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The sleep is one of the important phenomen in biological rhythm. Sleep function are usually characterized as being physical and emotional protective and restorative. On the average people spend a third of their life in sleep, and people up to 30% of population suffer from sleep disorders. Sleep disorders are major psychiatric problems. This is a descriptive survey for studying sleep disorders (Insomnia, excessive somnolence, functional disorders) among nurses working at hospitals affiliated with Shahid Beheshti’s Medical Sciences University in this study 751 nurses aged between 20-45 years have participated by data collection using questionnaire and analysis by tests, the results indicated, the most of sleep disorders in insomnia (Initiating sleep 55.8%, maintaining sleep 72.4%, early awakefulness 52.7%, excessive somnolence 65.5% and parasomnia 26.9%). In additional, there has been significant correlation between the demographic factors such as age, sex, marriage, shiftwork, with sleep disorders. These results conclude that the presence of different kind of sleep disorders among the nurses is the indicator of relation between the nurse job with biological disorder of sleep ryteme.

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Background & Objective: Neonatal growth indices can be influenced by either wanted, or unwanted pregnancy. This research was done to compare neonatal growth indices (Height, weight, head circumflex) to in such pregnancies in Birjand (South-east of Iran). Materials & Methods: This study case-control study was done on a total of 400 women and their neonates in the Imam Reza and Mehr maternity hospital in Birjand between 2000 to 2002. The number of case (UWP) and control (WP) were 150 and 250 respectively. Data were collected through a valid and reliable questionnaire by face to face interviewing with mothers and the determination of growth indexes of the neonates. The results were analyzed employing X² and student T-test by means of SPSS software. Results: The results revealed that the mean weight of the neonates in the case group (3151±410.4 grams) was meaningfully (P?0.05) less than the mean weight (3243±484 grams) of the neonates in the control group (WP). Besides, the mean weight gaining of mothers during their pregnancy in the cases (9±3.2 kg) was meaningfully (P<0.05) less than control group (9.7±3.4 kg). Conclusion: The results of this study, shows the impact of wanted pregnancy on weight gain and health improvement of mothers and their infants. It is therefore recommend that the health centers, mass and even high schools officials provide enough training to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

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Background & Objective: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a heterogenous group of malformation which is resulting from failure of normal neural tube closure between the 3rd and 4th week of embryonic development. The most common form of this malformation is anencephaly, spinabifida and ancephalocele. Prevalence of this malformation differs from geographic situation and race distribution. Materials & Methods: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of NTDs in Birjand Hospital between 1996 to 2000. After diagnose of malformation among the 16785 infants born in the 2 hospitals in Birjand, reliable questionnaire was completed for the mothers who had malformed infants. The data was analyzed by SPSS software. Results: Prevalence of NTDs was 2.97 per 1000 birth, more higher than other countries anencephaly and spina bifida is common form of NTDs in this area. Consanguinity, previous abortion, malformed childbirth, malformed child in the family, diseases during pregnancy and winter delivery were some of the risk factors. Most of the mother (96%) didn’t take the Folic Acid during their pregnancy. Conclusion: The findings from this study indicate that the rate of NTD in Birjand is relatively higher comparing to other studies in different countries. Further investigations are recommended to find out the etiology of NTD in this area.

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Background&Objective: Acetaminophen is a drug that is used commonly in the all time of pregnancy as a antipyretic and analgestic. The aim of this study was to determine teratogenic effects of this drug when it is used continuously before and during pregnancy. Materials&Methods: 210 virgin female Balb/c mice in a standard animal house condition were assigned in to three experimental groups and three period of time (30 mice in the each of I and II experimantal groups and 60 in III experimental group): The first experimental group subdivided in to three I10, I20, I30 subgroups that received acetaminophen once daily at dose 40mg/kg/day by gavage in 10, 20 and 30 days prior to gestation and early 10 days of pregnancy, respectively. The second experimental group divided like the previous group (II10, II20, II30) but received 40 mg/kg/day of this drug twice daily (80 mg/kg/day). The third experimental group (III10, III20, III30) received 80 mg/kg/day of acetaminophen with and without 0.14 mg/kg/day of folic acid. Mice in Control groups, received normal saline and base of drug respectively. After using standard coupling method (three female mice with one male and determination of Gestational day 0) in GD18 the dams were sacrificed and the fetuses were removed. Macroscopic observation was done by stereomicroscope. ANOVA and TUKEY tests were used by the help of 10 version of SPSS software. Results: Long consumption of acetaminophen in doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg/day in the 20 and 30 days before pregnancy and 10 days after pregnancy can induce shortened and asymmetrical limbs and hand aplasia. In addition, ekymosis and fetal resorption were seen.16.1%, 6.5% and 14% of fetuses were malformed in the I30, II20 and II30 groups, respectively. Also, 11.3%, 4.9% and 12.4% of fetuses in these same groups had limb defects. In the III20 and III30 groups that fetuses used folic acid and drug at the same time, rate of malformations reduced to 1.6% (P<0.05). Conclusion: It is recommended pregnant women not to take acetaminophen atleast a month before pregnancy and in case of taking this drug the folic acid to be accompanied.

