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Background&Objective: This study is designed to deteremine the sex differences in volume and surface anatomical parameters in the cingulate cortex of the left cerebral hemispheres in healthy right - handed subjects. Materials&Methods: This cross - sectional descriptive study was performed on 72 human brains (38 males, 34 females). The brains belonged to right - handed subjects who had died of non - neurologic causes. The age of males and females was similar. The brains were removed from the cranium no longer than 24 hours postmortem and were fixed in 4% formaldehyde solution. The right hemisphere of each brain was used for neuropathologic examinations (to confirm the health of the brain) and the left one was used for stereologic analyses. The estimation of the volume, surface areas, and thickness of the cingulate cortex was performed on photographs of 5 mm serial coronal sections of the left hemispheres using unbiased stereological methods (with point and linear grids). The results were analyzed by t- student test. Results: The volumes of the left cingulate cortex in males and females were 10.923.06 and 10.52.30cm3, respectively. The outer surface area was 43.8710.73 cm2 in males and 43.748.68cm2 in females. The inner surface areas in males and females were 34.8711.56 and 36.558.08cm2, respectively. There was no significant difference between two sexes in the volume and surface areas of the left cingulate cortex. The mean thickness of the left cingulate cortex in males and females were 2.880.5 and 2.510.3mm, respectively. The mean thickness of the left cingulate cortex in females was 12.85% smaller than males (P<0.05). Conclusion: Although the volume and outer and inner surface areas of the left cingulated cortex are similar between two sexes, the cortical thickness of this area in healthy right - handed females is significanlty smaller than males. The functional significance of these sexual differences and similarities in human brain is not clear. However, scientists must be aware of them in their morphometrical studies on human brain.

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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.

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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.

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Background and Objective: Visceral Leishmaniasis or Kala-azar is an important infectious disease in northwestern Iran. Members of the Leishmania donovani complex, L. donovani and L.infantum, are the two main parasites causing the disease in the world. In this study immunophenotype characters such as N-glycosylation, and T-cell and B-Cell epitopes of CPB gene was evaluated in the Leishmania parasites isolated from sandflies of the region. Materials and Methods: Partial of the CPB (702-741 bp) of Leishmania parasites was amplified and sequenced and used for bioinformatics analysis such as test three dimensional (3D) protein structure, N-glycosylation, and T-cell and B-Cell epitopes. Results: In 7 out of 3477 sand flies there was a positive PCR test for systeine protease B, gene. Also according to findings of this study, both agents of kala-azar L. donovani and L. infantum were bing transfered by sand flies of Phlbtomus perfiliewi transcaucasicus in North West Iran. DNA analysis of the CPB gene showed a cytosine insertion at 5’ end of the proofreading frame of the gene resulted in a stop codon (TGA) seven AA further down and hence translation is halted. This caused a short amino acid chain with only 76 AA much shorter than normal CPB peptide with 234-247 AA. This mutation has not been found in the L.infantum strain resulted in a normal CPB peptide. AA analysis showed no N-glycosylation site, T-cell and B-Cell epitopes on the short peptide of the L. donovani strain. Conclusion: This is the shortest CPB peptide chain reported for the L. donovani complex in the literature. This short peptide could have an effect on host-parasite and vector-parasite interactions. Since the CPBs genes have important implication on host–parasite and play key roles in infection and expression of the disease, further studies on the L. donovani parasite and its diminutive peptide necessitate to improve our understanding about the epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis in Iran.

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Background and Objective: Cutaneous leishmaniases with two forms of rural and urban is the endemic diseases and as a health problem in our country. Identification of parasite species and type of disease is very important for treatment of disease as well as for planning of control program. The microscopic observations by Giemsa-stained smears is the most common laboratory test for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis, but the determination of parasite species is impossible and utilization of other ways such as biochemical and molecular methods is required. This study was carried out to determine the parasite species caused cutaneous Leishmaniasis by Nested PCR in Damghan, Iran.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed on 67 patients with dermal lesions that referred to Damghan health center laboratory in Iran during 2008. The patient's information were recorded in questionnaire. DNA of Giemsa-stained slides from patients was extracted and evaluated by specific primers of kinetoplast DNA using Nested PCR.

