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Background and Objective: Thyroid nodules are common among the general population and they increase the risk of thyroid malignancies. This study was done to evaluate the correlation of findings of ultrasound based on Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data System (TIRADS) and cytology of fine needle aspiration (FNA) based on Bethesda system to evaluate of thyroid nodules.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study, was performed on 165 patients (152 females and 13 males) referred to the sonography center of Sayyad Shirazi Educational Hospital, Gorgan, northern Iran during 2018. Ultralosonographic features of nodules were recorded in the pre-filled checklist. According to TIRADS and endocrinologist clinical suspicion, couple of patients was eligible for FNA under the ultrasound guidance. The cytology of FNAs was reported based on the Bethesda system classification.
Results: The mean age was significantly lower in patients with malignant nodules (35.4 vs 44.8; P<0.05). Frequency of malignancy was 8 times higher among females than males (16 vs. 2). TIRADS 3 and 4 were the most common categories among the others with the prevalence of 44.4% and 32.3%, respectively. Bethesda 2 and 4 were the most prevalent categories with prevalence of 58.8% and 20.6%, respectively. The strongest agreement was observed between TIRADS 2 and Bethesda 2 that showed benign findings. Kappa index was 0.061 between TIRADS and Bethesda (P<0.05). Echogenicity, echogenic foci, shape, and margin of nodules were seen significantly more in malignancy.
Conclusion: The most accurate prediction of TIRADS belongs to benign nodules. The correlation between TIRADS and Bethesda was evaluated to be significant overall and the maximum level of correlation was at benign findings. Therefore, these two systems can efficiently be used in order to rule out malignancies and reduce the rate of invasive interventions.

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Background and Objective: The undesirable and destructive effects of stress on the lives of many couples are grounds for marital burnout and consequently, the quality of the couple’s marital relationship is affected. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training on reducing couple burnout among women.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 30 married women referred to the Counseling and Psychological Services Center during 2016 with a score of 75 on their marital burnout questionnaire. Subjects were selected using available sampling method and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups that each included 15 members and the pre-test-post-test-follow-up method was performed. The intervention group participated in an 8-session course of mindfulness-based stress reduction training. No intervention was provided for the subjects in the control group until the end of the follow-up stage. The data were collected using Pines Marital Burnout Scale (1996) which were completed in pre-test, post-test, and one-month follow-up stages by subjects in both groups. In the study groups, the components of marital burnout including physical fatigue, mental fatigue and emotional fatigue were compared and evaluated.
Results: Mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention reduced marital burnout and its components (physical fatigue, mental fatigue, and affective fatigue) in the interventional group compared to the control group at the end of the intervention and after one month follow-up (P<0.05).
Conclusion: This study showed that mindfulness-based stress reduction training is an effectiveness intervention for reducing the level of marital burnout among women.

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Background and Objective: Bisphenol A (BPA) is the monometer of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. This study was done to evaluate the effect of aerobic exercises on oxidative stress indices in heart tissue of male Wistar rats after poisoning with Bisphenol A.
Methods: In this experimental study, 20 adult male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups including control, aerobic exercise, BPA and BPA + aerobic exercise. Animals in control and aerobic exercise groups were receieved olive oil and the BPA (100 μg/kg) intraperitoneally, respectively. Animals in BPA + aerobic training group were treated with BPA (100 μg/kg) intraperitoneally for 30 days. Exercise program consisted of 25-64 minutes of running with 57-75% oxygen consumption, 5 sessions per week for two months. Indicators of oxidative stress in heart tissue including Gpx, SOD, TAC, MDA, CAT and AOPP were evaluated.
Results: BPA intoxication induced a significant increase in the activity of SOD , GPX enzymes, AOPP and MDA levels and  reduction  in CAT enzyme activity and TAC level in compared to control group (P<0.05). While aerobic exercise could diminish the oxidative stress due to BPA intoxication. Aerobic exercise reduced the activity of the GPX, SOD and increased catalase activity in rats with BPA intoxication (P<0.05). Also, level of MDA and AOPP significantly reduced in in aerobic exercise group in comparison with with BPA intoxication (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Aerobic exercise activity has moderating effects on BPA intoxication in cardiac oxidative stress. Aerobic exercise can increase the amount of antioxidant enzymes that play an important role in modulating oxidative stress induced by BPA.

