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Background: Medical plants entail numerous therapeutic capabilities due to their antimicrobial activities. During the present study, the antimicrobial activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of Heracoleum Persicum was determined in vitro.
Materials and methods: We have gathered the aforementioned plant from heights of Ashkour near Tonkabon. The antimicrobial activity of aqueous and methanol extracts was determined against 14 bacterial and 2 fungal specimens according to the disc diffusion, MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration), and MBC (maximum bactericidal concentration).
Results: The aqueous extract of Heracoleum Persicum failed to show antimicrobial activity, however, the methanol extract was effective against bacillus, streptococcous, enterococcous and nocardia.
Conclusion: The methanol extract of Heracoleum Persicum has antibacterial activity. Further studies are strongly recommended to find out the possible therapeutic capability of this plant in infectious diseases.

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Background: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used primarily to produce home appliances however, its production without vinyl chloride (VCM) is not reproducible. VCM has harmful effects on liver when is exposed during a long term duration. We surveyed long term liver effects with exposure of mild to moderate amounts of VCM.

 Materials and methods: In this case-control study, liver enzymes levels of 52 workers were compared with 48 staff employees using t-test analysis. Case group was composed of all occupied workers in PVC production unit (one of the petrochemical complex), while, the control group was chosen form administrative staff of the same petrochemical complex.

 Results: The mean level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamine trans peptidase (GGT) were shown to be significantly differed between the two groups. Other measures such as AST, ALT, and direct and indirect billirubin were revealed to be higher in case group, however, their difference did not reach a statistically significant level.

Conclusion: Results revealed that exposure to even low levels of VCM may lead to mild liver cholestatic damage, therefore, use of tests for liver cholestasis such as GGT and ALP for individuals working in PVC production units should be kept in mind periodically.

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Backgrouns: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Pistacia vera's pericarp extract on some common dermatophytic and saprophytic fungi of Iran and identifying its probable role to be used instead of chemical drugs.
Materials and Methods: After collecting pericarp of Pistacia vera, drying and making it powder, extracts were obtained by using Percolation method with methanol and n-Hexan. To evaluate the anti-fungal activity of the extract, different dilutions of the extract (30-600 mg/ml) were prepared and tested against each fungus and Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) was measured via disc diffusion & broth dilution methods. The tested fungi were three types of dermatophytes (Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, Epidermophyton floccosum) and two types of saprophytes (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans).
Results: The results showed that n-Hexan extract in disc diffusion method has no significant effect on the fungi, but it could inhibit Epidermophyton floccosum growth in 337mg/ml dilution and Microsporum canis growth in 450mg/ml dilution. For methanolic extract in broth dilution method, 60mg/ml was inhibitor for Epidermophyton floccosum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes and 240mg/ml dilution for Microsporum canis growth. In disc diffusion method we had 17 millimeter inhibitory zone around the pure extract in Trichophyton mentagrophytes. This extract had no anti-fungal effect against Aspergillus niger, but inhibited the growth of Candida albicans in 120mg/ml dilution and also calculated MBC for Candida albicans was 600mg/ml.
Conclusion: Our research showed Pistacia vera's pericarp extract has different anti-fungal effects on experimented fungi.

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Background: Antifungal property of Juglans regia has not been proved yet, therefore, the present study we designed to examine the effect of Juglans regia pericarp on the growth of different fungi, particularly dermatophytes.
Materials and methods: The extract has been prepared by methanol solution using percolation method according to NCCLS protocol. Then, the fractions have been examined on fungi inoculums. For MBC estimation, it has been cultured on PDA medium.
Results: Juglans regia extract completely prevented growth of Epidermophyton floccosum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes in fraction of 120 mg/ml, Microsporum canis in fraction of 450 mg/ml, and Candida albicans in fraction of 337 mg/ml, meanwhile, it reduced colony growth of Aspergillus niger compared with the control.
 Conclusion: We have demonstrated that the growth of three dermatophyes and Candida albicans was completely inhibited by Juglans regia pericarp extract.

