---

Background: Nowadays, cancer is one of the main causes of death in the world and mutagens cause death in millions of patients. Noticing the side effects of the drugs used to treat cancer, scientists are looking for drugs with fewer side effects and more therapeutic effects. Accordingly, the number of studies in this field is rapidly increasing. This study was done to evaluate the effects of antimutagenesis of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of A. vera leaf gel and latex by Ames test against the mutagenic substance named sodium azid in the presence and absence of microsomal homogenates of rat liver (S9). Materials and Methods:In this experimental study, after preparing different extracts of A. vera gel and latex, the antimutagenic effect of different extracts was assessed by Ames test, within which a mutant strain was grown on a culture containing mutagen substance (NaN3). Antimutagen (A. vera extract) reduced reversed mutation. The difference between the mean number of revertants per plate in relation to the mutagens was analyzed through one-way ANOVA using SPSS software. Results: The results showed that the ethanol extract of latex and aqueous extract of gel had the maximum (91%) and minimum (56%) percentages of inhibition, respectively. Conclusion: This assessment revealed strong antimutagenicity effect for all of the extracts due to the presence of different kinds of antioxidants substances such as various anthraquinones, flavonoids, and vitamins A, C, and E. The maximum inhibition of mutation was observed in ethanol extract of latex. This observation supports the results obtained from the application of microsome mixture as well as those reported by other researchers.

---

Background: Previous studies in Iran and around the world have indicated the high rate of medicines use. In recent years, medicine use has continued to rise in spite of attempts made by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in Iran. Therefore, it seems that in addition to the reasons considered in previous studies, there are other reasons for this problem in Iran. One of the parameters involved in this problem is the high medicine use among the clinical staff. Thus the aim of this study is to compare medicine use among clinical and non-clinical staff members. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, information about the monthly use of medicines was obtained by means of a questionnaire administered to eight groups of clinical and non-clinical members: first-year medical students, first-year non-medical students, interns of medicine, forth-year non-medical students, general physicians, specialists, academic members with M.Sc, and academic members with PhD degrees. Results: The results showed that medicine use decreased with increase in education level in both groups. In addition, the comparison of medicine use between clinical and non-clinical groups showed that there is not a significant difference for most medicines among the first- and second-year students but medicine use significantly increased among general physicians and specialists compared to the control groups. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that medicine use among clinical staff should be considered in controlling medicine use in Iran.

---

Background: Dysmenorrhea is a common problem in women of reproductive age and despite the current treatments, it still remains a common problem in women’s health. This study was done to determine the effect of aromatherapy on pain severity in primary dysmenorrhea. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was done on 108 students with primary dysmenorrhea with pain score of 2 and 3 based on the multidimensional spoken criteria. After random allocation, the participants received massage with almond oil, massage alone, and massage with a mixture of lavender and peppermint essential oil a week before menstrual period until the presence of pain in two continuous cycles. During cycles zero, one, and two, the participants recorded the highest level of pain during the first, second, and third days according to the visual analogue scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: There was a significant difference in the total of the most pain in days 1, 2, and 3 among the groups(p=0.038). A reduction was observed in massage and aromatherapy groups(p=0.014). There were significant differences in within group comparisons (p=0.002) for zero and first cycles(p=0.016) and first and second cycles(p=0.002). Conclusion: Aromatherapy reduces menstrual pain and considering the prevalence of dysmenorrheal, the low price, and harmless nature of this essence, its application in relieving menstrual cramping and pain is recommended.

---

Background: In addition to known environmental and acquired factors effective in cardiovascular diseases, polymorphisms of VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genes are identified as the main genetic factors involved in warfarin dosage requirement variations in these patients. With this approach, investigating the frequency of 1639 G>A in VKORC1 gene for determining the specific dosage required for each person was the main aim of this study. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, peripheral blood samples were obtained from 200 patients with cardiovascular disorders in the northwestern areas of Iran (West and East Azarbayjan and Ardabil) and RFLP-PCR technique was used to determine the 1639G> A polymorphism of VKORC1. Results: Using Hardy-Weinberg law‏, polymorphism amounts of 1639G> A gene from VKORC1 in female and male patients with normal, heterozygote, and homozygote were determined 21.6%, 53.7%, 24.5% , and 22.3%, 60.6%, and 17.02% , respectively. Conclusion: VKORC1 genotyping is one of the important parameters that together with other confounding factors reduce the role of trial and error in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Genotypic variety and the high frequency of allele A in the studied population can justify varied responses to warfarin therapy and the importance of investigation before starting treatment with warfarin.

