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Abstract Introduction : Hepatitis B virus expresses HBsAg on its envelope.It is a cause of acute infection in infected new-borns and liver disorders such as cancer in human beings . HBsAg is the first serological marker to appear in blood - stream before any clinical signs in patients. It is possible to detect this Ag by immunological methods such as chemiluminescence immunoassay. HBV DNA can be detected by molecular techniques such as PCR in sero-negative patients with known HB disease. Thus, this study is aimed to throw a Comparison between chemiluminescence immunoassay and PCR for detection of Hepatitis B virus. Materials & Methods : Sixty-three serum samples obtained from known HBV patients in Baqyiatallah hospital were used for analysis. Immunological assay and DNA detection were performed by Sandwich chemiluminescence immuno assay and PCR respectively. Findings : The results showed that all the 63 samples (100%) proved positive by PCR , while only 57 cases (90.5%) proved positive and 6 cases (9.5%) negative by Immuno Chemiluminecens Assay. Conclusion : Considering the results obtained from the investigation that shows PCR as more sensitive than Chemiluminescence Immunoassay for diagnosis of HB virus, we should rather suggest using PCR for rapid detection of HB virus in patients than Immuno Chemiluminecens Method.

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Introduction: Muscle cramp is a common complication during hemodialysis. Organ ischemia during hemodialysis is held to be a cause for that pain. Massage has been used as a factor of pain palliative and relaxation, since the past. Our aim was to determine the effects of massage on prevention or relief of frequency and intensity of hemodialysis cramps. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study was performed on 40 patients, who had frequent muscle cramps during hemodialysis. The patients were intentionally selected. Before and after the massage, severity of pain due to muscular cramp was recorded. Analysis of these data was performed in SPSS environment, using paired-sampled T-test method and descriptive statistics. Findings: The severity and frequency of muscular cramp seen during dialysis p<0.001 reduced mean severity of pain before intervention was 8.73, while this severity reduced to 1.7. In 19 patients (47.5%). No muscular cramps was seen during dialysis. Throwing a comparison before and after the intervention, muscular cramps in 52.5% cases proved to be of less severity during dialysis. Discussion & Conclusion: Whatever can be concluded from the performed research is that massage in the dialysis patients can prevent and decrease pain intensity due to muscle cramp.

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Introduction: For detection of E.coli in top water by PCR, the samples must be concentrated by filter. In this study, we investigated two kinds of micro filters in PCR results. Materials & Methods: After preparing dilution of E.coli (8/100, 4/100, 2/100, 1/100, 1/200, 1/400, 1/800 and 1/1600) in D.W, the bacteria were separated by FHLP and HAWP filters and 16s rRNA was propagated by the above- mentioned primers. Findings: The rate of bacteria in dilutions was confirmed by culture. The PCR data showed that FHLP, better than HAWP filter, would be able to separate the bacteria in such dilutions after filtration. Discussion & Conclusion: The results of this study showed that hydrophobic filter (FHLP) has a higher ability than that of hydrophilic filter (HAWP) in separating bacteria. So, successful PCR amplifications were achieved by cells concentrated with hydrophobic filters for detection of all the coliform bacteria, while false negative results decreased considerably.

