JOURNAL OF MAZANDARAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
Year:2014 | Volume:24 | Issue:113|Papers Count:33

Background and purpose: Radon is a colorless inert gas which decay products are the main component of natural radioactive elements that are naturally produced in under layers of earth crust by decay of radium and uranium. It enters through buildings via gaps and cracks. Alpha particle emissions as a radon gas decay product can increase the incidence of lung cancer in human. Every person spends 65 to 95 percent of his life in closed environments, therefore, elevated concentrations of radon could negatively influence human health. This study aimed at measuring the indoor radon concentration in the dwelling of Gorgan and compares it with EPA standards.Material and Methods: The indoor radon concentration was measured in 218 homes in Gorgan using solid-state nuclear track detectors (CR-39). Each CR-39 detector was mounted 50-90 cm from the bottom bedroom and living rooms, away from doors and windows. After about three months of exposure, the detectors were collected and transported to the laboratory. In next step, they were etched in 6.25N NaOH solutions at 85 C° for three hours. Finally, track densities were analyzed using an optical microscope scanning system.Results: The radon concentration in three percent of the houses was found higher than 148 Bq/m3 receipted by EPA as the action level.Conclusion: The result of this study could be used in mapping of national radon level.

Background and purpose: MDR1 is nowadays considered as a known transporter involved in drug resistance of different cancers. However, the importance of this protein in different systems of the body and its functional role in other diseases is less studied. This article aimed at investigating the role of MDR1 in the immune system and neurological disorders, and also exploring the possible therapeutic use of this protein.Material and Methods: In this review we studied 68 reputable articles published between 1998 and 2014 (both in Persian and English). The search engines included PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Elsevier databases.Results: The expression of MDR1 increases during the maturation of dendritic cells and their migration to lymph nodes to activate T lymphocytes. The function of this protein has been reported in naive B cells and it is expressed during the activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Compared with other leukocyte populations, MDR1 expression levels are the highest in NK cells. MDR1activity in brain capillary endothelial cells, involved in blood-brain barrier, prevents the entry of small drugs and inflammatory molecules into the CNS. The protein expression is reduced in a variety of immune destructive diseases.Conclusion: This article identifies the importance and function of MDR1in brain capillary endothelial cells and those involved in the immune system. Considering the confirmed role of MDR1 in immunological and degenerative disorders, this article may help in resolving the disorders caused by the lack of MDR1expression.

Background and purpose: One of the major complications of diabetes is retinopathy which is a highly specific vascular complication of type I and II diabetes. This study aimed at investigating the factors influencing the diagnosis of retinopathy in patients with type II diabetes using Cox, parametric, exponential, weibull, Log normal, and Log-logistic models and comparing their functions.Material and Methods: This prospective cohort study included 400 patients with type II diabetes without retinopathy who were registered at Yazd Diabetes Research Center in 2008. They were followed up for diagnosis of retinopathy until February 2013. Significant variables in the univariate model for investigating the effective factors on diagnosis of retinopathy were entered in Cox multivariate and parametric models. The criterion to compare the performance of models was Akaike information criterion. Data was then analyzed in R software and 0.05 was considered as the significance level.Results: The mean and median periods to diagnose retinopathy were 46 and 58 months. Among the patients 3% were diagnosed with retinopathy in less than one year and in 16% the diagnosis was made in less than two years.Conclusion: Some variables including anemia, taking aspirin, duration of diabetes, and using insulin were amongst the main risk factors for diagnosis of retinopathy (P<0.05). According to Akaike information criterion we found that Cox model best fits for determining factors influencing the diagnosis of retinopathy.

Background and purpose: Female nurses are exposed to many problems due to their working situation. This will make them vulnerable to stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion. In this study we structurally analyzed burnout among nurses while considering acceptance, commitment, and emotion regulation.Material and Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted in May 2013 and included 180 nurses working in a hospital located in city of Isfahan. A total of 119 cases was randomly selected using Morgan table. Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) were used to collect the data. Data was then analyzed using SPSS and Lisrel program.Results: The results indicated a significant correlation between burnout, emotion regulation, and acceptance and commitment. Structural equation modeling showed direct relationships between burnout and ACT and emotion regulation and ACT. We also found ACT with a mediation effect in the relationship between burnout and emotion regulation.Conclusion: This study showed emotion regulation and ACT as the main indicators for burnout.

