مجله دانشگاه علوم پزشکی مازندران
پیاپی 117 (مهر 1393)

Background and Delayed wound healing is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. However، less is known about the cause of this pathology. Types of skin cells، extracellular matrix and variety of growth factors are involved in wound healing. The use of recombinant growth factors in researches and production of skin substitutes are still a challenge. Much research has been done on the effects of gene therapy and cell therapy in wound healing. This experimental study assessed the effect of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) over expression in combination with fibroblast cells therapy to diabetic wounds in rats. Diabetes was induced in rats using Streptozotocin. Fibroblasts were cultured and transfected with IGF-1. Lipofectamine 2000 was used as reagent transfection and transgene expression levels were measured by ELIZA. To study the in vivo، rats (weighing 170-20 g) were randomly divided into three groups (5/group) and full-thickness wounds were created on the dorsum region. Suspensions of transfected fibroblast and native fibroblast cells were injected into the wound and were compared with the wounds treated with normal saline. For microscopic examination، biopsy was performed on day 8. In in vitro، the maximum expression of IGF-1 in transfected fibroblast cells (96. 95 pg/ml) was 24 h after gene transfer. In vivo، IGF-1 gene therapy increased the number of fibroblast and keratinocyte cells in wound healing process. Granulation tissue formation in transfected fibroblast and native fibroblast cells groups compared with the normal saline group were found to be more organized. The expression of IGF-1 increased by optimization of gene transfer. High concentrations of IGF-1، in combination with cell therapy، had a significant effect on delayed wound healing in diabetic rats.

Background and E. coli O157: H7 is one of the intestinal pathogens that mediate serious damages in gastrointestinal track. The bacterium attachment in large intestine is mediated via some colonization factors mainly Type III secretion proteins that are involved in this process. Among these factors، EspA protein plays an important role in system foundation. The aim of this study was cloning and recombinant expression of EspA in order to achieve a stable construct for the protein production and using it as a vaccine candidate in future investigations. Specific primers were designed by Oligo 7 software and gene amplification was performed by PCR technique on template DNA. Enzymatic digestion and ligation were done by restriction enzymes and T4 ligase enzyme، respectively. Recombinant expression of EspA was induced by IPTG following cloning confirmation. Protein confirmation was done by Western blotting analyze. Results showed that cloning of espA in pET28a (+) vector was performed in an appropriate mode between expected sites. Also، EspA had good and remarkable recombinant expression after induction and the antibody used in western blotting could recognize EspA on nitrocellulose membrane. Stable recombinant construct containing espA gene was fabricated that showed appropriate recombinant expression of protein. So، this protein could be used in future studies as a vaccine candidate against E. coli O157: H7.

Background and Beside the environmental determinants there are major genetic factors that could cause Myocardial Infarction (MI). The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A with acute MI in patients younger than 50 years of age. In this case-control study we recruited 101 MI patients and 101 healthy individuals in Fatemeh Zahra Hospital، affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Demographic information and risk factors including age، past history of MI، diabetes mellitus، hypertension، dyslipidemia، and smoking were recorded. Genes of factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A were analyzed using PCRRFLP method. Among all subjects، 191 (94. 55%) had no factor V Leiden gene، 10 (4. 95 %) were heterozygous، and one (0. 49%) was homozygous. In case group، and control group there were seven (6. 9%) and three (2. 97%) heterozygous for factor V Leiden، respectively (P= 0. 27). There was no mutation of prothrombin G20210A gene in 197 (97. 5%) individuals and only five (2. 5%) were heterozygous. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P= 0. 17). The prevalence of factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A gene mutation، in patients was not significantly different from that of the normal individuals. However، further studies are recommended in this age group to investigate these factors.

