---

Background&Objective: Abusing the married women are among one of the most difficult problem in many countries. In the study, mental health status of spouse abused women was evaluated. Materials&Methods: 1186 women were selected randomly from all districts of Tehran, undergoing spouse abuse questionnaire and general health questionnaire (GHQ-28). Collected data were analyzed by SPSS software with t-test and multiple regression analysis. Results: In 1186 study case, 1013 women (85.4%) experienced emotional abuse, 374 ones (31.5%) physical abuse, 360 ones (30.4%) sexual abuse and 206 ones (17.4%) all types of abuse. Also, the abuse victims suffered worse status of general health (p<0.05). Examining relation between all types of abuse, as a predictive factor ,and general health aspects as an(y) factor,with multiple regression analysis revealed a positive relation, i.e. experiencing any type of abuse could predict worsening of general health (p<0.05). Conclusion: Spouse abused women suffer a worse status in general health. Also they showed emotional disorders. The victims of sexual and physical abuse suffered worse than victims of emotional abuse.

---

Background&Objective: The breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. The normal and malignant breast tissue are under the regulatory effects of esteroid hormones and growth factors including HER-2/neu. The purpose of this study, is to determine the expression of estrogene receptor (ER) progesterone receptor(PR) and HER-2/neu among Iranian women with invasive breast cancer. Materials&Methods: The study is descriptive and cross-sectional that was performed on 50 samples of patients with invasive breast cancer in Imam-Khomeini Hospital-Sari (2005-06). After preparing the samples four tissue sections from each sample was obtained then H&E and IHC staining were performed. Results: In our study, the patients were between 28-88 yrs, (mean:52/6). ER and PR and HER-2/neu were positive in 80%, 72% and 57.1% of cases, respectively. Concurrent positive ER and PR was 70%, meanwhile 62.9% of these patient were also positive for HER-2/neu. 20% of the cases showed negativity for both ER and PR and of these 83.4% were also negative for HER-2/neu. Conclusion: In our study ER expression by itself is equal to previous studies in textbooks but PR expression, HER-2/neu and concurrent expression of ER&PR are higher in our study. Interestingly HER-2/neu expression is near to what was previously proposed by Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization and Kerman University of Medical science. It seems that racial and geographic factors are contributed for these diffrences.

---

The brachial plexus is the plexus of nerves that supply the upper limb. Anomalies in the formation of lateral cord of brachial plexus and communication between its branches are commonly observed but the variation of the course of lateral cord is very rare. We observed that lateral cord of brachial plexus and its branch had a different configuration in dissecting room in Bandar Abbas medical school. Here, the lateral cord pierced the coracobrachialis muscle and then divided into the musculocutaneus and the lateral root of median nerve. After a distance , the lateral root of median nerve joined the medial root of median nerve, and median nerve formed anterior to brachial artery. The rest of the course of the median nerve and the musculocutaneous was normal in arm region.

---

Background and Objective: Thalassemia major is a genetic disorder. Blood transfusion is critical for survival in these patients. Over the course of the past two and three decade’s hyper transfusion therapy in these patients has increased significant improvement in life expectancy and quality of life. Unfortunately this type of therapy increased the frequency of complication due to iron overloud. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalencey of diabetes, impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance in patients with thalassemia major, with 10-27 years of age in Tabriz. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was done on 56 patients between 10-27 years of age with thalassemia major. The demographic informaiton theraputic regiment, the age of first trasfussion. The level of blood transfusion, the history and dosage of familial history of diabetes, Fe, TIBC, ferritin levels were assessed and recorded. For each patient glucose tolerance test, blood glucose level are performed. Results: In this study prevalence of diabetes mellitus, impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance test were found in 8.9%, 28.6% and 7.1% of patients respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that despite recent therapy with Desferal in the management of beta-thalassemia major, the risk of secondary endocrine dysfunction remains high. Prevalence of diabetes mellitus, impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance test are greater than general population. Endocrine evaluation in patients with thalassemia major must be carried out regularly especially in those patients over the age of 10 years.

