---

Background: Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vireh. or gray mangrove tree, belonging to the family Avicenniaceae, has long been used as a remedy to treat ulcers and skin diseases. In the present study, the antimutagenic activities of young and mature leaf extracts of Avicennia marina against the mutated bacterium Salmonella typhimurium TA100 were investigated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the bacterial strain was checked for the intended genotypes. Leaves were isolated, dried, and chopped finely using a blender and they were extracted with 80% ethanol or water using a Soxhlet extractor. Metabolic activation was prepared from male rat homogenized liver. Antimutagenic effect of the extracts was tested using Ames test in the presence of a mutagen. Results: The number of mutant colonies decreased in the presence of both ethanol and water extracts with (+S9) and without (-S9) metabolic activation. The ethanolic extract exhibited a higher antimutagenic activity than the water extract. There were no inter-assay differences in the presence and absence of the S9 mixture. The highest (71%) and the lowest (24%) inhibition rates of Salmonella typhimurium TA100 bacterial growth were observed with the ethanolic extract of mature leaves from Bordekhon region and the aqueous extract of young leaves from Assaluyeh region, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that Avicennia marina (Forssk) Vireh. leaf extracts may contain bioactive compounds that can inhibit mutation, and that biotic and/or abiotic stress might have an effect on the antimutagenic potential of these leaf extracts in the two regions.

---

Background: Postpartum women are a population at risk for sedentary life. Previous studies have shown that self-efficacy is an important determinant of stage of change and exercise adherence. This study evaluates the relationship between self-efficacy and stage of change and physical activity (PA) behavior in Iranian mothers. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 300 postpartum mothers were selected randomly from all health centers in Arak. The instruments used in this study included the 7-day PA recall, stages of exercise adoption tool, and self-efficacy for exercise scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: Ninety-one percent of the participants were in the pre-contemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages of change. Mean score for moderate PA was 38.94±40.5 minutes a week. Significant relationships were found between the stages of PA behavior change and METs of weekly energy expenditure from moderate activities (r=0.60, P<0.001). Also, statistically significant relationships were found between self-efficacy and the stages of PA behavior change (r=0.50, P<0.001) weekly energy expenditure from moderate activities (r=0.40, P<0.001), and pre-pregnancy PA behavior (r=0.39, P<0.001). Conclusion: The level of PA of the participants was less than the recommended minimum level for regular PA behavior (150 minutes of moderately intense PA per week). In this population, self-efficacy plays an important role in PA behavior and it should be taken into consideration in designing interventions for improving PA behavior.

---

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

---

Background: Urinary incontinence is a very common problem affecting the quality of life of many people, especially women. Hence, this study was done to investigate the results obtained from intravaginal slingplasty (IVS) method in treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in patients.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out as census on female patients suffering from SUI who had been treated using IVS method in Najmieh Subespeciality Hospital, Tehran, during 2004-2009 years. Data were extracted through interviews and from patients’ medical records. Descriptive statistics (mean and percent) and inferential statistics (independent t-test and its exact version, Bootstrap, Chi-square test, and Fisher’s exat test) were utilized and data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results: A total of 357 women with mean age of 45.18±8.78 years participated in this study. Recovery rate of emergency and stress-related SUI by IVS method were 80.1% and 98%, respectively. In addition, urgency SUI had statistically significant correlations with diabetes, blood pressure, age, total number of deliveries, and normal vaginal delivery (NVD). Also, stress-related SUI had significant correlations with post-void residue (PVR), total number of delivery, NVD, and cesarean section.

Conclusion: Generally, it can be concluded that treatment response of IVS in this study is comparable and even better than other existing and customary modes of treatment

---

Background: Post-anesthetic shivering is the most common cause of patient discomfort during recovery with a prevalence of 5 to 65%. Post-anesthetic shivering can increase pain, oxygen consumption, and cardiac output. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of various classes of drugs for preventing post-anesthetic shivering.

