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Background: Aquatic ecosystems pollution with heavy metals, especially mercury, has always been a major concern for aquatic organisms health. Hence this study not only described an innovative method for analyzing organic mercury compound, but also evaluated total and organic mercury concentrations in great cormorant and compared them with world health standards. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 18 great cormorants were randomly captured in March, 2009. Total and organic mercury of muscle, kidney, and liver tissues were analyzed by an advanced mercury analyzer made in the United States (Model Leco, AMA 254), and statistical analysis was done by Mann-Whitney U, and Kolmogrove-Smirnov tests. Results: Mean accumulated total mercury in liver, kidney, and muscle tissues were 5.67, 3.59, and 2.26 mg kg -1 w.w., respectively and organic mercury formed 82, 79, and 58 % of the total mercury. Conclusion: The levels of accumulated mercury in all tissues of great cormorant were more than the established limits by WHO, FAO, and EPA. These results can be a serious warning for consumers of these birds, especially vulnerable people.

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

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Background: Nowadays, international concern about the impact of antibiotic residues on the environment increased and their removal has received a lot of consideration. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of Fenton’s advanced oxidation process (H2O2/Fe+2) in sulfadiazine antibiotic removal from aqueous solutions. Materials and Methods: An experimental-laboratory scale study was done on a synthetic wastewater containing sulfadiazine antibiotic with 0.079, 0.19, and 0.47 mM concentrations under Fenton’s process. Then optimal values of affecting parameters, such as initial antibiotic concentration, molar ratio of reagents, [Fe+2] and [H2O2] concentration, detention time, and pH, were determined. The discharged effluent analyzed by HPLC-UV to identify the antibiotic residues. Results: The results showed that the optimal parameters in the Fenton’s oxidation process to remove the sulfadiazine included antibiotics at pH 3.5, molar ratio of [H2O2] / [Fe +2] equal to 1.5, and contact time of 15 minutes, respectively. In these optimal conditions, the efficiency of removal of antibiotic in concentrations of 0.079, 0.19, and 0.47 mM were 99.82%, 97.97% and 78.23% and the wastewater COD removal degrees were 83.33%, 78.57%, and 78.57%, respectively. Conclusion: The experiments showed the efficient removal of sulfadiazine antibiotic in wastewater by Fenton’s oxidation process. The efficiency of this method can also be considered in eliminating other antibiotics resistant to biological treatment

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Background: Poly chlorinated biphenyls (PBCs) are the group of organic chemical materials that have a great chemical stability. These compounds are hazardous pollutants which pose various occupational and environmental problems. This study was conducted to determine the effect of microwave rays, hydrogen peroxide, Tio2 catalyst, and ethanol on the decomposition of PBCs. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, a vessel reactor (250ml volume)that was connected with a tube connector to thecondensor system was used. A microwave oven with a fixed frequency of 2450 MHZ was used to provide microwave irradiation and ray powers used at 540, 720 and 900w. pH and temperature of the samples were continuously monitored and the experiments were repeated three times. Askarel oils were analyzed by GC-ECD. Results: The mean of total PCBS degradation at 540, 720, and 900w was 83.88±1.63, 89.27±2.44, and 95.98±0.81%, respectively. The mean of total PCBS degradation in terms of ratio to solvent with oil transformer in 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 was 53.8±3.26, 79.04±1.24, and 95.08±1.69%, respectively. The mean of total PCBS degradation in terms of not using H2o2/Tio2 and using H2O2 (20%) and 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2 g of Tio2 concurrently was 71.47±0.81, 87.9±2.16, 89.48±1.69, 91.7±1.24, and 93.07±3.09 %, respectively. Conclusion: Using microwave irradiation in the presence of H2O2 oxidant and Tio2 catalyst leads to the reduction of PCBS.

