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Background and Objectives: Measuring the H-reflex latency (Tp) is an electrophysiologic test to evaluate the S1 root lesions This reflex traverses a relatively long course and its sensitivity to diagnose mild S1 root lesions is low, so investigators have tried to shorten this pathway Evaluation of the central loop of the H-reflex (Tc) is one of these efforts and may be more sensitive in diagnosing S1 radiculopathy (Compared to standard H-reflex latency). We have tried to determine its influencing factors and find the related regression equation. Materials and Methods: Forty volunteers were investigated with their informed consent. Their history, physical examination and a brief electrophysiologic study were normal. H-reflex latencies (Peripheral- central) of right gastrocnemius-soleus muscle as described in literature, right leg length and age were recorded. Results: This group consisted of 26 males (65%) and 14 female (35%). Mean latencies (And SDs) of peripheral and central H-reflexes were 28.8 (SD: 1.66) and 6.78 (SD: 0.3) milliseconds respectively. The correlation between Tc and leg length was significant (P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between Tc and age (P<0.05). Tc and Tp were correlated. These regression equations were found: Tc=0.04L+5.28, Tc=0.05Tp+4.56, Tp=0.04A+0.3L+16.13 (L: leg length in centimeters, A: age in years, Tc and Tp in milliseconds). Discussion: The results of this study, regarding mean and SD of Tc are in line with the previous studies, and regarding the influence of age on Tc are in contrast with only one study and in line with another study. Conclusion: The correlation between Tc and leg length was significant (P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between Tc and age (P<0.05). These regression equations were found. Tc=0.04L+5.28, Tcx=0.07Tp+4.56, Tp=0.04A+0.3L+16.13 (L: Leg length in centimeters, A: Age in years, Tc and Tp in milliseconds). We concluded that it is wise to use leg length for calculating normal Tc and limiting the normal values. On the other hand, the authors believe that more research on specificity and sensitivity of this test (To diagnose S1 radiculopathy) and comparing it with other diagnostic tools is needed.

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Biosynthetic growth hormone is now available in virtually unlimited quantities. As a result because of its growth promoting and anabolic effects, it is widely used in various disorders in both children and adults. Growth hormone has been proven to be beneficial in a small number of diseases causing short stature in children, and in adults with severe growth hormone deficiency or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The hormone is also used on an investigational basis in a variety of disorders causing short stature, as well as in the aged and in several catabolic conditions. It is likely that with time the indications for treatment with this hormone will be increased.

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Background & Objective: The most common disorders in psychiatry are anxiety disorder. The onset is from adolescence through early adulthood. Some people due to various reasons are susceptible to these disorders, such as airport tower’s controller. This study was done in order to determine anxiety level and its relationship with some variables such as age, length of employment, gender, education, marital status, cigarette consumption, physical training and employment satisfaction. Materials & Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive analytical study, which was performed on all of the controller personals (101 samples) during spring 2003, at Tehran Mehrabad Airport, control towers controllers. They were studied by using an anxiety questionnaire. The relationship between anxiety level was determined by 8 independent variables. Results: The findings from this study indicated the following results: Undetectable minor anxiety (22.8%), mild intermediate anxiety (52.5%) and high-very high anxiety (24.8%). Conclusion: According to the results from this study. The employment satisfaction could play an important role, in preventing the anxiety. In this sensitive job, the personal attention and concentration is of upmost importance, any factor that disrupts, this concentration should be prevented, otherwise unwanted accidents may happen. Therefore it is suggested that the responsible authorities select, the appropriate persons and provide them with a good and satisfactory job conditions to pave the way for the up grading the level of immunity in air flight.

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Background & Objective: Hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor for atherosclerosis that responded variably to dietary modification of fat and cholesterol. Previous studies in humans have shown that ingestion of lecithin can alter plasma cholesterol and triglyceride but results were different. The current study was designed to investigate the hypocholesterolemic properties of lecithin on patient with hypercholesterolemia. Materials & Methods: Sixty one subjects (27 Male, 34 Female) with mean ages 44±14 years old with hypercholesterolemia, was admitted to Mottahari Health Center(Shiraz), randomly assigned to the case (n=31) and control (n=30) groups. Case group received three lecithin capsules (1200 mg) which contain 420 mg Phosphatidylecoline, daily for six weeks. Subject's weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) and serum lipid concentration were measured at the beginning and the end of six weeks. Results: No significant difference were found in mean weight in case group when compared to control group. Also no significant difference were found in mean BMI in case group when compared to control group. Significantly lower mean serum Total Cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride and significantly higher HDL cholesterol were found in case group. In addition mean serum total cholesterol (P<0.05), LDL cholesterol (P<0.05) and TG (P<0.05) decreased and mean serum HDL-Cholesterol (P<0.05) increases significantly in case group vs. control group. Conclusion: This study showed that lecithin could be considered as effective nutrient useful in dietary treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

