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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: In psychotherapy, mindfulness is intended as a mode promotion of self- awareness think to improve well-being. This study was done to determine the effect of mindfulness training on reduction of depressive symptoms among students. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 40 female students with depressive symptoms were divided into mindfulness training and control groups. Subjects in experimental group received training mindfulness-based stress reduction and the control group did not receive any training. Training was performed eight sessions for experimentl group. Subjects completed the beck depression questionnaire prior and after the training. Results: The mean±SD of depression symptoms was 21.10±5.6 but after mindfulness training significantly reduced to 11.5±3.70 (P<0.05). Conclusion: Mindfulness training reduces depression symptoms among female students.

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Background and Objective: Skeleton abnormalities have adverse effect on skeleton structure and natural shape of hight. This study was done to compare the postural position and body mass index in elementary male students in public and private elementary schools. Methods: This descriptive - analytic study was done on 1254 boys (627 subjects of elementary public school and private elementary schools Abhar city in North West of Iran. Weight and height and body mass index of students were measured. Stature abnormalities measured with Bob, Kayfometer, Goniometer, Caliper and Padscope. Results: BMI of students was more in private school (18.23±3.76) in compare to public schools (17.4±3.46) (P<0.05). Scoliosis, kyphosis, flat back, lordosis, flat foot and pescavus abnormalities was more in students of public schools in comparision with private school (P<0.05). Conclusion: Physical inactivity and lack of adequate exercise space in private schools cause over weight and stature abnormalities.

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Background and Objective: Wilson’s disease (WD) is caused by mutation to the cooer-transporting gene ATP7B. Chelation therapy is the main protochol of treatment for patients with Wilson’s disease. D-penicillamine is one of the well-known chelator agants which is used in WD treatment but it can not enter into the intracellular space.This study was done to evaluate the synthesis and anti-intracellular Copper overload evaluation of Nanoconjugated D-penicillamine –Dendrimer in Wilson’s model cells. Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, initially 0.01 mm polyethylene glycol (PEG) and 0.0018 mm citric acid, Dendrimer was synthesized. After purification by dialysis bag and lyophilization, 10mg dendrimer was conjugated to 3.3mg D-penicillamine. Nanoconjugated D-penicillamine-dendrimer was injected on Wilson’s model cells. After incubation and centrifugation intracellular measurement of copper concentration and FTIR test were done. Results: Copper accumulation significantly reduced in the HepG2 WD cell by Nanoconjugated D-penicillamine - Dendrimer in compared to D-penicillamine (P<0.05). Copper accumulation was determined to be 46.61. MTT assay showed no toxicological damage in HepG2 WD cell. Conclusion: Nanoconjugated D-penicillamine –Dendrimer can reduces intracellular concentration of Copper.

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Background and Objective: Sodium Arsenite is an environmental pollutant which can generate free radicals causing tissue damage. This study was done to evaluate the effect of Green Tea (GTE), as a strong antioxidant, on kidney tissue in mice treated with Sodium Arsenite. Methods: In this experimental study 24 adult male NMRI mice were randomly allocated into four groups including: control, GTE (100mg/kg/day), Sodium Arsenite (5mg/kg/day) and Sodium Arsenite + GTE, for 34 days, orally. Animals were scarified and left kidney was taken out, fixed, sectioned, processed and stained using Heidenhain'azan method. Using stereological technique the total volume of kidney, volume of cortex, medulla, proximal and distal tubule, renal corpuscle, gelomerelus, tuft and capillary, membrane and space of Bowman's capsule and length of proximal and distal tubule were determined. Creatinine, BUN and MDA serum samples were measured. Results: The mean of total volume of cortex, proximal tubule, distal tubule, renal corpuscle and gelomerolus, taft, Bowman's capsule space, size of epithelium and lumen of proximal and distal tubule were significantly reduced in Sodium Arsenite group compared to control (P<0.05). These parameters were significantly increased in the Sodium Arsenite + GTE group in comparison with Sodium Arsenite group (P<0.05). The creatinine, Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and MDA were significantly increased in the Sodium Arsenite group in compared to the control group (P<0.05). These parameters were significantly reduced in the Sodium Arsenite + GTE group in comparison with Sodium Arsenite group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Green tea has a protective role in Sodium Arsenite induced nephrotoxicity.

