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Compared with older children and adults, neonates are more sensitive to pain and more vulnerable to long-term effects. Despite the clinical importance of neonatal pain, current medical practices continue to expose infants to repetitive, acute, or prolonged pains. This specific intervention are necessary for reduced the neonatal pain experiences. This is an experimental study of determine the effectiveness of skin contact between mother and her healthy full-term newborn to reduce pain experience by the infant during intramuscular injection. The sample population was 30 healthy full-term newborns delivered at university hospital in Gorgan. The samples and controls were chosen randomly. During intramuscular injection case group was being helped by their mothers under cloth that directly were contact with their abdominal and chest skin and newborn in control group swaddled in crib on the bed before, after and during injection. Behavioral responses (Facial changes, crying, …) and physiologic responses (Heart rate and O2 saturation of arterial blood) of newborns were noted before, after and during intramuscular injection. The results show that there was no significant difference in behavioral and physiologic responses caused by pain between two groups, except crying time (38.2 second in control group and 35.5 second in case group). Finding from this study indicate that skin-to-skin contact has a clinically important effect on the pain of intramuscular injection, if we can prepare physically and emotionally a good situation.

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Background & Objective: Giardiasis is one of the most prevalent human intestinal parasites, especially among children aged between 2 to 12 years old. In this study, the effects of Giardiasis on serological levels of Zinc and Iron elements were determined. Materials & Methods: A total of 100 children aged under 12 years who were admitted to the pediatric departments of hospitals affiliated to Mazandaran University with gastrointestinal complain, and diagnosed as having Giardiasis by stool examination (Direct and Formalin-ether technique and trichrome stain) in the parasitology department, were enrolled as the case group. The control group consisted of 100 age-matched healthy children. A questionnaire including age, physical growth status and clinical symptoms were completed. Serological levels of Zinc and Iron were measured by atomic absorption spectophotometer in all samples in Shilat of Mazandaran. Results: In this study, serum Iron levels were 67±25 µg/dl and 77±23 µg/dl and Zinc levels were 64±20 µg/dl and 96±23 µg/dl in case and control group, respectively. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the serological levels of these elements, which was much higher in serum Iron levels (P<0.05). Conclusion: These results revealed those serological levels of Zinc and Iron decreased during Giardiasis due to malabsorption.

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Background&Objective: Considering the high prevalence of Tricomonas vaginalis (TV) in women and the known side effects of metronidazol, herbal drug therapy in order to reduce drug side effects has been considered increasingly in recent decades. This study was done to determine the effect of Artemisia aucheri Boiss, Zataria multiflora Boiss and Myrtus communis L. on Trichomonas vaginalis. Materials&Methods: This study was done on samples extracted from 100 patients with vaginitis due to Trichomona. The parasite was isolated from vagina and determined directly. Identification was done through direct smear preparation. Parasite was added to the 5 test tubes containing Dorse medium, metronidazole. dimethyl sulfoxaide (DMSO), Artemisia, Zataria and Myrtus extraction with concentration of 0.1, 0.01 ml in order to determine the effect of these concentrations within 72 hour. Results: Trichomonas could be alived in Dorse medium for 72 hours, in presence of metronidazole for one hour and in Dorse medium for 6 hours. Also, methonolic extracts of Artemisia are effective at concentration of 0.1 after one hour and 0,01 after 4 hours of the inoculation. Methanolic extracts of Zataria at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.01 and the Myrtus extract at concentration of 0.1 are effective at beginning of inoculation but the Myrtus extract at concentration of 0.01 is effective after one hour. Conclusion: Considering the acceptable effect of metanolic extracts of these plants on trichomonas in in-vitro conditions, it is recommended that , the therapeutic effects of the substances from these plants to be studied in in vivo conditions and in case of having positive effect to be used as a drug.

