---

Diarrhea is one of the main reasons of mortality among children in the developed countries and half of all death is due to persisted diarrhea. This research is a cross-sectional and analytical study done on 708 children with acute diarrhea in village around Gorgan, to find out the effective factors on having persisted diarrhea in children under 5 years old. Face to face interview and determining the variable factors and examining health center records on children with acute diarrhea were the basis for filling the corresponding questionnaires. 14 days after the start of acute diarrhea, which was the second part of this research, the above questionnaires were fully completed by calling on the patient’s home. According to our investigation the risk factors related to the persisted diarrhea were as follow: Age, ethnicity, children length of breast feeding, chlorinated water, children consumed food at the time of acute diarrhea. The results from this investigation indicate that with 95% about probability 10.7%-11.3% of patients with acute diarrhea end-up with persisted diarrhea, which means diarrhea, was continued for more than 14 days. Therefore by controlling the above risk factors the mortality rate due to acute diarrhea could be reduced.

---

CCHF is a dreadfull zoonetic disease that is transmitted through tick bites or direct contact of infected animals, tissues or blood secretions. This virus can be seen in domestic animals and ticks. At present, CCHF exists in different areas of the world and can be consideras a health problem. The case in present report was 24 year old men, resident in Ali-Abad a town in Golestan province. He had eaten liver of infected sheep, and was suspected to CCHF according Protocol of WHO criteria to the CCHF. He was treated with Ribavirin and supportive management, and subsequently recovered. This report helps health staff to find out the risk and probable causes of disease thus controlling the spread of the disease.

---

The patient was 58 years old lady, admitted due to recurrent right temporal cystic mass, with no previous histopathologic study. On physical examination, a 3*3 cm mobile, cystic mass was present with no other positive finding. Skull CT scanning revealed multilocular cystic lesion of right temporal soft tissue, without involvement of orbit, sinuses and temporal bone. Chest radiography and abdoman sonography was reported to be normal. She undergone operation of cyst evaluation and open underwent draiwage. She dishcharged after 3 days and no recurrence happened in one year follow up. Histopathologic study of the cyst contents, confimed the diagnosis of hydotid cyst. Hydatical cystis, most commonly involves the liver, then lungs and varely striated muscles may be involved at larval stage of edinococcus granulosus and rare edinococcus multilocularis, only in 3% of hydotid disease. Parasite spreads in hematogenous manner. Peritoneal, spleaic, mediastinal, renal, bone, heart, brain, muscular. Arterial, seminal vesicle involvement rarely happens. Preop sonography, CT scanning and MRI and serologic ELISA testing helps diagnosis. New method of FNA and cylologic study as noted by thial, et al may be diagnostic. Appropriate theropy is cysto-peri cystectomy or evacuation. Mebeandazole or albendazole orally as adjunct therapy before and after operation, specially when surgery is impossible may be valuable.

---

Background&Objective: Addiction is one of major problems of today's world population. The first step on combating a social issue or disease is the proper re.organization. This study was done to determine the demographic characteristic, prototype of drug consumption and its relation with some personal and social variation in Gorgan (North-East, Iran). Materials&Methods: This study was a descriptive cross sectional research. The characteristics of 3005 addicts, was studied whom research voluntarily to the addiction clinic during 2001–2005 in the 5th Azar hospital of Golestan Medical Sciences University in Gorgan. The collected data was analyzed using the SPSS software. Results: From a total 3005 files which were studied, 2786 (92.7%) were male and the reminder were females. The meanSD of age was 36.9111.41. 4.8% of samples had university education, 21.3% high school diploma, and 61.7% were either unemployed or without any certain job. Opium with 66.7% was the substance with highest rate of consumption. In 40.2% of the cases, inhaling was the main route of consumption and in 30.9% of addict subjects taking the drugs orally. From the point view of type of drug, smocking cigarette, alcohol consumption, using cannabis and pill consumption, there was a meaningful correlation (P<0.05). The rate of addicted male subjects whom referred to the clinic to leave the addiction was 14.97% times of female subjects. 93.8% of the addicts persons had 20-50 years of age, which is an indicative of the real of age of addicted people in Gorgan. Conclusion: Unemployment can be considered as one of the main cause of high rate of addiction among the people in the society and in particular in this sample population. It seems that with education and creating employment in the region, to some extend the addiction can be controlled.