---

Background and Objective: Genital herpes is increasing in Asia and the world. Based on other studies, knowledge has an important role in reducing high risk sexual behavior. In this study we evaluated knowledge among Shahid Beheshti University students as a sample of young and educated population of Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study carried out on 409 of Shahid Beheshti University students in Tehran - Iran at Autumn 2004. Research material was questionnaire and data analyzed by SPSS-13, T-student, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis Tests. Results: Mean±SD of level of knowledge, nature and transmission of genital herpes was 26.5±26%, 23.7±24.2% and 30.56±36.8%, respectively. The level of knowledge about signs, treatment and prevention of disease was 18.8%, 16.4% and 46.2%, respectively. There was a significant relation between age, marital status and education with knowledge (P<0.05). The level of knowledge among engineering students was higher than humman sciences students (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on our study, most of participants had no enough knowledge about genital herpes. Most of participants were willing to know more about it as they obviously welcomed to our pamphlets. It seems that educations about genital herpes should be added to educational programs.

---

Background and Objective: Aircraft as a safe means of transportation may cause occupational diseases and hearing loss. Prevention should be implemented for airport employee. This study was done to detemine the scale of hearing loss among Isfahan airport employees in 2005. Materials and Methods: This historical cohort study was conducted among Isfahan International airport employees. 80 employees were selected in four different case groups, the control group consist of two sub-gourps. The sub-group I (18 subjects) including the adminstrative airport employees (low noise exposed) and the sub-group II (32 subjects) including non-airport employees (non-noise exposed). The sound pressure level was measured and equivalent level (Leq) was calculated for all groups. Also the history of participants about past noise exposure and other confounding variables was detrmined by a questionnaire. Pure tone audiometry was carried out on conventional frequencies (0.5-8 KHz). Results: The mean age of subjects was 40.03±9.75 and 37.85±8.15 for exposed and non-exposed groups respectively. Leq (noise equivalent level) for Ramp and traffic workers was estimated more than 95 dBA. 35.7% (n=10) of Ramp workers were suffering in their right ear from noise induced hearing loss (26-40dB) and 32.1% (n=9) of them in their left ear. Relative risks of noise induced hearing loss in Ramp workers in comparison with control group were 9.4 and 7.5 for right and left ears. A siginificant difference was found between the hearing thresholds of exposed and non-exposed groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that occupational exposure to noise cause hearing loss among airport employee. It is suggested strategies of noise assessment and prevention should be implemented for airport employees.

---

Background and Objective: Laser is a source of electromagnetic radiation. Laser therapy has a kind of natural and biological effect on tissue which acts via energy and light power. Todays the use of infrared and red rays from low-power lasers have been established as a routine way for the treatment of diseases. Considering the important role of laser in biological sciences this study was done to compare the effect of red and infrared spectrum low level of laser rays on Rat Seminiferous tubules. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was done on 40 male Rat which divided in four groups including one control and three experimental. In the first experimental group, the right testis of the rats was exposed to a mixture of 300 Hz infra-red ray for 7 minutes and 300 Hz red spectrum for 1 minute daily. In the second experimental group, the right testes were exposed to the 300 Hz infra-red ray for 8 minutes for 40 seconds daily. In the third experimental group, the right testes were exposed to 80 Hz infra-red for 5 minutes and 80 Hz red ray for one minute daily. The controls did not receive any rays. After 15 days, testes were dissected, fixed and stained for histological processing. Thickness of seminiferous tubules and lumen as well as the thickness and area of seminiferous epithelium were measured. The concentration of testosterone was determined with radioimmunoassay. Data was analyzed with SPSS-13 software and ANOVA test. Results: There was a significant difference in the thickness of seminiferous tubules, thickness of lumen space and thickness of epithelium between first (i.e., the mixture of 300 Hz red and infra-red lasers), second (300 Hz infra-red laser) and the third experimental groups (80 Hz red and infra-red lasers) (P<0.05). But no difference was found between the first group and control. The serum testosterone concentration did not show any differences between experimental and control. Conclusion: This study showed that morphologic and morphometric alterations have direct relation with laser energy density.

---

Background and Objective: Placenta previa (PP) is a common cause of pri-partum bleeding leading to high mortality and morbidity in mothers and neonates. This study was conducted to determine risk factors and outcomes of PP in Golestan province of Iran. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was done on pregnant women admitted for deliverly to the Dezyani hospital of Gorgan, Iran during 2002-07. All PP cases were recruited as case group and 251 non-PP ones were entered into the study as control group. Student t-test and Chi-Square test were used to assess the relationship between variables. Results: In this study out of 33473 pregnant cases, 82 women (0.24%) had PP. The mean (±SD) age of mothers with PP was 28.5 (±6.2) years. There was a significant correlation between PP and delivery method (P<0.05). History of cesarean section was significantly higher in cases than controls (P<0.05). The prevalence of hysterectomy due to PP was significantly higher in women with history of cesarean section (24%) than other ones (5%) (P<0.05). Conclusion: We found a significant relationship between history of cesarean section and hysterectomy due to PP. Therefore, PP should be considered in women with a history of cesarean section.