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Background & Objective: Neural tube defects, growth retardation and nail hypoplasia are most common features of teratogenic effects of carbamazepine. This study was done to determine the effects of carbomazepine on eye development in Mice fetuses. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study 40 BALB/c pregnant Mice were divided into four groups. Experimental groups I and II received 15 mg/kg daily 6-15 GD (gestational days) and 30 mg/kg daily 6-15 GD intraperitoneal of carbamazepine, respectively. All drugs recolved in Tween20. Two control groups received normal saline or Tween 20. Dams were dissected on GD18 and embryos were collected. After observation of eye malformation in fetuses, we employed routine histological processes to stain the samples and also skeletal staining was performed. Results: Calvaria deformations, finger anomalies, brachygnathia and short tail in experimental groups I and II were 7% and 10.8%, 13.3% and 16.6%, 7.8% and 11.7%, 10.2% and 9.2% respectively. Ten of fetuses (8.6%) in experimental group I and nine of fetuses (7.5%) in the experimental group II had eye malformations. Premature opening of one or both eyes with mild to severe exophthalmos occurred in both of the experimental groups. Also, histological examination showed deformed lens, retinal folds with undeveloped layers, corneal fold with absence of surface epithelium. Conclusion: This study revealed that administration of carbamazepine during embryunic period can induce eye malformations in Mice fetuses.

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Brucellosis is a zoonosis with a variety of clinical syndromes including spondylitis. Spondylitis and sacroiliitis are the most frequent complications of skeletal system involvement in brucellosis, but muscle infection and abscess formation are a rare complication and frequently secondary to spondylitis. In this article two cases of brucella spondylitis are presented which has led to abscess formation in one of them, these patients referred with back pain, fever, and with subsequeint MRI examination, wright positive test, were diagnosed as spondylitis. The antibiotic regiment including Doxycycline, Refampin, were prescripted for four months. The clinical signs were disapeared subsequently.

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Cervicogenic headache (CEH) is a chronic, hemicranial pain syndrome in which the sensation of pain originates in the cervical spine or soft tissues of the neck and is referred to the head. Cervicogenic headache is a relatively common but often overlooked disorder. There is sufficient evidence to support this category and the existing diagnostic criteria are adequate. The purpose of this case report was to describe an intervention approach consisting of release and muscle energy techniques for an individual with cervicogenic headache. Clinical examination revealed myofacial trigger points in trapezius, sternocliedomastoid and upper cervical spine erectors. Visual analogue scale (VAS) identified severe pain. Range of flexion and rotation was reduced. Complete pain relief was seen following three times treatment sessions. The results indicating definite diagnosis and appropriate treatment of cervicogenic headache.

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Background and Objective: Carbamazepine (CBZ) is an antiepileptic drug that causes significant malformations such as neural tube defects (NTDs), cardiac, skeletal and craniofacial defects if it is consumed during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of folic acid on prevention of birth defect due to Carbamazepine in Balb/c mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, Sixty Balb/c timed-pregnant mice were divided into 4 experimental and 2 control groups. Two experimental groups received daily intraperitoneal injections of 30 mg/kg (group I) and 60 mg/kg/body weight (group II) of CBZ on gestational days (GD) 6 to 15. Two other experimental groups (group III and IV) received similar doses of CBZ with folic acid supplement (3 mg/kg/day) by gavages route for 10 days before pregnancy and 15 days after GD0 (gestational day 0). Two control groups received normal saline or Tween 20 (polysorbate 20). Dams underwent cesarean section on GD18 and embryos were collected. External examination was done and data concerning malformations, weight and crown- rump of fetuses were collected and analyzed by using SPSS-11.5 software and ANOVA and chi-square tests. Results: The mean weight and crown-rump of the fetuses in both experimental groups I and II were significantly reduced. Also in both experimental groups I and II various malformations were detected such as open eyes, limb defects, scoliosis, facial deformity and NTDs. The mean weight and crown-rump of fetuses in the folic acid treated groups did not show any meaningful differences in comparison with fetuses in experimental groups I and II. Also, meaningful reductions in eye, vertebral, limb and facial defects were seen in fetuses of group III. In experimental group IV, reduction of vertebral and limb defects were observed. Conclusion: This study showed that consumption of folic acid (3 mg/kg/body weight) before and during pregnancy can reduce birth defects due to CBZ in Balb/c mice fetus.

