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Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on glucose and lactate concentrations, and aerobic capacity during sub-maximal exercise on ergometery cycle. Materials and Methods: In this double- blind clinical trail, 34 healthy noathlete male students at Saveh University were divided into experimental (L-carnitine usage) and placebo (lactose usage) groups and had one trial of cycling on ergometer (PWC170). This trial was done in two stages: 1) Exercise protocol without L-carnitine or placebo supplementation, 2) Exercise protocol with 3g L-carnitine (90 minute before exercise) and placebo supplementation in the experimental and placebo groups, respectively. Immediately after the physical exercise, blood sampling was taken for determining plasma glucose and lactate concentrations, and lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH). Through polar telemetry rest and sub-maximal heart rate, and also, VO2max were measured. Results: L-carnitine supplementation had no influence on plasma glucose and lactate concentrations. Otherwise, rest and sub-maximal heart rate, VO2max and LDH activity were equal in pretest and posttests. All variables remained with no change in control group. Conclusion: Regarding the effect of L-carnitine usage on performance of endurance exercises, the findings are still vague and controversial. Our findings indicated that ingestion of 3g L-carnitine 90 minutes before exercise did not affect the dependent variables. Further investigation is required to determine the direct effect of such supplementations on substrate utilization, fat-carbohydrate metabolism and performance on exercise.

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Background: Psychological interventions may improve the quality of life in females with temporal lobe epilepsy through affecting their bio-psycho-social dimensions. This aim of this study was to aim assess the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) group education on improvement of quality of life in epileptic patients. Materials and Methods: This was a case-control study with pre-post-and follow-up tests. The sample population included 26 patients, already diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy by neurologist and through electro-encephalography, that were randomly selected and assigned to experimental and control groups. Data were collected through the Quality Of Life Questionnaire for Epileptic patients (QOLIE- 89) that was administered in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up test. CBSM group education was given to the experimental group in ten sessions during two months. Results: The mean of QOLIE-89 score in the experimental group showed a significantly higher increase in comparison to that in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results demonstrated the effectiveness of CBSM group education on the improvement of quality of life in females with temporal lobe epilepsy.

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Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most prevalent disorders in women which results in their decreased efficacy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of pressure on the third liver point on involved liver channel symptoms in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 194 students that met the inclusion criteria. In the first cycle, symptoms of involved liver channel were identified. Accordingly, participants were randomly allotted to either treatment or control groups. In the second, third and fourth cycles, acupressure was applied to the third liver point and placebo point for 20 minutes 3-7 days before menstruation. With bleeding in the fourth cycle, the symptoms of involved liver channel were determined. Results: In the first cycle, there were no significant differences in symptoms of involved liver channel between the two groups however, in the fourth cycle, the results of Chi2 test showed significant differences between the two groups in all symptoms of involved liver channel except the tongue with red spots (p<0.05). In the treatment group, a comparison of the first and the fourth cycle revealed significant differences in all symptoms of involved liver channel except for tongue with red spots (p<0.05). Conclusion: In this study, applying pressure to the third liver point was effective in the improvement of the majority of involved liver channel symptoms therefore, acupressure is suggested as a practical, effective, non-expensive, and available method in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

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Background: Due to problems caused by traditional dressings, scientists have long been in search for producing alternative cellulose. Unique characteristics of bacterial cellulose synthesized by acetobacter xylinum, due to its nanostructure cellulose, resulted in attempts to devise an ideal dressing with this cellulose. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of impregnated bacterial cellulose on staphylococcus aureus culture. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, cellulose disks synthesized by bacterial cellulose and cellulose blank disks (without antibiotic) were placed in 3.3% ciprofloxacin hydrochloride. These disks were, then, together with ciprofloxacin standard, control cellulose, and cellulose blank disks, placed on the cultured media of staphylococcus aureus. After 24 hours, the results were obtained through the measurement of growth inhibition zone. Determining the amount of antibiotic absorbed into bacterial cellulose can be done through the comparison of the effects of cellulose disks containing different concentrations of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride and ciprofloxacin standard disks. Results: Both cellulose and blank disks created a growth inhibition zone in staphylococcus aureus media, whereas the growth inhibition zone of cellulose and cellulose blank disks (negative control) were insignificant. Conclusion: Noticing the unique characteristics of bacterial cellulose as a dressing and its proven ability in absorption and release of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, the prospects are seen for production of antibiotics containing dressings of this microbial product in future.

