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Background and Objective: Elevated levels of inflammation markers including white blood cell, platelet, serum fibrinogen and CRP are associated with prognosis in patients with coronary artery diseases. This study was done to determine the effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Amaranthus caudatus l on Inflammation markers level in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 20 male Rabbits were allocated into four groups of five each: Group I Normal diet(75 days) Group II Hypercholesterolemic diet (75 days) Group III and IV Hypercholesterolemic diet (45 days) followed by Normal diet and Normal diet with hydroalcoholic extracts Amaranthus caudatus l., respectively for an additional 30 days(Regression period). Blood samples were collected from rabbits before and after 45 days and 75 days of respective diet regimen. The level of White Blood cell, platelet, serum fibrinogen and CRP were measured. Data analyzed by using SPSS-13 and one-way ANOVA‌ test. Results: CRP in treatment group reduced from 8.14±4.5 mg/l to 17.8±4.6 mg/l in hypercholesterolemic animals (group II) (P<0.05). WBC count was 20820±8692 and 42366±17048 in treatment and hypercholesterolemic animals, respectively (P<0.05). Platelet and fibrinogen concentration was reduced in treatment group 502600±35725 and 208±24 mg/dl, respectively in comparison with hypercholesterolemic animals 638000±59774 and 299±46 mg/dl, respectively. These differences were significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that hydroalcoholic extracts of Amaranthus caudatus l reduces inflammatory markers in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

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Background and Objective: Hemodynamic alteration and hypotension due to spinal anesthesia can reduce tissue perfusion and increase ischemic risk, myocardial infraction, renal failures spinal damages and even deep veins thrombosis. This study was designed to compare pharmaceutical effects of ephedrine, atropine and mucosal phenilephrin on hemodynamic alteration of women during spinal anesthesia in cesarean section. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical and double blind study was done on 90 singleton pregnant women with ASA I and II class .the subjects gone elective cesarean section and allocated into three groups. subjects were received 500 ml ringer lactate before spinal anesthesia. Subjects in group I, II and III first received 0.1 mg/kg atropine (IV) 0.01mg/kg ephedrine and 100µgr phenilephrin (mucosal) prior spinal anesthesia, respectively. Hemodaynamic indexes including blood pressure, heart Rate, oxygen saturation and drug side effects were determined every 5 minutes interval through the surgery. Data was analyzed by using SPSS-11.5, Chi-Square and ANOVA tests. Results: Hemodaynamic indexes were changed during study, but three medicine showed similar effect on heart Rate, blood pressure and changes of oxygen saturation (P<0.05). There was a significant differences among three groups for dosage of extra ephedrine to control of blood pressure (P<0.05). This increase dosage of extra ephedrine was 56.7%,20% and in ephedrine, phenilephrin and atropine groups,respectively. Nosia rate was 6.7%, 50% and 46.7% in phenilephrin, atropine and ephedrine groups, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that to prevent of blood pressure drop following spinal anestasia atropine, phenilephrin and ephedrine can be prescribed, but ephedrine is recommended for lowering the rate of nosia.

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Background and Objective: The reduction of shoe heel height can increase abdominal muscles activity. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of low shoe heel height on the trunk muscle activity in young healthy females. Materials and Methods: In this quasi- experimental (Pre-post ) study, 48 healthy females were evaluated at University of social welfare and rehabilitation at 2009-2010. Females were selected in a non probability sampling manner and divided randomly into two groups. Subjects in the first group (12 females) were used low heel height shoes(less than 3.4 cm) for six months. The second group (12 female) was used standard heel shoes height (3.5-5 cm) for six months. After the end of the first step of study, females in first group were used standard heel shoes height (3.5-5 cm) for six months. The Kinsiologic Electromyography instrument was used to test the Electromyography magnitude of rectus abdominal and external oblique activity. Data was analyzed with Paired and independent T student and Kolmogorrov-Smirnov tests. Results: Muscle activity in first and second groups at external oblique was 9.72±3.15 μν and 7.87±2.47 μν and at rectus abdominal was 11.60±3.58 μν and 9.81±3.46 μν respectively. Muscle activity before and after using standard shoe heel height was significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: It seems that using lower heel shoes height increase the trunk muscle activity.

