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Background & Objective: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are regarded as one of the most common infectious diseases. A remarkable percent of urinary tract infections are asymptomatic. In some cases of urinary tract infections, significant bacteriuria is not present. One the etiologic agents of culture negative genitourinary tract infections, which can be transmitted through intercourse, is Chlamydia Trachomatis. On the basis of high incidence of negative results of urine culture (Up to 60%) in patients suffering from UTI referring to Bou-Ali infectious hospital and taking into consideration the importance of genitourinary Chlamydial infections, we decided to study prevalence of Chlamydia Trachomatis in urine sample of patients with UTI referring to this hospital. Materials & Methods: This research was a descriptive study on the 320 patients referring to Bou-Ali infectious hospital in Zahedan, which were chosen by non-randomized sampling. One early morning urine sample was taken from these patients. After centrifugation, sediment of samples was used as antigen for Chlamy-check-I ELISA kits. Results: Out of 320 urinary specimens, 95 specimens (29.69%) were positive and 225 specimen (70.31%) were negative for Chlamydia Trachomatis. From 95 positive samples, 43 person (45.2%) were male and 52 person (54.73) were female. In both sexes the highest percent was related to 20-29 years old group. Conclusion: In accordance with above reported prevalence rate and bearing in mind the consequences of inappropriate treatment of Chlamydial infections (PID, infertility, extra uterus pregnancy, epididiomitis) the importance of precise treatment of Chlamydial infection and necessity of providing laboratory facilities for accurate and rapid diagnosis of Chlamydial infections in the area with high incidence of culture negative urine specimens is recommended.

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Background&Objective: Due to side-effects of diabetes mellitus in pregnancy, the rapid diagnosis and its treatment is very important. The aim of this study is to determine gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) incidence in pregnant women. Materials&Methods: This survey is an analytic cross sectional study that evaluated 401 pregnant women in Babol Obstetrics Clinic. A Glucose Challenge Test (GCT) was done for all of the high risk women for diabetes in the first trimester and for other pregnant women in 24-28 gestational weeks. If GCT was positive (Blood sugar>135 mg/dl one hour after oral administration of 50gr Glucose), then a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) was done. For women with a positive GTT, the diagnosis was GDM. Results: In 401 pregnant women with a mean age of 24.69±5.31 four patients had overt diabetes (1%). In another 397 women, a GCT was done and 44 women (11% of all patients) had a positive GCT and 19 patients (4.7% of all patients) had GDM of those with GDM 26.3% need insulin therapy in addition to a diabetic diet. We noted there was also a positive relation between age and impaired GCT (P<0.05). Conclusion: GCT is recommended as screening test in 24-28 gestational weeks for all pregnant women.

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Background & Objective: Bombesin (BBS) is a tetra-decapeptide amino acid neuropeptide in central nervous system within a variety of mammalian species. Also it has many biological effects that may be effective in modulation of anxiety. The aim of present study was to determine the effect of BBS on modulation anxiety reaction in elevated plus maze (EPM) in mice.

 

Materials & Methods: 60 male mice (25-30 g) were used in this study. Bombesin in doses of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 µg/kg IP or saline was injected in different groups 10 min before of evaluation. Five minutes later for increase of activity, animal was put in black box for 5 min. Then each animal in regulated time transferred to standard elevated plus-maze and the time spent in the open arms and the ratio of open arm entries during 5 min, were measured. The data analyzed by using ANOVA and Tukey test.

 

Results: BBS in dose dependently manner increase which the anxiety reaction in mice. Animals had spent lower time and ratio of open arm entries in compare with control group significantly (P<0.05) and BBS only in dose of 1.25 µg/kg did not showed significantly effect.

 

Conclusion: This study indicated that Bombesin in dose dependently manner have important role in modulate anxiety reaction in EPM in mice.

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Background & Objective: Many evidence indicated that action of glucocorticoid receptors can modulate anxiety behaviors and these effects probably mediated by nitric oxide (NO) system. Thus, in this study, we investigated interaction between corticosterone and NO on anxiety behaviors in mice in elevated plus maze (EPM).

Materials & Methods: In this experimental study male albino mice (25-30 g) were used. A standard EPM was used to determine anxiety behaviors. Two behavioral measures were used that include of the percentage of time spent in the open arms and the ratio of open arm entries to total entries during 5 min. Animals received IP injection of L-Name 30 mg/kg as an inhibitor or L-Arginine 50 mg/kg as a synthesis of NO or saline 60 min and corticosterone (1, 2.5, 5 mg/kg) 30 min before of evaluation.

Results: Analysis of data indicated that corticosterone at doses of 1 and 2.5, but not 5 mg/kg significantly reduced anxiety behavior in mice (P<0.05). Also pretreatment of L-Name potentiate but injection of L-Arginine had inhibition of corticosterone effects (P<0.05).