Results: Leishmania parasites were observed in 57 patients under light microscope. The 10 patients were infected by other dermal diseases. The PCR result showed the parasite presence in lesions of 57 patients is Leismania major. 54% of patients were male and 46% were female. 72% of the patients were lived in rural areas. 50.9% of disease was observed in over 25 years old patients. Hands were the most common region of ulcer (44.7%). 48% of the patients had one ulcer and the other patients had two or more ulcers. High prevalence (31.6%) of disease was observed in October.

Conclusion: This study showed that zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis to be prevalent in this area and Nested PCR method is a sensitive and accurate to leishmania species characterization.

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Background and Objective: Regarding to probable high frequency of Glucose - 6 - phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in Iran, screening of all neonates by cord blood is under consideration. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in newborns and the relation between gender, jaundice, hemolysis, anemia and the G6PD deficiency in neonated born in in Tehran, Iran.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, cord blood of 450 neonates born in Akbarabady hospital in Tehran, Iran during 2008-09 were screened. Demographic information was recorded by questionnaires and the newborns were examined for detection of jaundice till discharge. G6PD level was determined by Fluorescent Spot Test (FST). G6PD deficient neonate were put under close observation for detection of jaundice. Enzyme activity was rechecked by spectrophotometry.

Results: Nine neonates out of 450 were G6PD deficient (8 boys and one girl). Prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 2% (3.3% for boys and 0.5% for girls). Six neonates of nine G6PD deficient neonates (66%) developed pathologic jaundice. Four neonates were managed by phototherapy and two by exchange transfusion.

Conclusion: This study showed that G6PD deficiency is more prevalate among male neonates, therefore, G6PD determination is recommended to prevent the possible neonatal jaundice.

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Background and Objective: Incidence of fungal infections particularly fungal sinusitis is increasing in Iran and identification of causative agents is essential for its control and treatment. This study was carried out to determine the fungus paranasal sinusitis in non- immunocompromised patients in Tehran, Iran.

Materials and Methods: This cross – sectional study was done on 108 patients (73 males, 35 females) with chronic sinusitis ranged from 9 to 68 years, admitted to Amir Alam and Emam Khomeini hospitals in Tehran, Iran during 2006-07. Sinusitis in patients confirmed by radiologic images. Complementry information were obtained using questionnaires which including gender, job, presence of disposing disease diabetes and consumption immunocompromised drugs. Sinus samples were collected by washing and biopsy were carried out by two methods of fenestration and Cald-wel luc operations. Subsequently they were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), SDA+chloramphenicol and blood agar (BA) media at 30°C and 37°C. Direct examination and fixative sample for histhologic evaluation was done and for colonies confirmation the slide culture method also was used.

Results: 8 cases (7.4 %) were positive for fungal sinusitis with following sub type: 6 cases (Alternaria Spp), 1 case (Paecilomyces) and 1 case (Aspergillus flavus). The most fungal sinusitis (5 cases) were observed in 30-39 years patients.

Conclusion: Considering the prevalence of 7.4 % fungal sinusitis and isolation of paecilomyces which is a rare subtype complematry investigation is recommended, in the field of research.

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Background and Objective: Ecstasy [3,4 Methylendioxy Meth Amphetamine (MDMA)] exerts destructive effects on body organs particularly on the nervous system. The current study was carried out to measure the adverse effects of MDMA on hepatocyte and liver-specific enzymes. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 50 male Wistar rats were randomly divided in equal numbers into 5 groups: control, sham, experimental 1, 2, and 3. Animals in the experimental groups were received, intraperitoneally 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg of MDMA, respectively. The sham group were received normal saline but the control group was not subjected to any injection. Serum samples were collected and levels of three enzymes under study: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured. The sections from the liver tissue were prepared counting the hepatocytes. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and One-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD tests. Results: Data indicated the levels of all three enzymes had been elevated in the animal groups that received MDMA and that the increase was statistically significant compared to sham and control groups (P<0.05). Also, in experimental groups the number of hepatocyte were reduced in comparison with controls (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the MDMA significantly increased ALT, AST, ALP and reduced the number of hepatocytes and these effects are dose depended.

