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Background: International AIDS questionnaire allows for making cross-cultural comparisons between individual’s levels of awareness and attitudes towards AIDS. This study assessed the reliability and validity of international AIDS questionnaire for Iranian student population. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 448 students studying in non-medical sciences at universities in Qom were selected through convenience sampling. The participants completed the international AIDS questionnaire–Persian version (IAQ-P). Confirmatory and explanatory factor analysis, Pearson correlation, and Cronbach's Alpha were used in order to examine construct and concurrent validities, respectively. Independent t-test was run to compare the questionnaire scores between male and female participants. Results: The CFA supported the four-factor model, and the normative data showed patterns similar to previous research. Four dimensions of the questionnaire data were satisfactory (AGFI=0.91, GFI=0.93 and RMSEA=0.04, P<0.001). The total IAQ-P had a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha=0.80). Cronbach’s alphas for the sub-scales were 0.78 (myths), 0.78 (attitudes), 0.79 (personal risk), and 0.60 (facts). After one month, test-retest study on a sub-sample of 41 students revealed Pearson correlation coefficient ranges from 0.36 to 0.75 (P<0.001). Conclusion: The IAQ-P was shown to be a valid and reliable instrument and the results of this study are similar to other versions of IAQ in other languages.

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Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men which its incidence rate and associated mortality and morbidity are on the rise. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of prostate cancer in Fars province between 2003 and 2008 years. Materials and Methods: In this epidemiological study, using Fars province cancer registry data, the incidence rates were calculated per 100,000 people and age standardized incidence rate (ASR) was measured by direct method using the world standard population. Data were analyzed by SPSS, version 16, and Microsoft Excel, version 2007. Cochrane Armitage Test for linear trend was used for evaluation of the incidence trend by running Winpepi software. Results: Over a 6-year period, 1212 cases were recorded in Fars province. The ASR of prostate cancer in these six years was 4.69, 7.16, 15.09, 14.04, 16.65 and 16.02, respectively, which revealed significantly increasing trends. The highest incidence rate was observed in 80 and upper age group. Conclusion: The ASR of prostate cancer in Fars province is significantly lower than other parts of the world, especially in more developed countries. This can be due to absence of screening programs and/or cancer registry.

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Background: Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of mortality due to cancer worldwide and it is the most common type of cancer in Iran. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of prognostic factors on the survival of patients with gastric cancer using the penalized spline in Cox model and compare it with Cox proportional hazards model. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, information obtained from a total of 216 gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery at Taleghani Hospital of Tehran between 2003 and 2008 years was included. Cox proportional hazards model and penalized spline in Cox model were used. R software was used for data analysis. The efficacy of these models was compared according to Akaike information criterion. Results: The five-year survival rate was 30% and the mean follow-up time was 16.60±15.28 months. Survival mean and median were 46 and 30 months, respectively. The analysis of Cox proportional hazards and penalized spline models resulted in age at diagnosis and tumor size as prognostic factors for survival time (P<0.05). Also, Akaike information criterion and survival curve for patients with a tumor size over 35 mm and age at diagnosis over 45 years were equal in both models. Conclusion: Cox proportional hazards and penalized spline models generated similar results thus, it is more appropriate to use Cox proportional hazards model because of its ease of interpretation and capability of modeling both continuous and discrete covariates. This study also showed if gastric cancer is diagnosed early, the relative risk of death will reduce.

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Background: Helicobacter pylori is the most common bacteria causing chronic infections worldwide. An important virulence factor of H. pylori is a vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA) that induces the formation of acidic vacuoles in cytoplasm and damage to epithelial cells. The aim of this study was to examine the antigenic properties of the recombinant VacA of H. pylori in infected sera of mice and human.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the highly antigenic region of VacA gene (1233 bp) was detected by bioinformatics methods, and it was amplified by PCR method and cloned into the pET32a expression vector. After expression and purification of the target protein, its antigenicity was studied by Western Blotting using human sera infected with H. pylori and sera from immunized mice infected with purified recombinant VacA.

Results: PCR and sequencing results showed that the target gene was correctly cloned into the recombinant vector. Antibodies used in Western Blotting indicated the production and expression of the recombinant protein (65kDa) with concentration of 2.1 mg/ml.

