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Introduction: Tribulus was traditionally used as a diuretic, mild laxative, urolithiasis, dysurca for treatment of urinary tract problems including stones, cystitis and infections, particularly Gonohrea. Antimicrobial cffects of methanol extract of Tribulus fruit on few gram positive and negative bacteria, the causative agents of some bacterial infections was evaluated and then compared with some in use antibiotics for these infections.
Materials and Methods: In this research as an experimental study. 40 gr powder of Tribulus fruit was dissolved in 100 ml pure methanol as a solvent with cold maseration method, the suspension was filtered after 5 day. The filtered suspension were concentrated with rotary evaporator apparatus in vaccum and was then dilluted with methanol to yield different concentrations. The antimicrobial activity of the extract and antibiotical were examined with disc diffusion and tube dilution standard methods to measure the diameter of inhibition zones, minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bacterial concentration.
Results: The results were shown that the antimicrobial effect of the methanol extract of Tribulus fruit on ATCC strains of Streptococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas acroginosa had bactriostatic effect with the concentration of 400, 200, 100, 100 ug/ml in order. The comparison of urinary tract infections, including Oxacilin, Ciprofloxacin, Penicilin G, Gentamycin, Cotrimoxazole, Nalidixic acid and Nitroforantoin were shown that Tribulus fruit extract in concentration used in this research had a similar or even better effect than some antibiotics on some of the bacteria used in this evaluation.
Conclusion: The Tribulus fruit extract has an efficient bactriostatic and bactricidal activity of few gram positive and negative bacteria, the causative agents of some bacterial infections and these cffects are comparable to those antibiotics in usc for treatment of these infections. Tribulus fruit extract could be suggested for treatment of these infections after the pharmacological and clinical complementary studies.

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Introduction: Children play an important role in the future of every country. In under developed countries like Iran, because of cultural and economic poverty, most children have malnutrition which will be result in physical and psychological growth disorders. In as much as zinc is one of the most important and essential elements in metabolism of different substances and human growth, this study was conducted to determine the effect of zinc supplementation on percentile weight of children with growth disorders.
Materials and Methods: In order to investigate the effect of zinc sulfate syrup on increasing the weight and percentile weight of children, a double-blind clinical trial was conducted in 70 children aging 9 to 36 months. The subjects lacked any associated disease-by laboratory testing. Thirty-five children consume zinc sulfate syrup 0.6% for three months (case group) and other consume daily placebo for the same time and dose (control group). The increase of weight percentile of children were measured in three times with the interval of one month.
Results: Our findings showed that during three months, the average amount of increasing in weight percentile was 4.5% and 3.7%, respectively. T test showed that the comparison of increasing in weight percentile between two groups was not significant
Conclusion: This investigation revealed that zinc supplementation had not any remarkable effects on increasing of weight and weight percentile of children with growth disorders.

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Introduction: A high prevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients has been reported worldwide. Risk factors such as history of blood transfusion, duration of hemodialysis and recently nosocomial transmission of HCV in hemodialysis units have been identified. In this study the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus antibody and risk factors in hemodialysis patients in Markazi province is investigated. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional analythical study, blood samples were obtained from all 204 hemodialysis patients. Samples were tested for anti-HCV antibodies by using third generation enzyme immunoassay. The reactive samples on ELISA were confirmed by the third generation RIBA. Risk factors were evaluated by a questionnaire. Data was analysed using Chi square and logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of anti-HCV antibody among hemodialysis patients was 4.9%.Duration of hemodialysis was identified as a major risk factor in transmission of HCV (p=0.004). There was a significant relationship between anti-HCV positivity and previous renal transplantation (p=0.032). Female sex was another risk factor for HCV infection (p=0.030). There was no significant relationship between anti-HCV positivity and history of blood transfusion. Conclusion: Nosocomial transmission of HCV within hemodialysis units seems to be a route of infection in patients on hemodialysis in Markazi province. Application of dialysis precautions recommended by CDC can reduce the prevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients in this province.