---

Background & Objective: Pharmacological studies and traditional medical literature point to the cardiovascular effects of the Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae) in many instances. In the present study, we used isolated perfused AV-node of rabbit as an experimental model to determine the effect of various concentrations of essence of Citrus aurantium (0.1-0.3 v/v) on electrophysiological properties of isolated heart. The second goal of the present study was to assess the protective role of essence of Citrus aurantium on arrhythmogenic effects of ouabain. Materials & Methods: This was a semi-experimental study. We used isolated perfused rabbit AV-nodal preparation, in three groups. In the first group, the effect of various concentration of the Citrus aurantium (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 ml/l) was assesed on the AV-node. In the second and third groups, the effect of Citrus aurantium was tested in the presence of ouabain (0.1?molar) and verapamil (0.1?molar). We used 6 rabbit in each group. Statistical analysis was preformed by SPSS Mean±SE was used in the all results. Results: Our results showed depressant effects of extract of Citrus aurantium on Wenchebach Cycle Length (WBCL), AV Conduction Time (AVCT), Effective and Functional Refractory Periods (ERP & FRP). Rate-dependent properties such as Facilitation and fatigue significantly increased by Citrus.a (0.3ml/l). We had significant increase in the AVCT (32.6±3.6 to 40±6.08 msec) and FRP (147±5.1 to 166.6±3.6 msec) by Citrus.a. We had a protective role of Citrus aurantium on ouabain induced AV-nodal depression. The magnitude of facilitation and fatigue in the concentration of 0.3 C.aurantium was 7.5±0.3 and 6.5±0.5, respectively. Conclusion: The above results indicated potential inhibitory and antiarrhythmic effect of Citrus aurantium in treating supraventricular tachyarrhythmia.

---

Background&Objective: Herbal remedies are suitable alternatives for synthetic drugs due to their availability, minimal side effects and lower price. Biologically active substances of plant origin represent an essential branch of modern cardiovascular pharmacotherapy. The aim of the present study was to determine concentration-dependent effects of aqueous extract of Croucus sativus on the nodal basic and functional properties. Materials&Methods: This was an experimental study. Male Newsland rabbits (1-1.3 kg) were used in all of experiments various experimental stimulating protocols (WBCL, Recovery, Facilitation, Fatigue) were applied to assessing electrophysiological properties of Node in two groups (first group n=10 and second group n=7). We used isolated preparation including some post up AV-nodal tissue preparation. All protocols were repeated in the presence and absence (control) of different concentration (A=9×10-2, B=19×10-2, C=28×10-2 mg/l) of Croucus sativus and verapamil (0.1μM). Results were shown as Mean±SE and a probability of 5% was taken to indicate statistical significance. Results: Our results showed concentratration dependent depressant effects of extract of Croucus.s on Wenchebach Cycle Length (WBCL), AV Conduction Time (AVCT), Functional Refractory Periods (FRP).Rate-dependent properties such as Facilitation and fatigue significantly increased by 19×10-2 mg/l of Croucus.s. The effect of extract was prominent on fast pathway. Conclusion: The above results indicated potential antiarrhythmic effect of Croucus.s in treating supraventricular tachyarrhythmia.

