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 Background & Objectives: Dysmenorrhea is a common complaint among women, which is occasionally accompanied by gastro-intestinal problems. This study was designed to consider the therapeutical effects of vitamin E on gastro-intestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea due to primary dysmenorrhea.

 Methods: This was an experimental randomized study. A questionnaire was given to three hundred girl students suffering from primary dysmenorrhea. Then 128 girls who had gastro- intestinal symptoms accompyning dysmenorrhea entered the study. 69 subjects were assigned to case group and 59 to control group. From two days before the period until three days after it, four pills of vitamin E (400IU) daily were given to the case group and four chewing placebo were given to the control group as well, for four months. The data were analyzed by SPSS using Chi-square test.

 Results: The findings showed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of gastro-intestinal symptoms after two months of treatment. But after four months of treatment there was a significant difference in the gastro-intestinal symptoms between the two groups (p=0.001).

 Conclusions: Vitamin E is effective to be used after the second month of treatment to treat the gastro-intestinal symptoms in girls with primary dysmenorrhea.

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  Background & objectives: Thrombocytopeniais, defined as a platelet count of less than 150,000/L complicates 7 to 10% of all pregnancies. Etiology of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy may include a ranging from benign disorders such as gestational thrombocytopenia to life threatening syndromes such as the HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated liver Enzymes, Low Platelet count). The aim of this study was to evaluate frequency of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy among pregnantsrefered to Tonekabon health centers during 2009 .

  Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 150 normal pregnants bearing third trimester and refered to Tonekabon health centers were selected by random simple sampling. Patients´ demographic information and history were obtaied and CBC (complete blood count) test was done. Those pregnants suffered from thrombocytopenia were refered to a hematologist for compeleting tests if needed. Data analysis was done by SPSS 11.5 and chi-square test and p<0.05 was considered as signifcant difference .

  Results: The Prevalence of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy was 12.66% and the highest percent of thrombocytopenia (68%) was observed among nullipars. The cause of 95% of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy was gestational thrombocytopenia and 5% were due to ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura). The pregnants who suffered from gestational thrombocytopenia didn’t have any problems and no need to treatment but those who had been experienced ITP, used venous immunoglobin during labor for treatment .

  Conclusion: Gestational thrombocytopenia is the most common cause of the thrombocytopenia in pregnancy and isn’t dangerous for mother and fetus. So, it is no need to be done any intervention .

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  Background & Objectives: Stem cells are fundamental supporter of multicellular tissue. They allow blood, bone, gametes, epithelia, nervous system, muscle, and other tissues to be replaced by fresh cells throughout life. In recent years human Wharton’s jelly stem cells (WJSCs) have gained attention. They express a number of surface markers characteristic of mesenchymal stem cells. In this study, human Wharton’s jelly stem cells were isolated using explant method. To show the stemness property of these cells, three CD markers including CD105, CD44 and CD34 were tested.

  Methods: The umbilical cord samples were collected by Caesarian section at Arta Hospital in Ardabil. Cords were transferred in sterile conditions and stem cells were isolated using explant method. After log phase, cells were passaged then growth characteristics and CD105, CD44 and CD34 markers investigated by RT-PCR.

  Results: Separation of human Wharton’s jelly stem cells were started after 7 days. WJSCs in culture revealed two distinct cell population named Type 1 and Type 2. RT-PCR results showed that WJSCs were CD105⁺, CD44⁺ and CD34^-.

  Conclusion: Human umbilical cord stem cells could be an alternative source instead bone marrow stem cells for cell therapy and tissue engineering. These cells have a fibroblastic appearance. Following the lag phase and into log phase respectively, cells grow easily in culture and retain stemness properties in higher passages.

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  Background & Objectives: Bone metastases induce harmful potential complications on the life of patients. Pamidronate reduces skeletal complications in patients with bone metastases. This study evaluated the effect of Pamidronate on bone pain in cancer patients with bone metastasis.

  Methods: This was quasi experimental study carried out at Imam Sajjad hospital in Ramsar on 41 patients with malignancy by convenience sampling. In this study 90 mg of Pamidronate was injected intravenously each month for 3 months. Data collection was done through demographic and clinical data questionnaire and visual analog scale . Data of before and after intervention were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t tests, chi-square, Friedman and Wilcox on tests with SPSS version 11.5 and p<0.05 was considered significant.

