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Introduction: Flexor tendon entrapment of the digits (FTED) is a disorder characterized by snapping or locking of the thumb or fingers (with or without pain) and called trigger finger. Corticosteroid injections are one of the most commonly used treatments for chronic tendon disorders. Despite their popularity, the systematic evidence for their benefits are largely lacking. This study tries to determine the efficacy of local corticosteroid injection in treatment of trigger finger. Materials and Methods: This is a clinical trial research. Variables including local tenderness, trigerring stage, pain during isometric flexion and passive stretching of the tendon (based on VAS) were evaluated before local injection of corticosteroid and then 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after the injection. Data was collected by special forms and analyzed using Chi square and ANOVA Tests. Results: The difference between persence of A1 pulley tenderness in 4 examinations was significant (p<0.0001). The difference between pain induced by isometric flexion and pain induced by stretching the tendon passively in extension was also significant (both p<0.0001). The difference between frequency distribution of triggering was significant (p<0.0001). Patients satisfaction was 90% . Conclusion: The rate of success in local corticosteroid injection was 90% (only with one injection). The high rate of success and low side effects, make this method a suitable treatment for trigger finger.

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Introduction: Kalleh-Pacheh is an Iranian food used in many part of Iran and many other countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. We found no information regarding the effect of this food on acute myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of this food, together with diabetes and smoking on myocardial infarction in Arak district. Materials and Methods: This was a case-cohort study which was performed in Arak district. In this study the data of Arak sub-cohort was taken from Isfahan healthy heart project which was performed in 2001. Cases were myocardial infracted hospitalized patients who were resident in Arak at the time of study. We showed the effect of different exposure, on myocardial infarction by estimating relative risk and population attributable fraction and 95% confidence interval. Results: In this study 150 cases were compared with 6339 sub-cohorts. The population attributable fraction for Kalleh-Pacheh was 19% (95% CI, 6 to 30%). This measure for diabetes and smoking was 31% (95% CI, 23 to 39%) and 41% (95% CI, 31 to 49%) respectively. Conclusion: According to the results of our study smoking, diabetes and using Kalleh-Pacheh has significant effect on myocardial infarction

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Introduction: The objective of this study is to clarify the opinions of scientific board members of Sina university hospital about medical research and the ways of promoting these researches. Materials and Methods: This is a grounded theory study in which we used in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Scientific board members and different authorities of the hospital such as the chief of hospital and the deputy of education were participated in the study. We used three different FGDs. Each group included about 5 people. We also interviewed the chief, the deputy of education and the head of clinical research center of the hospital. Results: Most of the participants in our FGDs believed that the most important factor for research promotion in the hospital was preparation of a data base of patients. They also mentioned that, different research workshops are important for empowering scientific board members in research. Conclusion: According to our study the most important strategies for research promotion in Sina hospital are data bank preparation, providing repeated research workshops, revising the bureaucratic process of proposal approvals, revising the manner of evaluation of scientific board members and more participation of the department of epidemiology in clinical researches

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Introduction: About 21 millions low birth weight infants are born throughout the world and have less surviving chance compared to death rate of infants due to other causes. The aim of this study is to determine the relation of mothers' nutrient intake in the last trimester with the delivery of low birth weight infants. Materials and Methods: This Cohort study with a 3-months follow up was carried out on all the pregnant mothers visiting health care centers in Shahrood during their third trimester. Simple sampling was done and samples included 424 subjects. One-week food record of subjects was documented biochemical and hematological tests and also anthropometric examinations were done, and demographic data were gathered. The infants’ birth weight was measured after delivery. Data was gathered by a questionnaire and analyzed using Chi square, Mann-Whitney and Leven tests and logistic regression. Results: Total number of 424 pregnant mothers was studied in accordance with their amount of energy and protein intakes, and was classified in two groups of adequate and inadequate status. It was disclosed that 75% of mothers received low energy (less than 2500 k cal) and 20% were low in protein intake (less than 60gr). Low birth weight prevalence was detected to be 13%. Among low birth weight infants 14%, 25% and 43% were attributed to mothers with low energy, low protein, and non-iron tablets intake respectively. There was a significant relationship between birth weight and iron supplementation (P=0.015), as well as multi-vitamins (P=0.048) during the last trimester of pregnancy. It was also disclosed that the probability of low birth weight infants among low weight mothers was 86%. Conclusion: According to the results there is a significant relationship between mother's nutritional status in the last trimester of pregnancy and infant's birth weight, so it is recommended that mother's weight gain especially in the third trimester and using adequate supplementations be considered.