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Background and Objective: Wound infection treatment, particularly in chronic and bacterial poly cases, is difficult and entails heavy costs. This study was done to determine the prevalence of poly bacterial infection and antimicrobial susceptibility of wound samples from different wards. Methods: In this descriptive study, wound sampling was prepared from 336 patients admitted to different wards of Baqiatallah Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Identification was performed based on biochemical tests including oxidase test, TSI, IMVIC, lysine decarboxylase, phenylalanine deaminase, urea, motility, catalase, coagulase, mannitol fermentation, optochin sensitivity, susceptibility to bacitracin and sulfamethoxazole, growth in Bile esculin and DNase production. Antibiotic resistance pattern of isolates was determined using disk diffusion method for 14 important antibiotics. Results: 294 samples were positive for bacterial culture, from which 364 isolates including 11 different isolates were obtained. Out of 294 positive samples, 245 samples were mono bacterial and 54 were poly bacterial including two-bacterial (45 samples), three-bacterial (7 samples), and four-bacteral (2 samples). S. aureus (29.7%), Enterococci (15.6%), and E. coli (15.6%) were the most prevalent isolates. S. aureus-Enterococci pattern was the most common two-bacterial pattern (33%), and majority of polybacterial patterns belonging to gram negative bacteria was in surgery ward (32.5%). Antibiogram results showed high levels of antibiotic resistance in the isolates. Imipenem and amikacin were the most effective antibiotics against Gram negative isolates, and vancomycin for Gram positive isolates. Also, 71% of S. aureus isolates were resistant to oxacillin. Conclusion: Variation of bacterial isolates was similar to other studies. Most of poly-bacterial wound infections were due to common nosocomial pathogens and their high rates of antibiotic resistance are extremely alarming.

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Background and Objective: Acetaminophen is a commonly used analgesic and antipyretic agent which, in high doses, causes liver and kidney necrosis in man and animals. Carthamus tinctorius L. (Safflower) is a colorful and cheap plant that used often instead of saffron. In this study, protective effects of Carthamus tinctorius L. aqueous extract on acetaminophen induced nephrotoxicity in mice were investigated.

Methods: In this experimental study, forty adult NMRI male mice were randomly divided into five groups. Group 1 (control group) received normal salin for 15 days. Group 2 received 300 mg/kg Carthamus tinctorius L. extract for 15 days. Group 3 received normal salin for 15 days and 500 mg/kg acetaminophen was given in 15^th day. Groups 4 and 5 received daily 150 and 300 mg/kg Carthamus tinctorius L. extract for 15 days, respectively, and acetaminophen was also given in 15^th day. In 16^th day, blood samples were taken for BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), Cr (Creatinine) and Uric acid tests, and the mice kidneys were removed for histopathology assessments.

Results: Acute renal necrosis and BUN, Cr and Uric acid levels were significantly increased in acetaminophen treated mice (P<0.05). BUN, Cr and Uric acid levels were significantly reduced in the Carthamus tinctorius L. treated groups in comparison to acetaminophen group (P<0.05) and this reduction was greater in group 5. Carthamus tinctorius L. extract also reduced tubular necrosis-induced by acetaminophen.

Conclusion: Carthamus tinctorius L. extract have protective effects on acute renal injury induced by acetaminophen.

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Background and Objective: Hydroalcholic extract of Peppermint is traditionally used for gastrointestinal disorders. This study was done to evaluate the effect of Peppermint extract on the mice colon motor activity following immobilization stress.

Methods: In this experimental study, 30 male Albino mice were randomly allocated into the three groups; including control, stress and stress + Peppermint oil groups (n=10). The second group as a stress group exposed to immobilization stress for four hours during three days. Third group as stress plus Peppermint oil group was exposed to stress in addition to administration of 27 mg/kg/bw Peppermint oil intraperitoneally prior to stress. After three days, intestinal and peristaltic activity was recorded using pressure transducer from in vitro segments of colon (4-5 cm in length. Also, fecal weight, food intake and body weight was measured for each mouse for in vivo condition.

Results: The mean±SD of fecal weight after three times stress immobilization was 1.36±0.71, 1.06±0.6 and 0.47±0.39 gr in control, stress and Stress + Peppermint oil groups, respectively (P<0.05). The mean±SD of internal luminal pressure after three times stress immobilization was 4.47±1.15, 3.48±1.25 and 0.77±0.37 mm/hg in control, Stress and stress + Peppermint oil groups, respectively (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Peppermint oil is a strong inhibitor for colon motor activity following immobilization stress.

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Background and Objective: Soybean as a cheap protein and without side effects has been introduced to food industry. This study carried out to determine the effect of diet containing soybean on histology and histomorphometry of duodenal villi and serum levels of Calcium, Phosphorus and Glucose in mice.