Conclusion: This study revealed that glucocorticoid induces anxiolytic effects and these effects probably potentiate by NO inhibitor and reduced by NO synthesis. Therefore, it seems that there are interaction between of glucocorticoid and NO system for control of anxiety behaviors.

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Background & Objective: The effects of acute and chronic exposures to opiate drugs on anxiety process are controversial. Acute morphine injection showed the beneficial effects on anxiety. Morphine withdrawal induced severe anxiety response in morphine dependence rats. Whereas, the effects of chronic administrations of morphine on anxiety process are less studied. Furthermore, this study was designed to assess the role of morphine dependence on the level of anxiety in Rat. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, Twenty male Wistar rats (250-300 gr) were made dependent by chronic administration of morphine in drinking water that lasted at least 21 days. Control groups received only sucrose in their water. This study utilized the elevated plus- maze model to evaluate anxiogenic-like behavior in rats. Four fundamental behavior patterns were recorded for 5 minutes: the time spent on open arms, the number of entries into open arms, stretched-attend posture and defecation. Immediately after test, the locomotor activity of each animal was tested by using an automated activity monitor system. The data were analyzed by independent t-test and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Finding indicated that the time spent on open arms and the numbers of entries into open arms were significantly shorter in morphine dependence group than control group (P<0.05). Also, the numbers of stretched-attend posture and defecation were significantly higher in morphine group (P<0.05). Whereas, there were no significant differences between groups in locomotor activity. Conclusion: This study showed that dependent rats may rapidly predispose anxiogenic- like effects in stressful conditions and without the effect on motor activity.

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Background and Objective: Aloe barbadensis Miller plant was used for treatment of wound healing in traditional medicine. However it has different and sometimes contradictory effects. In this study the effect of Aloe barbadensis Miller gel on skin incisional wound healing in Rat was investigated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, forty male wistar Rats were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups including: sham operated, control and two treatment groups. Under deep anesthesia, an incision (3cm, full thickness) was made over skin of the back in Rats. The animals of sham group received no treatment. Control group received topical cold cream twice per day (from beginning to end of experiment) and treatment groups' similarliy received topical Aloe barbadensis Miller gel mixed with cold cream (25% and 75%). For computing the percent of wound healing, the area of wound measured at the days 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 after beginning of experiments. Results: Aloe barbadensis Miller gel at concentration 25% and 75% significantly improved wound healing at 12th day and 8, 10 and 12th days, respectively in comparison with control group. Conclusion: This study indicated that local administration of Aloe barbadensis Miller gel, accelerate the skin incisional wound healing in Rat. This healing is related to the gel concentration.

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Background and Objective: The incidence of ectopic pregnancy is increasing due to artificial reproductive technology and increasing rate of sexual transmitted diseases. Ectopic pregnancy is the most common cause of maternal mortality in the first trimester and it reduces the chance of future successful pregnancy. Identifying the risk factors can help to reduce the maternal mortality and morbidity due to early diagnosis and on time treatment. This study was carried out to assess the risk factors in ectopic pregnancy in northern, Iran. Materials and Methods: This case control study was carreid out on 150 patients with ectopic pregnancy as cases and 300 women with normal pregnancy as controls. The subjects were selected from teaching hospital in Babol in northern Iran, during 2005-09. The risk factors include history of tuble surgery, ectopic pregnancy, cesarean section, pregnancy with IUD, infertility, assisted fertility with IUI, multiple partener, pre-eighteen years marriages were recorded for each subject by direct interview and file. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and Chi-Square and exat Fisher tests. Results: Theraputic assisted fertility with IUI (95% CI: 3.02-185.09, OR: 23.6, P<0.05), previous ectopic pregnancy (95% CI: 1.90-73.94, OR: 8.19, P<0.05) and cesarean section history (95% CI: 1.1-2.6, OR: 1.7, P<0.05) increased the possibility of ectopic pregnancy. There was not significant differnces between pre- eighteen years marriages, infertility history and multiple partener in cases compared to controls. Conclusion: This study showed that assisted fertility with IUI, previous tubal surgery, pregnancy with IUD, previous ectopic pregnancy and cesarean section are the main risk factors of ectopic pregnancy in northern, Iran.