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Background: In recent years, changes in the composition of Iranian population into aged population have increased the need for more information about the quality of life (QOL) of this group. Proper planning for this age group for increasing their quality of life depends on the identification of factors associated with QOL. The aim of the current study was to assess the quality of life and its relationship with the quality of diet in elderly people aged 60 years and more living in the urban areas of Markazi province. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 165 elderly people in the urban areas of Markazi Province in 2010. Data obtained via general and QOL (SF-36) questionnaires and three 24-hour recalls on food. The quality of diet was measured using Healthy Eating index. Results: The means of total SF-36, physical and mental components scores were 55.66, 51.32 and 57.30, respectively. Additionally, the average overall healthy eating index score was 82.83. The results showed that the total, physical, and mental components of SF-36 scores in the elderly were positively associated with the healthy eating index but not significantly (P=0.2). QOL and diet scores were significantly associated with age, sex, education, previous employment, income, leisure activities, exercise, insurance, smoking, present disease, and drug consumption (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that the QOL in the elderly was not related to their quality of diet.

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Background: Aging in men is characterized by a progressive, moderate decrease in plasma testosterone. However, the associations of partial androgen deficiency of the aging male with clinical symptoms are controversial. This study investigates the association between the androgen deficiency symptoms (based on ADAM questionnaire) and sex hormone levels in men over 40 years old. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 171 healthy men over 40 years old. Demographic data and ADAM questionnaire were completed by each patient. Also, serum levels of free testosterone, estradiol, LH, and FSH were determined using the ELISA method. The data was analyzed by Chi-squared, Mann-whitney U test and Logistic Regression Test. Results: Based on ADAM questionnaire, 85 patients (49.7%) had androgen deficiency symptoms, and there was a significant relationship between these symptoms and age. However there was no significant correlation between the total score of the questionnaire with sex hormones, and only sexual symptoms were significantly associated with low testosterone levels. Conclusion: It seems that the clinical symptoms of androgen deficiency cannot precisely predict the levels of sex hormones in elderly men. Nevertheless, hypogonadism diagnosis can be clinically suspected when symptoms of sexual dysfunction are present

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Background: Heat shock proteins (HSP) are from proteins family playing crucial role in maintaining cellular hemostats and protecting cells in an acute and chronic stressful conditions. The object of this study is to investigate the alternation of heat shock proteins (HSP70) levels after Wingate and Strand tests in female students.

Materials and Methods: In this semi- experimental study, 40 female (20 athletics and 20 non-athletics) with the mean age 22.3±3 & 23.2±2, Height 159.2±5 & 161.2±4 cm and mean weight of 59.3±3 & 65.4±2 kg (respectively) were selected randomly and underwent training protocols of Wingate and Strand tests with 3 days intervals. 5 cc brachial vein blood samples were taken immediately before and after performing tests in order to analyze the data using repeated measure method.

Results: The findings showed significant increase after aerobic Strand test between athletics and non-athletics Female (p<0.01). But, after aerobic Wingate test, a significant increased was observed only in Athletes' group (p>0.05). But there was an insignificant reduction in non-athlete group.

Conclusion: The results showed that exercise duration is more important than exercise intensity in HSP70 production.

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Background: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the probable changes of HSP70 , liver enzymes & Cpk in professional athletes after a training season and participating in skating open world championship.

Materials and Methods: 10 elite female skaters were chosen. Eccentric exercise test were performed in three sections (24 hours before the beginning of the training, after six months of training (before participating in Skating World Championship) and 24 hours after the end of world championship). The training program consisted of 26 weeks of training, performed 5 times a week encompassing specialized skate trainings. Blood samples were taken before and after each eccentric exercise test.

Results: there was no significant change, in HSP70 concentration in response to eccentric exercise test, in pre exercise period (p>0.898). But, it illustrated a significant increase in after eccentric exercise test, in post exercise period (p<0.031). Moreover, in measuring down, it showed a significant increased in the amount of liver enzymes and Cpk after eccentric exercise test in second and third step compared to first step (p<0.05).