---

Background and Objective: Cardiovascular diseases are among 46% of deaths in Iran. Changing lifestyle is very important for the disease control. If the patients perceive the benefits of preventive behaviours, the barriers to those behaviours will decline and the probability of engaging in the behaviours will increase. This study carried out to determine perceived benefits and barriers of preventive behaviours of relapsed myocardial infraction.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 patients with a history of myocardial infraction referred to Yazd Cardiovascular Research Center during 2007. A questionnaire was used for data collection which measured perceived benefits of, barriers to preventive behaviours of myocardial infraction relapse and status of those behaviours. Data was analyzed using SPSS-13 and Pearson coefficient and regression tests.

Results: Subjects earned a mean score of 30.24 (out of 36) in perceived benefits and 22.07 (out of 68) in perceived barriers and 24.48 (out of 37) in preventive behaviours. Preventive behaviours was positively correlated with net benefit and negatively with perceived barriers.

Conclusion: This study showed that in spit of suitable level of perceived benefits of myocardial infraction, but still the perceived barriers are significant enough and therefor removal of barriers to such behaviour are essential.

---

Background and Objective: Patients consent for medical care is a legal requirement. Consent is a document that patient must be necessary aware about all risks of surgery, treatment strategy, Substitution and the risks involved by physician. This study was done to evaluate status of filled consent form of hospitalized patients in Ardabil – Northwest of Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was done by interview with patients and accompained patients in hospitals of Ardabil – Northwest of Iran during 2010. Patient demographics and other variables gathered by a questionnaire. Data was analyzed by Chi-Square test. Results: 86 (57%) of patients were female and 64 (43%) male. 35 (23%) were illiterate and 92 (61%) under diploma. 45% of patients get information about their illness from doctors. According to patient ideas, 13% of reception personals did not complete consent form. 65 (43.3%) of patients stated that the context of consent form was unreadable and long. Rate of completing form for patients were 87%. 40% of completed forms was not signed by witnesses. The patients and relatives were not satisfied with the form itself, and this observation statistically was significant (P<0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that validity of completed consent forms are low and it is necessary to design programs for improvement the quality of filling the consent forms.

---

Background and Objective: Diabetes is a major risk factor for stroke. Some studies have shown that difference between clinical signs and prognosis in diabetic patients with stroke compared to non-diabetic patients with stroke is due to difference in pattern of cerebral vascular involvement. This study was done to compare the findings of extracranial and transcranial doppler sonography in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with thrombotic stroke. Materials and Methods: This case – control study was done on 70 diabetic patients and 70 non-diabetic patients with thrombotic stroke. All patients were new cases. Extracranial and transcranial doppler sonography was performed for all subjects. Results: Basilar artery stenosis was significantly more frequent in diabetic cases in comparison with non-diabetic patients (P<0.05). The prevalenc of posterior circulation stenosis in diabetic patients was significantly higher than non-diabetic patients (P<0.05). Conclusion: In diabetic patients, stenosis in vertebrobasilar circulation was more frequent. Higher morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients may be due to vascular stenosis pattern.

---

Background and Objective: Fetal heart pattern is one of the most important criteria in non stress test. This study was done to compare the effect of two anxiety- reducing methods, maternal relaxation and fetal-maternal attachment skills training on the prevalence of sporadic fetal heart decelerations and heart beat variability. Methods: In this clinical trial study, 126 pregnant women were randomly divided into three groups including teaching relaxation, maternal-fetal attachment skills and controls. Training was done for four weeks. NST was performed 30 minutes before of traning and after 4th week of training in the interventional groups. In the control group, NST was done in the 4th week. Cranley scale was filled at the end of the study. Results: The prevalence of sporadic deceleration in attachment skills, relaxation and control groups before intervention was 23.8%, 19% and 21.4%, respectively. After the intervention, the prevalence of sporadic deceleration in attachment skills group non-significantly changed to 11.9%. After the intervention the prevalence of sporadic deceleration in the relaxation group significantly changed to 4.8% (P<0.05). Conclusion: Maternal relaxation training decreased the prevalence of sporadic fetal heart decelerations, and enhances fetal heart beat variability.

