---

Introduction:Hyperlipidemia is one of the major risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. This study was done to assess lipid profiles according to sex and place of residence in the urban and rural area of Arak for controlling cardiovascular diseases. Materials and Methods:This descriptive study is the first phase of healthy heart program which was done in Arak. Sampling was randomized cluster. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic data and paraclinical test results (total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c ,and Triglyceride). Data was analyzed using T-student, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests. Results: Of 4303 individuals over 30 years, 51.6% were female. Total cholesterol, LDL-c and HDL-c disturbances were more in female (p<0.05) but there was not a sigmifiant difference between male and female in triglyceride disturbance. The increase in serum lipids was signfiantly different in urban and rural areas, in which total cholesterol and LDL-c disturbances were more in rural and triglyceride disturbance was more in urban areas (p<0.0001). Conclusion: High prevalence of dyslipidemia in the studied region can be related to unhealthy life style, nutrition and inadequate physical activity, so dyslipidemia and cadiovascular diseases could be decreased by changing lifestyle.

---

Introduction: Streptolysin O (SLO) is an antigenic protein that is secreted by Streptococcus pyogenes. Streptococcal infections are diagnosed with anti streptolysin O. At present, streptolysin O is produced by vectors that have fusion protein. In this study streptolysin O without fusion protein vectors is produced. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, Streptolysin O gene was amplified by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and subcloned to prokaryotic expression vector pET28a. Escherichia coli BL21-DE3-plySs were transformed with pET28a-SLO and gene expression was induced by IPTG. Then it was purified by Ni-NTA kit. The concentration of SLO was assayed by Bradford method. To confirm recombinant SLO Western Blot was used. Results: The sequencing result was confirmed by Sanger method and was the same as SLO gene. Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) pLysS was transformed with pET28a-SLO and gene expression was induced by IPTG. The expressed protein was purified by affinity chromatography with Ni-NTA resin. The concentration of purified protein was 100µg/ml. The integrity of product was confirmed by Western Blot analysis using a mouse anti streptolysin O. Conclusion: Data showed that recombinant SLO protein can be produced by pET28a in Escherichia coli. This protein maintains its antigenic effect very well. Therefore, recombinant SLO has same epitopes with natural form of this antigen.

---

Introduction: Sodium arsenite is an environmental pollutant which its amounts in industrial cities are more than other places because of its use in chemical industry. Human populations are exposed to this chemical compound through food, soil, air and water which has toxic and histopathological effects on different body organs including kidney. The aim of this investigation is to study the quantitative histopathological effects of sodium arsenite on the kidney structure of rats. Materials and Methods: 12 male Wistar rats with mean body weight of 200±20 g were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=6). One treated with sodium arsenite (8 mg/kg/day in drinking water) and the other one (the control group) received drinking water only. 2 months after treatment the rats were weighed, anesthetized with ether and dissected. The left kidney was taken out, cleaned, weighed and then fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution. After obtaining 1mm thick slices, tissue processing was carried out, then 5µm thick sections were prepared and stained using H&E method. Slides were finally studied stereologically and data was statistically analyzed using paired sampled t-test and the means were considered significantly different at p<0.05. Results: The results of this investigation indicated significant reduction in the total mean volume of kidney (p<0.001), cortex (p<0.001), and medulla (p<0.003) in sodium arsenite treated group compared to the control rats. The mean volume of tubules and interstitial tissue as components of cortex reduced significantly compared to the control group (p<0.003).The mean volume of glomeruli and Bowman's capsule was significantly reduced in treated group (p<0.001), while the other components did not show a significant reduction in volume. A significant reduction was also found in the kidney (p<0.002) and the body weight (p<0. 01) in the treated group compared to the control ones at the end of the experiment. Conclusion: It was concluded that exposure to sodium arsenite leads to histopathological changes in kidney structure, however more studies are needed to determine the effects of these structural changes on the kidney function.

