Background: Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and nitric oxide-dependent vasodilatory properties. In the present study, we investigated the protective and antioxidant effects of LF on H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Materials and Methods: HUVECs were pretreated by (6.25–100 µg/ml) LF for 24 h and then exposed to 0.5 mM H₂O₂ for 2 h. Cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The intra- and extra-cellular hydroperoxides concentration and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were determined in pretreated cells. Results: Pretreatment of HUVECs with LF at the concentrations of 25–100 µg/ml significantly reduced the cytotoxicity of H₂O₂ in a concentration-dependent manner using MTT assay. LF pretreatment at different concentration ranges also decreased the hydroperoxides level and augmented the FRAP value in both intra-and extra-cellular assay. Conclusion: These findings revealed antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of LF against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in HUVECs. With regard to the beneficial vascular activity of LF, further investigations are suggested for understanding its clinical value in human endothelial dysfunction and prevention and/or treatment of CVDs.

Background: Stroke is the second most common cause of death and major cause of disability worldwide. The objective of this study is to identify the major risk factors and assess the awareness among the stroke survivors. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted at super specialty hospital, from December 2010 to July 2011. All the stroke patients of the age >25 years with either sex admitted in the hospital were included in the study. In order to assess the awareness among the stroke survivors, questionnaire established on the risk factors for stroke from the previously published studies. Results: A total of 100 patients with stroke or cerebrovascular accident were included in the study. Of 100 patients, 73% patients had ischemic stroke and 26% patients had hemorrhagic stroke. The mean age of the patients was 50 years and the incidence of stroke was predominant in males 73%, followed by females 27. It was observed that 70% of patients were hypertensives, 28% were diabetics, 27% were alcoholics, and 24% of patients had a habit of smoking, followed by others. The knowledge of the risk factors for stroke in stroke survivors was also very low, and the knowledge was varied among the subjects according to their level of educational status. Conclusion: This study reveals that hypertension is the most common risk factor for stroke followed by diabetes, smoking, and dyslipidemia. The awareness of risk factor among stroke survivors was poor.

Background: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the most common cause of hydronephrosis within childhood that usually treat by surgery. According to anatomical variations in different individuals, scheduling similar procedures for all patients is not suitable, and thus the best decision for an appropriate surgical technique should be considered separately for each patient. Regardless of the type of applied technique, creating a funnel-shape UPJ with a suitable size is a successful treatment. In this context, the assessment of a successful surgical treatment in a short-term follow-up means repairing revealed anatomical defects. The present study aimed to compare the diagnostic value of static magnetic resonance urography (MRU) and diuretic-based renalscintigraphy (DRS) in patients with UPJO after pyeloplasty. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 consecutive patients with UPJO, who underwent unilateral pyeloplasty between 2012 and 2013 were assessed. All subjects underwent DRS and also MRU about 1-month after the former procedure. Results: The Kendall's tau correlation showed a very strong correlation between results of MRU and diuretic renal scintigraphy (r = 0.932, P < 0.001). This strong correlation was also shown by Somers'd test (r = 0.932, P < 0.001) similarly. Conclusions: Our study shows a strong agreement between DRS and MRU to assess UPJO. MRU static fluid has a high accuracy for assessment of renal system anatomy. Due to the lack of dangerous consequences of contrast materials, MRU can be the best option instead of DRS.

Background: There are many factors that affect the quality of life, for example, stress and the coping strategies. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal disorder leading to menstrual disorders, hirsutism, acne, obesity, infertility and abortion. In such cases, the patients suffer from a variety of stresses and face problems in their coping strategies with life's problems which can affect the quality of life and cause psychological distress and low the quality of life. The quality of life is a descriptive term which points to health and emotional, social and physical promotion of individuals as well as their ability to perform daily living tasks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between quality of life and coping strategies in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Materials and Methods: To perform this study, randomly 200 women who had inclusion criteria and were referred to Ali Shariati Hospital in Isfahan were selected and responded DLQI questionnaire and Carver coping strategies and form of demographic characteristics. Results: The mean score of quality of life in the patients was 4.14 ± 5.57. It was shown that acne has no effective role on quality of life and coping strategies in contrast in hirsute and non-hirsute patients; there was a significant difference in quality of life P value < 0.001). Also there is a significant relationship between the quality of life and coping strategies (problem solving, cognitive, emotional and social support) (P < 0.05) and quality of life has the highest correlation with emotional strategies (r = 0.46). Conclusion: According to results of this study, patients with PCOS are at risk pcychologicla disorders that may be led to decrease of quality of life. Thus this patients need to support by oppositions strategies. Also not only physical treatment but also psychological surveillance especially social support must be done for them.