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Introduction: Salmonella Bacterium is not only a causative factor of typhoid fever, enterocolitis, and salmonellosis, but it is also a zoonotic infection. This bacterium is a major health problem throughout the world, and is especially prevalent in developing countries. Therefore, rapid diagnosis of salmonella can prevent its outbreak. Different techniques are used for the diagnosis of Salmonella bacteria, such as culture, biochemical, serological, ELISA, Widal, immunofluorescence and molecular methods like PCR and Real time PCR,all of which are difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. Thus, our study was designed to evaluate the LAMP (Loop-mediated isothermal DNA amplification method) for detection of salmonella bacteria. Materials & Methods: In this study, we examined 7 different strains of salmonella. The DNA was extracted by standard methods and amplified with specific primers by PCR and set of primers for LAMP in single temperature in very simple thermal block made in Iran. The amplified products were detected by gel electrophoresis and LAMP products were visualized by their turbidity with naked eye. Findings: Conventional PCR method for detection of Salmonella needs standard thermocylcer and takes 3 hours, but using LAMP method, we were able to amplify and detect salmonella in simple thermoblock, taking much less time. After optimization of the process, it was, soon, possible to detect and identify Salmonella typhi bacteria within 90 minutes. This method is also 10 times more sensitive than that of the PCR. Discussion & Conclusion: According to the results, comparing LAMP method for detection and identification of Salmonella with conventional PCR, we have been able to determine the simplicity, speed and the superior sensitivity of the LAMP method. This Method is more simple, faster and cheaper. Non-dependence of cycle's temperature and thermo-cycling and replacement with one thermo block which is very simple, inexpensive and made inside the country, can be considered another advantage of the LAMP method.

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Introduction: Scrophularia striata which grows in Ilam province is used as a traditional medicine for treatment of diseases for years. Medical properties of this plant have not been documented yet. For this reason, a study was performed on this plant In study, the healing effects of Scrophularia striata extract was investigated on open skin wound of rabbit. Materials & Methods: All parts of the plant were collected and dried. Hydroalcoholic extract of Scrophularia striata was prepared by maceration method. 36 males and female Newzeland rabbits weighing 1.2-2.06 kg were used during the study. Method of Cross et al. was used to make full thickness wound (20x20) in left flank of the animals. They were divided into 6 groups: the first group was left without treatment, the second was treated with Eucerin, in third group Phenytoin cream 1% was used and in the other groups, different concentrations of hydroalcoholic extract of Scrophularia striata(2%, 5%, 10%w/w) in Eucerin base were administrated 2 times daily. The areas of wounds were measured daily and healing percentage during all the days was compared with one wat ANOVA and Turkey. For histopathological studies, some biopsies were taken on the 7th and the last day. Findings: In no treatment and Eucerin groups, the healing was completed in 21 days. In Phenytoin %1group, the healing time was 16 days and in Scrophularia striata groups of 2%, 5% and 10% the complete wound closure was observed in 18, 17 and 16 days respectively. Conclusion: There was a significant difference between all the treated, and control and Eucerin groups, but statistical and histological studies showed that the best healing effect was from Scrophularia striata 10% extract. However, considering histological examinations and macroscopic observations, it can be suggested that Scrophularia striata extract may stimulate collagen synthesis, faster wound contraction, angiogenesis, vessel dilatation and decrease of inflammation, bleeding and edema.

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  Introduction: Gestational diabetes, the most common metabolic disorder in pregnancy, causes serious complications in mothers and their fetus . So, knowing the risk factors of gestational diabetes is very important, because through understanding these risk factors it helps to establish screening programs for susceptible mothers and also early diagnosis of disorders. Furthermore, efficient control of blood sugar protects mothers against complications and consequently their fetus. The goal of our study was to evaluate the correlation between gestational diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome.

 

  Materials &Methods: This study was a case - control research. Pregnant women admitted at Akbar Abady hospital of Tehran were studied during 1998-2005. 188 women participated in this study of whom 94 mothers were put into the case group (with gestational diabetes) and the other 94 mothers were in the control group (without gestational diabetes). Then history polycystic ovary syndrome was investigated between the two groups. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, descriptive statistical, t- test, fisher, x2, Mann- Whitney and Odds ratio.

 

  Findings: The results of this study showed no dissimilarities between the two groups regarding the mean of age, educational level, apgar score and gravida. But there was significant difference in history olligomenorrea, kind of delivery, mean of the new-born weight and gestational age and body mass index in the two groups. Also, the results showed significant relations between those with gestational diabetes and women without gestational diabetes with the history of polycystic ovary syndrome. (p=0/03)

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  Discussion & Conclusion: Considering the results of our study indicating significant relations between diabetes and history of polycystic ovary syndrome, it seems necessary to establish screening programs in women with history of polycystic ovary syndrome, while early diagnosis of gestational diabetes protects mothers and their fetus against any complications.