Background and purpose: Depressive disorder is a serious, potentially recurrent and very common in clinical practice with estimated lifetime prevalence of 21% among the general population and approximately 11.3 of adults afflicted during a year. Saffron is a traditional spice which is used as a food additive. Recent studies indicate several therapeutic effects for saffron in psychiatric disorders, especially depression.Material and methods: We compared the efficacy of fluoxetine plus 40 mg hydro- alcoholic extract of crocus sativus and fluoxetine plus 80 mg hydro-alcoholic extract of crocus sativus, in a sixweek double- blind, randomized clinical trial in the treatment of mild to moderate depressive disorders. Sixty adult patients were chosen who met the diagnostic and statistical criteria for mental disorders. Data was collected using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), and structured clinical interviews. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either fluoxetine 30 mg/ day (20 mg morning, 1o mg noon) and capsules of Saffron 40 mg/day (BD) (group 1) or fluoxetine 30 mg/day and Saffron 8o mg/day (group 2).Results: Saffron was found effective in both groups, however, significant differences were found in the group receiving 80 mg saffron capsules (P< 0.05). The two groups did not show any significant difference in having side effects.Conclusion: This study showed the efficacy of 80 mg saffron daily without the raise of side events in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. However, more large-scaled controlled clinical trials are recommended to confirm these results.

Background and purpose: Using allogeneic and xenogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has had some successful results in the treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). But the use of its syngeneic counterparts in treatment of EAE, especially established EAE, has had some paradoxical results. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of syngeneic bone marrowderived MSCs (SBM-MSCs) in a mouse model of EAE.Material and methods: In this experimental-interventional study, one million SBM-MSCs were injected to EAE–affected C57BL/6 mice in two different times. The clinical symptoms of treated mice were evaluated daily and scored according to a standard scale. A week after the last injection all EAE mice were sacrificed for cytokine and histopathological assays.Results: SBM-MSCs could not ameliorate clinical course of EAE mice. Although SBM-MSCs could attenuate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-g from the splenocytes of EAE mice, but they had no effect on the production of IL-17. Nonetheless, the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10, had increased due to SBM-MSCs treatment. Finally, SBM-MSCs had no positive effect on immune cells infiltration and myelin destruction rate in the central nervous system of EAE mice.Conclusion: SBM-MSCs had probably no ameliorative effect on established form of EAE.

Background and purpose: Many researches have pointed a key role for vitamin D in the body’s immune system. Low level of vitamin D is associated with progression to AIDS. In this study, the serum level of vitamin D in HIV infected patients was studied and compared with a control group.Material and methods: In this cross-sectional study the levels of vitamin D were evaluated in 35 HIV infected patients whose disease was diagnosed by ELISA test and confirmed with western blot test. The control group consisted of 35 healthy individuals who were matched for age, sex, nutrition and their exposure to sun light (according their jobs). In both group the serum vitamin D level was measured using ELISA test. The level of vitamin D was evaluated in the HIV infected group according to their age, sex, BMI, and CD4 level.Results: The serum level of vitamin D was significantly lower in HIV infected patients than that of the control group. We observed no association between the serum level of vitamin D and the patients’ sex, age, BMI, CD4 and consumption of antiretroviral drugs.Conclusion: According to the low levels of vitamin D in HIV infected patients, administration of vitamin D supplement sounds reasonable. However, further studies are recommended to evaluate the effect of vitamin D treatment among such patients.

Background and purpose: Discrimination, stigma and social exclusion are very real aspects of life with psychiatric disorders. Individuals with such problems are faced with losing the opportunities for education, employment, and many obstacles regarding social activities. These will also negatively influence the communities. Given the importance of stigma, the present study aimed to validate the mental illness Stigma Scale.Material and methods: This descriptive study included the patients admitted to Ibn Sina Hospital in Mashhad (2012-2013). Among the samples 210 were randomly selected. Data was collected using the Stigma Scale (King et al, 2007) then analyzed in SPSS.Results: Content and construct validity and the internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) were studied. The content validity assessment of the Stigma Scale was done by professional experts (n=10). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) showed that the three-factor model demonstrated a superior fit to the data. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient indicated a good consistency for the Stigma Scale.Conclusion: The Stigma Scale (King et al, 2007) is a validated scale to measure the stigma in patients with mental disorders.