---

Introduction: The vast majority of children with febrile seizure have a normal long term out come, but their parents are always worrying about recurrent febrile seizure. With attention to controversy in treatment a precise knowledge of the short and long term side effect is an important prerequisite for assessing the various treatment strategies. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of intermittent Diazepam and continuous Phenobarbital for the prophylaxis of recurrence of febrile seizure. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study 100 children with febrile seizure treated with intermittent Diazepam were compared with 100 children with febrile seizure treated with continuous Phenobarbital. Diazepam (1 mg/kg/d) was administered orally every eight hours during all febrile illness and Phenobarbital (3-5 mg/kg/d) was administered daily. Data were analyzed by chi-square and t-test. Results: During a mean follow up of 19 months, recurrence rates in the two groups were similar (14%). 74% of children receiving Phenobarbital had side effects versus 26% receiving Diazepam. (p=0.00001). Mean of fever in year was 3.2 ± 1.4 in Phenobarbital group and 3.0 ± 1.1 in which had no significant difference. Conclusion: Oral Diazepam, given only when fever is present, is safe and reduces the risk of recurrent febrile seizure.

---

Background: In molecular diagnosis of microbial agent, purification of chromosome is very important step. In this study, after cell destruction, DNA replication was done by increasing the denaturation time, without DNA purification. Methods and Materials: In this experimental study eight different dilution of E.coli (8/100, 4/100, 2/100, 1/100, 1/200, 1/400, 1/800 and 1/1600) solution were madce in D.W, Bacteria were separated by filtration. Polymerase chain reaction method was used to propagate 162 rRNA gene by design primers without DNA Purification. In order to confirme sensitivity of PCR, contamination of 15 different sources of Arak well water wafer was compared by MPN method. For confirmed sensitivity of PCR, 15 sources of water in Arak were examined and compared with MPN method. Results: Present of bacteria in diution sou tion were confirmed by culture. Polymerale Chain reaction (PCR) data were shown this method is able to recognize bacteria in above dilutions after filtration. This study showed high sensitivity of PCR method in compare to MPN method. Conclusion: Results were shown without stages of extraction of DNA, PCR were done without losing chromosome. Therefore false negative results were decrease and avoided from difficult phases.

---

Background: Backache is a common problem in pregnancy period . Scientists believe that some simple exercise can help to prevent the occurrence of backache during their pregnancy period. Thus, this research carried out in order to investigate the effect of some simple exercises and correct daily activity in prevention of backache in pregnancy period. Methods and Materials: This is a clinical trial study that was carried out on 138 of pregnant women .The first group including 66 women which considered as control group and treatment group including 72 women. The research had four stages: 1) stage of taking history. 2) Arrange a teaching program. 3) stage of performance( In case group samples were done 60 minutes aerobic exercises for 3 days a week for the 30 weeks undersupervision a physiotherapist). 4) Assessment the results. Data were analyzed by SPSS for statistical analysis. Results: According to the result 18.2% of woman that were under treatment and 36.6% of control group, suffered from backache. Chi-square test showed significant differences between two groups. In addition Odd ratio of treatment population was 2(CI%95 = 4/04-1/91 & p<0/05). Conclusion: The result showed simple exercises during pregnancy period can not eliminate backache, but it can decrease delay backach.

---

Background: One of the best examples of epimorphic regeneration in the mammals is the formation of new tissues formed from blastema in holes punched in the ears of rabbits. The aim of this research is to investigate speed and percentage of regeneration in different geometrical shaped holes and different regions of rabbit's ear. Methods and Materials: In this experimental research different region of rabbit's ear (proximal, medial and distal) were punched as different geometrical shaped holes (circlc, quadrangle and triangle) with the same area (50 mm2) Ubyg a puncher which designed for this purpose. The regeneration of wounds was evaluated and the percentage of regeneration was calculated. After punching, each 3 days (36-40 days). Results: Results showed speed and percentage of regeneration in circular holes was significantly (P<0.05) more than quadrangular and triangular holes. In addition, regeneration speed of holes located in proximal regions of ear, was more than peripheral holes. Conclusion: Wound regeneration in rabbit's ear is related to the geometrical shape of holes. Speed and the percentage of regeneration in circular shapes is more than angular shapes.