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Background&Objective: Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) belonging to several different O serotypes are one of the etiological agent of diarrhea. The STEC strains are considered as an etiological agent for enteritis after non-typhoidal salmonellosis and Campylobacter. They have also been associated closely with the hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and hemorrhagic colitis(HC). The aim of this study was to determine of the frequency of STEC in patients with hemorrhagic colitis referring to Tehran hospitals. Materials&Methods: From March to September 2004, 70 patients with hemorrhagic colitis (Case)an 70 patients with diarrhea (Control) were included in this study. The stx gene was detected by PCR and was used for the determination of STEC strains. Slide agglutination with specific antisera used to detect O serogroup. Polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the flagellin gene (fliC) was performed for determining their flagellar antigen (H). Results: Two samples (2.9%) from Hemorrhagic colitis cases and 12 samples (17.1 %) from diarrheal cases were positive for STEC. There was no significant correlation between STEC and Hemorrhagic colitis but there was a significant correlation between STEC and diarrhea (p<0.05). STEC isolates O142:H48 serotype was from hemorrhagic colitis cases and O126:H47, O126:H6, O26:H4 and O111:H23 serotypes were from diarrheal cases. These serotypes were not reported in hemorrhagic colitis cases. Conclusion: Our data showed that there was no significant correlation between STEC and hemorrhagic colitis. This could be explained since serotype responsible for hemorrhagic colitis i.e. O157:H7 serotype is not present in Iran.

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Background & Objective: In addition to pyramidal neurons and interneurons, the hippocampus contains Astrocytes that play important roles in regulating ion flux currents, energy production, neurotransmitter release and memory. Learning needs some instrument for information storage and information maintenances mechanisms resemble to memory. The aim of this study was determination of spatial memory effect on the number of astrocytes in rat’s hippocampus. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, with usage of Morris Water Maze and Reference memory technique, we used 10 male albino wistar rats. 5 rats were in control group and 5 rats in Reference memory group. After histological preparation, the slides were stained with PTAH staining for showing the Astrocytes. Results: The findings of this study showed significant difference in astrocytes number in CA1, CA2 and CA3 area of hippocampus between control and reference memory group. The mean and SD of astrocytes in CA1, CA2 and CA3 of reference memory group were 118.57±25.29, 58.91±23.59 and 116.6±31.14, that they are more than control group with 49±17.29 in CA1, 48.8±25.21 in CA2 and 41.95±11.22 in CA3. Conclusion: We concluded that the number of astrocytes increased due to spatial learning (e.g. reference memory method).

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Background and Objective: Dentate gyrus is a part of hippocampal formation that plays an important role in memory and learning. Astrocytes are one of the important glial cells in nervous tissue that play a more active role in neuronal activity, including regulating ion flux currents, energy production, neurotransmitter release, and synaptogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial memory effect on the number of astrocytes in Rat’s dentate gyrus. Materials and Methods: This experimental study, was done on 18 male Wistar Rats with using Morris water maze and Reference and Working memory methods. After spatial learning the Rat's brains was carried out and histological preparation was carried out, the slices were with PTAH method. The data analyzed, using T-test and One-way ANOVA. Results: The results showed significant difference in astrocytes number in dentate gyrus area between Reference memory (300.57±5.98) and control (73.73±22.61) groups (P<0.05). The difference between working memory (375.77±4.11) and control groups was significant. Comparing two groups there was a significant difference of number of astrocytes cell between the working memory and Reference memory group (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that spatial learning such as Reference memory and Working memory increase the number of astrocytes in dentate gyrus and this increase can be due to duration of learning.