Background and Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease identified by high response to allergens and excessive air ways edema. T-bet and GATA-3 are two transcriptional factors that differentiate Th1 and Th2 from Tnaive. In this study، we examined the expression levels of these two factors in patients with allergic asthma incomparison with healthy controls. In a case- control study، 26 patients with allergic asthma and 26 healthy subjects were studied who were matched for age and sex. Sampling was done and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and cDNA was synthesized after RNA extraction. Gene’s expressions were evaluated by Real-time Polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that T-bet and GATA-3 expression levels significantly increased in patients in comparison with control group. In addition، GATA-3/T-bet ratio showed a significant increase in case group (P=0. 005). This study showed that the genes expression of T-bet and GATA-3 regulate the balance ofTh1/Th2. Therefore، evaluation of T-bet and GATA-3 is believed to have an important role in treatment and clinical condition of asthma patients.

Background and Cyanobacteria are rich sources of secondary metabolites. Antibiotic resistant pathogens are rising and people are more interested in using natural products these days. Hence, identifying competent cyanobacteria for the extraction of antimicrobial compounds is of great benefit. The main objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro antibacterial activity of methanol, ether and aqueous extracts of some species of cyanobacteria. In this experimental study, the cyanobacteria of Fischerella ambigua, Synechococcus elongatus and Schizothrix vaginata were obtained from the culture collection of algae at the Iranian Academic Centre for Education, Culture and Science. Extraction was performed by adding the solvent to cyanobacterial biomass and then filtering and drying of the mixture. The antimicrobial effect was studied using disk diffusion method and broth microdilution method was applied to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. Results showed that methanol, ether and aqueous extracts of Fischerella ambigua and aqueous extract of Synechococcus elongatus had considerable antibacterial activity. Ether extract of Fischerella ambigua was the most effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and the average diameter of inhibition zone were 31/67 and 32/67 mm, respectively. The most effective extracts against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria were the aqueous extract of Synechococcus elongatus and the ether extract of Fischerella ambigua, respectively. Two species of cyanobacteria Fischerella ambigua and Synechococcus elongatus were found with significant antimicrobial activity. The aqueous extract of Synechococcus elongatus was the best for isolation of antibacterial compounds and diethyl ether was an efficient solvent for the extraction of antimicrobial compounds from Fischerella ambigua species.

Background and Probiotics and prebiotics are new concepts which have been demonstrated to positively modulate the intestinal micro flora and could promote host health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of prebiotics on production of antimicrobial properties of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC4356، Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 Lactobacillus fermentum ATCC 9338 Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 7469، and Lactobacillus casei ATCC 39392 against growth or activity of Proteus vulgaris. Antimicrobial activity of bacterial culture supernatant was tested using Agar Well Diffusion (AWD) method in two medium compositions: basic MRS broth and MRS broth with Inulin، Trehalose، Raffinose، Lactulose، and Riboflavin as prebiotic. Results showed that prebiotics were able to increase antimicrobial activity. Zone of inhibition in presence of prebiotic for Lactobacillus spp. increased up to 29/67 mm. According to the results، prebiotics could increase antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus spp. and this activity of Lactobacillus was specifically strain dependent and related to kind of prebiotics. Therefore، probiotic products efficiency could be increased in presence of specific prebiotic properties.

Background and Properties of biocompatibility and biodegradation are important factors in choosing a polymer to prepare nano-fiber for medical and biological purposes. PLGA high attention in tissue engineering for the above properties، the aim of present study is the evaluation of rat bone marrow stromal cells cultured on PLGA nanofibers. In this study، the PLGA nanofibers were prepared using electrospinning technique in hexa fluoro propanol solvent. To study the nanofiber properties scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and invert microscope were used. After bone marrow stromal cells culture (BMSCs) and achieving passage two، the cells were grown in two groups of PLGA nanofibers and without nanofibers. Life and death of cells were examined in second، fourth، and sixth days by Acridine Orange. Also، the morphology of cells was investigated via light microscopy. The results showed no significant reduction in cell growth in PLGA nanofibers compared with that of the control group. According to the results obtained from BMSCc culture، PLGA nanofibers could be used as biodegradable and biocompatible scaffold alongside bone marrow cells in tissue engineering.

