مجله دانشگاه علوم پزشکی مازندران
پیاپی 123 (فروردین 1394)

Background and Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causes of foodborne diseases. Enterotoxin produced by the bacterium is one of the very important virulence factors، and pyrogenic toxin super antigens (PTSAgs) that have profound effects on their hosts. This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of S. aureus strains in different foods، examining their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and detecting the enterotoxin genes (SEs) and mecA gene in isolated S. aureus strains using PCR. A total of 510 food samples was collected in 2013-2014 in Hamadan، Iran. Food samples were analyzed for S. aureus identification. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of all isolated bacterium was determined by disk agar diffusion. After extraction of isolated genomic، enterotoxin genes and mecA gene were detected. We isolated 49 (9. 60%) S. aureus strains from 510 food samples. The most frequent resistance was observed to erythromycin and tetracycline in 15 strains (30. 61%)، followed by gentamicin in 14 (28. 57%)، clindamycin in 13 (26. 53%)، ciprofloxacin and rifampin in 12 (24. 48%)، trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in 7 (14. 28%)، and cefoxitin in 3 strains (6. 10%). All cefoxitin resistant isolates were positive for mecA gene. Prevalence of SEs were 51. 2% (n=25). Among the genes that code enterotoxins، seg gene were the most frequent that was carried by 36. 73% of the isolates، followed by sei in 12. 24%، and seh in 6. 12% of the isolates. None of the isolates harbored the sej gene. Twenty three isolates carried only one se gene and the remaining two isolates carried two se genes. High prevalence of enterotoxin genes in current study idicates the risk potential of poisoning with foods contaminated by Staphylococcus aureus. The increasing prevalence of enterotoxin and emerging its antibiotic resistance in foods is a serious problem for public health.

Background and cagA, vacAs1 and babA2 in Helicobacter pylori are important virulence factors associated with gastrointestinal diseases. The prevalence of these genes and their association with gastrointestinal disease is different around the world. In a cross-sectional study, 1500 patients with gastroduodenal disorders were enrolled. They attended Imam Khomeini Hospital in Kermanshah 2013. Biopsy specimens were obtained from the antrum and corpus of stomach. The specimens were inoculated onto selective medium for 3-5 days. The suspected colonies of Helicobacter pylori were identified by morphology, biochemical tests and presence of ureC gene. The frequencies of cagA، vacAs1 and babA2 genes were surveyed using PCR. The frequencies of cagA, vacAs1 and babA2 genes were 89%, 58. 3%, and 68%, respectively. There was no significant correlation between cagA, vacAs1 and babA2 with gastric and peptic ulcers. The frequency of triple-positive strains of cagA, vacAs1 and babA2 was 40. 3%. Also, babA2 with cagA and vacAs1a were found in 66% and 43%, respectively. Triple-positive strains in H. pylori isolates were more frequent in patients with peptic ulcer compared to those of the gastritis but this difference was not significant. However, further investigations are required to clarify these results.

Background and Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most widely used cell sources for cartilage tissue engineering. In the present study, human stem cells were used as a cell source. Scaffolds play an important role in tissue engineering, therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the ability of fibrin scaffolds in chondrogenic differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs). In this study, after preparing fibrin scaffold, isolating mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue, and confirming their isolation the cells were cultured into fibrin scaffolds. Seven days after cell culture, their potential of survival and growth were evaluated using MTT assay. Finally, 14 days after the end of the chondrogenic differentiation, gene expression analysis and chondrocyte morphology formation was performed by Real time PCR and histology analysis, respectively. The mesenchymal stem cell viability, proliferation and expression of 4 specific chondrogenic genes significantly increased in a fibrin scaffold compared with those of the control group. Moreover, the formation of chondrocyte cells on fibrin scaffold was confirmed. Fibrin scaffold was found suitable for condrogenic differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Oxidative stress inhibits sperm motility and changes in shape and be individuals leads to sterility. Cadmium, increased free radical production in cells and cell tissue damage. The best way to deal with it, increasing antioxidants secret among the antioxidants melatonin as an antioxidant was studied.