Materials and Methods: In this double-blind clinical trial, patients undergoing elective laparotomy were randomly divided into six groups, 40 each. The patients, respectively, received hydrocortisone, ketamine, tramadol, magnesium sulfate, pethidine, and normal saline. All patients were observed for body temperature and shivering for 20 minutes after arrival to recovery room.

Results: Seventy patients in the pethidine group did not have shivering upon arrival to recovery room which was significantly higher than other groups (&chi2=0.00002). Also, the patients in the pethidine group did not shiver 10 and 20 minutes after arrival to recovery room that was significantly lower than other groups.

Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that pethidine is more effective than other drugs in prevention of post-anesthetic shivering.

---

Background: Genital tract infections are one of the main causes of frequent referrals to gynecological clinics. Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the second common infectious vaginitis. On the other hand, probiotics are microorganisms that can have beneficial effects on the host. Noticing the limited number of studies reporting new treatments for this disease, the present study was designed to compare the effects of the combination of fluconazole and oral protexin and fluconazole on the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Materials and Methods: A double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 90 women who were referred to the 12-e-Bahman Clinic in 2011. The patients were randomly classified into "combination of fluconazole and oral protexin" or "fluconazole and placebo" groups. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (t-test, Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and McNemar’s test).

Results: The combinations, fluconazole-oral protexin and fluconazole-placebo, were equally effective in reduction of complaints and symptoms however, the effect of fluconazole-oral protexin on dysuria was more (p=0.02). Also, the fluconazole-oral protexin combination elicited a better therapeutic response (p=0.01). In addition, fluconazole-oral protexin combination treatment demonstrated a better recovery time (p=0.04).

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that complementary treatment with probiotic lactobacillus increased the efficacy of fluconazole in treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Further research, however, is suggested.

---

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.

---

  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.

 

---

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram negative bacilli that causes the stomach and duodenum diseases in human. An important virulence factor of H. pylori is a CagA gene that increases of colonization it in stomach epithelial cells and lead to inflammation and peptic ulcers. The aim of the present study was to production of recombinant protein containing highly antigenic region of CagA in E. coli.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the antigenic region (1245 base pair) of CagA gene was detected by bioinformatics methods, proliferated by PCR method, digested by BamHI and XhoI restriction enzymes and cloned into pET32a plasmid and was expressed in the E. coli BL21 (DE3) pLysS with induced by IPTG. The expressed protein was purified with Ni-NTA kit and its antigenicity was studied by western blotting method.

Results: Data showed the successful cloning and expression of the target gene. Recombinant CagA protein purified by Ni-NTA kit and dialysis with concentration of 1.5 mg/ml. In western blotting, the produced protein was interacted with infected human and mice sera.

Conclusion: Results indicated that recombinant CagA protein (65 KDa) maintains its antigenicity, so could be used for serological diagnosis of H. pylori diseases and production of vaccine.

---

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common problem in women. The purpose of this study was to compare two identification methods new PCR analysis (with DNA extracted from samples) and conventional culture technique in detection of Candida species in vulvovaginal samples.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental-analytical study, 150 women of fertility ages participated and two vaginal discharge samples were collected by speculum. One sample used for direct DNA extraction as well as PCR and the other was used for culture and phenotypic evaluations. Phenotypic evaluations waere performed by germ tube and chlamydospore formation and specially culture in chrome agar medium to detect color of the colonies. PCR was performed by DNA extracted from samples as templates and finally size of Candida specific amplicons was determined.

Results: From 150 samples, 87 in culture and 127 in new PCR technique were positive. In culture method, from total 87  Candida species , 73 C. albicans, 12 C. glabrata and 2 C. tropicalis were isolated whereas in new PCR technique, from  total 127 candida species 107  C. albicans, 18 C. glabrata and 2 C. tropicalis were identified. Concordance of the two methods were calculated as 68 percent.

Conclusion: The new molecular method (innovative PCR) has the potential to rapidly and accurately diagnose Candida vulvovaginitis in patients and can be used for diagnosis of  Candida species in clinical specimens.

---

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. An important goal for cancer patients is to improve the quality of life (QOL) by maximizing functions affected by the disease and its therapy. This study examined the effects of massage therapy on quality of life in women with breast cancer after surgery.

