Background: Depression is one of the most commonly observed problems in menopausal women. This study was conducted to determine the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on menopausal depression in women referring to No. 1 Health Clinic of Ahvaz, Iran, in 2010.

Materials and Methods: This randomized double-blind clinical trial was done on 70 menopausal women experiencing various levels of depression. After administering the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D-21), the participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into intervention group (n=35) receiving a 2gr omega-3 capsules and control group (n=35) receiving 2 gr placebo capsules. After 8 weeks of intervention, data were collected and analyzed by Chi-square, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA with repeated measures using SPSS software version 17.

Results: Mean depression scores decreased significantly (p<0.001) in the intervention group (13.36±2.23 to 8.72±3.71). Also, mean depression scores decreased (p>0.05) in the control group (13.25±2.04 to 11.78±2.93) however, it was not significant. The comparison of depression scores did not indicate a significant difference regarding the reduction of depression after intervention between the two groups (p=0.08).

Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, administration of omega-3 capsules (2gr/daily) for 8 weeks decreased menopausal depression. However, there was not a significant difference between omga-3 and placebo groups in this study. For a more precise observation of the effects, further studies with longer periods of intervention are needed.

Background: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system which leads to myelin destruction. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of aerobic training on functional capacity and percent body fat in women with moderate multiple sclerosis.

Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 15 women with multiple sclerosis (aged 33.68±8.22 years) with EDSS<4 were randomly divided into experimental (n=8) and control (n=7) groups. An aerobic program prolonged for 8 weeks, 3 days/week, 20-40 minutes/day, with 60-80% of HRmax was run in the experimental group. Some functional capacities, such as speed running, walking endurance, balance, and VO2 Max, as well as BF% were measured before and after the training program in both groups.

Results: The results showed that aerobic training led to significant increases in walking endurance, walking speed, balance, and VO2max (p<0.001). These indices, however, decreased significantly in the control group (p<0.05). Additionally, after the training program, percent body fat decreased significantly in the experimental group (p=0.005), but it increased significantly in control group (p=0.002).

Conclusion: Considering the findings of this study, it can be stated that aerobic training can improve functional capacity and decrease percent body fat in multiple sclerosis patients

Background: Some clinical trials have revealed the effects of Matricaria chamomilla on premenstrual syndrome symptoms. This study was done to compare the effects of Matricaria chamomilla extract and mefenamic acid on the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms.

Materials and Methods: In a randomized double-blind clinical trial, 90 students completed daily rating form for the diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome symptoms and its severity for two consecutive cycles. After verification, they were randomly divided into two equal groups. The participants received one 100 mg capsule of Matricaria chamomillaor 250 mg mefenamic acid three times daily from day 21 of menstrual cycle till the beginning of the menstruation. They completed the daily symptom rating form at the same time.

Results: General severity reduction of symptoms was significantly greater among Matricaria chamomilla extract users (25±13.8 and 28±14.5%) than that among mefenamic acid users (14.8±18.5 and 16.2±18.2%) after the first and second cycles (p<0.05). Severity of emotional symptoms was significantly higher among Matricaria chamomilla extract users (30.1±26.6 and 33.4±25.3%) than that among mefenamic acid-users (11.6±25.7 and 10.7±26.8%) after two cycles intervention (p>0.05).Reduction of physical symptoms was not significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Matricaria chamomilla reduces the severity of symptoms of premenstrual syndrome symptoms during treatment. Matricaria chamomilla effect on the severity of general and emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome symptoms is greater than that of mefenamic acid.

Background: Today, the use of nano-materials is one of the most common methods of making modern medications these materials are very useful in increasing the accessibility of drugs to target. The aim of this study is to obtain immunogenic nano-vaccine against meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenza.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the PRP (polyribosylribitol phosphate) antigen of Haemophilus influenza was conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), a powerful immunogen molecule, and a nanoparticle with high adsorption called poly lactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA). The two-part and three-part conjugated antigens were injected into male SW1 race mice. The animals were randomly divided into five groups, which received PRP, PRP+KLH, PRP-KLH, PRP-KLH-PLGA, and PRP-TT intramuscularly together with complete Freund’s adjuvant, respectively. Twenty eight days after injection, blood samples were obtained and increases in serum antibody titer were determined with ELISA technique. For evaluation of the amount of the produced antigen cell entrance into immune cells, immune cells uptake assay and flow cytometry technique were used.

Results: The results showed increases in serum IgG antibody titers of animals immunized with conjugate vaccines. The findings also suggest the higher phagocytosis of conjugated triplex-containing nanoparticle by host immune cells.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that antigen-containing PLGA has considerably higher absorption and immunogenicity and can be more powerful vaccines against Haemophilus meningitis.