  Results: Statistical analysis showed that the most age group (36%) was 50-59 years and the most patients (65.9%) were female. The most common type of cancer was breast (43.9%) and the most common bone metastasis point in the most of patients (65.9%) was diffuse. The most common sites of pain associated with bone were sternum, ischium and T3-T4 vertebrae. Before treatment, the most patients (80.5%) complained of moderate pain whereas after treatment, the majority of them (41.5%) complained of low pain. The results of this study indicated that there was significant difference (p=0.032) between consumption of NSAIDs before and after treatment, but there was no significant difference between consumption of o pium before and after treatment (p=0.096).

  Conclusion: Pamidronate is effective in prevention of losing bone, reduced pain and analgesic consumption . So i t can be used as primary and routine treatment .

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Background & objectives: Terfezia boudieri (TB) has more than 15 types of proteins, gallic acid, catechins, flavonoids, tannins and other compounds such as beta-carotene and linoleic acid. Some of these compounds have antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemia effects. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the antioxidant and protective effects of this fungus on the liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride.

Methods: 30 male Wistar rats were divided randomly into 5 groups (each group containing 6). Group 1 (normal control group) and group 2 (control CCl₄) were given normal saline for 14 days. Group 3, 4 and 5 received 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/ kg doses of methanol extract of TB for 14 days, respectively before the injection of carbon tetrachloride. In the fourteenth day, all groups except group 1 were given 1.5 ml/kg of carbon tetrachloride (V / V 1: 1 dissolved in olive oil). Group 1, instead of carbon tetrachloride, received 1.5 ml/kg of olive oil on the fourteenth day.

Results: Injection of carbon tetrachloride in rats increased serum activity of ALT, AST, ALP and serum degrees of triglycerides, VLDL, LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, glucose, and reduced HDL and total antioxidant capacity (TAC); while pre-treatment with methanol extract of TB significantly reversed the changes.

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that methanol extract of TB can protect the liver against oxidants and free radicals produced by carbon tetrachloride metabolism.

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Background & Objectives: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers of women in the world. Apoptotic pathway is one of the most important pathways to deal with cell damage, especially cancer, which is usually blocked in this disease. One of the main enzymes to set up this pathway is JNK (1,2,3α,3β), which is activated by cellular stress.
Methods: In this study, breast cancer cells with the origin of MCF-7 cell lines were cultured in RPMI medium using 10%fetal bovine serum.Then , they were subjected to heat (42 & 45 ^̊ C) for 1,2,4,6 and 8 hours under X-ray and γ-ray radiations for 1,2,3 and 4 hours as well. Their viability and enzyme level were evaluated by MTT and ELISA tests, respectively.
Results: The obtained results showed that abiotic stresses including heat and radiations resulted in JNK level increase and recovery of apoptosis pathway function in breast cancer cells. In addition, they led to decreased of cell viability and increase of JNK level depending on the duration and kind of stress.
Conclusion: The results in this study showed abiotic stress directly affected the JNK level. Increase of this enzyme in the cell resulted in activity of JNK apoptosis pathway. We hope to find methods to help to cancer treatment by means of more studies on JNK enzyme and relevant pathways.

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Background & objectives: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that infects all warm-blooded animals as well as human worldwide. Determining the parasite genotype in intermediate hosts  is crucial in  evaluating the role of these types in human infections as wll as in prevention programs. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and detect the genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii in aborted fetuses of ewes in Lorestan province.
Methods: Identification of the parasite was performed  on the brain and liver tissues of 142 aborted fetuses using  a conventional PCR based on amplification of highly repetitive 529 bp region of the parasite genome. Genotyping of positive samples, which were isolated from the brain and liver, was performed by PCR-RFLP based on SAG2, SAG3 and GRA6 molecular markers.
Results: From a total of 142 samples  obtained from  brain  and fetus, 10 cases (7%) were determined as positive samples based on conventional PCR. The precence of parasite DNA was also confirmed in the liver of  3 positive samples. Evaluation of RFLP pattern of amplified SAG2, SAG3 and GRA6 genes showed the presence of various types of parasites, incuding type I in 3 samples, type II in 2 samples and atypical type in 5 samples.
Conclusion: Isolation of types I, II and atypical type of T. gondii from ewes in  Lorestan province suggests the need for greater attention to parasite transmission from livestock to human, particularly in pregnant women and people with weakened immune system.