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Background: γ-aminobutyricacid (GABA), a major neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, also acts as a paracrine or autocrine signaling molecule in endocrine tissues such as the pancreatic islets, adenohypophysis, and testis. It has been demonstrated that metabolites of progesterone and corticosterone naturally act via the GABAA – membrane receptor and they have sedative–hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle-relaxant and anesthetic drugs properties. Also the brain as a steroidogenic organ contributes to produce these steroids. The aim of this study was to find out the steroids participation on the GABA- related activities.
 Materials and methods: An injection canula was inserted into lateral ventricle of the sham and experimental adult female rats by stereotaxic surgery. One week late, at proesterus day, diazepam (GABAA–receptor agonist) with doses of 250 and 500ng/rat, bicuculine (GABAA–receptor antagonist) with doses of 1.5 and 3 ng/rat, baclofen (GABAB –receptor agonist) with doses of 4.27 and 8.54 ng/rat and CGP35348 (GABAB –receptor antagonist) with doses of 3 and 5 µg/rat were intracerebroventriculary (ICV) injected to the experimental groups, while equal volume (2µl) of artificial CSF was injected to the sham operated group. Blood samples were collected thrice at 9 AM, 11 AM and 1PM. The serum progesterone level was determined using RIA method. Data were analyzed by one way ANOVA and Duncan's test at p<0.05 for the significant level.
Results: The results showed that GABAergic system activity via both GABAA and GABAB receptors has significantly changed the serum progesterone level.
 Conclusion: Comparing the results of this research with earlier studies, it is concluded that GABAergic system has a close relation with steroidogenesis and the steroids participate in GABA-related activities

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Background: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal dystrophy caused by the loss of photoreceptors and characterized by retinal pigment deposits visible on fundus examination. Low red blood cell membrane fatty acid content e.g. docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in retinitis pigmentosa may influence retinal function. The aim of this study was to evaluate red blood cell membrane fatty acid content and plasma lipid levels and determine their associated effects on the severity of disease.
 Materials and methods: In a comparative cross-sectional study, 35 males and 16 females with RP (mean age= 35.7 years) were evaluated. Red blood cell membrane fatty acid content (DHA) and plasma lipid levels were measured as well as visual acuity and field.
Results: Both visual acuity and visual field were significantly associated with red blood cell membrane fatty acid content (DHA) (P<0.05). However, the plasma lipid levels, except of total cholesterol, were not associated with visual acuity and visual field of RP patients (NS). Conclusion: Current survey showed a significant association between severity of RP and fatty acid content (DHA).

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Background: Colorectal cancer in the world is located in the third position among common cancers in both sexes. It is the second cancer which has the most mortality .The incidence of this cancer in the last decades has transcended trend in our population. The aim of this study was comparison of 4-year survival between sporadic and hereditary colorectal cancer.
Materials and methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, 121 patients with colorectal cancer were collected including 61 patients with sporadic and 60 individuals with HNPCC who were referred to research cancer gastroenterology and liver diseases of Taleghani hospital during 2004-2008. Survival rate was estimated using the Kaplan Meier method and compared with log rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox regression analysis.
Results: 4-year survival in sporadic colorectal cancer and HNPCC showed a significant difference. The rate of survival in HNPCC patients was 82.5%, while it was 56.4% (p=0.044) in sporadic colorectal cancer. Age of diagnosis in sporadic patients was higher than hereditary group. Odds ratio of sporadic colorectal cancer for tumor location was 2.93 (95%CI: 1.06-8.11) compared HNPCC (p=0.038).
Conclusion: The result of this study was compatible with the previous studies. The result showed that the rate of survival in patients with HNPCC is higher than sporadic cases.

