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Background and Objective: Jaundice is a common problem among neonate undiagnosed case finally lead to kern-icterus, with significant increasing rate of subsequent morbidity. This study was done to determine the etiology of of severe indirect hyperbilirubnemia in term neonates. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional descriptive study was performed in Taleghany hospital of Gorgan on neonates admitted due to severe hyperbilirubinemia from Sep 2004-Sep 2005. Severe hyperbilirubinemia was considered as bilirubin≥18 mg/dl in term neonates weighing more than 2500g. Bilirubin (total, direct), blood culture, retic count, coombs test, level of glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme, complete blood cell count, mother's and neonate's blood group, urine culture and C-reactive protein tests were measured. Results: 766 term neonates (>2500g) were hospitalized due to hyperbilirubinemia. Severe hyperbilirubinemia was detected in 12% of cases (54 boys, 38 girls). The etiology of 41 cases were unknown, 25 cases were diagnosed as sepsis, 15 neonates were glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme deficient, 7 cases had UTI, 3 neonates had ABO incompatibility and one neonate was due to breast feeding. Conclusion: This study indicated that the most common etiology of severe hyperbilirubinemia in this region is unknown. Sepsis, glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency, UTI, ABO incompatibility and breast feeding were among other reasons for severe indirect hyperbilirubinemia.

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Background and Objective: Change in the cell surface and extracellular matrix glycoconjugates has been reported in many cancers. Moreover, diagnostic and prognostic importance of these substances and also their roles in therapeutic modalities for cancerous patients has been emphasized. This study was designed to explore the histochemical study of cellular mucopolysaccharides in esophageal and gastric carcinoma and its relation to tumor differentiation. Materials and Methods: In this laboratory study tissue samples of 40 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and 40 patients with stomach adenocarcinoma in different grades of tumor were selected from pathology department of Emam Reza hospital in Mashhad, Iran. Tissue samples were stained with Alcian Blue (PH 1 and PH 2.5) for Sulfated and Carboxylated mucosubstances respectively, along with positive and negative controls. Results: Normal esophageal epithelium and carcinoma cells of different grades showed negative reactivity but normal and tumoral stromal cells depicted positive staining in both PHs. In PH 1, normal glandular and carcinoma cells of the stomach were negative but in PH 2 glandular cells were positive though carcinoma cells showed weakly staining. Normal and tumoral gastric stromal cells showed positive staining in PH 1 and PH 2.5. Conclusion: It is highly probable that in the process of cancerization of normal esophageal squamous cells, functional changes, from the perspective of producing Carboxylated and Sulfated mucosubstances, do not occur, whereas some changes in glandular cells of stomach which result in diminishing the production of Carboxylated mucosubstances during cancerization process are observable.

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Background and Objective: The neurohypophysis originates from the floor of diencephalon. Its development controles by several cellular interactions that mediated by some molecules such as cell surface and extra cellular matrix Glycoconjugates terminal sugars. In this study we used lectin histochemichal technique to evaluate distribution of the Glycoconjugates and their changes during development of neurohypophysis. Materials and Methods: This experimental study carried on 40 female and 20 male adult Rats. After mating and appointment day zero of pregnancy, pregnant Rats were sacrificed from days 10-20 of gestation and their embryos were collected for histochemical study. The serial section of head specimens were fixed and incubated with different HRP-lectins from Orange fungus (OFA) Vicica villosa (VVA), Glycine max (SBA), Wistaria floribunda (WFA), peanut (PNA), Griffonia simplicfolia (GSA1-B4), Lotus tetragonolobus (LTA) and Ulex Europeus (UEA-1). OFA, LTA and UEA-1 lectins are specific for terminal sugars α-L–Fucose and WFA, SBA, VVA and PNA are specific for D-GalNAc, α, ß-D-GalNAc and GalNAc, D-Gal-(ß-1-3)- D-GalNAc of complex glycoconjugates respectively. Results: Our findings demonstrated that the reaction of neurohypophysis cells with OFA initiated from gestational GD10 and increased to GD15 (P<0.05) and then increased to GD17 (P<0.05). A few cells of neurohypophysis reacted with PNA from GD13 to GD16 and decreased afterward (P<0.05). Some cells of neurohypophysis reacted with SBA from GD14 to GD18 and decreased afterward (P<0.05). Reacting of many cells of neurohypophysis with WFA started on GD13 and increased to GD15 (P<0.05) and then decreased afterward (P<0.05). Neurohypophysis cells showed no reaction with the UEA-1, LTA, VVA and GSA1-B4 lectins. Conclusion: The expression of Glycoconjugates with terminal sugars α-L–Fucose, α, ß-D-GalNAc and D- Gal– (ß-1-3)- D-GalNAc have importanct role and special spatiotemporal situation in neurohypophysis development.