---

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.

---

Background: Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vireh. or gray mangrove tree, belonging to the family Avicenniaceae, has long been used as a remedy to treat ulcers and skin diseases. In the present study, the antimutagenic activities of young and mature leaf extracts of Avicennia marina against the mutated bacterium Salmonella typhimurium TA100 were investigated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the bacterial strain was checked for the intended genotypes. Leaves were isolated, dried, and chopped finely using a blender and they were extracted with 80% ethanol or water using a Soxhlet extractor. Metabolic activation was prepared from male rat homogenized liver. Antimutagenic effect of the extracts was tested using Ames test in the presence of a mutagen. Results: The number of mutant colonies decreased in the presence of both ethanol and water extracts with (+S9) and without (-S9) metabolic activation. The ethanolic extract exhibited a higher antimutagenic activity than the water extract. There were no inter-assay differences in the presence and absence of the S9 mixture. The highest (71%) and the lowest (24%) inhibition rates of Salmonella typhimurium TA100 bacterial growth were observed with the ethanolic extract of mature leaves from Bordekhon region and the aqueous extract of young leaves from Assaluyeh region, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that Avicennia marina (Forssk) Vireh. leaf extracts may contain bioactive compounds that can inhibit mutation, and that biotic and/or abiotic stress might have an effect on the antimutagenic potential of these leaf extracts in the two regions.

---

Background: Postpartum women are a population at risk for sedentary life. Previous studies have shown that self-efficacy is an important determinant of stage of change and exercise adherence. This study evaluates the relationship between self-efficacy and stage of change and physical activity (PA) behavior in Iranian mothers. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 300 postpartum mothers were selected randomly from all health centers in Arak. The instruments used in this study included the 7-day PA recall, stages of exercise adoption tool, and self-efficacy for exercise scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: Ninety-one percent of the participants were in the pre-contemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages of change. Mean score for moderate PA was 38.94±40.5 minutes a week. Significant relationships were found between the stages of PA behavior change and METs of weekly energy expenditure from moderate activities (r=0.60, P<0.001). Also, statistically significant relationships were found between self-efficacy and the stages of PA behavior change (r=0.50, P<0.001) weekly energy expenditure from moderate activities (r=0.40, P<0.001), and pre-pregnancy PA behavior (r=0.39, P<0.001). Conclusion: The level of PA of the participants was less than the recommended minimum level for regular PA behavior (150 minutes of moderately intense PA per week). In this population, self-efficacy plays an important role in PA behavior and it should be taken into consideration in designing interventions for improving PA behavior.

---

Background: Menopause being the most critical period, the unfavorable changes in anthropometric and metabolic parameters associated with CVD risk. Metabolic syndrome is the key factor for cardiovascular disease and has become major problem in many countries. With the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome, especially in women after menopause, this study was performed to investigate the relationship between the menopausal age and metabolic syndrome in non-obese postmenopausal women.

Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study on 140 healthy non-obese postmenopausal women who had a BMI less than30 Kg/m2, at 2009 in Ahvaz the data were contained demographic information, menopausal age, BMI, values of HDL-C, FBS, TG serum after 12 houres fasting, blood pressure and waist circumference. We used the Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis by SPSS15 software.

Results: Menopausal age with FBS (p=0.04) was negatively significant. But there was not any correlation between menopausal age with other Components of metabolic syndrome. [triglycerides (p=0.28), systolic blood pressure (p=0.80) diastolic blood pressure (p=0.48), waist circumference (p=0.08), HDL-C(p=0.65)].

Conclusion: Late menopause has favourable effect on fasting glucose.

---

  Background: Due to the lack of efficient anti-HIV vaccine, anti-HIV pharmaceuticals play an important role in controlling HIV infection. Also significant rise in drug resistance and drug toxicity has caused increased interest in finding new anti-HIV agents. In this study, a nano-sized version of lamivudine based on PEGylated chitosan was synthesized.

  Materials and Methods: In this research, nanoparticles of chitosan were efficiently PEGylated for increasing their stability in water and then the anti-HIV drug, lamivudine, was loaded on these PEGylated nanoparticles. After purification and lyophilization of new synthesized nanoparticle, the raw materials and final product were sampled and FTIR, HNMR and CHN analyses were done.

  Results: Results of HNMR spectroscopy showed that chitosan nanoparticle was successfully PEGylated. HNMR data confirmed FTIR results and indicated that lamivudine was conjugated on chitosan nanoparticle. In addition, CHN analysis data also confirmed both HNMR and FTIR data, and demonstrated that a high yield of chitosan nanoparticle PEGylation (approximately 97%) was done and illustrated a high capacity of lamivudine conjugation on nano-sized PEGylated chitosan (30% _W/W chitosan).