---

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.

---

Background and Objective: Hyperlipidemia can be considered as one of the main risk factor, involved in cardiovascular disease and it is a major cause of death. This study was done to determine the effect of air part of Echinophora platyloba extract on Pituitary - thyroid axis hormones and lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 5 groups (n=8) including control group with normal diet, hypercholesterolemic group along with high cholesterol diet, and the three treatment groups with hypercholesterolemia which animals were received daily doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg/bw of the hydroalcoholic extract of Echinophora platyloba, respectively by gavage during 42 days. At the end of this period, blood sample was obtained. Lipid profile, including total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid hormone stimulation (TSH) were measeared using Radioimnoassay method.

Results: The level of LDL and cholesterol and TG, significantly reduced in treated group receiving the lowest dose of the extract (100 mg/kg/bw) in compare to hypercholesterolemic group (P<0.05). The level of HDL, TSH and T4 significantly increased in the treated group receiving the highest doses of the extract (300 mg/kg/bw) in compare to hypercholesterolemic group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Echinophora platyloba extract dose dependly can alter Pituitary- thyroid axis hormones and lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats.

---

Background and Objective: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common cause of liver disease worldwide and it is defined as a disorder of excess fat accumulation in the liver. This study was done to determine the prevalence of fatty liver among overweight, obese and normal children.
Methods: This historical cohort study was conducted on 90 children ages 5 to 13 years old in Taleghani pediatric theching hospital in Gorgan, north of Iran during 2014. Subjects according to Body Mass Index (BMI) classified into obese (95%>BMI), over weight (85-95% BMI) and normal (5-85% BMI). Childern were matched for age and sex. Liver enzymes (ALT Alanine aminotransferase and AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) and lipid profile includingTriglyceride: TG (High Density Lipoprotein: HDL and (Low Density Lipoprotein: LDL were measured and fatty liver evaluated based on sonographic parameters by a radiologist who didnot know children's BMI.
Results: The prevalence of fatty liver was 23.3% in obese children that was non- significantly higher than normal (16.7%) and over weight (16.7%) children. The prevalence of fatty liver was not significantly different between two sexes. AST was significantly higher in children with normal BMI in compared to obese and over weight children (P<0.05). The highest and lowest level of cholesterol was seen in obese and normal children (P<0.05).
Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of fatty liver non-significantly was higher in obese children in comparision with normal and over weight children.

---

Background and Objective: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common clinical condition with a mortality rate of 15-20%. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is known as an indicator in predicting clinical outcomes in patients with various diseases and malignancies. This study was conducted to determine the value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in the prognosis of death in patients with venous thromboembolism during the short term.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed on 93 hospitalized patients with spontaneous venous thromboembolism in Gorgan, northern Iran during 2012-15. Demographic, blood and biochemical parameters of the patients were evaluated in the prediction of fatal outcome in a follow-up of 30 days after thrombose diagnosis.
Results: Sixteen patients (17.2%) died within 30 days. The variables of age, white blood cells, neutrophils, NLR, creatine kinase MB and lactate dehydrogenase significantly increased (P<0.05), and lymphocyte also platelet significantly reduced within the occurrence of death in a short period of 30 days follow up (P<0.05). A cut-off point of 7.21≤NLR had sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 56.3%, 87%, 47.3% and 90.5%, respectively.
Conclusion: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio can be used as a useful biomarker in the prediction of mortality during short periods of time in VTE patients.