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Background and Objective: Stroke and cerebral ischemia are the second leading causes of death in the world. Currently, there are limited therapeutic interventions for patients with ischemia / reperfusion. This study was performed to determine the protective effect of aerobic exercise and adenosine on changes in inflammation mediators after transient ischemia of common carotid arteries in male Wistar rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, fifty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into to 5 groups: control, cerebral ischemic control, aerobic exercise + cerebral ischemia, adenosine + cerebral ischemia and aerobic exercise + adenosine + cerebral ischemia. Ischemia was performed by blocking the common carotid artery for 45 minutes after a period of exercise and injection of adenosine. Neuronal structure was examined by Nissel tissue staining. The expression of NGF and Glutamate genes were measured in CA1 region of hippocampal tissue samples.
Results: Cell death was increased in neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in the ischemia / reperfusion group, While a significant reduction in cell death in the adenosine + ischemia / reperfusion and aerobic exercise + ischemia /reperfusion groups was due to adenosine administration and aerobic exercise (P<0.05). NGF and glutamate gene expression in the adenosine + ischemia/reperfusion and adenosine + aerobic exersice + ischemia/reperfusion groups significantly increased and reduced compared to the ischemia/reperfusion control, respectively (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Co-administration of adenosine combined with aerobic exercise increase the protective effect of aerobic exercise on improving the neuronal damage after ischemic / reperfusion.

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Background and Objective: Binding of antibiotics to nanoparticles increases the antibacterial potential of nanoparticles and antibiotics. This study was performed to determine the antibacterial and hemolytic effect of zinc / ferrite / cellulose nanocomposite (ZnFe2O4 @ Cell) (single nanoparticle), zinc / ferrite / cellulose nanocomposite was aminated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) with the name of ZnFe2O4@Cell@APTES (Coated nanocomposite) and ZnFe2O4@Cell@APTES@Van nanocomposite (coated nanocomposite bound to vancomycin) against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).
Methods: In this descriptive study, antibacterial-activity was evaluated by broth macro dilution method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum lethal concentration (MBC) were determined for E. coli, S. aurous and P. aeruginosa. The hemolytic activity of nanoparticles was investigated by colorimetric method.
Results: Nanoparticles did not have hemolytic activity. ZnFe2O4@Cell and ZnFe2O4@Cell@APTES@Van did not have a significant antibacterial effect against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and vancomycin binding resulted in antibacterial-activity. ZnFe2O4@Cell@APTES@Van inhibited the growth of Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The growth of E. coli was reduced to 85% at a concentration of 0.4 mg/ml and a concentration of 0.1 mg nanoparticles completely prevented the growth of P. aeruginosa. The growth of gram-positive S. aureus bacteria at a concentration of 0.3 mg/ml nanoparticles was completely stopped.
Conclusion: Vancomycin-modified nanocomposite has antibacterial-activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and has the potential to overcome the antibiotic resistance of bacteria.

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Background and Objective: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that is a major cause of mortality in immunocompromised patients. One of the most important mechanisms of resistance of this bacterium is biofilm formation. The aim of this study was done to determine the Effect of Morin on Expression of Biofilm Gene of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from burn wounds by Real time PCR.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study 60 sample were collected from burn wounds of patients admitted to the hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Samples were identified by using biochemical methods. The DNA of the isolates was extracted and then antimicrobial activity of morin analyzed by microbroth dilution assay. The presence of biofilm production genes was investigated by PCR. Finally, the expression of lasI gene in combination with Sub-MIC concentration of morin in biofilm-producing bacteria was evaluated using Real time PCR.
Results: From 60 samples that analyzed by Multiplex-PCR, 12 (20%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were isolated in which 12 isolates (100%) were carried lasI and lasR, genes, respectively. 3 isolates (25%) were carried rhlI gene. Sub-MIC concentration of morin in biofilm-producing bacteria reduced lasI gene expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Conclusion: Morin has significant efficacy on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and could be a good alternative for treatment of antibiotic resistant isolates.