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Introduction: Nowadays, the attention of researchers has been focused on natural medicine in order to avoid the detrimental side effects of chemical drugs. In this study we assessed the effect of root extract of Tagetes minuta against HSV-1 and HSV-2. Materials and Methods: This research is an experimental study. Root extract of Tagetes minuta was obtained with 70% ethanol by maceration. Vero cells were grown in DMEM containing 5% fetal bovine serum. Serial dilutions of extracted suspension (1/10, 1/20, 1/40, 1/80, 1/160) were incubated by the exact titer of viruses and monitored for antiviral activity of extract. Data was analyzed using Doncan test. Results: Root extract obtained from Tagetes minuta significantly has antiviral activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2. This extract has more effect on HSV-2 than HSV-1. This study indicates that antiviral activity of the extract varies between different concentrations and the optimum antiviral activity on both viruses was obtained using 1/10 concentration. Conclusion:The results of this investigation showed that root extract of Tagetes minuta have good antiviral potenoial against HSV-1 and HSV-2, a good source of drug for treatment of diseases due to HSV-1 and HSV-2.

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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.

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Introduction: It is well recognized that hearing is critical to speech and language development, communication, and learning. Otoacoustic emission (OAE) is an efficient and sensitive method to identify subjects at risk for auditory impairment. Infants who require admission to neonatal intensive care unit are reported to be at 10-20 times greater risk for hearing impairment. The porpuse of this study was to investigate the incidence of hearing impairment in neonates screened by OAE. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 148 newborns having risk factors for hearing impairment reffering to Taleghani hospital of Arak and Aboozar hospital of Ahwaz were evaluated. All clients had normal otoscopic findings. Transient evoked (TEOAE) and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were measured in both ears. If the results of otoacoustic emissions were not normal, these tests were repeated one month later. Patients who did not pass the second stage were reffered for comprehensive auditory evaluations. Data analysis was performed using Kolmogrov-Smirnov and t-tests. Results: 41 and 28 cases could not pass the examining test at the first TEOAE and DPOAE examination, respectively. Also, 23 and 16 cases did not pass the examining test at the second TEOAE and DPOAE evaluations, respectively. These participants underwent auditory brainstem response evaluation and 11 of them had abnormal responses. In 5 cases of confirmed ones, hearing impairment was due to aminoglycoside side effects. Conclusion: OAE hearing screening of at-risk newborns is a clinically beneficial approach to early detection of hearing impairment. Regarding the high prevalence of hearing loss in our subjects (7.43%), prevention of its complications is highly recommended in this population.

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Introduction: Allium Sativum (garlic) is used widely in the world, especially in Iran. This plant is used in cooking foods as an odorant. In Iran it is believed that it is useful for gastrointestinal disorders. So in this study the effect of Allium Sativum extract on acid and pepsin secretion in rat is investigated. Materials and Methods: This experimental study is performed on two groups of rats (12 in each group: control group and allium sativum group). After anesthesia with nesdonal (50 mg/kg, ip), rats had gone under surgical tracheotomy, laparatomy and gasterodeodenostomy. In garlic group Allium Sativum extract (100mg/kg) was introduced into the stomach by gasterodeodenostomy canula. In order to stimulation of acid and pepsin secretion, Pentagastrin was used (25mcg/kg, ip). Stomach secretion was washed out and acid was measured using titerimetery and pepsin using Anson method. Data was analyzed using t-test. Results: Allium Sativum caused a meaningful increase in acid and pepsin secretion in garlic group comparing to control group (p<0.001). Pentagastrin also increased acid and pepsin secretion in control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Using garlic in nutritional regimen causes an increase in acid and pepsin secretion in those using this plant.

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Introduction: Post operative pain, nausea and vomiting are common complications after hemorrhoidectomy and cause unpleasant expriences for patients. Today, scientists are increasingly moving forward to find new drugs with fewer side effects and costs to control these complications. So this study was planned to evaluate the effect of Dexamethasone on post operative pain, nausea and vomiting. Materials and Methods: This study was a double blind randomized controlled clinical trial that carried out on 112 patients scheduled for hemorrhoidectomy. Patients were diveded into two groups. Case group received 8mg Dexamethasone and control group received 2 ml normal saline intramuscularly 30 minutes before the operation. The method of surgery and general anesthesia were the same in all patients. Pain and nausea score were recorded using visual analog scale (VAS) and vomiting was recorded by asking of them at 0, 2, 4, 6 hours after operation. The patients were followed for 6 hours after the end of the operation and data was analyzed using t and chi square tests. Results: There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding prevention of post operative pain and nausea (p=0.00001). But there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding prevention of post operative vomiting. Conclusion: The result of this study suggested that injection of Dexamethasone before hemorrhoidectomy can decrease incidence of postoperative pain and nausea but dose not have any effects on postoperative vomiting. Therefore Dexamethasone is recommended before hemorrhoidectomy.

