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Introduction: Newcastle disease is an extr-emely contagious disease that infects many species of birds. Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) belongs to the paramyxoviridae fa-mily and genus Rubulavirus. The mem-brane of the virus particle contains HN and F glycoproteins. Cleavage of the F glycop-rotein has a direct relation with the patog-enicity of the virus. The aim of this study was to determine the gene and protein sequences of F glycoprotein in virus strains isolated from recent outbreaks in Iran. Materials & Methods: Six NDV Viruses were passaged and their RNA isolated. Using RT- PCR technique, cDNA prepar-ation and amplification of the gene were done. Isolates were assessed by electropho-resis and observed with UV. The isolates were digested with restriction enzyme Pst I. Finally, in order to corroborate the ampl-ified PCR product, DNA of isolates were purified, dried and sequenced. Finding: In this study all of the NDV strains contained a 935 bp band that after digestion with Pst I, produce two bonds 720 bp and 180 bp. Nucleotide analysis showed single base mutations but that was not significant amino acid sequence and anal-ysis indicated no amino acid change in the cleavage site of F protein. Discussion & Conclusions: Absence of point mutations in the cleavage site of F protein illustrated the importance of the maintained cleavage site of protein F among the strains studied.

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Aim: The World Health Organization defines mental health as communicate with others, improving the environment and conflict resolving. In recent years, the prevalence of mental disorders has increased and the prevalence of mental disorders has been reported to be 18-23% in Iran. Methods: This study is a descriptive- comparative research that the mental health of boys and girls in schools has been studied. The required information is obtained by means of the GHQ 28 standard questionnaire that is distributed among 118 students. The mental health is divided into four categories, the first category with 0-21 score, the second with 22-42, the third with 43-63 and the latter group which received the scores of 64-84. The SPSS software was used for data analysis. Results: The sample included 64 (54%) male and 54 (46%) female and the overall score of the students were classified into 4 categories. Among the samples, 38 students (32.2%), 61 students (51.7%), 17 students (14.7 %) and two persons (1.7%) are received the were received the scores of 0-21, 22-42, 43-63 and 64-84, respectively. Also, the statistical meaningful relationship is observed between the age, the grade and mental health (P <0.05). Conclusion: Relatively large numbers of children are of good mental health state. It is found that as age of participants is increased the mental health of children degraded. Students have a maturity period of less than mental health. Therefore, schools can make physical changes of puberty class advice on the mental health of students to increase during puberty

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Introduction: Enterococci are normal flora in the human intestinal tract and vagina and are growing its importance as hospital-acquired pathogen. E. faecalis and E. faecium are two predominant speices causing infection. The aim of this study was to investigate on prevalence of enterococus and its antibiotic resistance in isolated samples from vagina.
 Material & methods: Isolates samples were obtained from women with spontaneous abortions (n=198) and were identified to the genus and species level by cultural characteristics and biochemical tests. The susceptibility of the isolates samples to antibiotic drugs was determind by the Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion Susceptibility Test Protocol.
Findings: From all of the specimens, 128 cases confirmed as Enterococcus. (63.2%) and (35.1%) strains were Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium, respectively. All of the isolates samples were susceptible to imipenem and resisrant to oxacilin. Resistance of the isolates samples to antibiotics were as follows: vancomycin (3.1%), tecoplanin (18.2%), ciprofloxacin (11.1%), chloramphenicol (15/8%), erythromycin (63.4%), Cefotaxime (36.6%), gentamicine (29.3%).
 Discussion & Conclusion: In examined cases from this research, enterococcus was detected in 63.2% of cases. Given that the presence of these bacteria in the vaginal flora of 20% as reported, the results of this study are more than expected. Since all samples were sensitive to imipenem, it is recommended that it be used for treatment.

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Introduction: Cox2 selective inhibitors such as celecoxib, rofecoxib and valdecoxib are recently used to reduce inflammatory response. There is still a need to develop more potent Cox2 inhibitors. This study was conducted to introduce new structures with more affinity to Cox2 enzyme.
 Materials & methods: Chemical structures with 80% similarity to celecoxib was collected by using PubChem at NCBI database. The PDB file of Cox2 enzyme (6COX) obtained from RCSB PDB website in bounding with ligand SC-558 as reference ligand. Docking of ligands to SC-558 site of Cox2 performed with lead IT software (version 2.1.0 BioSolveIT, GmbH, Germany) and the interaction energy of different compounds was obtained. IC50 value of selected compounds identified by using in vitro screening against Cox2 enzyme. The cytotoxicity assay was performed by using MTT method.
 Findings: Screening results in PubChem database was 5000 molecules similar to celecoxib. 24 compounds had better energy scores than 6COX bound co-crystallized ligand SC-558.The ligands were docked with the binding pocket that they showed interaction with Leu352, Phe518,Met522, Val523, Ala527 and Ser353. By visual inspection, compounds showed orientation and hybrid mode similar to SC-558. Discussion & Conclusion: our findings strengthened the computational procedure the discovery of new compounds with anti-inflammatory activity and less toxicity than Cox2 general inhibitors.