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Background and Objective: Continuous antigenic variation of Influenza a viruses causes a major concern to develop Influenza vaccine. Conserved antigens are suitable candidates for vaccine production due to its non-requirement to match the designed strains with circulating strains. The M2 gene is conserved among Influenza a viruses and has potential to be considered as a universal vaccine. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of aqueous Echinacea purpurea extract on immunogenicity of DNA vaccine encoding M2 gene of Influenza virus. Materials and Methods: This interventional study was carried out on female BALB/c mice with 3-4 week age (250-300 gr). Plasmid DNA encoding M2 gene (pcDNA-M2) of Influenza virus A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1) was transformed into E.coli top10 f' and cultured in LB broth media. Large scale plasmid preparation was done and the concentration was measured by spectrophotometric method. Mice were divided into eight groups and immunized three times with fifteen days apart. Vaccine groups received inactivated Influenza virus or pcDNA-M2, alone or in combination with Echinacea extract. Control groups were injected pcDNA, Echinacea extract, and phosphate buffer. All animals were left to bleed before immunization and at 21 days after the last vaccination and specific anti-M2 antibodies were measured by indirect ELISA. Then the mice were intranasally challenged under an aesthesia with mouse-adapted PR8 Influenza virus and monitored for 3 weeks to evaluate the vaccine regimen efficacy in reduction of mortality rate compared to control groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16, One-way ANOVA and Kaplan–Meier tests. Results: The highest specific immune response was obtained in mice received inactivated virus plus extract (P<0.05). Immune responses in mice inoculated with pcDNA-M2 were significantly higher compared to all control groups mice (P<0.05). In addition the specific immune responses in group inoculated with pcDNA-M2 and aqueous extract was higher compared to the group receiving only pcDNA-M2 (P<0.001). The highest survival rate was observed in mice injected with inactivated virus or pcDNA-M2 plus extract. Conclusion: This study showed that pcDNA-M2 induced specific immunity and protected mice against lethal challenge with PR8 Influenza virus. Furthermore, application of Echinacea extract with M2 gene vaccine increased vaccine efficacy.

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Background and Objective: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common in psychology and Methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH) is one of the most frequently prescribed pediatric medicine. This study was done to determine the effect of Methylphenidate hydrochloride on ovarian and pituitary gonadotropin hormone in peripubertal mice Materials and Methods: This experimental study was done on 40 preipubertal female mice (BALB/c) with three weeks age and approximate 12-15 gram. The mice were allocated randomly in one control and three experimental groups, designated as I, II and III. Animals in group I, II and III were received by gavage Methylphenidate hydrochloride with 2, 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight for six days, respectively. At the end of experiment body weight, serum estrogen, progesterone and pituitary gonadotropins were measured. Morphometric and histopathological evaluation of ovary were examined. Data were analyzed using SPSS-17, ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results: The body weight and ovary dimensions of animals in experimental groups were reduced significantly in comparison with control (P<0.05). Abnormal cells, structural alternations of granules cells and follicular growth abnormality were observed in experimental groups I and III in compare to control group. A significant reduction of estrogen, in group I, progesterone levels in group I and III were observed in comparison with the controls (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the Methylphenidate hydrochloride administration induces the reduction of body weight, ovary dimensions and hormones.

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Background and Objective: Cryptorchidism or undescending testis is a developmental defect and occurred in 2-4% of male newborns. This study was done to determine the pattern and risk factors of cryptorchidism in Gorgan, northern Iran. Methods: In this cohort study, 2851 male newborns were examined for cryptorchidism at the birth and follow up for one year after birth in Dezyani referral teaching hospital in Gorgan, northern Iran during April 2010 - December 2011. Mother ethnicity, working in farmland, addiction, consanguinity, age, infant maturity and birth weight were recorded for each subject. Results: The rate of cryptorchidism was 18.9 per 1000 live birth. Bilateral and unilateral cryptorchidism was 11.7 and 7.1 per 1000, respectively. The rate of cryptorchidism in preterm newborns (30 per 1000) was significantly higher than the term (20 per 1000) and post term (11.4 per 1000) newborns (P<0.05). The Mean±SD of newborns weight with unilateral cryptorchidism (3024±537grams) was significantly lower than the healthy newborns (3253±489 grams) (P<0.05). The rate of cryptorchidism in Turkmens (10 per 1000 births) was significantly lower than Fars (21 per 1000 births) and Sistani (23 per 1000 births) newborns (P<0.05). One year Follow up of newborns showed that 41 (77.3%) testes were descent to scrotum. Conclusion: Low births weight, prematurity and ethnicity are the main risk factors of cryptorchidism in northern Iran.