---

Background and Objective: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is considered as a metabolic disorder and it is one of the most common endocrine and heterogeneous disorders with complex pathogenesis among women in reproductive ages. This study was done to evaluate the accuracy of diagnosis of lipid accumulate product index (LAP), insulin resistance, waist circumference and waist to hip ratio in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Methods: In this case control study, antropometrics, biochemical parameters, LAP and insulin resistance in 43 women suffering from PCOS as case and 40 healthy women as control were measured. Body mass index (BMI), waist hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC) was determined for each subject. LAP was defined as [WC (cm)-58´TG (m mol/L)]. PCOS was diagnosed according to Roterdam standard .Insulin resistance was defined based on Homeostatic model assessment – insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).
Results: The mean age, BMI, WHR and LAP index, among PCOS women were 24.06±5.86, 26.61±4.34, 0.81±0.061 and 47.13±4.13, respectively. There was a direct and significant correlation between HOMA-IR index and BMI, WC and LAP in case group (P<0.05). Statistical analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value of LAP, BMI, WC and WHR were 46.93, 27.91, 93 and 0.81 respectively.
Conclusion: The WC, BMI and LAP indices are useful in screening the insulin resistance in patients with PCOS.

---

Background and Objective: Artificial sweeteners are chemical or natural substances used in foods and beverages. The aim of this study was to compare the glycemic control status before and after the use of artificial sweeteners with conventional nutrition in type 2 diabetic patients.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 30 patients with type 2 diabetes (10 males and 20 females) whom referred to the endocrinology clinic in Tabriz in west of Iran. At the beginning of the study, patients were asked to refrain from using dietary supplements containing artificial sweeteners for three months and continue their usual diabetic diet. Then, each patient was received nutritional supplements containing artificial sweeteners including sugar, special biscuits and candy under a dietitian for three months.
Results: Mean glucose level of fasting serum and serum glucose 2 hours after meals in patients during the second trimester increased significantly with the use of artificial sweeteners compared to the first three months (P<0.05). The mean fasting glucose in patients with diabetes mellitus was 121.33±25.3 mg/dl at the end of the first trimester and it was 152±42 mg/dl at the end of the second trimester. The mean serum glucose level increased from 164.44±44.44 mg/dl to 222±7.2 mg/dl
2 hours after meals. The mean of HbA1C in the first trimester was 6.89±0.9% and in the second quarter it was 7.4±1%.
Conclusion: The use of artificial sweeteners in diabetic patients may result serum glucose increase.

---

Background and Objective: The most important factor in the integrity of saphenous vein is the health degree of endothelium which guaranties the dilation of them after cronary bypass sergery. Kind of preservative soulution has a key role in endothelial protection. This study was done to evaluate Protective effect of perserved solutions of krebs contains verapamil, adrenaline and propranololol in comparision with Krebs and Heparinated blood on desqumation of the endothelial cell in Saphenous vein of Guinea pig.
Methods: This experimental study was done on 28 male Guinea pigs with 380±40g weight.for separating 3mm of saphenous vein rings and Measuring of rings nitric oxide released in preserving solutions: Krebs (K), Krebs plus propranolol (K+P), adrenaline (K+A) and verapamil (K+V) compaired with heparinized blood at 30, 45, 60 and 90 minutes after harvesting measured by micro plate Griess reaction. Rings also stained by H&E and examined by light microscopy to evaluate endothelial desqumation.
Results: Average concentration of nitric oxide (NO) in the Krebs plus Verapamil solution (K+V) Vs Heparinized Blood (HB), Krebs (K), Krebs plus Adrenaline (K+A) and Krebs plus Propanololol (K+P) revealed significant increase in NO release (P<0.05). The maximum NO measurement was 45 minuts after harvesting. Also histological study with H&E staining showed that endothelial layer was intact only in Krebs plus verapamil in compaired to control group, but in the other solutions the vascular intimal cells had suffered different degrees.
Conclusion: It seems that Krebs solutions containing verapamil has more efficiently to the proper functioning of the saphenous veins endothelium in animal modle.

---

Background and Objective: Considering the communication patterns of couples is one way of looking at the structure of the family through which spouses interact each other. This study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of emotionally coupled therapy and redecision therapy on changing of marital communication skills in married women.
Methods: This quezi-expermental study was done on 30 women who were chosen via available sampling through distressed women referred to centers of counselling in Gorgan, northern Iran during 2016. Selected women non-randomly divided in three groups including control, treated with emotionally focused couple therapy intervention and the redecision therapy intervention groups. Women in control group did not receive any intervention. Communication styles questioner was used for pretest and post test.
Results: Emotionally focused couple therapy and redecision therapy significantly improved the communication styles of married women and maintain healthy gains, even up to six months after treatment (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the effectiveness of emotionally focused couple therapy and redecision therapy methods.
Conclusion: Emotionally focused couple therapy and redecision therapy have the same effect on improvement of communication styles of married women.