Background: Neurocognitive deficits and decrease in intelligence quotient (IQ) is one of the complication of prophylactic central nervous system (CNS) treatment in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. In this study, we compare the IQ in survivors of ALL that were treated with different prophylactic CNS treatments. Materials and Methods : We compared 43 long-term survivors of ALL: 21 survivors with intrathecal methotrexate (IT MTX) as CNS prophylaxis, 22 with IT MTX+1800-2400 rads cranial irradiation and 20 healthy controls. The IQ was measured using the Raven's test in these patients. Results: Raven's test revealed significant differences in IQ between the survivors of ALL that were treated with IT MTX, IT MTX plus cranial irradiation and control group. There was no significant difference in the IQ with respect to sex, age and irradiation dose. Conclusion: We can that reveal that CNS prophylaxis treatment, especially the combined treatment, is associated with IQ score decline in ALL survivors. Therefore,a baseline and an annual assessment of their educational progress are suggested.

Background: In the present study, we optimized the experimental conditions using pET15b expression vector to obtain large amounts of Taq DNA polymerase. Materials and Methods: Correct framing of the gene in the expression vector pET15b and its orientation were analyzed by digestion and sequencing. Production of Taq DNA polymerase in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells was induced by incubation with different concentrations of IPTG. Optimum production occurred with the addition of 1mM IPTG for 2h. The activity of the obtained enzyme was measured by comparing the intensities of the produced DNA bands in PCR reactions. Results: Recombinant plasmid containing taq polymerase gene was confirmed by restriction digestion and DNA sequencing. Purified protein was identified by Western blotting. Optimum condition for the production of the enzyme was induction with 1mM IPTG for 23h. Addition of NP40 increased enzyme stability. Conclusion: We expressed the recombinant Taq DNA polymerase in E. coli using a T7based promoter system and obtained an active and stable enzyme.

Introduction : Low back pain is a major economical and social problem nowadays. Intervertebral disc herniation and central degeneration of disc are two major reasons of low back pain that occur because of structural impairment of disc. The intervertebral disc contains three parts as follows : Annulus fibrosus, transitional region, and nucleus pulposus, which forms the central nucleus of the disc. The reduction of cell count and extracellular matrix, especially in nucleus pulposus, causes disc degeneration. Different scaffolds (natural and synthetic) have been used for tissue repairing and regeneration of the intervertebral disc in tissue engineering. Most scaffolds have biodegradable and biocompatible characteristics and also prepare a fine condition for proliferation and migration of cells. In this study, proliferation of NP cells of human intervertebral disc compromised in Chitosan-gelatin scaffold with alginate scaffold was studied. Materials and Methods : NP cells derived from nucleus pulposus by collagenase enzymatic hydrolysis. They were derived from patients who undergoing open surgery for discectomy in the Isfahan Alzahra hospital. Chitosan was blended with gelatin and glutaraldehyde was used for cross linking the two polymers. Then, alginate scaffold was prepared. Cellular suspension with 1 × 10 ⁵ transferred to each scaffold and cultured for 21 days. Cell viability and proliferation investigated by trypan blue and (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to assert the porosity and to survey structure of scaffold. Results : MTT assay dem1onstrated that cell viability of third day had significant difference in contrast by first day in both scaffolds. Accordingly, there was a significant decreased in cellular viability from day 3 to 21. Results of the cell count showed a punctual elevation cell numbers for alginate scaffold but there was no similar result for chitosan-gelatin scaffold. Conclusion : Alginate scaffold prepared a better condition for proliferation of NP cells in comparison with chitosan-gelatin scaffold. Results of this study suggest that alginate scaffold could be useful in in vivo studies and treatment.