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Background & Objective: Dyslipidemia and smoking are among the most important medical problems in human society. Their share in the mortality of coronary heart disease (CHD) has led to multiple investigations about them. This study was done to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia and the effect of cigarette usage on it. Materials & Methods: This epidemiological cross-sectional study was carried out on 9632 persons selected randomly in Tehran urban with a minimum age of 20 years and over. We measured fasting blood sugar, blood sugar 2 hours after 75 grams oral glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol. Degree of physical activity was registered according to Lipid Research Clinics classification. Anthropometrics data, social condition, family history and smoking exactly delineated. Our patients were divided into: those having normal lipid profile and primary dyslipidemia (without any risk factor for dyslipidemia) and secondary dyslipidemia (having one or more risk factors such as diabetes mellitus). ANOVA, t.test, and logistic were used to analyze the level of significance. Results: Our population sample consisted of 5619 female and 4013 male. 68.5% of our cases had dyslipidemia. 65.8% of females and 72.3% of males had at least one type of dyslipidemia. There were 1085 smokers (11.4%) that 73.2% of them were dyslipidemic. With comparing smokers to nonsmokers shows that in smokers HDL.cholesterol, LDL.cholesterol and total cholesterol had decreased and triglyceride increased (p<0.05). Conclusion: Tehran population suffers from dyslipidemia. Large number of secondary dyslipidemia and smoking highlighted the importance of education to overcome to these preventable and modifiable factors.

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Background and Objective: Sexual function is an important aspect of quality of life, and reflects on the physical, psychological and mental well being of the individual. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Tibolone on sexual function, in healthy postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was done on 96 postmenopausal women with no absolute contraindication for hormone replacement therapy. Women were divided into two groups: 52 women in Tibolone group received Tibolone 2.5mg/day + Ca-D (500 mg +200 IU) and 44 women in placebo group received only Ca-D (500 mg +200 IU) for six months. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 6 months of treatment for hormone determinations. Sexual function was assessed by female sexual function index (FSFI) in six domains. Side effect and satisfaction was assessed. Data was analyzed by Paired and independent t-test, Chi Square and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: 41 women in Tibolone group and 40 women in placebo completed the study. Compare to baseline values and placebo, the Tibolone group significantly improved on all of six FSFI domains (P<0.05). Testosterone, FTI and FEI increased and sex hormone binding golobulin (SHBG) decreased about 57% in Tibolone group (P<0.05). Headache, weightening, vaginal spotting and bleeding, were observed in case groups. Conclusion: Tibolone significantly improved all aspects of sexual function and increased quality of life by desirable changes in level of sex hormones and SHBG in Post menopausal women.

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Background and Objective: Ageing is a bio-cognitive which can be described as a progressive and degenerating process in human. One of the major changes in the elderly is loss of teeth, which can affect on dietary intake and nutritional status. This study was designed to assess the dental health in elderly people in Gorgan, North of Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 subjects (211 female and 189 male) aged 60 years and above in two selected health centers in Gorgan-Iran. Data were collected by questionnaire and oral and dental examination. Data was analyzed by using SPSS-13 software and chi-square test. Results: The mean age of the subjects were 66.7+-6.7 Sixty percent of the participants were without natural teeth and forty percent had natural teeth. only 10.5 percent of subjects had complete natural teeth. 19.7 participants had decayed teeth. The mean of decayed teeth was 9.2 (rang 1-28) and filled teeth was 4.8 (rang 1-16) in 12.5 percent of participants. Age, level of education and level of income were significantly associated with the number of existed teeth (P<0.05). Conclusion: In regard to high prevalence of without natural and decay teeth in the elderly population, this study, it is recommended the serial assessment of dental health to be screened on routine bases.

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Background and Objective: Morphological alterations of hippocampus and dentate gyrus due to opium were reported in humans and animals. Also other evidences have shown that astrocytes actively participate in synaptic plasticity. This study was done to determine the conditioning place preference (CPP) on astrocytes number of Rat dentate gyrus by immunohistochemical technique.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar Rat weighted average 220-250 g were used. For behavioural tests, Rats divided into eight experimental groups. The Rats were received morphine at different doses (2.5, 5, 7.5 mg/kg) for three days by subcutaneous injection and sham groups, received saline dose (1 mg/kg) and then CPP test in them were investigated. 48 hours after behavioural testing animals were decapitated under chloroform anesthesia and their brains fixed and after tissue processing, slices stained with immunohistochemistery techniques. For morphometric study PTAH staining of astrocytes was used.

Results: The most dose responses of morphine was observed in 7.5mg/kg. The number of astrocytes in the controls (20.627±6.129) was similar to control-saline group (17.339±4.71). This difference was not significant, while the difference in the number of astrocytes in control group with morphine-treated experimental groups was significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion: We concluded that the phenomenon of conditioned place preference induced by morphine can cause a significant increase in the number of astrocytes of sham and experimental groups compared to controls.