Background and Microfluidic systems are microstructures that could be used to improve the conventional cell culture protocols used in laboratories. The aim of this research was to design and construct the microfluidic system and evaluating its ability to produce IL-2 by jurkat cells. At first، the sketch of microfluidic canals was designed by Corel draw and was built on poly dimethyl siloxan using soft lithography. After embedding entry and exit pores، it was attached to glass slide via oxygen plasma technique. It was then connected to a pump containing RPMI1640 culture medium by 3 μL/hour speed. Afterwards، Jurkat cells were inoculated in the system. In the course of incubation، a continuous flow of culture medium and stimulants were encountered with cells in system canals. Simultaneously، the cells were cultured in flasks regarding proliferation and IL-2 production. The cultured cells were then compared with microfluidic system. The rate of proliferation and IL-2 production by jurkat cells was about twice in microfluidic system compared with that of the conventional cell culturing method and the system did not show negative effect on cell viability. Microfluidic system can create a condition similar to the in-vivo for proliferation and production of cell culture products due to dynamic condition resulted from continuous flow of food and waste removal. Moreover، this system showed higher performance and consumed less culture medium and materials، so it could be used as an alternative method for conventional cell cultures.

Background and Trichomoniasis، is a protozon infection in lower urinary reproductive tract with various prevalence rate in different populations. In this study we investigated that as a neglected parasitic disease in Women''s Clinic attending Teaching Hospitals affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. This descriptive study was performed in 1900 samples during 2006 - 2014. Active and passive case finding was conducted at 400 patients and 1500 archived smears، respectively. After preparing a demographical check list، the wet smears of vaginal specimens and Pap smears were microscopically examined. For molecular confirmation of positive samples the nested PCR was performed. To analyze the data chi-square test was applied in using SPSS V. 19. A total of 1900 samples were analyzed in this study of which 21 (1. 1%) were infected with Trichomonas vaginalis. The 1100 bp band corresponding actin gene T. vaginalis was successfully amplified. Also، 64. 7% of positive samples had trichomoniasis، candidiasis and bacterial co infections. The prevalence of infection was higher in those aged 35-44 years of old. The results showed that prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis was relatively low in studied area. But، the disease is regarded as neglected among women aged 35 to 44 years of old. Therefore، further investigations are recommended among this age group.

Background and Multi-resistant enterococci are important nosocomial pathogens that are shown to have high prevalence in recent years. Knowledge of antimicrobial resistance pattern is essential to formulate treatment guidelines for infections caused by enterococci. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial resistance among enterococci isolated from Hamedan hospitals. The study was carried out during 2012-2014 in 242 Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium Strains isolated from clinical specimens of teaching inpatients and outpatients hospitals in Hamedan. Identified species by biochemical methods were confirmed by PCR. Antibiotic resistance was performed by disk diffusion. MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) of vancomycin and Teicoplanin were determined by Microdilution Broth method. A total of 280 enterococcal isolates were studied of which، 175 (62. 5%) were identified as Enterococcus faecalis، 67 (24%) as Enterococcus faecium، and 38 (13. 5%) as Enterococcus spp. No resistance to Linezolid and Nitrofurantoin was detected among E. faecalis isolates. All isolates of E. faecium were susceptible to Linezolid. Resistance rates to ampicillin، Vancomycin، Teicoplanin، ciprofloxacin، erythromycin، Norfloxacin، gentamicin and Nitrofurantoin were found higher in E. faecium isolates than those of the E. faecalis group. Due to the high prevalence of Vancomycin-resistant enterococci and also increasing resistance of enterococcus to most common antibiotics، there is a need for preventive and control measurements. Therefore، antibiotic susceptibility testing is recommended for all patients before prescription of appropriate antibiotics.