Background and purpose: Both hypothermia and Decompressive craniectomy (DC) have been shown to reduce ischemic injury in experimental middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). This study was designed to evaluate the effect of delayed combination of DC and Local Hypothermia (LH) on infarct size, neurological outcome and blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption in a rat model of stroke.Material and Methods: MCAO was induced in 36 Wistar rats assigned to three groups of control, Decompressive Craniectomy (DC) and combination of Hypothermia and Craniectomy (HC). Infarct size and BBB disruption were measured 48 hour after ischemia insult. Neurological deficits were assessed at 24 and 48 hours after stroke using sticky tape test, hanging-wire test and Bederson’s scoring system. BBB disruption was measured by Evans blue dye leakage.Results: Compared to the control group, infarct size reduced significantly in DC and HC groups (P<0.001), however, combination therapy was more neuroprotective compared to craniectomy alone (P<0.01). Compared to the control group, BBB disruption was significantly reduced in DC (P<0.05) and HC (P<0.01).While compared to the control group sticky tape test (P<0.05 at 24 h; P<0.001 at 48 h) and hanging-wire test (P<0.05) showed better behavioral performance only in HC, and Bederson test showed improved behavioral functions of HC animals (P<0.01). At the same time neurological deficits also decreased in HC group (P<0.05 at 24 h; P<0.01 at 48 h) compared to the DC group.Conclusion: According to this study although both delayed local hypothermia and craniectomy are protective after stoke, combination therapy of them is more neuroprotective than given alone.

Background and purpose: Buccal delivery of drug provides an attractive alternative to the oral route of drug administration and a convenient route of administration for both systemic and local drug delivery. Absorption of therapeutic agents from the oral cavity provides a direct entry for such agents into the systemic circulation, thereby avoiding first-pass metabolism and gastrointestinal degradation. The objective of this study was to develop and characterize mucoadhesive buccal films from diclofenac sodium.Material and Methods: Buccal films containing diclofenac sodium were prepared using solvent casting method. Eudragit L100-55 was used as film forming polymer, and HPMC K4M and PVP K25 were used as mucoadhesive polymers. The effect of type and amount of polymer on drug release rate, swelling and erosion rate and the Mucoadhesion strength were evaluated.Results: HPMC K4M decreased the rate of drug release but adding PVP K25 increased the drug release. Adding hydrophilic polymers such as HPMC K4M, and PVP K25, significantly increased the swelling percentage. Moreover, increase in HPMC K4M amount, decreased the erosion percentage and increased the mucoadhesive strength.Conclusion: Eudragit buccal films can be successfully used as a mucoadhesive carrier in buccal drug delivery systems for drugs with high first-pass metabolism. Also, this study proved the effect of hydrophilic polymers on drug release profile and other properties of the films.

Background and purpose: Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is an organic compound categorized as priority pollutants with harmful effects on humans, animals and plants. Therefore, the removal of PCP from water and wastewater is of great importance. This study aimed at assessing the efficiency of Phanerochaete Chrysosporium fungus biomass in PCP absorption.Material and methods: In this experimental study Phanerochaete Chrysosporium strains were prepared from Persian Type Culture Collection of Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST). After activation, the strains were incubated in potato dextrose agar (PDA). The prepared Phanerochaete Chrysosporium biomass was modified by NaOH and then it was used for PCP absorption assay. The measurement of PCP was done by high-performance liquid chromatography.Results: We found that the biosorption efficiency of PCP increased with increase in the Phanerochaete Chrysosporium biomass loading. The pentachlorophenol biosorption percentage decreased when the initial pentachlorophenol concentration increased. Maximum biosorption of PCP was obtained at acidic pH. The experimental adsorption isotherm complies with Langmuir equation model (R2=0.992). The pHZPC for Phanerochaete Chrysosporium biomass was found to be 6.1. Characterization results from BET (Brunauer, Emmett and Teller) showed that BET surface area of the Phanerochaete Chrysosporium biomass was 1.275 m2g-1 and adsorption average pore diameter was 1.22 nm.Conclusion: The results showed biosorption by Phanerochaete Chrysosporium biomass as an effective method in removal of pentachlorophenol from aqueous solutions in low concentration and acidic pH.