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Background and Objective: Although multiple sclerosis is a disease affecting white matter of brain and spinal cord, but involvement of basal ganglions in some studies demonstrated a decrease in T2 sequence signals. This study was done to assess signal intensity of basal ganglions in T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in multiple sclerosis Materials and Methods: This case – control study was done on 30 multiple sclerosis patients and 30 controls in Imam Reza hospital, Kermanshah, Iran, during 2010. MRI images of multiple sclerosis of patients and control group were matched according to age and sex. The basal ganglia signals were identified based on involvement areas, number of plaques, and brain atrophy in T2 and flair sequences. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16, Chi-Square, Fisher exact test and independent t-tests. Results: Among the case group, 10 patients (33.3%) demonstrated low signals in right thalamus and 14 patients (46.7%) in left thalamus, which was statistically significant compared with control group (P<0.001). The presence of plaques in right and left globus pallidus was observed in 4 (13.3%) and 7 patients (23.3%) respectively. The presence of plaques in right and left thalamus was observed in 10 patients (33.3%) and 14 patients (46.7%) respectively, which was significant compared with control group (P<0.001). The presence of brain atrophy was observed in 18 patients (60%) in case groups and in one patient (3.3%) in control group (P<0.001). Conclusion: This study indicated that reduction of T2 signals in thalamus is a valuable finding in multiple sclerosis patients and it may facilitate the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

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Background and Objective: Candida albicans is the most frequent etiological agent of oral candidiasis. This study was done to compare the anticandidal effect of Thymus vulgaris and Myrtus communis to nystatin on Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: In this laboratory study thirty-two strains of Candida albicans isolated from patients with oral candidiasis. Yeast suspension of Candida yeast cells was provided, subsquntly a serial dilution from Thymus vulgaris and Myrtus communis and Nystatin in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium were prepared. Then a loop of Candida suspension was cultured on all of the solid media and was incubated at 25°C. The findings of fungus growing were recorded during 7 days. Results: MIC of Thymus vulgaris, Myrtus communis L, mix of these essences and Nystatin was 0.390µl/ml, 12.5 µl/ml, 0.78 µl/ml and 160 IU/ml, respectively. Conclusion: Thymus vulgaris contained antifungal activity against Candida albicans, but Myrtus communis demonstrated a very low activity against Candida albicans.

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Background and Objective: Onosma dichroanthum Boiss. is one of the most important mountainous medicinal plants in Iran. This study was done to determine the biomechanical evaluation of root extract ointment of Onosma dichroanthum Boiss. on wound healing in rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 18 male adult Wistar rats were randomly allocated into control (I), vehicle (II) and treated group with ointment containing of extract 1% of root of Onosma dichroanthum Boiss., (III). 20 mm vertical skin incision wound were made on rats back side. The assessment of the wound healing was carried out at day 14. At the end of study, rats were sacrificed, skin sample were extracted and evaluated by biomechanical method (maximum force, elastic stiffness, energy absorption). Results: There was no significant difference in biomechanical parameters among the treated, vehicle and control groups. Conclusion: Topical application of Onosma dichroanthum Boiss. root have no effect on healing of skin wound in animal model.

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Background and Objective: According to destructive consequences of untreated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), this study was done to evaluate of the prevalence of adult ADHD and its relation with depression among Iranian students. Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 414 students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran during 2010-11. ADHD was screened by ADHD self report scale for adult ADHD and asking DSM-IV criteria from parents for childhood ADHD. Beck depression inventory questionnaire was used to determine depression. Results: The prevalence of adult ADHD and childhood ADHD was 3.9% and 8.5%, respectively. Depression was more prevalent in those with adult or childhood ADHD. Depression was more prevalent in under graduate than post graduate students (P<0.05). Conclusion: Depression is more prevalent in students with adult ADHD or with history of childhood ADHD.

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Background and Objective: The degeneration of motor neuron in anterior horn of spinal cord can be caused by compression. Hyssopus officinalis of Laminacea family demonstrate antioxidant and anti-inflammation effects. This study was done to evaluate the effect of alcoholic extract of Hyssopus officinalis leaves, on motor neuron in spinal cord after sciatic nerve compression in male rats.