Background: In recent years, DNA methylation as a main epigenetic modification in human cancer is found as a promising biomarker in early detection of breast cancer. Possible applications of numerous hypermethylated genes have been reported in diagnosis of breast cancer but there has been a little comprehensive study on the clinical usefulness of these genes in breast cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the promoter methylation status of 14-3-3 sigma gene with the goal of developing a diagnostic application in breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Totally 40 cases of cancerous and noncancerous tissues were studied. DNA was extracted from tissue samples, and promoter methylation pattern was determined by using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. Results: Methylation pattern of 14-3-3 sigma promoter significantly differed between control and malignant breast tissues ( P = 0.001), and there was no remarkable correlation between methylation and age ( P > 0.05). Conclusion: The relationship of promoter methylation of 14-3-3 sigma with development of breast cancer found in this study and confirmed the results of previous reports suggests that we can provide the foundation for possible application of 14-3-3 sigma as a potential biomarker for early detection and monitoring disease status.

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite which causes vaginitis in women worldwide. Metronidazole with vast side effects is drug of choice for this infection. In search for an alternative drug, in this study the effect of three plants on Trichomonas vaginalis has been investigated in vitro. Materials and Methods: Alcoholic and watery extracts of Echinophora platyloba, Stachys lavandulifolia, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis were prepared. In TYIS culture medium containing alive Trichomonas vaginalis different concentrations of extracts of three plants were added. Following, 24, 48, and 72 h incubation the number of parasite in each test tube was counted. Results: Eucalyptus camaldulensis showed a strong effect on Trichomonas vaginalis growth. However, no significant effect was observed with Echinophora platyloba or Stachys lavandulifolia extracts. Conclusion: Eucalyptus camaldulensis can be considered as an alternative drug for treatment of infective vaginitis which is caused by bacteria, fungi and parasites.

Myoepitheliomas are benign neoplasms of salivary glands derived from myoepithelial cells. These tumors can occur at any age but are most common in young adults. This tumor is usually located in the parotid gland and the minor salivary glands of the soft palate and represents less than 1% of all salivary gland tumors. The myoepithelioma is classified in the follow cells types: spindle, plasmacytoid, reticular, epitheliod, and clear, additionally, mixed histological forms are described. The plasmacytoid myoepithelioma from palate salivary glands is considered as a rare entity. A 45-year-old lady presented with an asymptomatic, well-circumscribed, solid mass located on the hard palate, which was gradually increasing in size. A clinical impression of Pleomorphic Adenoma was made which on histopathological examination revealed cords, clusters, and sheets of homogenous, large cells with plasmacytoid characteristics and a prominent eosinophilic cytoplasm. Ductal and acinar differentiation were absent thus ruling out the pleomorphic adenoma, whereas, features consistent with plasmacytoid myoepithelioma were evident.

Background: to investigate the effectiveness of bladder mucosal autograft for the treatment of vesicovaginal fistulae. Materials and Methods: Between March 2005 and June 2011, 21 patients with a single vesicovaginal fistula above the trigone, not involving the ureters, underwent surgery. Bladder was approached extraperitoneally and opened in the midline. The mucosa around the fistula was incised and inverting sutures were placed over the fistula opening. The mucosal defect was covered by a free mucosal graft from the edge of cystotomy incision. Results: After catheter removal at 2 weeks, 18 patients (85 %) remained dry while one patient experienced urge incontinence, which resolved in a few days and another one still had urine leakage (although less than before the operation) that improved after another 3 weeks of bladder drainage. Only in one patient, the operation failed. Conclusion : Short duration of hospitalization, simplicity of the procedure, avoidance of extensive bladder dissection, and extraperitoneal nature of the operation, along with a high success rate are the advantages of this procedure. This technique could be recommended for single fistulae not involving the ureters and not secondary to malignancies.

