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Background: Candida species are the most common yeasts that reside in oral cavity in 30 - 50% of people, and are capable to produce opportunistic infections within the oral cavity. This study was done to determine the effect of cigarette smoking on the type and degree of Candida oral carriage. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, oral Candida flora in 34 smoker and 66 non-smoker men were compared. All of the samples were collected by swab and examined by direct microscopy and culture on CHOROM agar Candida and corn meal agar media. Isolated colonies were identified by carbohydrate assimilation method using RapID Yeast PLUS System. Results: Out of the 34 smoker individuals, 27(79.4%) had Candida colonization in their oral cavity while 30(45.5%) of the 66 non-smoker individuals had developed this kind of colonization. A significant difference was observed between the two groups (p<0.05). Additionally, there was a significant difference in the degree of colonisation and the type of candida species which were isolated from the oral cavity of the smoker and nonsmoker groups. Conclusion: Cigarette smoking can act as an important underlying factor in oral candidiasis.

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Background: Due to concerns over the negative impacts of PCB compounds on environment and their persistence, their production, use, and import has been banned in some countries. More recently, the Chemical Treaty on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) has listed PCBs among priority chemicals for eventual elimination by 2025. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of solvents on the photodegradation of askarel oils using photolysis for reducing their hazards. Materials and Methods: The photochemical reactor, used in this experimental trial, was based on photolysis through UV/ H2O2 with a 500 ml beaker and low-pressure mercury lamp with a wavelength of 254 nm. The lamp was immersed in the beaker. The temperature and PH of the samples were constantly monitored. The experiments were repeated three times. Askarel oils were analyzed by GC/ECD. Results: The means of degradation of total PCBs due to the use of lamp for ethanol solvent and isooctane were 88% and 77%, respectively. The mean degradation of total PCBs in terms of the applied solvent ratio to the oil transformer for 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 values for ethanol and isooctane were 55%, 85%, and 88%, and 40%, 77%, and 78%, respectively. Conclusion: Photolysis of PCB compounds in the presence of ethanol solvents, isoocatnes with strong oxidants such as H2O2, indicated their degradation or reduction in oil transformers with lower energy, and no yield of toxic byproducts. There was a significant difference in the employment of ethanol solvent and isooctane in degradation of askarel oil.

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Background: One way of embryo preservation is cryopreservation, but this process may damage and lead to the loss of the embryos, and bring about chromosomal abnormality. This has led researchers to seek techniques for short term preservation of embryos in 0-10 ºC temperatures. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of short time exposure to 4°C temperature on the expression profiles of mono-carboxylic transporter genes 1,2 ,3, and 4(MCT1-4) in 4-cell mouse embryos. Materials and Methods: In this fundamental study, forty 4-cell mouse embryos from NMRI strain were randomly divided into two groups. The first group consisted of fresh 4-cell embryos, and the second group included 4-cell mouse embryos that were exposed to 4°C temperature for 24 hours. After RT-PCR, the samples were electro-phoresised for expressing the MTC1-4 genes. Results: The expression of MCT 1-3 was observed in the first group, but the obtained results did not indicate their expression in the second group. Conclusion: Preservation of 4-cell embryos in 4°C for 24 hours inhibits the expression of MCT 1-3 genes. Keeping embryos in 4°C temperature is not a proper way for their short time preservation.

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Background: Recently, reports have been made of the effects of boric acid (BA) on cancer prevention and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. This study was designed to investigate the effects of this compound on K562 cell line as a model of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Materials and Methods: In this experimental trial, K562 cell line was cultured in the presence of 0.75 to 12 mmol concentrations of boric acid for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hour intervals. Anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects of BA were measured by trypan blue exclusion test and MTT assay, respectively. Flow-cytometery was utilized for evaluating the effects of BA on cell cycle. Wright-giemsa staining was used for determining the effects of BA, and latex phagocytic assay was used for evaluating the phagocytic potential of the differentiated cells. Results: BA induced growth inhibition of K562 cells in a dose and time dependent manner after 96 hours of treatment with 12 mmol BA, cell proliferation of K562 cells was inhibited to about 83% (p<0.001). In addition, BA induced G1 cell cycle arrest in a way that for instance, after 6 days of treatment with 9 mmol BA, 98% of cell populations were at G1 level. Wright-giemsa staining and latex phagocytic assay results confirmed that K562 cells differentiated toward monocyte-macrophage lineage. Conclusion: Noticing the anti-proliferative and differentiating effects of BA, and no evidence of its adverse effects, this compound can be used as alone or in combination with other drugs in CML differentiation therapy.