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Background and Objective: Imperforate anus is a common anorectal malformation, which is associated with other anomalies. This study was done to determine the associated malformations in newborns with imperforate anus in northern Iran. Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 40 hospitalized newborns (24 boys and 16 girls) with imperforate anus in Taleghani teaching hospital in Gorgan, northern Iran during 2006-10. Results: From 40 newborns with imperforate anus, 23 newborns (57.5%) had associated anomalies. The commonest associated anomalies was genitourinary (65.2%) followed by heart (47.8%), gastrointestinal (13%) and musculoskeletal anomalies (8.7%). Conclusion: Associated anomalies in newborns with imperforate anus in northern Iran have a high prevalence in comparison with other reports.

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Background and Objective: Nicotine is an addictive substance and Ritalin is a medicine which has been prescribed for treatment of hyperactivity / attention deficit disorder (ADHD). This study was done to evaluate the effect of Ritalin and nicotine and combination of Ritalin and nicotine on daily sperm production and epididymal sperm reserve in mice. Methods: In this experimental study, 120 adult male BALB/c mice were randomly allocated into one control group and 11 experimental (treatment) groups. Animals, in the first, second and third treated groups were received nicotine at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 microgr/kg/bw, respectively. Mice in fourth and fifth treated groups were received Ritalin at doses of 2 and 10 mg/kg/bw, respectively. Animals in sixth and seventh treatment groups were received nicotine in 400 microgr/kg/bw and Ritalin in 2 and 10 mg/kg/bw and in eighth and ninth groups, nicotine at dose of 200 microgr/kg/bw and Ritalin at doses of 2 and 10 mg/kg/bw, respectively. Animals in tenth and eleventh treated groups were received nicotine as dose of 100 microgr/kg/bw and Ritalin at doses of 2 and 10 mg/kg/bw, respectively. Ritalin and nicotine were administrated orally for 40 days. At the end of study, daily sperm production and epididymal sperm reserve were measeared. Results: The daily sperm production was significantly reduced in the groups with high consumption doses of nicotine and different doses of Ritalin and the majority of groups which used the combination of Ritalin and nicotine (P<0.05). The epididiymal sperm reserve was significantly increased in experimental groups of 8, 9, 10 and 11 which were received the combination of Ritalin and nicotine in different doses (P<0.05). Conclusion: The combination of Ritalin and nicotine reduces daily sperm production and it incereases epididiymal sperm reserve in adult BALB/c mice.

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Background and Objective: Birth defects are important causes of childhood morbidity and disability. This study was done to determine the incidence and pattern of birth defects in live birth in cities of Golestan province, north of Iran. Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 92420 live births in 13 hospitals in Golestan province, northern Iran from 21 January 2008 to 20 March 2011. The newborns were examined for the presence of birth defects. Gender, type of birth defects and residency of parents according to city in Golestan province was recorded for each newborn. Results: The incidence rate of birth defects, in Gorgan, Kordkoy, Aliabad and Gonbad was 20.46, 12.53, 10.86, and 8.99 per 1,000 live births, respectively. The incidence rate of birth defects western area (including Kordkoy, Bandargaz and Kordkoy), center (Gorgan, Capital city) and eastern area (including Aliabad, Gonbad, Minodasht and Kalaleh) of Golestan province) was 9.3, 20.46 and 8.79 per 1,000 live births, respectively. Cardiovascular anomaly was the most frequent birth defects. Conclusion: The incidence rate of birth defects varies in diferent area of Golestan provine and overally was lower than the other region in Iran.

