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Introduction: The existence of acoustic trauma secondary to drill noise during chronic ear surgeries has not yet been clearly demonestrated. This investigation aims to document the hearing loss that occures in patients who underwent mastoidectomy.
Materials and Methods: Sixty-three (38 male and 25 female) consecutive patients (11-57 years) who underwent modified radical mastoidectomy were included. In a concurrent clinical trial design, we measured bone conduction thresholds before and after (1 week and 1 month) operation on both sides.
Bone conduction thresholds were assessed in 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hz frequencies.
Results: Paired-test results showed a satistically significant temporary (TTS) and permanent threshold shifts (PTS) were occured in the 2000-4000 Hz region for operated (on addition to 1000 Hz) and non-operated ears, but clinically PTSs were not remarkable and TTSs were important only for operated ear (P<0.05). The correlation between duration of noise exposure and magnitude of threshold shift was only significant in operated ear in 2000-4000 Hz region (P<0.05).
Conclusion: We could not demonestrate any permanent hearing loss caused by drill-generated noise, but resultant noise is able to produce TTS in the operated ear in 2000-4000 Hz region. We found poor relationship between duration of noise exposure and magnitude of threshold shifts.

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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: Impressive research demonstrate the importance of essential fatty acids for many physiological and behavioral mechanisms in both humans and animals. Essential fatty acids must be supplied via the diet. In this study the dietary effect of cis and trans fatty acids on seizures induced by Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) in second generation of rats is studied. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study animals were divided into four groups. In the three case groups cis, trans, or cis+trans fatty acids were added to the standard food of rats and in control group only standard food was dietary administrated. After one month, kindling was established in rats with PTZ in subconvulsive dose (45mg/kg i.p.). Convulsing activities were monitored for 20 minutes. Five stages of convulsing activities were observed. If after three consecutive sessions the animal was in the fifth stage, it was considered as a kindled animal. Data was analyzed using K-S, t, Tukey tests and analysis of variance. Results: Results showed that the convulsion stage in trans group was significantly more than the others. Also it was found that duration of the fifth stage in trans group was significantly more than control and cis groups. Conclusion: Results suggest that, administering sis and trans fatty acids have some effects on PTZ induced kindling in second generation of the rats who were kindled before. More severe seizure and longer duration of seizure was seen in trans group comparing to cis

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Introduction: Many research demonstrate the effect of margarine trans fatty acids on many physiological mechanisms in both human and animals. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of margarine oil on reproduction in Wistar rat. Materials and Methods: ‏This is an experimental study in which 46 Wistar female and male rats were divided into 4 groups. Male and female rats in group 1 were fed by 3% Margarine oil and standard food, in group 2 only female rats and in group 3 only male rats had Margarine oil with the standard food. Male and female rats in group 4 (as control group) had only standard food. Administration was started one month pre mating and continued during mating, gestation and lactation periods. After delivery, the pups were assessed for overall number, sex ratio, body weight, and mortality. One way analysis of variance was used for data avalysis. Results: ‏Results showed that weight and female ratio of pups were significantly increased in group 2 as compared to group 1 and control. Also the comparison of pups’ mortality in the four groups showed that pups mortality was increased in group 2 as compared to the other groups. On the other hand there was no significant difference in number of pups in the four groups. Conclusion: The results showed that dietary Margarine oil administration to female rats can significantly increase weight, ratio of female pups and mortality of pups.

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Introduction: In this study the effect of extracellular trans zinc and voltage sensitive calcium channels on different aspects of learning and memory has been investigated. Materials and Methods: This is an experimental study in which the effect of a calcium channel antagonist (Verapamil) and zinc chelator (Ca-EDTA), on passive avoidance learning (shuttle box apparatus) has been examined by intraperitoneal administration of defferent doses of these drugs. Data was analyzed using one way analysis of variance. Results: Result of intraperitoneal injection of 100 milimolar Ca-EDTA indicated that it has no effect on the acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval of passive avoidance learning. Verapamil (100 and 150 micrograms) as a L-type voltage gated calcium channel antagonist, decreased acquisition and consolidation but not retrieval of passive avoidance behaviour. These effects were dose dependent. The simltaneous effect of Ca-EDTA and verapamil was also studied. Ca-EDTA (100milimolar) and verapamil (100 micrograms) have negative effects on consolidation of passive avoidance learning. Conclusion: Probably, common mechanisms are involved in acquisition and consolidation of passive avoidance learning, and zinc and calium ions play interactive roles in this aspect.