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Background and Objective: Yersinia enterocolitica is a worldwide pathogen belong to genus Yersinia. The association between acute childhood diarrhea and other diseases caused by Yersinia enterocolitica has been established by several researchers. Due to the lack of sufficient information on other pathogenic Yersinia species, this study was done to determine the prevalence and the pattern of antibiotic susceptibility of atypical Yersinia spp isolated from children, less than 14 years old. Methods: This descriptive cross - sectional study was carried on 384 children with diarrhea whom referred to the Tehran children medical center, Tehran, Iran during August 2011 to August 2012. 384 fecal specimens of children were transferd to the laboratory and cold enrichment in alkaline buffer with pH of 7.2 for 21 days. The samples were cultured in Cefsulodin-Irgasan-Novobiocin Agar (CIN) differential media in 7, 14, and 21 days. The identification of Yersinia species were carried out by conventional procedure. Antibiotic susceptibility test to Ciprofloxacin, Co-trimoxazole, Tetracycline, Chloramphenicol, Erythromycin, Ampicillin, Gentamicin, Penicillin were determined by standard disk diffusion method. Results: Out of 384 fecal samples, 3 (0.7%) were infected with Yersinia. Three species of Yersinia were Y.enterocolitica, Y.Kristensenii and Y.frederiksenii. All three strains were sensitive to Cotrimoxazole, Tetracycline, Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin. Conclusion: This study showed that atypical Yersinia play important role in diarrhea. Therefore, more attention should be noticed to atypical Yersinia species in addition to Yersinia enterocolitica.

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Background and Objective: Yersinia is a gram-negative bacillus that cause diarrhea through consumption of contaminated food and water.  This study was performed to identify the atypical Yersinia virulence markers isolated from children with diarrhea.

Methods: This descriptive cross -sectional study was done on 384 fecal samples of 0- 14 years old children admitted at children medical center from August 2011 to August of 2012. Fecal samples, for the enrichment, after 21 days of incubation in alkaline buffer with pH=7.2 at 4degree C, on days 7, 14 and 21 samples were cultured on CIN agar and Mac agar and then confirm the differentiation atypical Yersinia from other typical Yersinia species from fermentation of different sugars. Isolates were tested for marker of virulence including calcium dependence, auto agglutination, Congo red uptake and binding of crystal violet.

Results: Out of 384 stool samples, 4 (1.04%) were infected with Yersinia (Yersinia frederikseni, Yersinia kristensenii and Yersinia enterocolitica). Out of these three, only two samples in association was positive with virulence markers.

Conclusion: Phenotypic markers can be used to study the properties of phenotypic strains of Yersinia.

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Background and Objective: Iran remains a major stronghold for glanders in the Middle East. In Iran, the non-indigenous Burkholderia mallei Razi 325 strain is used in manufacturing of the mallein, required for malleination of animals. Multi Locus Variable number tandem repeat analysis is currently the standard globally accepted genotyping system for Burkholderia mallei. This study was done to survey the genomic structure of Burkholderia mallei Razi 325, the strain used for industrial production of Mallein.

Methods: In this descriptive study, a MLVA genotyping system with 4 previously-characterized loci VNTR140, VNTR1367, VNTR2065, VNTR2971 along with two new loci of VNTR24, VNTR41 was used.

Results: Optimization of PCRs resulted in a single protocol that enabled simultaneous amplification of all the six loci. Sequencing of PCR products revealed there were 2, 3, 12, 6, 1 and 2 copies of the unit repeat hold in the genome of the Burkholderia mallei Razi 325 strain. This observation was extended to include the already-whole genome sequenced Chinese Burkholderia mallei ATCC 23344 and Burkholderia mallei BMQ and also Burkholderia mallei SAVP1 strains.