Methods: In this experimental research, 60 male wistar rats were randomly allocated into six groups including; control, compression, and compression + treatment (25, 50, 75, 100 mg/kg/bw). In order to induce compression, sciatic nerve of right leg was exposed to compression for 60 second using locker pincers. Extract injected intraperitoneally in the first and second week after compression. 28 days after compression under profusion method, the lumber spinal cord was sampled. The density of motor neurons (9-20 micron) was measured using dissector and stereological method.

Results: Density of neurons in compression group (611±34) significantly reduced compared to the control group (1658±30) (P<0.05). Moreover, neuronal density was significantly increased in
25 (1179±22), 50 (1260±20), 75 (1350±15) and 100 (1120±10) mg/kg/bw doses in treatment groups in compared to the compression group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Alcoholic extract of Hyssopus officinalis leaves exhibite neuroprotective effect on neurons in anterior horn of the spinal cord after injury. This effect probably is related to the antioxidant and anti inflammation properties in alcoholic extract of Hyssopus officinalis, dose dependly.

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Background and Objective: Use of cell-phone cause adverse effect of radiations in many people. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of cell-phone radiation during pregnancy on serum level of the testosterone, FSH, LH and sex cell lines in 60-day old offspring male rats.

Methods: In this experimental study, 24 rat's dams were randomly allocated into control, sham and interventional groups. Animals in control group have not been affected with the radiation and the interventional groups were exposed to cell-phone radiation from the beginning of pregnancy as much as 4 hours daily for 14 days. The sham group over the same period was exposed around cell-phone turning on without conversation. After childbirth and maturity 10 male offspring of different groups separated and after phlebotomizing, testosterone, FSH, LH was measured for each offspring. After anestasia, testis was removed, weighted, measured and throught histological method leydig, sertoli, spermatogonia and spermatid cells were counted for each offspring.

Results: weight and size of the testis, the volume of seminiferous tubules, the volume of interstitial tissues of seminiferous tubules, and spermatocytes, spermatid, sertoli and spermatogonia cells numbers were significantly reduced in interventional group in compare to control and sham groups (P<0.05) but reduction of leydig cells, FSH, testosterone and increasing level of LH in interventional group did not change significantly in comparision with control and sham groups.

Conclusion: Cell-phone radiations during pregnancy caused significantly reducing in sex cell lines but do not cause significant effect on FSH, LH and testosterone level in mature male offspring.

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Background and Objective: The synthesis of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in adipose tissue plays an important role in providing resistance and prevention of fat accumulation, weight gain and obesity. This study was done to evaluate the effect of eight weeks aerobic training with moderate and high intensities on serum levels of Irisin and UCP1 white adipose tissue in obese male rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 24 adult obese male Wistar rats (weight: 250 to 300 gr, BMI>30g/cm²) were randomly assigned into three groups including moderate aerobic training intensity, high intensity aerobic training and control group. The aerobic exercise training was included 8 weeks (5 sessions/per-week for 60 min per session). All training groups carried out aerobic training with 28 m/min (moderate intensity), aerobic training with 34 m/min (high intensity) on treadmill. 48 hours after the training period, the level of UCP1 and Irisin protein was measured.
Results: The level of UCP-1 in adipose tissue and serum Irisin in both aerobic training intensities increased compared to control group, but this increase only in aerobic training group with a moderate intensity was singnificant (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Eight weeks aerobic training with moderate intensity leads to increase of UCP-1 in adipose tissue and Irisin levels.

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Background and Objective: Middle age is associated with various biopsychosocial changes. Sexual health is one of the most important aspects of health, which is less addressed in middle age. The study aimed to determine the relationship between sexual self-concept and sexual health in middle-aged women in Gorgan, Iran.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was carried out on 428 eligible married women (mean age: 46.38±5.46 years) who had electronic records in one of the comprehensive health centers of Gorgan, Iran. Data collection was done in 2019 using a demographic checklist, the Persian version of Snell’s multidimensional sexual self-concept questionnaire, and the sexual health of middle-aged women scale.
Results: The mean score of sexual self-concept was 115.10±26.88 in the positive domain, 18.09±11.22 in the negative domain, and 39.92±11.88 in the situational domain. The mean score of sexual health was 129.18±18.71. There was a significant positive correlation between sexual health and the positive (r=0.67, P<0.001) and situational sexual self-concept (r=0.63, P<0.001). There was also a significant inverse correlation between sexual health and negative sexual self-concept (r=-0.48, P<0.001).
Conclusion: This study showed that the sexual health of married middle-aged women has a direct relationship with the positive sexual self-concept and an inverse relationship with the negative sexual self-concept.
 