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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: One way of embryo preservation is cryopreservation, but this process may damage and lead to the loss of the embryos, and bring about chromosomal abnormality. This has led researchers to seek techniques for short term preservation of embryos in 0-10 ºC temperatures. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of short time exposure to 4°C temperature on the expression profiles of mono-carboxylic transporter genes 1,2 ,3, and 4(MCT1-4) in 4-cell mouse embryos. Materials and Methods: In this fundamental study, forty 4-cell mouse embryos from NMRI strain were randomly divided into two groups. The first group consisted of fresh 4-cell embryos, and the second group included 4-cell mouse embryos that were exposed to 4°C temperature for 24 hours. After RT-PCR, the samples were electro-phoresised for expressing the MTC1-4 genes. Results: The expression of MCT 1-3 was observed in the first group, but the obtained results did not indicate their expression in the second group. Conclusion: Preservation of 4-cell embryos in 4°C for 24 hours inhibits the expression of MCT 1-3 genes. Keeping embryos in 4°C temperature is not a proper way for their short time preservation.

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Background: Noticing the fact that graft survival rate of kidney transplantation from live donors is more than deceased donors, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between the graft survival rate of renal transplantation and the donor source in patients transplanted from March 1999 to March 2009 in Namazi Hospital Transplantation Center of Shiraz. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study which was designed to determine the relationship between graft survival of kidney transplantation and the donor source (related live donor, unrelated live donor, and deceased donor) in 1356 patients who were transplanted in Shiraz Transplant Center, Namazi Hospital. Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine the survival rate, log-rank test was used to compare survival curves and Cox regression model was used for ruling out the intervening factors. Results: Five-year graft survival rates of renal transplantation from related, unrelated, and deceased donors were 92.4, 92.6 and 82.1%, respectively. Also, a significant relationship was seen between donor source and survival rate of the renal allograft (P>0.001). Conclusion: The findings of this study transplanted patients with kidneys from living donors (related or unrelated) have a higher graft survival rate compared with deceased donors.

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Background: Transitional cell carcinoma is the most common bladder tumor that can be treated by surgery, BCG instillation, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. This study deals with urethral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a patient with history of transurethral resection (TUR-T) of bladder transitional cell carcinoma treated by BCG instillation. Case: A 68-year-old man was admitted with gross hematuria, lateral prostatic lobe kissing, and a pedunculated 2×3mm mass in bladder in cystoscopy. He had undergone TUR-T and BCG instillation and had been followed regularly every 3 months with cystoscopy. In the follow up, 9 months later, several pedunculated tumors in penile urethra that were of SCC type were indicated in pathological analysis. Conclusion:: Since membranous urethra is the most common site and TCC is the most common type of urethral cancers in this site, SCC in penile urethra was unexpected. This could be because of chronic inflammation due to treatment and cystoscopic follow ups.

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Background: Several different molecular methods have been developed that are capable of detecting HIV-1 in clinical specimens with different levels of sensitivity and specificity. This article describes the results of a reliability study on the development and application of a new real-time TMA method for isothermal detection of HIV-1. Materials and Methods: In this ex Primental study, the molecular beacon primer and probe set were designed for a 176-base-pair region of HIV-1 pol gene using a specialized software. Logarithmic serial dilutions from 10-107 copies of an in-vitro transcribed RNA were used for determination of the analytical sensitivity of the assay. Clinical specimens that had previously been evaluated positive or negative by a valid commercial assay were used for assessing the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Results: The analytical and clinical sensitivities of the assay were determined 500 copies/ml and 93.3%, respectively. The primers and the probe were HIV-1 specific and no cross-reaction was observed with other blood-borne viruses and human genome bioinformatically. The clinical specificity of the developed real-time TMA assay was examined experimentally using 20 negative samples and determined to be 100%. Conclusion: The developed real-time TMA assay can be used as an appropriate tool for the rapid and isothermal detection of HIV-1 in patients' blood and plasma samples.

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Background: Prevalence and incidence of end stage renal diseases requiring renal replacement therapies such as dialysis and kidney transplantation is on the rise. However, no qualitative research studies have been done to explore the experiences of people living with dialysis and kidney transplant in depth. Therefore, this qualitative study was done to explore the experiences of patients living with dialysis and those with kidney transplant. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was carried out through content analysis approach. Sampling was done from the beginning and continued until data saturation. Semi-structured interviews were tools of data collection. A total of 18 participants were interviewed. The interviews were analyzed through Graham and Landman content analysis method. Results: After analyzing the data, two main themes including, dialysis, a grueling event, and renal transplantation, a normal life with healthy kidney transplant, were reported. Conclusion: Compared with hemodialysis, receiving a kidney through transplantation provides a significantly more pleasant quality of life for patients. However, there are certain obstacles in transplantation and graft survival in the views of transplantation patients. Hence, it is suggested that health officials design programs to provide support and instruction to facilitate the process of kidney transplantation for eligible patients even before entering the dialysis stage.