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Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that has well known effects on most organs, but there have been controversies in few different studies about the effects of diabetes on hearing. So this study was carried out in 2003-2004 in Kermanshah Diabetes Research Center to assess the effect of diabetes on hearing. Materials and Methods: This is a case-control study. 82 diabetic cases (26 types I and 56 type 2 cases) were studied along with 82 controls matched both in age and sex. Cases were selected randomly, their range of age was 15 to 55 years and their duration of diabetes was more than 3 years. After completing questionnaires, all cases and controls undergone autoscopic examination. Those with other ear disease with hearing impairment were omitted. Audiometery including pure tone audiometery, speech audiometery, and impedance audiometrey with well tone AD19 formed was done on 164 (diabetic and control) persons. Data was analyzed using t-test. Results: Audiometric findings with different frequencies in the two groups revealed that there was a significant relationship between diabetes and hearing impairment (p<0.001). This relationship was more significant in high frequencie, older age and type 2 diabetes, but there were no relationship between control of blood sugar (HbA1c), duration of diabetes, sex, microvascular and macrovasculur complications with hearing loss in diabetic patients. Conclusion: These finding demonstrate that diabetes can cause mild to moderate hearing impairment especially in high frequencies. The mechanism of this effect is unknown. Complementary studies with more patients and with more accurate devices such as Otoacustic Emission (OAE) and Audiometric Brainstem Reflex (ABR) are recommended

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Introduction: Staphylococcus Aureus is one of the most important pathogenes in human. Regarding the ability of this bacterium in nasal colonization, carriers can increase the incidence of many nosocomial infections. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of two antimicrobial regimens (topical nasal Mupirocin and oral Ciprofloxacin) in treatment of Staphylococcus Aureus carriers and its recurrence. Materials and Methods: This study is a triple blind clinical trial that was performed on 366 cases of Vali-e-asr hospital personnel. Nasal cultures were prepared from all these cases. Among them, 45 cases were carriers which were divided in two groups (A and B). Group A were treated by single dose of oral Ciprofloxacin (1500 mg) and Vit A+D ointment as placebo for 5 days (twice a day) and group B were treated by single dose of oral placebo and nasal Mupirocin ointmdent for 5 days (twice a day). After this period, nasal cultures were repeated in the two groups to evaluate the efficacy of treatment. Also after 5 weeks the last cultures were performed in order to determine the prevalence of reinfection. Results were analyzed using Chi-square test. Results: Results showed that, 12.9% of Vali-e-asr hospital personnels were nasal carriers of Staphylococcus Aureus. Also the efficacy of topical nasal Mupirocin regimen (89.5%) was significantly higher than single dose of oral Ciprofloxacin regimen (55%) (p=0.019). But there was no significant difference between prevalence of reinfection in topical (13.3%) and oral regiment (20%). Conclusion: According to the present data, it seems that topical Mupirocin therapy is more effective than single dose of oral Ciprofloxacin in treating Staphylococcus Aureus carriers. However there is no significant difference in the prevalence of reinfection between the two methods.

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Introduction: Pollen grains are male gametophytes of flowering plants that with self interference in fertilization have an important role in plant fertilization, increasing fertilization and improving quality of products. Pollen grains are of important allergenic plants and 80-90% of allergens have plant origin. Achillea plant has medical usage and grows in different regions of the country. This research is done in order to acquire scientific information pertaining to pollen grains allergenicity in their development stages and comparing mature and immature pollen grains allergenicity. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study Achillea plant pollen grains in different developmental stages were collected around Isfahan city and samples were studied using light and electronic microscopy (SEM). Pollen extracts were prepared by incubating pollen grains in phosphate buffered saline, PH: 7.4. The allergenicity experiment was done on male Guinea pigs (Hartley strain, 350-500g weight, 4-6 week-old, Pausteur institute of Iran) and electrophoresis of proteins was done on 12% SDS- polyacrylamide gel. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA and Duncan test. Results: Images of light and electronic microscopy showed pollens from ellipse-spherical type, with two colpate and echinate exine. The skin tests in Guinea pigs treated with pollen extracts indicated wheal with diameter larger than control group. In clinical tests, the numbers of eosinophils, neutrophils and IgE were increased in animals treated with pollen extract comparing control group. In SDS- PAGE protein profiles, 6 richly colored protein bands were seen in mature pollens in 14.4 to 66 KD and 5 slightly colored protein bands in immature pollens in 14.4 to 45 KD. Conclusion: This research shows changes of immature pollens` ellipse morphology to spherical form in mature pollens, partial increasing in accumulation and height of exine surface echins, changes in quality and quantity of immature and mature pollen grains and difference in their allergenic severity.