---

Background: Pain management is the challenging concepts in health workers. Since neonates have higher pain sensitivity in compare to childhood and adults. The objective of this study was to examine the pain relieving effect of breast feeding during immunization injections in healthy neonates. Methods and Materials: In this control randomized clinical trial, Samples were divided two groups (by age and sex) of 76 healthy 2- 4 months old term infants. In breast-fed group, 2 minutes before, during, and 15 seconds after the DPT immunization injection were in mother hug, and in control group as routine of clinic, were lied on the examining table during injection. Appearance of Neonates were observed and assessed by Modified Behavioral Pain Scale (MBPS) during 5 second before immunization to 15 second after it. Results: In breast fed and control group mean of age were 81.53±41.46 and 81.61±40.59 day and for weight were 6.65±1.17 and 6.70±1.14 kg for hight were 64.27±5.5 and 63.38±5.06 cm respectively. There were significant differences in Behavioral Pain Scores of two groups include: facial expression (4 items), cry (5 items), and movements (6 items). (P<0.0001). There is no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups for age, sex and the time of feeding prior to vaccination Conclusion: Regarding to significant difference in behavioral of pain responds in two groups, it is suggested, with simple and safe intervention method of straight breast feeding reduce pain during immunization and muscular injections too.

---

Background: Skin cancer is one of the most important cancers in the world. This cancer is more common in men than women. We survey chromosomal changes in DMBA-induced skin cancer in SD rat strains. Methods and Materials: In this fundamental study, 20 SD rat strains were randomly divided into case and contal group. DMBA (2.5 mg) was injected to SD rat strains subcutaneously therefore skin cancer model for studies was created. Tumors became subjects for cell culture and metaphase chromosomal were prepared. Finally G-banding were stained. We have also transmitted genomic information from rat to human using suitable databases and Gene were determined. Results: Data showed numerical and frequent structural changes in different number of chromosomes. For example gain in chromosomes number 1, 15, 17 and loss in 1, 7, 15, and also structural changes like deletion was seen in chromosomes number 1, 4, 8, 10, 15, 17, and addition in chromosome number 15. Discussion: It is predicted that CST6، PRKCDBP، PTCH1، DKK3، ، BRMS1، CDKN1C، CD81، DMP1، CDKN2B ، EEF1A1 ، HRAS، CASP2، KLF4 probably cause skin cancer.

---

Abstract Background: Spinal cord slices culturing from adult mammals could be considered as a suitable in-vitro model for evaluating cellular viability, spinal cord injury and cell death mechanisms. In present study, determining of cell death in motor neurons of cultured spinal cord slices in adult mouse was done. Materials and Methods: In a experimental- laboratory study, thoracic regions of spinal cords from 4 Balb/c mice were cut into 400-µm slices using tissue chopper and incubated in a Co2 incubator at 37˚C for different periods of time. Freshly prepared slices (0h) and cultured slices were fixed and sectioned using cryostat. To study morphological and biochemical features of cell death, fluorescent staining, TUNEL method and agarose gel electrophoresis were used. Results: In freshly prepared slices of motor neurons showed no apoptotic changes. While, 6, 12 and 24h after culturing, this neurons displayed morphological features of apoptosis including cell shrinkage as well as nuclear and chromatin condensation. Also, 6 and 12h after culturing were TUNEL positive. In addition, extracted DNA from cultured slices for 24h were indicated the nucleosomal DNA fragmentation on agarose gel electrophoresis. Conclusion: Results were showed the occurrence of apoptosis in motor neurons of cultured adult mouse spinal cord slices.

---

Abstract Background: This study was done to asses the educational barriers and problems, and improves the problems from the medicine students’ viewpoint in Arak, 2006-07. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, a valid and reliable questionnaire concluding 71 questions about problems related to education, equipments, personnel, professors, motivation and evaluation methods was distributed among all interns (n=28) and externs (n=44). Results: Inappropriate duration of basic science education was 68%, too much general lesson was 86% did not provide a task description was 84.5% and lesson plan was 91.7% were considered at the start of course. Most of students were asked for learning clinical skill on mulage before practicum (84.5%) and internship (79.9%). Most of students believed that teaching pathology (86.1%) and pharmacology (97.3%) of each course may present by that course in clinic. Lake of sufficient diversity (71.8%), training equipment and inappropriate conference hall (54.9%) and library (76.1%) were considered. Inappropriate behavior 81.7% and corporation with students (58.6%) were reported. About professors, the mean was 16.8±5.1. The most of students worried about their unclear occupational future (87.1%) and 78.6% were believed that exams can not evaluate their knowledges. Conclusion: Asking for lesson plan present in start of course and clinical skills learning on the mulage before practicum and internship are including students demands that can easy to do. Umlaut of basic and clinical courses and teaching pathology and pharmacology courses in clinic can facilitate the basic and clinical courses learning.