Background: Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) is a reliable marker for ovarian reserve and fertility capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in AMH between physically active and non-active women.

Materials and Methods: Eighty two reproductive age women (18-50 years) participated (42 active and 40 non-active) in this cross-sectional study. Physical activity level was estimated via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Information on fertility parameters were obtained from medical records. Serum AMH was measured using ELISA assay.

Results: There was not a significant difference in mean age between the two groups (P>0.05). There was a significant difference between physically active and non-active women regarding basal concentration of serum exercise AMH (3.90±0.75 ng/ml versus 1.63±0.53 ng/ml, respectively) (P<0.03). Abortion rates differed significantly (P<0.05) between physically active (0.13±0.26) and non-active women (0.40±0.51).

Conclusion: These findings indicated that physical activity may improve fertility capacity in healthy women by maintaining AMH.

Background: Epidemiologic studies show the high prevalence of some infections and cancers in individual blood groups. Perhaps, level of immunity factors differs in people with individual blood group. The aim of this study is to compare the level of antibodies and complement factors in ABO blood groups.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, peripheral blood samples from 40 male healthy individuals with different ABO blood groups (n=10 in each group) with similar age (18-25 years) and genetic background were collected. The serum levels of total IgG, IgM, IgA, C3, and C4 were analyzed by nephelometry method. All data were analyzed by SPSS software version 11.5.

Results: The levels of IgA, IgG, and C4 protein in individuals with O blood group were significantly higher than those of other groups (p=0.02, p=0.01, and p=0.004, respectively). Also, the mean concentration of IgM in individuals with AB blood group was significantly higher than that in other groups (p=0.02). There was a significant difference between the level of C3 in O blood group and those of other blood groups (p=0.01). The mean concentrations of all parameters (except IgG) in B blood group were lower than those in other blood group.

Conclusion: Generally, natural antibodies in O blood group were higher than those in other groups. This high level of total antibodies in O blood group may reduce susceptibility to some infections.

Background: Today, global concerns about water pollution with chemicals and its adverse impact on health have increased. This study aims to evaluate the physical and chemical quality of water treated through domestic water treatment systems.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, water samples were collected from 60 domestic water treatment systems and parameters, such as turbidity, total dissolved and suspended solid, total hardness and calcium, magnesium hardness, alkalinity, total alkalinity, carbonate, bicarbonate, nitrate, sulfate, nitrite and fluoride, EC, pH, and free chlorine residuals, were examined.

Results: The results indicate that the average concentration of chemical parameters in treated water were: chloride=0.1mg/L, nitrate=0.006mg/l, sulfate=5 mg/l, Nitrate=15mg/L, bicarbonate=49 mg/L, calcium hardness=18 mg/L, and fluoride=0 mg/l.

Conclusion: The overall results of this study indicated that the use of municipal water treatment reduced Cl2, sulfate, and bicarbonate concentrations than the optimal levels in urban areas water. However, nitrite concentration was significantly higher in the output of these systems than distribution systems, which is a source of concern.

Background: Nutritional status assessment is a method for nutritional care which aims to determine nutritional needs and to meet nutritional requirements. Pregnant and lactating mothers are considered vulnerable groups. The use of this method, especially for determination of calorie and protein intake has positive effects on growth of neonates. Thus, the purpose of this study is to assess the nutritional status of pregnant women.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 80 pregnant mothers were selected from private and public hospitals in Arak. Data were gathered through a questionnaire including general information concerning pregnant mothers and their nutritional diet. The analysis of dietary intake was done by nutritionist IV software. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results: The average weight gain for pregnant mothers at the end of pregnancy was 10.1kg. The mean of body mass index for the mothers was 22.2 kg/m2, and the average weight for neonates was 2.5 kg. The average energy intakes in mothers were equal compared with RDA, and the average protein intake was greater compared with RDA. There was a significant positive correlation between weight gain during and total body weight at the end of pregnancy (r=0.93) (p<0.01). Also, there was a significant negative correlation between weight of pre pregnancy and percent of weight gain at the end of pregnancy (r=-0.39) (p<0. 01). A significant positive correlation was found between total body weight at the end of pregnancy and birth weight of neonates (r=0.34) (p<0. 01).

Conclusion: Adequate nutritional status of mothers influenced normal body weight in neonates.

Background: Sleep behavior and movement disturbance (SBMD) is of a relatively high prevalence in children and has a significant impact on their performance in daily activities and quality of life. Snoring, on the other hand, is considered one of the main causes of sleep disturbance in children. This study aims to assess the relationship between snoring and SBMD in 2 to 12 years old children in Qom city.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 100 children with snoring and 100 healthy children were studied over 3 months. The parents took Berlin questionnaire on snoring and childhood sleep questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 18.