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Background and Objective: The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II classification system has been extensively used for predicting the patient mortality in various diseases admission in ICU ward. The aim of this study was to assess the predicting mortality rate of patients in critical care unit using APACHE-II index. Materials and Methods: This descriptive analytial study was done on 204 hospitalized patients with multiple diagnostic diseases admitted to ICU ward in Gazvin Kusar hospital during 2007. We used than demographic questionnaire and APACHE-II tool to evaluate the prediction mortality rate. Results: Out of 204 patients admitted, 147 (72.1%) survived. Mean APACHE-II score of the subjects was 11.38 (with arrange of 0 to 41). The predicted death rate was 30.26% and the observed death rate was 27.9%. There was a perfect correlation between APACHE-II score and predicted death rate (r=0.976 and P<0.05). Mean APACHE-II score in survivors and non-survivors subjects was 13.97 and 25.36, respectively (t:9.93 P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that APACHE-II score can truly predict mortality rate in patients in ICU ward. In addition, this index is helpful in follow up treatment cycle in critical care patients.

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Background and Objective: Post dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a relatively common complication in spinal anesthesia. Several regimens had explained for treatment of this problem. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of intravenous single dose of Aminophylline (1.5mg/kg/body weight) on the incidence of PDPH in cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Materials and Methods: In a double blind randomized trial study, 120 patients undergone spinal anesthesia for the elective cesarean section in Motahhari hospital of Marvdasht in Fars province in south of Iran during 2008. After umbilical cord clamping 1.5mg/kg/body weight of Aminophylline injected slowly and intravenously in 60 patients. In placebo group (n=60) normal saline injected intravenously. At the 1st, 4th, 24th and 48th hour after surgery, PDPH in patients were evaluated. Results: The incidence of PDPH was significantly lower in cases compared with controls during the first 24 hours post operation (5% vs. 31.7%, P<0.001). Incidence of PDPH in case and control groups after 48 hours was 5% and 23.3% respectively (P<0.004). Conclusion: This study revealed that the intravenous single dose of Aminophylline (1.5mg/kg/body weight) significantly reduced PDPH after spinal anesthesia in cesarean section.

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Background and Objective: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) belongs to the retroviridae family and is the agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Treatment of HIV for the global health has made a special importance for the new antiviral drug discoveries in addition to HIV vaccine developments. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study single cycle replicable (SCR) HIV-1 virions with the capability of one cycle of replication were produced by the co-transfection of three plasmids of pmzNL4-3, psPAX2 and pMD2.G to the HEK cells and their replication capacity of the first generation SCR visions in HEK 293T, MT-2, and mouse spleen cells was examined by p24-capture ELISA, syncytium formation assay. The infectivity of the SCR-produced virions was also analysed on MT-2 cells. Results: Experiments showed the efficient production of SCR virions. Moreover, results indicated the replication potency of SCR virions on the investigated cells and the inactivity of the produced SCR HIV virions. Complete HIV antigens are expressed in their native forms by SCR virions, but this second viral particles lack the replication capacity. Conclusion: SCR HIV virions produced in this study are capable of one cycle of replication and will be inactivated thereafter.These features make SCR virions as a good candidate for HIV vaccine studies. Moreover, considering the one cycle replication, SCR virions do not need the severe biosafety concerns involved in retrovirus studies.

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Background and Objective: There are some reports about probable association between acute leukemia and special blood groups. Frequency of ABO and RH blood group is different in each population. This study was done to determine frequency of ABO and Rh blood groups in patient with acute leukemia and healthy population.

Materials and Methods: This case - control study was done on 214 patients (132 males, 82 females) that suffering from acute leukemia as case group and 117026 individuals healthy population who were voluntary blood donors as controls in Mashhad, Iran during 2001-07. Age, sex, ABO blood group and RH blood group were collected from hospital files for each cases. Furthermore the results of ABO and RH blood groups of controls were collected. Data were analyzed with Chi-Square, fisher test and Odd’s ratio.

Results: The frequency of A, B, AB, O and RH blood groups in cases were 23.8%, 32.8%, 7.0%, 36.4% and 90.7%, respectively. The frequency of A, B, AB, O and RH blood groups in controls were 29.8%, 27.4%, 8.9%, 33.9% and 88.3%, respectively. Odds Ratio test didn’t show association of ABO and RH blood groups with acute leukemia. Odds Ratio test showed association of B blood group with acute leukemia in females (OR=0.571, 95%CI: 0.358-.0908, P=0.021).