---

Background: Microbial infections are important challenges to health, and health care officials have major difficulties dealing with them especially regarding their antibiotic resistance. The main aim of this study was to evaluate drug synergistic and anti-bacterial effects of cuminum cyminum essential oil on some pathogen bacteria. Materials and Methods: Cuminum cyminum essential oil was extracted from its fruit. For evaluation of antibacterial effects of the essential oil, disc diffusion method through the measurement of the inhibitory zone diameter and micro-broth dilution for determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on several standard bacteria were used. In evaluation of the synergistic and antagonistic effects, standard bacteria were cultured in the media containing essential oil, and antibiotic discs were, then, placed on it. Results: According to the results of disc diffusion test in Agar, cuminum cyminum essential oil, with a 44 mm inhibition zone, had the greatest antibacterial activity against bacillus cereus. It had the greatest positive co-action with gentamicin (10 µg) on escherichia coli. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that cuminum cyminum essential oil alone or in combination with antimicrobial agents may be useful in treatment of bacterial infections. Additionally, this component can enhance the effect of some antibiotics this implies its application, especially in drug resistance cases.

---

Background: Candida species are among the most important factors in development of fungal infection in human beings and animals. Noticing the daily increase of drug resistance, attempts should be made for providing anti-fungal and anti-microbial drugs. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the in-vitro effects of Scrophularia deserti ethanolic extract and amphotricin B on Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: In an experimental trial, anti-Candida effects of Scrophularia deserti ethanolic extract and amphotricin B on Candida albicans were evaluated using serial dilution method. Data analysis was done using SPSS, through paired and independent t-tests. Results: Minimum inhibition capacity (MIC) of Scrophularia deserti extract on Candida albicans in the first and second trials were OD600=1.56(59%) and OD600=1.68(59%), respectively, whereas this value for amphotricin B was 59%. The difference between minimum growth inhibition capacity of Scrophularia deserti and amphotricin B was not significant. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that ethanolic extract of Scrophularia deserti has anti-fungal properties comparable to amphotricin B.

---

Background: Correct use of cuminum cyminum and finding its different applications in medicine and industry necessitates a more clear understanding of this medicinal plant. This study deals with identifying the effects of the essential oil of this herbal plant on macrophages and tumor cell lines. Materials and Methods:Cuminum cyminum essential oil was extracted from its fruit, and its effects on peritoneal macrophages and LPS stimulated macrophages were examined. MTT assay was done for evaluation of macrophages viability and the amount of nitric oxide (NO) in culture supernant was measured by Griess Reagent. WEHI-164 mice fibrosarcoma cell line was cultured with different concentrations of cuminum cyminum and cytotoxicity level was evaluated by MTT assay. Results: The viability of macrophages and also, the amount of NO production in 50 and 500 μg/ml cuminum cyminum essential oil was lower than that of the control group (p<0.001). MTT assay showed that cuminum cyminum essential oil in 50 and 500 μg/ml concentrations significantly inhibits tumor cells growth (p<0.001). Conclusion: Cuminum cyminum essential oil by having immune-modulatory properties can be used in treatment of many inflammatory and immunologic disorders. Also, it can be used as a therapeutic or complementary agent in tumor therapy.

---

Background: Molybdenum is an essential trace element for both animals and plants. Molybdenum (Mo), which functions as a cofactor for a limited number of enzymes including xanthine dehyrogenase, aldehyde oxidase, and sulfite oxidase in mammals, is believed to be an essential trace element in animal nutrition. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of sodium molybdate against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage. Materials and Methods: In an experimental study, adult male rats received daily oral administrations of different doses of sodium molybdate (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 g/kg bw) along with intrapertioneal CCl4 (50% CCl4 in olive oil, 1 ml/kg bw) twice a week for 28 consecutive days. Results: Histopathological examinations in CCl4-treated rats showed extensive liver injuries characterized by extensive hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis, fat degeneration, and inflammatory cell infiltration while histopathological changes induced by CCl4 were significantly attenuated by sodium molybdate treatment. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that sodium molybdate could protect liver against the CCl4-induced oxidative damage in rats, and this hepatoprotective effect might be contributed to the protection of liver by preventing the toxic chemical reactions which generate oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and molecular changes which ultimately lead to liver tissue necrosis.

---

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.

