no cross-reaction was observed with other blood-borne viruses and human genome bioinformatically. The clinical specificity of the developed real-time TMA assay was examined experimentally using 20 negative samples and determined to be 100%. Conclusion: The developed real-time TMA assay can be used as an appropriate tool for the rapid and isothermal detection of HIV-1 in patients' blood and plasma samples.

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Background: The presence of oxidant agents yields higher levels of free radical reaction products in erythrocyte membrane proteins and serum proteins. The aim of this study is to investigate the oxidative modifications of recombinant human coagulation factor VIII (rHFVIII) by spectrophotometric analysis. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, rHFVIII was incubated aerobically with vitamin C and ferro ions in metal catalyzed oxidation (MCO) system for 4 to 28 hr. Carbonyl assay was used as an index of protein oxidation. For this purpose, 2,4dinitrophenyl hydrazine (DNPH) was used. Reaction of this reagent with carbonyl groups produces dinitrophenylhydrazone derivatives that their concentration was estimated by spectrophotometry. Results: Carbonyl groups in rHFVIII changed in the presence of vitamin C and ferro ions. Dose-dependent effects of vitamin C showed a decrease in carbonyl groups of rHFVIII whileferro ions increased oxidation and carbonyl group formation in this protein. Conclusion: These findings indicate that changes in carbonyl groups in rHFVIII are related to the generation of reactive oxygen species. Also, antioxidant mechanisms are activated in a dose- and time-dependent manner.

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Background: Brucellosis is a debilitative disease that imposes heavy costs on the economy and society. Therefore, using the most accurate and efficient method to diagnose this disease is essential. In Iran, Brucella melitensis is the common causative agent for brucellosis and BP26 protein of this bacterium has a good level of antigenicity. Thus, the aim of this study is to produce Brucella melitensis recombinant BP26 protein with a PET28a expression vector.

Materials and Methods: In this applied-fundamental study, genomic DNA was isolated from bacterial culture through proteinase K (pK) and phenol/chlorophorm protocol. Then, two pairs of primers were designed based on the known sequence in the gene bank for amplification of Brucella melitensis bp26 gene and PCR reaction was set up and optimized. The PCR product was cloned first into PTZ57R/T vector and accessed on the PET28a vector and sequenced. The recombinant vector was transformed and expressed into E. coli BL21 (DE3). Then, the recombinant protein was purified with Ni-NTA column of chromatography against His tag.

Results: The size of PCR product was in accordance with the part of bp26 gene size in the gene bank. The bp26 gene without adding IPTG had little expression and 3 hours after adding IPTG with a 1 Mm concentration to culture media, extreme expression was observed.

Conclusion: The production of recombinant BP26 protein from isolated Brucella melitensis native to Markazi province was done. Noticing the importance of BP26 protein and its significance for future studies on providing brucellosis diagnosis kits, its production was made possible.

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Background: Although miR-124 molecule has been known as an inducer of neurogenesis, few researches have been done on the targets of this molecule and its functional mechanisms in differentiation toward neurons and maintaining neuronal state. The microarray technique has been established as the reference method for studying the genes under the control of miRNAs. However, the high cost of this method has hampered its use in most research centers. On the other hand, the improvement of bioinformatical algorithms and computer modeling systems has led to the development of the bioinformatical softwares that can predict mRNA targets for miRNAs. Therefore, the aim of this theoretical study was to bioinformatically evaluate the effect of miR-124 on transcription factors that can be involved in neurogenesis and neuronal cell amplification, by using various specific softwares. Materials and Methods: Using different algorithms in TargetScan, DIANA and miRWalk databases, the potential transcription factors targets of miR-124 were identified. Then, a score table was prepared from the candidate genes, based on the affinity of the seed region of miR-124 and the number of targets in the 3`-UTR region of transcription factors. Finally, transcription factors with higher scores were chosen as candidates for practical analysis.

Results: The results of bioinformaical analysis showed that the LAMC1, ITGB1, PTBP1, SOX9, SP1, and EFNB1 molecules are the most potential factors that might be affected by miR-124 during neurogenesis.

Conclusion: It seems that transcription factor SP1 is under the control of the miR-124 and plays a crucial role in neurogenesis process. Therefore, this protein can be considered as a suitable new candidate for experimental evaluation.

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Background: Our Previous studics hane been shown that iron ions produce oxygen free radical reaction products in the erythrocytes. The present study is evaluating the oxidative effects of aluminum in erythrocytes and plasma proteins and decline of antioxidant power of plasma in operating room personnel.

Materials and Methods: Blood obtained from operating room personnel. Erythrocytes and plasma were incubated aerobically in aluminum containing metal catalyzed oxidation (MCO) system. Total antioxidant capacity of plasma was estimated by FRAP assay (ferric reducing ability of plasma), plasma protein oxidation by carbonyl assay and structural changes in Hb were followed by spectrophotometric analysis and assessment of oxy-Hb, met-Hb and hemichrome.

Results: There was a significant relationship between optical density of Hb in 340 and 420 nm and between oxy-Hb and optical density of Hb in 420 nm(p<0.05) On the other hand, 68 to 56% decrease in total antioxidant power of plasma in control group and operating room personnel, results oxidation in plasma protein and carbonyl concentration was increased three fold.

Conclusion: These findings may be helpful in evaluating the antioxidant status and structural changes in Hb and plasma proteins in people who are exposed to aluminum especially operating room personnel.