Conclusion: The Burkholderia mallei Razi 325 strain is distinguishable from the other three strains through MLVA genotyping method.

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Background and Objective: Changing of lifestyle in women and increasing their social activity especially in working places can affect women’s sexual quality of life (SQOL). This study was done to determine the affecting factors on sexual quality of life among hospital employee's women.

Methods: This descriptive - analytical study was carried out on 121 women who work in the two hospitals in Sabzevar city and Birjand city in Iran during 2014. Data was collected using two questionnaires including the Iranian version of sexual quality of life-female (SQOL-F) questionnaire and a researcher-made measure to assess demographic characteristics, health related, and work-related variables.

Results: The mean±SD score of SQOL-F was 80.1±19.7. The univariate analysis showed that the mean score of SQOL-F significantly related with age (P<0.05), duration of sleep (P<0.05), marital duration (P<0.05), educational level (P<0.05), and physical activity (P<0.05). The regression modeling indicated that educational level (β=0.33), marital duration (β=0.32) and quality of sleep (β=0.56) were predictors of SQOL-F scores.

Conclusion: This study showed that educational level, marital duration and quality of sleep were predictors of SQOL-F scores among hospital employee's women.

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Background and Objective: The anti inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant of Sambucus ebulus L. have been reported in several studies. This study was done to assess the repelling property of the methalonic and hexanic extracts of Sambucus ebulus L. against the Culex pipiens.

Methods: In this experimental study, Sambucus ebulus L. collected from the natural inhabitants of Mazandran province in northern Iran. Methalonic and hexanic extraction were provided from the leaf and fruit of Sambucus ebulus L. Concentration of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg was prepared. 0.4 ml of the extract prepared and was spreed on the albino skin area of 4×6 cm². After 30 minutes the number of the mosquito (Culex pipiens) bites on the skin was recorded. N, Ndiethyl-3 methyl benzamide was considered as positive control.

Results: The highest repelling property of the Sambucus ebulus L. belonged to the concentration of
250 mg/kg of leaf and fruit extraction. The highest repelling effect was 80% and 66.8% for leaf methalonic and hexanic extract, respectively. The highest repelling effect was 84% and 72% for fruit metalonic and hexanic extract, respectively (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The methalonic extract of Sambucus ebulus L. had higher repelling efficiency compared to the hexanic extract. The fruit extract also had better effect than the leaf extract.

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Background and Objective: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen with numerous virulence factors such as phospholipase and type IV pili. The emergence of multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa has become a serious public health threat worldwide. This study was done to determine the frequency of plcH, plcN, pilA and pilB genes in multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from clinical samples.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 93 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa collected from different clinical samples from hospitals of Zanjan, Iran during 2013-14. After identification of isolates by biochemical tests, antibiotic susceptibility testing (Kirby-Bauer) was performed according to CLSI guidelines. Total DNA extracted and PCR was done to detect of plcH, plcN, pilA and pilB genes.

Results: Among 93 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, the highest antibiotic resistance related to Erythromycin and Cefoxitin (95.6%) and the lowest resistance related to Amikacin (26.8%). 80.6% of isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR). Out of 75 MDR isolates, the frequency of plcH, plcN, pilA and pilB genes was 97.4%, 49.3%, 26.6% and 17.3%, respectively.

Conclusion: According to high frequency of phospholipase C gene (plcH) in MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates which isolated from different clinical samples, presumably this virulence factor plays an important role in pathogenesis of this bacterium.