---

Background: Trauma noise is one of the major physical pollutants in modern societies. Sound conditioning, on the other hand, is known as one of the mechanisms for protecting the hearing system. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 15 three month-old male white New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups. The equipments used in this study included a sound generator, a loudspeaker, an exposure box, a sound level meter, and a distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) device. The rabbits were assigned to trauma noise exposure, conditioning noise exposure, and control groups. The conditioning and traumatic sound levels were respectively 80 and 105dB within the 500-3000 Hz frequency. Results: Conditioning noise at the level of 80 in combination with trauma noise enhanced the rabbits hearing system tolerance up to 13-17 dB so that in all frequencies there were significant differences between the trauma noise exposure group and the sound conditioning and trauma noise conditioning group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Sound conditioning can act as an effective factor in protecting the hearing system against trauma noise.

---

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of health education according to health belief model (HBM) on the adoption of preventive behaviors of infection with giardia lamblia by primary school students in Arak. Materials and Methods: In a randomized quasi-experimental case study, 1200 students were randomly divided into two equal groups of test (instruction) and control (non-instruction). The sample size for giardiosis identification tests included 300 students, who had been equally and randomly selected from the control and test groups. Health education was according to HBM and its impact on the students' lifestyle-related patterns of behavior was considered. Results: Paring nails in the test group, significantly increased after education while it decreased significantly in the control group. The number of students who carried a glass for drinking slightly increased, but it remarkably decreased in the control group. The number of students who applied soap after using the restrooms remarkably increased in both the test and control groups. The relationship between not paring nails and infection with giardia lamblia was statistically significant. Additionally, after education, the ratio of reduction of infection with giardia lamblia in the test group to its increase in the control group was statistically significant. Conclusion: Preventive behaviors significantly improved and appeared influential in the reduction of infection with giardia lamblia. Thus, using a HBM in prevention of parasitic infections along with instructing the parents are suggested for prevention of parasitic infections.

---

Background: Leukemia is a malignant and progressive disease. Over-expression of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), such as survivin and its anti-apoptotic variants, including sur-ΔEx3, is the main cause of resistance to apoptotic effects of chemotherapy drugs. In the present study, the effects of CBX on apoptosis and expression level of survivin and sur-ΔEx3 and K562 cells (experimental model of chronic myeloid leukemia) were investigated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, human K562 cells were cultured and exposed to CBX. Trypan blue exclusion test was used to evaluate growth inhibitory and viability effects of the drug. Fluorescent microscopy (acridine orange/ ethidium bromide double staining) and DNA electrophoresis were applied to the study of apoptosis. The expression level of survivin and sur-ΔEx3 was studied by semiquantative RT- PCR. Results: The results showed that after the 48 h treatment of K562 cells with 150 µM CBX, significant growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects (up to 50%) were induced. In addition, after 2-4 h of treatment with CBX (150 µM), down-regulation of survivin and sur-∆Ex3 were observed. However, the expression level of survivin and sur-ΔEx3 increased to the level of control cells with longer treatment times (6-12 h). Conclusion: Noticing the apoptotic and down-regulatory effects of CBX on survivin and sur-∆Ex3 expression, this drug can be used as a potential candidate for further studies on CML treatment, especially for inhibition of drug resistance in leukemia cells.

---

Background: To date, several drugs have been proposed for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) however, none of them has resulted in complete remission. Therefore, many efforts are in progress to find new drugs with the capability of inducing apoptosis. Recently, anti-carcinogenic effects have been reported for a drug named carbenoxolone (CBX) on several cell lines. In the present study, the effects of CBX on NB4 cell line, as an experimental model of APL, were examined. Materials and Methods: In this trial, NB4 cell line was cultured and treated with different concentrations of CBX (50-250µM) in various time intervals (12-48 hours). Trypan blue exclusion test was used to evaluate growth inhibitory and viability effects of the drug on NB4 cell line. Fluorescent microscopy (acridine orange/ethidium bromide double-staining) and agarose gel electrophoresis DNA were used to study apoptosis. Results: CBX induced growth inhibition of NB4 cells so that growth inhibition rates of NB4 cells, after the 48 hour of treatment with 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 µM CBX were 32.65, 47.52, 60.73, 68.91, and 74.33%, respectively. Furthermore, the results of DNA fragmentation and fluorescent microscopy assays indicated that apoptosis is a major mode of cell death after treatment of NB4 cells with above concentrations of CBX. Conclusion: Noticing the growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects of CBX on human promyelocytic leukemia NB4 cells, it can be considered as a potential candidate for further studies on APL treatment.