 

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Introduction: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is considered an important health problem in many parts of Iran, especially in Mashhhad. Various species of leishmania are causing the disease. Identification of leishmania is helpful for the control and prevention of the disease. Althought epidemiological and clinical findings are necessary, they are not sufficient for identification of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Difficulties in identification of these parasites, due to the similar morphology of amastigote and promastigote in different species, have been solved by using molecular techniques such as PCR amplification of kDNA. In order to identify leishmania species causing CL in Mashhad by a definite molecular technique (PCR method), a study was undertaken over a 12 months period (Apr. 2004- Feb. 2005) in department of Parasitology, Ghaem hospital, and Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Materials & Methods: A total of twenty one patients were recruited and samples were isolated and cultured in N.N.N medium followed by sub-cultur in RPMI-1640. Then, DNA was extracted by protein as k and amplified by specific primers of kDNA. The PCR product was analysed by gel electrophoresis using 2% agarose. The gel was stained with ethidium bromide and visible band with the presence of 620 bp fragment indicates of leishmania major and 800 bp indicates of leishmania tropica. Findings: The results indicated that 19 of the isolates were identified as L. tropica and the other two were identified as L. major. Discussion & Conclusion: As demonstrated by previous investigations, Mashhad had been known as an endemic focus for anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) however, it is now concluded that both ACL and zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) are present in Mashhad and L. tropica is the dominant species.

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Abstract Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of power exercise on C-reactive protein and plasma fibrinogen in untrained young adult men. Materials & Methodods: The subjects investigated in this research included twenty-four healthy voluntary male students with mean age (25±1.19) years, weight (74.37±5.38) Kg, height (174.70±5.51) cm, whom were divided randomly into two groups : strength group (n=12) and control group (n=12).The strength training consisted of 12 weeks, 3 days per week in circuit pattern in 6 stations. Each training session included three sets with (70, 80, 90%) intensity of one maximum repetition (1RM) with 8, 10, and 12 repetitions in every station respectively. The rest time between each set was 30 to 60 seconds and it was 2 to 4 minutes for each station .The amount of serum CRP and plasma fibrinogen was measured by special kits, Immunoturbidimetric assay with high sensitivity and coagulative method after 12 hours fasting. Data were analyzed by dependent and independent t-test (0.05) through statistical software SPSS/16. Findings: Results showed that power exercise cause significant decrease in C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and body fat percentage. Discussion and conclusion: The results suggest, with any doubt that, as strength trainings have inverse effect on CRP and fibrinogen, so it can be used as predictors of coronary heart disease.

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Introduction: The increase of social stress following the technological improvements appears to be an important factor that causes psychosomatic disorders and finally results in infertility. Since anxiety and depression are more prevalent in women than men, it seems the effect of stress can be observed more in female organs such as genital system. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect, of stress on number and quality of flushed mice blastocysts. Materials & Methods: In our study, 50 mature female mice of the Swiss Albino species were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups. Group 1 as control group(low stress group) with 5 mice in a cage (3 cages), Group 2 (high stress group) with 10 mice in a cage (2 cages), and Group 3 (high stress group) with 15 mice in a cage (1 cage). Each group was kept in a special mouse cage for one month. After 1 month, the animals were induced to superovulate with i.p injections of 10 IU of PMSG and 10 IU of HCG given 48 h apart, and were mated with Swiss Albino male mice. Mice with positive vaginal plug were placed again as 5, 10 and 15 members in their cages. After 98 h post HCG injection, embryos, mostly at the blastocyst stage, were collected from the uteri of mated animals by flushing. The number of flushed blastocysts, and blastomers in each embryo in 3 groups were analyzed statistically. Findings: Our results showed that the mean number of flushed blastocysts in control low stress group (7.7±2.8) and high stress group (2.4±2.1) was significantly lower than control group (14.8± 3.4), and also the mean number of blastomers in low stress group and high stress group showed no significant difference in comparison to control group. (P=0.176) Discussion & Conclusion: It can be concluded that overcrowding could be considered an important factor in infertility by decreasing the number of flushed blastocysts in mice.