Materials and Methods: The study was quasi-experimental. Among the 53 women with breast cancer surgery and oncology clinic of Arak, 30 were randomly allocated in two groups of massage therapy (n=15) and 5 weeks (30 min, 2 sessions per week) and control (15 cases). Cortisol levels and quality of life questionnaire (SF36) was redirected and mental health groups. Data analysis software SPSS version 16 using paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance and a confidence level of 95% (p<0.05) was performed.

Results: The results showed a significant increase in the experimental group improved after the massage, physical (p=0.001) and psycho-social (p=0.002) were compared with control subjects. Massage also improves quality of life and mental health in breast cancer patients after surgery was (p<0.05). However, serum cortisol levels between the experimental and control groups were not significant (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The overall results of this study showed that massage therapy can be an effective intervention to improve quality of life and mental health in patients with breast cancer during radiotherapy is used.

---

Background: End stage renal disease or ESRD is a progressive and irreversible deterioration in renal function in which the body’s ability to maintain metabolic and fluid and electrolyte balance fails. Glutathione s-transfrase P1 is member of multigenic family which have essential role in cells as an antioxidant. In this study we investigated the polymorphism of GSTP1 genotypes and oxidative stress in ESRD patients and compare with control subjects to determine the possible relation between polymorphism of this enzyme and ESRD.

Materials and Methods: We select 136 ESRD patients and 137 control cases (without kidney disease). GST P1 polymorphism were determined with PCR-RFLP. Level of MDA was measured by HPLC apparatus.

Results: Genotypes distribution of GSTP1 A/G polymorphism to AA, AG and GG genotypes in control group were 70(51.1%), 56(40.9%) and 11(8%) and In diabetic group 74(55.6%), 50(37.6%) and 9(6.8%), respectively (p=0.744). MDA levels in ESRD patients was higher than control group (p<0.001).

Conclusion: GSTP1 A/G polymorphism between two groups and each groups was not statistically significant with ESRD, probably this enzyme has a protective role in the risk of ESRD.

---

Background: Solid waste is one of the environmental pollution. Therefore the aim of this study was to survey of knowledge, attitude and practice of student and teachers about weast management for developing methods of educational in Arak city.

Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional and analytical study that was carried out on 1739 student and 149 teacher in school of Arak city in 2012. sampling with cluster and data collection with questionnaire including knowledge, attitude, practice and appropriate resource of education for waste management. Finally data analyzed with statistical tests.

Results: The mean knowledge and attitude student was 4.1±1.9 (out of 8) and was 20.63±5.9 (out of 35) respectively. Based on most educational methods for weast management viewpoint of student book 441 student (29% ) but impact of internet very low interest 487 (32%) of student. Moreover the most educational methods based on level of education significant difference was observed (p=0.001).

Conclusion: Due to a level of knowledge and attitude of student and accsses to educational resourse and huge of weaste in school educational program planned via book, teacher and peer education for student recommended.

---

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious problem of pregnancy and its etiology is still unknown. The inheritance of preeclampsia is one of the theories regarding to the etiology of preeclampsia. Methylenetetrahydrofolatereductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme in folate metabolism and the C677T polymorphism of the MTHFR gene is associated with decrease MTHFR activity, and therefore cause higher blood levels of homocysteine and leads to vascular disease that can be the reason of preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism with PE development in south-west of Iran.

Materials and Methods: This case-control study was performed in 129 preeclamptic pregnant women and 125 control individuals.The C677T polymorphism of the MTHFR gene was determined by PCR-RFLP method.

Results: The CC, CT and TT genotypes frequency of C677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene were 57.4, 38.8 and 3.9 percent in preeclamptic women and 53.6, 40 and 6.4 percent in control group. They were not significantly different (p=0.614). However, the frequency of TT genotype was higher in control group (p=0.36). There was not any significant difference in T allele distribution between preeclamptic women (23.3%) and control group (26.4%).