64 male Wistar rats over 6-8 weeks were divided into 8 groups of 8, (two control groups and six experimental groups). The first group was injected intra peritoneal with a single daily dose of 10 mg / kg melatonin injection for 30 days, the second group injected intra peritoneal with a single daily dose of 15 mg / kg melatonin injection for 30 days, Group III intra peritoneal single daily dose of 20 mg / kg melatonin injection for 30 days. Group IV as a positive control group was injected intra peritoneal with a single daily dose of 2 mg / kg for 30 days Cadmium chloride injection, the fifth group intra peritoneal with a daily single dose of 2 mg / kg - Cadmium chloride with 10 mg daily of g / kg melatonin injection for 30 days, six daily intra peritoneal with a single dose of 2 mg / kg daily- Cadmium chloride with a single 15 mg / kg melatonin injection for 30 days, Group VII intra peritoneal dose single daily dose of 2 mg / kg daily Cadmium chloride with a single 20 mg / kg melatonin were injected for 30 days. Group of Eight negative control group received intra peritoneal injection of physiological solution. Testicular volume and weight measurements and cell counts based on morphology and testis were examined.

Results showed a significant reduction of the layer thickness and the number of germ cells Cadmium chloride group (P <0/05) and this was significantly different between the groups receiving melatonin to increase the layer thickness and the number of germ cells (P <0/05) compared to the control group and the group receiving both drugs simultaneously, particularly the significant differences in the groups receiving 20 mg of melatonin was compared to the group receiving cadmium alone (P <0/05).

The present study shows the effects of cadmium chloride damage sperm activity and morphology of testis and melatonin are the property antioxidant, causing the low the effects of cadmium chloride on testicular improve spermatogenesis, increasing the number of cells and germinal layer thickness and ultimately will improve fertility.

Background and There is a paucity of information on the effect of ascorbicacid on thepurkinje neurons of cerebellum which hasa major role inbalance.The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ascorbicacid on histological structure of purkinje neurons in epileptic male rats. Fifty male rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=10per group) including a control groupthatreceived only normal saline, a sham group that also received normal saline but after pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling (PTZ, 40 mg/kg). The experimental groups I, II, and IIIwere subjected to ascorbicacid at doses of 12.5, 25 and 50mgr/kg body weight, respectively followingkindling. After thetreatment the rats were anesthetized and their cerebellums weredissected. Then, histological passage was doneby Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemistry. A significant increase was seen in the mean number of normal neurons in group IIcompared with that of the other experimental groups (P<0.001). There was no significant differencein the mean number of normal neuronsof purkinje cells betweengroups I and III. Our study showed protective function of ascorbicacid onpurkinje cellsofepileptic rats.

Background and Nurse managers are responsible for creating and maintaining a professional work environment and their leadership styles are of great importance in reinforcing effective environment for promoting clinical competence. The purpose of this study was to explain the ward management concerns or self-protection as a paradox of ward management by head nurses. In a qualitative research, 22 head nurses participated. Data was collected through unstructured interviews and purposive sampling which continued until data saturation. Conventional content analysis was applied to analyze the data. During data analysis, three main themes resulted including "negligence and indulgence" with self-protection and patient protection as the subcategories, "communicative capability" with interpersonal relationship and relationship between occupational groups as the subcategories, and "management competencies" with providing the ward necessities and creating confidence in nurses as the subcategories. The experiences and functioning dimensions of head nurses were found as the concerns in managing the ward or self-protection in the clinical management. This study indicated that the communication and management abilities were not practically effective, probably due to lack of applied management knowledge and also inappropriate structure and performance of the organization which causes unsatisfactory managerial behaviors and negligence and indulgence. Therefore, promoting communicative abilities and professional management in practice are inevitably necessary by head nurses.