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Background: Quran views sleep as a divine sign with deep meaning and interpretation. The aim of this study was to investigate the content of dreams from the perspective of Quran and psychology, as an appropriate method for understanding human characteristics and presenting a proper treatment approach. Materials and Methods: The present study is a descriptive, content analysis one. First a collection of psychology and interpretation books on this issue were considered. Then 75 students at Arak University of Medical Sciences were asked to report their dreams on daily or weekly basis which totaled 5688 dreams over a 6.5 month period. The dreams were analyzed using content analysis method and descriptive statistics, including the number of dreams, age, mean, and frequency of the reported parameters. Results: Noticing the nature of dreams, the interpretation of their content and concepts is of significance to the understanding of human traits and provision of treatment methods. The content of the reported dreams were, respectively, indicative of a high percentage of ethnic (93.33%), university and professors (89.33%), family (88%), religious beliefs (86.66%), friends (86%), nightmares (66.66%) returning to the past (61.33%), lucid dreaming (42.7%), and neurosis (41.33%). Conclusion: In the view of commentators on divine verses and psychologists, the elements present in the content of dreams can be utilized in obtaining a better understanding of the unconscious stream of human mind, knowing more about human beings, and treating mental disorders. The difference between these two perspectives, religious and psychological, is in dreams known as "true dreams" which are emphasized in Quran and Islamic sources, while psychology has failed to recognize them.

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Background: In pyoderma infections, the density of pus is related to desoxiribo-nucleoproteins. The use of streptodornase (DNase) in combination with streptokinase can help dissolve purulent secretions of infections which results in healing the wound through the discharge of pus from the necrotic tissue. The aim of this study was to produce recombinant streptodornase from group A strain of Streptococcus pyogenes which is highly efficient in terms of active streptodornase production using expression vector. Materials and Methods: In this applied-fundamental study, genomic DNA of streptodornase gene (sd) was extracted by phenol-chloroform. Then by using specific primers of streptodornase gene, it was amplified through PCR. The resulting streptodornase gene was cloned in pGEX4T1-sd transformer for expression and the pGEX4T1-sd plasmid was transferred to the sd. E.coli BL21. Protein production was done by induction via IPTG and optimization of the conditions. The recombinant protein was purified using the glutathione sepharose 4B kit. Results: The nucleotide sequence of PCR and group A streptodornase Streptococcus was totally the same. The production of the streptodornase recombinant protein was done by inducing pGEX4T1-sd plasmid via Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside. Protein purification was done through affinity-chromatography by using glutathione sepharose 4B. The recombinant protein was reacted with anti-streptodornase mouse serum through Western-Blot method. Conclusion: Recombinant streptodornase can be produced by pGEX4T1 in E. coli. The recombinant protein maintains its antigenic property desirably. Noticing the domestic need in Iran, low rate of production, and pathogenesis of streptococci, production of this recombinant product is feasible.