Conclusion: Our results showed that there was not any correlation between the C677T polymorphism and PE but the TT genotype of C677T polymorphism seems to be a protective factor for preeclampsia.

---

Background: Giardiasis is the most common infectious diseases of medical parasitology and public health in our country and in many countries is important. Accourding the importance of treating the disease, particularly parasite resistance to drugs. Thus, the aim of present study was investigated the effect of gold nanoparticles on Giardia lamblia cyst stage of the in vitro.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, Giardia cysts from contaminated fresh feces were collected and concentrated with use 0.85 M sucrose methods for isolation of cysts. Samples after counting with Noubar slide were stored at 4°C. The gold nanoparticles at concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, 0.3 mg/ml prepared and verified, the particle size was determined. The effect of different concentrations of the nanoparticles at 5, 15, 30, 60 and 180 minutes was evaluated and compared to control groups (metronidazole). Data from the study were recorded and analyzed with T-test and Chi-square by used SPSS software.

Results: The results of the cytotoxic effect of nanoparticles on the different concentration and time of Giardia lamblia cysts in vitro compared with the positive control (Metronidazole) shows mean percent of effect gold nanoparticles increased with increasing concentration and exposure time, so that the concentration of 0.3 mg/ml from 62% at 5 min to 96% at 180 min increased (p<0.05). Also, the survey results show Giardia cysts with increasing exposure time , killing effect of gold nanoparticles at a concentration of 78% in 0.05 mg/ml to 96% at a concentration of 0.3 mg/ml greatest increased (p<0.05). As a result, the concentration of gold nanoparticles in comparison with Metronidazole has the most effect gold nanoparticles at a concentration of 0.3 mg/mL, almost the same effect of Metronidazole as the drug of choice in the treatment of Giardia lamblia.

Conclusion: Therefore, the results of this study, gold nanoparticles at a concentration of 0.3 mg/ml as an effective combination for killing Giardia lamblia cysts in vitro can be used. Thus, future studies on laboratory animals (In vivo) are recommended.

---

Background: According to the studies, Iran’s per capita antibiotic consumption is remarkable. Since the emergence of Antibiotic Resistant Organisms (AROs) is considered a global problem in the community and hospitals, this study aimed to investigate the pattern of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from patients in an academic and a non-academic hospital in Arak, Iran.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included all specimens referred to the microbiology laboratory at Amir Al-Momenin Hospital (academic hospital) and Imam Khomeini Hospital (non-academic hospital) in a one-year period from June 2012 to June 2013. The susceptibility of the isolated Gram-negative bacteria against the important antibiotics used in clinical practice was determined using the disk diffusion method.

Results: A total of 846 specimens were collected from patients in the two hospitals where 520 (61.5%) were Gram-negative bacteria, of which 63.3% were E. coli. The prevalence of Gram-negative organisms in the academic and the non-academic hospital was measured 79.8% and 20.2%, respectively (p=0.097). It was also determined that there is a significant difference between the two hospitals in the prevalence of ESBL (Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase) Gram-negative bacteria (p=0.003).

Conclusion: There was a significant difference between the two hospitals in the prevalence of ESBL Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, conducting regional surveillance programs to examine the patterns of antibiotic resistance is recommended.

---

Background: Remaining of crude oil in storage tanks usually lead to accumulation of oily sludge at the bottom of the tank which should be treated and disposed of in a suitable manner. In this research the feasibility of chemical oxidation with H2O2 and Fenton&#39;s reagent for removal of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) from composted storage tank sludges was investigated.

Materials and Methods: The sludge was mixed with immature compost at various sludge to compost ratios including 1:2, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8 and 1:10 and composted for 82 days. Then, hydrogen peroxide and Fenton’s reagent were added to the composted mixture in six concentrations including 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 30% w w-1 for a period of 24 and 48 hr.