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Introduction: Diagnosing parturients in risk of cesarean section early in the beginning of active phase of labor, is very important. This may let take necessary action to accelernate labor (delivery) and prevent maternal mortality and morbidity due to late cesarean section. Materials and Methods: During a period of 8 months from July 2004 to March 2005, 216 primiparous women, with term pregnancy and cephalic single fetus, referred to Imam Reza hospital in (during) active phase of labor, were studied. Changes of cervical dilatation and descent of the conceptus were observed. Parturients were devided to two groups, vaginal delivery and cesurean section. Protraction or arrest disorders were the indications of cesarean deliveries. Findings were analysed through using T-Test, unilateral variance and Chi square test. Results: The more changes in cervical dilatation in the first 2 hours of active phase of labor, the less possibility of cesarean delivery (p<0.001). Also the more rate of the conceptus descent in the first 2 hours of active phase of labor, the less rate of cesarean section (p<0.001). There was no significant statistical relationship between condition of membranes at the onset of active labor and method of delivery, however there was a significant relationship between oxytocin augmentation and method of delivery (p<0.001). Conclusion: In primiparous women with term pregnancy, vaginal delivery would be fairly predictable by observing changes of cervical dilatation and conceptus descent during the first 2 hours of active phase of labor.

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Introduction: Many progresses has been made in the field of digital replantation which is based on progresses in microsurgery and surgeons skills in hand trauma. In this study, procedure and results of 97 digital replantatios are investigated. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study 66 patients with 97 amputated fingers, who underwent replantation were studied. Only completely amputated fingers were studied and fingers with even the least connection to the proximal stump by a skin bridge were omitted from the study. Amputations were at the level or distal to the MCP joint. Results: Success rate of replantation was %57.7 which is 56 fingers from the total of 97 fingers. 58 patients were male and 8 female. Patients age was between 9-52 years. The total hospitalization period was 3-5 days for unsuccessful and 12-16 days for successful replantations. After the operation, Aspirin was used as the anticoagulant and heparin was used only after reexploration or in severe crushing injuries or in cases with vein graft use. Type of surgery and postoperative care was the same in all patients. Conclusion: Based on the results, it seems some reasons of lower success rate in our study in comparison to other countries are wrong transportation method of the amputed fingers and delay in patient transportation. Also surgeons, skill in plastic surgery seems to be effective.

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Introduction: Performing correct research in different aspects of community as well as medical sciences can be a way to resolve many problems. In order to create a systematic knowledge of research method in academic members of Arak University of medical sciences and enabling them in providing proposals and performing researches, a clinical research center was developed. This study is done to investigate the effect of this center on improving clinical researches in the University. Materials and methods: This is a HSR, before and after, interventional study in which, clinical academic members of Arak University of medical science were evaluated. First the information of the pre intervention period was gathered (jan2002-jan2004). Then the intervention was done in the form of developing a research center in Vali-Asr hospital, performing serial research workshops, research conferences, research consultations and planning data bases during a 2 years period. Again data was gathered and then compared to those of pre intervention period. Results: The comparison of pre and post intervention periods showed that in pre intervention period from 38 proposals 30 and in post intervention period from 89 proposals 76 were approved by research committee of the University. In the two pre and post intervention periods 14(46.6%) and 50(65.8%) of accepted proposals were clinical respectively. Also from the view point of quality, 11 and 15 proposals were HSR, 2 and 22 clinical trials and 8 and 8 descriptive, respectively. The number of published articles in first period was 45 and in second 84. Presented articles in internal and external congresses were 33 and 59 in the two periods overally, which 25 and 51 articles were presented in the country and 8 and 8 in abroad congresses, respectively. Conclusion: Regarding the results it seems developing research center in this University and other similar Universities can have a significant effect on the process of clinical researches.

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Introduction: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common benign tumor in men. Due to the side effects of chemical drugs, phytotherapy has become a treatment method in BPH since 1990s. Prostatan is a plant extract widely available in Iran. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of Prostatan drop in combination with Prazosin in alleviating BPH symptoms. Materials and Methods: In a single blind randomized clinical trial , 66 men over 50 years with BPH symptoms who were visited in Vali-e-Asr hospital of Arak were randomly divided in two groups and treated with either Prostatan (40 drop,TDS) plus Prazosin (1mg, BD)or Prazosin (1mg, BD)alone . AUA symptom score, PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels, Prostate volume, post voidal residue (PVR) by sonograms and uroflowmetry results were determined before and 12 weeks after treatment. Data was analyzed by T and Man- Whithey u tests. Results: Before treatment there were no significant differences in age, PSA, PVR, AUA symptom score, Prostate volume and uroflowmetry between the two groups. After treatment the mean of PSA levels, Prostate volume and PVR did not differ between the two groups. In the Prostatan plus Prazosin group, the mean of AUA symptom score was 3.3 less (p<0.0001) and the mean of maximal urine flow rate was 2.7 ml/s more than the Prazosin group (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Regarding results, it seems that adding Prostatan to Prazosin against Prazosin alone enhances its effects on controlling BPH symptoms and increases urine flow rates.