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Background and Objective: Fibrinogen, an inflammatory marker as well as a fundamental part of the coagulation cascade, is suggested to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and complications of atherothrombotic diseases. This study was carried out to assess the comparison of acute aerobic and resistance training method on plasma fibrinogen concentration in young women. Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental study was done on twenty trained volunteer women students, which was selected objectively, and availability. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups of aerobic (n=10) and resistance training (n=10). Aerobic group performed exhaustive workout program on treadmill intensity 65 to75% of Vo2max on treadmill. The resistance group completed three sets of 5-7 repetitions of six exercises at an intensity corresponding to 80% of 1RM. Following 12 to 14 hours of nightly fasting, venous blood samples (5 cc) were collected pre, immediately after exercise and after 60 min of recovery and analyzed for fibrinogen content. Participants were matched according to anthropometric measurements, age, fat percentage and Vo2max. Data tested by using independent t, repeated measures analysis of variance and post-hoc test least significant difference (LSD) (P≤0.05). Results: In both the aerobic and resistance training groups, fibrinogen levels increased immediately after exercise and remained higher than baseline levels during recovery. This changes were significant only in aerobic group (P<0.05). Resistance training increased significantly the fibrinogen levels immediately after exercise than aerobic exercise (P<0.035). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the exhaustive aerobic exercise may induce slightly increase the fibrinogen levels in comparison with resistance training at intensity corresponding to 80% of 1RM.

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Background and Objective: It is well accepted that accommodation system is characterized by steady state error in focus. Usually near addition lenses are prescribed to prepresbyopic individual for treatment of binocular motor problems such as convergence excess and accommodative disorder. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the near addition lenses in accommodative and vergence responses at three viewing distances. Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental study was done on 42 students of 17-25 years old in Zahedan, South-Eastern Iran during 2009. After correction of refractive error, phoria states with APCT and binocular and monocular lag of accommodation by MEM method with and without +2.00 lenses in three difference distances (30, 40, 50 cm) was measured. Data analyzed by ANOVA, t-student and paired t-tests. Results: There was significant difference between average of lag of accommodation and phoria at various distances, with and without lens (P<0.05). Also, there was significant difference between mean of lag in 3 fixation distance (P<0.017). There was no significant difference between average of lag of accommodation and phoria at various distances in three group of refractive error. Conclusion: Our results showed that, near addition lens reduce the lag of accommodation. It is proposed, therefore, according to near emmetropization theory addition lenses may be effective in reducing of the myopia progression.

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Background and Objective: Domestic violence can place mother and fetus at risk. This issue can be prevented through education and basic knowledge. This study carried out to determine the frequency and severity of domestic violence in pregnant women referred to health centers in Arak, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was done on 400 pregnant women referring in health centers in Arak North-West of Iran during 2009. This research was implemented through questionnaires including the demographic chracteristic aspects of physical violence, emotional, verbal and financial severity and the factors effected violence on pregnant women. Data was analyzed using Chi-Square, one way ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results: The overall prevalence of violence during pregnancy was 34.5%. For this rate, 56%, 48%, 23% and 11% were emotional violence, verbal, financial and physical violences, respectively. Marrige age (P<0.035), partnership lenght (P<0.018), family history of marriage (P<0.001), education (P<0.001), occupation of woman and husband (P<0.001) with the outbreak of violence during pregnancy were significantly associated. Conclusion: This study indicated that the frequency of domestic violence in pregnant women is high, therefore it is sugested women clinic to be established to protect pregnant women suffering from domestic violence during pregnancy.

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Background and Objective: The majority of medicines are associated with some form of side effects due to high prevalence of self- medication in Iran .There is not any drug without side effects the prevalence of self- medication in Iran's provinces is increasing. This study was done to determine the knowledge and practice among woman about self -medication based on health belief model. Materials and Methods: This cross- sectional study carried out on 385 women whom referred to health centers in Isfahan, Iran during 2008. Data were collected by a questionnaire including knowledge, practice and health belief model structures. Results: The mean score of knowledge was 82.97±13.80 and means score of perceived susceptibility 72.48±17.11, severity 71.60±14.73, benefits 68.29±17.13 and barriers 61.64±19.67. 86% of women have done self–medication at least in one disease in 6 months earlier Including: cold 225 (57.6%), headache 28 (53.7%) and anemia 51 (13.2%). The main reasons for self –medication were previous experience and medicine accessibility .The main reasons to avoid self –medication was the side effects of medicine. Conclusion: Self-medication can be prevented thought increasing knowledge and education about severity of drug side effects.