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Background: The Real-time PCR assay has been established as the standard method for Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) quantitation in immunocompromised patients. However, the question of which one of whole blood or plasma specimens is better for viral quantitation is still unresolved for many clinical laboratories. To answer this question, the current study compares HCMV DNA load in whole blood and plasma samples.

Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, the whole blood and plasma samples were obtained from 41 transplantated patients and the viral load was detected using a validated, in-house Real-time PCR assay.

Results: Of the total 193 examined specimens, 174 were negative and 19 samples, from 16 patients, were positive in at least one of whole blood or plasma samples. Based on the results of linear regression analysis, the cytomegalovirus viral load was correlated in whole blood and plasma samples (R2: 0.872). However, the regression equation shows that the HCMV load in whole blood samples is higher than load of this virus in plasma. The validity of the quantitative results was confirmed by repeating the tests and analyzing the results using the repeated measure analysis.

Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, HCMV quantitation in whole blood samples has a higher analytical sensitivity than in plasma samples.

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Background: Saprolegniasis is an important aquatic fungal disease that causes severe damages at different growth stages of aquatic animals. Saprolegnia parasitica has been identified as an important pathogen in aquaculture. This study was investigated the activity of antifungal methanolic extracts of Foeniculum vulgare, Achillea millefolium, Satureja hortensis, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, as well as Artemisia annua essential oil against S. parasitica in comparison with formalin.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, Saprolegnia parasitica originated from rainbow trout’s farm effluent. Phenotypic identification was performed and amplification of ITS rDNA region was adjusted by using of two general primers like ITS1 and ITS4, subsequently sequencing by use of internal primer were performed. The antifungal effects of the plants were investigated based on broth microdilution method and compared by formalin.

Results: The results of sequencing verified the obtained fungus is S. parasitica. In broth microdilution method, the essential herb Artemisia inhibited the growth of S. parasitica at a concentration of 128 &mug/ml (MIC = 128 &mug/ml). At the same concentration, however, it did not show any fungicidal activity (MFC &ge 2048 &mug/ml). Methanolic extracts of the plants fennel, yarrow, Savory, and cinnamon displayed no direct effects on S. parasitica.

Conclusion: Based on the results obtained in the present study, Artemisia can be classified as a powerful antifungal essential plant. The essence of Artemisia performed more effectively compared to formalin for the growth inhibition of S. parasitica.

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Background: There is a relationship between diabetes, dialysis and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was the comparison of structural changes in Hb, oxidative damages in plasma proteins, and antioxidant capacity in diabetic hemodialysis patients with those of control subjects.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, blood samples obtained from diabetic hemodialysis patients and control group. Oxidative damages in plasma proteins were determined by carbonyl assay and antioxidant power of plasma was performed by FRAP assay. Conformational changes in Hb were detected by spectrophotometric analysis. Blood glucose, urea, creatinine and uric acid in patients were determined usnig routine laboratory methods. Statistical analysis were performed by using regression analysis and t-test in SPSS20 software.

Results: This study showed a significant correlation between carbonyl content of plasma proteins and optical density of Hb at 630 and 275 nm which corresponds to structural changes in Hb. ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), as an index of total antioxidant capacity of plasma was found to be enhanced significantly in diabetic patients receiving hemodialysis (from 1019.62±129 to 1354.54±129 molare, p<0.05).

Conclusion: The results obtained in the present study showed that inducible factors in diabetic hemodialysis patients contribute to plasma antioxidant activity and probably responsible for prevention of carbonyl formation and oxidative damages in hemoglobin.

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Background: Nasolacrimal duct obstruction as a common problem causes bothersome social and physical symptoms such as euphoria, acute and chronic dacryocystitis attacks, pain, pruritus and erythm of eye. Although, there is no consensus about available therapeutic methods. So the aim of this study is to investigate and compare the effect and complications of endoscopic dacryocystorhinstomy and patients' preferences in two common surgical methods for settling nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 220 patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction were randomly divided into two groups and underwent external and endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy surgery. Finally, patients were compared with a view to echymosis and tearing after operation and the time of surgery and bleeding during operation. The patients data were analysed by Chi-square test and using SPSS-16 software.

Results: Our results show significant difference between two groups in post-operative echymosis, post-operative bleeding and the time of surgery (p=0.000). There was no significant difference in post-operative tearing between two groups (p=0.418).

Conclusion: According to the results of our study, the use of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is remarkably better than external dacryocystorhinostomy Therefore, with regard to the most of patients' tendency to endoscopic surgery, surgeons should achieve more experience in this method.

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Background: Adoption has a significant role for strengthening families without children and also resolution of psychological confilicts of unsupervised children. The goal of this study is to assess the psychological status of adoption applicant couples.

Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive- analytic study that is done with cooperation of welfare organization and Arak University of Medical Sciences in 2014. All adoption applicant couples referred to welfare organization for 1 year participated in the study. Data were gathered by using demographic questionnaire and MMPI-II. Data were showed by descriptive statistic and were analyzed by using mean, average and covariance analysis indices.

Results: Mean and standard deviation of all clinical scales and reliability of MMPI-II in all samples and also different subgroups of statistical population were under 65. All applicants had good mental health and psychologically were eligible for adoption. A group of applicants have pretended themselves better than what they are because of the fear of rejection that led to significant difference in k scale(p=0.019).

Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, applicants had good mental health and didn’t have any psychopathologic damage, but sometimes they have pretended themselves better than what they are. Investigation of other diagnostic tools in future studies is recommended.