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Abstract Introduction: Application of crude hydatid (HCF) cyst fluid antigen for the diagnosis of cystic hydatid (CH) is a method which along with immediate serological investigation can be helpful and effective in rapid treatment of the disease. However, there is no standard, highly sensitive, and specific serological test for antibody detection in cases of human CE yet. The current study aimed to evaluate the cross- reactivity of human IgG against human crude hydatid fluid antigens compared to B fraction of sheep cystic fluid antigen in order to find the target antigens with the highest IgG class, IgG subclass. Materials & Methods: This is an analytical case-control study using human crude HCF as the source of antigen for performing ELISA and Western blotting. Sample sera used in present work were collected from patients who recently had hydatid surgery in hospitals of Tehran, Hamadan and Ilam cities as human case group together with some human or animal sera with no history of hydatidosis with negative HCF using ELISA and IFAT as control group. Briefly, the required antigen was extracted and prepared from human hydatid fluid cysts. 30 positive samples sera from human sources were used as the case together with 30 healthy sera as control group. Hydatid cyst fluid antigen preparation was carried out according to the procedure described by Mamuti, et al, with slight modifications. ELISA method was carried out as described by Verastegui. Findings: The highest mean OD value in response to human HCF antigen was related to IgG4, while the lowest to IgG3. The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA test used for evaluating the responses of human total IgG to HCF antigen were 100 and 95.8% respectively. Cross-reaction of human IgG class and subclasses responses was found for both antigens with the best reaction against human HCF antigen compared to antigen B using a ratio of mean OD value to each antigen divided by the cut-off point value for the same antigen. Discussion & Conclusion: Human sera showed a considerable cross-reactivity against human HCF antigens and antigen B by ELISA test. The best human IgG subclass response against all antigens was found to be IgG4.

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Introduction: Salmonella typhi is an important enteric pathogen that can be transmited via food and water. So, careful and rapid identification of this organism is very important. Today, new techniques in rapid diagnosis of pathogenic bacteria in food are important. The purpose of this study was ِmolecular detection of S. typhi in food samples by PCR using invA gene. Materials & Methods: After extraction of genomic DNA by two standard methods, molecular method of PCR by specific primer of invA gene on any of the standard strains of bacteria was set. Then, using the PCR method, S. typhi was detected in samples of contaminated food. Findings: The results showed that invA gene is the suitable sequence for detection of S. typhi in contaminated foods. Also, designed PCR method in this study is a method with high sensitive (detectable copy number is 1.89×108) and specificity for rapid detection of S. typhi in contaminated food. Discussion & Conclusion: The results of this study shows that PCR method is safe, fast and sensitive for rapid detection and identification of bacteria in contaminated foods and can be an appropriate substitute method for the current and conventional methods.

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Introduction: Nowadays, bottled waters are used by people due to the belief in their quality, easy transportation as well as accessibility with a low cost in most places and stores. Therefore, this public tendency was surveyed at the present study in Ilam City. Materials & Methods: This was a descriptive-analytic study. First, the brands were determined and, then, the sampling was achieved accidentally. 6 brands were surveyed in general. Of each brand, 7 samples with different production dates from several parts of the city were collected. These samples were tested by total coliforms, fecal coliforms, nitrite and nitrate, hardness, pH and EC. Obtained results were analyzed by one way ANOVA test. Findings: None of the samples proved to carry microbial problems and other parameters (PH, EC, hardness, nitrite and nitrate) were on the standard ranges. Discussion & Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that the water quality of the measured samples, is healthful enough to be used for drinking.