Background: The inhibitors of the enzymes estrone sulfatase and 17-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17-β-HSD) could provide a means of blocking estrogen biosynthesis leading to regression of estrogen-dependent tumors. We evaluated the cytotoxicity of several tetralin derivatives, 2-(4-halo-phenylmethylene)-3,4-dihydronaphthalene-1-ones, as potential inhibitors of these two enzymes, on Hela, MDA-MB-468, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods: The cell lines were cultured in RPMI medium and the cytotoxic effect of tested compounds (compounds 1 to 5) was screened at the concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 10 μM either alone or in combination with doxorubicin (100 μM), using MTT assay. The mixtures of cell suspension with solvent (1% DMSO in PBS) and doxorubicin (100 μM) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Each concentration of compounds was assayed in four wells and repeated in at least three independent experiments for each cell line. The cytotoxic effect of each particular concentration of tested compounds was expressed as the percent of cell survival. Results: None of the compounds exhibited cytotoxic effect (reduction of cell survival to less than 50%) on tested cell lines. However, statistically significant reduction in cell survival was observed for some compounds against particular cell lines. Among all tested combinations of compounds with doxorubicin against cell lines, only compound 4 at 10 μM concentration showed synergistic cytotoxic effect with doxorubicin against Hela cells. Conclusion: With the exception of compound 2, other tested compounds have potential for further cytotoxicity evaluation. Synthesizing other tetralin derivatives similar to compound 4 and studying their structure-activity relationships (SARs) would be encouraged.

Background: Blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have infected millions of people worldwide. During haircut or shaving, barbers may accidentally expose to their clients' blood, transmit their own infection to them, or transmit the infection from one client to another. So the knowledge of barbers toward topics related to AIDS, hepatitis B, and C are of great importance. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in 2010-2011 in men's beauty salons in Isfahan town. A multistage sampling was performed. The knowledge assessment questionnaire and the checklist of practice regarding hepatitis B, C, and AIDS were completed by trained interviewers. Results: In our study, 240 hairdressers participated. There was a statistically significant relationship between the education level and knowledge score of the hairdressers (P = 0.048). We found a statistically significant relationship between the knowledge level and the working history of hairdressers according to the Pearson's correlation coefficient (P = 0.02). The results show significant relationship between the education level and the practice scores (P = 0.005). Also the working history of hairdressers and their practice score had a significant relationship (P = 0.005). The results did not show significant relationship between the age of the hairdressers and the practice scores (P = 0.12). Conclusions: We obtained promising results about the knowledge and practice levels of the staff of men's beauty shop in Isfahan about AIDS, hepatitis B, and C. However, but because of the important role of barbers in virus transmission, we should provide the best program for control, evaluation, continuous teaching programs.

Eclampsia remains a problem in the developing countries despite improvements in antenatal care and emergency obstetric facilities. It is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. A 26-year-old primipara, residing in an urban city in Nigeria with antenatal care facilities, booked for antenatal care at 36 weeks of gestation and was then diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia. She initially refused therapy and was later booked for an emergency cesarean section. She had eclamptic fits during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia, and the seizure was aborted with intravenous diazepam. The postoperative period was uneventful. Progression of pre-eclampsia to eclampsia during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia is rare, but it can occur. Early booking for antenatal care to enable an early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent the progression of pre-eclampsia to eclampsia. There is need to educate the populace on the importance of ante natal care so as to improve its utilization.

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the level of salivary IgA and IgG in oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid reactions (OLR) patients as diagnostic factors to the differential diagnosis of OLP, OLR diseases. Materials and Methods: Saliva sample were obtained from 50 OLP, 50 OLR patients and 50 healthy subjects between April 2010 and October 2011. The clinical relevant data taken into account were: Demographical data, previous medication, and level of salivary IgA and IgG. Each sample was assessed to determine the level of salivary IgA by ELISA test and salivary IgG by radial immune diffusion. Results: The mean of salivary IgA and IgG in patients were 119.01 ± 114.18 mic/ml and 3.25 ± 1.81 mic/ml, respectively. There were no significant differences for salivary IgA and IgG between OLP and OLR, but the mean of salivary IgA and IgG in OLP and OLR patients were significantly more than normal group (P-value < 0.05). The cut-off value was set at >72 mic/ml for salivary IgA in both OLP and OLR groups and set at >3.7 mic/ml for salivary IgG. On comparing the AUCs, there was no significant difference between AUCs for IgA (0.715 ± 0.05vs. 0.69 ± 0.5, for OLP and OLR patients, respectively,P-value = 0.7) and IgG (0.681 ± 0.05 vs. 0.548 ± 0.06, for OLP and OLR patients, respectively, P-value = 0.1). Conclusions: Our results showed that the level of salivary IgA and IgG in OLP and OLR patients is higher than healthy controls, but they cannot be used as diagnostic factors to the differential diagnosis of OLP and OLR.