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Background and Objective: The prevalence of hepatitis B infection is increasing worldwide. The main way to prevent hepatitis B transmission to newborns can be through accurate detection of HBsAg positive pregnant women and implementation of standard protocol for their infants. Therefore, this study carried out to determine the frequency of HBsAg in pregnant women in Gorgan, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was done on 1553 pregnant women whom attended to Dezyani hospital in Gorgan, North of Iran during 2008-09. Blood samples were taken and tested for HBsAg and HBeAg using ELISA method. Results: HBsAg was found positive in 15 (1%) pregnant women. However, HBeAg were negative in all cases. Seven of these cases (46.7%) were not diagnosed before admission to the hospital for delivery and therefore had not received any immunoprophylaxis or HBIG treatment for their newborns. In contrary, six mothers and their newborns received immunoprophylaxis due to falsely diagnosed HBsAg seropositive. Conclusion: This study showed that the current protocols for dealing with HBsAg seropositivity and case finding among pregnant women in this region should be thoroughly revised. Furthermore, it is suggested that pregnant women during third trimester should be screened for HBsAg.

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Background and Objective: Malnutrition in hospital increases the mortality of patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition and related risk factors in hospitalized patients. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 446 patients (217 males, 229 females) during 6 months, admitted to the Taleghani hospital in Tehran, Iran during 2005. Anthropometric measurements and previous admission to hospital in previous 6 months for each patient was recorded. Mild, moderate and severe malnutrition were considered as BMI=18-20 kg/m2 and TSF, or MAMC<10th, or weight loss<5% as BMI=16-18kg/m2 and TSF, or MAMC<5th, or weight loss 5-10% and severe as BMI<16kg/m2 and TSF, or MAMC<5th or weight loss>10% in previous 6 months respectively. Results: The prevalence rate of malnutrition as a general was 52% with following subdivision: 14%, 10% and 28% in mild, moderate and severe, respectively. The highest prevalence of malnutrition observed in gastrointestinal ward, males, those aged 18-29 year and patients with secondary and high school education. In malnourished patients, the prevalence of TSF, MAC and MAMC <5th were significantly more than of well-nourished subjects (P<0.05). Increase BMI per unit decreased the risk of malnutrition by 17% (OR: 0.83 CI: 0.79-0.87). Malnutrition was 64% higher in patients with 1≥ gastrointestinal disturbances, compared with those without it and 2.1 higher in patients with 2≥-hospitalized readmission, compared with subjects without readmission in previous 6 month. Odds ratio of at least one hospitalized admission in previous 6 month was 1.64 in patients with MAC <5th, compared with those with MAC 50-75th (P<0.017). Conclusion: This study showed that Malnutrition upon hospitalization is common in Tehran. BMI, gastrointestinal disturbances, and readmission were associated with malnutrition.

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Background and Objective: Fish as well as other aquatic animals have become an important source of protein diets. Heavy metals due to their specific physical and chemical characteristics as well as their side effects on various ecosystems are considered as a major contaminator of marine environments. Therefore determine determination of Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co) and Manganese (Mn) intensity in Rutilus frisii kutum and Cyprinus carpio fishes of Caspian sea. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, levels of Zinc, Copper, Cobalt and Manganese were evaluated, using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (A.S.S) technique, in tissues of two commonly consumed fish in Iran, namely Rutilus frisii kutum and Cyprinus carpio, collected from the southern coastline of the Caspian sea. Results: The mean±SD average concentration of Zn, Cu, Co and Mn were detected as (μg g-1) dry weight of Rutilus frisii kutum’s tissues were 29.97±0.57, 9.45±0.09, 0.30±0.01 and 0.20±0.01, respectively. These values for Cyprinus carpio were detected as: 30.20±0.14, 9.14±0.07, 1.08±0.03 and 0.71±0.02, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that, the concentration of Zn, Cu and Co in Rutilus frisii kutum, Cyprinus carpio fish tissues were higher than standard base of Brian.

