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Background and Objective: Most of the diagnostic methods of Helicobacter Pylori infection are invasive and time consuming. This study compared salivary IgG with serum IgG in diagnosis of H.pylori infection in dyspeptic patients in order to search for a non-invasive, cheaper and more tolerable method. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional diagnostic study, during one year (Feb 2002-Feb 2003) 200 consecutive patients (Age range 11-83) referring to Imam Khomeini Hospital. For upper gastroduodenal endoscopy were recruited. Three biopsy specimens were obtained from antrum and body of the stomach and three from duodenum. Histological examination (Hematoxylin-Eosin and Gimsa), rapid urease test and culture were performed. Saliva and serum were obtained before endoscopy and IgG antibody level were determined by ELIZA using Randim Kit (Roma, Italy). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were evaluated by SPSS soft ware. Results: Salivary IgG correctly identified 120 out of 146 H.pylori infected patients (82%). Salivary IgG assay showed high sensitivity in the detection of H.pylori infected patients (88.2%). Specificity and positive predictive value of Salivary IgG were higher than those of serum (84.4% versus 83.1% and 92.3% versus 91.9%). Conclusion: Salivary IgG assay can be used as an alternative to other non-invasive methods for screening of H.pylori infected patients.

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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: Low back pain (LBP) is common in youth, although `associated with chronic pain in adults. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of LBP in school children age 11-14. Materials&Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on school children aged 11-14 in north of Iran. Using random multistage sampling 5000 children were selected. Demographic, mechanical and lifestyle data as well as the prevalence and LBP characteristics were collected by a questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS (version11) software. Results: Of the original sample, 4813 (96.2%) children returned the questionnaire. Point, last month, last 6 months and annual prevalence were 15%, 14.4%, 15.6%, and 17.4%, respectively. LBP was significantly correlated with age (p<0.05), lifting (p<0.05), position and duration of watching TV, doing homework and duration of exercise (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that the prevalence of LBP in school children is relatively high. Further studies evaluating the effect of different preventive strategies to reduce the prevalence of LBP in school children is strongly recommended.

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Background and Objective: The findings of various research indicated that there are different responses to painful thermal stimulation in male and female Rats. In different estrous phases there are different pain thershold border line due to hormonal reaction. Regarding to anti-nociceptive effect of henbane seed. This study was designed to assess the anti-nociceptive afficacy of alcohole extract of henbane seed in different phases of estroes cycle of female Rates. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 92 female NMRI strain rats weighing 195-220 grams randomly were divided into three, control, experimental and positive groups. Male Rats (n=8) were chosen as control group. To measure the threshold of acute pain, all animals were exposed to the tail immersion test using 52 degree c water. In the experimental group, alcoholic extract of henbane seed (2000 mg/kg) was injected, intraperitoneally, 25-30 minutes before the tail immersion test. Afterwards, in the all of control and experimental groups of female rats the smear samples were taken to determine the sexual phases. In addition, the analgesic effect of henbane was compared with anti-nociceptive effect of sodium salicylate (300 mg/kg). Results: Injection of alcoholic extract of henbane seed, diminished the tail immersion test-induced acute pain in female rats significantly (P<0.05). also, no significant differences of analgesic effect of henbane extract were seen among various phases of estrous cycle in female rats. There is no significant differences of analgesia between henbane and salicylate-treated groups. Conclusion: This study determined that female rats in different phases of estrous cycle have similar pain thresholds and the alcoholic extract of henbane seed is effective in the relief of pain in the various phases of estrous cycle.

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Background and Objective: Reduction of serum glucose and lipids in diabetic patients due to medicinal plants is clinically very important. Therefore, the effect of Allium schoenoprasum feeding on blood glucose and lipids was investigated in male streptozotocin-diabetic Rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, male Wistar Rats (n=32) were divided into 4 groups, i.e. control, Allium schoenoprasum -treated control, diabetic, and Allium schoenoprasum -treated diabetic groups. The treatment groups received oral administration of plant-mixed pelleted food at a weight ratio of 6.25% one week after the study for 6 weeks. For induction of diabetes, streptozotocin was administered at a dose of 60 mg/kg (i.p.). Serum glucose and lipids levels were determined before the study and at 3rd and 6th weeks after the study. Results: Serum glucose was significantly lower in Allium schoenoprasum -treated diabetic Rats at 3rd and 6th weeks as compared to untreated diabetics (p<0.05). In addition, serum total cholesterol did not show a significant change at 6th week in Allium schoenoprasum -treated diabetic Rats as compared to untreated diabetics. There was also a significant lower level of triglyceride in Allium schoenoprasum -treated diabetic Rats (p<0.05) and Allium schoenoprasum treatment caused significant improvement in HDL- and LDL- cholesterol levels in treated diabetic group as compared to untreated diabetic group (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that oral administration of Allium schoenoprasum to streptozotocin-diabetic Rats at a food weight ratio of 6.25% has a significant hypoglycemic effect, reduces serum triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol level and increases serum HDL-cholesterol.

