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Background: Maternal diabetes is associated with an increased risk of several complications in the offspring, such as the growth of congenital disturbances and malformations. In the present study, we examined the effects of maternal hyperglycemia on the volume of brain and lateral ventricle in newborn Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, on the 7th day of pregnancy, hyperglycemia was induced by a single injection (i.p.) of streptozotocin (55 mg kg-1) and the animals in control group were given an equal volume of citrate buffer. After parturition on the first day of birth, a litter was randomly selected from each mother, their brains dissected and fixed in 10% formalin. Then they were sectioned with 7μm thickness and stained by H.E. Through the use of stereological techniques and systematic random sampling scheme, the volume of the brain and lateral ventricles were estimated. Results: Statistical analyses showed significant increases (p<0.05) in the volume of the brains and lateral ventricles in the experiment group in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: By affecting blood brain barrier permeability in newborn rats, maternal diabetes can generate a large amount of CSF. These effects can bring about brain disorders such as hydrocephalus.

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  Introduction: Researches indicates that physical training are a basic component of pulmonary rehabilitation in asthmatic patients , and can result in improvement of sign and symptoms of asthmatic patients.The purpose of present study is evaluation of the effects of physical exercises on pulmonary function and clinical manifestations and signs and symptoms of asthmatic patients.

  Materials and methods: The samples included 24 asthmatic patients that participated in a physical exercise program have refered to Ardebil Bou _Ali Hospital (1386) .The researcher followed test –re-test design in the present study.

  The data were collected using an asthma clinical manifestations questionnaire and pulmonary function test (Spirometery).

  Results: Physical exercises program was effective in improvement pulmonary function of asthmatic patients, and exercises decrease asthmatic signs such as: attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing.

  Conclusion: The results indicate that asthmatic patients would benefit from a physical training and such a physical exercise program can be adapted for use in clinical practice.

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Background: Dysmenorrhea is seen in nearly 5% of women with regular menstruation. In this regard, different methods have been proposed for treatment of dysmenorrhea, and drugs with fewer side effects are preferred. Hence, this study was done to detect the effect of echinophora- platyloba on primary dysmenorrhea. Materials and Methods: In a single-blind clinical trial, 60 students with primary dysmenorrhea were evaluated at Shahr-e-Kord University of Medical Sciences. The students were randomly divided into two groups of 30 each: Echinophora-platyloba extract and placebo. Data collection was done through visual analogue scale for detecting the intensity of pain. At the end of first and second months after treatment, the intensity of pain was determined in the two groups and compared with that before the intervention. Eventually, the data were analyzed through Chi square, t-test and Mann-Whitney test. Results: The means of dysmenorrhea severity scores two months before administering the drug in echinophora-platyloba and placebo groups were 8.46±2.75 and 8.80±2.53, respectively. Here the difference was not significant however, after administering the drug, the mean scores in intervention and non-intervention groups were 3.41±1.12 and 7.82±2.60, respectively, which indicated a significant difference between the two groups (p<0.001) . Conclusion: Both echinophora-platyloba extract and the placebo could reduce the severity of dysmenorrhea during the treatment, yet the effect of echinophora-platyloba was much greater than the placebo. Thus, the use of echinophora-platyloba extract is suggested in treatment of dysmenorrhea.

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  Background : Urine tract infection(UTI) among children is the most prevalent bacterial infection and the second prevalent infection after Viral Flu.Regarding this cfact that urine culturing has very important role in diagnisis and perseverance of this disease and sampling method has significant effect on this disease remedy.

  In this study the effect of genital area ablution on decreasing the contamination of urine culture is examined.

  Methods and Materials: This study is in the form of case_controlled.In this study 620 little girls (3-12 years –old) referring to Amir Kabir children special clinic are examined.Population under investigation was cpatients who had not history of taking antibiotic during last seven days, sondage and genital anomaly and inflammation and genital discharge. 

  Patients were randomly entered in two different groups one with ablution and the other without ablution.After data collection, available inputs were statistically analyzed with SPSS and the effect of genital area ablution was determined on decreasing the contamination of urine culture.