Results: TPH removal in composting reactors with the ratios of 1:2, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8 and 1:10 were 66.59, 73.19, 74.81, 80.20 and 79.91 percent, respectively. The mean TPH removal of 1:8 composted mixtures with 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 30% of oxidant concentrations were 1, 5.09, 19.37, 28.16, 34.37 and 38.05 percent, respectively. The highest removal efficiency was achieved in stepwise addition to the sludge. As well, increasing oxidation time from 24 to 48 hr had a little effect on TPH removal increase and the removal efficiencies of H2O2 and Fenton were nearly similar.

Conclusion: Chemical oxidation with hydrogen peroxide and Fenton as a post-treatment step is an acceptable process in TPH removal from bottom sludge of storage tanks.

---

Background: The overuse of therapeutic antibiotics results in the drug resistance. The excessive use of antibiotics causes the mutations in the microorganisms and the emergence of new microorganisms which are resistant against the common antibiotics. With regard to limitations and known side effects of antibiotics, the exploring of antimicrobial compounds seems necessary. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Chevil against Staphylococcus epidermidis PTCC 1435, Yersinia enterocolitica PTCC 1221 and Enterobacter aeruginosa PTCC 1151 and to compare them with the common therapeutic antibiotics.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, after collecting plants from the highlands of Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province, the extraction was carried out by the maceration method. To evaluate the antimicrobial activity, Disc diffusion test with Kirby-Bauer method was used. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined by using the dilution method.

Results: The highest inhibition zone diameter in 40 mg/ml was related to Staphylococcus epidermidis and the minimum diameter in this concentration was related to Gram-negative bacteria, Enterobacter aeruginosa. MIC of aqueous and ethanolic extracts for Enterobacter aeruginosa 64 and 32 mg/ml and MBC of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Enterobacter aeruginosa were 128 and 64 mg/ml respectively.

Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of the Chevil compared with the common therapeutic antibiotics had more inhibitory effect on studied bacteria. Furthermore, Chevil extracts showed greater inhibitory effect on Gram-positive bacteria in comparison with Gram-negative bacteria.

---

Background: Gene therapy is a recent promising treatment that effective gene transfer is considered as its most important step. Furthermore noninvasive method of transfer will be important to, when gene therapy is supposed to be applied. Administration of drugs in oral rout is more appreciated by patients. Loading and release rates are very important in targeting and effectiveness of transfer in all different methods that have been used for oral drug transfer. Here, we have studied packing of gene particles into two different enteric coats and compared these two coats in loading of entrapped materials and there release rate in vitro.

Materials and Methods: First, DNA was mixed with chitosan by coacervation technique and resulted polyplexes were coated using solvent evaporation technique. FTIR and two different pHs, less and more but near eudragit pKa, were used to evaluate formation of particles and their behavior.

Results: Formed particles have similar stability in low pH and their differences are trivial. Eudragit L100 release rate is really slower than L100-55 and gradual. Eudragit L100 shows better ability in loading rate.

Conclusion: According to two formed particles' behavior, eudragit L100-55 might be used in oral gene transfer targeting of initial part of small intestine and eudragit L100 might be used for wider surface of small intestine, from the initial to the end part, and colon.

---

Background: Brucellosis is a major cause of zoonosis disease and is endemic in hamadan Province in Iran. The purpose of this study was to isolate Brucella species from brucellosis patients and identify different species of this bacterium in order to determine the prevalence of the species.

Materials and Methods: This study was descriptive- cross sectional and fifty blood samples were obtained from brucellosis patients with clinical symptoms. The samples were cultured in BACTEC system and incubated for 14 days. Then, the samples were cultured on Brucella agar and biochemical tests were done for identification of bacteria. Finally, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) applied for confirmation and isolated identification with specific primers.

Results: Seven Brucella strains were isolated from 50 blood samples of the patients with brucellosis by blood culture and PCR. The PCR results on blood specimens showed 4 positive in spite of the negative results of blood culture. PCR and biochemical methods revealed that all the 11 isolated bacteria were Brucella Melitensis.

Conclusion: This study was designed to evaluate PCR technique as a diagnostic tool for brucella spp in comparison to conventional techniques. This study showed a high prevalence of brucellosis due to Brucella Melitensis in Hamadan Province and efforts in this region should be aimed at the eradication of this bacterium.