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Sleep is one of the basic needs of human and any disorder in its natural flow in addition to creating psychological problems can reduce the individual performance. There are descriptions and references about sleep and its features in Quran. In Naba Surش sleep has been referred to as a weakness that indicates a disease state. However, the conditions for the occurrence of sleep can be inferred from Kahf Sura, verse 11, which states: “a major quality of sleep is that one cannot estimate its duration”. In several other verses, sleep is said to be similar to temporary death. Substances such as endorphins, cortisol, and encephalin cause euphoria and have direct impacts on different parts of the body including skeletal muscles that lead to muscle comfort during the day. The amount of secretion of these materials into the body in the morning hours significantly increases. Therefore, waking up early in the morning can bring about euphoria and can have positive impacts which last till the end of the day. According to the findings released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer World Health Organization, men and women who work night shifts are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer and prostate cancer, respectively. Night sleep is a divine blessing that God has endowed people and God in verse 23 of Rome Sura refers to sleep as “one of the signs revealed to people” and asks people to search and investigate about it so as to realize to what extent night sleep can contribute to human perfection and success

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Dermatoglyphic patterns are formed during the first and the second fetal development trimesters and they remain unchanged afterwards. At the end of the fourth month of fetal development, fingertips are formed along with brain and other derived ectodermia developments. In the 19th century, the mystery of human fingertips was discovered, and it was realized that fingertips consist of tiny network lines in the epiderms of the skin, and are exclusive to every individual, even to twins. In this study, through library research, by reviewing quantitative and qualitative dermatoglyphic patterns, the miracle of fingertips was considered based on Quran and Islamic commandments. Much research has been done comparing individual dermatoglyphic patterns of hands among various races, and the quantitative and qualitative relationship between dermatoglyphic patterns and diseases such as schizophrenia, nervous disorders, Down syndrome, diabetes I, Alzheimer, multiple sclerosis, congenital spinal abnormalities, and psoriasis disease has been shown. Accordingly, finger prints are used for identifying individuals, detecting criminals, and studying disease of genetic background. They can also be used as clues in determining the etiology of diseases. Fingertip sign is unique for every individual. Quran, in response to those who deny the resurrection after decomposition of the body and bones (Saffat, 37: 16), declares that Allah almighty, is not only capable of recreating them, but also is able to make human fingertips again (75: 3-4). The study shows the importance of human’s fingertips as the miracle of human creation, and reveals why Quran emphasizes on them as one indication of resurrection.

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As the world is moving at the fastest possible speed toward industrialization, great technical developments, and becoming a place devoid of difficulties and troubles, the issue of illnesses and mental problems still persists as an unpleasant matter which is quite noticeable. This study was done through reviewing the available Quranic books and resources. In such matters, Quran and Hadith are rich in both content and foundation and play a vital role in decreasing and alleviating mental pressures and enhancing and establishing mental health in the society. In this regard, Islam (Quran and Hadith) enjoys and offers recommendations and solutions for fortifying the individual’s mental and spiritual basis in the society in a way that it eliminates the peoples’ economic and mental pressures and strengthens or establishes their economic mental hygiene. In this regard, the solutions and recommendations of Quran and Hadith can be applied to the treatment of the majority of economic mental diseases and their consequences.

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Background: One of the main complications associated with arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients is the median nerve ischemic neuropathy in the wrist. This study was conducted to examine the effect of arteriovenous fistula on the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 37 hemodialysis patients at Shahid Mohammadi Hospital of Bandar Abbas in 2007-2008. All of the patients had either a distal or a proximal arteriovenous fistula in one hand. Nerve conduction velocity and median nerve distal sensory and motor latency were applied to the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. The limb with fistula (the case) was compared to the one without it. Data were analyzed through independent t-test and Pearson product correlation. Results: Overall, 17 patients had proximal and the rest had distal fistulas. Fistulas aging more than one year were seen in 15 patients and 22 patients had fistulas less than one year old. Carpal tunnel syndrome had developed in 25 wrists with fistula (17 motor and 8 sensory cases) and 27 wrists without fistula. A significant difference was observed in the median nerve distal sensory latency between the wrists with fistula and those without it. There was not a significant difference between the variables. In addition, there was a significant difference between the age of the fistulas and the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome. Conclusion: The rate of the development of carpal tunnel syndrome in wrists with or without fistula is the same. Also, the site of the fistula does not have any effects on the incidence of the median nerve ischemic neuropathy.