  Results: Among 310 patients in with_ablution group 11 patients were reported UTI(3/7%).3 patients were contaminated (1%),296 patients were normal (95/3%).Among 310 patients in the second group,14 patients were reported UTI(4/7%),6 patients were contaminated(2%),290 patients were normal(93/3%).Contamination rate in with_ablution group were 1% and in the other group was 2%Based on Pvalue :0/491 in both groups no significant statistically difference were found between these two groups and the analysis result distribution in both groups in a=0/05 level were statistically the same.

  Conclusion: In both group no significant statistically difference were found between these two groups ,so we concluded that the genital area ablution doesn’t have such an effect on decreasing the contamination of urine culture and we don’t suggest ablution of genital area in children before providing urine sampling.

 

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Background: Based on the severity and prognostic condition of respective cancers caused by them, papilloma viruses are classified into high, medium, and low risk groups using E6 and E7 viral proteins. Nowadays, different methods of modeling in clinical medicine are used for diagnosis of diseases and evaluation of their molecular characteristics. Among the new methods of modeling, fuzzy systems are of particular importance in various fields of science. The aim of this study was to use a new intelligent Adaptive Nero Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) for predicting human papilloma virus oncogenicity based on a number of biochemical properties of E7 protein. Materials and Methods: In this study, using ANFIS model, a new model was developed for predicting oncogenicity of papilloma virus isolated from patients. The process of training and testing was performed using a set of available published filed data and several statistical and graphical criteria. Accordingly, through provision of needed biochemical and biophysical data on E7 gens from the existing data, this model was developed. The results of this model were, then, validated by the authentic published data. Results: Based on the results, the developed model is capable of predicting papilloma virus oncogenicity efficiently. R2 and RMSE values in training stage were 0.99 and 101.18, respectively. In the testing stage, however, they stood at 0.94 and 173.8, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the findings, the use of ANFIS model significantly improves the accuracy of estimating virus oncogenicity phenomenon. The methodology presented in this study is a new approach in estimating viral oncogenicity and can successfully be combined with other mathematical models for model updating in real conditions.

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Background: Due to problems caused by traditional dressings, scientists have long been in search for producing alternative cellulose. Unique characteristics of bacterial cellulose synthesized by acetobacter xylinum, due to its nanostructure cellulose, resulted in attempts to devise an ideal dressing with this cellulose. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of impregnated bacterial cellulose on staphylococcus aureus culture. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, cellulose disks synthesized by bacterial cellulose and cellulose blank disks (without antibiotic) were placed in 3.3% ciprofloxacin hydrochloride. These disks were, then, together with ciprofloxacin standard, control cellulose, and cellulose blank disks, placed on the cultured media of staphylococcus aureus. After 24 hours, the results were obtained through the measurement of growth inhibition zone. Determining the amount of antibiotic absorbed into bacterial cellulose can be done through the comparison of the effects of cellulose disks containing different concentrations of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride and ciprofloxacin standard disks. Results: Both cellulose and blank disks created a growth inhibition zone in staphylococcus aureus media, whereas the growth inhibition zone of cellulose and cellulose blank disks (negative control) were insignificant. Conclusion: Noticing the unique characteristics of bacterial cellulose as a dressing and its proven ability in absorption and release of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, the prospects are seen for production of antibiotics containing dressings of this microbial product in future.

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Background: Every year over 150 million pregnancies occur in developing countries however, delivery is not satisfactory for some mothers and, in fact, it is a painful and frightening experience. One solution for pain relief is using En2nox gas. Because of opposite stances of people and society on En2onox, this study was done to highlight the real experiences of people and describe mothers' experiences of pain relief using En2nox. Materials and Methods: In this qualitative, phenomenological study, deep interview is conducted with 30 pregnant women who chose painless delivery using En2nox at Taamin Ejtemaee Hospital. Data analysis was done via Collaizzi method. Validity and reliability were obtained noticing such measures as real value, applicability, continuity, and authenticity. Results: The reasons for choosing En2nox were being easy-to-use and having minimal side effects. Most mothers had a positive attitude towards self-administration of the method and their main satisfaction was with the reduction in pain without severe side effects following withdrawal from usage of the method. The mothers’ major complaint was with dizziness following the method. Conclusion: Based on the mothers’ positive experience of En2nox painless delivery, using this method with the aim of decreasing labor pain and elective cesarean is recommended. Furthermore, the use of this type of analgesia at other centers, with larger sample sizes, and in comparison with other analgesia methods is recommended.