Background and Continuous input of antibiotics to the environment causes many problems such as antibiotic resistance in pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore، researchers are aiming to find solutions to reduce antibiotics in hospital effluents and polluted waters. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic which is widely used to treat infections. Due to inappropriate use it enters the wastewater and finally the environment in almost unmetabolized form. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of multi-walled carbon nanotubes for Amoxicillin removal from aqueous solutions. In this study the efficacy of multi-walled carbon nanotubes for the removal of amoxicillin was investigated in a batch system considering pH (10-4)، ionic strength (0 to 0. 1 mol/ L sodium chloride)، and adsorbent dose (0. 4 – 1. 8 g /L). Finally، isotherms and kinetics of the adsorption was analyzed. The results showed that the maximum removal of amoxicillin occurred at pH 8. Also، increase in the ionic strength decreased the removal efficiency while increase in the adsorbent dose increased the removal efficiency. The equilibrium adsorption isotherm data well fitted with Langmuir model (R2= 0. 9108) and adsorption kinetics fitted with pseudo second order model. According to the results multi-wall carbon nanotubes could be assumed as an acceptable adsorbent for Amoxicillin removal in the aquatic solutions.

Background and Organophosphate (OP) compounds exert toxicity by inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE)، leading to the accumulation of acetylcholine in cholinergic synapses and overstimulation of the cholinergic system. Hyperactivity of brain cholinergic system can contribute to the pathophysiology of anxiety. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of repeated exposure to paraoxon on behaviors related to anxiety in male adult rats. Adult male Wistar rats were repeatedly exposed to paraoxon at daily doses of 0. 1، 0. 2، and 0. 3 mg/kg، IP for 14 days. Following a recovery period of 24 hours، the anxiety level was determined using behavioral tests (elevated plus-maze and elevated T-maze). Plasma and brain ChE activity was inhibited in a dose dependent manner by paraoxon. Paraoxon (0. 3 mg/kg) increased the percentage of entry in the open arms and the time spent on the open arms in the elevated plus-maze (P<0. 05). Results of the elevated T-maze showed that 0. 3 mg/kg paraoxon increased escape latency and decreased avoidance latencies (P<0. 001). Results showed that repeated exposure to 0. 3 mg/kg paraoxon exerts anxiolytic-like effects in the elevated plus-maze and elevated T-maze.

Background and Older people are one of the most vulnerable groups in every society and elder abuse is an important issue when considering their care and support. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence of elder abuse against women and related factors in Sabsevar (north east of Iran). This analytical-descriptive study was conducted in 180 women older than 60 years of age who met our inclusion criteria. They were selected through stratified sampling in 2013. Data was collected using domestic elder abuse questionnaire. To analyze the data descriptive and non-parametric analytical tests were performed in SPSS V. 16. Among the studied population 49. 39% were observed to suffer from elder abuse. The criteria with highest and lowest prevalence of elder abuse against women were emotional neglect (69%) and abandonment (42. 87%)، respectively. Significant association was seen between three types of elder abuse namely care neglect، psychological abuse، and abandonment and re-hospitalization (P=0. 000). But no significant relationship was observed between elder abuse and educational level، economic state، income resources، and suffering from a chronic disease. This study showed that almost half of older women experience some types of abuse which can lead to different diseases and re-hospitalization.

Background and Ruta Graveolens (RG) commonly called sudab، has been known as a medicinal plant since ancient times. Anti-oxidant، anti-inflammatory، anti-tumor، anti androgenic، and anti-fertility activities are amongst the medicinal properties of RG. The present study investigated the antifertility effects of RG and in-vitro embryo development in female mice. The study was performed in 30 female mice that were divided into two groups as control and RG. The control group received normal saline 0. 2 ml and the RG group received 300 mg/kg aqueous extract of RG per day، orally for 14 days. Matured oocytes were transported to HTF+BSA (4mg/ml). Then fertilized oocytes، two cell، blastocyst and hatching embryos were evaluated. In case group RG reduced embryo growth (P<0. 05) at different stages. However، by disrupting RG administration no significant differences were observed between control and test animals. The results showed that the aqueous extract of RG decreased the embryo growth and fertilizing ability in female mice. Moreover، the negative impact of RG on fertilizing potential is recurrentable after disruption of exposure.