Conclusion: the results of the study illustrated that improving an athlete's physical fitness level during training season and matches leads to a significant increase in the protective level of the body (via the production of HSP70), depending also on the ability of the body of the individual in producing that protein. It can also be stated probably individual body fitness level, is an important factor in determining ALT, AST, ALP levels after performing eccentric exercise.

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Background: Adenoidal hypertrophy is a common condition of childhood, when abstructive sleep apnea ocurs adenoidectomy is indicated. In less sever cases, non surgical interventions maybe considered, however few medical altematives are currently available. Intranasal steroids used to reduce nasal airway obstruction. The aim  of this study to assesthe effectiveness of intranasal corticosteroids for improving nasal airway obstruction and in children with adenoid hypertrophy.

Materials and methods: 77 children 1-12 years exhibiting adenoid hypertrophy symptom and confirmed with radiologic imaging and without tonsilar hypertropy that not inclined to surgery were included and divided two groups in one group were treatend with intranasal betanethason 3 times daily for 3 weeks and and second group treatend with intranasal NACL as placebo. The subjects were assessed for airway obstruction symptoms including, snoring mounth breathing and prulaunt rhinorea, via questionarre ear examination, first month and third month of treatment.

Results: Intranasal betanethasone improved airway obstruction symptoms especially night snoring but hadn’t effective on other symptoms and infection complications including rhinorea.

Conclusion: Intranasal betanethasone can be used as alterative treatment for adenoidal hypertroply because its effect on airway obstruction symptoms due to probably reduction adenoideal size.

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Background: Racial and environmental factors may influence the refractive errors, corneal curvature and thickness. These variables were evaluated in Arak residential university students.

Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional observational study 400 students aged 18-30 years old living in Arak city that were eligible for the study. Demographic and past medical history information of all students was recorded and the corneal thickness (CT) and curvature (CC) and refractive error were measured. The correlation between refractive indices and CT and CC were investigated in all cases and also in refractive subgroups.

Results: The mean of CT, CC and power were 533.22(±32.02) µm, 7.75(±0.28) mm and 43±1.66 Diopters respectively. There were significant correlation between refractive error and CT in hyperopic subgroup (p=0.029) and between CT and CC in myopic subgroup (p=0.007). The mean of CC of myopic and astigmatic subgroups were significantly more than normal cases.

Conclusion: These findings are similar to the other international researches about corneal thickness, curvature and refractive errors in normal population. It seems further studies with more and older cases are necessary to investigate the impact of climatic condition and industrial air pollution on refractive errors and corneal parameters.

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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.

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Background: Aging is associated with appetite decline, weight loss, reduced muscle mass and increased fat mass. Ghrelin and Obestatin are two peptides that effect appetite. According to importance of physical activity in energy balance and some body composition variables the aim of this study is investigate the amount of ghrelin, obestatin and some body composition variables and their relationship in athletes and non-athletes 50 -70 year old men.

Materials and Methods: This is an analytical study. Thirty athletes and thirty non-athletes 50-70 years old men took part in this research. Ghrelin, obestatin and some body composition variables include weight, muscle mass, fat mass, present boy fat and body mass index were measured.

Results: The result of this study showed that muscle mass significantly (p<0.01) and ghrelin insignificantly (p=0.16) were higher in athlete group. In addition percent body fat was lower in athletes group insignificantly (p=0.13). There was negative significant relationship between ghrelin and obestatin with muscle mass and positive significant relationship between ghrelin and obestatin with percent body fat in non-athletes group. There was strong relation between ghrelin and obestatin in both groups.

Conclusion: Regular participating in basketball training can increase muscle mass in 50-70 years old men. It seems that exercise training can delay aging effects on body composition by increasing some anabolic hormones such as ghrelin and growth hormone and it can change relationship between ghrelin, obestatin and some body composition variables.

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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.