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Background and Objective: Periodontal disease has high prevalence in diabetic patients and the knowledge of them about the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease is effective in the control of the blood glucose and progression of periodontitis. This study was done to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of diabetic patients about periodontal disease in Gorgan north of Iran.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was done on 300 type 1 and 2 diabetic patients (136 males & 164 females) whom referred to governmental health centers in Gorgan, northern Iran during 2019. Demographic information, knowledge, attitude and practice were recorded using a questionnaire.
Results: The level of good knowledge, attitude and practice were evaluated 51.7%, 44.3% and 25%, respectively. There was significant association between oral hygiene practice and gender and education (P<0.05). Good practice was observered more in females and in patients.
Conclusion: More than half of diabetic patients had moderate to good knowledge and attitude about periodontal disease but their practice was moderate to poor.

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Background and Objective: brucellosis is one of the most common zoonosis diseases. Brucellosis is a systemic disease and affected several organs and tissue in human. This study was performed to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice about brucellosis control among livestock farmers.
Methods: This descriptive-analytic study, was performed on 300 rural literate livestock farmers in BuinZahra, Qazvin Iran during 2019. The knowledge, attitude, and practice, the related factors and demographic characteristics such as age, education level and family count were evaluated by structured six-part questionnaire including 30 questions.
Results: The mean age of the subjects was 41.3±16.4 years. Although 90.7% had heard of brucellosis, only 14% had previous trained. There was a positive attitude about the use of methods to reduce the risk of infection in the family and the seriousness of the issue of animal brucellosis in 19% and 64% of cases, respectively. About 94.7% were attended to veterinarian in suspected cases and 96.7% examined the new animals. 97% were uses of new cheese and milk but the milk was boiled by 89.3%. The mean knowledge was 5.3 ranging from 0 to 8 points in them. There was a statistically significant difference in the knowledge score of individuals according to the information source (P<0.05). Knowledge score and number of household members had positive correlation (r=0.135, P=0.019).
Conclusion: There is medium-level knowledge about brucellosis in livestock farmers. The attitude and some actions (such as dealing with infected livestock) needed to be improved. The probable reason is the high cost of behavior modification in some areas, which has provided the gap between knowledge, attitude and behavior in this area.

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Background and Objective: Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic disease with extensive musculoskeletal pain that primarily involves women and also it has negatively effects on many aspects of psychological and social life. Cognitive-behavioral therapy examines dysfunctional emotions and maladaptive cognitive behaviors, processes, and themes, and cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy combines hypnotherapy with the methods and concepts of cognitive-behavioral therapy. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy with cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy on sexual satisfaction of women with fibromyalgia syndrome.
Methods: This clinical trial study was done on 9 women with fibromyalgia syndrome who referred to rheumatology clinic in Gorgan, northern Iran in 2020. The patients were randomly divided into three groups including cognitive-behavioral therapy, combination cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy and control group. The treatments used were performed for 8 sessions separately for 2 groups of 3 people in Pars Tavan Comprehensive Center. Control group did not receive any intervention. A multidimensional sexual satisfaction questionnaire of Roshan 2014 was used to evaluate patients.
Results: Sexual satisfaction in post-test on both interventional group showed a significant improvement compared to control group (P<0.05). Cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy with 59.38% was more effective than cognitive-behavioral therapy with 43.01 and also it was the same 2 month after follow up (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Combined therapy of cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy increased sexual satisfaction in women with fibromyalgia syndrome more than cognitive-behavioral therapy.