Conclusion: This study showed although there was not any association between ABO and RH blood groups and acute leukemia but probably females with B blood group are more susciptible toward acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

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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: Dissection of the axillary lymph nodes is considered as one of the common measures in management of breast cancer. Edema and limitation in hand movement are accompanied with dissection of axillary lymph nodes. Sentinel lymph node biopsy can be used to evaluate axillary metastasis. This study was carried out to evaluate the diagnostic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed on 30 selected patients with breast cancer less than 5 cm without any involvement of axillary lymph nodes in Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad, North-East of Iran during 2009 -10. Initially, the lymphoscintigraphy was performed. Subsequently, prior, to the surgery, the blue dye as a marker was injected for detecting sentinel lymph node and with the use of probe gamma counter and observing blue color on lymph nodes, the sentinel node was determined and separated. Finally, axillary dissection was performed for removing the lymph nodes of I and II level in all patients. Results: Among 30 patients who were evaluated for sentinel lymph nodes and axillary dissection, false negative were observed only in two cases (6.6 %). The sensitivity rate was determined to be 84.6%. Conclusion: Considering the high success rate of detection of sentinel lymph node and limited false negative cases, sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended in cases of breast cancer without axillary involvement.

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Background and Objective: Fanconi anemia is the most prevalent inherited aplastic anemia. Diagnosis based solely on the recognition of clinical symptoms is not reliable. This study was done to determine chromosomal aberrations in patients suspected with the risk of Fanconi anemia in the Eastern Azarbaijan province- Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 20 patients in the Eastern Azarbaijan province-Iran. The cytogenetic method was used to determine type and number of chromosomal disorders. Results: Nine eight and nine patients had co-morbid anemia, platelet deficiency and 9 patients had hand and finger deformities, respectively. Using cytogenetic method, Fanconi anemia was confirmed in 5 (25%) of the cases. The percentage of mitotic abnormalities in the chromosomes without administration of mitomycin C varied between 5-30% in the cultures of the 5 affected and between 0-4% in the 15 unaffected patients with the administration of mitomycin C, the percentages were increased up to 35-78% and 0-20% in affected and unaffected patients, respectively. Conclusion: Fanconi anemia is confirmed precisely in 25% of suspected patients using cytogenetic method.

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Background and Objective: The shoulder joint is continuously under various pressures. Shoulder impingement syndrome is the most common problem. Stability of the shoulder is due to the interaction between static and dynamic stability which is caused through mediation of sensorimotor system (proprioception). This study was investigated to determine the effect of 6 weeks resistance training with elastic-band on proprioception in male athletes with shoulder impingement syndrome. Method: In this quasi-experimental study, 30 adult males with shoulder syndrome divided into control and interventional groups. Subjects in interventional group were received resistance exercises with elastic-band for six weeks. The shoulder joint proprioception, perior and at the end of study in 0, 45 and 90 angle were measured using isokinetic, Biodex System 3. Results: Significant improvement in the shoulder joint proprioception in 0, 45 and 90 angle were observed in interventional group in comparision with controls (P<0.05). Conclusion: Six weeks of resistance training with elastic-band improved shoulder joint proprioception of males with impingement syndrome.

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Background and Objective: Modification of life style, nutrional regiment and insulin therapy is used for improvement of pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study was done to evaluate the effect of the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) eating plan on pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods: In this clinical trial study, 52 women with GDM were randomly divided into DASH and control groups for 4 weeks. The control diet contained 45-55% carbohydrates, 15-20% protein and 25-30% total fat. The DASH was rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products, and contained lower amounts of saturated fats, cholesterol and refined grains with a total of 2400 mg/day sodium. The numbers of women whom commenced insulin therapy after dietary intervention, the mode of delivery and prevalence of polyhydramnios were assessed. The length, weight and head circumference of infants were measured during the first 24 h after birth. Results: 46.2% of women in the DASH group needed to have a cesarean section, this rate for the control group was 80.8% (P<0.05). The percentage of those who needed to commence insulin therapy after intervention was 23% for DASH group vs 73% for controls (P<0.05). Infants born to mothers on the DASH group had significantly lower body weight (3222.7 vs 3818.8 g, P<0.05), head circumference (34.2 vs 35.1 cm, P<0.05) and ponderal index (2.50 vs 2.87 kg/m3, P<0.05) compared to those born to mothers on the control diet. Conclusion: Consumption of dietary approaches to stop hypertension for 4 weeks among pregnant women with GDM resulted in improved pregnancy outcomes.