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Background: Hyaluronidase A is an antigenic protein that is secreted by Streptococcus pyogenes. Nowadays, streptococcal infections are diagnosed by tracking down anti-hyaluronidase A antibodies. In this study, the attempt was made to generate recombinant hyaluronidase A in E. coli. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, through designing specific primers and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), hyaluronidase A gene was amplified and after purification, it was sub-cloned in plasmid expression vector pET32a. Then pET32a-hylA was transferred to E. coli BL21-DE3-plySs. Protein generation induced by IPTG. The recombinant protein was purified by Ni-NTA kit and its concentration was assayed by Bradford method. Western-Blot analysis was run for verifying the recombinant hyaluronidase A. Results: The nucleotide sequencing of the gene amplified by PCR was the same as hyaluronidase A gene from Streptococcus pyogenes. Production of the recombinant hyaluronidase A via induction by pET32a-hylA plasmid was done through IPTG. The expressed protein was purified by affinity chromatography by Ni-NTA resin. The concentration of purified protein was 500µg/ml. analysis using a mouse anti-hyaluronidase A serum was reacted with the generated protein using Western-Blot analysis. Conclusion: Recombinant HylA protein can be generated in E.coli and the resulting protein maintains its antigenic properties desirably.

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Background: Hyperlipidemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the effects of physalis alkekengi extract on the levels of cholesterol, low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL), and triglycerides (TG) were evaluated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, fifty adult male Wistar strain rats were selected and divided into five groups of ten: Control group with a normal diet, control group with a high fat diet receiving interpritoneal injection of saline for 21 days, and treatment groups with fatty diets which received maximum (0.1 g/kg), moderate (0.2 g/kg), and minimum (0.4 g/kg) dose interpritoneal injections of the extract. After this period, blood sampling was done and the obtained results were analyzed through SPSS software. Results: According to the obtained results, LDL and cholesterol concentrations decreased significantly (P<0.05), whereas HDL and TG plasma concentrations did not reveal any significant changes. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that such changes are mainly due to the lycopene existing in the plant. Lycopene is a strong antioxidant which inhibits the production of LDL and presumably increases the excretories through releasing cholesterol therefore, it reduces blood cholesterol level and controls cholesterol synthesis.

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Background: Bacterial cellulose synthesized by acetobacter xylinum is a harmless microbial product with unique characteristics as an ideal dress that many studies have been done on. The aim of this study was to consider the capability of this product in absorption and release of tetracycline hydrochloride. Indication of this capability can pave the way for supplying a new dressing containing antibiotic from bacterial cellulose. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, cellulose sheet was initially impregnated on aqueous solution of tetracycline hydrochloride. Then the release process was considered in diluted water and normal saline. Ultra violet spectrophotometry method was applied to the detection of the antibiotic during absorption and release processes. Results: The results of data analysis demonstrated that bacterial cellulose has a great potential in absorption of tetracycline hydrochloride and can release it in a wet environment. Conclusion: Considering the advantages of bacterial cellulose over traditional dressings, the results of this study can provide the ground for further research on supplying an ideal dressing containing antibiotic from this microbial product.

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Background: In traditional medicine, Olive oil (Olea europaea L.) from Oleaceae family is known as a remedy for alleviating pain. This study investigates the antinociceptive effects of olive oil on male adult NMRI mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, using the acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin tests, the anticipative effects of olive oil were evaluated. Olive oil (1, 5, and 10 ml/kg bodyweight), morphine (10 mg/kg bodyweight), and indomethacin (10 mg/kg bodyweight), as standard drugs, were injected intraperitoneally. The control group did not receive any treatment. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey test. Results: Olive oil significantly decreased acetic acid-induced abdominal writhes (P<0.001). Olive oil could only decrease the induced pain in the second phase of the formalin test (P<0.001). Conclusion: Olive oil decreases inflammatory pain (the second phase of the formalin test and acetic acid-induced writhing tests), but it has no significant effects on neurogenic pain (the first phase of the formalin test). Further studies are required to elucidate the antinociceptive effects of olive oil.