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Background and Objective: Fungi are widely distributed in nature and they are usually present in attomospher but other sources such as water play an important role in their ecology. This study was done to evaluate mycoflora assessment in drinking tap water in Sari, North of Iran. The tap water collected form Sari water distribution system for fungi. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, a volume of 100 ml of tap drinking water samples (n=60) were collected in sterile bottles. All water samples passed through sterile 0.45 micrometer filters. The filters were placed directly on Malt extract agar and incubated at 27°C for 3-7 days. Routine mycological techniques were applied to identify the grown fungi. Results: Out of 468 grown fungal colonies, eight different fungal genera were identified. The total mean cfu per 100 ml for the positive samples were 8.4. Aspergillus (37.4%) and Penicillium (27.3%) were the most common isolated fungi. Rhizopus (0.6%) had the lowest frequency. Among Aspergillus species, A. flavus had the highest frequency. Conclusion: Our result showed that various fungi were present in the tap drinking water. We propose fungi should be considered as part of the microbiological analysis parameters in drinking tap water.

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Background and Objective: The role of ion channels and particularly cationic channels in the pathogenesis of various diseases are being considered carefully. The diabetes mellitus is a common disease which is initiated by ion channel disturbances. This study was done to determine the characteristics of hepatocyte rough endoplasmic reticulum single cationic channel in Streptozocin- induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods: This experimental study was done on 10 male adult Wistar rats and animals were randomly allocaied into diabetic and control groups. Diabetes induced by STZ (65 mg/kg/bw) intraperitounally. Rough endoplasmic reticulum vesicles were extracted following rat liver excision, homogenization and ultracentrifuging. The bilayer membrane formation was prepared by painting phosphatidylcholine on 250µM aperture in between Cis and Trans sides. The RER vesicles incorporation was performed through gentle and delicate touch of membrane using a dentistry needle. The Pclamp9 software was used for ion channel activity characteristic analysis.

Results: The cationic channel current amplitude did not change significantly in voltages more than +3o mV but their open probability (Po) decreased in diabetic group (P<0.05). More severe changes in channel activity were seen in potentials less than the reverse potential. In addition to significant increase of channel Po (P<0.05), also, the channel unitary currents were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The mean current amplitude and channel open probability in voltage +40 mV were 17±2.14 pA and 0.68±0.01 in control group respectively, whereas, the values of these parameters reached to 18.5±2.5 and 0.26±0.03, respectively. In voltage -10 mV, the values of mean current amplitude and Po were -22.3±2.14 pA and <0.1 in control group, respectively but the values changed to -13.1±0.08 and 0.62±0.03 in diabetic group.

Conclusion: It seems that RER cationic channel is involved in metabolic changes which cause by diabetes mellitus and this disease can cause probably a channel gating kinetic and behavior change by inducing metabolic stresses.

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Background and Objective: Oxidative stress is known as the one of the causes of neuropathic pain, reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been reported to be involved in this process. Coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant and is able to reduce resulting oxidative damage. This study was done to determine the effect of Coenzyme Q10 on neuropathic pain in CCI (Chronic Crash Injury) rat model.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 30 male rats (200-250g) randomizely allocated into 3 groups each 10 rat including CCI, CCI + CoQ10 and CCI + vehicle. Neuropathic pain, was induced by Chronic Crash Injury (CCI) model for sciatic nerve. IP injection of CoQ10 (200 mg/kg) or vehicle was done daily for 10 days. Behavioral tests were done before and after surgery on day 5 and 10 respectively. Paw withdrawal threshold was assessed by Randall Selitto test, Analgesy Metter and Von Frey filaments. Data was analyzed by SPSS-14, Independent T and Mean-whatney tests.

Results: Induction of nerve injury decreased pain threshold (P<0.05) and treatment with CoQ10 increased mechanical and thermal threshold in neuropathic rats compared to CCI animals (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in pain threshold between animals treated CoQ10 and vehicle injected animals (P<0.05).

Conclusion: This study indicated that coenzyme Q10 prevents deleterious effects following nerve injury in animal model.

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Background and Objective: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common serious metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia, altered metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), affects 3.5–5% of all human pregnancy. Therefore, this study was done to evaluate the effect of gestational diabetes on astrocyte density in CA1 and CA3 subfields of hippocampus in rat male offspring.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 12 Wistar Dams rats were randomly allocated in control and diabetic groups. Gestational diabetes induced by 40 mg/kg/body weight of streptozotocin at the first day of gestation (GD) in experimental group and controls were received an equivalent volume normal saline injection intraperitoneally (IP). Six male offspring of cases and controls dams, at the 7, 21 postnatal day (P7, P21) were randomly selected. Animals were scarified using chloroform anesthesia. The coronal sections of brain by 6 micrometer serially were prepared. The sections were stained with PTAH. The number of astrocytes was evaluated in 100000 μm² area of CA1 and CA3 in 1000X magnification. Data was analyzed by SPSS-11.5 and t-test.

