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.

Background: Brucellosis is a debilitative disease that imposes heavy costs on the economy and society. Therefore, using the most accurate and efficient method to diagnose this disease is essential. In Iran, Brucella melitensis is the common causative agent for brucellosis and BP26 protein of this bacterium has a good level of antigenicity. Thus, the aim of this study is to produce Brucella melitensis recombinant BP26 protein with a PET28a expression vector.

Materials and Methods: In this applied-fundamental study, genomic DNA was isolated from bacterial culture through proteinase K (pK) and phenol/chlorophorm protocol. Then, two pairs of primers were designed based on the known sequence in the gene bank for amplification of Brucella melitensis bp26 gene and PCR reaction was set up and optimized. The PCR product was cloned first into PTZ57R/T vector and accessed on the PET28a vector and sequenced. The recombinant vector was transformed and expressed into E. coli BL21 (DE3). Then, the recombinant protein was purified with Ni-NTA column of chromatography against His tag.

Results: The size of PCR product was in accordance with the part of bp26 gene size in the gene bank. The bp26 gene without adding IPTG had little expression and 3 hours after adding IPTG with a 1 Mm concentration to culture media, extreme expression was observed.

Conclusion: The production of recombinant BP26 protein from isolated Brucella melitensis native to Markazi province was done. Noticing the importance of BP26 protein and its significance for future studies on providing brucellosis diagnosis kits, its production was made possible.

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.

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

Background: Hydatid disease is a common infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Cerebral involvement is very rare and only occurs in 2% of all hydatidosis in endemic areas. We report a case of primary multiple cerebral hydatid cysts in a 23 years old patient. Case: A 23 years old female was admitted in our emergency ward with primary generalized tonic colonic seizure, left body and face hemiparesis and history of headache in last two months. Contrast enhanced CT and MRI showed a big well-defined, rounded, cystic lesion in the motor strip of right temporo-parietal region with mass effect causing midline shift which was diagnostic for brain hydatid cyst and several smaller cysts. There was no evidence of other organs involvement. The patient underwent the brain surgery. A big hydatid cyst (10cm in diameter) and some others adhering to brain parenchyma in different sizes were evacuated completely and without rupture using Dowling method. Patient received albendazole 400mg/two times a day for 2 months too. There was no cyst in patient’s MRI study in two years follow up.

Conclusion: Though low incidence, primary multiple cerebral hydatid cysts should be considered in endemic area using brain CT and MRI. Surgery is standard treatment of the disease.

Background: There is abundant evidence indicating that inflammatory mechanisms within the central nervous system contribute to cognitive impairment via cytokine-mediated interactions between neurons and glial cells. BAT1, a member of the DEAD-box family of RNA helicases, appears to regulate the production of inflammatory cytokines associated with AD pathology. In the current study BAT1 -22 promoter polymorphism was analyzed in AD and control subjects.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, genomic DNA from peripheral blood samples of 153 Alzheimer’s patients and 153 healthy controls was extracted using salting-out method. DNA analysis was performed by PCR-RFLP method and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: After genotyping and statistical analysis the results failed to show any association between BAT1 -22 promoter polymorphism and sporadic Alzheimer’s disease.

Conclusion: BAT1 -22 is not associated with Alzheimer’s disease in Iranian population and so has no effect on predisposition to sporadic Alzheimer’s disease.

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.   

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.

Background: Survey and control of nosocomial infections in the world is a global priority that The objective is to minimize infections in addition to decreased length of hospitalization And also significantly reduce the cost of health care .The aim of this study was evaluating the knowledge, self-efficacy and Practice of nursing staff in Disciplines Standard Precautions in order to prevention of nosocomial infection.

Materials and Methods: This Cross-sectional and analytical study that was carried out on 130nursing staff selectedin in Arak university of medical sciense in 2013. Data collected with validity and reliebility questionnaire including of knowledge, self-efficacy and Practice of nursing staff in Disciplines Standard Precautions in order to prevention of nosocomial infection. Data was analyzed by using descriptive and analytical statistical methods and pearson correlation.