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Background and Objective: Iron deficiency anemia lead to a decrease in intelegence question (IQ) and a decrease in learning and mental and physical abilities. This study was done to determine the status of iron intake in infants aged 6 to 24 months under the cover of comprehensive health centers in Miandorood city, Mazandaran province, Iran during 2019.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was carried out on 400 infants aged 6-24 months who were enrolled in comprehensive health centers in Miandorood city, Mazandaran province, Iran during 2019. The status of iron drop consumption and mothers' awareness in this field were evaluated.
Results: The mean age of the infants was 13.8±4.8 months. The range of the mother’s age was 28.8±5.6 years. Of these, 274 (68.5%) of infants used iron drops regularly, 106 case (26.5%) often, and 20 case (5.0%) never. The mother's knowledge score was significantly correlated with the type of iron intake, height percentile, and maternal education level (P<0.05). Evaluation of the possible causes of irregular iron intake shows that the most frequent cases were forgetting (28.8%), 9.5% for nausea and vomiting, and ‎‎9.0% for teeth color changing.‎
Conclusion: Mothers' awareness of iron drops consumption was good. The most important barriers to regular iron intake in the present study were forgetfulness, vomiting, and tooth discoloration.
 

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Background and Objective: In medical sciences, identifying the anticancer properties of plumbagin is of special importance. For this reason, this study investigated the anticancer activity of polymeric nanoparticles loaded by plumbagin against breast cancer cells.
Methods: In this descriptive study, the diblock copolymer mPEG–PCL was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of caprolactone in the presence of mPEG as the initiator and Sn(oct)2 as the catalyst. The synthesized copolymers were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry. The nanoprecipitation method was used for preparing nanoparticles loaded with plumbagin. The characteristics of these nanoparticles were investigated by various techniques including dynamic light scattering. The cytotoxicity of plumbagin, copolymer, and the nanoparticles loaded with plumbagin on MCF7 and HFF2 cells was evaluated by MTT assay.
Results: The average diameter of the nanoparticles was less than 115 nm. The loading capacity and encapsulation efficiencies were 15.4±0.13% and 79.1±0.65%, respectively. Drug release was slow, controlled, and almost dependent on pH. The results of the MTT assay showed strong and dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth by the plumbagin-loaded micelles compared with plumbagin alone in a way that the half maximal inhibitory concentration of this nanoparticle against MCF7 cells after 48 and 72 hours was 10.78 and 24.03 μM, respectively.
Conclusion: The mPEG-PCL nanoparticles can be an efficient carrier for plumbagin, and plumbagin can be an effective drug on breast cancer cells, without toxicity on healthy cells.
 

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Background and Objective: Hemodialysis is an important replacement therapy for 70-90% of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the vascular access of choice in these patients due to its higher efficiency and lower risk of mortality compared to arteriovenous grafts. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of vascular access types used in hemodialysis centers of Gorgan, Iran.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was done on 200 hemodialysis patients (101 men and 99 women) at 5 Azar and Sayyad Shirazi hospitals in Gorgan, north of Iran, during April 2020 to July 2021. The subjects were selected by the census method. Information including age, sex, education level, duration of dialysis, the initial and current types of vascular access, site of vascular access, history of diabetes or hypertension, race, and history of smoking were recorded in a checklist.
Results: The mean age of women and men was 58.34±4.71 and 57.95±13.76 years, respectively. In addition, 61.5% of the patients were under 3 years old. The most commonly used vascular access to initiate dialysis was non-cuffed temporary catheters (69%) and AVF (24%). Smoking, ethnicity, diabetes, hypertension, and gender had no significant association with the type of vascular access used. In addition, there was no significant relationship between the duration of dialysis and the type of vascular access.
Conclusion: Considering the diversity of catheters and fistulas, it is necessary to emphasize that the use of AVF in patients undergoing dialysis for the first time and the timely placement of AVF in ESRD patients can improve the quality of life of the patients. It is also recommended to use jugular catheters instead of subclavian catheters when required.
 