  Conclusion: In this study, lamivudine drug was successfully synthesized, based on PEGylated chitosan nanoparticle.

 

---

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. An important goal for cancer patients is to improve the quality of life (QOL) by maximizing functions affected by the disease and its therapy. This study examined the effects of massage therapy on quality of life in women with breast cancer after surgery.

Materials and Methods: The study was quasi-experimental. Among the 53 women with breast cancer surgery and oncology clinic of Arak, 30 were randomly allocated in two groups of massage therapy (n=15) and 5 weeks (30 min, 2 sessions per week) and control (15 cases). Cortisol levels and quality of life questionnaire (SF36) was redirected and mental health groups. Data analysis software SPSS version 16 using paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance and a confidence level of 95% (p<0.05) was performed.

Results: The results showed a significant increase in the experimental group improved after the massage, physical (p=0.001) and psycho-social (p=0.002) were compared with control subjects. Massage also improves quality of life and mental health in breast cancer patients after surgery was (p<0.05). However, serum cortisol levels between the experimental and control groups were not significant (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The overall results of this study showed that massage therapy can be an effective intervention to improve quality of life and mental health in patients with breast cancer during radiotherapy is used.

---

Background: End stage renal disease or ESRD is a progressive and irreversible deterioration in renal function in which the body’s ability to maintain metabolic and fluid and electrolyte balance fails. Glutathione s-transfrase P1 is member of multigenic family which have essential role in cells as an antioxidant. In this study we investigated the polymorphism of GSTP1 genotypes and oxidative stress in ESRD patients and compare with control subjects to determine the possible relation between polymorphism of this enzyme and ESRD.

Materials and Methods: We select 136 ESRD patients and 137 control cases (without kidney disease). GST P1 polymorphism were determined with PCR-RFLP. Level of MDA was measured by HPLC apparatus.

Results: Genotypes distribution of GSTP1 A/G polymorphism to AA, AG and GG genotypes in control group were 70(51.1%), 56(40.9%) and 11(8%) and In diabetic group 74(55.6%), 50(37.6%) and 9(6.8%), respectively (p=0.744). MDA levels in ESRD patients was higher than control group (p<0.001).

Conclusion: GSTP1 A/G polymorphism between two groups and each groups was not statistically significant with ESRD, probably this enzyme has a protective role in the risk of ESRD.

---

Background: Solid waste is one of the environmental pollution. Therefore the aim of this study was to survey of knowledge, attitude and practice of student and teachers about weast management for developing methods of educational in Arak city.

Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional and analytical study that was carried out on 1739 student and 149 teacher in school of Arak city in 2012. sampling with cluster and data collection with questionnaire including knowledge, attitude, practice and appropriate resource of education for waste management. Finally data analyzed with statistical tests.

Results: The mean knowledge and attitude student was 4.1±1.9 (out of 8) and was 20.63±5.9 (out of 35) respectively. Based on most educational methods for weast management viewpoint of student book 441 student (29% ) but impact of internet very low interest 487 (32%) of student. Moreover the most educational methods based on level of education significant difference was observed (p=0.001).

Conclusion: Due to a level of knowledge and attitude of student and accsses to educational resourse and huge of weaste in school educational program planned via book, teacher and peer education for student recommended.

---

Background: Giardiasis is the most common infectious diseases of medical parasitology and public health in our country and in many countries is important. Accourding the importance of treating the disease, particularly parasite resistance to drugs. Thus, the aim of present study was investigated the effect of gold nanoparticles on Giardia lamblia cyst stage of the in vitro.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, Giardia cysts from contaminated fresh feces were collected and concentrated with use 0.85 M sucrose methods for isolation of cysts. Samples after counting with Noubar slide were stored at 4°C. The gold nanoparticles at concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, 0.3 mg/ml prepared and verified, the particle size was determined. The effect of different concentrations of the nanoparticles at 5, 15, 30, 60 and 180 minutes was evaluated and compared to control groups (metronidazole). Data from the study were recorded and analyzed with T-test and Chi-square by used SPSS software.