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Background and Objective: The food additives, like sodium and potassium benzoate are used in many food products and drugs to prevent the growth of yeast and molds. There is no report about the histopathological effect of potassium benzoate. Placenta, has a critical role in embryonic development therefore this study was set up to evaluate the effects of potassium benzoate on placenta of BALB/c mice.

Materials and Methods: 45 BALB/c female mice were allocated into two experimental (1, 2) and one control groups. Experimental groups received daily intraperitoneal injection of 280 and 560 mg/kg/body weight of potassium benzoate and control group received normal saline. All injections were done during 10 days before mating and 5^th to 16^th of gestational days (GD). In GD 18 all placenta were removed via cesarean section. Macroscopic studies for morphological abnormalities were done and after measuring of placental weight and diameter, for microscopic studies the specimens were fixed and tissue passage were done. Tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and histopathological changes were studied. Weight, diameter and percentage of agenesis of placenta in all groups were gathered. Data analyzed with using
SPSS-11.5, ANOVA and Tukey tests.

Results: The mean weight and diameter of the placenta in both experimental groups 1 and 2 were significantly decreased compared to control group. Also atrophy of placenta in the experimental groups was increased significantly compared to the control group (P<0.05). Comparison of weight and diameter between groups 1 and 2 was not significant. Percentage of placenta agenesis in the experimental groups was increased significantly compared to the control group (P<0.05). Massive hemorrhage in labyrinth zone, fetal and maternal zones were seen in both experimental groups.

Conclusion: This study showed that exposure of potassium benzoate during mice pregnancy cause morphological and histopathological changes of placenta, including decrease of weight and diameter, agenesis, hemorrhage and tissue disorders.

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Background and Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory multi-system disease with an unknown origin. In patients with lupus disease cardiovascular events is an important cause of mortality and morbidity. This study carried out to measurement of high sensitivity C –reactive protein (HsCRP) and homocysteine in patients with SLE and their relation with diseases activity and cardiovascular risk factors.

Materials and Methods: This case control study carried out on 60 patients (55 females and 5 males) with lupus disease which referred to Clinical Research Center of Rheumatology, Mashhad, Iran and 30 controls (26 females and 4 males) during 2007-08. Information of subjects were gathered using SLEDAI questionare. HsCRP and homocysteine of subjects were measured. The level of low density lipoprotein (LDL), Triglycerid, hypertension and Body mass index (BMI) was assessed. Systemic lupus erythematosus activity was assessed by using SLEDAI so that if the score was higher than 10, lupus was called as active disease.

Results: Mean age was 28.8±10.3 and 33.8±9.13 years in SLE and control groups respectively. The mean of HsCRP in SLE patients were 3±2.42 mg/dl versus in controls were 1.58±2.1. The serum level of homocysteine were 12.3±1.93 µmol/L and 24±8.13 µmol/L in SLE patients and controls (P<0.001). Mean disease activity was 15.37. There was no any associtation between homocysteine and HsCRP and disease activity. LDL, Triglycerid, hypertension had significant association with homocystein (P<0.05). BMI and Triglycerid had significant association with HsCRP (P<0.05).

Conclusion: This study showed that there is no linear significant corrolation between homocysteine, HsCRP and disease activity, but there is significant corrolation between increase of homocysteine and HsCRP and cardiovascular risk factors.