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Background: The face the main channel through which the individual communicates. It is the site of beauty and attractiveness. Physical attractiveness has stereotyping nature. Because the precise content of the stereotype depends on cultural values. The aim of this study was described the range of psychosocial issues burned disfigurement people that psychosocial support programmes may need to address after hospitaization. Methods and Materials: Part of data from a larger study grounded theory approach was reported by this Paper. In this qualitative study, individual in depths interview performed with 21 participants. Interviews were analyzed using a content analysis. Results: After data analyzed five axial category emerging from this qualitative study included social behaviors and beliefs (reproach, retirement, wrong thoughts and beliefs, stigmatize, pity) emotional problems (grief, shame, fear of expulsion, aversion, hopelessness) reactions assessment (positive assessment, Negative assessment) strategy (hidden, separation, self-presentation) and weariness. Conclusion: Findings indicated negative behaviors' and beliefs' of people cause emotional problems in disfigured people. Thise persons perform inappropriate strategy against behaviors' and beliefs' of people. Therefore This persons need to appropriate supportive programs for community, family and person instruction to knowledge, attitude and practice promotion.

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Background: Hospital readmission rate as a global health problem has increased over the last few decades. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is one of the most common causes of hospital readmission. Little is known about barriers of readmission rate control. The aim of this study was used for data exploring the barriers of readmission rate control. Methods and Materials: A qualitative study was designed with grounded theory approach. Data were gathered with interview. This study was started with proposly sampling and continues with theoretical sampling during 6 months. A convenience sample of 42 people was recruited from two public educational hospitals in Tehran during 6 month. The data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. Results: Data analysis demonstrated lake of sensitivity on barriers of readmission incorrect patient’s health believes and expectations insufficient patient education, drug and diet adherence, and incorrect life style lack of active medical system , distrust on physicians and lack of communication psychological issues and patient - family challenges, were as the barriers of readmission control. Conclusion: This research had shown that the barriers of readmission control recognized by applying Qualitative research method with source triangulation better than the biomedical approach with single source. On the other hand, lack of sensitivity of partcipants on barriers of readmission control is a new finding. So, for controlling the barriers of readmission despite of exploring the barriers, making sensitive of involved people to readmission, is also proposed

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Background: Dental plaque is composed of bacterial derived extracellular polysacharide known as glucan which is synthesized by Streptococcus mutans. Natural substances that could inhibit the plaque formation of the bacteria have a significant importance. This investigation has evaluated the honey beeswax extract effect on the Gft production, the key enzyme of S. mutans colonization factor for the first time. Methods and Materials: In this experimental study extraction of the sample conducted with ethyl acetate and methanol solutions in the Clevenger extractor. The ethyl acetate soluble fraction was separated in the first step and after the evaporation of the first solute, the 70% methanol as inactive solvent was added and the water mixture was used as a second solution, then materials were separated with dH2O. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the honey beeswax extract was assessed by Broth diffusion method. Examination of cell adherence (Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration, BIC) was calculated by colony counts from surface scratching of glass slides in the bacterial media that supplied with 1% sucrose. Glucosyltransferase expression was detected by 15% SDS poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results: Concentration of 1mg/ml of ethyl acetate honey beeswax extract was inhibited completely biofilm and it was prevented the production of glucosyltransferase enzyme. The concentration of formation 6 mg/ml of the extract had bacteriostatic effect and 30 mg/ml concentration of this extract had bactericidal for S. mutans (P<0.01). Conclusion: The sub- bacterial concentrotion honey beeswax extract was able to block the major enzyme that contributes to S. mutans biofilm formation.