Background and purpose: Annually high volumes of Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) are used as organic solvents in various chemical and fuels as a substitute for lead. These compounds enter the environment after being used and pollute the environmental sources such as surface water and groundwater. Exposures to this organic matter could have acute and chronic influences on human, including nervous system reactions, nausea, and amnesia. Also, the carcinogen formaldehyde is produced after its decomposition in the body. This systematic review investigated the studies carried out in Iran and other countries on the concentration of MTBE.Material and methods: In this study, all papers in national and international databases were examined including Iran Medex, Iran Doc, SID, Google Scholar, Science Direct, World Health Organization, and Pubmed. The keywords used included Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether, surface water, and groundwater. Overall, 289 articles were retrieved of which 29 were selected after reviewing the titles and abstracts.Results: We found that the concentration of MTBE in ground and surface water were higher than Environmental standards of America (36% and 57%, respectively).The most contaminated samples were taken from North America, Spain and Iran.Conclusion: According to the results some levels of MTBE were detected in water resources in many countries. Due to the high volume of fuel consumption high levels of MTBE enter the environment, so it is essential to take administrative measurements to prevent and reduce the level of such compounds into the environment. Moreover, continuous monitoring of water resources should be carried out, especially in the resources exposed to pollution (such as oil refineries and areas close to gas stations).

Background and purpose: Today cancer is considered as one of the leading causes of death worldwide. An impressive number of modern drugs used in cancer treatment are isolated or derived from natural sources based on their use in traditional medicine. Cornus mas L. (Cornaceae) has medicinal applications in treating a wide range of diseases such as cancer. This study was designed to evaluate the Cytotoxic effect of Cornus mas L.fruit hydroalcoholic extract on normal and cancer cell lines.Material and Methods: Rip fruit and unripe fruit extract was prepared by soxhlet extraction method. The anticancer activity of different concentrations of the extract (0, 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250mg/ml) in three cell lines MCF7 (breast cancer), HepG2 (liver cancer), and CHO (normal hamster ovary) were examined using MTT. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V.16.Results: The findings revealed time and dose-dependent inhibition and also significant differences between the levels of IC50 of unripe and ripe fruit in all cell lines (P<0.05). Also, the level of IC50 of unripe and ripe fruit on normal cell lines was significantly different from that of the cancer cell lines (P<0.05). However, cytotoxicity of unripe fruit was found more than ripe fruit.Conclusion: This study showed that hydroalcoholic extract of Cornus mas L.(unripe and ripe), have a considerable cytotoxic effect on cancer and normal cell lines and should be further investigated to find effective compounds present in the fruit extract. Hence, effective steps could be taken towards finding new drugs in treating cancer.

Background and purpose: Nowadays, development of aquaculture is one of the reasons for river pollution. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of aquaculture effluent on physicochemical parameters of Kabkian River in 2011-12.Material and Methods: Sampling was conducted during three seasons in 2011-12 from 12 selected stations. Dissolved Oxygen, pH, TDS, EC and T parameters were measured on site and NO3-, NO2-, PO43-, NH4+, BOD5, and COD parameters were measured in laboratory.Results: Statistical analysis showed significant differences in mean concentration of NO2- and COD (P<0.05). The minimum and maximum mean concentrations of NO2- were found with 0.004±0.001 and 0.049±0.01 mg L-1, respectively for stations A, C, and H. Also the minimum and maximum mean concentrations of COD were found with 8.00±1.20 and 27.67±5.33 mg L-1, respectively for stations B and J. The analysis of qualitative parameters in different sampling periods showed significant differences in mean concentrations of studied parameters (P<0.05).Conclusion: According to this study and the WHO recommendation on concentrations of pollutants for drinking and agricultural water, self-purification of Kabkian River is possible. However, increasing number of aquaculture farms and lack of monitoring of pollution sources could result in serious problems, especially eutrophication.

Background and purpose: Nitrate is probably the most widespread groundwater contaminant in the world, due to its high water solubility. It imposes a serious threat to human health and contributes to eutrophication. The objectives of this study were set to explore how the factors of ultraviolet light and ionic strength could influence the nano zero valent iron (NZVI) system for nitrate removal.Material and methods: In this study, response surface methodology was employed for the design and analysis of experiments. Experiments were carried out as per Box–Behnken (BBD) surface statistical design with four input parameters namely NZVI dose (0.5–2 g/L), initial concentration (50–150 mg/L), contact time (15–60 min), and ionic strength (1000-5000 mmho/cm). All experiments were performed in the presence and absence of UV irradiation.Results: The Maximum reduction efficiency for experiments in the presence and absence of UV irradiation was 85.3% and 91.6% in nano zero valent iron dose 2g/L, initial concentration 100mg/L, Contact time 60, and ionic strength 3000μmho/cm. The proposed model was essentially in accordance with the experimental case with correlation coefficient R2=0.9992, 0.9946 and Adj-R2=0.9982, 0.9884, respectively.Conclusion: Removal efficiency of nitrate increased with increase in time and NZVI dosage. In contrast, it decreased when ionic strength and initial concentration increased. Also, UV irradiation accelerated the removal of nitrate.