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Background and Objective: Asthma is a chronic airway disorder with a rising prevalence. Dietary factors, antioxidant indicators and vitamin D deficiency are associated with the disease. Due to the presence of receptors for this vitamin in the lung, this study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin D administration on lung function, serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) level and total serum antioxidant activity in patients with moderate to severe asthma.
Methods: In this clinical trial, 60 patients with asthma were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (placebo recipient) and an intervention group (recipient of 2,000 vitamin D capsules for 12 weeks). At the beginning and at the end of the study, 5 cc blood samples were taken from each patient, and spirometry test was performed. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), IgE and vitamin D parameters were measured.
Results: The mean score of forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC in both groups as well as the mean FVC in the control group did not change significantly after the intervention. The mean FVC score, vitamin D level and TAC in the intervention group increased significantly after the intervention, while the IgE levels reduced significantly.
Conclusion: Taking vitamin D tablets could increase the antioxidant parameters in asthmatic patients.
 

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Background and Objective: Hypoxia is one of the most common clinical stresses that occur during pregnancy, which has adverse effects on fetal development. Fish oil, with its antioxidant properties, prevents fetal disorders during pregnancy. This study was conducted to determine the effects of fish oil on apparent congenital abnormalities and fetal dimensions caused by hypoxia during gestation in rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 36 female pregnant Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups of control, hypoxia, fish oil 0.5 ml, fish oil 1 ml, hypoxia+fish oil 0.5 ml, and hypoxia + fish oil 1 ml. Fish oil was administered by gavage, and the hypoxia model was established between 6 and 15 days of gestation by 3 hours of daily exposure to 10% oxygen and 90% nitrogen. On the 20th day of pregnancy, the embryos were removed from the uterus. First, the number of obtained embryos from each group was counted. Then, in terms of apparent abnormalities, the number of live fetuses and fetal resorption was evaluated. Finally, the length and weight of the fetuses were measured.
Results: The frequency of embryos with apparent abnormalities in the hypoxia and control groups was 18.18% and nil, respectively. The frequency of fetal resorptions in the hypoxia and control groups was 27.27% and 1.92%, respectively. Moreover, fetal weight and length were significantly reduced in the hypoxia group compared with the control group (P<0.05). However, the average weight and length of fetuses in the hypoxia groups receiving fish oil showed a significant increase compared to the hypoxia group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Hypoxia during pregnancy in rats reduces fetal body dimensions and increases fetal abnormalities. However, fish oil can reduce the harmful effects of hypoxia on apparent congenital abnormalities and fetal body dimensions during pregnancy.
 

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Background and Objective: The liver is the main organ involved in the metabolism of various drugs and toxins. Thus, it is highly vulnerable to damage caused by drugs and toxins. Alpinia officinarum belongs to the Ginger family and has been used in traditional Iranian medicine for its therapeutic effects on the digestive system, including strengthening the function of the stomach and organs, improving digestion and reducing bloating. In addition, the plant has anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer and antioxidant properties. This study investigated the hepatotoxic effects of Alpinia officinarum rhizomes aqueous extract in male Wistar rats.
Methods: This experimental study was performed on 35 male Wistar rats that were randomly allocated into 5 groups of 7. Four groups received 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of the extract for 28 days, while a group did not receive the extract (control group). Tissue sections (5 microns) were stained by hematoxylin and eosin at the pharmacology laboratory of Golestan University of Medical Sciences. The groups were examined for liver tissue pathology, and the level of liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was measured by Pars Azmoun ELISA kit.
Results: Administration of the aqueous extract of Alpinia officinarum rhizome for 28 days by gavage increased the level of AST, ALT and ALP in the serum of rats. Tissue damage was observed in most groups receiving the extract.
Conclusion: The results show that consumption of the aqueous extract of Alpinia officinarum rhizome at a dose of more than 100 mg/kg can cause liver damage and is lethal at a dose of 800 mg/kg.
 

