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Abstract Background & Objectives: Thalassemia syndromes isone of the inherited disorders in which one or more globulin chains are affected. On the basis of clinical symptoms, thalassemias are categorized as minor, intermediate, and major. Minor beta -thalassemia is a mild microcytic hypo chromic anemia in most cases asymptomatic and HbA2 is more than normal. Materials & Methods: This study carried out on 813 blood samples obtained from male high school students of Aliabad Katool, in the north of Iran. After detecting red blood cell indices of the subjects whose MCV was less than 80fl HbA study performed. Results: The MCV of 8.24% of the subjects was less than 80fl.34 of 67 had HbA2 of less than 3.5 %(normal) while the rest more than 3.5%(minor). Conclusions: Since about 50% of microcytic anemic patients were the carrier of beta-thalassemia and it is highly Prevalent in this region (4.06%), we recommend to investigate HbA2 in people with MCV less than 80 fl. Keyword: Thalassemia, Thalassemia minor, HbA2, Iran

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Abstract Background and objective: Exposure of red blood cells to oxygen radicals can induce Lipid proxidation, hemoglobin damage and hemolysis of erythrocyte .The present study was designed to determine the alteration of plasma lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte Superoxide Dismutase and Glutathione Peroxidase enzyme activities in stored blood and to find out the quantitative alterations and the useful length of stored blood. Materials and Methods: First, the whole blood form 10 donors was taken. Then Red Blood Cells(RBC) were counted, the levels of Potassium(P) and lactate dehydrogenate activity(LDH) were measured to determine the amount of hemolysis, the plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), erythrocyte Superoxide Dismutase(SOD) and Glutathione Peroxidase(GPx) were studied for determination of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities at the days of 0,1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31,33 and 35 of the storage. Results: upon storage time, the plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and Potassium and lactate dehydrogenate activity increased (P< 0.05) whereas erythrocyte Superoxide Dismutase and Glutathione Peroxidase enzyme activities and Red Blood Cells decreased (P< 0.05). The alterations of MDA, SOD, GPx, P, LDH and RBC in the measurement days were as follows: MDA, P and LDH significantly increased at the day of 9, 5 and 5 whereas SOD,
GPx and RBC decreased at the day of 11, 7 and 29 respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the increased level of MDA and decreased SOD and GPx in stored blood can cause the beginning of hemolysis of erythrocyte therefore, it is necessary to control these factors before storing the donated blood. Keywords: lipid peroxidation, Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione Peroxidase

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Abstract: Introduction: Influenza is highly transmitted disease and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza. This research was designed to study the variation of serum antibody level among the subjects had already been vaccinated against influenza. Materials and Methods: This research is a descriptive-analytical study, which was carried out on 196 subjects who had influenza vaccination (influvac 2005/2006) and 200 subjects matched by the vaccinated subjects, by age. The subject's serums were prepared seven weeks after influenza vaccination, and the control group's serums were also prepared. The serum antibody level was determined by haemaglutination inhibition test. Results: The mean age of case group is 52.2±11 and control group 48.64±5.17.The antibody titre of 115 of Vaccinated group and 15 of control is less than 40 1 The mean antibody titer of vaccinated subjects and control group is 143.4 ± 10.89 and 18.34± 3.2, respectively. The difference is statistically significant (P value=0.000). Conclusion: The findings show that the mean titer of antibody in vaccinated and control group is statistically different. It means that the influenza vaccine had a good efficacy. Key words: Vaccination, Influenza, Gorgan.

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Abstract Background and objectives: Human T-Lymphocyte Virus-1 (HTLV- 1) is known as the etiologic factor of acute T-Lymphocytic Leukemia (ATL) and tropical spastic paralysis. (TSP). Endemic factors causing infection with Human T Lymphocyte Virus-1 (HTLV-1) is based on environmental, socio-economical and health behaviors of the individuals. This virus is well distributed in families with involved members. Golestan province is located in North West part of Northern Khorasan province that had already been known as an endemic area for HTLV-1. This virus is also known as the main etiologic factor for cancers and ATL, therefore we studied the prevalence of HTLV-1 seroepidemiology in Golestan province. Material and Methods: The subjects selected by cluster sampling were 2034 healthy cases residing in different parts of Golestan province. ELISA method using Dia- pro anti HTLV-1 antibody kits was applied for serological assessment. Western Blot (HTLV BLOT 2.4) was used for confirmation purposes. Results: The subjects aged 38.66±16.54 were 2034 healthy persons. Forty-one point seven of these cases were males and the rest females. Based on ELISA method there were15 HTLV-1 positive cases (0.7%). -1. (0.7%) Six out of 15 were confirmed by western blot method (95%, CI: 0.06-0.53%). The highest prevalence sigllificant) aiology is in the highat rate in 31-40 year old gro0.7%). onclusion: This study shows that HTLV-1 is prevalent in Golestan the same as the other parts of the world. There fere: we urse on performing screening test (HTLV-) on donated blood components before delivering (OK labeling). Key words: HTLV-1, Seroepidemiology, ELISA, Western Blot, Golestan ATL(Acute T lymphocytic Leukemia) Six cases out of 15 were confirmed by western blot method (95%, CI: 0.06-0.53%). The highest prevalence was 2.6% seen in Kalaleh city (east part of the province) [95%, Cl: 0.06-0.53%). There was significant difference between the prevalence of HTLV-1 and the dwelling place. (p=002). HTLV-1 seroepidemiology was in the highest rate in 31-40 year old group (0.7%). Conclusion: This study shows that HTLV-1 is prevalent in Golestan province, the same as the other parts of the world. Therefore, we recommend performing screening test (HTLV-) on donated blood components before delivering (OK labeling). Key words: HTLV-1, Seroepidemiology, ELISA, Western Blot, Golestan province, ATL (Acute T lymphocytic Leukemia)

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Abstract Background and Objective: Malassezia that is a part of normal flora is lipophilic yeast involved in a variety of skin diseases such as seborrheic dermatitis, pityriasis versicolor, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Seborrheic dermatitis affects most often the sebaceous-gland-rich areas of skin such as face, scalp, and parts of the upper trunk. Dandruff is a mild variant of seborrheic dermatitis characterized by scaling. In this study, Malassezia species causing dandruff were identified. Material and Methods: In this descriptive study, the samples (n= 60) from participants with dandruff were examined under a microscope using 10% KOH solution and cultured in Leeming and Notman ager medium. DNA Extraction was performed from colonies by glass bead and the Malassezia genus, and species were detected by CfoI enzyme using PCR-RFLP method Results: Of 60, 40 (66.6%) were positive for Malassezia yeast. The positive samples in direct examination grew in culture medium. Malassezia species isolated were Malassezia globosa (25 cases), Malassezia restricta (10 cases), Malassezia furfur (3 cases) and Malassezia sympodialis (2 cases). Conclusions: In most studies, the Malassezia species were identified as the agents causing seborrheic dermatitis. In our study, Malassezia globosa was isolated as a dominant species. Keywords: Seborrheic Dermatitis, Malassezia SPP, Arak