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Background: Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are faint sounds generated within the inner ear that can be regarded as a sensitive tool for reflecting inner ear status. There are various factors that may influence OAE recording. One such factor that has not been extensively examined to date is body position. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of body position on the OAE responses of adults with normal hearing. Materials and Methods: In an analytic cross-sectional study, 26 normal hearing adults (18-25 years old) were evaluated. Transient OAEs (TEOAEs) were recorded in five different positions: supine, sitting, side-lying, 30°-Up, and 30°-down to evaluate their inner ear function. Data were analyzed using SPSS software 17. Results: Mean TEOAE amplitude values were significantly higher in the side-lying position compared to other positions (P=0.01). The most significant TEOAE amplitude differences were observed at the high frequencies (3000 Hz and 4000 Hz) in side-lying position orientation compared to low and medium frequencies. Conclusion: The results from the present study revealed that body position has a remarkable effect on inner ear function, and this effect is more obvious at high frequencies.

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Background: The general method for paraclinic diagnosis of epilepsy is electroencephalography that is performed by visual analysis by experienced neurologist. However, due to false detection and impossibility of evaluating electrodes and brain areas coherence, it is not uniquely used for seizure detection. In recent years, Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) has become a strong instrument for detection of brain disorders. Hence, studies in the field of EEG performance improvement and brain mapping images analysis corresponding to new methods that contain 2-D and 3-D output images and automatic epilepsy diagnosis are necessary.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, through extracting epilepsy feature by computing the energy of each EEG channel, brain map pattern of each patient was plotted using cubic interpolation and generalized and partial patterns and potential center of epilepsy were diagnosed by LVQ artificial neural network using image processing combination methods.

Results: In the proposed algorithm, 11 epilepsy brain mapping patterns, including 1 generalized and 10 partial seizure patterns, were automatically diagnosed.

Conclusion: Since seizure detection in the EEG signals is a complex procedure and the number of expert neurologists is small, this schema can be used for epilepsy diagnosis as an intelligent diagnosis method so that generalization of this method can help detect various brain disorders.

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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: 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.

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Background: All-trans retinoic acid(RA), an active metabolite of vitamin A, is widely used to induce cell differentiation. It has significant effects on growth and proliferation of epithelial cells. It also causes cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and induces the apoptosis. cisplatin, a chemotherapy compound that cross-linking to DNA, and leads to apoptosis, it is commonly used for treatment of ovarian, head and neck, esophageal, gastric cancers and melanoma. Recent studies showed that RA enhances cytotoxic effects of cisplatin on melanoma and ovarian cancer. Our literature review showed that there is no previous study on the effect of RA in combination with cisplatin on esophageal cancer, hence current study conducted to investigate such combination treatment on esophageal derived cell, KYSE-30.

Materials and Methods: KYSE30 cell line was cultured in presence of different concentration of RA alone and in combination with cisplatin. Then, cell death was investigated by colonogenic assay and acridine orange/ ethedium bromide staining.

Results: The results showed that RA concentrations &ge15µM cause differentiation of KYSE30 to squamous cell morphology, while lower concentrations decreases the colony formation (p&le0.05). These effects were also observed in combination with cisplatin and RA. The best effects on cell death were observed in 10 µM of RA of combination with 5 and 10 µg/ml of cisplatin.

Conclusion: The results suggest that low concentration of RA in combination with cisplatin are more effective than cisplatin alone in terms of apoptosis and necrosis of esophageal cancer, KYSE-30.

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Background: Occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is defined as the presence of HCV-RNA in liver or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the absence of detectable hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) or HCV-RNA in the serum. Although occult HCV infection is less aggressive than classic chronic HCV infection, nevertheless it is important in management of hemodialysis (HD) patients. Occult HCV infection has been described in two different clinical settings: in patients with normal liver enzymes or in patients with abnormal values of liver enzymes. The aim of this study was to detect the occult HCV infection in hemodialysis patients with elevated liver enzymes.

Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was performed in hemodialysis patients referring to 3 dialysis units in Tehran. In 30 anti-HCV negative HD patients with elevated liver enzymes, presence of HCV-RNA in plasma samples was tested by Reverse Transcriptase-Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-nested PCR). In cases with negative anti-HCV and plasma HCV-RNA, HCV-RNA was checked in PBMC specimens by RT-nested PCR.

Results: A total of 30 HD patients with mean age 54.4± 14.1years and mean dialysis duration 81.2 ±64.4 months were enrolled in the study. All HD subjects were negative for HCV-RNA in plasma and occult HCV infection with RT-nested PCR method.

Conclusion: Occult HCV infection was rare in HD patients with elevated levels of liver enzymes.

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Background: Although miR-124 molecule has been known as an inducer of neurogenesis, few researches have been done on the targets of this molecule and its functional mechanisms in differentiation toward neurons and maintaining neuronal state. The microarray technique has been established as the reference method for studying the genes under the control of miRNAs. However, the high cost of this method has hampered its use in most research centers. On the other hand, the improvement of bioinformatical algorithms and computer modeling systems has led to the development of the bioinformatical softwares that can predict mRNA targets for miRNAs. Therefore, the aim of this theoretical study was to bioinformatically evaluate the effect of miR-124 on transcription factors that can be involved in neurogenesis and neuronal cell amplification, by using various specific softwares. Materials and Methods: Using different algorithms in TargetScan, DIANA and miRWalk databases, the potential transcription factors targets of miR-124 were identified. Then, a score table was prepared from the candidate genes, based on the affinity of the seed region of miR-124 and the number of targets in the 3`-UTR region of transcription factors. Finally, transcription factors with higher scores were chosen as candidates for practical analysis.

Results: The results of bioinformaical analysis showed that the LAMC1, ITGB1, PTBP1, SOX9, SP1, and EFNB1 molecules are the most potential factors that might be affected by miR-124 during neurogenesis.

Conclusion: It seems that transcription factor SP1 is under the control of the miR-124 and plays a crucial role in neurogenesis process. Therefore, this protein can be considered as a suitable new candidate for experimental evaluation.

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Background: According to the Erikson`s generativity vs staqnation theory this study examines the impact of old women transition experiences on depression, feel aging and physical changes in rehabilitation institute of charity in Arak.

Materials and Methods: In this quasi- experimental study, 30 elderly women living in nursing homes aged over 65 years and tested geriatric depression score of 9 and above earned were selected and randomly divided into two groups of 15 people .one group was selected as control and the other test group. Questionnaires included: geriatric depression questionnaire, feel Aging questionnaire and physical changes. program experience with that already was set to be repeated during ten sessions on group test. finally independent and paired t-test were used for statistical analysis.

Results: Although ten sessions to transfer the experience were able aging feeling and depressed elderly women reduce but the decrease was not significant between the test and control groups, as well as reduced physical changes between test and control groups were not significant.

Conclusion: The lack of suitable components severely needed to establish an effective interaction model for hinder the effectiveness of the meetings was to conduct experiments requiring more study.

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Background: Improvement of nutrition like fish and sea products is influential in preventing from non-contagious diseases. The transtheoretical model is one of the models for effective investigation on nutrition behaviors.  This study was done with the aim of investigating fish consumption among women 30 to 50 years old based on the transtheoretical model.

Materials and Methods: This study was an analytical and cross sectional analysis which was conducted in 2014 on 360 women 30 to 50 years in Arak city. The data have been collected by using researcher-made questionnaires which its validity and reliability was assessed in accordance to the transtheoretical model were obtained by visiting houses. Then the collected data were analyzed by pearson correlation test.

Results: The average age of the respondents was 39.34±7.5. The average of fish consumption was 0.62 ±0.83 times a week. 64 % of people in consumption of at least two servings of fish a week were in the two first stages of change (pre-contemplation and contemplation).The average score of self-efficacy in fish consumption was a total of 10.58 ±3.12 out of 15 and the average score of cons of fish was 26.35 ±4.78 and the average score of pros of fish was 21.6 ±2.67 out of 25. Pearson correlation indicates that the amount of fish consumption with constructs of the self-efficacy, stages of change and pros of fish had respectively the most positive correlation (p≤0.05). Fish consumption had no significant difference with age, education, Body Mass Index, occupation, monthly income and marital status.

Conclusion: Fish consumption despite its high level of perceived benefits is really low and to eliminate these barriers, education and cultural-building especially in women who are influential people in family nutrition is necessary.