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Background and Objective: Any factor that disrupts the tear duct can cause epiphora, one of the most prevalent causes for patients to go to ophthalmology clinics. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction can be congenital or acquired. Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery, which can be operated using external or endonasal approaches, is the standard treatment for nasolacrimal duct obstruction. This study was carried out to assess the success rate of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy surgery for patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 38 patients (29 females and 9 males), aged over 18 with an average age of 43.07±13.83, suffering from epiphora referring to 5 Azar Hospital in Gorgan (Iran) between 2015 and 2018. The success rate of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy surgery for epiphora treatment was evaluated 6 months after the surgery. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the complications of the surgery and the connection to the CT scan results, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy surgery was assessed.
Results: The surgery was successful for 36 patients (94.74%). The extent of the nasolacrimal duct obstruction of the right eye and the left eye was measured at 63.2% and 36.8%, respectively. Slight and heavy bleeding during the surgery was observed in 76.3% and 7.9% of the cases, respectively. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage and orbital injury during the surgery were not seen in the patients. According to the CT scan findings, deviation of the septum was seen in 76.3% of the patients, while septoplasty was operated on in 41.37% of the patients during the surgery. Moreover, half of the patients were suffering from chronic sinusitis for whom, the involved sinuses were opened and sinuses drainage was performed.
Conclusion: Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy surgery is an acceptable and successful method for treating epiphora, especially for patients with sinusitis or nasal septum deviation.
 

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Background and Objective: Reaction time measures have considerable potential to aid neuropsychological assessment in a variety of healthcare settings. One such measure, the intra-individual reaction time variability is of particular interest as it is thought to reflect neurobiological disturbance. The present study aimed to investigate the intra-individual changes in reaction time to visual stimuli in dominant or non-dominant binocular and monocular vision.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 12 volunteers with an average age of 30.08±1.448 years in 2021. The subjects consisted of the students and staff of Golestan University of Medical Sciences (5 female and 7 male). The reaction time was recorded automatically by the hand reaction time device of Danesh Salar Iranian Company based on the time of presentation of visual stimulation on the computer screen and the person's reaction, i.e. pressing the buttons of the handles by each of the two hands. All experiments were performed between 10 and 11 am and following at least 2 hours of fasting. Data collection was done following training trials for correct performance of the 2-choice reaction time test. After completing the reaction time tests for each volunteer, the dominant eye was determined by the hole-in-card method.
Results: In 4 volunteers, the dominant eye was left and in the rest of the volunteers, the dominant eye was right. The dominant eye did not differ between men and women. The number of reaction times recorded in right monocular vision left monocular vision and binocular vision were 902, 911 and 893, respectively. The mean reaction time in right monocular vision, left monocular vision and binocular vision was 306.81±3.310, 304.28±3.339 and 312.95±4.569, respectively, and the range of reaction times in these three states was between 194-1750, 178-1587, and 155-1797 ms, respectively. Intra-individual reaction time variability in the dominant left eye and left hand were significantly lower compared to the dominant right eye and right hand, respectively (P<0.05). No difference was observed between the reaction time of the right monocular vision, left monocular vision, and binocular vision.
Conclusion: The alignment of the dominant left side in the eye and hand reacts faster than the dominant right side in the eye and hand. The mechanism of this phenomenon may be related to the overall process that determines the dominant left hemisphere in approximately 90% of the population.
 

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Background and Objective: Puberty is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood which is accompanied by physiological changes. Menarche age is an important puberty indicator for assessing growth status. Growth and maturity of the genitals are essential for a girl's reproductive health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between uterine sonographic characteristics and dimensions with menarche and puberty in girls.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 76 healthy girls (aged 9-16 years) who were referred to the endocrinology clinic of Taleghani Hospital in Gorgan (Iran) during 2017-2020. Height, weight and age were recorded and uterine and ovarian dimensions were measured by pelvic sonography.
Results: There was a significant positive correlation between menarche age (r=0.79, P=0.001) and ovarian length (r=0.81, P=0.007), ovarian volume and the length of the largest side of the uterus (r=0.77, P=0.001). Height had a significant positive association with menarche age (b=0.082, P=0.002) and ovarian length in the second place (b=0.097, P=0.004). But there was an inverse relationship between menarche age and girls' weight.
Conclusion: An increase in the menarche age increases the size of the uterus and its volume.
 