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Background & objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of endurance swimming exercise training on structural remodeling (volume and parenchymal cell number) and apoptotic index of adrenal gland in pregnant rats exposed to cadmium poisoning.
Methods: A total of 32 pregnant rats weighing 200 ± 20 g were randomly divided into four groups of control, cadmium, swimming, and cadmium-swimming. Cadmium dissolved in drinking water was administered to treatment groups, available ad libitum during pregnancy. Swimming exercises 5 days/week and 60 min/day were performed from the first day of gestation until the end of the period. Two days after delivery, the mothers were sacrificed and their adrenal glands were removed. After stabilizing the samples, Hematoxylin-Eosin staining and TUNEL assay were performed, and the number of necrotic and apoptotic cells in 10 microscopic fields was counted randomly. The size of various regions of the adrenal gland and total number of parenchymal cells were estimated using stereological methods. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA under SPSS software (version 21).
Results: Cadmium poisoning caused extensive bleeding and tissue destruction in the adrenal gland of the pregnant mothers, but endurance training reduced the amount of bleeding. Cadmium poisoning during pregnancy decreased the total volume of the gland, the volume of the cortical part and its different layers as well as the number, size and function of parenchymal cells in all three cortical zones, especially the fasciculata zone. Performing swimming exercise training in this condition worsened the structural state of the gland and led to a further reduction in the number of parenchymal cells within all three parts of the adrenal gland.
Conclusion: Exercise training in determined intensity increased the structural and morphological complications of cadmium toxicity in the adrenal gland of pregnant rats. So, pregnant mothers are advised to use low-intensity exercises and trainings.

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Background and objectives: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most prevalent infection and Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the main causes of UTI worldwide. Integrons are mobile genetic elements considered to be responsible for dissemination of multi-drug resistance infections. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the antibiotic resistance patterns and distribution of class I, II and III integrons among E. coli isolated from patients.
Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, from Jun 2020 to March 2021, in total, 70 non-duplicate strains of E. coli were isolated from patients with UTI referred to Amiralmomenin hospital, Zabol, Iran. Antibiotic resistance patterns were determined using Kirby-Bauer’s disk diffusion method and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Class I, II and III integrons were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results: The isolates showed high resistance toward ampicillin (77.1%), trimethoprim- sulfamethoxazole (58.5%) and ceftriaxone (35%), whereas were mostly susceptible to meropenem (97%). Based on results of PCR, 34 (48.6%) and 3 (4.3%) isolates were classified as class I and class II integron-positive strains, respectively.
Conclusion: Resistance rate to ampicillin, ceftriaxone and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was at a high level and their prescription should be restricted. Class I integron is widely distributed among E. coli isolates and play a crucial role in the emergence of antibiotic resistance

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Background & objectives: This research has been carried out in order to optimize technology development policies and reduce the costs of health technology development centers in universities of medical sciences. Identifying the influential factors in the growth of technology units helps the growth centers to more efficiently use the growth of knowledge-based companies and the development and progress of innovative entrepreneurs as a host environment for technology growth.
Methods: The current study is a qualitative research that was conducted by extracting qualitative data through semi-structured interviews with 31 managers of growth centers and managers of units located in growth centers and experts in the field of health entrepreneurship. It has been coded and categorized in three stages and the main and subcategories have been identified.
Results: The results show that for the growth of technology units in health technology growth centers, two basic variables of the growth center program and infrastructure have an effect on the efficiency of the centers and the growth of the units. This is despite the fact that according to the regional capacities of Type 3 medical sciences universities in the country, growth program factors have introduced more categories and less focus has been placed on infrastructure, so the growth plan is good. It can have a bigger share.
Conclusion: This research shows what categories are expected from the growth plan and infrastructures of health technology growth centers in few universities.
 

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Background & objectives: Zinc sulfate binds to the R group of some amino acids, such as histidine and cysteine, resulting in protein precipitation. In an ELISA and colorimetric experiments, we determined the optimal concentration of zinc sulfate to precipitate hemoglobin, which in turn affects the level and activity of Caspase 3 in red blood cells.             
Methods: Osmotic stress was induced on red blood cells under hypertonic and hypotonic conditions. An isotonic condition was used as a control without osmotic stress. The cells were incubated at 37^oC for 15 min and 24 hrs. Different concentrations of zinc sulfate were set up experimentally, stepwise after the lysis of RBC samples with ultrasound waves and removal of cell membranes by centrifugation. Zinc sulfate was allowed to bind to hemoglobin at different time intervals at room temperature. Afterward, hemoglobin was precipitated at various time intervals through centrifugation. The supernatants were then measured by ELISA and colorimetric methods for Caspase 3 level and activity.
Results: The optimal conditions were found to be 6 mM zinc sulfate, 10 min incubation at room temperature to bind zinc sulfate to hemoglobin, and 30 min centrifugation at 3000 rpm to precipitate hemoglobin.                                                       
Conclusion: This study showed that zinc sulfate with a concentration of 6 mM precipitates and removes hemoglobin without affecting the level or activity of Caspase 3. 
 

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