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Background and Objective: Research have been focused on the applying the chemical inducer for trans-differentiation the adult BMSCs into neural cell. So that, at the first should investigate the toxcity effect of the chemical inducer on the induced cells. Plasticity and easy accessibility of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells is a unique charactristic for treatment of neural disorderies. This study was desgined to determine the inductive effect of Deprenyl and Dimethyl sulfoxide on proliferation and survival of the mesenchymal stem cells. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, BMSCs isolated from the adult rat bone marrow and cultured in αMEM containing 10% FBS. Cell identity for surface antigens was performed in third passage by immunocytochemistry and multipotancy capacity of BMSCs was done by BMSC differentiation into adipocytes and osteocytes. The cells were exposed to chemical agents (a: the αMEM medium supplemented with 2% DMSO, b: the αMEM medium supplemented with 10^-8M Deprenyl) for 24 houres and then transferred to αMEM containing 10% FBS cell survival and proliferation was evaluated after the 24, 48, 72 and 96 houres by MTT [3-(4-5-Dimethylthiazolyl-2-y1)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromid] test. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16, One-Way ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results: In addition to expression the surface antigens and adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation by BMSCs, MTT test results showed that proliferation and survival of induced-deprenyl and DMSO cells within 48, 72 and 96 hours after the induction was increased significantly than negative control group. Conclusion: Deprenyl increases survival and cell proliferation compared to Dimethyl Sulfoxide. It can be used as cell inducer.

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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: The Detection of neurologic signs for topographical disorders in central nerves system can prevent unnecessary neuroimaging techniques such as MRI. This study was performed to determine the diagnostic value of physical examination for topographic detection of infratentorial lesions in patients with cerebrovascular syndromes. Methods: This descriptive study was done on 200 patients with cerebrovascular syndrome in Qaem Hospital in Mashhad, north-east Iran during 2011. Regarding to topographic physical examination, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and accuracy of signs of syndromes were compared to MRI as gold standard method. Results: The accuracy of tetraparesis and crossed syndromes for localization of brain lesion in brainstem was 79% and 83%, respectively. The accuracy of hemiataxia for localization of brain lesion in ipsilateral cerebellar hemisphere was 98%. The accuracy of Wallenberg syndrome for localization of brain lesion in posterolateral medulla was 98%. Conclusion: Using clinical neuro-examination skills and accurate topographic physical examination can prevent unwanted MRI technique for the diagnoses of cerebrovascular syndromes.

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Background and Objective: Thyroid hormones have a key role in regulation of metabolism and function of the tissues. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of alcoholic extract of Portulaca Oleracea on serum level of thyroid hormones in hypercholestrolemic rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 60 adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into six groups including: control group with normal diet, fat diet group with high fat diet and interventional groups were received high fat diet and alcoholic extract of Portulaca Oleracea with maximum dose (800 mg/kg/bw), moderate dose (400 mg/kg/bw), minimum dose (200 mg/kg/bw) intraperitoneally for 21 days and finally, animals in atorvastatin group were received high fat diet with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/bw, intraperitoneally) for 21 days. After the end of this period, T3, T4, TSH and total cholesterol measured for each animal. Results:Serum level of T3 and T4 in the experimental groups which were received Portulaca Oleracea extract and atorvastatin group significantly increased in compared to controls (P<0.05). Serum level of TSH level significantly reduced in the experimental groups which were received Portulaca Oleracea extract and atorvastatin group in compared to controls (P<0.05). The serum total cholesterol level significantly reduced in the experimental groups which were received Portulaca Oleracea extract and atorvastatin group in compared to fat diet group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Portulaca Oleracea extract with increasing of secretion of thyroid hormone reduced the total cholesterol and TSH animals with hypercholesterolemia.

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Background and Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common progressive neurologic disorder among young adults. This disease leads to lesions regarded to as demylinating plaques which are scattered in the white matter of CNS hence create various neurological problems. This study was done to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks selective training program with instructions focus of internal and external attention on statical balance of MS patients. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 23 MS patients were non-randomly divided into, two interventional and one control groups. Training program for two interventional were carried out in 8 weeks, three sessions per week, and each session lasted about one hour. Pre and post test to evaluate the fall risk of subjects using Biodex system was performed in three groups. Results: Statical balance was significantly improved in the two interventional compared to control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The training program with instructions focus of internal and external attention significantly improves statical balance of MS patients.