Background and Urban developments and population growth have dramatically increased all kinds of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation. Hence، treatment and disposal of municipal waste is one of the main concerns in urban environmental management. The aim of this study was to determine suitable locations for landfill based on environmental criteria using Boolean and Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) in Ilam (in the west of Iran). First، the most important criteria effecting the location of landfill including slope، elevation، distance from the river، distance from the road، distance from the spring، land use، hydrogeology، distance from fault، and distance from residential areas were identified. Fuzzy membership functions and AHP method were used for standardization of criteria and determining the weights of factors، respectively. Boolean and a weighted linear combination methods shows that 99 and 93% of study area are not suitable for landfill siting، respectively. Also، the current landfill in Ilam shows a lack of consistency with the environmental criteria for MSW landfills. In this study WLC showed greater consistency with the environmental criteria compared with Boolean logic. Current landfill site in Ilam does not meet many criteria of MSW disposal sites. Therefore، this poor waste management could seriously threaten the area’s stability.

Background and Post operation pain management is an important concept in care which leads to earlier mobilization. Various analgesic drugs have been evaluated in different studies. This study was performed to compare the effects of indomethacin and indomethacin acetaminophen suppository on the amount of pain after cesarean section. In this clinical trial، 75 patients were randomly assigned into two groups. Group A received a 50 mg rectal suppository indomethacin and a rectal suppository placebo immediately after the end of the cesarean section، then every 6 hours for 24 hours. Group B was given 50 mg indomethacin rectal suppository and 325 mg rectal suppository acetaminophen immediately after cesarean operation، then every 6 hours for 24 hours. In the event that a patient complained of pain، 25 mg pethidine intramuscular was administered. Pain intensity was measured according to Visual analog scale (VAS) and the need for an analgesic was also recorded. Data was analyzed using ANOVA، χ ² and t-test. Pain scores were significantly lower in group B. Also، analgesic was less required in that group. Combined use of indomethacin suppository and acetaminophen suppository، significantly decreased pain scores after cesarean section compared with indomethacin suppository alone. Moreover، it led to less narcotic drug use among the studied subjects. (Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT2013042013069N1)

Background and Mushrooms are highly nutritive، since they are low in calories and contain significant amounts of vegetative proteins، vitamins، minerals، amino acid، and fiber. Mushrooms might be contaminated by heavy metals such as lead، cadmium، chromium، etc. This contamination depends on type of mushrooms، their physiology، and ecosystem. The present study aimed at determining the amount of lead، cadmium and chromium in edible mushrooms disturbed in the city of Sari (north of Iran). This study was done in laboratory on 108 samples of commercial mushrooms widely found in supermarkets in Sari. They were coded 1 to 6 and their stem and cap were studied. Finally، the amount of lead، cadmium، and chromium were determined using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). The concentrations of lead and cadmium were found to be less than standard levels recommended by Codex guidelines. But the amount of chromium in all samples was observed to be more than Codex standards (20 mg/kg). The Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) for chromium in cap was similar to standard levels while this was lower in stem. High concentrations of chromium could be due to high levels of that found in composts used for growing mushrooms or contaminated water.

Background and Paternal-fetal attachment behaviors areexpectantfather’s feelingtowards his unborn baby. These behaviors play very important roles in paternal identity، pregnancy outcome، and future growth and development of the baby. The severities of these behaviors are different between fathers and depend on many factors. The aim of this study was to assess paternal-fetal attachment behavior and some related factors. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 12 health centers affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Four hundred expectant fathers who had wives in their 20- 40thweeks of pregnancy were selected. Data was collected through aself-structured questionnaire and the paternal fetal attachment scale. Pearsoncorrelation، ANOVA، and t-test were applied to analyze the data. Findings showed that factors such as ethnic groups، higher education، gestational age، planned pregnancy، baby’sgender، and attendingultrasound scans hadsignificant effects on paternal-fetal attachment. Previous marriage، fetal anomaly، tobacco use، multiparty and high risk pregnancy resulted in lower paternal attachment to the fetus. Norelationship was found between paternal-fetal attachment and being married to a relative، infertilityhistory، previous intrauterine fetal death or abortion، type of ultrasound، and attending prenatal classes. According to the factors influencing paternal-fetal attachments، enhancing the level of prenatal care by providing training and consultationswill help expectant fathers to accept their roles more easily and act more supportive towards their wives.