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Background and Objective: Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) has numerous nutritional and therapeutic benefits. This experimental study aimed to investigate the effect of spirulina on changes in the levels of liver enzymes of male BALB/c mice exposed to a high dose of acetaminophen.
Methods: In this experimental study, 42 adult male BALB/c mice were divided into seven groups of six. The toxic dose of acetaminophen 600 mg/kg body weight was considered. The control group received only a standard diet and water. The sham group was gavaged with saline solution. The third to seventh groups were treated as: acetaminophen; spirulina 600 mg/kg/bw, spirulina 300 mg/kg/bw, spirulina 600 mg/kg/bw + acetaminophen, and spirulina 300 mg/kg/bw + acetaminophen, respectively. In all groups, mice were treated with acetaminophen and spirulina powder by gavage for 14 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after receiving the last dose of medication and deprivation of food (the animals still had access to water), the animals were anesthetized and blood samples were taken from the heart. Activity of liver enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was measured by spectrophotometry. Protein concentration was determined by the Lowry method. Catalase activity was assessed using hydrogen peroxide. The amount of malondialdehyde was measured and the total antioxidant capacity was determined by FRAP method by reducing ferric to ferro ions.
Results: The levels of serum transaminases (ALT, AST, ALP) as well as the level of total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde of the acetaminophen-treated group increased significantly compared to the control group (P<0.05). The levels of these enzymes in the group treated with S. platensis 300 mg/kg/bw + acetaminophen decreased significantly compared to the group treated with acetaminophen (P<0.05). Catalase activity in the acetaminophen group was significantly decreased compared to the control group (P<0.05).In the group of S. platensis 300 mg/kg/bw + acetaminophen, catalase activity increased significantly compared to the acetaminophen group (P<0.05). The results of experiments in two groups of spirulina and acetaminophen showed that the active ingredients of the algae at a dose of 300 worked better than 600 mg per kg of body weight in response to oxidative stress.
Conclusion: Consuming 300 mg/kg of S. platensis along with a near toxic dose of acetaminophen increases resistance to oxidative stress and injuries caused by drug poisoning by affecting the activity of enzymes and the antioxidant defense system.
 

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Background and Objective: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and ranks second in terms of mortality rate. This study was conducted in order to determine the personal, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of women with breast lesions referred to the Dr. Beski Hospital in Gonbad-e Kavus, Iran.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 130 women with breast lesions (benign and malignant) who were operated on in the Dr. Beski Hospital from March 2019 to March 2020. Demographic data (age, family history, and ethnicity) and pathology results (grade, lesion type, surgery type, location, and tumor size) were recorded.
Results: Breast lesions were malignant in 51.53% of the patients. The most common malignant tumor was invasive ductal carcinoma (71.64%), and the most common benign tumor was fibroadenoma (69.84%). Most malignant cases were observed in patients aged 41-50 years (43.28%). Almost half of the studied population (49.15%) had no positive family history, and about a quarter of the patients had at least one first or second-degree relative with breast cancer. Most patients (44.78%) had grade II malignant tumors. In addition, 78.51% of the subjects had not undergone chemotherapy before breast surgery. About half of the patients (49.57%) did not undergo any adjuvant treatment after surgery; however, chemotherapy was the most common type of adjuvant treatment (13.68%) after surgery. Simultaneous chemotherapy and radiotherapy were performed for 24.78% of the patients after surgery. There were statistically significant relationships between age and type of lesion and adjuvant treatments after the operation, and involvement of lymph nodes was observed (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant relationship between age, tumor size, family history, and tumor malignancy (P<0.05). There was a significant correlation between age and tumor malignancy (P=0.02, F (2.48) = 4.19) so the degree of malignancy was higher in younger individuals.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed the young age of developing malignant breast lesions in the study area. Most malignant lesions are invasive ductal carcinoma and grade II. There is a positive relationship between a family history of cancer and the classification of breast tumors.