Results: There was a significant correlation in mean SBMD between case (13.78) and control (11.45) groups (p<0.001). Independent t-test indicated a significant difference between the case and control groups in the mean of SBMD (p<0.001). Also, significant relationships were seen between snoring and adenotonsilar hypertrophy (p<0.001) and apnea and SBMD (p=0.036), but there was not any relationships between SBMD and age, children less than 7 and more than 7 years old (p=0.231), and severity of snoring and SBMD (p=0.202).

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the importance of sleep disorders, especially snoring and SBMD and their relationship, in children. Sufficient attention to this issue can raise parents and physicians awareness and pave the way for early diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.

Background: Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the leading causes of low quality of life and iron deficiency anemia in women of reproductive age. This study was conducted to compare the therapeutic effects of mefenamic acid and the hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica on the volume of bleeding in heavy menstrual bleeding.

Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 90 women with heavy menstrual bleeding were selected and after a control cycle for evaluating the primary bleeding volume, using Excel software, were randomly allocated to Urtica dioica or control groups. Both groups were subjected to mefenamic acid treatment with 500 mg every 8 hours, from the first day to the end of bleeding, up to seven days, for two consecutive cycles. In Urtica dioica group, in addition to mefenamic acid, Urtica dioica capsules, five per day, two in the morning, two at noon, and one at night (every eight hours), from the first day to the end of bleeding, up to seven days, were prescribed. In the control group, instead of Urtica dioica capsules, placebo of Urtica dioica was prescribed with the same order. Data on the amount of bleeding (using PLBAC chart) was checked and compared by SPSS software.

Results: The amount of bleeding before and after treatment, between and within groups, was compared. The obtained results showed that the amount of bleeding reduced significantly in both groups after treatment (p=0.001). The reduction of bleeding amount in the Urtica dioica group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p=0.010).

Conclusion: It seems the extract of Urtica dioica can be effective in reducing the amount of bleeding in women of reproductive age with heavy menstrual bleeding. This drug, due to its short course of prescription, fewer side effects, and not having hormonal effects, seems to be an effective drug for treating heavy menstrual bleeding.

Background: Depression is one of the most common problems in postmenopausal women. Diosgenin present in fenugreek seeds present study the effects of menopause on depression in menopausal women took the city in 1390.

Materials and Methods: In a randomized controlled trial enrolled 60 women with complaints of depression caused by menopause. Beck Depression Inventory on a sample of postmenopausal women and the inclusion criteria were enrolled. The samples were divided randomly into two groups, Diosgenin (6 g Fenugreek seed daily containing 25 mg Diosgenin) and sorbitol (25 mg daily) for 8 weeks were placed before and after 8 weeks of intervention questionnaire, Beck completed SPSS software was used to test the statistical Paired test scores before and after treatment were compared.

Results: Mean depression score decreased after 8 weeks took Fenugreek containing Diosgenin and sorbitol as compared with before of intervention of this study and it was significant.The comparison did not indicate a significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion: According to the finding of this study, administration of 6 g Fenugreek seed containing Diosgenin for 8 weeks decreased menopausal depression . The need for further studies with longer duration and higher doses before any recommendations can be felt.

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: Load lifting is the most stressful activity of the Manual Material Handling and can trigger of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of workers. Purposes of this study are determining the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, assessment lifting tasks by NIOSH lifting equation method, ergonomic design and assessment of its effectiveness.

Materials and Methods: This analytical and interventional study was performed on 30 workers in a Porcelain Health Manufacturing industry in Hamadan. Assessment of lifting tasks by NIOSH lifting equation and determining the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders by Nordic questionnaire was conducted. Then, construction steps and determination of the effectiveness of ergonomic design was conducted.

Results: The results showed that the most frequent musculoskeletal disorders related to back. Results of the lifting index (LI) showed that the risk of lifting load in before intervention is high (greater than 3). This value after the conducting of ergonomic intervention (load-carrying cart) decreased to moderate level (between 1 to 3). The relationship of risk average amount before and after interventions were significant (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Load-carrying cart designed with shelves capable of moving vertically up and down has considerable role in safe making of lifting tasks and probability of reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and lumbar injuries will bring in the near future.

Background: Human brain consists of two hemispheres with contralateral control of the body. One hemisphere's function is predominate to another, so one side of the body is more powerful in performing special tasks comparing the other which this property is almost used to determine predominant hemisphere of the brain. This analytic study performed to assess the effect of handedness and gender on the result of school readiness assessment examination in children.