Background and Awareness on quality of life of infertile couple and their level of marriage satisfaction is an important issue which could be also helpful in planning effective health programs. This study investigated the relationship between quality of life and marriage satisfaction in infertile couples attending Hazrat-e Maryam Fertility Center and Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari. This descriptive-analytical study was done in 138 couples. Data was collected using ENRICH questionnaire and WHOQOL (quality of life assessment). Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to analyze the data. In factor analysis physical dimensions had a strong load on marital satisfaction 0. 41،Tvalue= 4. 58). But the factor loading for mental dimensions was not significant (-0. 038، T-value= 0. 03). In this study no correlation was found between mental and environmental dimensions with marital satisfaction، however، these dimensions could indirectly influence other dimensions، thereby affecting marital satisfaction. Hence، health system should implement efficient interventions to enhance the quality of life in infertile couples.

Background and Migraine is a kind of primary headache that involves neurovascular system. Some studies have shown that obesity could affect the severity، frequency and duration of migraine attacks. This study aimed at investigating the association between anthropometric measurements and severity، frequency and duration of headache in patients with migraine. This descriptive-correlational study was conducted in 100 migraine patients who referred to Isfahan Korshid and Imam Mosua Sader Clinics in 2013. Anthropometric measurements such as weight، height، Body Mass Index (BMI)، Body Fat Mass (BFM) and Waist Circumference (WC) were measured for each patient. Data was analyzed by SPSS V. 19 using t-test، X2 and regression tests. The mean of patients’ BMI، BFS and WC in men and women was 24. 46±4. 45 and 24. 72±4. 58kg/m2، 17. 66±8. 12 and 20. 12±7. 31 kg، 88. 62±11. 68 and 80. 81±9. 03 cm، respectively. The mean of severity، frequency and duration of migraine attacks in men and women was 6. 96±0. 92 and 7. 15±0. 92، 11. 21±8. 68 and 11. 26±10. 16 per month، 18. 19±16. 16 and 21. 75±18. 63 hours، respectively. In total population، BMI، BFS and WC had significant effect on severity and frequency of migraine attacks (P≤ 0. 01). While، no significant association was found between anthropometric measurements and duration of migraine attacks (P>0. 05). In this study، the mean of BMI، BFM and WC، (the indices of central and general obesity) were in appropriate levels but these indices had significant role in severity and frequency of migraine attacks. However، no significant relationship was seen between mentioned measurements and duration of migraine attacks.

Background and Today، environmental pollution، especially pollution of aquatic ecosystems، has caused serious problems for humans and other organisms. Endocrine disrupting chemicals are a group of chemical compounds that have serious adverse effects on humans and animals reproduction system. Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) are used as plasticizers which are easily released and transferred from plastics to the environment. To our knowledge، so far، no studies have been done in Iran on contamination levels of 2 PAEs، therefore، this study aimed to determine the concentration of di (2- ethylhexylphtalate) (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) in the surface water of Anzali wetland. Water samples were taken from stations and prepared using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) method. Then، they were injected into the Gas Chromatographymass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The concentration ranges of DEHP and DnBP in water samples were 0. 41-31. 15 and 0. 03-21. 84 (in μg/l)، respectively. Among 30 samples analyzed، no sample was found to be free of DEHP and DBP، which indicates these two phthalate esters were ubiquitous in this wetland. The concentrations of DEHP and DnBP in eastern part of Anzali wetland were higher than those of the western part. Results showed that the concentrations of DEHP and DnBP in the water of Anzali wetland were higher than the environmental risk limit (ERL). DEHP and DnBP are potentially hazardous to the aquatic organisms and humans and could cause serious infertility problems in male species. So، an effective PAE management and control strategy must be implemented in order to reduce the problems caused by PAEs in the environment.

