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Background: Anthrax is a common disease among human and livestock which is caused by Bacillus anthracis. Bacillus anthracis has two strong immunogenic proteins: Protective antigen (PA) and lethal factor domain I (LFD1) that have always been considered as vaccine candidates against Bacillus anthracis. The aim of this study is to express and purify the lethal factor domain I (LFD1) in Escherichia coli and produce polyclonal antibody against it in mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, LFD1 gene was amplified with BamH I and Xho I restriction site by PCR. After isolation, the gene was cloned to the expression vector pET28a (+). This vector was transformed to E. coli-BL21 (DE3) PLysSto to express LFD1 gene. The expression of LFD1 gene was induced by IPTG. After protein purification by affinity chromatography, the produced antigen was injected into mice for four times. Then the produced polyclonal antibody in mice serum was evaluated. Results: The cloned LFD1 gene in pET28a (+) vector was confirmed by PCR, enzymatic analysis, and sequencing. The expressed and purified recombinant protein was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Finally, the isolated polyclonal antibody from mice serum was evaluated and confirmed by ELISA test. Conclusion: Noticing the appropriate expression, easy purification of LFD1, and the titer of produced polyclonal antibody against LFD1 in mice due to its immunogenicity, it can be considered as a good vaccine candidate against anthrax.

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Background: Considering the importance of the presence of volunteer health care communicators and the reduction in their cooperation with health centers or their breaking off their communication in recent years, this study was done to explore the educational needs of health care communicators and their instructors. Materials and Methods: In a qualitative study, data were obtained through focus group discussions (FGDs) and individual depth interviews (IDIs) for need assessment from three groups of active volunteer health care workers, inactive volunteer health care workers and health instructors. In total, 14 FGD and 5 DII were held to cover the aims of research chosen by aimed sampling. The analysis was carried out by qualitative content analysis. Results: Three major themes emerged from data analysis, including the concepts of soft and hard tools (time, space, educational tools, and educational content), educator (teaching methods, awareness, and skills), and learner (application, literacy, experience learning level, and motivation). Conclusion: Many of the educational needs of the health care communicators and their educators had not been met which, in many cases, had led to the discontinuation of their cooperation with health centers. Hence, presenting the obtained feedback to officials for meeting their needs can be an effective measure in improving the activities of the communicators and their continuous presence in the health care system.

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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: 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: Exercise can counteract the negative effects of stress, but variations in exercise protocols and intensities have generated different results. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of immobilization stress on cognitive performance and the moderating role of exercise.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, adult Albino-Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups. The animals underwent immobilization stress (2 hours per day×7 day), exercise (30 minutes per day×7 day), or no intervention. The rats were trained and tested using Morris water maze.

Results: The control group had better performance than the stress group in acquisition (p<0.01) and recall (p<0.05) in Morris water maze. There was not a significant difference between exercise-stress and control groups in water maze performance. Stress increased corticosterone levels (p<0.001), but exercise had a significant effect on decrement of corticosteron levels (p<0.001). Also, despite the absence of a significant difference between sham and exercise groups in the acquisition stage, the exercise group had a better performance in the recall stage (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Immobilization stress can impair acquisition and mild exercise has a protective effect against stress-induced negative effects. Corticosterone may be a major mediator in the protective effect of exercise against stress-induced cognitive impairment. In addition, the role of exercise in retrieval of past experiences is more prominent than their acquisition.

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Background: Risky behaviours are defined as behaviours that cause bad and unpleasant outcomes. Risky behaviours result in the incidence of accident in the workplace. The aim of this study was to determine workers’ risky behaviours associated with safety and health in SAIPA Car Manufacturing Company, Iran.

Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study using randomized quota sampling, 302 workers exposed to the incidence of accidents were selected. Data were collected concurrently by trained safety experts using self-fulfilment researcher-made questionnaire and direct observation. Validity and reliability of the data collection tool was determined prior to the study.

Results: The findings revealed that low back pain, hand pain, leg pain, and respiratory diseases as the most common diseases with 86.4, 58.9, 40, and 33% prevalence rates, respectively. The maximum prevalence rates of unsafe and unhealthy behaviours were 66 and 57% , respectively. In general, unsafe behaviours were higher among shift workers, especially night shift workers (p<0.001). Unhealthy behaviours were higher among assembling line staff, welders, retouching staff, technicians, wet painters, and production line workers (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The relatively high prevalence of unsafe and unhealthy behaviours necessitates intervention for controlling and preventing work injuries and, as a result, reduction of musculoskeletal and respiratory diseases, especially with regards to more prevalent behaviours and related sectors and high risk subgroups.

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Background: Nowadays, the elderly population is growing all over the world. Diseases and conditions resulting from this evolutionary process can severely affect the quality of life of the elderly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of educational programs of healthy lifestyle on the quality of life of the elderly in Arak city.

Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental was carried out on 60 elderly subjects in Arak city. The subjects participated in classes on nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and life skills for a month and they were followed for three months after intervention. Data were collected by the short form quality of life (SF-36) in elderly.

Results: The mean score of quality of life was 61.06±7.42. The highest mean was associated with social health (74.5±15) while the lowest mean was for physical health (46±17). In terms of quality of life indicators before educational intervention, four categories emerged: poor (13.3%), medium (30%), good (41.7%), and high (15%). After intervention, the majority of the samples fell in the good (38.3%) and high (45%) categories. There was a significant difference before and after the educational intervention (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Education to elderly about the healthy lifestyle practices can prevent a lot of problems and help them to improve their quality of life. Therefore, classroom education is fruitful for this group that is often neglected.

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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: Several clinical studies suggest that melatonin is a neuroprotective molecule in neurodegenerative disorders and it showed to be reduced in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. MS also results in blurred vision, papillitis and diplopia. The main objective of the study was to asses the influence of Melatonin supplimentation on visual characteristics in patients with MS.

Materials and Methods: In a Quasi Experimental plan, approved by AUMS ethical Committee, 34 (9 males and 25 females) patients with stable MS were asked to voluntearly participate in the study. All subjects (Mean EDSS 3.14) were taking their routine medications. Visual funtions were evaluated by Visual Functioning Questionnaire (VFO-25) and standard Pattern Reversal Visual Evoked Potentials (PR-VEP) records. Serum Melatonin levels were also measured using an ELISA assay. Recordings were performed after a single dose and after taking 1 tablet every night for 14 days, at the day 16th.

Results: In all subjects, Serum Melatonin levels were significantly enhanced. VFQ scores also showed significat improvement. Except the change in N75 latencies of left eyes, VEP latencies of P100, N145 of both eyes and N75 of right eyes were significantly (p<0.05) reduced.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest significat improvements of visual symptoms of MS after daily intake of 3 mg Melatonin. The results calls for further studies and clinical trails before asking all MS patients to take Melatonin suppliment every night.

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Background: Focal dystonia is a chronic disease with unwanted side effects. In addition to physical symptoms, some psychological problems, particularly depression, anxiety and stress are common in patients with focal dystonia. The aim of this study was investigating the effectiveness of medication in comparison to medication plus EMG biofeedback on depression, anxiety and stress in females with chronic focal dystonia.

Materials and Methods: This was an experimental/interventional study with pre, post, and follow-up phases. The sample was consisted of 20 female patients with spasmodic torticollis and 10 patients with blepharospasm. All of the patients have been already diagnosed by neurologist They were randomly selected and assigned into medication and medication plus EMG biofeedback groups. Both of the groups were treated with botulinum toxin type A and the second group in addition to receiving the drug for 10 weeks also participated in 20 sessions of EMG biofeedback treatment. Data were collected through the DASS-42 questionnaire which was completed in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up phases.

Results: The mean of DASS-42 score in the Medication plus EMG biofeedback group showed a significantly higher decrease compared to the medication group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The results suggested that medication plus EMG was more effective than medication alone in decreasing depression, anxiety and stress in females with chronic focal dystonia.

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Background: The aim of this study was to determine the prognosis of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in keratoconus patients according to the correlation between aberrations changes before and after RGP lenses.

Materials and Methods: A total of 40 eyes of twenty patients 20 to 40 years with mild, moderate keratoconus were participated in this study. Ocular examinations were included VA with standard Snellen chart, CS with CSV 1000 chart and HOAs with technolas aberrometer objective (Bush & Luamb). All these tests were performed before and after RGP lenses. Refraction and corneal radius of curvature were measured using Autokeratometr. Data were then analyzed with Spss softwair version 11.5.

Results: Mean contrast sensitivity at each spatial frequency with RGP lenses was higher than the best correction in both male and female. Compairing with best correction mean high order aberration of the 5 and 6 mm pupil was reduced with RGP lenses but the effect was not statistically significant different. Mean high order aberration with pupil 6 mm was more than pupil 5 mm. Using Pearson correlation test, there was no significant correlation between visual change and Contrast sensitivity changes with high order aberrations.

Conclusion: Visual performances and visual acuity were improved with RGP lens than best correction by reduction of high-order aberrations. However, there was no correlation or relationship between high order aberrations and visual performance. This indicates that Aberrometery condition was unrelated with Prediction of visual acuity changes in this patients.