Results: In CA1 subfield of hippocampus in offspring, the number of astrocytes  significantly reduced by 36.25% and 36.37% in diabetic group in compare to controls in the P7 and P21, respectively (P<0.05). In CA3, astrocytes density significantly reduced 36.35% and 26.5% in GD in comparison with controls in the P7 and P21, respectively (P<0.05).

Conclusion: This study showed that the uncontrol gestational diabetes significantly reduces astrocytes density in CA1 and CA3 subfields of hippocampus in rat offspring.

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Background and Objective: Cardiovascular diseases are the most significant factors leading to death. This study was done to determine the effect of eight weeks aerobic training on level serum lipid and lipoprotein in non athletic women.

Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out on 30 non athletic women. Subjects were devided into control and experimental groups through gained Vo²max. HDL-c, total cholesterol (TC), LDL-c, VLDL-c, RF (TC/HCL) and subdermal fat percent were evaluted perior and after training for eight weeks as follow: three session in each weeks with one hour aerobic training in each session. Data analyzed using SPSS-14 and independent and dependent T student tests.

Results: The significant reduction of RF, TC and percent of subdermal fat were observed in experimental group after training in comparison with prieor phase (P<0.05). Significant reduction of RF, LDL-C, TC and subdermal fat were observed in experimental group in comparison with contols after training (P<0.05). The increase of HDL-c and reduction of TG and VLDL-c were observed in experimental group compared to control but these differences were not significant.

Conclusion: This study showed that aerobic training reduce total cholesterol, LDL-c, RF and percent of subdermal fat in non athletic women.

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Background and Objective: Abdominal operations as gynaecological procedures result in gastrointestinal dysmotility. Early feeding and ambulation are nonpharmacologic interventions which can be useful in re-initiation of bowel function. This study was done to evaluate the effect of early oral hydration on the return of bowel function and woman's satisfaction after elective caesarean section in primiparous women.

Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 120 primiparous women undergone elective cesarean section were assigned to control and intervention groups in Hajar hospital, Shahrekord, Iran during 2007. In the interventional group, oral hydration with liquids was started 4 hours after surgery regardless of presence of bowel sounds and solid food was started after bowel sounds appeared. The control group recieved liquid diet 12 hours after the operation if it was tolerated, they were given soft diet and regular food at the next meal. The return of bowel activity, time of ambulating, satisfaction, discharge from the hospital and complications were compared in two groups. The data were analyzed using SPSS-15, Chi-Square, T and one way ANOVA tests.

Results: The mean postoperative time interval to first hearing of normal intestinal sounds in interventional versus control groups were (9.5±1.38 and 12.5±2.5 hours) the first passage of flatus (15.7±3.61 vs.22.4±4.1 hours), time to first sensation of bowel movement (10.8±1.99 versus 15.7±3.4 hours) and defecation (18.9±3.65 versus 23.4±4.85 hours). These differences were significant (P<0.05). Also discharge from the hospital (0.96±0.18 versus 1.1±34 days) were significantly shorter in interventional group (P<0.05). The women in the early feeding group got out of bed (patient mobilisation) earlier than their interventional group (14.1 hours versus 18.8 hours (P<0.05). Maternal satisfaction was significantly higher among the early fed women (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Early oral hydration after elective cesarean section associated with rapid resumption of intestinal motility and increased woman’s satisfaction.

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Background and Objective: Sleep disurbance is considered to be one of the most common problems in menopausal women. Herbal supplements are being used as herbal supplemental medication to solve the problem. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Sedamin capsule on sleep disorder among menopausal women. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial study was done on 100 Menopausal women aged 50-60 with sleep disorder. Women randomly divided into intervention and contol groups. Subjects intervention group were received Sedamin capsule (530 mg Valerian root) twice a day for 30 days. Women in control group were received capsule (50 mg of carbohydrate) twice a day for 30 days. Demographic data form and Pittsburg sleep quality index was instrumented for the evaluation of disorder. Data analyzed with using independent T and ANOVA tests. Results: Mean score of sleep disorder peior and after intervention was 9.8±3.6 and 6.02±2.6 (P<0.05) in interventional group and 11.14±4 and 9.4±3.9 in controls, respectively. Also, 40% of the participants in the intervention group and 12% in the control group showed an improvement in the quality of sleep (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that consumption of Sedamin capsule improves the quality of sleep in menopausal women with sleep disorder.