Methods: In this experimental study, 30 female immature BALB/c mice with 3 weeks of age were randomly allocated into control, and experimental 1 and 2. The control group was fed a diet with complete protein. Animals in the experimental 1 and 2 were received a diet of complete protein with 40% soybean and 20% soybean, respectively. After 3 months the mice were anesthetized and blood samples were taken from the heart for determining serum level of Calcium, Phosphorus and glucose. Duodenum specimens from were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin.

Results: Tissue structure of duodenum in experimental groups in compare to control group was not significantly changed, except for some scant specimens who showed some degrees of destruction in villi apicese. In histomorphometrical evaluation, the thickness of sub - mucosa and musculature were significantly increased in experimental groups compared to the controls group (P<0.05). The height of villi, depth of crypts and serum Glucose level were significantly reduced in experimental groups compared to the controls group (P<0.05), whereas the level of Calcium was significantly increased in experimental with the control group (P<0.05), but the level of Phosphorus did not show any significant changes in experimental groups compared to the controls.

Conclusion: Long term consumption of soybean can induce significant alteration in serum Calcium and glucose level, thickness of sub mucosa and musculature, the height of villi and depth of crypt in duodenum.

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Background and Objective: Micro RNAs (or miRNAs) control gene regulation and different biological processes in various tissues and therefore play an important role in various diseases. In some cases, either a single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNAs or in complementary sequences in their target mRNAs play significant role in human diseases. In this study, the relationship between rs531564 G>C in mir-124-1 with the susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in the Iranian population was examined.

Methods: In this case-control study, 173 individuals affected with type 2 diabetes and 162 healthy individuals were selected. Extracted DNA from peripheral blood was amplified by a pair of relevant primers and then digested by BsmAI restriction enzymes. The obtained electrophoretic patterns were used for genotyping.

Results: The genotype frequencies of GG, GC and CC for rs531564 in the patient group were 0.92, 0.06 and 0.02 respectively, 0.96, 0.04 and 0.00 in the controls. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups regarding the genotype frequencies, however the allelic frequencies were significantly different between those groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion: There was no genotype difference between diabetes and healthy individuals, but the allelic C is related with type 2 diabetes among Iranian population.

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Background and Objective: Iron oxide nanoparticles, including nanoparticles is important in industry and medicine. Nanoparticles affect on detoxification of environmental pollutants such as Pesticides and chlorinated organic solvents.This study was done to evaluate the short term effect of Fe2NiO4 composite nanoparticle on kidney function indeces in wistar rats.

Methods: In this experimental study, Twenty four Wistar rat were randomly allocated into three groups, including: control, treated groups 1 and 2. Animales in control, treated groups 1 and 2 were received 0.5cc of saline, 0.5cc of solution containing 100, 200 ppm Fe2NiO4 for 7 days, respectively. Uric acid, ceratinine and urea (BUN) were measured at day 2, 7 and 14.

Results: BUN level in treated groups 1 and 2 significantly reduced in comparison with control group at day 7, 14 after intervention (P<0.05). Uric acid level in treated groups 1 and 2 significantly increased at day 7 and 14. 2 week after intervention, the mean creatinine levels in treated group 2 group significantly reduced in compare  to the in treated group 1 and controls (P<0.05).

Conclusion: It seems that the application of Fe2NiO4 nanoparticles in biological system has no toxic effect on the kidney function indeces.

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Background and Objective: Muscles fatigue around the joint can altere the movment pattern and incrasing the risk of muscle damage. This study was done to determine the effect of hip abductor muscles fatigue on plantar pressure characteristics during stance phase of gait.

Methods:  This quasi-experimental studywas done on 22 males with age ranes of 15-21 years olds. Hip abduction protocol with 50% of one-repetition maximum was used to induce hip abductor muscles fatigue. Average pressure, plantar peak pressure, step duration and the plantar contact area in both feet distribution were collected using before and after the fatigue protocol during gait.

Results: Despite the relative reduction in average pressure, contact area and step duration and plantar increase in peak pressure after abductors fatigue, but these differences were not significant.

Conclusion: This study showed that the hip abductor muscles fatigue can not alter plantar pressure characteristics during stance phase of gait.

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Background and Objective: Enterococci is gram positive bacteria which is the inhabitants of gastrointestinal tract. Hospital infections and antibiotic resistance to enterococci is increased. This study was done to determine the molecular evaluation of vanA and vanB genes of enterococci isolates resistant to Vancomycin and Teicoplanin.