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Introduction: Washing hand hygienically before having contact with patient is one of necessities for controlling of nosocomial infections because hands are main way for transferring of microorganism in hospital environments.In such a circumstance, if the protective agent contains pathogens, it can lead to nosocomial infections growth. Materials & Methods: In the study we dealt with microbial pollution of used liquid soaps in five hospitals of Ilam city in 2010. The samples were taken by sterile tubes containing physiology serum, after this they were cultivated on Differential and base the cultures. After 18-24 hours, the initials cultures were studied for the prtent of bacteria. In order to differential separation we used usual microbiology methods. Findings: In the study in respect of microbial pollution nearly 95% of samples were positive and 38.1% negative and 2.4% unknown. The most microbial pollution in all samples was for Pseud-omonas(22.6%) and the least was Klebsi-ella(8.3%). In different units of hospitals, there was a significant difference among the units(P=0.002), and also there was a significant among different hospitals and types of microbes(P=0.002). Discussion & Conclusion: It seems that the application of guidelines for how to use soaps and the conditions of hand washing has an important role in reduction of contamination, and with attention to the contamination of main reservoir, it is essential that contamination discussion of provided soaps in factory to be addressed certainly and in the case of having quality control problem, we do more attention on production lines.

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Introduction: Crohn’s disease is a chronic and inflammatory abnormality. It causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. On the other hands celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by gluten sensitivity in genetically susceptible individuals. Zinc is an essential element that has important physiological roles in the body. The aim of this study was to compare the level of zinc in patients with celiac and crohn’s diseases. Materials & Methods: The level of zinc in patients with celiac and crohn’s diseases was estimated by atomic absorption spectrometry. In this study, data were analysed using MATLAB software version 6.5. Findings: The result of this study showed that there is no statistically significant difference between the level of zinc in celiac patients and crohn patients. Mean serum concentration of zinc in celiac and crohn’s patients was 71±6 μg/l of 70±6μg/l respectively. Discussion & Conclusion: Gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac and crohn’s diseases affect the zinc absorption in the small intestine. Thereby reducing the concentration of this element is not unexpected in people with both celiac and crohn’s diseases. Therefore, in order to accelerate the patient’s improvement and also to alleviate the symptoms in these patients, the administration of zinc supplements is recommended.

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Introduction: Haemophilus influenza (H. influenza) is an important cause of meningitis in infants and children aged less than five years. For this reason the early diagnosis of this bacterium is important. Studies have shown that molecular methods are specific tests for early dete-ction for this agent. The purpose of this study was to design a PCR assay for the rapid detection of H.influenzae bacterium. Materials & Methods: In this study specific primers were designed based on ompp6 gene and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was setup. To create the standard positive control, the PCR product was cloned in pTZ57R/T vector. The existence of the desired gene in the T-vector was confirmed by digestion and sequencing processes. Sensitivity of the PCR assay was determined by preparing a serial tenfold dilutions of the positive control plasmid with starting concentration of 11ng/µl. The Specificity of the assay was verified by using of PCR on the genomic DNA of a variety of bacteria. Findings: PCR results showed a band of the expected size 280bp. Sensitivity results indicated that the limit of detection of the assay was 317 copy numbers. No amplify-ication was observed after PCR in negative control bacteria genomic DNA. This outc-ome proved the specificity of the PCR assay. Discussion & Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the PCR assay is a rapid, highly sensitive and specific test for detection of H.influenzae bacterium.