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Background: The effects of acute and chronic exercises on insulin resistance index may be related to one or more factors, including morphological changes and hormonal modifications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a single session of resistance training on adiponectin levels and insulin resistance until 24 hours post-exercise. Materials and Methods: This experimental study, which followed a pretest-posttest design, was conducted on a group of 10 healthy male volunteers (23±1.4 years) with no history of participation in any regular exercise programs, weight changes more than 2 kg, special diseases, and smoking over the past 6 months that had normal body mass index (BMI) (23.7±1.6 kg.m-2). The subjects performed a single session resistance training (3 sets of 10 repetitions at 75% of 1 repetition maximum). Adiponectin, glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance index levels were measured before and 24 hours after the exercise. Results: There were no significant differences for adiponectin (μ g.ml-1) pre- (6.98±1.9) and post-exercise (8.07±1.4) and glucose (mg.dl-1) pre- (81.3±7.6) and post-exercise (80.7±6.4). However, insulin resistance index pre- (1.34±0.27) and post-exercise (1.06±0.11) and insulin concentration (UΙμ.ml-1) pre-(6.64±0.88) and post-exercise (5.37±0.43) decreased significantly 24 hours post-exercise (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be suggested that a single session of resistance training with no significant changes in adiponectin level can have positive effects on glycemic indices in sedentary men.

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Background: Physalis Alkekengi is a perennial plant with a creeping and ryzumy stem belonging to the solanaceae family. This study investigates the possible effects of Physalis Alkekengi on plasma concentrations of some biochemical factors. Materials and Methods: Fifty male Wistar rats weighing an average of 190 ± 5 g were divided into five groups of ten: Control group without receiving any substances, control group with 2.0 ml/dl administration of the solvent, and three experimental groups receiving 0.4 (maximum), 0.2 (medium), and 0.1 (minimum) g/kg intra-peritoneal (IP) injections of the drug. The intra-peritoneal (IP) injection of the drug was done for 14 days and after this period, for conducting lab tests, blood sampling was done and the results were analyzed through ANOVA and Tukey test. Results: According to the results, protein and albumin plasma concentrations showed a significant increase (P<0.05) while creatinine plasma concentration, bilirubin, and urea nitrogen (BUN) did not reveal any significant changes. Conclusion: This family of plants contains significant amounts of glucocorticoids, such compounds are likely to increase liver and plasma proteins. In addition, due to the presence of compounds, such as physaline, vitamin C, and albumin, this extract is likely to increase blood pressure and, eventually, increase glomerulic refinement and diuretic properties therefore, the absence of significant increases in plasma concentrations of the substances produced by metabolism in plasma seems reasonable

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Background: Influenza is an acute respiratory disease caused by influenza virus. Influenza epidemics are reported every year and worldwide pandemics occur with varying frequencies. The majority of mortalities are due to underlying diseases and complications associated with influenza. In this study, we evaluated ten fatal cases caused by the established type A influenza (H1N1) infection in the 2009-2010 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This mortality survey was compiled by a review of the deceased patients’ files. The assessed variables were demographic data, underlying diseases, secondary infections, delayed commencement of therapy, and non-medication. Collected data were analyzed by measures of central tendency and dispersion using SPSS software. Results: In the ten deaths due to the established H1N1 virus, the median of age was 30 years and 90% of the cases had underlying diseases. Ninety percent of the deaths occurred during October and November and the rest took place in December and February. Conclusion: The main cause of death was the delayed commencement of antiviral treatment. This emphasizes the importance of timely treatment in high risk patients. In flu pandemics, physicians should swiftly start specific therapy in at-risk groups to reduce the mortality rates.

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Background: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease which is endemic in Iran. Infection with brucella species during pregnancy can have negative impacts on the outcome of pregnancy however, there is no consensus on its leading to abortion or other severe complications. The aim of the present study is to determine the role of brucellosis in pregnancy and to characterize the risk factors, clinical presentations, and immunology of brucellosis based on the existing reports. Materials and Methods: In this review article, we studied papers on Pubmed, Elsevier, Cohrane, SID, Ovid, ISC, and IranMedex through such keywords as brucellosis, abortion, intra-uterine fatal diseases, and preterm labor. Results: Among the original research papers, 51 were found to be related to the title of this study and dealt with the outcome of brucellosis on pregnant women and had discussed the complications of pregnant patients suffering from brucellosis. Conclusion: According to the investigations made in this study, brucellosis in pregnancy can manifest as normal delivery, increased incidence of spontaneous abortion, intra-uterine fatal diseases, and premature delivery. Therefore, in endemic areas, especially those with inhabitants of low socioeconomic class, educating girls and women of childbearing age about brucellosis and its dangers and risk factors and isolating pregnant women may help prevent the disease and its complications in pregnancy. Moreover, further immunological investigation on the role of immunological reactions following brucellosis infection in pregnant women is required.