Conclusion: Recombinant VacA protein has antigenic and immunogenic properties thus, it is a proper candidate for designing H. pylori vaccine and diagnostic kits

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Background: Gastric ulcer treatment with chemical drugs is associated with a multitude of side effect. One of the most important groups of probiotics is lactic acid bacteria. The aim of this study was to investigate the healing effects of Lactobacillus pentosus on gastric ulcer induced by acetic acid.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 45 male Wistar rats were divided into experimental, control 1, and control 2 groups. After one day of fasting, the rats were operated and gastric ulcer was induced by acetic acid. One day after surgery, the groups were treated with the 1010 cfu/day bacteria, dissolved in one ml of milk sterilizer, 1 ml of milk sterilizer, and 1 ml of normal saline, respectively, via gavage. On days 1, 4, 7, 10, and 14 after the induction of gastric ulcer, the animals were killed and the wound size (mm2) and the effect of the bacteria on the healing of wounds were measured for each rat.

Results: The treatment with Lactobacillus pentosus strains significantly decreased wound size in the experimental group compared with control groups. Significant increases in the number of neutrophils, macrophages, fibroblasts, significant decreases in the number of neutrophils, macrophages, and increased numbers of fibroblasts were observed in the experimental group compared to the control groups. Also, significant reductions in the number of neutrophils, macrophages, and fibroblasts were seen in the experimental group compared with the other two groups.

Conclusion: Lactobacillus pentosus has healing effects on gastric ulcer induced by acetic acid.

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Background: Progesterone is a female steroid hormone that has a potent anticonvulsant effect on human and animal. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of opioid receptors in the anticonvulsant effect of progesterone on ovariectomized mice.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, all animals were ovariectomized. After two weeks, they received an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of drugs (progesterone and naloxone) or saline. The animals also received a subcutaneous injection of strychnine for induction of convulsive seizures, 30 minutes after administration of drugs or saline. For evaluation of convulsion in the animals, convulsion onset time, convulsion duration, the number of seizures, and death time were recorded.

Results: Progesterone (25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) decreased the strychnine-induced convulsion. The anticonvulsant effect of 50 mg/kg of progesterone was abolished by naloxone (5 mg/kg, i.p.) injection, whereas administration of the same doses of naloxone alone did not affect strychnine-induced convulsion.

Conclusion: These results suggest that opioid receptors may play an important role in the anticonvulsant effect of progesterone.

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Background: Considering the fact that more than one third of the world’s population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, identifying individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is vital for controlling TB. Tuberculin skin test (TST) and IFN-gamma release assays are practical methods used for screening people with LTBI. Due to the insufficiency of data on endemic tuberculosis region and the need for evaluation of these methods in a high-risk population, this study was performed in Zahedan.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 75 individuals, including 21 health care workers (HCWs) as well as 54 family members of patients with active TB. IFN-&gamma release assay and TST were also carried out on the participants.

Results: Of the 75 participants, 26 had positive IFN-&gamma release assay results and 49 persons showed negative results. TST was also performed and 12 participants did not show up for taking the results. Among the remaining 63 participants, 60.31% had more than 10 mm indurations. The results in 32.25% of the participants were positive for both IFN-gamma release assay and skin test, whereas 34.92% of the participants presented negative tests results for both IFN-gamma release assay and skin test. The agreement between these two tests was 66.67 % (P=0.001, K=0.36, 95% Confidence Interval).

Conclusion: The results showed a weak agreement between the two tests.

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Background: Taxol is a diterpenoid compound that was first isolated from yew tree (Taxus brevifolia) and later from other plants such as Corylus avellana. Studies have shown that some of the endophytic fungi isolated from these plants are also capable of producing taxol. DBAT gene is one of the key genes in taxol biosynthesis pathway that catalyzes the synthesis of Baccatin III, one of the main precursors in taxol biosynthesis. The aim of this study was to investigate taxol production by endophytic fungi isolated from Corylus avellana.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, endophytic fungi were isolated from hazelnut trees in the Fandoghlo area, Ardabil province, and purified through hyphal tip method. Genomic DNA was extracted using CTAB method. The presence of DBAT gene was examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Taxol production in fungal media was investigated via TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography) method.