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Introduction: Leishmaniasis is one of the important endemic diseases in Iran and is divided into cutaneous and visceral Leishmaniasis. Since determining the type of the parasite is effective in the controlling and preventing of the disease, we sought to find a method for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Materials & Methods: In this research 35 cutaneous leishmaniasis patients from different part of Iran [8 infectious cases from the province of Isfe-han and its margins namely, Ardestan, Kashan and Samiram 2 cases from Kerman (the foci of the infection was Sirjan), 4 cases from Khorasan, 2 cases from Mashhad, 2 cases from Esfraeian, 2 casese from Boshehr, 3 cases from Semnan (the foci of the infection was Damghan) and 1 case from ghom] were collected. After preparing the direct slide DNA extracted from all patients, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done for the gene of ITS1. Findings: The results of PCR indicated that all of the cases were positive and showed DNA fragment bands in the size range of 69-350 bp. The results from restriction fragment length of polymorphism (RFLP) indicated that 94% (33 persons) and 6% (2 persons) of the cases were detected as Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica, respectively. Discussion & Conclusion: These results showed that PCR-RFLP method by using Apo1gene is suitable for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by leishmania species.

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Introduction: Since bacteria became resistant to some types of antibiotics, it is prominent to find more reliable sources against them. In view of the fact that plants have been shown verity of biological eff-ects, they could be promising substitutions. Inasmuch as Scrophularia has shown differ-rent biological properties such as antimic-robial, antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities, its effect on Escherichia coli has been evaluated. Material & Methods: Antibiotic effects of both filtered and nonfiltered extract of Scro-phularia striata on Escherichia coli as gram-negative bacterium were evaluated by spectrophotometery method. Simultaneou-sly tetracycline was used as a positive control at different concentrations. In addi-tion, MTT assay was applied for cell surv-ival determination. Findings: Our findings indicate that conc-entrations between 1 to 20 µg/ml of the extract have significant antibiotic activities there is no noticeable difference between filtered and nonfiltered antibiotic activities of this extract. Moreover, this effect is totally different from inducing properties of the extract. Discussion & Conclusion: In conclusion, 5 µg/ml of the extract has a significant antibiotic activity whereas there is not such an effect on fibroblast cells. In view of the fact that this concentration of the extract has a potential antibiotic activity accomp-anied with considerable low side effects on human cells, Scrophularia striata extract can be regard as a potential antibiotic agent in the future.

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Tissue engineering is knowledge of designing tissues such as maxillofacial bone. Three key factors of tissue enginee-ring comprise of morphogenesis factors, responding stem cells and scaffolds. Growth factors have an important role in differentiation and cell morphogenesis. In this review, literature was searched for bone engineering in craniomaxillofacial tissues and the use of growth factors was reviewed. Reviewing MEDLINE indexed articles shows various growth factors applied in jaw bone regeneration. Application of growth factors should be standardized in order to improve their use in future bone tissue engineering.

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Introduction: Pancreatic cancer is a fatal cancer with low survival. There is little publi-shed data on the mortality of pancreas cancer and its epidemiology in Iran. The aim of this study was to present the mor-tality trends from pancreatic cancer for Iranian population, from 1999 to 2004. Usi-ng national death statistic in order to pro-vide update information for its burden. Materials and Methods: National death Statistic reported by the Ministry of Health are included in this analysis. Pancreas can-cer were expressed as the annual mortality rates/100,000, overall, by sex and by age group(<15, 15-49 and ≥50 years of age) and age standardized rate(ASR). Findings: The age standardized mortality rate of pancreatic cancer decreased slightly during the years under the study. Its mor-tality was higher for male and the mortality increased as age increased. Discussion & Conclusion: This study pro-vides projection for burden of death due to pancreatic cancer for Iran, indicating that the trend of its mortality slightly decreased and may be leveled off in recent years.

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Currently autografts are gold standards for craniomaxillofacial bone regeneration. But autografts have some limitations. Bone tissue engineering has been introduced to overcome these limitations. It consist three components: stem cells, growth factor, and scaffold. Scaffold provides an environment for bone growth and simplifies cell adhesion, differentiation and proliferation. In this review, application of natural, synthetic and composite scaffolds in animal and human studies were described. Based on this review, autografts are still gold standards for bone regeneration. However, it seems that recent advances in technology of designing scaffolds would help designing more appropriate scaffolds for bone tissue engineering in near future.