Background and purpose: The release of metals due to different natural and human activities, bioaccumulation, biological inseparability and toxicity, even in low densities, has caused serious threat to living creatures and human. This study evaluated the concentration of heavy metals including lead, cadmium, zinc and copper in edible tissues of Caspian Kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum) in Miankaleh International Wetland and the health risk resulted from consumption of this fish.Material and Methods: During fishing season, 20 White fishes were collected from Miankaleh International Wetland with the permission of Environmental Protection organization. The densities of heavy metals in skin and muscles were determined using atomic absorption (Scientific Equipment GBS). Data was analyzed using SPSS V.16.Results: The mean densities of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper in the skin were 3.4, 0.48, 40.55, and 3.3, respectively and 2.1, 0.39, 16.52, 4.5 microgram per gram of the wet weight in muscle tissues, respectively. A significant difference was seen in the concentration of heavy metals between the skin and the muscle tissue (p<0.01). The observed EDI and EWI were found lower than the guidelines recommended by WHO and FAO.Conclusion: According to this study the concentration of zinc and copper in whitefish were lower than the standard levels, so its consumption is not a threat to the health of consumers. However, the levels of cadmium and lead in edible tissues of whitefish were found higher than international levels. Hence, the pollutants of Miankaleh wetland (i.e. industrial and agricultural wastewater) should be highly controlled.

Background and purpose: Removal of lead as a toxic metal from contaminated water resources is necessary due to the dangerous effect of lead. One of the most effective methods of removal is the adsorption process. The aim of this study was adsorption and magnetic separation of lead from synthetic wastewater using iron oxide nanoparticles and carbon (ION/C) composite.Material and Methods: In this study nanoparticles of iron oxide (ION) were used as a source of iron for magnetic separation of powder activated carbon from solution samples. The physical and surface properties of the adsorbent were studied along with influencing factors (pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial lead concentration, and temperature) on the adsorption process. Kinetic equations and equilibrium isotherms studies were also conducted.Results: The size of ION and specific surface area of ION/C were found to be 30-80 nm and 671.2 m2/g, respectively. We observed that the adsorption process reached equilibrium at 60 min and pH=6and adsorption efficiency increased by increasing the amount of adsorbent and temperature. Maximum adsorption capacity based on Langmuir isotherms was obtained 67.1mg/g at 50oC.Conclusion: According to this study it is believed that magnetized active carbon by keeping its physical and surface properties could be a suitable method to solve some related problems including separation and filtration.

Background and purpose: Heavy metals are released to the environment as a result of industrial, urban and agricultural sewages. They are usually resistant to chemical dissociation. They can easily contaminate aquatic animals especially fishes which are amongst the food chains of human. This study evaluated the concentration of heavy metals in the tissues of different types of Clupeonella cultriventris and Gasterosteus aculeatus in the waters of Caspian Sea in Mazandaran Province.Material and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on 50 Clupeonella cultriventris and 50 Gasterosteus aculeatus obtained from Mazandaran coastal by multi mesh gill nets in 2012. The samples were digested by concentrated 65% nitric acid, and were analyzed for Pb in a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer and for Cd and Cr in a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer.Results: Mean concentration of Pb, Cr and Cd in Gasterosteus aculeatus was 0.113, 5.28 and 0.046 and mean concentrations of Pb, Cr and Cd in Clupeonella cultriventris were 0.126, 4.29 and 0.096 (mg/g dry weight), respectively. The results showed no significant correlation between the concentrations of these metals and length of fish and different tissues of the fish.Conclusion: We found the concentration of heavy metals including Pb and Cr in both types of the fishes less than the amounts reported by WHO, so they do not bare considerable health risk. However, the concentration of Cd is more than the recommended consumption limit for human which could lead to many diseases. We believe that these fishes could be used as a bioindicator for assessing the pollution load of sea water and rivers.

Background and purpose: Stress results from a specific event, situation, or transition that directly or indirectly threatens every one and prompts coping responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the variables of social support and personality traits as predictors of vulnerability to stress in university students.Material and Methods: A descriptive-correlational study was designed in which all the students of Kharazmi, Islamic Azad and Payam Noor universities of Karaj in 2012-2013 academic year. Among the students 375 cases were selected through multi stage cluster sampling. Data was collected using Stress Syndrome Scale (SSI), Tests of social support (SS-A) and the Five Factor Personality Inventory (NEOFFI). Data was analyzed using multiple regression method in SPSS V. 18.Results: The variables of social support and personality traits predicted 47.2% vulnerability to stress.Conclusion: The variables of social support and personality traits can predict vulnerability to stress, so managing these factors could be of great benefit in reducing vulnerability of people to stress.