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Background: Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes, early-stage melanomas can be treated effectively with surgery alone, but more advanced cancers often incurable. The incidence of melanoma malignancy in most countries has risen faster than any other cancer types. It was the first time which we evaluated the cytotoxic effects of zno and Ag/zno nano-composites (NP) on melanoma cell line, A375, viability.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, A375 cell line was grown in RPMI-1640 supplemented with 10% FBS, penicillin/streptomycin (100 U/ml, 100 µg/ml) at 37◦C in 5% CO2, then the effects of different concentrations of zno and Ag/zno nano-composites on melanoma cell were evaluated by MTT, clonogenic survival assays, and acridine orange/ ethidium bromide staining.

Results: Herein, we demonstrated that Zno and Ag/zno nano-composites showed similar effects on cytotoxicity of melanoma cancer cells. In a dose dependent manner, a significant cytotoxicity was observed with increasing of zno and Ag/zno. The inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) values of the nano-composites for A375 cell line after 24 hrs were 7.24±1.55 and 15.93±1.73 µg/ml for zno and Ag/zno, respectively.

Conclusion: The results showed that zno and Ag/zno has ability to induce cytotoxicity in the human melanoma cancer cell line in lower micromolar concentrations. In conclusion, these findings may introduce a new view on the mode of action and possible application of new nano-composites in the cancer chemotherapy.

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Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease. Hypertension could occur as a result of chronic inflammation in RA patients. Some evidence demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects of alpha-lipoic acid in inflammatory diseases. However, a limited number of studies have evaluated the effects of alpha-lipoic acid in rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on blood pressure and some inflammatory factors.

Materials and Methods: The present study was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial in which 70 female patients aged 20–50 years were randomized to two groups to receive either alpha-lipoic acid (1200 mg/day) or placebo. The intervention duration was 8 weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured before and after the supplementation period. Also, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS13 software.

Results: 65 RA patients completed the trial. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure in alpha-lipoic acid group was significantly decreased in comparison with placebo group (p<0.05). But, CRP and IL-6 serum levels did not indicate any significant within- and between group changes.

Conclusion: In the present study, alpha-lipoic acid supplementation resulted in significant blood pressure reduction in rheumatoid arthritis participants.

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Background: Allergic rhinitis is a common disease which is present in 20% of general population. Major symptoms include sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and nasal pruritus. It seems that tricyclic antidepressants blocking histamine receptors may be used as an effective treatment in allergic rhinitis.

Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 84 patients with allergic rhinitis entered the study and randomly divided into two groups. Patients of 1st group received cetirizine and 2nd group received doxepin for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks patients were evaluated about sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and nasal pruritus.

Results: The results of our study showed that clinical score of patients after 2 weeks was not different in both groups (p=0.261). The only symptom that was affected by the kind of treatment and was significantly different between groups was sneezing (p=0.005).

Conclusion: It seems that there is not much difference in using cetirizine and doxepin in treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis sympotoms. It is recommended that future studies use TCAs with more potent blocking anti-histamine receptors feature and on more samples.

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Background: Glucose-6- phosphate Dehydrogenase enzyme (G6PD) is an enzyme deficiency that is transported inheritably. The lack of this enzyme decreases the energy revival of red blood cells and leads to Hemolysis which is the cause of severe neonatal jaundice. This study aims to investigating glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hyperbilirubinemia, and blood incompatibility in newborn babies in larestan city, located in south of Fars province, following the newborn screening national plan.

Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional and descriptive study on 12079 newborns in larestan city that referred to the screeing center from the start of 2010 to the end of 2012. The blood samples were taken from the newborns' heels and were evaluated through G6PD tluorescent spot test. They were examined regarding their blood group, hematocrit, hemoglobin, Coombs test, reticulocyte count and bilirubin levels as well as demographic information.

Results: In this research, among the 12079 screened newborns, 2345 ones showed G6PD deficiency with a prevalence of 19.41 which is a high percentage in comparison to those of other cities in Iran. The prevalence of O+ blood group among sick babies and their mothers was significantly higher than of other blood groups. (60% and 56%, respectively). The Hyperbilirubinemia and the indirect coombs tests were positive in 52% and 12% of the sick babies, respectively.