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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.

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Background: Pain is an unpleasant feeling which humans experience. It is a warning sign of the damaged tissue. Due to the awful sense of pain, scientists always attempt to relieve it. Retinoic acid (RT), an active metabolite of natural vitamin A has important roles in modulation of the inflammatory responses. The aim of the present study was to analyze the pain threshold of rats which had microinjections of RT, applying acute and chronic models. Methods and Materials: In this study, the tail flick and formalin tests were used to determine pain threshold. In each test, the acute and chronic pain thresholds of 252 Wistar male rats (275 ± 25 gr) were assayed. The druge were injected in the acute model one-dose30 minutes before behavioral testing and in chronic model two-dose for one or two-weeks. The rats of both models divided randomly into six groups (n=7). In four treatment groups retinoic acid (RT) intra cerebro ventricular (i.C.V) were injected as dosagc of 0.5, 3 and 6 (µg/kg) micrograms per kilogram. In control group, was microinjected by ACSF. In vehicle group injected RT solvent (DMSO+ Distil water). Results: The resuits Showed acute injection of RT did not change pain thresholds in the tail-flick methd, but the chronic administration of RT (0.5, 1, 3, 6 µg/kg) reduced tail-flick latencies of the rats (p<0.05) in compare to DMSO group. The threshold of pain in the first phase of formalin test was reduced after injection of 3µg/kg of RT for two weeks. Conclusion: It was concluded that chronic i.c.v. injections of RT can induce significant hyperalgesia in rat.

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Background: According to the report of Iranian Center of Disease Control, in the summer of 2005 an outbreak of cholera (Inaba serotype) occurred in Iran. The outbreak lasted the mid of September. The aim of this study was to use the result of different studies performed during this period to determine source of infection. Methods and Materials: This is a meta-analysis study, which studies performed in Qum, Arak, Karaj, Golestan and Ghazvin were eligible. All of these studies were case control ones performed during the August 2005. The total of cases were 531. Pooled odds ratios was used to estimate by fixed and random method. All computations were performed by Stata 8 software. Results: The estimated pooled odds ratios resulted from 5 differemt studies were used in the meta-analysis as the following: travelling (1.64 95% CI: 0.98-1.88), non-pasteurized ice cream (0.88 95%CI: 0.48-1.61), post toilet hand washing (3.72 95% CI: 0.86-16.05), eating meal outside home (2.38 95% CI: 1.46-3.90), raw fruit eating (0.98 95% CI: 0.42-2.18) and raw vegetables use (5.36 95%CI: 2.4-12). Conclusion: According to the results of this study raw vegetable use and having meal outside home were significantly associated to the cholera in mentioned provinc

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Background: In the recent years, oxidative stress was attended as one of the causal factors of ischemic stroke. In terms of the role of genetic, geographic and ethnic factors in the prevalence of stroke, This study was designed to compare the oxidative stress indexes of stroke patients with normal healthy subjects in this geographic area. Methods and Materials: In this case-control study, 36 patients older than 50 years with ischemic stroke and 45 healthy subjects with same age and sex, were enrolled. Five milliliter blood were drawn from all subjects. Samples were centrifuged and plasma was separated. Total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation and thiol levels were measured respettively by FRAP, TBA and HU methods. Then the result was analyzed using t-test. Results: Results showed total antioxidant capacity and thiol plasma levels were lower in stroke patients in compare to healthy subjects, but only the thiol group had significant difference(P=0/001). Although lipid peroxidation showed a slight but non-significant difference in stroke patients in compare to control group. Conclusion: These findings suggest oxidative stress in patients with acute ischemic stroke may be conseaqence of an imbalance in oxidant/antioxidant homeostasis. Therefore it may be useful to recommend antioxidant medications or diet for these patients.