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Background: Some plant extracts, including species of Santolina have antibacterial effects and they can be used as antimicrobial agents in treatment of infections. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the compounds of essential oil and the anti-microbial properties of its essential oil and extract. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, yarrow plant in late spring was collected from Sistan region in 2008. The compounds of the essential oil were analyzed by GC/MS. In this study, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and diameter of inhibition zone of growth for the standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli, P.aeruginosa, and Candida.albicans were determined through disk diffusion and agar-well diffusion methods and dilution in the liquid medium, respectively. Results: Camphor was the major compound of the essential oil. The standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus presented the greatest sensitivity to the stem extract and leaf extract in MIC> 0.573 and MBC> 1.146, respectively and to the flower extract in MBC> 1.663 and MIC> 0.831, respectively. In addition, it presented an intermediate sensitivity to standard strains E.coli with MBC> 2.293 and MIC> 1.146, respectively to the stem and leaf extract and MBC> 6.650 and MIC> 3.325 respectively to the flower extract. However, the standard strains of Candida albicans and P.aeruginosa did not show a significant sensitivity to the extracts. Also, the essential oil of this plant in comparison with the extracts did not have any significant antimicrobial effects. Conclusion: The plant extracts, especially stem and leaf possess anti-bacterial effects. But further investigations are needed for determining its exact mechanism

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Background: Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most common causes of end stage renal diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory roles of rosmarinic acid in inhibition of diabetic nephropathy. Materials and Methods:In this experimental study, 40 male rats were uninephrectomized from the left flank. The rats were randomly divided into four groups of ten: Group1 (control), group 2 (control) including untreated diabetic rats, and groups 3 and 4 (treatment groups) that received rosmarinic acid 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Diabetes was induced in groups 2, 3, and 4 by subcutaneous injection of alloxan. After 8 weeks, serum malondialdehyde was measured. Kidney paraffin sections were prepared and stained by periodic acid Schiff method. Glomerular, intraglomerular mesangial, and glomerular capillary volumes were estimated by stereological methods. Data were analyzed by SPSS 13 software and Man-Whitney nonparametric test. Results: The level of serum malondialdehyde in treatment groups was maintained at the level of control group. Glomerular hypertrophy, mesangial expansion, and reduction of glomerular capillary volume in groups treated by rosmarinic acid were significantly inhibited compared with the untreated diabetic group, but the levels of these variables were significantly different from that of the control group. Conclusion: Rosmarinic acid significantly ameliorates glomerular hypertrophy, mesangial expansion, and glomerullar capillary volume in diabetic rats.

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Background: Localization of ectopic parathyroid glands is one of the most sophisticated challenges in endocrine surgery and there is considerable controversy regarding the suitable approach to localize ectopic parathyroid glands and indications for using different modalities. The failure of the first operation leads to pain, scar, and financial burden of the following operation. Case: The patient was a 39-year-old woman hospitalized with hematuria as the main complaint and noticing the presentation of hypercalcemia in the initial tests underwent more thorough examination. Ultrasonography and 99mTc sestamibi scan helped us to localize the ectopic parathyroid gland in an anterior mediastinum and treat the patient in a one stage operation. Conclusion: Paying careful attention to the symptoms and signs, considering all differential diagnoses, and using appropriate diagnostic methods can be helpful in the diagnosis of rare syndromes.

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Background: Influenza is an acute respiratory disease caused by influenza virus. Influenza epidemics are reported every year and worldwide pandemics occur with varying frequencies. The majority of mortalities are due to underlying diseases and complications associated with influenza. In this study, we evaluated ten fatal cases caused by the established type A influenza (H1N1) infection in the 2009-2010 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This mortality survey was compiled by a review of the deceased patients’ files. The assessed variables were demographic data, underlying diseases, secondary infections, delayed commencement of therapy, and non-medication. Collected data were analyzed by measures of central tendency and dispersion using SPSS software. Results: In the ten deaths due to the established H1N1 virus, the median of age was 30 years and 90% of the cases had underlying diseases. Ninety percent of the deaths occurred during October and November and the rest took place in December and February. Conclusion: The main cause of death was the delayed commencement of antiviral treatment. This emphasizes the importance of timely treatment in high risk patients. In flu pandemics, physicians should swiftly start specific therapy in at-risk groups to reduce the mortality rates.