Methods: In this descriptive study, 113 isolates samples were collected and identified according to biochemical test and cultural characteristics in Ali ibn Abi Talib hospital in Zahedan, Iran. Antibiogram test was done to determine antibiotic resistance pattern. E-test strip was used to evaluate the minimum inhibitory of concentration (MIC). PCR was used to detect the vanA and vanB genotype in Vancomycin and Teicoplanin resistance enterococci.

Results: 92%, 6.2% and 1.8% of isolated samles collocted from urine, blood culture and pleura fluid, respectively. According to phenotype, 18.6% and 17.69% were resistance to Vancomycin and Teicoplanin, respectively. Resistance was observed in strains of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium. VanA genotype was seen in all of the resistance isolated species.

Conclusion: This study showed that strains of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium have more antibiotic resistance to the Vancomycin and Teicoplanin, morever vanA genotype precence in all of resistance isolated samples.

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Background and Objective: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common cause of liver disease worldwide and it is defined as a disorder of excess fat accumulation in the liver. This study was done to determine the prevalence of fatty liver among overweight, obese and normal children.
Methods: This historical cohort study was conducted on 90 children ages 5 to 13 years old in Taleghani pediatric theching hospital in Gorgan, north of Iran during 2014. Subjects according to Body Mass Index (BMI) classified into obese (95%>BMI), over weight (85-95% BMI) and normal (5-85% BMI). Childern were matched for age and sex. Liver enzymes (ALT Alanine aminotransferase and AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) and lipid profile includingTriglyceride: TG (High Density Lipoprotein: HDL and (Low Density Lipoprotein: LDL were measured and fatty liver evaluated based on sonographic parameters by a radiologist who didnot know children's BMI.
Results: The prevalence of fatty liver was 23.3% in obese children that was non- significantly higher than normal (16.7%) and over weight (16.7%) children. The prevalence of fatty liver was not significantly different between two sexes. AST was significantly higher in children with normal BMI in compared to obese and over weight children (P<0.05). The highest and lowest level of cholesterol was seen in obese and normal children (P<0.05).
Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of fatty liver non-significantly was higher in obese children in comparision with normal and over weight children.

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Background and Objective: Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections all over the world, particularly in the developing countries. LeoA gene plays an important role in pathogenesis, and the main role of this gene is to increase the bacterial toxin secretion. This study was conducted to isolate and clone the leoA gene in a pEGFP-C2 expression vector and evaluate its expression in eukaryotic system.
Methods: In this laboratory study, the leoA gene was amplified from the standard strain of Helicobacter pylori genome (ATCC 43504) by PCR method. It was then inserted into the pTZ vector by cloning T/A. Sub cloning of this gene was performed in a pEGFP-C2 expression vector with a ligase enzyme. The final structure of pEGFP-C2-leoA was transformed by electroporation in CHO (Chinese hamster ovary) cells and the expression of the leoA gene was evaluated by SDS-PAGE and RT-PCR.
Results: The results of PCR indicated that the 1758 bp fragment was amplified from the leoA gene. Cloning of this gene was performed successfully in pTZ and pEGFP-C2 vectors, respectively. The enzyme digestion with two KpnI and SacII enzymes, as well as sequencing, confirmed the accuracy of gene cloning. The observation of the protein product of the leoA gene in CHO cells indicated the successful expression of the LeoA gene in the eukaryotic system of Helicobacter pylori.
Conclusion: The final construct of pEGFP-C2-leoA had a successful expression of the leoA gene in animal cells.

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Background and Objective: Considering the importance of coverage and quality of data in Golestan population-based Cancer Registry (GPCR), northern Iran. This study was conducted to determine the effect of the referral of cancer patients to medical centers outside Golestan province on the coverage of the population-based cancer registry program.
Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was performed on all cancer patients registered in the diagnostic centers of Golestan province, northern Iran during 2008-10. Data of patients referred to the centers of the province from the bank of the Golestan province cancer registry program and data of patients referred to the centers outside the province were received from the Ministry of Health Department of Cancer. Data were analyzed using the record linkage method.
Results: A total of 6083 new cases of cancer were registered in Golestan province. According to the cancer data, 678 (11%) of them were referred to outside of Golestan province centers. 343 of these 678 patients (50.6%) were found as duplicate records between the two datasets. The most frequent cases were gastric cancers (70.4%), breast (63.5%) and esophagus (62.5%).
Conclusion: This study suggested that referrals of cancer patients to centers outside the Golestan province may result in an underestimation of about 5% in GPCR. This level of underestimation seems to have no considerable effects on completeness and quality of data in the GPCR.