Results: The results of the cytotoxic effect of nanoparticles on the different concentration and time of Giardia lamblia cysts in vitro compared with the positive control (Metronidazole) shows mean percent of effect gold nanoparticles increased with increasing concentration and exposure time, so that the concentration of 0.3 mg/ml from 62% at 5 min to 96% at 180 min increased (p<0.05). Also, the survey results show Giardia cysts with increasing exposure time , killing effect of gold nanoparticles at a concentration of 78% in 0.05 mg/ml to 96% at a concentration of 0.3 mg/ml greatest increased (p<0.05). As a result, the concentration of gold nanoparticles in comparison with Metronidazole has the most effect gold nanoparticles at a concentration of 0.3 mg/mL, almost the same effect of Metronidazole as the drug of choice in the treatment of Giardia lamblia.

Conclusion: Therefore, the results of this study, gold nanoparticles at a concentration of 0.3 mg/ml as an effective combination for killing Giardia lamblia cysts in vitro can be used. Thus, future studies on laboratory animals (In vivo) are recommended.

---

Background: According to the studies, Iran’s per capita antibiotic consumption is remarkable. Since the emergence of Antibiotic Resistant Organisms (AROs) is considered a global problem in the community and hospitals, this study aimed to investigate the pattern of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from patients in an academic and a non-academic hospital in Arak, Iran.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included all specimens referred to the microbiology laboratory at Amir Al-Momenin Hospital (academic hospital) and Imam Khomeini Hospital (non-academic hospital) in a one-year period from June 2012 to June 2013. The susceptibility of the isolated Gram-negative bacteria against the important antibiotics used in clinical practice was determined using the disk diffusion method.

Results: A total of 846 specimens were collected from patients in the two hospitals where 520 (61.5%) were Gram-negative bacteria, of which 63.3% were E. coli. The prevalence of Gram-negative organisms in the academic and the non-academic hospital was measured 79.8% and 20.2%, respectively (p=0.097). It was also determined that there is a significant difference between the two hospitals in the prevalence of ESBL (Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase) Gram-negative bacteria (p=0.003).

Conclusion: There was a significant difference between the two hospitals in the prevalence of ESBL Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, conducting regional surveillance programs to examine the patterns of antibiotic resistance is recommended.

---

Background: Remaining of crude oil in storage tanks usually lead to accumulation of oily sludge at the bottom of the tank which should be treated and disposed of in a suitable manner. In this research the feasibility of chemical oxidation with H2O2 and Fenton&#39;s reagent for removal of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) from composted storage tank sludges was investigated.

Materials and Methods: The sludge was mixed with immature compost at various sludge to compost ratios including 1:2, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8 and 1:10 and composted for 82 days. Then, hydrogen peroxide and Fenton’s reagent were added to the composted mixture in six concentrations including 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 30% w w-1 for a period of 24 and 48 hr.

Results: TPH removal in composting reactors with the ratios of 1:2, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8 and 1:10 were 66.59, 73.19, 74.81, 80.20 and 79.91 percent, respectively. The mean TPH removal of 1:8 composted mixtures with 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 30% of oxidant concentrations were 1, 5.09, 19.37, 28.16, 34.37 and 38.05 percent, respectively. The highest removal efficiency was achieved in stepwise addition to the sludge. As well, increasing oxidation time from 24 to 48 hr had a little effect on TPH removal increase and the removal efficiencies of H2O2 and Fenton were nearly similar.

Conclusion: Chemical oxidation with hydrogen peroxide and Fenton as a post-treatment step is an acceptable process in TPH removal from bottom sludge of storage tanks.

---

Background: This study aimed to examine the antibacterial effect of Polyamidoamine-G4 dendrimer on Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the antibacterial effects of Polyamidoamine-G4 dendrimer were studied by disc diffusion and micro-dilution method. Different concentrations of Polyamidoamine-G4 inoculated onto blank disks and were placed in Mueller-Hinton agar media. Zone of inhibition was investigated by bacterial inoculation according to the McFarland standard 0.5. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of Polyamidoamine-G4 dendrimer were determined by micro-dilution method in nutrient broth culture.

Results: Zone of inhibition in concentration 500 &mug/ml of Polyamidoamine-G4 dendrimers for Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus were 14, 0, 35 and 29mm, respectively. Concerning the Zone of inhibition in gram negative bacteria with gram positive ones was p<0.05 and had significant difference. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Polyamidoamine-G4 dendrimer for Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus were 1250, 2.5, and 1 &mug/ml, respectively. The minimum bactericidal concentration of Polyamidoamine-G4 dendrimer belonged to Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus were 2500, 5 and 5 &mug/ml, respectively. Polyamidoamine-G4 dendrimer had not bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on Enterobacter cloacae.