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Background and Objective: Brain is not able to produce new neurons by neurogenesis after maturity. Neurogenesis after the maturity was reported in Hippocampus and subventricular areas in the brain. Rosa canina L has various vitamins and other valuable compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoid, carbohydrates and fatty acids. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the alcoholic extract of the fruit of Rosa canina L plant on neuronal density of the hippocampus in animal model.
Methods: In this experimental study 24 adult male mice were randomly allocated into 4 groups including: control and three treatent groups. Animals in treatment groups 1, 2 and 3 were received the alcoholic extract with extract with a dose of 25, 50, 75 mg/kg/bw intraperitoneally (IP), for 21 day continuously with an invertal of 24 hours, respectively. Animals in control group were received normal saline injection. One month after the first injection, the animals were anesthetized and brain gently was out of the skull. After processing, seven-micron serial sections were stained with blue toluidine and erythrosine. Different regions of the hippocampus were photographed and neuronal density was evaluated by stereological methods and was compared with control group.
Results: The mean neuronal density of CA1 area of hippocampus in control and the treated group with a dose of 25, 50, 75 mg/kg/bw was 55±2, 70±3, 65±3 and 61±2, respectively. Neuronal density significantly increased in treatment group with dosage of 25 mg/kg/bw in compared to control group (P<0.05). The mean neuronal density of CA2 and CA3 area of hippocampus in treated group with a dose of 25, 50, 75 mg/kg/bw was not significant in compared to controls.
Conclusion: This study showed that the alcoholic extract of the fruit of Rosa canina L plant with dosage of 25 mg/kg/bw increase neurons of the mice hippocampus.

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Background and Objective: Learning is the acquisition of information that makes this possible, and memory is meant to store this information. Millet contains proteins, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants needed to preserve the life and health of mammalian cells. This study was conducted to determine the effect of alcoholic extracts of seed of millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) on spatial memory in mice.
Methods: In this experimental study, 24 male rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups. Hydrochloric extract of Prossu millet was prepared by Soxhlet method and injected into three treatment groups with doses of 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg/bw by intraperitoneal injection for 21 days. Animals in control group were received normal saline. After one month from the first injection, learning behaviors and memory tests were performed. Mauritius water maze was used to evaluate the spatial memory. Also, shuttle box method was used to determine passive avoidance of spatial memory.
Results: The results showed that the mean time for finding the platform between the control group and alcoholic treatments in doses of (75 mg/kg/bw) was significantly different (P<0.05). Also, the mean time of training and test time in control and treatment groups receiving alcoholic extract showed a significant difference, indicating that this extract had a significant effect.
Conclusion: Alcoholic extract of millet seed with dosage of 75 mg/kg/bw improves the learning and spatial memory of male mice.

 

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Background and Objective: Irrational consumption of blood products leads to unwanted side effects in patients and imposes additional financial burdens on society and patients. This study was done to determine the pattern of consumption of packed red blood cells (PRBC) in hospitalized newborns and children.
Methods: This prospective descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 80 newborn (less than 4 months age) 36 children (more than 4 months to 16 years old) who used PRBC in Sari Bu-Ali Sina hospital, north of Iran. Demographic characteristics of patients and parameters of blood product were recorded and compared with standard guideline.
Results: During the study period, administration of 116 units of PRBC (28.5%) was studied. Totally, in 24 % of cases PRBC consumption did not follow the guideline. PRBC consumption was inappropriately prescribed for patients with hemoglobin higher than 12 g/dL (12%) and for patients with hemoglobin higher than 10 g/dL (12%). Both of the consumption volume to weight ratio (P<0.05) and rate of infusion (P<0.05) were significantly higher in children less than or equal to 4 months, than in children older than 4 months. The most commonly indications were respiratory distress syndrome in neonates (62.1%) and bone marrow suppression (14.7%).
Conclusion: A significant percentage of patients were received PRBC out of guideline recommendations.  It seems, for rational use of PRBC in children and neonates the existing guidelines should be more considered to reduce the cost and side effects.
 

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Background and Objective: Aspartame is a kind of artifical and non-sugar sweetener that is used as a sugar substitute in some foods and beverages. This study was done to determine effect of Aspartam on histomorphometric alterations, kidney function and expression of Bcl2, Bax, Caspase 3, P53 Genes in Mice.
Methods: In this experimental study, 36 adult male NMRI mice were allocated into four groups including control group and three experimental groups. The mice in the control group received 0.3 ml of distilled water by oral gavage for 90 days and the experimental groups received 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg aspartame, respectively orally and daily. One day after treatment, blood and kidney tissue samples were taken to evaluate biochemical, histomorphometric alterations and gene expression.
Results: Renal capsule diameter, glomerulus diameter and height of the epithelial layer of distal and proximal tubules were significantly reduced in treated groups compared to control group with increasing dosage of aspartame (P<0.05). However, the size of the urinary space and the diameter of the lumen of distal and proximal tubules were significantly increased in treated groups in compared to control group (P<0.05). The level of blood nitrogen urea (BUN) and creatinine significantly increased treated groups in compared to the control group with increasing dosage of aspartame (P<0.05). Also, with increasing dosage of aspartame, Bcl2 gene expression significantly reduced in treated groups in compared to the control group (P<0.05) however expression of Bax, Caspase 3 and p53 genes were significantly increased in treated groups compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Aspartame can cause changes in biochemical, histomorphometric indices, expression of Bcl2, Bax, Caspase 3 and P53 genes in mice kidney.