Materials and Methods: Of 6 to 6.5 years old children living in middle socioeconomic regions of Qazvin city, referred to preschool Examining center to assess educational readiness and other physical examination, 400 children equally of both sexes were randomly selected in two Left-Handed (LH) and Right-Handed (RH) groups to compare the results of school readiness assessment examination. The data was statistically analysed and P-Value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The results of School Readiness Assessment Examination in LH and RH children were 38.71±2.70 and 38.15±4.04, respectively without significant difference. These results were 38.8±3.8 and 38.30±3.4 in boys and girls respectively, without significant difference. Comparing RH and LH cases in each sex group did not show any significance.

Conclusion: No significance was observed comparing the results of School Readiness Assessment Examination in LH and RH groups and between two gender groups.

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: 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: Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious problem of pregnancy and its etiology is still unknown. The inheritance of preeclampsia is one of the theories regarding to the etiology of preeclampsia. Methylenetetrahydrofolatereductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme in folate metabolism and the C677T polymorphism of the MTHFR gene is associated with decrease MTHFR activity, and therefore cause higher blood levels of homocysteine and leads to vascular disease that can be the reason of preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism with PE development in south-west of Iran.

Materials and Methods: This case-control study was performed in 129 preeclamptic pregnant women and 125 control individuals.The C677T polymorphism of the MTHFR gene was determined by PCR-RFLP method.

Results: The CC, CT and TT genotypes frequency of C677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene were 57.4, 38.8 and 3.9 percent in preeclamptic women and 53.6, 40 and 6.4 percent in control group. They were not significantly different (p=0.614). However, the frequency of TT genotype was higher in control group (p=0.36). There was not any significant difference in T allele distribution between preeclamptic women (23.3%) and control group (26.4%).

Conclusion: Our results showed that there was not any correlation between the C677T polymorphism and PE but the TT genotype of C677T polymorphism seems to be a protective factor for preeclampsia.

Background: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a malignant clonal disorder of hematopoietic stem cells which results in increase of myeloid cells, erythroid cells and platelets in the peripheral blood and hyperplasia in bone marrow. The research evaluates the cytotoxic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of M.polegium before flowering aerial organs on K562 cell line as a model of chronic myeloid leukemia.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental trial, Leaves and stems of M. pulegium before flowering collected from Afoos city and extraction using maceration method. K562 cells were cultured and treated with concentrations of extract (12.5-100 &mug/ml) and different times (24,48,72 hour). Cytotoxicity of M. pulegium before flowering extract against K562 leukemia cells was estimated by the MTT test method. The absorbance was measured using an ELISA plate reader at 540 nm. Survey on data accomplished with the use of SPSS15 software and one-way ANOVA test analysis and Tukey test and p<0.001 was considered significant.

Results: Hydro-alcoholic extract of Mentha pulegium before flowering showed the highest cytotoxic effect (IC50=50 &mug/ml) and 72 hour after treatment on K562 cell line .in other words, hydro-alcoholic extract of Mentha pulegium before flowering extracts a dose and time dependent cytotoxic effect on K562 cell line.

Conclusion: Considering the cytotoxic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of M.polegium before flowering aerial organs on K562 cells, the plant can be considered as a potential candidate for further studies on CML treatment.

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is chronic cyclical pelvic pain associated with menstruation in absence of an identifiable pathological condition. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhea among athletes and non-athlete girls and its relation with body composition.

Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study 223 healthy students aging 20-30 years old from Guilan university randomly divided to two groups (72 athletes and 151 non-athletes). The athletes group engaged in regular physical activity for at least one year, three sessions a week and the non-athletes group were not engaged in any sports activity.  Data were collected by questionnaire and anthropometric measurements.

Results: The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was lower in athletes than non-athletes group (61.1% vs. 88.8%, p<0.001). A significant difference was observed in mood symptoms, physical symptoms and severity of pain between two groups (p<0.05). Also there was statistically significant relationship between body fat and physical symptoms of dysmenorrhea in both groups. However, no statistically significant relationship was observed between physical symptoms of dysmenorrhea, BMI and WHR.

Conclusion: It seems that performing regular exercise can be used as a preventing, treating or supplementary method in control of the early dysmenorrhea.

Background: Today, the self-assessed health status is a standard part of epidemiologic and community based studies. The aim of this study is to assess and evaluate the health related quality of life in Qom city.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive analytical study, population of 340 people over 18 years of Qom city entered the study by filling the questionnaires. A two-part questionnaire was used to collect data which the first part was related to demographic data including age, sex, marital status, education, occupation and place of residence. The second version of the SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life.

Results: Generally, considering the all aspects of quality of life in this study, the mean (±SD) of scores was 67.69±14.78. This average was equal to 67.28±15.91 in men and 67.97±14.03 in women which showed a significant difference between them (p =0.030).

Conclusion: In this study the scores of women and single subjects were higher than other people. By the Persian version of 2nd version of SF-36 questionnaire, the quality of life people in different situations might be realized and impact of different demographic factors on quality of life could be measured.