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Background and Objective: Obesity and overwight affects on respiratory phyological indeces including pulmonary voulume, spirometery function, mechanical function of air ways neuro-muscular functions and capacity of exchange of gases. The obese and overwight subjects have high risk in reduction respiratory valume syndrome. This study was done to compare the effects of three resistance training programs with different intensities on pulmonary function, physical function and body composition in overweight girls.
Methods: In this quasi - experimental study, thirty overweight inactive girls were non-randomly divided into 3 equal groups (n=10) of resistance training with different intensity based on their 1 RM (light, 55-65%, moderate, 65-75%, and heavy, 75-85%, repsctively). The training progams were done for 9 weeks (3 sessions per week). Each session consists of 5 stations with 3 sets while rest intervals between the repetiotions and stations were 60-90 seconds and 90-120 seconds, respectively. Before and after the end of the training programs, spirometry, body composition, muscular strength and endurance of the upper body and VO2max were measured.
Results: 9 weeks resistance training program with 55-65%, 65-75%, and 75-85% 1RM intensities had no significant effect in the spirometry parameters, body weight, body mass index, upper body muscular endurance and VO2max. Fat percentage in 55-65% group significantly reduced in compared to those of 65-75%, and 75-85% 1RM groups (P<0.05). The upper body muscular strength in group with 75-85% 1RM significantly increased in compared to groups with 55-65% and 65-75% 1RM (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Overweight girls can apply resistance training with 55-65% 1RM to reduce the percent of body fat, and enhance the upper body strength through trainings with 75-85% 1RM. In relation to pulmonary function indices and indices of physical function and body composition, there was no dference between three training programs.

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Background and Objective: Thyme essential oil is strong antifungal, anti-parasitic and antibacterial due to presence phenolic thymol and carvacrol. Encapsulation is used in order to increase the solubility, protection against oxidation and evaporation and also to improve the effectiveness of essential oils. This study was performed in order to loading Thymus essential oil (Thymus daenensis Celak and Zataria multiflora species) into liposomal vesicles and evaluation of antifungal activity of Zataria multiflora specie encapsulated with nano-systems.
Methods: In this descriptive – laboratory study, liposomes containing Thymus essential oil- were prepared using thin film hydration method. After size reduction, nano-particle was characterized in term of morphology, size, zeta potential and chemical interactions. Effect of phospholipids types, cholesterol content and species of Thymus were investigated on encapsulation efficiency. Finally, the antifungal activity of essential oil of Zataria multiflora specie loaded liposome was evaluated the minimum fungicidal concentration, minimum inhibitory concentration and zone of inhibition against Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
Results: Thymus essential oil loaded into liposome with over 80% efficiency. Optimal formulation contained of 10% cholesterol, 90% soybean phosphatidylcholine phospholipid with 3% of polyethylene glycol and also Thymus essential oil with concentration of 0.5 mg/ml. Nanoparticles were anionic with spherical shape and size less than 100 nm. There was no chemical interaction between liposomes and essential oil. Prepared formulation was chemically stable and the essential oil had not retained during encapsulation. Medicinal-nano system of Zataria multiflora specie was effective in inhibition of the growth of Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
Conclusion: The preparation of optimal liposomal formulation containing Thymus essential oil is affected by the type and amount of phospholipid, and it was completely independent of the species of Thymus. Also, Encapsulation increases the anti-fungal activity of essential oil of Zataria multiflora.

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Background and Objective: Opium consumption and addiction can negatively affect on pulmonary and physical function. This study was done to determine the effect of the combined training with different intensities on pulmonary and physical function in addicted men.
Methods: This quesi-experimental study was carried out on 30 addicted men with an average age of 37.6±7.1 years, who were under treatment in Sabzevar city rehabilitation center in north-east of Iran during Fall of 2015. The subjects were non-randomly divided into three equal groups including control, the first intervention group, and the second intervention group. The control group did not participate in any training program. The interventional groups participated in an aerobic and resistance training period for six weeks (four times a week). The training intensities of the first and second intervention groups were 50-65% and 65-80% of HRmax or 1RM, respectively. Preior and after the training period, spirometry tests, maximal oxygen uptake, strength and endurance of upper body muscles and special strength of respiratory muscles were measured from all of the subjects.
Results: The both intervention groups improved the peak expiratory flow index compared to control group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the peak expiratory flow index significantly increased in the second intervention group compared to the first intervention group. There was no significant difference in the indices of special strength of respiratory muscles, maximal aerobic power, and maximal voluntary ventilation between the three groups .Upper body muscles' endurance and strength, forced expiratory volume and forced vital capacity parameters significantly increased in the second intervention group compared to the control group. The forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity ratio index significantly increased in the  two interventional groups compared to control group (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the first and second interventional groups.
Conclusion: The performance of aerobic and resistance trainings  with higher intensity improves indices of the forced vital capacity, the forced expiratory volume in the first second, and upper body muscles' strength and endurance of addicted males.