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Background and Objective: Hemodialysis is one of the common therapulic proceduce for terminal renal failure. Insufficient and low efficient hemodialysis increases the mortality rate, therefore the assessment of hemodialysis efficacy is important. This study was done to determine the hemodialysis efficacy based on urea reduction ratio (URR) model and kt/v (Clearance Time Volume) criteria in Gorgan, Northern Iran. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive and analytical study 113 heomdilysis patients were selected prior to hemodilysis and five minutes after pump stopping, arterial blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was measured and then kt/v and URR were calculated. Also kt/v relations with weight, gender, educational level, length of hemodialysis session, blood flow rate, TMP (Terans Membran Presure), filter Ku/f (Clearance Ultrafiltration), preliminary disease, time of hemodialysis per week and the type of vessel access were determined. Data analyzed using SPSS-13 and independent t-test, chi-square, fisher exact test and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The mean of hemodilysis history was 37 months and mean of Patient's ages were 51.6 years. 77.9% of subjects had hemodialysis efficacy according to Kt/v and URR critrial. There was a statistical significant correlation between hemodialysis efficacy and time of hemodialysis session, blood flow rate, time of hemodialysis per week and type of vessels access (P<0.05), but there was not any significant correlation between hemodialysis efficacy and weight, gender, education, TMP, filter Ku/f and preliminary disease. Conclusion: This study suggested that hemodialysis efficacy in this center was better that other studies in Iran.

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Background and Objective: The pregnancy period is very sensitive and complicative stages of life. It has been shown that addictive drugs such as ecstasy (MDMA: Methylene Dioxy Metha Amphetamine) can interfere in this stage. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Methylene Dioxy Metha Amphetamine administration during pregnancy on reproductive system of BALB/c mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 10 and 5 female BALB/c mice were randomly selected as cases and controls, respectively. The pregnancy was induced following ovarian hyperstimulation with PMSG and hCG followed by mating with male animals. MDMA (5 mg/kg) and saline was injected intraperitoneally in day 7 and 14 of pregnancy in experimental and controls, respectively. The ovarian structure, as well as uterine tube, uterine horns and body, and vagina were studied histologically using light microscopy 27 days post delivery date. Data analyzed by using SPSS-17 and Chi-Square and Fisher exact test. Results: The rate of primary follicles was decreased from 18.42% in experimental to 33.33% in controls (P<0.05). The rate of mature follicles was significantly increased in experimental mice as compared to controls (P<0.05). The number of atretic bodies was lower in experimental than controls. The cellular alterations were observed in some portions of uterine tubes and uterine horns after ecstasy administration. However, no alterations observed in other parts of reproductive system. Conclusion: This study showed that MDMA cause some structural alterations in the uterine tubes and uterine horns, increase follicular maturation and reduction of follicular atresia in BALB/c mice.

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Background and Objective: The identification of fungi agents causes allergic rhinitis is crucial for the appropriate diagnosis prophylaxis and treatment of patients suffering from the disease. This study was done to evaluate the prevalence of fungi in patients with allergic rhinitis in Shahrekord, Iran. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was done on 124 patients whom referred to Kashani hospital in Shahrekord, Iran during 2009. 62 patients with allergic rhinitis were selected as case group and 62 patients without allergic rhinitis were considered as controls. Direct smear and culture of nasal secretion were performed to identify the fungi. Also IgE level's were measured for all participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16, Chi-Square and independent t-tests. Results: The fungi from culture medium of nose exeretion were isolated from 15 (24%) cases and 5 persons (8%) in control group. The most common isolated fungi were Aspergillus (8%) and Penicillinum (6.5%). In direct smear the fungi agent were found in 23% and 8% in case and control groups respectively. The IgE titre in 31% of cases with allergic rhinitis was higher than 100 IU/mL, but this titre of IgE only was seen in 4.8% of control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the fungi can be considered as induce of allergic rhinitis.

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Background and Objective: Diabetes mellitus cause learning, memory and cognitive skills disorders in the long term. This study was conducted to determine the protective effect of silymarin on the learning and memory deficiency in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 40 male Wistar rats weighing 240-300 grams. The rats were randomly allocated into 5 groups: control, silymarin -treated control (100 mg/kg), diabetic, and two silymarin -treated diabetic groups (50 and 100 mg/kg). Silymarin was daily administered (i.p. and daily) ten days after streptozotocin injection for 4 weeks. Finally, initial (acquisition index) and step-through latencies (retention and recall index) were measured using passive avoidance test and alternation behavior percentage as an index of spatial memory was determined using Y maze. The level of malondialdehyde in the homogenate hippocampal tissue of the animals brains was measured. Data were analyzed using Sigma Stat-3.5, one-way and two-way ANOVA, Tukey, and Kruskall-Wallis tests. Results: A significant reduction of STL was observed in diabetic (P<0.01) and silymarin-treated (50mg/kg) diabetic (P<0.05) groups and this parameter was significantly higher in diabetic group receiving a high dose of silymarin compared to diabetic group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, alternation percentage in diabetic animals was significantly lower than control group (P<0.05) and this index did not show a significant difference in silymarin-treated diabetic groups in comparison with diabetic group. In diabetic rats, there was a significant increase in the tissue level of malondialdehyde (P<0.05) and silymarin treatment with dosage of (100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the level of MDA (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that although long-term administration of silymarin at a high dose (100 mg/kg) affects the ability to store data in memory and to recall it in diabetic animals in passive avoidance test, it does not improve short-term spatial memory in diabetic animals. The beneficial effects of silymarin may be via attenuation of lipid peroxidation in hippocampus tissue.