Conclusion: The prevalence percentage of lack of this enzyme in girls of Larestan city is a little higher than in boys, even though since this disease depends on X, it should be more prevalent in boys.

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Background: Fungal spores are present in large amounts in the nature which may cause diseases in the susceptible individuals. Fungal rhinosinusitis has been increased during recent decades. This study aims to investigate fungal rhinosinusitis in the patients with chronic needing endoscopic sinus surgery aims and to determine the sensitivity of the isolates to rhin sinusitis antifungal agents.

Materials and Methods: In cross sectional study, specimens were obtained in sterile plates containing normal saline. from the suspected cases of chronic rhinosinusitis who had undergone endoscopic sinus surgery. Microscopic experiments and Cultures were done in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar medium. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the growth of fungi for seven antifungal agents against the isolates was determined using E-Test.

Results: In total, specimens from 102 immunocompetent patients were examined. Nine positive specimens were presented, consisting of 3 for Aspergillus fumigatus, 3 for Penicillium, 2 for Aspergillus flavus and 1 for Alternaria. The mean age of the patients was 38 years, with 59 males and 43 females. The isolates were most sensitive to the voriconazole and amphotericin B.

Conclusion: Since the prevalence of fungal rhinosinusitis is low, unfortunately, the clinicians are not attentive enough to the condition, and they initiate antifungal therapy if the patients are not responsive to antibiotics. Early diagnosis and suitable treatment can help more efficient management of patients.

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Background: Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that broadly is used to treat gram negative bacteria infections, although it has side effects such as nephrotoxicity. According to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties of Zataria Multiflora, the effects of co-treatment with zataria Multiflora and hydroalcholic extract on gentamicin induced nephrotoxicitj were investigated.

Materials and Methods: In this study, male rats of Vistar race were divided into 4 groups: control group, co-treatment with gentamicin and vehicle group, co-treatment with gentamicin and zataria Multifiora extract group, and co-treatment with zataria Multiflora extract and normal saline solution group. Zataria Multiflora hydroalcoholic extract was added to drinking water as 800 PPm concentration. They, systolic blood pressure and renal blood flow (RBF) were measured. Also, the amounts of urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium and osmolarity were measured in plasma and urine samples

 Results: In co-treatment group with zataria Multiflora extract, the amounts of urea, creatinine, absolute sodium excretion and relative sodium and potassium excretion and malondialdehyde (MDA) that have been inceased in treatment with gentamicin, significantly were reduced. Creatinine clearance, urine osmolarity, RBF and FRAP that was decreased in gentamicin group in compare to control group, significantly increased.

Conclusion: Co-treatment prevents nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin and attenuates oxidative-stress associated renal injury by reducing oxygen free radicals and lipid peroxidation, So it can be effective to cure rats receiving gentamicin.

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Background: The definite treatment of indicated Hypertrophy of the tonsils is Tonsillectomy. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and necessity of diclofenac suppository and simultaneous prescription of acetaminophen alone in controlling and reducing pain and improving swallowing and satisfaction after surgery for tonsillectomy in children.

Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 180 children 7 to 14 years Tvnsykltvmy surgery were enrolled. Patients in an improbable way, easy and were divided into three groups of 60. Immediately after the surgery acetaminophen, diclofenac, or a combination of both was used. The cases of pain in the early hours, seventh, thirteenth and nineteenth after surgery were compared.

Results: There was a significant difference between the average pains of all groups in all hours (p<0.05). There was a significant difference between the groups from the point of view of side effects such as Nausea, Vomiting and Pyrexia (p<0.05), But there was no significant difference between the groups from the point of view of After Surgery Bleeding (p>0.05).

Conclusion: We can say that Rectal Diclofenac is a more effective medication for reducing pain after the Tonsillectomy surgery in contrast with Rectal Acetaminophen or a mixture of the two, which may cause the patients to use less Narcotics after the surgery.