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Introduction: Testicular tissue is susceptible to environmental risk factors. Structural and functional alterations in spermatogenesis are the most important factors involved in fertility complications. Methylphenidate is amphetamine derivatives. This drug can approve for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), tachycardia syndrome, narcolepsy, depression. There is a little data about the effects of methylphenidate on testicular tissue. In this study, time dependent effects of methylphenidate were evaluated on testicular tissue in microscopic and ultrastructural levels.

Materials & methods: 30 adult Wistar rats were divided into three groups as control, short-term methylphenidate (10 mg/kg/day) treated for two weeks and long-term methylphenidate (10 mg/kg/day) treated for eight weeks. Histomorphological and ultrastructural assessments were prepared on testicular tissue through routine histologic and electron microscopic methods.

Findings: Some alterations such as tubular atrophy and transformation and disarrangement of spermatogenic cells were observed in testicular tissue following time dependent administration of methylphenidate. Deformation of mitochondria, increment of collagen fibers and basement membrane thickness, were the main cellular and structural alterations observed in ultrastructural level.

Discussion & conclusions: The results of this study indicated that the process of spermatogenesis reduces temporary following short term administration of methylphenidate; however, it seems that repeated administration of methylphenidate progressively leads to some degrees of tissue habitation and resistance.

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Introduction: Equitable distribution of health care services is prerequisite of success to the national development programs. This study was conducted to assess the townships of Ilam province in terms of enjoyment of health care services.

Materials & methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Ilam province using 14 health care services indices. Data were collected by a data collection form made by the researcher using statistical yearbook of Statistical Center of Iran (SCI) in 2011. Ilam townships were assessed with 5 methods using Microsoft Excel 2010 (disharmonious index of Morris; standardized score; Scalogram; Numerical Taxonomy; TOPSIS) and given the different methods did not reach a general consensus, Copeland's method was used.

Findings: The findings indicated that there existed unequal distribution of health care services across the townships of Ilam province. According to the Copeland method, Ilam and Malekshahi townships have been ranked the first and last regarding the enjoyment of health care services, respectively.

Discussion & conclusions: As a result, health care services have been settled in the provincial center (Ilam Township). The policies leading to the development of health care services in large cities are the major important factors in the unequal distribution of health care services. The results of this study can provide illustration of current situation of enjoyment of the health care services and promote the evidence-informed decision making (in national and local levels) for policymakers.

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Introduction: Manual handling tasks are considered to be the main causes of occupational back pains. Therefore, the assessment of manual handling tasks for the prevention of work musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) sounds necessary. The aim of this study was to assess the manual handling tasks using the key item method (Kim) and determine its relationship with the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders using CMDQ tool in the workplace of the central workshop in Abadan oil refinery.
 
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was performed on 103 employees of Abadan's central workshop, using the simple sampling. Data were collected using KIM and CMDQ questionnaires and analyzed using Pearson and multiple linear regression tests in SPSS version 20.
 
Findings: Based on the results of the assessment by KIM method, 48 subjects were in the risk level 1, 36 subjects in the risk level 2 and 19 subjects in the risk level 4. Also, based on the score of CMDQ questionnaire, 95 people were with very minor and negligible disorders, 4 cases with minor disorders, 1 person  with very low disorders, 1 person with low disorders, one with medium disorders, and one  with high disorders. In addition, the results of statistical tests showed  a significant relationship between scores of KIM and WMSDs (P = 0.002). However, there were no significant relationship between these two variables and demographic characteristics of individuals.
 
Discussion & Conclusions: Our investigation demonstrated that manual handling tasks and other tasks related to it have a direct relationship with the incidence of WMSDs; so that, the increase in the workload and nature of the manual handling tasks will enhance the severity of WMSDs. In order to reduce the severity of such disorders, corrective measures such as training programs, posture modifications, and job designs seem necessary.

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Introduction: This study aimed to compare the storage stability of tomato paste packaging of cans and a container with the brand name of "Robby" during 6 weeks.
 