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Background: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli bacterium is the most important bacterial agent causing diarrhea. Specific virulence factors, such as enterotoxins and colonization factors, distinguish ETEC from other classes of diarrheagenic E.coli. In this study, heat-labile toxin was purified which could be utilized for anti-toxin assay in GM1 gangelioside receptor-ELISA based method and for identification of ETEC producing toxin. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, bacterial strain producing heat-labile toxin was first cultivated for production and purification of toxin. Then supernatant soluble proteins were precipitated with ammonium sulfate and purified using biochemical methods. Finally, purified protein was dialyzed against Tris 0.02 mM pH 8 and analyzed on gel electrophoresis. GM1 gangelioside receptor-ELISA based method was used for detection and assessment of the purified toxin. Through this method, the effect of anti-recombinant heat-labile toxin B subunit neutralization on heat-labile toxin was investigated. Results: Toxin purification was revealed by the presence of 12 and 28 KD protein bands. This study demonstrated that anti-recombinant heat-labile toxin B subunit antibody can detect the purified toxin and can inhibit its binding to GM1 receptor up to 80%. Conclusion: Purification of heat-labile toxin and gangelioside receptor-ELISA assay can be used for accurate detection and epidemiological study of clinical isolates.

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Background: Live attenuated Shigella vaccines have shown promise in inducing protective immune responses in human clinical trials. The aim of this study was to design and construct pDS132::∆icsA as a suicide plasmid for targeted deletion of a region of icsA gene in Shigella. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, species and serotypes of Shigella isolated from diarrhea samples of children at Firozabadi and Milad Hospitals of Tehran were confirmed by using serological and PCR tests. Identification primers of icsA gene were designed and then cloned to the pGEM-5zf vector and sequenced. According to icsA restriction enzyme map, 1751 bp of icsA gene was deleted by HincП restriction enzyme and the ∆icsA was constructed successfully. The pGEM∆icsA vector was digested by use of SphI and SalI enzymes and was then cloned to a suicide vector (pSD132). Precision of the process was confirmed by phenotype and genotype tests. Results: The Shigella dysenteriae type 1 strain was verified by serological tests and PCR. Sequence of the icsA gene in the native strain was identical to the strains submitted in the gene-bank database. Since the pDS132::∆icsA contains 1484 bp derived from icsA gene, it can be used to disrupt icsA gene as a specific suicide vector. Conclusion: Application of suicide systems facilitated mutant construction in more specific and effective methods in comparison with the other primary techniques such as serial passage.

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Background: Leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children which its relapse decreases the patients’ survival rate. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors involved in leukemia relapse in patients in Shahid Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz, during 2004-2009 years. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 280 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia were included. Patient characteristics were analyzed with respect to their association with recurrence through Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and logistic regression model using SPSS software version 16 (P-value<0.05). Results: Logistic regression model revealed a statistically significance relationship between age and recurrence of the disease (odds ratio (OR) = 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.15-0.82), odds ratio of relapse in the 5-10 years old age group was 0.35 times more than the 0-5 years old age group (p=0.01). Conclusion: Noticing the greater likelihood of relapse in 0-5 years old age group compared with the 5-10 years old age group, more attention and better follow-up for decreasing the side effects of the disease and enhancing the survival rate of the 0-5 y/o age group are recommended.