Background: Radiotherapy of head and neck cancers causes acute and chronic xerostomia and acute mucositis. Xerostomia increases risk of radiation caries and affects on oral comfort, fit of prostheses, speech, swallowing, and the growth of caries-producing organisms. Salivary flow rate can be measured by asking patients some questions. There are different types of commercial synthetic saliva such as BIOXTRA, but until now, no one can effectively relieve xerostomia. We tried to design a clinical research on BIOXTRA efficacy for treating xerostomia. Materials and Methods: In this research, 58 patients with head and neck cancer (except salivary gland cancers) treated in Seyed-al-Shohada Hospital. The patients received at least 40-50 GY; and after 2 months of compilation treatment, they were evaluated by asking about having xerostomia. Before and after treatment with the BIOXTRA, the PH of the oral cavity, candida albicans, and lactobacillus counts measured and documented in laboratory. We used BIOXTRA for 2 weeks, 3 times daily, and then re-evaluated patients with some questions. Results: The counts of candida albicans and lactobacilli statistically significant decreased. Conclusion: Xerostomia for most patients improved clinically during the day and night while PH of the oral cavity increased.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine if the basal antral follicle number and ovarian volume contributes to the prediction of responsiveness in ovulation induction protocol and comparison of it with hormonal tests. Materials and Methods: 52 irregularly-menstruating patients, aged 18-46 years, participated in this prospective study. All the patients underwent a transvaginal sonography to measure the basal ovarian volume and the basal antral follicles count (AFC). Clomiphene citrate challenge test was measured by summation of measurements of FSH on day 2 and 10. All the women received clomiphene citrate from day 2 to 6. Ovarian responsiveness was measured 1 week after termination of clomiphene citrate and was used as gold standard. Results: Multiple regression analysis revealed that AFC was the only significant factor for ovarian responsiveness prediction. The area under the curve for AFC to discriminate responder ovaries was 0.66 (95% confidence interval, 0.87-0.99). The cutoff value for predicting ovarian responsiveness was 15.5. Conclusion: AFC can contribute to the prediction of responsiveness in ovulation induction protocol better than ovarian volume and hormonal tests.

Background: There is always a necessity for newer acne treatments. Intense pulsed light (IPL) technology has been used for this purpose but there are limited studies in this field. As macular and erythematous remnants of acne inflammatory lesions are very common, resistant, and long lasting, we decided to evaluate the efficacy of IPL (as a tool for diminishing erythematous reactions in the tissues) for the treatment of residual erythematous macules following facial acne. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients were registered in the study. Patient recruitment occurred between January 2010 and June 2011, and the study was completed in October 2011. Every patient received three IPL sessions, with a 2 week interval, on the right side of his/her face. Also, we recommended the patients to apply topical erythromycin solution 2% twice daily on their entire face from start to end of the study (i.e. until 3 months after the third IPL session). An independent physician counted the number of erythematous macules before every IPL session and 1 and 3 months after the last session. Results: Thirty-three patients completed the study and were enrolled in analysis. Results of the study show that IPL therapy decreases the number of erythematous macules along the time. Conclusions: IPL can accelerate the improvement rate of persistent erythematous macules remained after inflammatory acne subsides. More studies are needed to explain the exact role of it.