Results: The mean knowledge was 46.92±14.66 and Practice 49.46±6.96 and average self-efficacy was 52.2±10.81 about infection prevention. There was not significant relationship between knowledge and Practice. But there was a significant relationship between self-efficacy, knowledge and Practice and marriage. Moreover there was a significant relationship between knowledge and gender. (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Despite moderate self-efficacy majority of Nurses do not have appropriate knowledge about prevention of nosocomial infection based on the findings of this study. Considering the important role of nurses in nosocomial infection prevention, training is necessary to increase nurses prevention behaviors. Therefor paying more attention by authorities to apply the necessary actions for training of nurses.

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: One of the amendments made in Iran's Health System was family physician program were introduced in 2004 . This study aimed to describe the experiences of physician and other health team members about general interest of this program.

Materiasl and Methods: This study is a qualitative and data collection method was in-depth interviews (semi-structured). Groups participants including 15 physicians, 15 midwives and 25 healthworker declare their experiences about of general advantage in this program. In total, 55 interviews were carried out in population. Purposive sampling fand content analysis with comparative of the methods were used.

Results: In this study, after continuous analysis of data 376 initial codes were obtained. After integration of theses codes 30 the secondary cods come out which consist of public or general interest and economic benefit, respectively. Moreover 4 sub-categories (improve of index of public health and care, health folder, insurance for rural, low referral to expert of physican), were created.

Conclusion: Based on the results the use of electronic folders instead of traditional folder and accelerate to acsess of information patient for promotion of care and finally delivery some facilitate for health team worker recommended.

Background: Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJMSc) are potential renewable source of cells in replacement therapies of many diseases. Different biomaterials have been used as a scaffold to mimic the stem cell niche, which is important for promoting cellular interactions, cell proliferation and differentiation. Encapsulation involves entrapment of living cells within the semi-permeable membrane for the exchange of nutrients, oxygen and stimuli, whereas antibodies and host immune cells are kept out. In this study, a new approach for culturing and differentiating Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells to definitive endoderm in a three dimensional environment using alginate capsules is presented.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells were capsulated and Trypan blue exclusion method was applied to determine cells viability. Then, encapsulated cells have been cultured in medium contain differentiating factors and to investigate the expression of definitive endoderm related genes, Real- time PCR was performed.

Results: The encapsulation procedure did not alter the morphology and viability of the encapsulated cells. Post-differentiation analysis confirmed the expression of FOXa2 and SOX17 as definitive endoderm specific markers.

Conclusion: Alginate has potential to be used as a three dimensional scaffold for culturing and differentiation of WJMSCs to definitive endoderm.

Background: Planning of educational programs to inform the people about the prevention of diseases such as cancers is necessary. This study was conducted to determine the effect of educational interference based on HBM on practices of women about gastric cancer.

Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 88 women participated from Arak. The subject were randomly divided in two groups, experimental group and control group (each group includes 44 women). Inclusion criteria were absence of cancer, Iranian nationality, age over 18 years, living in the city. Data collected with a questionnaire based on HBM and performance checklist about colorectal cancer prevention was used in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the educational program. Intervention was done in 1 month consist of 3 session each session 45 minutes. Three months later data were recollected and analyzed.

Results: In this study, the mean age in case and control group was 38.3±9.6 and 36.3±11.1 years respectively, with no significant differences (p=0.381). Average scores of knowledge and practice in experimental was 72.8±13.06 and 30.81±6.2 respectively group before the intervention, which was 88.05±12.2 and 65.3±8.9 respectively after the intervention (p<0.05). Moreover before of intervention susceptibility, severity and percieved benefit about practice of mothers was moderate but after intervention the entire items between experimental and control groups was significantly different (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Finding of this research confirms the effect of Health Belief Model on prevention from gastrointestinal cancer in women of Arak.