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Background: Saffron (Crocus Sativus) petals consist of, glycosides, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Due to the increasing use of medicinal plants in treatment of diseases and identifying their side effects on various organs, this study is to evaluate the effects of Crocus Sativus petals on biochemical blood parameters in male rats.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 male Wistar rats with the mean body weight of 215±15 g were randomly assigned into five groups of 6 animals each. Control group received normal saline (10 ml/kg) and treatment groups received 75, 150, 220 and 450 mg/kg body weight of saffron petals extract, for 14 days. Body weight measured in days 0, 7, and 14. At the end of experiment, serum levels of liver function marker enzymes such as AST and ALT, total proteins, albumin, creatinine, cholesterol and triglyceride were assessed.

Results: Compared to control group, ethanol extract of saffron petals significantly increased serum albumin and also significantly decreased levels of serum cholesterol and AST (p<0.05). No significant changes were observed on serum total proteins, creatinine, ALT, triglyceride levels and body weight in control and saffron groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Increase in levels of albumin and decrease in liver enzymes may indicate the lack of liver damage. Reduction in cholesterol which is probably due to flavonoid extracts of saffron and no effect on body weight can be beneficial in the use of saffron petals.   

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

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

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

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

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  Background : Hand eczema (HE) is a common skin disease which often needs long term treatment.. There are several reports about the efficacy of topical doxepin in the treatment of pruritic dermal diseases. This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and safety of 5% doxepin cream and clobetasol 0.05% versus clobetasol 0.05% alone in the treatment of hand eczema.

  Materials and Methods: a randomized double blind placebo-controlled, study was carried out during years of 2011-2012.In total 70 patients with moderate to severe hand dermatitis were selected randomly to be treated with either the doxepin 5% cream+ clobetasol or clobetasol+placebo twice daily for 8 days. Efficacy assessments were performed at baseline and 8days after termination of therapy, according to hand eczema severity index (HECSI) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software, version 18.0 and statistical tests including paired T-test and independent T-test.

  Results: Overall, 56 patients completed our study. Out of them 32 were male and 24 were female. The reduction of HECSI score and VAS was statistically significant in the treatment and placebo group (p&le0.05), but differences in HECSI and VAS reduction between treatment and control group were not significant.

Conclusion: Although there is some evidence that doxepin 5% cream is effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of eczematous dermatitis, few trials have been performed. We suggest that in a more extensive clinical trial, the efficacy of this treatment against chronic hand dermatitis be evaluated.

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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: Due to high risk of physical inactivity in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and its adverse consequences, evaluating their level of physical activity (PA) using accelerometry and investigating its relation with age and severity of the disorder are integral.

Materials and Methods: Fifty two boys and sixteen girls aged 7-14 years -from autism schools in Tehran- participated in current cross sectional study. Level of daily PA was evaluated for seven consecutive days using accelerometers. Autism severity was also assessed in the areas of communication, sociability, sensory and cognitive awareness, and health and physical behavior using Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC).

Results: On the whole 91 percent of participants encountered low level of PA. Girls were remarkably less active than boys and were more inactive. Level of PA significantly reduced as they aged. Level of PA was adversely and significantly correlated with autism severity in the area of sensory and cognitive awareness. Moreover, level of vigorous PA was adversely and significantly correlated with total autism severity. Finally, age, sex, and sensory and cognitive awareness were partially predictors of PA.

Conclusion: It appears that children with HFA are physically inactive and considerably engage in more sedentary activities as they age. Age and gender can be considered as physical activity determinants among this population.

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Background: According to the organizational intelligence to increase access of the knowledge in organizations and can to create competitive advantage in order to improve efficiency & effectiveness in organization, but that are affected by the structural dimensions of centralization, formalization, complexity (which reflects the characteristics of the internal organizations). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between organizational structure & organizational intelligence in Arak Medical University affiliated teaching hospital was performed.

Materials and Methods: In this study, the research community was comprised official staff that have high school diploma, working in hospitals that were selected for this study by sample stratified random studied. Tool for data collection, was questionnaire Robbins organizational structure and standardized questionnaire Alberkht about organizational intelligence. After confirming the validity and reliability of questionnaires, these were distributed between colleagues in teaching hospitals and then were collected. Using data collected from 16 SPSS software testing was analyzed by Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results: From 87 respondents, most of them have had a bachelor's degree and about 52 people who (74%) had experience about five years. The results were shown of the significant correlation between the organizational structure &intelligence in teaching hospital (r=-0.612 and p=0.001). The relationship between the complexity of organizational with organizational intelligence was not significant (r=0.157 and p=0.53), but by two other organizational dimension of structures (i.e., degree of formalization, centralization) with organizational intelligence was obtained significant respectively (r=-0.693 and p=0.001) and (r=-0.711 and p=0.001).

Conclusion: Based on findings from this research, teaching hospitals must be review current situation about organizational structural dimensions particular through decreasing centralization, formalization, to provide necessary field for developing and implementation of organizational intelligence