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Background and Objective: Different organizers are involved in spinal cord development and differentiation by sending various messages. Specific glycoconjugates secreted from the cells of lateral wall of spinal cord can also act as neurogenesis and neural differentiation messengers. This study was carried out to determine the distribution of sugar compounds in the lateral walls of spinal cord during mice morphogenesis using lectin histochemistry method. Methods: In this experimental study, sections of BALB/c mice from 10-16 embryonic days were fixed in formalin and then histological sections were prepared. Tissue samples for reaction to the glycoconjugates were incubated with DBA, OFA, GSA1B4 and MPA lectins. Alcian blue with pH equal 2.5 was used for background staining. Results: DBA lectin did not react with the lateral wall of the spinal cord. MPA lectin showed severe reaction but consistent, especially in nerve fibers of the lateral wall of spinal cord. GSA1B4 lectin showed weak reaction in the cells and nerve fibers of the spinal cord, but severe reaction was clearly observed in blood vessels. OFA lectin showed severe reaction with α-L-Fucose terminal sugar in the lateral walls of the spinal cord in early stages of morphogenesis. Conclusion: The most reaction in the lateral walls of the spinal cord was related to OFA, which reflects the importance of fucose terminal sugar by connecting (1→6) to the penultimate sugar N-acetyl-D-glocosamin (Glc-Nac) in the development of spinal cord. Due to severe reaction of GSA1B4 to blood vessels of spinal cord, use of this lectin for vascular studies, is recommended.

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Background and Objective: Soybean as a cheap protein and without side effects has been introduced to food industry. This study carried out to determine the effect of diet containing soybean on histology and histomorphometry of duodenal villi and serum levels of Calcium, Phosphorus and Glucose in mice.

Methods: In this experimental study, 30 female immature BALB/c mice with 3 weeks of age were randomly allocated into control, and experimental 1 and 2. The control group was fed a diet with complete protein. Animals in the experimental 1 and 2 were received a diet of complete protein with 40% soybean and 20% soybean, respectively. After 3 months the mice were anesthetized and blood samples were taken from the heart for determining serum level of Calcium, Phosphorus and glucose. Duodenum specimens from were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin.

Results: Tissue structure of duodenum in experimental groups in compare to control group was not significantly changed, except for some scant specimens who showed some degrees of destruction in villi apicese. In histomorphometrical evaluation, the thickness of sub - mucosa and musculature were significantly increased in experimental groups compared to the controls group (P<0.05). The height of villi, depth of crypts and serum Glucose level were significantly reduced in experimental groups compared to the controls group (P<0.05), whereas the level of Calcium was significantly increased in experimental with the control group (P<0.05), but the level of Phosphorus did not show any significant changes in experimental groups compared to the controls.

Conclusion: Long term consumption of soybean can induce significant alteration in serum Calcium and glucose level, thickness of sub mucosa and musculature, the height of villi and depth of crypt in duodenum.

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Background and Objective: Trauma is the most important causes of lossing effective life in human comunities, and it is the second leading cause of death in Iran. This study was done to determine the pattern of penetrating injuries and intrathoracic organ damage in Gorgan, north of Iran.
Methods: In this descriptive study, data of 107 patients with penetrating injuries whom referred to
5th Azar hospital in Gorgan-Iran during 2016-17 were collected. Age, gender, job, type, location and cause of injury were recorded for eacgh subject.
Results: The mean age of patients was 26.13 years. The most frequent job was related to unemployed group (39.25%). The most freqent causes of trauma were quarrel with 78.5%. The most divice were knife with 66.35%. Lung was the most injured organ with 11.21%. The least damage was to the large vessels with one case (0.93%). The two patients died due to heart and subclavin vessels injuries.
Conclusion: This study showed that injury due to knife was the most prevalent of penetrating trauma in street strife in northern Iran.

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Background and Objective: Researches has shown that exercise and nutrition exercises can have a different effect on serum Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF( levels and resting blood pressure in young people. This study was done to determine the effect of a period of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with omega-3 supplementation on the serum levels of BDNF and resting blood pressure in inactive male students.
Methods: In this clinical trail study, 32 non-athlete male students were randomly divided into control, supplements, training and training + supplement. Subjects in supplementary group were received daily (2000 mg) of omega-3 capsules. The training groups were also subjected to HIIT training for 6 weeks. The training + Supplemental group also included a combination of the same training program were associated with omega-3 supplementation. BDNF levels were measured by ELISA method 24 and 48 hours perior the exercise protocol and after the last training session. Blood pressure disturbances were also evaluated at the same time and before blood sampling according to the recommendations of the British Heart Association.
Results: The serum levels of BDNF in the group after 6 weeks in the training + supplementation group and the training group increased significantly compared to the pre-test values (P˂0.05). Also, a significant difference between-group training + supplementation group and training, supplementation and control groups were observed (P˂0.05). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly reduced in training + supplementary, training and supplementation groups compared to pretest values (P˂0.05). A significant reduction in systolic blood pressure in the training + supplementation group was observed compared to supplemental and control groups (P˂0.05).
Conclusion: HIIT combined with supplementation with omega-3 supplementation improved the BDNF serum level and reducing resting blood pressure in inactive male students.