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Background: Brucellosis is an endemic disease in Iran and its treatment is a medical problem. This study was performed to observe the influence of the administration of corticosteroid on symptomatology of subjects with acute, subacute, and chronic brucellosis. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 48 patients with brucellosis were randomly assigned to two groups. The first group (N=30) received the standard regimen plus dexamethasone (4 mg t.d.s for 5 days) and the second group (N=17) received only the standard regimen. The results of corticosteroid administration were evaluated according to such factors as clinical status of the patient, duration of hospital stay, duration of illness, pain score, and use of analgesics. The results were analyzed by Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, independent sample t-test, and Mann-Whitney test. Results: No significant differences were seen in the mean of hospital stay, duration of illness, and use of oral and injectable analgesics between the two groups (P<0.05). Also, there was not a significant difference in mean pain score reduction between groups 1 and 2 (P<0.05). Conclusion: Noticing the findings of this study, corticosteroid does not seem to alter the clinical course of brucellosis significantly. Nevertheless, further controlled clinical trials with larger sample sizes are recommended

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Background: Gastric cancer is a common and lethal disease throughout the world. This study was designed and carried out to determine the five-year survival rate of gastric cancer patients who had undergone surgical treatment at Taleghani Hospital of Tehran, and to assess its associated factors. Materials and Methods: In this historical-cohort study, information obtained from a total of 213 gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery at Taleghani Hospital of Tehran between 2003 and 2008 was included. In the analyses, Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, Cox proportional hazards model, and Lin-Ying additive hazards model were used. Results: The five-year survival rate and the median life expectancy in the studied patients were 14.6% and 29.6 months, respectively. Two covariates showed significant impacts on the gastric cancer patients’ data in both models: age at diagnosis and tumor size. We found that pathologic stage was significant under the Lin-Ying model (P=0.043) however, it was not significant under the Cox model (P=0.069). Other clinicopathological characteristics were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Since Cox and Lin-Ying models consider different aspects of the association between risk factors and the study outcome, it seems desirable to use both of them as complementary models but not as alternative models to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of data. This study showed that the early detection of patients in younger ages and in primary stages is important to decrease the risk of death in patients with gastric cancer and to increase the survival rate.

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Background: Sodium arsenite has adverse effects on the reproductive system and vitamin E is a strong antioxidant and reproductive factor in the reproductive system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin E on the structure and the number of ovarian follicles during its development in rats treated with sodium arsenite. Materials and Methods: Pregnant Wister rats (n=4) were divided into 4 equal groups, including control, vitamin E (100mg/kg/day), sodium arsenite (8mg/kg/day), and sodium arsenite+vitamin E. Oral treatment of the pregnant rats started from the 7th day of pregnancy till the end of the weaning and continued till the age of 120 days. After the treatment period, the right ovary was removed and fixed, and then the mean number of ovarian follicles and atretic follicles, mean thickness of zona pellucida, and volume of oocytes and its nuclei in different types of follicle were determined. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and the mean difference was considered significant at P<0.05. Results: In the vitamin E+sodium arsenite group, significant increase(P<0.05) in the total number of follicles, mean number of primordial, primary, secondary, antral, and graafian follicles, significant reduction (P<0.05) in atretic follicles, and significant increase(P<0.05) in the thickness of zona pllucida in secondary and antral follicles as well as oocyte volume in parimordial and primary follicles and its nuclei in primary, secondary, antral, and graffian follicles were observed in comparison with the other groups. Vitamin E in the sodium arsenite+vitamin E group increased the number of different types of follicles and the thickness of the zona pllucida (P<0.05), decreased the number of atretic follicles, and increased the volume of oocyte and its nuclei to the level of the control group. Conclusion: Vitamin E can be administered as a supplement to compensate for the adverse effects of sodium arsenite.