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Background: Hyper IgE syndrome is a rare primary immune deficiency disorder characterized by pulmonary and cutaneous infection, eczema, and elevated serum IgE levels. In this article, 4 patients with hyper IgE syndrome and recurrent pulmonary infection were reported.
Case Report: Four girls with history of recurrent pulmonary infections were worked up and hyper IgE syndrome was diagnosed for them. All patients had recurrent pulmonary infections including pneumonia, bronchiectasis, pulmonary abscess, hydropneumothorax. Serum IgE levels were greater than 2000 Iu/ml in all cases. Microbial cultures showed staphylococcus aureas and pseudomans aeroginosa in two cases. All patients respond well to the wide spectrum intravenous antibiotics. Extra-pulmonary manifestations including purulent lymphadenitis, and skin and brain abcesses were observed. Conclusion: Hyper IgE syndrome causes recurrent pulmonary and extra-pulmonary infections which response fairly well to wide spectrum antibiotic therapy.

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Background: Aromatherapy, as an alternative medicine, is using of volatile oils for inducing psychological and physical well- being. In this study, the effects of inhalation aromatherapy in reducing anxiety and depression in female students of dormitory of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were investigated in 2008-2009.
Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 260 female students living in dormitory were selected and assigned randomly in 4 groups of 65 people as case and control according to two variables of anxiety and depression. The scales used in this study were Spillberger Anxiety Test and Beck Depression Inventory. At first, pre-test were taken. A mixture of essential oils of Lavender and Rose was inhaled for four weeks, half an hour for each night by the case groups (anxious and depressed). For control group, only sesame oil inhalation was used. At the end of the second week, post-test1 and at the end of fourth week, post-test2 were taken.
Results: Students who received inhalation aromatherapy had significant improvement in anxiety and depression symptoms compared with pre-test and control group (p≤0.001 for both).
Conclusion: This study confirmed the efficacy of inhalation aromatherapy (the mixture of essential oils of Lavender and Rose) in reducing the female students’ anxiety and depression symptoms who settled in dormitory.

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Background: Occupational diseases are certain sorts of diseases that have been caused by special jobs and subject to special circumstances. There are several factors that can intensify these diseases. Studies of various countries have indicated that they have played an effective role in decreasing exposures and its economic costs and attracting optimal resources through establishment of a comprehensive information system for occupational diseases. In this study the occupational disease Information system in selected countries are compared.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study which was conducted in 2008, during which information systems in USA, Finland, France and Iran have been studied based on their objectives, structure, most important data base characteristics and active organizations. Main instrument of this research were articles, books, magazines and valid internet sites in English language.
Results: All the three selected countries had an electronic information system and database in the field of occupational disease. In Finland, occupational diseases data as well as their damages are kept in separate databases while USA lacks a comprehensive system. In France, supervision on laboratories is a priority. In Iran, there is no certain comprehensive system for registering diseases.
Conclusion: Occupational diseases information system in Finland is more comprehensive. Iran lacks such a comprehensive system. So, it is recommended to use experiences of other countries and establish electronic comprehensive disease system.

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Background: Collagen is a protein with specific importance in pharmacy and medicine. The aim of this study was extraction of collagen type I by optimum using of Iranian fishes of Persian Gulf and also debris of Shilat industry.
Materials and methods: Extraction of collagen type I from the proper specimens was performed by two methods of acidic and alkaline. In acidic method, first, the lipids separated, then, by using HCL 5%, calcium elements were extracted. The pH of medium neutralized and hydrolysis was performed in high stream water vapor. The material have been filtered and in the vicinity of heat in vacuum state collagen concentrated. Then the sheets of collagen, grinding was done. In the alkaline method, the specimens were treated by sodium hydroxid 4% for 3 weeks at room temperature.
Results: The rate of separated collagen from fish hasn’t significant difference between alkaline and acidic methods. For example, mean rate of 20.81% for collagen extraction from skin of fishes in alkaline method and mean of 19.76% in acidic method was detected. The collagen specimens extracted by these methods have equal or higher quality in comparison with specimens extracted from other sources.
Conclusion: According to costless of primary materials, such as debris of fishes, in the production of collagen in Iran and import of collagen is expensive, domestic production is saving money.