---

Background&Objective: Dyspnoea and fatigue caused considerable impairment in the functional performance and quality of life in HF patients. The purpose of this study were to determine efficacy of home walking exercise program on functional performance and quality of life in patients with heart failure. Materials&Methods: This study was qusiexperimental trial that assessed efficacy of home-based exercise program on the functional performance and quality of life in patients with HF in the Ahvaz city (2005). In this study 60 patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II and III heart failure divided two groups training (n=30) and control (n=30). Material or measurements was demographic characteristics form, Minnesota quality of life check list and timed exercise program form. Exercise training in the patients would be performed tree day per week for 8 weeks. Determination quality of life measures by Minnesota check list would be performed in both the training and control groups at entry and after 8 weeks. Also 6 minute walking tests for determination functional performance would be performed in both groups at entry and after 8 weeks. Ultimately data analysis by SPSS softward. Results: results showed that significant difference existed between mean walking distance on the 6MWT at entry and after 8 weeks in the training group (373.86 to 412.30 m, P<0.05), that no significance was seen between control group (376.79 to 377.63 m). Also significant difference exists between mean quality of life scores at entry and after 8 weeks in the training group (52.32 to 43.80), that no significance was seen between control group (52.43 to 52.50). Conclusion: This study showed that home-based exercise program affected on functional performance and quality of life in HF patients. Its accepted. Therefore exercise training can be used as a therapeutic approach in these patients, because not only promotes quality of life but also improve the functional performance.

---

Background & Objective: Enteroparasitic infections constitute a serious public health problem in different populations including developed countries. Patients who receive chemotherapy of cancer have an increased probability of acquiring parsitic infections, generally with a high degree of severity. The aim of present study was to ascertain the frequency of intestinal parasites in patients admitted in oncology ward for chemotherapy. Materials & Methods: In a descriptive study, all the patients whith malignancy who admitted in Sina Hospital in Hamadan, Iran, during 2005 were included. Data including demographic characteristics, type of malignancy, and the time past from the diagnosis entered the questionnaires. A stool specimen were examined for each patients. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Out of 190 patients, 94 (49.5%) were male and 96 (50.5%) were female. The mean age was 48.518.7 years (12-88 years). Thirty-one (16.3%) patients were involved intestinal parasites. The most common parasites were: Ascaris (41.9%), Giardia (35.5%), Indolimax nana (3.2%), Blastocytis hominis (3.2%), and Cryptosporidium (3.2%). The highest prevalence of intestinal parasites belonged to 40-60 years age group Conclusion: This study indicated that, the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients undergoing chemotherapy for malignancy is lower than general population, which can be related to the effect of antineoplastic agents.

---

Background and Objective:leishmaniasis is a Zoonotic disease that is transmited by sandfly to human. This study were carried out in order to demonstrate some ecological characters of leishmaniasis vectors in Kalaleh district, Golestan province ,Iran, during 2006-07. Materials and Methods: In present study 6 villages were selected. Sandfly were collected by sticky traps. 3 places were sampled in each village and in each places 20 traps were installed. After sampling collection, we used diagnostic criteria to identify the Sandflies, also confirmed human cases were recorded according to the months of identification. Results: 4900 sandflies were detected in 6 villages and 12 species of sandflies were identified, which including P.papatasi, P.mongolensis, P.caucasicus, P.caucasicus group, P.sergenti, P.alexandri, P.kazeroni, P.brevis, P.(adlerius) sp, S.sintoni, S.clydei, S.sogdiana). P.papatasi was predominant species in indoor places (46.1%) and S.sintoni was in outdoor places (36.7%). Sandflies activities extended from early May through mid October with two peaks in mid June and September. Human infection had a important peak in January. During the collection of sandflies, the species of P.alexandri, P.kazeroni, P.brevis, P.(Adlerius sp.), S.clydei and S.sogdiana were collected for the first time from this area. Conclusion: In this study, P.papatasi was the predominant species in this area. Sandflies second activity peak occured in September that is crucial for transmission of disease. The incubation period for this disease was four months.

---

Background and Objective: Hemodialysis is one of the common therapulic proceduce for terminal renal failure. Insufficient and low efficient hemodialysis increases the mortality rate, therefore the assessment of hemodialysis efficacy is important. This study was done to determine the hemodialysis efficacy based on urea reduction ratio (URR) model and kt/v (Clearance Time Volume) criteria in Gorgan, Northern Iran. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive and analytical study 113 heomdilysis patients were selected prior to hemodilysis and five minutes after pump stopping, arterial blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was measured and then kt/v and URR were calculated. Also kt/v relations with weight, gender, educational level, length of hemodialysis session, blood flow rate, TMP (Terans Membran Presure), filter Ku/f (Clearance Ultrafiltration), preliminary disease, time of hemodialysis per week and the type of vessel access were determined. Data analyzed using SPSS-13 and independent t-test, chi-square, fisher exact test and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The mean of hemodilysis history was 37 months and mean of Patient's ages were 51.6 years. 77.9% of subjects had hemodialysis efficacy according to Kt/v and URR critrial. There was a statistical significant correlation between hemodialysis efficacy and time of hemodialysis session, blood flow rate, time of hemodialysis per week and type of vessels access (P<0.05), but there was not any significant correlation between hemodialysis efficacy and weight, gender, education, TMP, filter Ku/f and preliminary disease. Conclusion: This study suggested that hemodialysis efficacy in this center was better that other studies in Iran.