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Background and Objective: Sodium levothyroxine is one of the common medicines used for treatment of hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer. The study was done to determine the effect of sodium levothyroxine on knee articular cartilage tidemark integrity, plateau tibia cartilage thickness (calcified and non-calcified) and liver enzymes in induced hypothyroidism rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 50 adult female BALB/c mice, weighting 25-30 grams were randomly allocated into one control and four experimental groups. Animals in control did not receive any medicine. Animals in the second group were received different increasing doses of sodium levothyroxine daily for 8 weeks. Animals in the third group were received constantly high dose of levothyroxine daily for 8 weeks. In the fourth group, the animals became hypothyroid with propylthiouracil (PTU). In the fifth group, animals with hypothyroidism were received sodium levothyroxine by gavage same as group 2. After 8 weeks serum samples were taken to determine ALT, AST and ALP. The plateau tibia cartilage stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Histologic changes evaluated by light microscopy. Using a light microscope equipped with camera, the samples were photographed and using a computer equipped with axiovision software. Cartilage (calcified and non-calcified) thickness measured in micrometer. The integrity of tidemark line on hematoxylin-eosin staining also evaluated.
Results: The results of the present study showed separation, disruption and destruction in tidemark line in group 3 (the group with high dosage of sodium levothyroxine from the beginning of the treatment). The total cartilage and non-calcified part thickness in groups 3, 4, 5 were reduced and in group 3 showed significant reduction (P<0.05). Calcified cartilage thickness in all groups were reduced and in group 3 showed significant reduction (P<0.05). ALT level decreased in all groups compared to control group but only in the second and third groups, the decrease of ALT was significant (P<0.05). AST serum level in all groups significantly increased in compared to control group (P<0.05). ALP serum level in all groups increased compared to the control group, but this increase was significant only in the groups 4, 5.
Conclusion: Consumption of sodium levothyroxine with constantly high dose can cause severe alteration in knee joint cartilage in hypothyroidism rats.

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In December 2019, the new acute respiratory disease spread in China presented with fever and dry cough known to be resulted from the new Corona Virus as the COVID-19. In Iran, the first case was reported on 20th of February 2020. Our management team in Golestan University of Medical Sciences held an immediate meeting to decide how to manage the cases suspected to the COVID-19.The two main hospitals had been selected as the Corona center in the Golestan province, northern Iran. Admitting patients other than COVID-19 has been stopped in these hospitals, and all patients had been transferred to the other hospital in Gorgan city and those in the recovery state had been transferred to a hotel prepared for this purpose. The capacity of Sayyad-e-Shirazi hospital was 300 bed for admission and 25 ICU beds that had been increased to 44 ICU beds (30 percent increases) to be prepared for COVID-19 admission. Clinical groups and specialists had been organized with special duty for each part. After 3 months of COVID-19 crisis, Sayyad-e-Shirazi hospital with 300 beds is in a good shape and admission of severe cases has been decreased.

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Myocardial infarction is characterized by the interruption of blood supply to part of the myocardium, leading to tissue damage. Acute myocardial infarction rarely affects young adults. However, considering the possibility of its occurrence, particularly in the presence of risk factors such as obesity and smoking, can help provide appropriate and timely diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Herein, were present a case of acute myocardial infarction in a young adult male.
 

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Background and Objective: Celiac disease is a malabsorption disorder that could result in various psychological consequences if patients do not adhere to a gluten-free diet. This study aimed to determine the frequency of major depressive disorder and its relationship with adherence to a gluten-free diet among patients with celiac disease.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 47 patients with celiac disease (30 women and 17 men) with an average age of 40.88 ± 10.7 years who had been referred to the Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology during the summer of 2019. Patients were invited to complete a 13-item Beck Inventory. Celiac Dietary Adherence Test (CDAT) was used to assess adherence from the patients' point of view, and Standardized Dietician Evaluation (SDE) was used to evaluate adherence to the diet from the interviewer's perspective.
Results: Overall, 28 people (59.6%) with celiac disease reported some degree of depression. Based on the SDE, the adherence rate of patients to a gluten-free diet was 83%. The association between adherence to a gluten-free diet and the prevalence of depression was not significant. There was also no significant association between the prevalence of depression and the gender and age of patients.
Conclusion: Based on the results, a high percentage of patients with celiac disease have symptoms of depression. However, there is no significant relationship between adherence to a gluten-free diet and the prevalence of depression.
 