Materials & Methods: Four cans of tomato paste were prepared from brand A. Sample 1 was covered with the plastic lid after opening. Sample 2 was transferred into a container with the brand name of "Robby". Tomato paste of cans 3 and 4 were contaminated with Aspergillus flavus spore ssuspension­­­ (t 2×10⁶spore/ml) and homogenized in a sterile container. Subsequently, an equal amount of contaminated tomato paste was transferred into the original can (sample 3) and the "Robby" container (sample 4). Samples were stored in a refrigerator at 4°C for 6 weeks. Samples 1 and sample 2 were evaluated regarding acidity, Brix, pH, vitamin C, as well as total bacteria, mold, and yeast count. However, samples 3 and 4 only were analyzed in terms of total bacteria, mold, and yeast count with two replications. All the experiments were individually repeated on another tomato paste with a different brand name. Ethics code: 395833
 
Findings:  After the second week, there was a 62% decrease and a 4% increase in vitamin C and Brix levels in the tomato paste in the can. However, the reduction in vitamin C level (5%) and the Brix changes were not significant in the "Robby" container. The gradual increase of acidity was observed in both treatments. Nevertheless, there was an increase in the acidity of the tomato paste kept in the can (28%) and "Robby" container (22%) at the end of the sixth week (P<0.05). The "Robby" container had no significant effect on pH and microbial groups (P> 0.05).
 
Discussion & Conclusions: The "Robby" container definitely provides better conditions for preserving the chemical properties of tomato paste than common means of tomato paste storage.
 

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Introduction: Obesity is a complex disorder, which is characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue. Leptin is a peptide hormone, which is basically secreted by adipose tissue and is effective in the regulation of body weight and fat. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training on the level of Leptin and liver enzymes in obese and overweight males.
 
Materials & Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 22 males with the mean age, height, weight, and body mass index of 12-14 years,164.43±5.11cm, 74.02±12.34 kg, and 29.27± 4.09, respectively, were selected voluntarily and randomly divided into experimental (n=11) and control groups (n=11). The experimental group was subjected to 8 weeks training program (three 40-min sessions each week) which included 10 sets of cycling on a cycle ergometer for 60 seconds with 80 % intensity of the reserve heart rate. Blood samples were taken 24 and 48 hours before and after the training, respectively, in a fasting condition. Leptin, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured using specific methods. Body fat percentage, body max index,  and maximum volume of oxygen were evaluated before and after the training. ANOVA was utilized to analyze data.

Finding: According to the results, there was a decrease in the levels of ALT and  body fat percentage as well as an increase in the maximum volume of oxygen in the experimental group, compared to the control group (P<0.05(. Moreover, the levels of Leptin, AST, and ALT decreased; however, the difference was not statistically significant) P<0.05(. Ethics code: IR.IAUETB.1395.52005

 
Discussion & Conclusions: High-intensity interval training on a cycle ergometer can be an appropriate exercise strategy to reduce the plasma concentration of ALT and body fat percentage in obese and overweight males. However, the intervention should be longer to achieve desired results.

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Introduction: Occupational stress is recognized as one of the most serious occupational hazards in developed countries. Stress-related problems can cause behavioral, mental, and physical symptoms leading to a decrease in work performance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of aromatherapy using lavender extract on staff job stress in the operating room environment.
 
Materials & Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 25 staff in Hojat ibn-al-Hassan al-Askari Hospital in Isfahan during September 2017. The study sample was selected using the convenience method. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire with confirmed validity and reliability. The operating room staff were asked to complete the questionnaires before and after aromatherapy. The data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical tests (mean and Wilcoxon test).
 
Findings: The results of the study showed that aromatherapy had only a significant effect on one of the symptoms of job stress (i.e., feeling calm at the workplace). However, there was no statistically significant difference before and after the intervention regarding the total occupational stress of the staff.
 
Discussion & Conclusions: Due to the effect of aromatherapy with lavender extract on some symptoms of occupational stress, this method can be used in the operating room environment to reduce occupational stress among staff.

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Introduction: The ACE gene encodes the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is characterized by the presence of allele I or the absence of allele D of a 287-bp fragment. The D allele is associated with higher ACE activity and increased angiotensin II levels and performance in strength-oriented exercise tasks. This study aimed to compare the genetic profile of rs4646994 single nucleotide polymorphism of the ACE gene in the elite male weightlifters and non-athletes.
Material & Methods: In total, 30 elite male weightlifters (league, country, national team, Asian, world, and Olympic champions) living in Isfahan province along with 43 healthy non-athlete volunteers who were matched in age, height, and weight to the elite group formed the subjects of the study. After completing the consent form, saliva samples were collected from the participants, and after DNA extraction, ACE genotypes were determined using PCR-RLFP and electrophoresis techniques. Data analysis was performed using independent t-test, chi-square, and logistic regression in SPSS software (version 20).
(Ethic code: 7993)
Findings: The results showed that the prevalence of D allele in elite weightlifters and non-athletes was significantly higher than allele I in their groups (P<0.05). Moreover, in the genotyping distribution, D/I was most common both in the study population (7.50%), as well as weightlifters (7.56%) and non-athletes (5.46%). However, there was no significant difference in the elite weightlifters and non-athletes regarding the distribution of D/I ACE genotyping (χ²=0/31).
Discussion & Conclusion: The study showed a positive relationship between Iranian elite weightlifters and the ACE D allele, which probably distinguishes it as one of the effective genetic factors in creating a strength phenotype of Iranian weightlifters.