---

Background and Objective: Until now there is no drug formulated to prevent Neuronal Loss following Brain Stroke. In this study, we compared the effects of the mitoKATP opener, diazoxide, on ultra-structural morphology changes following in cortical neurons following in-vivo ischemic injury. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, Rats randomly allocated in eight experimental groups including sheme, positive control, 1, 5 and 25 mg/kg/body weight of Glybanclamid groups and 2, 6 and 18 mg/kg body weight of Diazoxide experimental groups, respectively. In animals in each experimental groups, only 2 hours following adminstration of Diazoxide or Glybanclamid ischemia was induced for 15 min by the 4-vessel occlusions surgery followed by 24 hours reperfusion. After tissue prosseccing, ultra-structural changes in neuronal mitochondria and nuclei were studied by electromicroscope. Results: Ultrastructural morphological changes including nuclear pyknosis, swollen mitocondria and cristae damage after iscemia were observed in control and sheme groups. These changes were severe in Glybanclamid experimental groups. Also this changes were depend on dosage of Glybanclamid. Ultrastructural changes were decreased in Diazoxide treatment group (18mg/kg body weight), but in 2 and 6mg/kg/body weight of Diazoxide groups these decreasing of Ultrastructural changes was not observed. Conclusion: This study showed that Diazoxide with dosge of 18mg/kg/body weight has neuro-protective effects on diminishing ischemia-induced structural deterioration of neuronal mitochondria and morphological apoptotic changes in nucleus.

---

Background and Objective: The pregnancy period is very sensitive and complicative stages of life. It has been shown that addictive drugs such as ecstasy (MDMA: Methylene Dioxy Metha Amphetamine) can interfere in this stage. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Methylene Dioxy Metha Amphetamine administration during pregnancy on reproductive system of BALB/c mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 10 and 5 female BALB/c mice were randomly selected as cases and controls, respectively. The pregnancy was induced following ovarian hyperstimulation with PMSG and hCG followed by mating with male animals. MDMA (5 mg/kg) and saline was injected intraperitoneally in day 7 and 14 of pregnancy in experimental and controls, respectively. The ovarian structure, as well as uterine tube, uterine horns and body, and vagina were studied histologically using light microscopy 27 days post delivery date. Data analyzed by using SPSS-17 and Chi-Square and Fisher exact test. Results: The rate of primary follicles was decreased from 18.42% in experimental to 33.33% in controls (P<0.05). The rate of mature follicles was significantly increased in experimental mice as compared to controls (P<0.05). The number of atretic bodies was lower in experimental than controls. The cellular alterations were observed in some portions of uterine tubes and uterine horns after ecstasy administration. However, no alterations observed in other parts of reproductive system. Conclusion: This study showed that MDMA cause some structural alterations in the uterine tubes and uterine horns, increase follicular maturation and reduction of follicular atresia in BALB/c mice.