Background and Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the most important cause of maternal death. Improving clinical competence could increase the quality of midwives’ works and decrease maternal death. This study was done to compare the effect of traditional, web based and simulation training on clinical competencies of midwifery students in PPH management. This semi-experimental study was performed in 91 midwifery students in Mashhad School of Nursing and Midwifery, 2013. The samples were randomly divided into three groups of web-based, simulation and traditional training using table of random numbers. The web-based group was trained on-line for one week, through educational web site. The students in simulation-based group were trained in Clinical Skills Centre for four hours and the traditional group was trained for 4 hours by lecture and PowerPoint presentation. Students’ clinical competencies were measured before and one week after the intervention by a questionnaire and objective structured clinical exam. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistical test, paired t-test, and ANOVA. No significant difference was found between the three groups in clinical competence to manage PPH before the intervention (P>0.326). One week after training, the mean score for students’ clinical competence showed significant increase in all groups (P<0.001). The intergroup comparison indicated no significant difference between the groups in clinical competence one week after the intervention (P=0.128). All three methods were found to be similarly effective in improving clinical competence to manage PPH.

Background and Human dignity is amongst the main human rights and violence in workplace is a worrying issue for every person. The prevalence of violence in medical staff led the authors to study about violence in nurses and related factors in critical care units in educational hospitals affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. A descriptive-analytical study was carried out in 2014 in which 481 nurses were recruited using stratified random sampling. Data was collected through Dumont Horizontal Violence Questionnaire (including 49 questions) and analyzed in SPSS v.21. Among the participants 16.6% had shown violent behavior towards their colleagues. It was also found that 34.9% of nurses have been exposed to violence at least once a month. The findings showed that head nurses were exposed to violent behaviors from hospital managers and physicians more than others. Data analysis indicated that peer violence was more prevalent in hemodialysis unit, while in CCU and ICUOH nurses were involved in violence from hospital managers and physicians. This study demonstrated that many nurses are exposed to violence, therefore, educating and training hospital personnel on anger management could reduce the rate of violent behavior.

Background and Household food insecurity is defined as limited or uncertain access to nutritionally adequate and safe food or limited ability to obtain foods in socially acceptable ways. Household food insecurity is associated with weight especially in women, so, this study aimed at determining the relationship between household food security status and gestational weight gain and weight-related complications in pregnancy. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014 in 700 mothers attending health centers in Tehran. Questionnaires of household food security US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and general information were used for data collection. Chi-square, independent sample T-test and logistic regression were also applied for statistical analysis. The results showed that the prevalence of food insecurity among mothers was 34.8%. There were 25.4% of mothers who were found with food insecurity without hunger. Among the subjects food insecurity with moderate hunger was observed in 8% and 1.4% were seen with food insecurity with severe hunger. Socio-economic survey showed that mothers with household food-insecurity were young housewives with lower education who had many children and low incomes. Based on the final logistic regression model and after adjusting the confounding variables, food insecurity was found associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (OR= 2.12, CI 1.36 - 3.33) and pregnancy induced hypertension (OR= 1.64, CI 1.01 to 2.67) but not associated with risk of proteinuria (P>0.05). According to findings living in food insecure households may increase the risk of pregnancy complications.

Background and This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with smoking initiation and continuation in Isfahan. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted based on Isfahan Healthy Heart Program. To calculate the crude and adjusted odds ratios uni- and multi-variable logistic regressions were used. The group with lowest rate of smoking was considered as the base group and Odds Ratio with 95% confidence interval was reported. The study population included 3164 individuals, of whom 12.3% (male 23.3%, female 01.4%) were current smokers. The odds ratio of smoking was 8.53 (CI: 4.37-16.57) in men, 1.17 (CI: 0.8-1.71) in rural areas and 4.52 (CI: 1.22-16.7) in illiterate people. Among the subjects the relative risk of smoking was seen higher in those aged 19-24 and 25-34 years of old. Home was found as the most common place for smoking (32.64%) and the most frequent condition for smoking was when the subjects were in angry moods (36.70%). The main cause of initiation or continuation of smoking was enjoyment (45.65%). Most consumers of cigarettes were men, individuals with low educational backgrounds, self-employed or unemployed and rural populations. Therefore, more training programs are needed to enhance the knowledge and attitude in these people and conducting efficient smoking cessation programs could be of great benefit in reducing the rate of smoking.