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Background: Muscle mass is known to be a significant predictor of bone mineral density (BMD), and myostatin is a negative regulator of muscle growth. The aim of present study was investigate the effects of resistance training on bone mineral density and serum myostatin in healthy young men. Methods and Materials: In this clinical trial thirty young men were assigned to resistance training (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The training group participated in 6 mounths of progressive whole-body resistance training. Total body fat, lean body mass, total body BMD, femoral neck BMD and L2-L4 spine BMD were determined by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) before and after 6 mounths of resistance training. Serum level myostatin measured by enzyme immnoassay. Results: Resistance training caused significant increases in chest press (52.36±6.36 vs 62.20±8.96 kg), leg press (135.24±13.77 vs 146.91±17.66 kg), lean body mass (61.00±0.96 vs 62.58±2.08 kg) and femoral neck BMD (1.115±0.078 vs 1.131±0.088 g/cm2), whereas myostatin were decreased (102.91±10.18 vs 94.03±13.93 ng/ml) (P<0.05). Total body BMD and L2-L4 spine BMD did not change with 6 months resistance training. Conclusion: A 6 month resistance training program increases muscle mass, power and improves BMD of the femoral neck in young men, and myostatin inhibition may play an important role in increasing BMD which is induced by resistance training.

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Abstract Background: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American's men and is the most common malignancy after skin in men. The purpose of this research was comparison of demographic characteristic of patients with advanced prostate cancer treated with surgical and medical orchiectomy. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross- sectional analytic study carried out on 53 patients with locally advanced and metastatic (stages III- IV) prostate cancer referring to oncology wards in Buali hospital in Hamadanand and Vali-e-Asr hospital in Arak for adjuvant therapy of chemotherapy or radiotherapy during 2003-7. Demographic characteristics such as age, disease stage, cultural status, habitancy, socioeconomic status and patients accepted treatment of advanced prostate cancer treated with surgical and medical orchiectomy (hormone therapy), were determined and compared. Results: There was a significant difference between age mean of patients treating by orchiectomy and hormone (p=0.007). Also socioeconomic status distribution in two groups was different (p= 0.025). Distribution of disease stage, cultural level, habitancy in two groups were similar (respectively p=0.207, p=0.617, p=0.272). Conclusion: People less tend to orchiectomy to hormone therapy. Also, in high socioeconomic status and in elder, tendency to surgical orchiectomy is more.

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Abstract Background: Information on patients' physical and mental disabilities, their lifestyle during rehabilitation period and probably their death due to severe head injury in acute phases is too insufficient and in some cases, it does not exist at all. The aim of this study is to determine the outcome of patients who were hospitalized in Vali-asr Hospital of Arak according to Glascow Coma Scale (GOS). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, using the patients' files in Vali-asr Hospital which is situated in Arak, the patients, who had been hospitalized with severe head injury during 2005-06, were identified. Based on the information existing in their files or visiting them individually in their place of living, 24 months after their release from hospital, their physical and mental performances were examined according to Glascow Outcome Scale (GOS) and were compared to the time of their release from the hospital. Results: Out of 130 patients, 55.4% died within 2 years after the hospitalization period. Among those dead, 32% died in the first 24 hours of hospitalization, 44.4% after the first 24 hours and before release from the hospital and 23.6% after being released from the hospital. The mean of GOS score, from the time of release until 2 years after that, improved from 2.7 to 3.3. Conclusion: Noticing the fact that more than half of the patients died after getting to hospital either in acute level or during rehabilitation, the need is felt for making revisions in the programs for taking care of these patients in different phases of treatment

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

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Abstract Background: Now a day, internet addiction is a common problem that defines as abuse in computer and online information. In addicted students to internet may develop many types of problem in education. This research was designed to determine the effect of internet addiction on educational status of Arak university of medical sciences students, spring 2009 Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 426 Arak medical university students passing at least one term of his/her course in spring 2009. A Yang standard internet addiction questionnaire applied for data gathering and after data entry was analyzed in 0.05 significant levels. Results: Mean and standard deviation of age, average of scores and Yang internet addiction score were as 20.95±1.41, 16.13±1.38 and 32.74±14.52, respectively. Internet addiction associated with number of failed and passed total, average decline in recent terms, educational term and obtaining average score under 12 (p<0.05). But didn’t associate with course, educational level and faculty of education (p>0.05). Conclusion: Since internet addiction can affected the educational status inversely, and reduces average score and educational subsidence, endeavor for beneficial opportunities prevention is essential.