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Background: Hirsutism in women is identified as the increasing growth of terminal hair in areas of skin that are sensitive to androgen. The most common causes of hirsutism are PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and idiopathic hirsutism. The role of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia as the most important pathogenesis mechanism of PCO is quite obvious, but there is not enough information on the role of insulin resistance in idiopathic hirsutism. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 16 to 40 year old women. Medical history and physical examination were completed for patients with PCOS and idiopathic hirsutism. Hormonal tests and sonography were run for both groups and insulin resistance was assessed using HOMA-IR formula. Data were analyzed using SPSS version. 17. Results: Mean of serum insulin levels in PCOS and idiopathic hirsutism groups were 16.04±1.4 and 7.32±6.85 µIu/ml, respectively (P<0.001). HOMA-IR values in PCOS and idiopathic hirsutism groups were 3.7± 3.36 and 1.67±1.75, respectively (P< 0.001). Mean of serum DHEA-S levels in PCOS and idiopathic hirsutism groups were 2.48±1 and 1.84±0.46 pg/ml, respectively (P< 0.001). These findings indicated a significant difference between the two groups. However, in terms of serum glucose, testosterone, androstendione, and follicular hormones levels, there were not any significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion: In both PCOS and idiopathic groups, there was a significant relationship between hirsutism and insulin resistance. This relationship, however, was more significant the PCOS group

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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: Bacterial cellulose synthesized by acetobacter xylinum is a harmless microbial product with unique characteristics as an ideal dress that many studies have been done on. The aim of this study was to consider the capability of this product in absorption and release of tetracycline hydrochloride. Indication of this capability can pave the way for supplying a new dressing containing antibiotic from bacterial cellulose. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, cellulose sheet was initially impregnated on aqueous solution of tetracycline hydrochloride. Then the release process was considered in diluted water and normal saline. Ultra violet spectrophotometry method was applied to the detection of the antibiotic during absorption and release processes. Results: The results of data analysis demonstrated that bacterial cellulose has a great potential in absorption of tetracycline hydrochloride and can release it in a wet environment. Conclusion: Considering the advantages of bacterial cellulose over traditional dressings, the results of this study can provide the ground for further research on supplying an ideal dressing containing antibiotic from this microbial product.

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Background: Different studies have shown that vitamin D may play a functional role in insulin secretion and sensitivity. This study evaluates the effect of vitamin D on insulin resistance. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was done on 100 patients with type II diabetes mellitus that aged 30-70 years. The patients were randomly selected and different examinations were done on them. They received 50000 units of oral vitamin D daily for four weeks. Insulin resistance was measured before and after the intervention. Data analysis was done by paired t-test and Wilcoxon test using SPSS software version 17. Results: The participants consisted of 70 women and 30 men. Mean vitamin D was 43.03±19.28 ng/ml and 24% of the participants were vitamin D deficient based on the cut-off 25(OH) D <20 ng/ml. At the beginning and the end of the study, the mean levels for FPG, insulin, HOMA-IR were 138.48±36.74 and 131.02±39 mg/dl (P=0.05), 10.76±9.46 and 8.6±8.25 µIu/ml (P= 0.02), and 3.57±3.18 and 2.89±3.28 (P= 0.008), respectively. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that vitamin D causes significant improvements in FPG, insulin, and insulin resistance, that was evaluated by HOMA-IR. It was also indicated that adding vitamin D supplements can improve glucose control in type II diabetes mellitus.