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Background and Objective: Understanding the cellular signaling mechanisms involved in muscle hypertrophy is considered a scientific challenge. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is one of the regulatory factors in this process that increases protein synthesis in skeletal muscle through phosphorylation. This study aimed to determine the effect of six weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on phosphorylated mTOR protein in the quadriceps muscles of adult male Wistar rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 16 adult male Wistar rats (six weeks old and weighing an average of 190.93±4.97g) were used. The animals were randomly divided into two groups of control and training (n=8). The training group underwent six weeks of HIIT on a treadmill, with five sessions per week. The load was increased during the six weeks from repeating the interval of 30 meters per minute for 30 seconds in the first sessions to eleven repetitions of the interval of 35 meters per minute for 30 seconds at the end of the sixth week, with rest intervals between the intervals at a speed of 13 meters per minute for 60 seconds. The control group did not undergo any training. The mice were anesthetized, and the Vastus lateralis of the quadriceps muscle was extracted. The level of phosphorylated mTOR protein in the quadriceps muscle was measured using the immunohistochemical method.
Results: HIIT significantly increased the levels of mTOR phosphorylation protein in male Wistar quadriceps femoris muscle compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Interval activity can have a positive effect on muscle hypertrophy through mTOR.
 

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The rise in patients seeking corneal refractive surgery, despite having systemic autoimmune diseases, underscores the need for special considerations when treating these individuals. Recent studies have expanded our knowledge in identifying and evaluating autoimmune disorders and their potential side effects in the results of corneal refractive surgery with laser. This study briefly examines the pathogenic factors, clinical aspects, and possible complications in patients with systemic autoimmune disorders subjected to these surgeries. In total, 132 articles were selected for this research among the reviewed studies. Considering that the release of various cytokines caused by systemic autoimmune disorders can lead to destructive corneal consequences, the need for early diagnosis before any laser surgery for refractive errors seems essential. Although procedures such as LASIK and PRK are commonly performed on patients with autoimmune disorders, important considerations must be made. Studies have not yet confirmed definitive contraindications to laser refractive surgery for autoimmune disorders.

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Background and Objective: Obesity is a well-known public health problem that affects people of all ages. It has myriad effects on several body tissues, including the thyroid, in both human and animal models. Some treatments, such as dietary modification and physical activity, may be effective or ineffective in reducing obesity. Accordingly, the present research investigated the effects of obesity on thyroid tissue and the impact of diet modification and aerobic exercises on histopathological and hormonal changes in the thyroid tissue of obese male rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, for obesity induction, 50 three-week-old male Wistar rats were exposed to a high-fat diet (including 40% fat, 40% protein, and 20% carbohydrate) for 12 weeks. Then, 25 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: healthy control, obese + high-fat diet, obese + normal diet, obese + high-fat diet + aerobic, obese + normal diet + aerobic. After the induction of obesity, 2 groups were given a standard diet (including 20% fat, 10% protein, and 70% carbohydrates). Aerobic exercises for 8 weeks included 30 minutes per day, 8 m/min, and 5 days per week. After anesthesia, an autopsy was performed, and the thyroid tissue was sent to the laboratory for histopathological studies. Also, 5 cc of blood was taken to study TSH, T3, and T4 using a radioimmunoassay kit.
Results: The serum levels of TSH hormone increased slightly in the high-fat diet groups compared to the control group and the normal diet with/without aerobic activity group. Also, the amount of T3 hormone in the group receiving a normal diet along with aerobic activity was significantly lower than in the control, high-fat diet, and high-fat diet along with aerobic activity groups (P<0.05). The T4 hormone increased significantly in all obesity groups compared to the control group (P<0.05), and these values were at the level of the control group (P<0.05) only in the group receiving the normal diet along with aerobic activity. Regarding the histopathological results, many changes were found in the follicular, parafollicular, and follicle cells of the thyroid tissue in the obesity group continuing the high-fat diet; these changes were significantly reduced in the groups for which the diet was changed to the normal diet alone and with aerobic activity.
Conclusion: Induction of obesity causes significant structural and biochemical changes in the thyroid, and the combination of diet modification and aerobic activity is more effective in alleviating these changes.