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Introduction: Medicinal plants are valuable sources of different antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds. In this study, the effects of different extraction methods with aqueous and methanolic solvents were investigated on the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Teucrium hyrcanicum L.
Material & Methods: In this basic experimental study, aqueous and methanolic extraction was carried out using three methods, including a magnetic stirrer, a Bain-Marie bath, and Shaker. The antioxidant effects were then determined using DPPH and RP methods along with the determination of total phenol and total flavonoid. The antibacterial effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Escherichia coli was determined through the disk diffusion method.
(Ethic code: IR.ausmt.rec.1398.11.34)
Findings: The evaluation of antioxidant properties showed that methanolic extract had a stronger effect than aqueous extract. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the magnetic stirrer method was superior to the other two extraction methods. The same results were obtained for total phenol and total flavonoid as well. Evaluation of antibacterial properties revealed that methanolic extract had antibacterial activity, while aqueous extract did not show antibacterial activity.
Discussion & Conclusion: The results of this study showed that Teucrium hyrcanicum L. was more effectively extracted through the magnetic stirrer method than other extraction methods. Both aqueous and methanolic extracts had antioxidant properties, while only methanol extracts showed antibacterial properties. Therefore, this plant can have good therapeutic application in the treatment of diseases due to its antioxidant properties.
 

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Introduction:  Lupus is a chronic systemic disorder with a complex etiology, and viral infections have contributed to its development and progression. Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) has been diagnosed in many patients with autoimmune disorders; however, its role in lupus has not been well investigated. The present study aimed to compare the frequency and viral load of HHV-8 in patients with lupus and healthy population.
Material & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 70 patients with lupus and 70 healthy individuals who were matched for gender and age were included. After the extraction of viral DNA, the HHV-8 viral load was measured using the Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, and the results were analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: Patients with lupus consisted of 59 females (84.3%) and 11 males (15.7%) with a mean age of 31.1±8.4 years, and the control group consisted of 58 females (82.9%) and 12 males (17.1%) with a mean age of 33.5±11.2 years, none of them were positive for HHV-8 genome.
Discussion & Conclusion: To date, there is no report in this field from Iran, and this study is the first survey. Regarding the high accuracy of the Real-time PCR technique and lack of HHV-8 genome in the blood samples of Iranian patients with lupus, it seems that none of the individuals, even in the case of viral infection, were infected with the active form of HHV-8, which is compatible with the previous studies.

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Introduction:  Although many years have passed since the first successful kidney transplantation, there are still numerous questions about the best immunosuppression regimen for these patients. Various studies have demonstrated that long-term use of calcineurin inhibitors can be associated with reversible changes accompanied by irreversible damage to all kidney compartments, leading to both acute and chronic nephrotoxicity. Nowadays, the goal is to optimize available immunosuppressive regimens and reduce the calcineurin inhibitor dose as much as possible while protecting the transplanted kidney from rejection. The present study aimed to compare renal function, Cytomegalovirus infection, BK nephropathy rate, and biopsy-proven acute rejection in two regimens: an everolimus plus reduced calcineurin inhibitor-based regimen versus a standard dose calcineurin-inhibitor protocol with mycophenolic acid.
Material & Methods: This was a 12-month, open-label, randomized study of 60 Iranian kidney transplant recipients (aged 18-65). The first group received cyclosporine at a dose of 3.5 mg per kilogram of body weight together with everolimus 0.75 mg twice a day, along with corticosteroids, and the second group received cyclosporine at a dose of 6 mg per kilogram of body weight along with mycophenolic acid 1 gram twice a day, along with corticosteroids. All patients received thymoglobulin induction.
Results: Renal function based on glomerular filtration rate in two groups 6 and 12 months after transplantation did not show a statistically significant difference. Furthermore, there was no difference between the two groups regarding the incidence of transplant rejection, while the rate of cytomegalovirus and BK infection within the first year after transplantation was lower in the group that received everolimus.
Discussion & Conclusion: The present study suggested non-inferiority and overall safety of de novo everolimus-based regimen in Iranian kidney transplant recipients with preserved renal function and significantly lower viral infections without increasing the risk of acute rejection in the first post-operation year, which could impact long-term outcomes and offer renal benefits versus the standard calcineurin-inhibitor based regimens.