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Background and Objective: Nausea and vomiting are the most frequent complications in the first trimester of pregnancy. Herbal medicine is among the traditional effective treatments. Ginger and Chamomile are hypothesized to be useful in decreasing the signs. This study was done to determine the effect of Ginger and Chamomile capsules on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

Materials and Methods: This triple-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial was carried out on 105 pregnant women in 6-16 weeks of gestational age with a mild to moderate nausea and vomiting, whome referred to the prenatal care clinic in Dezyani hospital and health centers, Gorgan, Northern Iran during 2009-10. Rhodes index questionnaire had been given to all participants to be completed before bed-time for two weeks. In the first week no intervention was done and prescribing the capsules was started the following week. Subjects randomly divided into 3 groups: In group 1, ginger capsules were consumped twice a day for one week, in group 2 twice daily chamomile capsule and in placebo group, glucose capsule was prescribed. Scores were calculated and all data were entered into the SPSS-16 software, analysis was done using variance analysis, Will-Cockson, paired T and Fisher-exact tests.

Results: The mean of Rhodes index before intervention in plasbo, Ginger and Chamomile groups were 12.71±5.88, 10.42±0.76 and 11.19±5.51, respectively. Also, the mean of Rhodes index after intervention in plasbo, Ginger and Chamomile groups were 11.47±6.43, 7.28±3.74 and 5.73±4.32, respectively (P<0.05). Bonferroni test indicated that there is no difference about scor chang (after and before) between Ginger and Chamomile and Ginger and plasbo, but this difference was significant between Chamomile and plasbo group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: This study showed that Chamomile capsule was more effective on nausea and vomiting during pregnancy compared to Ginger.

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Background and Objective: HIV-1 and HCV infections especially in co-infected forms are among the most important infections transferred during blood transfusion.The screening of the blood products is valuable for preventing the transmission of infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate multiplex RT-PCR assay for detection of Co-infection HIV-1 and HCV Viruses in plasma samples.

Materials and Methods: This laboratory study was done to evaluate the use of multiplex RT-PCR assay for simultaneous detection of HIV-1 and HCV genomes in plasma samples. The amplified genomes were detectable in 3% agarose gel base on difference in the numbers of nucleotides. The sensitivity and specificity of this assay was determined on healthy and infected subjects whome simultanously exhibit HIV-1 and HCV co-infection using plasma samples.

Results: The specificity results showed that the primers used in this assay have no interaction with each other and other possible interfering agents. The clinical sensitivity and specificity of the assay has been considered as 90% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion: Multiplex RT-PCR can be used for screening of blood donors due to high sensivity and specificity.

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Background and Objective: Patellofemoral is a pain syndrome, common among athletes and the theraputic regiment based on the improvement of muscle involved in this disorder. This study was done to compare electromyography activity of the vastus medialis obliques and vastus lateralis longus during squat with isometric hip adduction in athletes with patellofemoral pain syndrome and healthy athletes.

Materials and Methods: This case – control study was carried out on 16 national team male athletes (volleyball, handball and taekwondo) aged 30-18 years with patellofemoral pain syndrome and 16 healthy male athletes. Subjects were matched based on weight, height, age, dominant of lower extremity and voluntarily participated. Electromyography activity of vastus medialis obliques and vastus lateralis longus muscles recorded by surface electrodes at 15, 30 and 45 knee flexion degrees. Paired t test was used to compare electromyography activities in each group and One-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test was used to compare each muscle in different angles.

Results: There was significant differences in the activity of vastus medialis obliques and vastus lateralis longus muscles in athletes with patellofemoral pain syndrome at 45 knee flexion degree (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the muscle activities in healthy athletes at none of the knee flexion degrees. There were significant differences in the activity of vastus medialis obliques (P<0.05) and vastus lateralis longus (P<0.05) muscles at 45 degrees in comparison with muscle activities in each group in knee flexion degrees.

Conclusion: Electromyography activity of the vastus medialis obliques in healthy athletes during squat with isometric hip adduction at 45 knee flextion is greater than other degrees and in athletes with patellofemoral pain syndrome is greater than healthy athletes.