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Background: There are several studies that have identified relationship between VDR gene polymorphisms and colorectal (CRC) or other kinds of cancers, such as breast and prostate cancers. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of VDR gene polymorphisms, BsmI and FokI, with colorectal cancer risk among Iranian patients.

Materials and methods: In this case-control study, 110 DNA samples from Iranian CRC patients and 110 samples from healthy Iranian people. Genotyping of BsmI and FokI polymorphisms were performed by PCR-RFLP method. To confirm the RFLP results, 5% of samples were sequenced with direct sequencing method.

Results: The frequency of the VDR gene polymorphisms at BsmI and FokI restriction sites in CRC patients and healthy controls was almost similar. Allele distribution in patients and controls was same. There was no statistically significant difference in genotype or allele frequency between CRC patients and control group.

Conclusion: VDR FokI and BsmI genotypes are not associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer in Iranian patients. However, these data remain to be confirmed by studies with larger sample size in Iran

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  Background: Accurate measurement of the exercise tolerance of cardiac patients prior to, and upon completion of a cardiac rehabilitation program using an objective measure is important. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of an endurance and resistance exercise training program on physical capacity, blood pressure, heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

  Materials and Methods: In this case- control study, 31 patients (21 men and 10 women, mean age 54.45±7.8) who were participating in the recovery phase II cardiac rehabilitation program and 15 patients (9 men and 6 women mean age 55.35±5.7) were assigned to the control group. Exercise program consisted of endurance and resistance exercise with duration of 60 min/session and frequency of 3 sessions/ week for 2 months and dietitian and psychiatric counseling.

  Results : After rehabilitation, the case group demonstrated significant improvements in exercise test time, maximum systolic blood pressure, maximum heart rate and rate pressure product (p< 0.001). On the other hands, the case group demonstrated significant decreasing in rest heart rate, rest systolic blood pressure (p< 0.001). There were no changes in any variables for control group.

  Conclusion: Cardiac rehabilitation program is effective in promoting an early improvement in exercise capacity, RPP, HRR in patients undergoing CABG. Moreover, it induces significant decreasing in rest systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

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Background: Because drug resistance is one of the most important problems in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), finding new anti-cancer drugs especially from natural sources is research priority. Therefore, in this study, anti-cancer effects of ethyl acetate soluble metabolite of Iranian native bacteria, Streptomyces calvus, were studied using human chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells.
Materials and methods: In this experimental trail, ethyl acetate soluble metabolites were isolated from S. calvus bacteria. K562 cell line was treated by various concentrations of this metabolite for 12- 72 h intervals. Anti-proliferative effects of ethyl acetate soluble metabolite were studied by trypan blue exclusion test. Wright-Giemsa staining and latex particle phagocytosis assay were used to study differentiated cells.
Results: Ethyl acetate soluble metabolite induced growth inhibition in K562 cells in concentration and time- dependent manner. At the concentration of 200 ng/ml, the growth was inhibited 19-50% after 12-72h. Latex particle phagocytosis assay and Wright- Giemsa staining results revealed that K562 cells were differentiated toward monocytic- macrophagic lineage.
Conclusion: According to growth inhibitory and differentiating effects of S.calvus metabolite in K562 cells, this metabolite can be proposed for more investigations in differentiation therapy of CML patients.