Results: After purification, 60 fungi were isolated from different organs of hazelnut trees and the presence of DBAT genes in 12 isolates was proved by PCR with specific primers. Investigation of taxol production in culture of these isolates showed that 7 isolates were capable of producing taxol in laboratory conditions.

Conclusion: A group of endophytic fungi isolated from hazelnut, grown in the North West of Iran, had DBAT gene, encoding a key enzyme in the taxol biosynthesis pathway, and some were able to produce taxol in vitro.

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Background: Funnel plot is a graphical tool for investigating publication bias in meta-analysis studies. The aim of this study is to introduce another application of funnel plot that is monitoring one of the Iranian family performance indices and determining the position of each health center of Markazi province in terms of patient referral rates by general practitioners to specialists and to compare it with bar and caterpillar plots.

Materials and Methods: In order to draw the funnel plot, the average monthly percent of referrals for each district of Markazi province in 2011 was computed. In this study, Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education standard figure of 10% was considered as the limit of referral to the second level of Iranian health services. The 99% confidence interval of the control limit for each district was computed according to 3 standard deviations of the percent of referrals relative to the total patient visits.

Results: Based on funnel plot results, five out of ten districts were in the expected range of referral (Ashtian, Saveh, Tafresh, Khomein, and Komijan). However, in other five districts, the referral rate was greater than the expected rate (Arak, Shazand, Zarandiyeh, Delijan, and Mahallat). Mahallat district had the highest rate of referral.

Conclusion: The funnel plot was more informative than the other two plots Thus, it can be viewed as a useful tool in monitoring health programs throughout the country.

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Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism is the compensatory stage before overt hypothyroidism. In overt hypothyroidism, risk of ischemic heart disease increases due to elevation of lipoprotein (a) as atherogenic agent, but evidence for subclinical hypothyroidism is one of the controversial issues in researches. According to the atherogenic lipoprotein (a) and other serum lipids, this study is conducted to compare the serum lipoprotein (a) and other serum lipids in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and euthyroidism.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive - analytic study, 90 persons (60 with subclinical hypothyroidism and 30 euthyroid state) are participated and these referred to Imam Reza and Taleghani Hospitals which are located in Kermanshah. The sampling method is selected with available sampling methods. After differentiating data by age, sex and underlying disease (liver, kidney, drugs), then they were subjected to determination lipoprotein (a) and other serum lipids profile tests.

Results: In both cases and controls, 16/7% were men and 83/3% were women. Based on results, there is no significant difference between serum lipoprotein (a), triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL and LDL in both statistical groups (p>0.05). Also there is no association between lipoprotein (a) and other serum lipids (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Serum levels of lipoprotein (a) and other serum lipids in young patients with normal weight with subclinical hypothyroidism is not increase, thus it can be concluded early treatment is not necessary for them.

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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.

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Background: Retinoic acid (RA) is a vitamin A derivative and one of the most important inducing signals in vertebrates that is involved in differentiation, morphogenesis, apoptosis, and reproduction. This study was done to evaluate the role of RA in in vitro neural patterning of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs).

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, upon formation, embryoid bodies (EBs) from mESCs, Royan B1, were induced by 1 µM RA for four days and then plated for eight days. Untreated EBs were considered as the control group. Finally, in both groups, neural induction and patterning of EB-derived neural cells were evaluated by using immunostaining, flowcytometry, and RT-PCR methods.

Results: RA induced neurogenesis in ES cells, from which 35% showed to express MAP2. RT-PCR analysis also indicated that RA-treated neural cells derived from ES cells could at the same time express Mash1, Pax6/7, and Dbx1/2 as dorso-ventral (DV) pattering markers and Hoxb4, Hoxc5, and Hoxc8 as the rostro-caudal (RC) axis markers.

Conclusion: RA induces in vitro neural induction along with neural patterning of ES-derived neural cells in DV and RC axes. Keywords: Mouse embryonic stem cells, neural patterning, retinoic acid

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Background: Shigellosis is a major global issue of human health. To date, no effective vaccine has been found against Shigella. One of the major virulent factors in Shigella dysenteriae type 1 is Shigella enterotoxin or STx. STxB has immunogenic, adjuvant, or carrier properties. Vaccine candidate antigens can be coupled with this adjuvant for production of an appropriate vaccine. IpaD has a key role in invasion, virulence, and infection by Shigella.