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Background: Human brucellosis is a significant public health concern in many countries, including Iran. Therefore, the development of new diagnostic techniques, with high sensitivity and minimum risk of laboratory infection are of great importance. PCR is one of the procedures which has these advantages. However, PCR efficiency is largely dependent on DNA extraction methods. In this study, we studied the efficiency of three different extraction methods of brucella DNA in serum samples. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, microbial suspensions were initially prepared in saline that its turbidity was equivalent to 0.5 McFarland. Human serum samples were spiked with certain concentrations of Brucella melitensis in vitro. DNA was extracted by three methods and tested by a genus-specific PCR method. Results: Our results showed that the cinneagen kit protocol detected brucella DNA in lower serum concentrations compared with the other protocols. Cinnagen kit could detect brucella DNA in ten-fold dilution in comparison with the other two methods. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, cinnagen kit was the preferred assay method that yields a better sensitivity for isolation of brucella DNA in serum samples.

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Background: Green tea due to its antioxidant properties can prevent some types of chromosomal damage. In this study, the effects of green tea on repressing chromosomal aberrations induced by cell phone waves in bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes of male Balb/C mice were investigated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male Balb/C mice were randomly divided into five groups: control (natural conditions), sham exposed (no exposure to cell phone waves in vitro), experimental group 1 (exposure to cell phone waves), and experimental group 2 (intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg dose of green tea extract for 5 days and exposure to cell phone waves), and experimental group 3 (intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg dose of green tea extract for 5 days and exposure to cell phone waves). Micronucleus test was run in all groups. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests using SPSS software (p<0.05). Results: The mean number of micronucleus in polychromatic erythrocytes of the sham group (3.47± 0.253) compared with control group (3.43 ± 0.605) did not show a significant difference (p> 0.05), whereas the mean micronucleus frequency in the experimental group 1 (5.64±0.308) increased significantly. However, the mean micronucleus frequency in experimental group 2 (0.92 ± 0.129) and experimental group 3 (0.55 ± 0.046) compared with the control and sham exposed groups decreased significantly (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Cell phones microwaves (940 MHz) induce chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes of male Balb/C mice, but green tea has inhibitory effects and reduces chromosomal damage.

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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: Urogenital atrophy is a common problem after menopause and quality of life in post-menopauseis seriously affected by the symptoms associated with vaginal atrophy. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the vaginal suppository of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E in atrophic vaginitis treatment. Materials and Methods: This randomized double-blind clinical trialwas carried out in Ahvaz (Iran) from August to December 2010. Forty postmenopausal women with symptoms of vaginal atrophy were randomly allocatedto two groups to take vaginal suppositories of either 5 mg hyaluronic acid sodium salt (n=20) or 1 mg vitamin E (n=20) for 8 weeks. The symptoms of vaginal atrophy were evaluated by a self-assessed 4-point scaleand the composite score was determined asnone, mild, moderate, and severe in four periods. Results: The results showed that the symptoms were relieved significantly in both groups (P<0.001).The relief of symptoms was significantly superior in the hyaluronic acid group compared with the vitamin E group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Although both hyaluronic acid and vitamin E relieved the vaginal symptoms, improvements were greater in the hyaluronic acid group. Therefore,hyaluronic acid vaginal suppository is suggested for women with vaginal atrophy who do not want to or cannot take local estrogen treatment.

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Background: Protein-energy malnutrition is regarded as one of the public health problems in developing countries as a result of poor feeding due to poverty. This study was conducted to compare protein quality of two samples of commercial weaning food, Cerelac (based on dry milk, wheat and banana containing probiotic Bifidobactriumlactis) and Ghoncheh (based on dry milk, wheat, and honey), in rats. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 64 male rats aged 23 days in 8 groups under 8 diets, including 2 test diets (Cerelaccontaining probiotic Bifidobactriumlactis and Ghoncheh), 1 standard diet (casein), 1 basal diet (protein free) for true protein digestibility and apparent digestibility study, 2 test diets, 1 standard diet, and 1 basal diet for net protein ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and food efficiency ratio study. Results: The contents of true protein digestibility for casein, Cerelac, and Ghoncheh were 93.77, 84.23 and 89.82, respectively and the results were significant in all of the groups (p<0.001). The content of net protein ratio for casein, Cerelac, and Ghoncheh was 4.38, 4.1 and 3.17, respectively and the results were significantin all of the groups (p=0.009). The contents of protein efficiency ratio for casein, Cerelac, and Ghoncheh were 3.05, 2.59, and 2.01, respectively and the results were significant in all of the groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that the protein value of Cerelaccontaining Bifidobactriumlactis was higher than Ghoncheh.