---

Background and Objective: Since accurate and quick clinical and paraclinical diagnostic methods are not available, in some cases diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis occurs after considerable time from the onset of disease. This study was designed to determine the diagnostic value of High Resolution Computed Tomographic (HRCT) scan in active pulmonary tuberculosis, in Gorgan, Golestan province, North of Iran. Materials and Methods: This diagnostic screening study was carried out on 135 (79 male and 56 female) hospitalized patients suspected with active pulmonary tuberculosis, and HRCT was used in their course of treatment as recommendation of their clinician. The patients were chosen from 5th Azar hosptial during 2009-10. Also it should be mentioned that patients were selected on avaliabity bases, and they were examined by smear, and sputum culture. The patients with negative smear and culture were set up as true healthy group (64 subjects). The lung or small nuddles in HRCT was considered as proper position of lung involvument in active lung pulmonary. The HRCT findings between the case group (71 subjects) and healthy group were compared. According to HRCT findings, the sensitivity and specifity were determined for each patient. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and Chi-Square test. Results: In this study, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of HRCT in active pulmonary tuberculosis were equal to 97.2%, 71.9%, 79.3% and 95.8% respectively. Involvement of upper and middle lobe of the right lung and upper lobe of the left lung were significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that HRCT has high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis and can be used as a quick diagnostic way in active pulmonary tuberculosis, especially in patients with strong clinical suspicion and negative smear.

---

Background and Objective: Anti tuberculosis drugs therapy is the most effective method for controling the tuberculosis (TB). Early detection and appropriate treatment can prevent the TB-drug resistance. This study was carried out to determine the complications leading to hospitalization due to consumption of anti-TB drugs in patients with tuberculosis. Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, 1550 records of patients with TB in urban and rural health centers of Gorgan, north of Iran were assessed during 2007-12. Checklist consists of demographic and clinical data for each patient was recorded in a questionare. Results: 44 cases experienced the complications of anti-TB drugs. 27 (61.4%) of cases with complications were women. 77.3% and 22.7% of patients affected with pulmonary and extra pulmonary tuberculosis,respectively. 38.6% of patients were diabetic. The hepatic complication was seen in 37 cases (84.1%). Skin and other complications were seen in 5 and 2 cases, respectively. There was not any relationship between drug complications and other disases. Conclusion: Hepatic damage is the most common complication leading to hospitalization in tuberculosis patients using anti-TB drugs.

---

Background and Objective: Some problems such as low viability and apoptosis after injection to the body because of exposure to toxic factors such as hypoxia, thermal stress, oxidative stress and food deprivation are encountered with stem cell application. It is suggested that preconditioning of the cells with cytotoxic factors before injection could enhance their efficiency. This study was done to determine the mesenchymal stem cell proliferation exposed to hypoxia by cobalt chloride. Methods: In this experimental study, Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from rat bone marrow and cultured at least for four times. The cells were cultured in 96 well plates and treated with different concentration (0, 5, 10, 20, 50, 70, 90, 100, 120, 150 and 200 µM) of cobalt chloride for 6, 12, 24 and 46 hours. Cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide]. Results: The cells isolated from bone marrow were propagated easily in culture condition. The cells morphology was not altered after exposure to cobalt chloride. Preconditioning of mesenchymal stem cells with 120 µM for 6 hours, 20µM for 12 and 24 hours and 5µM for 48 hours significantly improved cell proliferation after hypoxia in cell culture (P<0.05). Conclusion: Hypoxia preconditioning increases proliferation of mesenchymal stem cell.

---

Background and Objective: Medicinal drug interactions are one of the problems caused by irrational drug prescription. It eigher change the therapeutic effect or cause drug toxicity. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of medicinal drug interactions in medicinal prescriptions in Golestan province, north of Iran.

Methods: In this descriptive study, 1100000 medicinal prescriptions under contract with the Golestan province health insurance organization were assessed for drug interactions during 20 March-
20 September 2012.

Results: Drug interactions frequency was 6262 (0.66%). 35.5%, 63.1% and 1.4% of prescriptions were severe, moderate and mild interactions, respectively. The most common severe, moderate and mild drug interactions related to Atorvastatin-Gemfibrozil (13.67%), Ceftriaxone- Gentamicin (9.05%) and Lithium Carbonate-Haloperidol (2.56%).

Conclusion: In view of moderate and severe medicinal drug interactions in physicians' prescriptions, health system should plan a comprehensive program to improve awareness and effective monitoring to reduce medicinal drug interactions.