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Background and Objective: Nosocomial infections are one of main causative agents of mortality among hospital patients. This study was done for the determination of efficacy of commercial disinfectants such as: formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, microten, the alcohol 70 and savlon–alcohol on isolated saprophytic fungi from hospital environments. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was done on 33 isolated fungi from teaching hospitals of Tehran during 2009-10. The identified samples were randomly chosen. Stock fungal suspensions were supplied from each fungus with cells ranging 0.5-5×10⁴ micro g/cfu in 1ml with spectrophotometer at the wavelength of 530 nm. For evaluation of antifungal activity of commercial disinfectants formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, microten, alcohol 70 and savlon–alcohol disinfectants, 0.25cc stock solutions were mixed with 3.75 cc disinfectants solutions and the new diluted samples held at 25c for 15, 30 and 60 min. The culture medium was checked for growth of fungi until 8 weeks. Results: Following specific period isolated fungi were including Aspergillus spp with 39.4%, Penicillium spp with 36.4%, Fusarium spp with 12.1%, Rhizopus with 6.1%, Alternaria and Circinella with 3 %. Formaldehyde 8% and glutaraldehyde 8% with activity against 63.6% and 39.3% were effective disinfectants at 15 min. Formaldehyde 8% with activity against 74.8% of fungi, was effective disinfectant at 30 min. Glutaraldehyde 8% and formaldehyde 8% with 100% prevention of growth were effective disinfectants at 60 min. Conclusion: According to this study formaldehyde 8% and glutaraldehyde 8% showed to have the highest antifungal activities. Synergetic fungicidal activity of comenercial disinfectants, dependent on time and concentration.

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Background and Objective: Carbamazepine during pregnancy can induce various malformations. Recent studies have showed an increase in homocysteine level due to Carbamazepine administration. This study was to evaluate the effect of Carbamazepine on homocysteine serum level in pregnant mice and fetal malformations outcome. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 BALB/c timed-pregnant mice were allocated into 2 experimental and 2 control groups. The experimental groups were received daily intraperitoneal injections of 30 mg/kg (group I) or 60 mg/kg (group II) of Carbamazepine on gestational days 6 to 15. The control groups were received either - normal saline or Tween 20. Dams underwent Cesarean section on GD 18. External examinations were done and all data concerning malformations, weight and crown-rump of fetuses collected. Blood samples were collected from Dams' hearts prior to performing the Cesarean section. Homocysteine was measured using ELISA method. Data were analyzed using SPSS-18, ANOVA, Chi-Square and Tukey tests. Results: Significant increase in Homocysteine levels of dams’ serum compared to control groups was seen in both experimental groups I and II (10.56±1.31 and 11.11±1.64 µmol/L, respectively, P<0.05). The mean weight and crown-rump of the fetuses in both experimental groups were significantly reduced compared with those of the control groups (P<0.05). Various malformations such as limb defects, vertebral defects, facial deformity and severe malformations were observed in fetuses of both experimental groups. Conclusion: Serum elevation of homocysteine in Carbamazepine exposed pregnant mice may be a risk factor for induction of fetal malformations.

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Background and Objective: Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurologic disorder that results following degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the pars compacta of substintia nigra (SNc). The 1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropiridine (MPTP) is a chemical neurotoxin that widely used in animal models of PD. This study was carried out to evaluate the numerical density of dark neurons (DNs) in the SNc in mice subjected to intraperitoneal and intranasal injection of different doses of MPTP. Methods: In this experimental study, 90 male adult BALB/c mice were randomly allocated into four experimental groups including: group 1 (MPTP was injected via i.p. at the dose of 20mg/kg per 2 hours for 4 times), group 2 (MPTP was injected via i.p. at the dose of 30mg/kg for 5 consecutive days), group 3 (MPTP was injected via i.n. at a single dose of 1mg/kg), group 4 (MPTP was injected via i.n. at a single dose of 1mg/kg), four sham and one normal groups. 20 days after the final injection, the animal's brain were removed and stained by toluidine blue. Numerical density of DNs was counted. Results: Intranasal injection of MPTP significantly increased density of dark neurons in the pars compacta of substintia nigra in compare to intraperitoneally injection of MPTP (P<0.05). Conclusion: Intranasal injection of MPTP is more effective manner to induce degeneration of neurons in substintia nigra in animal model of Parkinson's disease.

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Background and Objective: Although lifestyle-related factors have separately been examined in relation to functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), there is no epidemiologic data on the combined association of lifestyle factors with these conditions. We aimed to examine how combinations of several lifestyle factors were associated with functional dyspepsia (FD), its symptoms and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a large group of Iranian adults.