Conclusion: According to the results, Polyamidoamine-G4 dendrimer can eliminate Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis effectively. It is suggested in the rest of this study that the probable toxicity of nanostructured compounds examined in drinking water and, economic studies is done for synthesis and their applications in case of prevention of using.

---

Background: Male fertility depends on the proper function of a complex system of organs which plays an important role in spermatogenesis. In this study the effects of sulpiride-administration were assessed by means of sperm parameters and in vitro fertilization potential.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study thirty adult male mice were divided into 3 groups as test, control-sham and control. The test group were injected with 40 mg/kg sulpiride solution daily for 45 days IP. Sham mice were injected by solvent only. After 45 days, all mice were dispatched by cervical dislocation consequence of unconsciousness. Cauda epididymis were used to collect sperm cells and assess their motility, viability and DNA integrity. The rate of in vitro fertilization and embryonic development were also examined.

Results: In comparison with sham and control groups, sperm motility and viability rate showed a significant reduction in the sulpiride-administered animals. Rate of DNA damage increased which gives rise to a remarkable reduction of fertilization rate, zygote division, blastocysts number, and significant increase of arrested embryos in sulpiride treated mice (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Data suggest that following sulpiride-induced hyperprolactinemia, induction of spermatogenesis dysfunction, causes low sperm quality that accompanies a significant lower fertility potential and embryonic development in comparison with the sham and control groups.

---

Background: The type of dressing used has great effct on pain relief when dressing patients is changed. So this study is performed to compare the effect of Acticoat dressing and normal dressing on pain of burn patients during dressing change.

Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was done on 64 patients with second and third degrees burn wounds in Vali-asr hospital. The patients were randomly divided in two groups (receiver of the Acticoat) and control (the receiver of silver sulfadiazine cream 1%) for 15 days. Pain was examined during dressing change by using numerical evaluation of the degree of pain on the first, seventh and fifteenth days. Finally, the data was examined by using statistical tests, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney tests, RM ANOVA.

Results: The results showed that there was no significant differences between the groups in baseline pain intensity statistically (p=0.20). Pain intensity had statistically significant difference in the experimental group and control group in the seventh and fifteent days of the study (p>0.001) so that the experimental group experienced less pain.

Conclusion: Acticoat dressing is a simple and practical method in burn patients according to the present results of study which is preferred in terms of reducing pain during dressing change compared to the conventional method.

---

Background: Heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) is commonly seen in adults. It is possible that old patients with HFNEF have severe clinical status. The aim of current study is to evaluate clinical and echocardiographic findings in old patients compared to young patients with HFNEF.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, 126 patients with HFNEF were evaluated in two groups of patients &ge60 years old (n=52) and <60 years old (n=74) for demographic, clinical and echocardiographic findings.

Results: Patients &ge60 years old had significantly more hyperlipidemia, less hypertension and more FC II. Patients &ge60 years old also had significantly larger septal wall thickness, lower end diastolic and systolic volume, end systolic diameter, E/A ratio and septal E’, lower diastolic dysfunction grade, higher left ventricle ejection fraction, left atrial volume index, E/E’ ratio and deceleration time compared to patients <60 years old.

Conclusion: Old patients with HFNEF have different clinical and echocardiographic findings compared to younger patients which are indicative of the disease severity in some cases. So, exact evaluation of the patients could be helpful in early diagnosis of these patients and providing an adequate treatment.

---

Background: The neutrophil-activating protein (HP-NAP) of Helicobacter pylori is a protective antigen and a major virulence factor of this bacteria. Stimulating the immune system for helicobacter infection treatment could have an important role. The aim of study is to assess the effect of recombinant Neutrophil activating protein (Hp-NapA) of helicobacter pylori on proliferation and viability of peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, recombinant Hp-NapA of helicobacter pylori was produced in vitro. Mice peritoneal macrophages were purified and cultured. Different concentrations of recombinant Hp-NapA was used for macrophages stimulation. MTT assay was performed to assess the viability and proliferation of macrophages.

Results: The results elucidated that the increasing effect of stimulation with recombinant Hp-NapA was significant at the dose of 30 µg/ml  (p=0.01). The rate of viabitity was significantly higher than control group at the doses of 30 and 60 µg/ml and in the concurrency series of recombinant protein with lipopolysaccharid, there was a statistically significarit increase in proliferation at just these doses.

Conclusion: According to our findings, recombinant Hp-NapA has a positive effect on proliferation, viability and function of peritoneal macrophages. Therefore, it is proposed that recombinant Hp-NapA can be studied as an immunomodulator for immunotherapy.