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Background and Objective: General anxiety disorder is one of the chronic disorders in the general population and population with clinical symptoms. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of combined treatment based on acceptance and commitment in the treatment of women with generalized anxiety.
Methods: This multi-faceted, single-subject interventional study was performed on four women with generalized anxiety disorder whom were refered to psychiatric center in Iran. The subjects were selected through targeted clinical sampling by structured diagnostic and clinical interviews based on DSM-V mental disorder diagnostic and diagnostic guidelines. The efficacy of the treatment protocol in three stages (baseline, 12 sessions and 6 week follow up) was assessed using the GAD-7 questionnaire, the Penn State worry questionnaire (PSWQ), and the general scale of anxiety severity and pain (OASIS).
Results: Reduction of symptoms of general anxiety disorder, anxiety, anxiety and performance impairment in patients with generalized anxiety disorder were significant (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Combination therapy based on admission and commitment and coping techniques is effective in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in women.

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Background and Objective: Breast cancer and related treatments induce various physical symptoms. One of suggested method for preventing or reducing physical symptoms is exercise training. This study was done to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks Pilates exercises physical fitness indices in breast cancer patients.
Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study 30 female breast cancer patients were divided into intervention (n=15) and control (n=15) groups by block randomization method. Pilates exercise for 8 weeks, 3 days a week for 60 min in every session was performed in Patients in interventional group but patients in control group did not participate in any regular physical activity. Flexibility, coordination, back and hand strength and muscular strength were determined using Wells, alternate hand wall toss, one leg –stance, back and handgrip dynamometer, sit up tests, respectively.
Results: Pilates exercises significantly increased flexibility, balance, coordination, back and hand strength, muscular endurance and sit up in interventional group in compared to controls (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Pilates exercise improves physical fitness indices in women with breast cancer.

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Background and Objective: Dysfunction and loss of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons and their cortical projections are the earliest pathological events in the pathogenesis of alzheimer disease (AD). This study was done to evaluate the effect of donepezil hydrochloride on reference and working memory caused by mutual electrical lesion of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) in animal model of AD.
Methods: In this experimental study, 56 adult male Wistar rats were allocated into 8 group (n=7) including: control (intact), NBM lesion group, which received electrically- induced lesion (0.5 m A, 3s) in NBM, Sham group (the electrode was impaled in to the NBM with no lesion), donepezil groups (lesion + 0.1, 1, 5, 10 mg/kg/bw of donepezil hydrochloride) and vehicle group (NBM lesion+ saline). Acquisition and retention testing were done by using an eight-radial arm maze, in which, the patterns of arm entries in each group was recorded for calculating correct choice, working memory errors, reference memory error and latency.
Results: The spatial learning of animals in the lesion of NBM group significantly reduced in compared to controls (P<0.05). Moreover, no effect on spatial learning was seen in the sham group compared with the lesion group. The post-lesion treatment with donepezil hydrochloride in dose-dependent manner improved the parameters of spatial memory errors in the acquisition and retention tasks in comparision with the lesion group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Treatment with donepezil hydrochloride, dose-dependently improves cognitive impairment induced by the destruction of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis.

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Background and Objective: Memantine (MEM) an uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist is used for treatment of patients with Alzheimer disease. This study aimed to examine the effect of Memantine on the spatial learning and memory in electrical lesion’s model of nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) in animal model of Alzheimer's disease.
Methods: In this experimental study, 56 adult male Wistar rats were allocated into eight groups: control group; lesion group, which received bilateral electrically lesion (0.5 mA, 3s) in NBM; sham group (the electrode was entered into the NBM with no lesion); Memantine groups (lesion+1 mg/kg/bw of MEM; lesion+3 mg/kg/bw of  MEM; lesion+5 mg/kg/bw of  MEM; lesion+7 mg/kg/bw of MEM) and Vehicle group (lesion+0.2 mL saline). After one week, animals were trained to perform the Y-maze task for five days. Twenty five days after training, a retention test was performed to determine long-term memory.
Results: The bilateral lesion of NBM impaired the spatial learning compared to the control and sham groups (P<0.05). No effect on spatial learning was seen in saline group compared with the lesion group. The treatment with Memantine in  lesion+MEM 3 mg/kg/bw, lesion+MEM 5mg/kg/bw and lesion+MEM 7mg/kg/bw groups significantly improved spatial learning (P<0.05). Moreover, no significant difference of memory was observed between the results in the 5th day of training and the retention test of the 30th day.
Conclusion: Treatment with memantine improves spatial learning defects in electrical leisions model of NBM of Alzheimer's disease in dose dependent manner in animal model.