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Background: In order to selected indigenous potential probiotic bacteria, we surveyed antagonistic activities of 22 strains of acid and bile tolerant Lactobacillus, isolated from traditional dairy products by biochemical and molecular methods. Methods and Materials: In a fundamental practical study assessment of antimicrobial activity of this strain with neutrallized and Dual layer two methods against bacterial pathogene such as E-coli, L.monocytogenes, S.auteus and Y.entercolitica was done. These strain were identified with two methods for determining of biochemical and sequence of 16Sr DNA. Results: Dual layer method based on the growth of zone diameter were estabilished in three groups of strains inhibitors, semi inhibitors and non inhibitors. Neutralize method around well acidic extract containing strains C5i4, Y144, K213, C4i2, C612 and neutral extract C5i4 zone blight strains was observed. Based on the results, sequence area 16Sr DNA of four strains inclulde C4i2, C1d2, Y2c4, D3b1 indicator bacteria that revealed the highest percentage of inhibitor effect of bacterial indicators, were duplicate and sequency. So four strains L.Bacilus Pentosus, L.Bacillus Bervis and L. Bacillus Paraplantarum, were indentifed respectivey. Conclusion: It seems that indigenous lactobacillus from Iranian dairy products have potential as probiotics. So use of them as bio preservative prevent food bacterial contamination.

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Background: Researches showed that there is a relationship among alopecia areata, psychological factors and prevalence of psychological disorders. In addition alopecia areata has a great effect on the quality of life of these patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral stress management therapy on female patients`s the quality of life with alopecia areata. Methods and Materials: This is a case-control study with pre and post-test exam which is carried out in Isfahan Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Centre. The participants consisted of 20 alopecia areata patients diagnosed by specialists. The questionnaire was Skindex-16 which was completed by patients before and after the intervention. Cognitive-behavioral stress management therapy was done on the case group in eight sessions over a period of two months. Data was analyzed with covariance (ANOVA). Results: The mean of quality of life scores in experimental group in v.s control group significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion: It seems, cognitive-behavioral stress management therapy couses in quality of life improvement in patients with alopecia areata.

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Background: REM sleep has a role in memory processing. The period of post-learning, that REM sleep is higher than normal level and deprivation of REM sleep impairs memory, is called paradoxical sleep windows (PSW). Methods and Materials: In this experimental study, male N.M.RI rats were trained in a two-way shuttle avoidance task (100 trials/one sessions) then memory retention was tested in next week. In electrophysiology section, different sleep-memory factors were recorded in basal level and 1-4 hours after training. In behavioral section, animals that reached 70% learning criterion (learner group) were deprived of PS in the two periods of 1-4 hours and 5-8 hours after learning by Maze water technique. Results: The amount of REM sleep in group which gained 70% learning after 1-4 hours training, and group without it. In v.s of basic level, significantly increase (p0.01). Other factors were showed no significant difference between two groups before of training. In behavioral section those animals were deprived in 1-4 hr post-learning show significant memory impairment (p0.05). Conclusion: Paradoxical increased REM sleep is effective in memory consolidation after 1-4 hours training. This period can be consider as paradoxical sleep window.

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Abstract Background: Prevalence of urolithiasis is increasing in children and maybe hematury is only sign. This study was conducted to investigate clinical manifestation and etiology of urolithiasis in children younger than 14 year-old. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and case-series study was carried out on 100 patients referring to Sahamie Pediatric hospital in Qom in 2007-8. Age, sex, family history, clinical manifestation (fever, dysuria and Pain) and laboratory tests (Na, K, Ca, P, urea, Cr, Albumin, Alkaline phosphates of serum ABG, urine sediment, urine culture Na, K, Ca, P, Cr, oxalate and citrate of urine/24h and cysteine in random sample of urine) were determined. Ceratenin correcting formula was used for adequacy controlling of urine collecting. Results: Hypocitraturia (56.8%), hypercalciuria (29.4%), hyperuricosuria (26.3%), hyperoxaluria (14.7%), phosphaturia (8.4%) and cystinuria (6.3%) were detected. Also, 54% patients had urinary tract infection. Pain (27.7%), fever (33.3%), irritability and dysuria (62.2%) and hematuria (77.7%) were seen. Positive family history was reported in 23% of patients. Conclusion: Most common clinical manifestations in children with stone were hematuria, dysuria, fever and pain. The common etiology of urolithiasis respectively was hypocitraturia, hypercalciuria, hyperuricosuria, hyperoxaluria, phosphaturia and cystinuria.