Background: Human &beta-defensin 126 (12kDa) is a small cationic glycoprotein that is highly rich of cysteine. DEFB126 gene is located on the subtelomeric end of 20p1.3 in human. High expression of this protein is reported in epididymis. This polypeptide coats the plasma membrane of sperm during epididy‌mal transit. It is likely that &beta -defensin 126 might have role in unexplained male infertility since it involves in sperm maturation and capacitation. The current research designed to investigate if there is relation between &beta-defensin 126 gene mutation and unexplained male infertility.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study we followed a two cytosine nucleotides deletion of &beta-defensin 126 gene in 35 Iranian men with unexplained infertility and 40 fertile men with normal spermogeram as control group. Standard PCR, SSCP(Single strand conformational polymorphism), and sequencing were used to detect genetic alteration of &beta-defensin 126. ELISA was performed for the assessment of the protein expression on sperm cells.

Results: Analysis of genetic data revealed 28.6% homozygote deletion in unexplained infertile men while this deletion was detected in 7.5% of controls. The deletion frequency was statistically higher in infertile patients than normal control group (p<0.05). The protein expression was less in men with del/del genotype compare to the other genotypes (p<0.005).

Conclusion: Our study shows that this common sequence variation of &beta-defensin 126 takes part in impairment of male reproductive function. Consequently, men with the del/del genotype are significantly less fertile than men who carry the wild type allele.

Background: Interleukin-16 (IL16) is an important regulator of T cell activation and was reported to act as achemo-attractant agent. There are evidences that IL16 can control the neuroinflammatory processes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study was performed to show whether the IL-16 genepolymorphism, rs11556218 is associated with the risk of sporadic AD in Iranian population.

Materials and Methods: Totally, 148 AD patients and 137non-dementia controls were recruited in this case-control study. Genotyping of rs11556218 T/Gpolymorphism was performed by PCR-RFLP method using the NdeI restriction enzyme.

Results: Statistical analysis of rs11556218 genotypes showed a protective effect against AD in the heterozygote genotype (p=0.001, OR=0.16(0.1-0.28)). Frequency of rs11556218 allele T was higher in patients than controls (p=0.001, OR=0.32(0.21-0.49)).

Conclusion: Our results indicate thatrs11556218 polymorphism has a protective role in the development of sporadic AD in Iranian population.

Background: Nanoparticles due to their small size can overcome blood-testis barrier and affect spermatogenesis process. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of trioxide (MoO3) nanoparticles on histological changes of testis and spermatogenesis process in adult male Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 30 adult male Wistar rats were randomely divided into five groups (n=6), including control, 2 sham groups, and 2experimental groups. Control group had no treatment. Two experimental groups received doses 5 & 10 mg/kg/BW nano molybdenum trioxide (20nm) respectively, and two sham groups received the same doses of normal saline by intraperitoneal injection. After 28 days, rats testis was removed and fixed in Bouin’s fixative for histological examination. The 5&mum sections were stained with hematoxilin-eosin.

Results: In experimental group which received 5mg/kg/BW nanoparticle, there was some disorganization of spermatogenic cells in some seminiferous tubules. In experimental group which received 10mg/kg/BW nanoparticle, a significant decrease was also observed in the number of spermatogenic and sertoli cells in comparison with the control group.

Conclusion: According to the findings of this study exposure to the high doses of (MoO3) nanoparticles can disrupt male reproductive system in a dose- dependent manner. Hence, the application of (MoO3) NPs should be carried out cautiously.

Background: Accidents and injuries one of the main causes of death and disability in the world and the most significant causes in children referred to hospital. So, this study aimed to assess the health belief model constructs and function of the mothers referred to health centers in the city of Khorramabad in the preventive behaviors of accidents and injuries in children.

Materials and Methods: This cross sectional and analytical study was done on 261 mothers with children aged less than 5 years are referred to health centers in the city of Khorramabad in 2014. Data was collected with a questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model. The data collected were analyzed by software SPSS-20.

Results: In this study the mean and standard deviation of age of mothers was 28.98±5.37 years and the mean score of function and self-efficacy were 59.1±14.74 and 69.1±11.07 respectively. Moreover, the mean scores of the other health belief model constructs such as perceived sensitivity, severity, benefits and barriers was higher than average. There was significant negative correlation between self-efficacy and perceived barriers (r=-0.256, p<0.01), and also between the perceived barriers and function (r=-0.391, p<0.01).