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Background: Live attenuated Shigella vaccines have shown promise in inducing protective immune responses in human clinical trials. The aim of this study was to design and construct pDS132::∆icsA as a suicide plasmid for targeted deletion of a region of icsA gene in Shigella. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, species and serotypes of Shigella isolated from diarrhea samples of children at Firozabadi and Milad Hospitals of Tehran were confirmed by using serological and PCR tests. Identification primers of icsA gene were designed and then cloned to the pGEM-5zf vector and sequenced. According to icsA restriction enzyme map, 1751 bp of icsA gene was deleted by HincП restriction enzyme and the ∆icsA was constructed successfully. The pGEM∆icsA vector was digested by use of SphI and SalI enzymes and was then cloned to a suicide vector (pSD132). Precision of the process was confirmed by phenotype and genotype tests. Results: The Shigella dysenteriae type 1 strain was verified by serological tests and PCR. Sequence of the icsA gene in the native strain was identical to the strains submitted in the gene-bank database. Since the pDS132::∆icsA contains 1484 bp derived from icsA gene, it can be used to disrupt icsA gene as a specific suicide vector. Conclusion: Application of suicide systems facilitated mutant construction in more specific and effective methods in comparison with the other primary techniques such as serial passage.

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

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Background: Acute pancreatitis is a common cause of abdominal pain, without any characteristic signs, symptoms, or a gold standard diagnostic modality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of urine trypsinogen-2 strip test in acute pancreatitis. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 76 patients with abdominal pain suspected to acute pancreatitis who were admitted to the Emergency ward of Valiasr Hospital, Arak, were evaluated. In 46 patients, acute pancreatitis was confirmed (pancreatitis group), whereas in 28 patients, acute pancreatitis was ruled out (control group). In both groups serum levels of amylase, lipase, CRP, and urine trypsinogen-2 were measured by quantitative and qualitative methods. Sensitivity and specificity of the tests were determined and data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Urine trypsinogen-2 dipstick was positive in 36 of the 45 patients in the pancreatitis group (sensitivity: 80%) and in 2 of the 28 patients in the control group (specificity: 92.8%). Urine trypsinogen-2 ELISA test was positive in 41 of the 45 patients in the pancreatitis group (sensitivity: 91.1%) and in 4 of the 28 patients in the control group (specificity: 89%). Amylase sensitivity and specificity were equal to 82.6% and 75%, respectively. Lipase sensitivity and specificity were 76% and 85.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Urine trypsinogen-2 dipstick can be used to differentiate acute pancreatitis from other causes of abdominal pain. This rapid, easy-to-use, and accurate test can be used in emergency wards and primary health care units with limited diagnostic facilities.

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Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a human opportunistic pathogen which is considered one of the agents causing nosocamial infection. Recent studies have reported increased resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to imipenem. The aim of this study was to determine resistance to antipseudomonal antibiotics including imipenem in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains obtained from clinical samples of patients in hospitals in Arak, Iran, were identified and isolated through microbiological methods, including Gram staining, oxidase test, Indol test, and oxidative-fermentative test. Then antibiotic susceptibility test was performed for imipenem, meropenem, gentamicin, amikacin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftazidime by disk diffusion method according to NCCLS (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards) .Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was done for determining imipenem-resistant strains Results: Antibiotic susceptibility test showed that resistance rates to imipenem, meropenem, gentamicin, amikacin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftazidime were 35%, 35%, 14%, 9%, 23% and 15%, respectively. Also, MIC test showed that 30 strains were resistant to imipenem, 27 to ceftazidime, 35 to cefepime, and 35 to ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated a high rate of antibiotics resistant of Pseudomonas aeroginosa strains to different antibiotic groups. Therefore, new and more effective methods should be found for controlling Pseudomonas infections and preventing the outbreak of its antibiotic-resistant strains.

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Background: Genu varum is a deformity marked by outward bowing of the leg which is accompanied with pain only in severe cases. Failure in timely diagnosis results in the loss of quality of life in future and high health care costs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate genu varum prevalence in male students aged 7-16 years and identify the cases in need of treatment. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, femoral intercondylar distance (ICD) of 3692 male students aged 7-16 years who were chosen randomly in Arak city was measured. ICD>0.5 cm was considered as genu varum and to determine whether cases need treatment, the MT-MF angle and WBL% were used. Results: The results indicated that the prevalence of genu varum was 2.53% in primary school, 6.98% in junior high school, and 16.33% in senior high school students. The findings showed a significant relationship between the prevalence of genu varum and age, BMI, and the history of lower limb trauma with or without fracture. Overall, 33% of the students required treatment. Conclusion: Considering the importance of having healthy knees, clinical examination and regular screening programs for identifying cases with mild genu varum is recommended. The importance of implementation of regular screening programs is confirmed by the increasing prevalence of diseases associated with age and the high percentage of patients requiring treatment.