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Background: In recent decades, with the increasing use of devices generating electromagnetic fields in modern industrial societies, the study of biological effect of these waves on the many organisms development has been considered by government and scientific organizations all over the world. Many people in all hours of their life are exposed to boarding electromagnetic fields of devices in their life and work places, with different intensities and frequencies. This presence of a significant relationship between the increase of some diseases and genetic aberrations and electromagnetic fields is one of the most important issues for researchers that has created many concerns regarding the adverse effects of electromagnetic fields. The findings of some studies indicate that this field does not have enough energy to damage biological molecules, while other researchers believe that electromagnetic fields by affecting cellular stress response and other protective mechanisms cause genetic cell damage. Some studies express that the electromagnetic field are safe alone, but they enhance the genotoxic function of physical and chemical environmental pollutants.

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Background: Measurement of service quality is a basic prerequisite for improving quality. Studies show that consumers are in close contact with services quality better than any other group. This study was conducted with the aim of measuring service quality based on patients’ expectations and perceptions teaching hospitals in Arak, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 260 patients at under auspices of Arak University of Medical Sciences. For data collection SERVQUL questionnaire was employed to measure quality of services. The reliability and validity of this questionnaire had already been confirmed by studies both in Iran and other countries. Results: The results showed that there were significant differences between patients’ expectations and perceptions in all dimensions of quality. The accessibility dimension constituted the most serious problem at hospitals. Conclusion: The negative scores show that it is necessary to promote all quality services dimensions at hospitals. For reducing the qualitative gap among all dimensions, it is recommended that hospital managers take patients’ needs into account and provide desirable services for them.

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Background: Genetic variability of influenza viruses causes new epidemics worldwide annually. Development of a new vaccine for prophylaxis of influenza virus has been amajor objective in recent years. The aim of this study was to construct a recombinant baculoviruscapable of expressing the two surficial antigenic glycoproteins, hemagglutininand neuraminidase, as well as matrix proteinsof swine influenza (H1N1) simultaneously and independently. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, first, a triplet cassette providing simultaneous and independent expression of target proteins was designed and subjected to synthesis. It was then cloned into pFastBac1 donor plasmid. Competent E.ColiDH10Bac cells were transformed by donor clone and the recombinant bacmids were produced following homologous transposition. This construction was verified by PCR and then transfected into Sf9 insect cells to package new recombinant baculoviruses. Results: Restriction map of pFastBacI HNM1 donor plasmid confirmed the fidelity of the clone. The results of PCR done on the recombinant bacmidas template indicated that a proper homologous recombination has occurred between pFastBacI HNM1 donor plasmid and the bacmid in E.ColiDH10Bac host cells. Protein analysis of the infected Sf9 cells showed that all target proteins were efficiently expressed at the same time. Conclusion: The recombinant baculovirus constructed in this studypossesses proper characteristics to produce swine influenza virus-like particles in Sf9 cells.

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Background: Influenza type A virus is one of the most important viral agents in human respiratory diseases. The genetic variability of the influenza viruses leads to the incidence of new epidemics worldwide. Hence, there is a growing need for rapid and effective new methods capable of detection and differentiation of influenza virus circulating strains. This study was done to develop a method for rapid differentiation of the subtypes of influenza type A virus. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, reverse-transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed using a primer set based on M gene of H1N1, H3N2, H5N1, and H9N2 influenza subtypes. Then the amplified fragments were subjected to digestion using subtype specific restriction endonuclease enzymes. Results: The results of PCR reaction showed that the primer pair of the M gene was specific and capable of amplifying all influenza subtypes understudy. Also, different restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns (RFLP) were generated using enzyme digestion reaction on the amplified segment of M gene. Conclusion: RT-PCR and RFLP analysis of the M gene can be employed as a useful method for differentiating influenza virus subtypes