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Abstract Background and objectives: Paraffin-embedded tissues and clinical samples are a valuable resource for molecular genetic studies, but the extraction of high-quality genomic DNA from this tissues is still a problematic issue. In the Present study, the efficiency of two DNA extraction protocols, a commercial kit and a traditional method based on heating and K Proteinase was compared. Material and Methods: Fifty paraffin-embedded blocks of colon cancer tissues (more than 5 years old) were used to compare two methods of DNA extraction. DNA was extracted by traditional method using heat and commercial DNA extraction (Qiagen kit) method. Then the purity and concentration of extracted DNA were measured by Spectrophotometer. Two sequences of TLR4 “The most important receptors in innate immunity” were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. SH-1 ‘188bp’ and SH-2 ‘124bp’ were amplified and then the products were separated on a 2% agarose gel. Results: The results show that the yield of DNA by traditional method (297 mg/ml) is significantly (p<0.01) higher than Commercial kit (176mg/ ml). But traditional method has the lower OD ratio (1.2) Compared to Commercial method. The Amplification of the TLR4 gene sequences is more successful by the traditional method (p<0.01) compared with commercial method. The length of the sequence affects on the results of PCR in that short sequence is amplified more successful compared to the long sequence. Conclusion: The traditional method is more successful in PCR amplification and also simple and cheap. Therefore, we recommend using this method for DNA extraction taken from the paraffin-embedded blocks with more than 5 years old and selecting shorter sequence for better amplification in PCR. Key words: DNA Extraction, paraffin embedded tissue, PCR

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Abstract Background and Objective: Nowadays, downsizing the government to have an effective and flexible organization is considered to be government’s top priority in the world and outsourcing is one of the ways to achieve this goal. Accordingly, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences has delegated some of its hospitals' duties to the private sectors. The present study has been carried out to assess the performance of outsourced clinical laboratories. Material and Methods: This Descriptive Evaluation study was carried out during 6 month (May 2011 till February 2012). The data was collected by two questionnaires with close-ended questions and one with open-ended questions, and analyzed by Wilcoxon, using SPSS software. Results: There is an improvement in outsourcing laboratory services. For example, increase in the number of tests (32%) and in the type of tests (37%). Consequently, increase of hospital income (51%). The number of personnel is decreased and their responsibility and behavior are improved. Conclusion: Overall, it seems that outsourcing laboratory program could achieve its major goals such as: Absorbing non-governmental resources in both administrative and financial aspects, omitting extra expenditure, acquiring benefits, and upgrading productivity of laboratories. Key words: Outsourcing Laboratory Peformance

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Abstract Background and Objective: Cercarial dermatitis (CD) or swimmer’s itch is a severe inflammatory reaction caused by penetration of the skin by avian and herbivorous schistosomes, esp genus Trichobilharzia. Since both intermediate and final host of this parasite exist in North of Iran, we aimed at determining the prevalence of cercarial dermatitis among paddy-field workers in Central areas of Mazandaran Province. Material and Methods: To perform this descriptive-cross sectional study, we refer to bird refuges of migrating water and Paddy-field around man-made ponds of Babol, Sari, Ghaemshahr and Savadkoh districts. The Hand and foot of the farmers were examined clinically for detection of infected people and their signs and symptoms were recorded on a sheet of paper. Results: Based on the results, 77.5 % of the workers suffer from CD. All of them are males and the majority of them are indigenous. Conclusion: High prevalence of Cercarial dermatitis among paddy-field workers led to a health dilemma. Thus, by increasing awareness of farmers, implementing suitable approaches, controlling the disease and sanitizing the contaminated areas can promote health situation. Key Words: Trichobilharzia Avian Schistosomiasis Cercaria Dermatitis Paddy-Field Workers Itch

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