Materials and Methods: In this study, the gene sequences of STXB and ipaD were obtained from gene bank and corresponding genes were prepared as synthetic construct and then transferred to E. coli BL21DE3. By PCR amplification and enzymatic digestion, protein expression levels were assessed. Its protein expression was confirmed by Western blot technique. After extraction by affinity chromatography, the recombinant protein was injected four times to guinea pigs. The pigs were, then, challenged by Shigella felexneri 2a and active toxin of E. coli O157:H7.

Results: The results showed that groups of guinea pigs challenged with 28×LD₅₀ of  toxin  completely survived. Furthermore, guinea pigs were challenged by inducing Shigella felexneri 2a in their eyes. The results showed that the control pigs got cataracts, whereas the immune pigs were in health.

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that this recombinant protein is a good candidate for production of a recombinant vaccine against Shigella family.

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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.

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Background: The most important pathogen in nosocomial infections are microorganisms in the patient's body. 90 percent of nosocomial infections caused by bacteria. Medlar is an medicinal plant that its therapeutic effects has historically been emphasized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of methanolic and ethanolic leaf extract of medlar against bacteria isolated from hospital environment.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the Nosocomial bacteria were obtained from Shahid Mostafa Khomeini hospital, Ilam, Iran. Soxhlet extraction method was used for medlar leaf extract. Disk diffusion method was used to study the effect of antimicrobial and broth microdilution method were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC).

Results: Two strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, three strain of Staphylococcus aureus and five strains of Escherichia coli were isolated from hospital. The results showed that the methanolic extract of Medlar leaf inhibited the growth of all strains of pseudomonas aeruginosa and four strain of Staphylococcus aureus and also inhibits the growth of all strains of Escherichia coli strains except E4 strain. The maximum antimicrobial activity was against E2 strain that zone diameter around it was 19/67 Millimeters. Quantities of minimum inhibitory concentration for all three strains P1, P2 and P3 and E2, E3, E5, S1, S2 and S3 strains was equals with 125 mg/ml.

Conclusion: Medlar leaf methanolic extract possesses significant antibacterial activity against bacteria causing nosocomial infections and so this extract can be considered in the control of infectious diseases.

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  Background: Due to the lack of efficient anti-HIV vaccine, anti-HIV pharmaceuticals play an important role in controlling HIV infection. Also significant rise in drug resistance and drug toxicity has caused increased interest in finding new anti-HIV agents. In this study, a nano-sized version of lamivudine based on PEGylated chitosan was synthesized.

  Materials and Methods: In this research, nanoparticles of chitosan were efficiently PEGylated for increasing their stability in water and then the anti-HIV drug, lamivudine, was loaded on these PEGylated nanoparticles. After purification and lyophilization of new synthesized nanoparticle, the raw materials and final product were sampled and FTIR, HNMR and CHN analyses were done.

  Results: Results of HNMR spectroscopy showed that chitosan nanoparticle was successfully PEGylated. HNMR data confirmed FTIR results and indicated that lamivudine was conjugated on chitosan nanoparticle. In addition, CHN analysis data also confirmed both HNMR and FTIR data, and demonstrated that a high yield of chitosan nanoparticle PEGylation (approximately 97%) was done and illustrated a high capacity of lamivudine conjugation on nano-sized PEGylated chitosan (30% _W/W chitosan).

  Conclusion: In this study, lamivudine drug was successfully synthesized, based on PEGylated chitosan nanoparticle.

 

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Background: Balance is one of the basic needs for daily activities. It has an important role in static and dynamic activities. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the balance of people with peripheral neuropathy after 4-weeks of functional and balance exercise program.

Materials and methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 22 diabetic patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (experimental group, n=11 control group, n=11) with the mean age of 53.79 years, mean height of 163.41cm, and mean weight of 71.49 kg, were randomly selected. Berg and T.G.U.G tests were used to evaluate the balance of patients. 12 sessions of combined training (balance and functional training) were used as intervention program. A paired t-test was used for the differences of pre-post test and independent t-tests were used to compare the experimental and control groups.