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Background and Objective: Several studies reported the immunological activity of Lycium barbarum. This study carried out to determine the effect of aqueous extract of fruits of Lycium ruthenicum L. on morphometric and histomorphometric indices in mice lymphatic organs. Methods: In this experimental study, 36 adult mice were randomly allocated into six experimental and control groups. The experimental groups were received Lycium ruthenicum L. fruit aqueous extract in the doses of 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg/bw, daily by feeding tube for 21 days. In the control group animals were recived 100 mg/kg/bw of saline using feeding tube. After the treatment, the relative increase in the body weight, morphometric, histomorphometric and histopathologic indices in thymus, lymph node and spleen were measured. Results: The administration of extract in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg/bw did not effect on body weight of mice but in the doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg/bw significantly reduced the body weight (P<0.05).Thymus index in 800 mg/kg/bw of extract significantly reduced in comparison with controls (P<0.05). Thickness of thymus medulla in low doses significantly increased while it was not visible in higher doses (P<0.05). Thickness of capsule in lymph node and spleen in dose of 800 mg/kg/bw significantly increased in comparison with control group (P<0.05). Low doses of the Lycium barbarum extract increased stimulation and infiltration of the immune cells and hematopoiesis in the lymphoid organs while in doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg/bw caused pathological changes including fibrosis in capsule, degeneration in follicles and stromal cell apoptosis. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of fruits of Lycium ruthenicum L. in doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg/bw causes histopathological alterations in the lymphoid organs.

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Background and Objective: Sea cucumber (Holothuria leucospilota) is used for food purposes and traditional medicine in the South East and East Asia. This study was done to determine the antiviral effect of methanolic extract, of Holothuria leucospilota species against HIV-1 virus. Methods: In this laboratory study, sea cucumbers were collected from Larak Island, Persian Gulf, Iran at depths of 10-30 m. Methanol solvent was used for extraction process. Extract was concentrated by rotary evaporator at 40-45 degree C, and subsequently was prepared in the form of dry powder using vacuum freeze dryer lyophilization. Results: The extract in 100 and 1000 µg/ml of concentrations inhibited by 94% and 92.5% the replication of HIV-1, respectively. 10 µg/ml of extract had not specific antiviral effect. Approximately the half of concentration of extract (35.89 µg/ml) prevents 50% of proliferation of HIV-1, which was 50% toxic of on host cells (P<0.05). Conclusion: Sea cucumber methanolic body wall extract of Holothuria leucospilota species had no antiviral effect against HIV-1 virus. It can be due to cytotoxic effect of extract on the host cells.

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Background and Objective: After chronic stress, brain volume and weight reduces and in turn, adrenal weight and volume increases. This study was performed to determine the effect of chronic stress and memantine administration within amygdala on the alterations of brain’s volume and weight ratio to volume and weight of the adrenal gland on male mice.

Methods: In this experimental study, bi- or unilateral amygdala cannulation was preformed stereotaxically. A week after recovery, animals were received different doses of memantine (1, 0.5, and 0.1 µg/mouse), five min before stress induction. Electric foot shock induced to animals for seven consecutive days. At the end of the seventh day, animals were sacrificed and their brain and adrenal glands were fixed in formalin 4%. The volume and weight was determined by mercury immersion and accurate balance respectively.

Results: Stress non- significantly reduced brain’s volume ratio to volume of the adrenal gland and brain’s weight ratio to weight of the adrenal gland. Memantine administration within amygdala inhibited stress effect. Memantine administration in low and medium doses within right and left amygdala significantly increased brain’s volume and weight ratio to volume and weight of the adrenal gland (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Memantine dose and side dependently inhibits the effect of induced stress in male mice. Also, unilateral memantine administration within the left and right amygdala was more effective.

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Background and Objective: Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is commnest psychological disorders in children. This study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of rhythmic games on social skills of children with ADHD.

Methods: In this quasi -experimental study with pretest, post test and follow up with control group, 30 boys student with ADHD were non-randomly divided into the two groups. Conners rating scale and social skills checklist were used.

Results: Social skills significantly increased in ADHD students and this effectiveness continued in follow up stage (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Play therapy is effective on social skills of children with ADHD.