Background and Auto-transplantation is the best bone graft substitute, but there are some limitations. Therefore, other methods using synthetic or natural materials are recommended. Propolis is a resinous natural product derived from plant exudates collected by honeybees. It has been extensively used in folk medicine because of its biological and pharmacological activities. The present study was carried out to evaluate the osteogenic properties of propolis on healing of diaphyseal defects in rabbit ulna. In this study ten healthy adult male white New Zealand rabbits were used. The animals were randomly divided into control and treatment groups (n=5 per group). Three millimeters defects were created in right diaphysis of ulna in all animals and intramedullary pins were used for bone fixation. In treatment group the defects were filled with propolis but in control group the defects were left unfilled. Radiological study showed that propolis as a scaffold could somewhat guide the bone growth. Histological section showed moderately differentiated lamellar bone in the cortical part with presence of haversian canal at peripheral cortex, whereas fibrocollagenous tissue and good amount of bone marrow tissue, fat cells and bone vessels were observed in control group. The results showed no significant difference in bone healing between the two groups. Propolis have biological materials, minerals and amino and organic acid properties, therefore, further studies are required to clarify the efficacy of propolis on bone healing.

Background and With aging problems will be increased and these problems affect with deferent ways. The purpose of this study is the comparison walking ability, lordosis and kyphosis angle in athlete and non-athlete elderly men. This study is Quasi-Experimental. The variables assessed field and visual measurement. So, 54 subject (age: 64.37±4.30 y-o, height: 1.66±0.63 M, weight: 75.20±10.57 Kg) divided in to athlete and non-athlete groups. In order to kyphosis and lordosis assessment, flexible ruler as a non-invasive method and reliable (r=84-97) and walking ability assessment maximal walking speed, timed up and go test, 10-m obstacle walking time, and 6-min walk distance were used. Data analyzing was accomplished with independent sample T test and Pearson's correlation. All of the process analyzing was performed in SPSS version 22 (P≤0.05). The results of this investigation has shown athleteselderly have a higher ability to walk and lower kyphosis angle compared to non-athletes elderly. So, forward bending is decreased in athletes elderly. The correlation between walking ability and lordosis in non-athletes and the correlation between kyphosis and walking ability in both group were not significant. The correlation lordosis with 10-m obstacle walking time P=0.010 and timed up and go test p= 0.02in athlete group was significant but there was no significant correlation with 6 min walk distance p=0.792 and maximal walking speed p=0.058. the results emphasis on having a regular exercises in elder people because training and exercises could have good effects on walking ability and kyphosis angle.

Background and In Electro/Fe2+/persulfate process, persulfate radicals are produced as powerful oxidizing agents which increase the efficiency of this process. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency removal of COD, TSS and dye from industrial effluent in Buali industrial area in Hamedan. In this study, the batch experiment was performed using a reactor equipped with four iron electrodes. We studied the effects of some operating parameters including pH (3-11), divalent iron ion dose (0.1 to 0.5 g/L), concentration of persulfate anion (0.5-2 g/L) and direct current electric rate (1-5 A) in removal of COD, TSS and dye from wastewater. The COD, TSS and dye measurement was done according to the standard methods. The results showed that under optimum conditions (pH: 3, Fe+2 dosage: 0.1 g/L and density: 5A) the removal efficiencies of process in COD, TSS and dye were 91.6, 73.5 and 93.1%, respectively. By making changes in the parameters, the efficiency of process also changed. The removal efficiency of single application of electrooxidation was 58.2%, 52.2% and 68% for COD, TSS and dye, respectively. The electro/Fe2+/persulfate process showed acceptable performance in removal of COD, TSS and dye. Therefore, this process could be used as a pretreatment unit to reduce the load of raw wastewater pollution before entering the conventional treatment units. Furthermore, the assessment of synergistic effects of persulfate revealed that single application of electrochemical degradation in optimum conditions had a much lower efficiency compared to electro/Fe+2/persulfate process.