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) is an important molecule in maintaining endothelial survival and normal function. It is a unique mediator, which may promote or suppress both inflammation and apoptosis. Endothelial cell (EC) injury, dysfunction, and death in response to cytokines, especially interferon gamma (IFN-γ), represent the critical event for the initiation of several inflammatory diseases. Objective(s): EC injury or death result in endothelial dysfunction that precedes the development of atherosclerosis and its subsequent vascular events. We examine the effect of different concentrations of IFN-γ on human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) NO production and apoptosis. Materials and Methods: HUVECs were cultured at 37°C for 24 h in the absence (control) or presence of 10, 100, and 1000 μg IFN-γ, respectively. The apoptotic cells were determined as annexin V-positive propidium iodide (PI)-negative cells by flow cytometry. Total nitrite concentration was measured in cell cultures supernatant by Griess method. Results: A comparison of the effect of IFN-γ on EC NO production with untreated cells showed that pretreatment of HUVEC with IFN-γ failed to have a significant effect on NO production by these cells at 10 and 100 U/mL, whereas it led to a significant decreased NO production at 1000 U/mL ( P < 0.05). The cells stimulated with IFN-γ showed significantly higher apoptotic cells (PI negative and annexin V-positive cells) after 24 h, compared with cells with no stimulations ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: IFN-γ has detrimental effects on ECs in high doses. This might be due to inducible NO synthase activation.

Background: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) is a group of drugs used for the depression treatment. One of the effects of these drugs is Na (sodium) channel blocking ability causing cardiac complications such as ventricular tachycardia and Torsades de pointes Arrhythmia. Sodium bicarbonate is used for treatment of these complications which may have some effect on serum sodium levels. Considering no specific research on Na changes on these patients, the serum Na changes and its correlation with ECG changes, serum pH, and TCA toxicity severity were evaluated. Materials and Methods: A prospective descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study was done on TCA-poisoning patients who were admitted in Noor hospital in Esfahan in last 2 years. Serum sodium levels, ECG changes, and TCA severity toxicity of 92 patients were evaluated five times during first 24 h of admission. Results: A total of 92 patients were studied. The most common symptoms were conscious level changes (81.52%) and mydriasis (64.1%). Based on toxicity severity by these symptoms the patients were classified into three groups: 12% of the patients had mild toxicity, 50% moderate, and 38% severe toxicity. There were no significant differences in mean serum Na during the time. There was not found any correlation between serum Na level, and serum pH, ECG, and toxicity severity. Conclusions: Using sodium bicarbonate in TCA-poisoning cases does not change the serum Na levels significantly.

Background: This study performed to assess the safety of cataract extraction with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients with high axial length compared with patients with normal axial length. Materials and Methods: A total of 866 eyes were enrolled in this study; all subjects underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation for treatment of cataract. Seven hundred and nine eyes fell in the normal group with axial lengths ranging between 21 and 24.5 mm, and 157 eyes were considered myopic with axial length equal or greater than 26 mm. The two groups were compared regarding intraoperative surgical complications, such as vitreous loss, posterior capsular rupture, nucleolus drop, and undesirable implantation of IOL in the anterior chamber. Results: Age was a risk factor in both groups, with each year increase of age, the chance of incidence of intraoperative complications increased 1.04-folds ( P = 0.03). And with 1 mm increase in axial length, the incidence of complications raised 1.22-folds ( P = 0.007). There was no significant correlation between axial length and incidence of vitreous loss, although the incidence of posterior capsular rupture and nucleus fragment drops increased with increment in the axial length. Sex of the patients and side of the left or right eye were not found to be significant risk factors. Conclusions: As the results illustrate, in this survey, age and high axial length were statistically significant risk factors for incidence of intraoperative complications of cataract surgery with phacoemulsification technique. Anticipation of these complications and also preparation and prophylactic measures may decrease incidence of these complications.