Background and In recent decades، several studies have been performed to assess the impact of answer switching on multiple choice questions final score. But still there is a general belief that changing the initial response could decrease the test scores. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of answer changing on final scores in paramedical students. The study population included 145 operating room students studying in undergraduate courses. They answered 40 multiple choice questions، all of which were the four-option type. The impact of changes in selecting correct answer on final scores was analyzed. Answer switching in 57. 9% was from a wrong answer to a correct one. While، change of answer in 22% was from correct to wrong. In 20. 1% the changes were from incorrect option to another incorrect option. In this study changing the initial response lead to selecting a correct answer.

Background and Rabies is a zoonosis which is considered as a public health priority. This study was conducted to evaluate the epidemiological characteristic of animal-bite cases attending Rabies Prevention Center affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences between 2004 to 2011. In this cross-sectional study، all cases of animal bite recorded at the Rabies Prevention Center from 2009 to2011were studied. Data was analyzed according to demographic، epidemiological and clinical information through descriptive and analytic statistics using SPSS V. 20. During the study period the registered cases of animal bite were 25869 in Mazandaran province. The rate of five-year animal bite was 203. 4 per100000 (79. 9% in male and 20. 1% in female، 62. 4% occurred in rural and 37. 6% occurred in urban areas). The cases were mostly aged 20-30 years of old. Most cases were bitten by dogs (83. 9%) which occurred on hands (46. 3%). High incidence of animal bites in Mazandaran province requires effective planning and providing more training to reduce the rate of this health problem.

T lymphocytes have been characterized to different subsets such as cytotoxic T، Thelpe 1 (Th1)، Th2، Th3، Th9، Th17، and regulatory T cells. Each of these subsets have specific function which distinct them from other lymphocytes. Regulatory T lymphocytes are effective cells in immune system that play an important role in cancers، autoimmune and infectious diseases. Two main subsets of regulatory T cells (T regs) have been identified: a) naturally occurring T reg cells which are generated during maturation in the thymus and have suppressive activity that is critical for the establishment and maintenance of immune homeostasis in the steady state. b) Induced T reg cells (iT reg) that are produced from naive T cells following self-antigen recognition outside the thymus. The transcription factor Foxp3 has a key role in T reg cell development and function. But the expression of Foxp3 alone is not sufficient for generation and maintenance of T reg cell function and phenotype. T reg cells migrate into both inflammatory sites and draining lymph nodes during an immune response. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed to elucidate how T reg cells suppress effector cells. These mechanisms include the production of inhibitory cytokines (IL-10، TGF-β، and IL-35)، induction of effector cells death by cytokine deprivation (such as IL-2) or cytolysis، local metabolic agitation of target cells، and finally inhibition of dendritic cell functions.

Background and The fruit of the date palm is highly nutrient which is mentioned in Holy Quran for several times. In addition to being a good energy source، date contains many micronutrients، therefore، it is recommended in Islamic and traditional medicine for health and prevention of diseases. In this study we reviewed the health benefits of date according to Holy Quran، and Islamic and traditional medicine. In this review study، some scientific databases such as Google scholar، PubMed، Web of Science، Scopus، Springer، SID، and Magiran were used. Also، Holy Quran، Islamic narrations and hadith، books about traditional medicine and medicinal plants were studied. The findings were restricted to works published from 1994 to 2014. The keywords for search included date، date palm، Phoenix dactylifera، Quran، nutrients، medicinal plants، and anticancer effect. Finally، the data was categorized. In Holy Quran، date is mentioned more than other fruits. Also، Islamic and traditional medicine sources have shown many effects of date in health and prevention of diseases. Date is considered very nutrient due to containing antioxidants and phenolic elements. There are some compounds in dates such as fiber، carbohydrates، fatty acids، mineral substances، and vitamins that make date useful in the treatment of heart diseases، cancer، and diabetes. The Holy Quran mentions about some plants such as date. This signifies the nutritional value and health benefits of date. In recent years، significant developments in many fields such as science have cleared many unknown secrets of nature. One of these progresses is the identification of different compounds in date. Such findings when compared with Quran and Quranic and Islamic narrations will prove the miraculous aspects of Quran.