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Background and Objective: Molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃) is a type of nanoparticle used in the industry as an antibacterial agent. The kidney is one of the most important organs in the body, responsible for filtering waste products and regulating blood factors that are affected by various agents. Due to the widespread use of MoO₃ in disinfecting operating room equipment and the importance of renal glomeruli in blood plasma purification, this study aimed to determine the effect of molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles on rat kidneys.
Methods: In this experimental study, thirty Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into five groups (n=6), including a control group, a sham group (receiving normal saline), and three experimental groups (receiving MoO₃ at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/bw IP). Intraperitoneal injections were given for 35 days. After the treatment period, the animals were anesthetized, and blood samples were collected from the heart. The right kidney was then removed, and after tissue preparation, the samples were examined by stereology to determine changes in the volume of cortex, medulla, urinary space, renal body, and glomeruli.
Results: Significant increases in urinary space volume were observed in the groups receiving MoO₃, and a decrease in medulla volume was observed in the group receiving a dose of 200 mg/kg/bw compared to the control and sham groups (P<0.05). A significant increase in cortex volume was observed in the group receiving nanoparticles at a dose of 50 mg/kg/bw compared to the control and sham groups. MoO₃ caused weight reduction in animals, as well as an increase in urea and a decrease in renal volume (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles can cause changes in the morphology of rats' kidneys.
 

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Background and Objective: In recent years, studies have been conducted to determine the prevalence rate of congenital abnormalities in different regions of Iran, most of which were conducted on live births. This study was conducted to determine fetal abnormalities in pregnancies leading to legal abortion in Golestan province.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 199 pregnant women with a gestational age of less than 20 weeks with abortion licenses from the Forensic Medicine Center of Golestan province over 9 months during 2018-19. Demographic characteristics, including parents’ age, ethnicity, and family relationship, and the type of fetal abnormalities were recorded.
Results: Given 29,460 births in Golestan province over a 9-month period, the prevalence of fetal abnormalities was determined to be 6.75 per thousand births. The incidence rates of fetal abnormalities were determined to be 6.78, 6.68, 7.69, and 5.65 per thousand births in native Fars (80 cases), Turkmen (65 cases), Sistani (34 cases), and other (20 cases) ethnic groups, respectively. Since the gender of 80 fetuses was unknown, the incidence rates of abnormality were determined to be 4.36 and 3.72 per thousand births in female (63 cases) and male (56 cases) fetuses, respectively. The most common fetal abnormalities included central nervous system (n=49, 24.62%), chromosomal abnormalities (n=47, 23.61%), and cardiovascular impairments (n=26, 13.06%). The incidence of fetal abnormalities was not found to have a statistically significant relationship with parents' age, ethnicity, and family relationship.
Conclusion: The most prevalent fetal abnormality was related to central nervous system disorders. The incidence of fetal abnormalities had no relationship with the parents’ age, ethnicity, and family relationship.

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Background and Objective: Breast cancer has a high prevalence and mortality rate in the world and also in Iran. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is one of the treatment methods to improve patient survival. This study aimed to determine the response rate to NAC in patients with locally advanced breast cancer based on common molecular receptors.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 100 patients with breast cancer (mean age= 41.14±10.06 years) referring to the surgical clinic of the Fifth Azar Educational and Therapeutic Center in Gorgan, Iran during 2013-18. Patients without distant metastasis underwent NAC treatment regimen followed by surgery. Demographic characteristics, types of drugs, and molecular receptor characteristics, and their response to treatment were recorded in a checklist. Treatment response and overall patient survival were evaluated.
Results: The mean tumor size before NAC was 3.01±2.47 cm (range= 0-8, median= 2) and 16% were determined to be grade one, 52% were determined to be grade 2, and 32% were determined to be grade 3. Thirty-six percent of patients had a positive family history. Forty-six percent were estrogen receptor (ER) positive, 40% were PR positive, 22% were human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her-2) positive, and 78% were Her-2 negative. Thirty-six percent had a Ki-67 index greater than 30%. Eighteen percent of patients had a complete pathological response, and 82% had a partial or negative response. In terms of family history of breast cancer, Her2, ER, progestrone receptor (PR), Ki-67 receptor status, histological grade, tumor size, and axillary lymph nodes, there was a significant statistical difference between the two groups with and without complete pathological response (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The rate of complete pathological response to NAC in patients with locally advanced breast cancer was 18%.