Background and Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers and the second common cause of cancer death worldwide. Surgery is the only treatment for gastric cancer but about 50% percent of patients have inoperable tumors. For these patients, combined chemotherapy is the primary treatment which has some side effects. CXCR4 that is expressed on the surface of tumor cells plays a role in metastasis and chemotaxis of tumor cells to different tissues. Licorice compounds are known to have anticancer properties, so this study aimed at investigating their effects on the expression of CXCR4 receptor in gastric cancer AGS cells. In this experimental study, 106 cells were poured in all wells of 6 pieces plates and exposed to various concentrations of Glycyrrhetinic acid and Glycyrrhizic acid for 24 hours. The CXCR4 gene expression levels were determined by Real−Time PCR and the level of expression in the groups was compared using ANOVA and Dunntt's post hoc test in prism software. P <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The results showed a significant decrease in CXCR4 gene expression in cells exposed to acid Glycyrrhizic and acid Glycyrrhetinic at 24 hours compared with that of the control group. In fact, decreased expressions of CXCR4 reduced the rates of metastasis and chemotaxis. The compounds used in this study reduced the CXCR4 gene expression, so, they could be used as effective treatments for gastric cancer.

Background and Studies have shown that increasing self-efficacy could predict the treatment success for weight loss. This study assessed the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on weight self-efficacy lifestyle in obese women in Isfahan. A quasi-experimental pretest/post-test control group design was conducted on all obese women (BMI≥30) in Isfahan in spring 2014. Convenience sampling was performed and 30 obese women were selected according to our defined inclusion criteria. They were randomly assigned either in a control or experimental group (n=15 per group). The Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire was completed by the participants in pre-test, post-test and follow-up stages. The experimental group attended ACT classes for 8 sessions/ 90 min. Significant differences were found in weight self-efficacy lifestyle in all subscales including food availability, social pressure, physical discomfort, negative emotions, and positive activities in experimental group during all stages. According to this study, ACT could improve weight self-efficacy lifestyle as a predicting index of weight loss in obese women. Therefore, this treatment could be beneficial when performed in conjunction with other weight loss interventions.

Background and Teledermatology means specialized skin care (diagnosis, treatment and follow-up) using information technology and telecommunications. This system facilitates communication between patients, doctors, nurses and primary care providers with dermatologists. The purpose of this study was to design and build a software for remote diagnosis of skin diseases. In the first phase of study, based upon a literature review, a questionnaire was designed to determine the items needed for software design and was completed by dermatologists in Razi Hospital. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS V.19. In next phase, according to the results of first phase, the prototype was designed and Think Aloud usability test was applied. Then, the final version of the software was designed. In the section of patient's identity, the respondents listed all data elements except the National Identification Number, address, and weight. They also suggested patient's job as an essential item. All items for clinical data and functionality of the software were found necessary. Considering the results obtained from the questionnaires and usability test, the final version of the web-based store and forward software was created. This kind of platform could help dermatologists in providing rapid diagnosis and treatment plan for each patient since it enables electronic transmission of patient images and clinical history. Also, this system requires limited technical equipment and is cheap to run which could be applied with little training to nurses or referral physicians.

Background and Human papillomavirus infection is the most important risk factor and necessary cause of cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the genotypes of HPV DNA in cervical carcinoma samples from Shohada and Imam Hossien Hospitals in Tehran, between 1999 and 2008. After the paraffin alleviation process from the sections needed for HPV typing, the DNA was extracted from the genome virus. Then, PCR techniques were applied for identification and replication of the HPV virus genome from the tissues. Afterwards, the samples were placed into an incubator operating at a proper temperature and 28 genetic sequences for HPV genotypes were detected using Reverse Dot Blot Method. There were 58 cases, of which 44 were HPV positive (75.9%) and the remaining samples were negative for HPV virus (24.1%). Among different genotypes of HPV, types 18 and 16 were found to be more frequent (13.7% and 62%, respectively). Also, there were 48 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of which 35 (80%) were HPV type 16. High prevalence of HPV in Iranian women calls for efficient health promotion strategies, more focus on appropriate sexual behavior, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. These measures are great steps in preventing infection with HPV and cervical cancer.