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Background: Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the leading causes of poor quality of life and iron deficiency anemia in women of reproductive age. This study was conducted to investigate the therapeutic effect of tranexamic acid (TA) on menorrhagia. Materials and Methods: In this before and after clinical trial, 46 women with menorrhagia were selected and, after a control cycle for evaluation of the volume and duration of primary bleeding, were subjected to tranexamic acid treatment (500mg every 6 hours from day 1 to 5 of bleeding) for 3 consecutive cycles. Data on the duration of bleeding, amount of bleeding (PBAC chart), quality of life (SF-36 and MQ questionnaires), and hemoglobin and ferritin values were checked and compared before and after treatment using SPSS software. Results: Tranexamic acid reduced mean PBAC score from 242.86 (160.47) in control cycle to 101.50 (72.67) after the third cycle (p<0.001). Hemoglobin increased from 11.85 (0.84) to 13.08 (0.97) g/dl and ferritin increased from 15.9 (20.39) to 22.13 (2.03) ng/dl (p<0.001). Duration of menstrual bleeding decreased from 7.6 (1.23) days to 6.86 (0.84) days (p=0.001). Tranexamic acid reduced mean MQ score from 70.26 (17.64) to 11.64 (6.49) (p<0.0001). Quality of life scores increased in all aspects (except for bodily pain scale) (p<0.001). Conclusion: TA due to its short course of prescription, fewer side effects, especially on the pattern of bleeding and menstrual cycle, and not having hormonal effects, seems to be an effective drug for menorrhagia in women of reproductive age.

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Background: Enterococcus is known as an important pathogen in Iran like all around the world. The increasing use of vancomycin makes vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) an important nosocomial pathogen. Vancomycin in combination with an aminoglycoside can provide effective treatment for severe enterococcus infections, while resistance to vancomycin antibiotic is increasing in enterococci. In this study, the pattern of antibiotic resistance and prevalence of vancomycin resistance enterococci have been explored. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, after isolating and identifying 150 strains of enterococci from clinical specimens, the antibiotic resistance pattern of these strains to erythromycin, teicoplanin, vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, gentamicin, co-trimoxazole and linezolid was examined. The MIC test by using micro dilution broth method was performed for the vancomycin resistance enterococci specimens with the vancomycin and teicoplanin antibiotics. Results: Antibiotic susceptibility test showed 14% and 5.3% of the samples were resistant to vancomycin and teicoplanin respectively. Resistant to erythromycin, co-trimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, linezolid and gentamicin were 64, 40, 38.6, 6.6, 0, 38.76 percent respectively. Fourteen samples had high resistance to vancomycin which MIC were ≥ 256 µg/ml. Conclusion: Based on the results of present study, there are vancomycin-resistant enterococci in Arak as well as other parts of the world. The percentage of vancomycin resistance enterococci is high in Arak and appropriate treatment of infections caused by enterococcus is essential

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Background: Tuberculosis is an old problem that is currently considered a great challenge. Noticing Iran’s borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan, which are among the 22 high burden countries around the world, the present study was conducted to analyze the current molecular epidemiology of TB and survey genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in Markazi province, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 57 sputum specimens from smear positive patients admitted to health centers in Markazi province were cultured on specific mycobacterial culture media. Genomic DNA was extracted by standard protocols of WHO and digested separately by PvuII and AluI. Electrophoresis was performed and DNA fragments were transferred to positively charged nylon membrane by southern blotting method and hybridization by PGRS probe. The hybridized strains were subsequently detected by enzymatic reaction and analyzed. Results: Genotyping of the isolates by PGRS-RFLP with Pvu II and AluI displayed a wide range of genetic diversity so that 50 and 45 genotypes were identified, respectively. Conclusion: Noticing the great diversity of PGRS in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, it can be concluded that in the study population, the majority of the patients hadtuberculosis with different etiologies. Therefore, it seems that reactivation of latent infection has had the main role in the spread of tuberculosis