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Background: Sleep apnea is defined as more than 10 seconds to stop the air flow in the adult airway, which may occur due to upper airway obstruction during sleep. Sleep apnea is highly prevalent among patients with cardiovascular disease, so that 50% of patients with atrial fibrillation suffer from sleep apnea. Therefore, this current study discussed the risk of sleep apnea in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Materials and Methods: This comparative-descriptive study with convenience sampling was performed on 150 patients with atrial fibrillation and 150 patients without atrial fibrillation admitted to CCU of Imam Khomeini's hospital, Saghez, Iran. Patients were matched for age and sex. Data was collected using demographic and Berlin questionnaire. Data analysis was performed by SPSS16 statistical software and descriptive and inferential statistical tests.
Results: Blood pressure in patients with atrial fibrillation was significantly higher than patients without atrial fibrillation (p=0.001). In the groups with and without atrial fibrillation, 60% and 36% had a high risk of sleep apnea, respectively. Patients with sleep apnea were prone 2.98 times to atrial fibrillation more than those without this disorder.
Conclusion: According to high incidence of sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation in the CCU, using the screening methods for patient's identification to reduce the risk factors among these patients seems to be necessary.

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Background: Water used in the pharmaceutical industry should have special physicochemical and microbiological characteristics. One of the quality items of pharmaceutical water is level of microbial content. For this reason selection of effective disinfection method is the main item for design of pharmaceutical water systems. Water systems can be maintained at temperature below 10 ºC and more than 70 ºC but maintaining of water at ambient temperature could increase of microbial content. In this condition use of disinfectant is useful for reducing of microbial content. Some of them such as chloride, ozone and hydrogen peroxide due to good results have more application.
Materials and Methods: In this study, effect of three disinfectants chloride, ozone and hydrogen peroxide with 1 ppm concentration, consider on five microorganisms Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and E.coli.
Results: Counting and decreasing of microorganisms showed the efficiency of disinfectants.
Conclusion: Finally ozone was selected as the best disinfectant due to high efficiency.

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Background: When hydrocolloids dressings are loaded with an antibacterial agent, they can also prevent infection during wound cicatrisation. To consider interesting properties of traditional Gum Tragacanth such as moisture absorption, hydrocolloid formation, drug holding and releasing abilities, it was aimed to introduce a scaffold wound dress based on Gum Tragacanth with drug release ability simultaneously.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, gum tragacanth from Astragalus gossypinus species (Iranian species) is solved and loaded with an aminoglycoside antibiotic (Gentamicin). Prepared solution transformed to a nano fibers network “scaffold” by lyophilization method. Samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared and X-ray diffraction methods and their antimicrobial and moisture holding properties were determined.
Results: Gum tragacanth showed a proper potential for dispersing gentamicin and the drug was loaded into polymer matrix without any aggregation. Loaded gum tragacanth with gentamicin is successfully transformed to a nanofibers scaffold by lyophilization. The diameters of fibers were in the range of 300nm to 2µm. Transformed gum tragacanth into scaffolds showed declined regain content (up to 50%) due to the ordering and orientation of polymer chains. Ordered hydroxyl groups also observed in FTIR graphs. Regarding the zones of inhibition, scaffolds also showed acceptable antibacterial activities.
Conclusion: Produced scaffolds are capable of absorbing wound’s exocrine liquid easily due to their high specific area of nanofibers. When it is turned to gel by moisture sorption, the release of loaded Gentamicin would be enhanced.

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Background: Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are identified agents for post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and miRNA polymorphisms are recognized as useful biomarkers for prognosis of colorectal cancer. The association of rs 11614913 polymorphism in miR-196a2 gene and the risk of colorectal cancer were investigated in this study.
Materials and Methods: I this case- control study, 149 patients with colorectal cancer and 146 healthy subjects whom referred to Taleghani hospital, Tehran were studied. Polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used for genotyping.
Results: The frequency of CT, TT and CC genotypes in control group were 40%, 24% and 36%, respectively. Moreover, genotype frequencies in case group were revealed as 49% for CT, 10% for TT and 41 % for CC. The frequencies of C and T alleles in control group were 48% and 70%, and 42% and 30% in case group, respectively. Among all genotypes, an association between CRC risk and TT genotype was determined in our survey (OR=0.4, 95%CI= 0.17-0.92 p=0.03).
Conclusion: This study showed that modified miR-196a2 sequence affects microRNA efficiency which may have an impact on colorectal cancer susceptibility.