Background and The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of Forgiveness Education in reducing the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among high school girls. A semi-experimental study was conducted with pretest-posttest design and including a control group. The research sample involved 30 high school girls in grade 10 in Saravan, 2014. To collect the data, TRIM-18, DAS-21, and a demographic questionnaire were used. The participants were divided into control group and experimental group. After performing pretest, the students in experimental group participated in Forgiveness Education Program. Posttest was administered to both groups at the end of intervention. Data was then analyzed using one-way ANCOVA. Statistical analysis showed that Forgiveness Education has led to significant decrease in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Forgiveness Education can be used effectively for adolescents in school settings. Finally, implications for research and therapy were provided.

Background and Aquatic ecosystems are important sources of food for human which are sometimes highlycontaminated. It is important to determine their levels of contaminations, so, in this study, theconcentrations of lead, cadmium and nickel was investigated in the gills and musclesof Barbusxanthopterus captured from Dez River, Iran. Thirty samples of Barbusxanthopterus were captured from the central basin of Dez River using gillnet. The tissues were isolated, and the samples were digested. The concentrations of lead, cadmium and nickel were measured using a PE-4100 graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. The levels of lead, cadmium and nickel in gills were 0.322 ± 0.006, 0.182 ±0.006, and 0.004 ± 0.219, respectively. The concentration of these metals in muscle were 0.277 ± 0.014, 0.005 ± 0.0146, and 0.013 ± 0.165, respectively. Higher concentrations of heavy metals were found in gills. T-test revealed significant differences in the levels of nickel, lead, and cadmium between the gills and muscle. According to thisresearchthe concentrations of studied metals were lower than the WHO standards.

Background and Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one the main diseases of the central nervous system. While the significance of cognitive decline in MS patients is well recognized, mild to moderate forms of cognitive dysfunction has received little attention. This study aimed at comparing memory and emotion in patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy individuals. In a retrospective research 176 MS patients were randomly selected from all patients attending MS clinic in Alzahra Hospital in Isfehan and 68 healthy individuals who were chosen from patients’ caregivers. MS Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire (MSNQ), Face Symbol Test (FST) in 90 and 300 seconds and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) were administered. The data was analyzed in SPSS applying descriptive statistics, pearson’s correlation coefficient, covariate and multivariate analyses. Covariate and multivariate analyses showed significant difference between the two groups in Face Symbol Test in 90 and 300 seconds and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (P<0.0001). In Face Symbol Test in 90 and 300 seconds, the patients had higher scores while healthy individuals obtained higher scores in Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test. No significant difference was observed in the results of Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire in both groups (P=0.76). Dysfunction of memory and emotion in patients with multiple sclerosis is simply assessed by the tests performed in our study. They are useful and simple to use, thereby, more convenient for clinicians and neurologists.

Background and Labor and specially giving birth is one of the most beautiful moments in the life of any woman. This big event is usually associated with anxiety and stress. The purpose of this study was to compare the inhalation of geranium and orange oil on anxiety during delivery. In a clinical trial, participants were divided into two groups (n=50 per group) to receive either orange essential oil or geranium oil. Assessment of anxiety was the primary outcome which was done in both groups before and after the intervention. Data was analyzed using Chi square, paired t- test and Wilcoxon test. Anxiety levels were found with significant reduction in the group inhaling geranium compared to the group that inhaled orange oil (-4.02 vs -3.08). This study showed that geranium scent is more effective in reducing anxiety and sedation.