Methods: This descriptive -analytic study was conducted on 3363 Iranian adults (19-70 yr), whom were working in 50 health centers across Isfahan province in Iran during 2012. We used easy non-random sampling to select participants. The “healthy lifestyle score” for each participant was calculated by summing up the binary score given for five lifestyle factors, including dietary habits, dietary intakes, psychological distress, smoking and physical activity. A dish-based 106-item semi-quantitative validated food frequency questionnaire, General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire and other pre-tested questionnaires were used to assess the components of healthy lifestyle score. A validated Persian version of ROME III questionnaire was used, to assess functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Results: The prevalence of FD and GERD among study participants was 14.5 and 23.6%, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, we found that individuals with the highest score of healthy lifestyle had 79 and 74% lower odds of FD (95% CI: 0.05-0.92, OR: 0.21, P=0.03) and GERD (95% CI: 0.09-0.69, OR: 0.26, P=0.01), respectively, compared with those with the lowest score. They were also less likely to have early satiation (95% CI: 0.11-0.73, OR: 0.28, P=0.001), postprandial fullness (95% CI: 0.09-0.50, OR: 0.22, P<0.001) and epigastric pain (95% CI: 0.21-0.92, OR: 0.44, P=0.03). In addition to the combined healthy lifestyle score, low levels of psychological distress, a healthy diet, healthy dietary habits and non-smoking were separately associated with FGIDs (P<0.05).

Conclusion: This study showed that adherence to a healthy lifestyle was associated with lower odds of GERD, FD and its symptoms in this group of Iranian adults. Individual lifestyle-related factors were also associated with these conditions.

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Burn is one of the major causes of death and disability in the world. It can cause by heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight or radiation. More burns caused by fires in buildings, contact with boiling water, steam, liquids and flammable gases. Accelerating the process of healing has always been of interest to practitioners because these injuries are usually takes long time to be healed. Therefore, proper treatment and care of this type of wound required to accelerate healing, prevent infection and chronicity. In traditional medicine, due to the high vegetation diversity and breadth of our country, the use of herbs for burns healing and lesions of various etiologies, has been intesified. Various studies on burn wound healing properties of medicinal plants have been performed. In this article, we refered to reliable sites for evaluating of 10 plants including Amebia euchroma, Green Tea, Hypericum perforatum, Centella asiatica, Scrophularia striata, Aloe vera, Cydonia Oblongae seeed, Malva sylvestris, Calendula officinalis and Myrtus to compare the restorative properties of a number of important medicinal plant flora of Iran on accelerating the process of wounds healing of burn in order to provide effective medicinal plant sources are addressed.

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Background and Objective: Burn is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world. This study was done to determine the effect of the lavender, sesame oil, and combination of Lavender with sesame oil and silver sulfadiazine on the burn wound healing in mice.
Methods: In this experimental study, 30 male adult albino mice were randomly allocated into 5 groups as follows: the negative control group (physiology serum); the positive control group (silver sulfadiazine); the first experimental group (sesame oil), the second experimental group (combination of Lavender with sesame oil) and the third experimental group (Lavender oil).Second degree of  burn wound healing  take place using hot sheet with a diameter of 2 cm. wound treatment was done in five groups in 21-day treatment period. The wound diameter size and restoration percentage were measured on days 1, 3, 6, 9, 18, and 21. Some mice were euthanized and the samples of wounds were used for histopathological studies.
Results: The percentage of wound healing significantly increased in groups of silver sulfadiazine, combination of Lavender with sesame oil, Lavender oil and  sesame oil in compared to control group (P<0.05). The improvement percentage was seen in sulfadiazine and combination of Lavender with sesame oil groups in compared to negative control group. The level of tissue restoration based on the accumulation of collagen, fibroblasts, re-epithelialization were seen in sulfadiazine, combination of Lavender with sesame oil, Lavender oil and sesame oil, respectively.
Conclusion: Combination of Lavender with sesame oil similar to silver sulfadiazine has tissue restoration effect on burn wound healing in animal model.

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Background and Objective: There are few studies that highlighted the effectiveness of exercise on unstable surfaces in eldely subjects. This study was done to evaluate the effect of training on stable and unstable surfaces on walking kinematic and timed-up-and go (TUG) test variables in elderly wemon.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 75 elderly women were non-randomly assigned to exercises and control groups. Cadence, step length, stride length, step width, walking speed, and TUG were measured. Gait kinematics (cadence, stride length, walking speed, step width) was recorded by an image recording camera. Gait kinematics variables were measured. The average of three repetitions was recorded for analysis for each subject.
Results: Exercise training had a significant effect on the step length, stride length, step width, walking speed, and time of TUG (P<0.05). Although, there was a significant difference in gait kinematics after exercise training, training on foam with (9cm height) created the highest mean difference in TUG, cadence, step length, and training on sand resulted in the greatest mean difference in step length and walking speed variables.
Conclusion: Training on stable and unstable surfaces improves walking kinematic and TUG time variables in elderly wemon.