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Background: Oxidative stress is one of the probable molecular mechanisms involved in lead (Pb) neurotoxicity. On the other hand, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) which is widely used in traditional medicine, has a high antioxidant activity. In this study, the protective impacts of Melissa officinalis on the adverse effects of Pb toxicity on learning ability were investigated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental-clinical trial, 40 virgin Wistar rats were mated and divided into control, control positive (vitamin C+Pb), control negative (Pb), and 3 Pb and Mellisa experimental groups. Mellisa was orally administered in three doses including + 25, 50 and 100 mg/ kg of body weight daily. Treatment started from 7th day of gestation and continued through pregnancy and lactation periods. The three month- old offsprings in each group were assessed in terms of memory and learning ability by Morris water maze test and the results were compared between the groups. Results: Exposure to Pb during and after gestation leads to learning disorders. While concomitant administration of Pb and Melissa, as well as vitamin C can, to a large degree, reduce the adverse effects of Pb on learning abilities. Conclusion: Since no significant differences were obtained from the comparison of results in the control, Pb+M and vitamin C+Pb groups, it can be concluded that Melissa has antioxidant impacts equal to vitamin C. Therefore, similar to vitamin C, Mellisa can decrease the neurotoxic effects of Pb.

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Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most important and most common fatal types of cancer in the world. Identifying new agents which individually or in combination with other agents induce apoptosis in tumor cells is surely of great significance in treatment of colon cancer. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of applying lovastatin and α-tocopherol individually or in combination with each other in the induction of apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. Materials and Methods: In this trial, HT29 cells were exposed to various concenterations of lovastatin (5, 10, and 20 μmol) and/or alpha tocopherol (10, 20, and 25, and 30 μmol). After cell count, these cells were examined through trypan blue method and DNA fragmentation technique. Results: The findings of DNA fragmentation technique showed that each of the two drugs could induce apoptosis at all of the given concentrations. In the combination of 10 μmol concentration of lovastatin and 5 and 10 μmol concentrations of α-tocopherol, induction of apoptosis was not observed. Conclusion: Based on the extensive effects of statins, the concentration of lovastatin is seen as determining in its apoptosis function, and its combination with tocopheroles in high concentrations, by inducing apoptosis, can provide novel effective strategies for prevention of human colorectal cancer.

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Background: Inappropriate feeding is one of the major causes of malnutrition in children. This study was carried out to get an insight into mothers’ views and beliefs about the role of complementary feeding in children under the age of two. Materials and Methods: In this qualitative study, data were collected through 11 focus-group discussions (FGDs) with mothers, who had children under the age of two, in urban and rural areas of Damavand in 2007. Each FGD was held in the presence of a moderator, two note takers, and an observer. At the end of field work, all notes were collected and coded according to the objectives of the study. Then the subgroups for each objective were obtained, and emerging themes were extracted and reported. Results: In the study, six general themes were identified:(1) The mothers viewed complementary feeding as simple, soft, light foods which are especially made for children (2) the best time for introducing complementary feeding was 6 months of age (3) there were no complementary local foods in Damavand (4) for children under the age of one, a different type of food was separately prepared (5) home-made complementary food was preferred over the ready made type, and (6) children were fed with table food from the first year of life. Conclusion: Despite their sufficient knowledge about the advantages of complementary feeding, the majority of mothers, due to some socio-cultural limitations, had a weak performance. In this regard, in addition to making revisions in current training programs and protocols, providing effective and goal-oriented educational programs for mothers and others who take care of children is strongly recommended.

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

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

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

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

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

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Background: Nutrition assessment is a routine method for determining the nutritional needs of individuals, especially for vulnerable groups (women, infants, and children). One of the important criteria for assessment of nutritional status is determining the concentration of a nutrient after its intake. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 80 lactating mothers were selected from private and public hospitals in Tabriz. Data gathered through the questionnaire included general information concerning lactating mothers and also their nutritional diet. Since vitamin A and beta-carotene were measured through Karr-Price method, vitamin A and beta-carotene concentrations were measured at 620 nm wavelength. Results: There was a significant positive correlation between retinol intake and colostrum retinol of lactating mothers (p≤0.01) (r = 0.28). Also, retinol intake showed a positive and significant correlation with total vitamin A (retinol equivalent) in colostrum (p≤0.002) (r= 0.33). Conclusion: Daily retinol and beta-carotene intake affect retinol of colostrum which its proper concentration in mother’s milk can play an important role in better function of this vitamin for both mother and child.