Background and Kidneys are considered the general and final excretion route for many drugs as well as urinary and metabolic waste products. In this study, the influence of hydro-alcoholic extract of Angelica plant (Heracleum persicum) was investigated on the serum levels of renal functional factors, and serum electrolyte. In this experimental study, 25 pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control, a sham group and three experimental groups (n=5 per group). The sham group received 0.1 ml of distilled water and the experimental groups received daily dosages of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kgBw hydro-alcoholic extract orally for 21 days (during pregnancy). After birth, 40 newborn male rats were divided into five groups (n=8 per group), and 25 days after birth blood samples were taken from the hearts and the serum concentration of all renal functional factors, sodium, potassium, and electrolyte levels were measured. Data was then analyzed in SPSS applying Tukey and ANOVA. The serum level of creatinine and potassium increased significantly in the experimental group that received 400mg/kg extract compared to those of the other groups. Also, the concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increased significantly in all experimental groups compared to the control and sham groups. No significant differences were observed in the serum concentration of sodium among experimental, control and sham groups. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Angelica plant (Heracleum persicum) was found to interfere with kidney function during pregnancy, therefore, caution should be taken when it is consumed during pregnancy.

Background and Humans have a capacity to become aware of thoughts and behaviors known as metacognition. The metacognitive model of anxiety disorders emphasizes that metacognitive beliefs are key factors in obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression pathology. The purpose of this research was to compare metacognitive beliefs in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression, and normal individuals. A causal-comparative study was conducted in 121 people including 41 with OCD, 40 with depression, and 40 normal individuals from Taleghani Hospital, 2013. The subjects were selected by convenience sampling. The participants completed the Metacognitions Questionnaire 30 (MCQ-30; Wells & Cartwright-Hatton, 2004). The results indicated a significant difference in metacognitive beliefs in different groups. In fact the average scores of subjects with OCD and depression were higher than that of the normal people (P<0.001). The mean scores of positive beliefs about worry, negative metacognitive beliefs, cognitive confidence, negative metacognitive beliefs about thoughts, and cognitive self-consciousness were higher in patients with OCD than those of the depressed and normal individuals. This study revealed the importance of metacognitive beliefs in OCD and depressive disorders. Also, patients with OCD were found with higher levels of dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs than other individuals.

Background and Cconstipation is recognized as a widespread digestive disorder that influences the quality of life of affected people. The aim of this study was to review Persian and Chinese traditional medicine about constipation and finding the similarities in its etiology, symptoms and treatments and compare them to modern medicine and presenting a consolidated approach for performing joint research to clarify the mechanism which causes the disease and its effective treatments. This article is a review study in which the information was collected through searching PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Civilica, and SID. Clinical articles and related text books without any time limits were studied using specific keywords. Data was then compared, analyzed and adapted and finally a conclusion was drawn. In Persian and Chinese traditional medicine constipation causes difficult temperament and has various causes and treatments. The scientific capability of Chinese and Iranian medicine and their common cultural and scientific aspects could help in designing a new pattern for diagnosis and treatment of constipation. A consolidated approach and joint researches are suggested for clarifying some hidden aspects of this complication and its treatment.

Background and Post stroke spasticity has detrimental effects on quality of life and functions of patients. Moreover, it causes high economic and mental burden. Recognition of factors associated with spasticity can help in its treatment and prevention. The purpose of this study was to systematically review and meta-analysis of previously published studies concerning the prevalence of post stroke spasticity and its association with age, gender, type of stroke, and location of brain lesion. A literature review was conducted in studies published between 2000-2014 in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google scholar, and Springer Link databases. The following terms were used as. We obtained 769 articles of which 42 were chosen based on their titles. After studying the abstracts and full texts, only 16 were considered that were congruent with the inclusion criteria of our study. The association between spasticity and time, age, gender, type of stroke and location was considered in 9, 9, 9, 5, and 6 articles, respectively. According to these studies the incidence rates of post stroke spasticity were 4-27% earlier than 3 months, 19-42.6% between 3 and 6 months, and 20-38% after 6 months. The intensity of the spasticity increased over time. Gender and type of stroke were not found to be significantly associated with spasticity in any study. Findings about age were contradictory in different articles. There was a significant relationship between sever upper limb spasticity and subcortical lesions. However, involved lobes or circulation sites were not significantly associated with spasticity. Time has an important role on incidence and intensity alternations of post stroke spasticity.