Conclusion: According to the score of the function of mothers and the other constructs of health belief model, training programs based on the model directly and indirectly in the form of multimedia training package recommended to promote preventive behaviors of accidents occur in children.

Background: Head circumference (and its related morphologic factors such as head length and width) is one of the morphologic indices that people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have different developmental patterns in comparison to their peers. So the aim of this study is to assess head circumference indices in relation to cognitive factors in ASD children and adolescents.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the case group was consisted of 129 students with ASD aged 7-18 years old. The control group was consisted of 103 students with intellectual disability (ID) aged 7-18 years old. Head circumference, head length and width was measured by meter and caliper respectively. In addition, socio- cognitive factors questionnaire was responded by parents.

Results: Results showed that the head circumference, length and width of ASD group was significantly greater than ID group (p<0.001). Moreover, ASD group achieved lower score on SSIS questionnaire than ID group (p<0.001). Furthermore, results showed that in ASD group with increasing the size of head circumference the score on socio-cognitive abilites and skills decreased (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Generally, this study indicated that the developmental trajectory as well as the relation of anthropmetric indices of head circumference and socio-cognitive factors in children and adolescents with ASDs is different from ID population.

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after delivery plays a crucial role in preventing infants morbidity and mortality. Exclusive breastfeeding intention during pregnancy is one of predictors of this behavior. Determining the effective factors in exclusive breastfeeding intention helps plan for promoting breastfeeding intention and behavior. The aim of this study is to determine predictive factors of exclusive breastfeeding intention in pregnant women, based on the theory of planned behavior.

Materials and Methods: This analytical study was conducted in 2014 on 224 primigravide women referred to Health Centers of Kashan. The samples were randomly selected from 16 health centers. The mothers completed the questionnaires of demography, intention, attitude, subjective norms and the perceived behavior control. A linear regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of the exclusive breastfeeding intention.

Results: In regression model, the perceived behavior control (&beta=0.42, p<0.001), attitude (&beta=0.27, p<0.01) and subjective norms (&beta=0.18, p=0.059) were predictors of the exclusive breastfeeding intention. This model could explain 63% of the variance of the exclusive breastfeeding intention. The knowledge and demographic factors were not predictors of the intention.

Conclusion: The results reveal the perceived behavior control, attitudes and subjective norms could predict exclusive breastfeeding intention, so they should be considered as general guidelines in designing educational interventions in order to improve exclusive breastfeeding in women.

  Background: Stress is a mental or emotional disturbance that occurs in response to external stimuli and can also appear during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of maternal stress during pregnancy on the cerebellar structure changes and seizure threshold of their offspring .

  Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 20 pregnant female rats were divided into two groups: 1) Non stress group, and 2) Stress group which were under immobilization stress one hour for 14 days . The seizure threshold test in offspring was performed by injecting Pantilen tetrazol drug (PTZ)(n=8) . To investigate the cerebellum development, the offspring were divided into three groups . Control group: mothers did not any stress and offspring did not receive PTZ (n=4). Sham group: mothers did not stress but the offspring had received PTZ(n=4). Experimental group: mothers did stress and offispring did receive PTZ(n=4). After the section of cerebellum, the thickness of cerebellum layers and the number of cells in each layer were evaluated.

  Results: The mean of seizure threshold in the offspring whose mothers were under the stress of pregnancy significantly increased compared to children whose mothers no received stress (p<0.001). In the other side, mean number of purkinje cells in the experimental group significantly decreased compared with the other groups (p<0.001). No significant differences were found in the mean of granular and molecular layers thickness of cerebellum in the experimental group when compared with the other groups(p<0.05). However, mean cellular density in the granular layer of cerebellum in the experimental group significantly decreased compared to other groups (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Stress during pregnancy increased the seizure threshold in offspring and caused some developmental and structural disorders in the cerebellar rat offspring.