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Background and Objective: Increasing the cost of energy in obesity preventing and treating and reducing its complications can be achieved by stimulating the factors including Irisin and FGF21 associated with browning of the white adipose tissue. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 12 weeks of light and heavy interval exercises on the level of irisin and FGF21 in obese and overweight women.
Methods: This clinical traial study was done on 35 overweight and obese women (39.8±3.85 years old and body mass index 27.1±3.37 kg/m²). The subjects were divided randomly into three groups of interval exercises including Heavy (n=12), light (n=12), and control (n=11) groups. The training program included 12 weeks of heavy and light interval exercises for 25 to 60 minutes per session and three sessions per week. Before and after the training period, irisin and FGF21 serum indices were measured for each subject.
Results: Serum level of FGF21 increased only after 12 weeks of heavy interval training (P<0.05). However, there was no change in serum irisin levels after both heavy and light interval exercises. Body fat percentage, waist to hip ratio, and BMI Subjects of light and heavy interval exercises reduced and VO₂max increased significantly compared to control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: 12 weeks of low and heavy interval training without altering serum levels of irisin have a beneficial effect on increasing VO₂max and improving body composition. Also, heavy interval training has a significant increase in FGF21, Which can be effective in weight loss through the browning of white adipose tissue.
 

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Background and Objective: The diazinon insecticide is a strong acetylcholinesterase controller at the nerve terminals. This study was conducted to determine the effect of diazinon on functional tests and tissue alterations in rat liver.
Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats were allocated into 5 groups including the first, second and third experimental groups were received 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg/bw of diazinon, respectively, orally during 21 days. The control group did not receive any medication and the sham group received solvent. At the end of study, blood samples were obtained from animals and Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) hepatic enzymes, total protein, albumin and bilirubin were measured. After anesthesia the liver of animals were removed and evaluated by hematoxylin eosin histological staining methods.
Results: The level of AST and ALT enzymes in the experimental groups receiving 100 and 150 mg/kg/bw doses of diazinon significantly increased in compared to the control group (p<0.05). The level of ALP of animals in all groups receiving diazinon was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). Total protein level significantly reduced in all groups receiving diazinon compared to the control group (P<0.05). The level of albumin in the experimental group receiving 150 mg/kg/bw dose of diazinon significantly reduced in comparision with controls. In the experimental groups, tissue samples showed more necrosis with increasing doses of diazinon.
Conclusion: Diazinon increases level of liver enzymes and decreased total protein and albumin level and causes the histological alterations in rat liver.

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Background and Objective: Ovarian cancer, also known as “The Silent Killer,” is one of the most dangerous cancers for women, which often diagnosed late and incurable. On the other hand, conventional therapies currently have limitations, failures and various side effects. This study was performed to determine the effect of pomegranate peel extract on the expression of angiogenesis stimulating gene (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor: VEGF) by culturing A2780 cell line of ovarian cancer.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, pomegranate peel extract was prepared and then ovarian cancer cells (A2780 cell line) were exposed to different concentrations of pomegranate peel extract (500, 250, 100, 75, 50, 25 and 10 µg/ml) for 48, 24 and 72 hours. Also, the survival rate of the cells was tested by MTT assay and VEGF gene expression was evaluated using RT-PCR.
Results: Pomegranate peel extract concentration of 500 µg/ml reduced the survival rate to 18% in 72 hours (P<0.05). At concentrations of 200, 100 and 50 µg/ml of pomegranate peel extract, the expression of VEGF reduced by 7%, 16% and 19%, respectively, which was significant compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Pomegranate peel extract, due to its numerous compounds and significant antioxidant properties, is likely to reduce metastasis and malignant manifestations by reducing the expression of the angiogenesis agent.