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Background and Objective: Anxiety and depression are experienced following addicted patients durg withdrawal. This study was done to determine the effect of methadone and valproate combination on morphine withdrawal-induced anxiety and depression in male mice. Methods: In this experimental study, ninety-eight male mice were allocated into acute and chronic categories. Animals in acute chronic categories allocated into seven groups including: saline, morphine, methadone (10 mg/kg/bw), valproate (150 mg/kg/bw), three groups of valproate+methadone, in of ratio 1:1, 2:1 and 1:2. Animals were received escalating dose of morphine for 8 consecutive days except saline group. In chronic group, drugs were injected for 30 minutes before morphine administration, while in acute group the drugs were used only at day 8. Anxiety and depression due to naloxone injection (5 mg/kg/bw) was investigated by elevated plus-maze, tail-suspension and open field tests. Results: In the chronic group, valproate + methadone (2:1) combination therapy showed a significant increase in the percentage of open arm entries (53.86±1.9) and percentage of time spent in the open arm (58.58±4.15) compared to the morphine group, with a percentage of entering (28.12±2.03) and percentage of time (17.88±1.77) (P<0.05). In open field test, the ratio of the number to the duration of time spent in the central square, in the combination therapy groups of methadone+valproate (27±2), valproate+methadone (1:2) and valproate+methadone (2:1) were significantly increased in compare to the morphine group (P<0.05). In tail-suspension test, duration of immobility as an indicator of depression, in the treatment group of valproate+methadone (2:1) was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Conclusion: Valproate and methadone combination therapy particularly in ratio of 2:1 can reduce morphine withdrawal-induced anxiety and depression in animal model.

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Background and Objective: With respect to the antioxidant role of melatonin and retinoic acid, it seems to be effective both in the maturation and embryonic development. This study was done to investigate the effect of combination of melatonin and All-Trans retinoic acid (RA) on maturation, fertilization and embryonic development of immature mouse oocytes. Methods: In this experimental study, cumulus - oocyte complex (COCs) were recovered from 4-6 week old female mice NMRI and were divided into 6 maturation medium groups including control, sham, experiment 1(melatonin 100 nM, 1 and 2 µM), experiment 2 (retinoic acid 1, 2, 4, 6 µM), experiment 3 (melatonin 2 µM+RA 4 µM), experiment 4 (Mel 100nM + retinoic acid 4µM). The maturation rate was recorded after 24 hours of culture in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 at 37°C. The matured oocytes were fertilized with sperm. Fertilization and embryonic development rates to the blastocyst stage were recorded. Results: Maturation rate in the control and sham groups were 50.6% and 49.4%, respectively. Maturation rate were 54.3%, 54.8%, 59.9% in melatonin group with concentrations of 100 nM, 1 and 2 µM, respectively. Maturation rate were 51.6%, 51%, 59% and 49.6% in t-RA group with concentrations of 1, 2, 4, 6 μM. Maturation rate were 60.4% and 54.2% in the experiment 3 and 4 groups, respectively. The maturation rates in the melatonin 2 µM, retinoic acid 4 µM and experiment 3 significantly increased in compare to control (P<0.05). The embryonic development rate in the melatonin with 100nM concentration and 4 µM of retinoic acid increased significantly compared to controls (P<0.05). Although, embryonic development rate in experiment 3 was higher than control, but lower in compare to melatonin 100 nM and the retinoic acid 4 µM. The embryonic development rate in experiment 4 significantly increased in compare to control (P<0.05). Conclusion: Combination of melatonin and All-Trans retinoic acid in medium culture increase maturation rate and improved embryonic development in dose dependent manner.

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Background and Objective: Dietary intake of β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin may be associated with reduce the risk of insulin resistance, due to their antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between dietary intake of β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin and the risk of insulin resistance in adults.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 938 (421 men and 517 women), aged between 19 to 82 years were selected from among participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study in Iran. Dietary intake of β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin were determined using a valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire. Fasting serum glucose and insulin were measured at base line and again after a 3-year of follow up. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the occurrence of insulin resistance across tetiles of β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin with adjustment for potential confounding variables.

Results: The mean age of participants was 40.7±12.1 years. β-carotene was inversely associated with insulin resistance after adjustment for confounder variables (95% CI= 0.25–0.72, OR= 0.42, P-value for trend=0.01). Also, an inverse association was found between dietary intake of β-cryptoxanthin and insulin resistance risk (95% CI= 0.30-0.84, OR= 0.51, P-value for trend=0.01).

Conclusion: There was inverse association between dietary intake of β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin and risk of insulin resistance in adults.

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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.