---

Background and Objective: Calcitonin is a small peptide hormone including 32 amino acids and 3.4 KD molecular weight which is produced by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland in respond to increasing calcium ions in serum. This peptide is used for adjuvant therapy of osteoporosis, Paget's disease and hypercalcemic shock. In this study, the heterologuse expression of calcitonin was done in Escherichia coli.

Methods: In this experimental study, the thioredoxin fusion partner was added to n-terminal of the Salmon calciton in order to increase its stability by the synthetic biology. The recombinant construct was transformed and over expressed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) host cell.

Results: SDS-PAGE analysis showed the over expression of recombinant protein after IPTG induction.

Conclusion: In this study, the construct including fused Salmon calcitonin gene with thioredoxin was cloned. The SDS-PAGE result showed the stable expression of fused calcitonin.

---

Varicocele is a deficiency of the testicular veins which is recognized by elongation and tortuosity of the pampiniform or cremasteric venous plexus and can lead to impaired spermatogenesis. Varicocele intensity is associated with the reduction of male fertility potential. This review article discusses the effects of varicocele on spermatogenesis process and fertility potential, etiology of varicocele, therapeutic approaches, and the result of treatment. All the published papers from 1975 to 2018 from databases bank such as Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed with keywords; infertility, varicocele, varicocelectomy, spermatogenesis, clinical outcome were collected and within these papers, only 74 papers were included for this study. Increased of testicular temperature, backflow of toxic metabolites from the kidney or adrenal glands, hypoxia, hormonal disturbances and oxidative stress are the most prevalent pathogenic cause of varicocele that they can alter testis and sperm functions. Several studies show that varicocelectomy can improve sperm parameters, chromatin statue and fertility potential in infertile men with varicocele. Possibly, treatment of varicocele before assisted reproduction technologies could increase the chance of spontaneous pregnancy in these infertile men.

---

Background and Objective: Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal disability. This study was performed to determine the effect of endurance training and glucosamine consumption on Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 (IGFBP-3) gene expression in knee tissue of mice with osteoarthritis.
Methods: This experimental study was performed on 30 adult male Wistar rats. Induction of osteoarthritis of the knee was performed by surgery. The animals were randomly allocated into 5 groups and each group consisted of 6 mice. Groups include: Control, Saline, glucosamine, train and train-glucosamine. The training program for eight weeks, three sessions per week and included 29-25 minutes running on a treadmill at a speed of 15 m/ min for the first week, and each week one meter per minute was added to reach 22 m/min for the eighth week. All animals followed 12-hour fasting and 48 hours after the last session of the session, anesthetized with intraperitoneal injection of Ketamine and Xylosin. The expression of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 of cartilage was measured by Real Time PCR.
Results: Expression of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 increased to be 22% and 6% in control group compared to Saline group. Also, level of IGF-1 in exercise groups, glucosamine and exercise-glucosamine group was significantly increased compared to control group (P<0.05). The gene expression of IGFBP-3 in the exercise-glucosamine group was significantly increased compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Probably Chondrocytes secrete higher levels of IGF-1 during tissue damage that causes the structural synthesis of collagen 2 and proteoglycans and Finally, endurance training with consumption of glucose amine increases the expression of IGFBP-3 gene.

---

Background and Objective: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers and considered to be leading causes of cancer death in the world. One of the problems with this type of cancer is its inability to be detected in early stage. The aim of present study was to evaluate the correlation between the serum levels of Fucosyltransferase-4 and galactin-3 in patients with early-stage of colorectal cancer.
Methods: This case-control study was done on 40 patients with early stages of colorectal cancer and 40 healthy subjects. ELISA method was used to measure the serum levels of Fucosyltransferase-4 and galactin-3. To examine the correlation between the variables, correlation test and Pearson correlation coefficient index were used.
Results: Fucosyltransferase-4 and galactin-3 levels were higher in patients with early-stage of colorectal cancer compared to healthy subjects. This difference was not significant. In patients with colorectal cancer, there was a significant relationship between the level of Fucosyltransferase-4 and galactin-3 (r=0.71, P=0.01).
Conclusion: Simultaneous measurement of Fucosyltransferase-4 and galactin-3 is useful in identifying early-stage of colorectal cancer as a non-invasive laboratory method.