Results: The paired sample t-test showed that training program has significant effect on functional and dynamic balance. The comparison between the two groups showed no significant deference between pre-functional balance tests and significant post-functional balance test after training program.

Conclusion: Patients with diabetic neuropathy may have an impaired balance. The most important reason is the damage of proprioceptive receptors as combined training (balance and functional training) may improve balance and blood circulation in this organ also putting extra load on the visual system, vestibular and proprioceptive stimulation system and improves balance. Hence, it can be recommended as exercises to improve balance.

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Background: Interleukin-1&beta (IL-1&beta) as a cytokine act in relationship to development of obesity and Insulin resistance. purpose of the study was compare the effects of Ramadan fasting (as dietary pattern) and aerobic exercise training on IL-1&beta and Insulin resistance in non-active obese subjects.
Materials and Methods: This study was semi-experimental research with repeated measures design. In this study, 18 obese male in Mashhad (between 40 to 50 years old and body mass index>30 Kg/m2) randomly was selected and after it was divided into fasting (N=9) and fasting and aerobic exercise training (N=9) groups. While the first group performed the fasting, then other group was performed aerobic exercise training for 27 sessions. They also performed the fasting. Finally, blood samples were taken for four different times.
Results: Statistic analysis shown that body fat percent of subjects was significantly decreased in both groups (p<0.05). Also, amount of insulin resistance was significantly decreased in fasting group (p<0.05). In addition, amount of IL-1&beta was significantly decreased in both groups(p<0.05).
Conclusion: Research results shown that levels of IL-1&beta decreased by fasting and especially by aerobic exercise training and it may lead to the decrease of insulin resistance in obese subjects.

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Background: Factor XIII deficiency is an extremely rare, autosomal recessive coagulation disorder with estimated prevalence of 1/2000000 worldwide. This disorder represents with different clinical manifestations including, umbilical cord bleeding, recurrent abortion and CNS bleeding. CNS bleeding is a common but life threating complication of disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a common polymorphism of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) occurrence of CNS bleeding in patients with severe factor XIII deficiency.

Materials and Methods: This case control study was performed on 34 patients with factor XIII deficiency and history of CNS bleeding and 36 patients with factor XIII deficiency but without CNS bleeding as control group. Initially all patients were molecularly analyzed for factor XIII deficiency, then both groups were assessed for common TAFI Thr325Ile polymorphism. Finally obtained data was analyzed by SPSS software.

Results: Molecular analysis of TAFI Thr325Ile polymorphism revealed that almost all patients with CNS bleeding (89%) had this mutation that in 67% of patients was homozygote. There is a significant relationship between Thr325Ile polymorphism in homozygote manner with incidence of CNS bleeding in factor XIII deficient (OR 18.9, 95% CI 3.8 to 95.1).

Conclusion: It seems that Thr325Ile polymorphism is a suitable prognostic factor in patients with severe factor XIII deficiency and this probably polymorphism increases risk of CNS bleeding about 20 fold.

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Background: Patients with myocardial infarction are faced to multi stressors in which cause to increase their anxiety. This study with the goal of determination of the effect of Durosia Anethifolia (Barilax) on anxiety after myocardial infarction was accomplished.

Materials and Methods:This is a clinical trial which was done on 90 patients with MI. All people were selected by simple method at first and then they randomly allocated into two intervention and control groups. After 24 hours, perl of Barilax 1oo mg twice per day were prescribed for intervention group, and the same dosage of placebo were given to control group. Anxity rate 24 and 96 hours after MI by state Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were measured. All data with X2 and paired T test were analysed.

Results: The mean age of patients in intervention group was 60.68 and 61.46 in control group. In intervention group 51% male and 49% were female and in control group 71% were male and 29% were female. Before intervention, the mean of anxiety rate in intervention group was 46.91 and in control group was 42.24 with no significant difference. After intervention, the mean of anxiety rate in intervention group was 33.35 and in control group was 36.48 with significant difference (p=0.012).

Conclusion: Oral consumption of Durosia Anethifolia (Barilax) on anxiety rate after myocardial infarction was effective. So description of this drug as an effective drug on controling of anxiety after myocardial infarction is recommended.