Background and purpose: Concave eye applicators of Ru-106, a beta emitter source, have a lot of use in brachytherapy of intraocular tumors. This has led to the need of knowing the exact dose distribution caused by beta radiation to the tumor and its normal surrounding tissue. The purpose of this study was the 3D calculation of dose distribution for three Ru-106 plaques: CCA, CCB, and CGD in a human eye model using the MCNP-4C code in treatment of uveal melanoma with 5mm thickness from the sclera surface.Material and methods: In this regard, eye’s different parts including the sclera, choroid, retina, cornea, etc., and also Ru-106 plaques with their real properties were simulated by MCNP-4C code. Dose rate of three plaques in tumor and sensitive surrounding tissues were studied.Results: According to this study and the ALARA principle (which aims to deliver the maximum dose to the tumor and minimizing the dose to healthy tissues), full knowledge of the shape and size of tumor is essential before treatment by aforementioned plaques. To minimize damage to adjacent healthy tissue using CCA plaques are recommended in treatment of small-sized tumors£5mm depth.Conclusion: CCA plaque with a lowest absorbed dose in the healthy tissue around the tumor such as sclera and lens showed better results than other studied plaques, thus it is recommended for the treatment of small-sized melanoma tumors.

Background and purpose: Hydrocarbons such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are considered as priority organic compounds pollutants of the Caspian Sea due to their high toxicity nature. Increasing the concentration of hydrocarbons in the environment has adverse effect on aquatic life and human health. This study was conducted to determine the 16 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (16PAHs) concentrations in the edible tissue of Cyprinus Carpio in the Caspian Sea.Material and Methods: A total of 28 samples of fish were collected during winter and spring. All samples were prepared by Soxhlet and extracting processes and then determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) instrument.Results: Results showed that pattern of 16PAH compounds were obtained in 82% of samples (23 samples out of 28) for 3, 4 and 5 rings. The mean concentration and standard error (±SE) of edible tissue of Cyprinus Carpio mussels were observed 2.21 (±0.42) mg/g.dw.Conclusion: We observed Pyrene (75%), Fluorathene (61%), Benzo (a) pyrene (43%) and Chrycene (36%) in edible tissue of Cyprinus Carpio. Hence, consumption of this fish could endanger human health.

Background and purpose: Celiac disease (CD) is a genetic disorder that causes inflammation in the lining of the small intestine. Recent literature has shown a relation between inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of celiac disease in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study 84 patients (aged 17-79 years of old) with UC underwent screening test for CD. Anti TTG Ab and Total IgA Ab were checked for all patients.Results: The mean age of the patients was 39.26±13.29 years. In all cases Anti TTG and Total IgA Ab were negative.Conclusion: In this study we found no association between CD and UC. However, more studies with larger sample size are recommended to find the exact relation between these diseases.

Background and purpose: Diagnosis of death due to old age or accidents, in which the heart and brain stop working, is not often so difficult. Sometimes, despite signs of death, diagnosis of death is not that easy. Brain death is an example of this type of dubious death which has been the subject of interest among jurists and physicians since the second half of the nineteenth century. This issue is of great importance in many cases such as allowing or not allowing euthanasia of the patient, organ transplant, burial, etc. The aim of this paper was to investigate brain death in Islamic law and comparing the Islamic scholars’ (faqihs) opinion with that of the physicians.Material and methods: This review article included many Islamic sources such as holy Qur’an and hadith and some (electronic) references published until 2013.Results: Physicians believe that brain death is the complete and irreversible loss of brain function, and consider that as the end of life. But Faqihs, looking to the patient's future, say that - according to Quran-“Tavffi” is the complete separation of soul from the body.Conclusion: Faqihs and physicians' opinions are not the same on this issue and faqihs believe that brain-dead should not be considered completely dead, so ending their life should not be permitted.

Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) is one of most common intestinal parasites that infect a wide range of vertebrates including human, farm, and wild animals. Molecular studies indicate G. lamblia as a complex species, consisting of eight genetic assemblages (A to H). Recently, giardiasis has been identified as a zoonotic parasitic disease. The goal of this narrative study was to review the epidemiology of G. lamblia in the world, with emphasis on zoonotic aspects and also the molecular status and genotyping of G. lamblia in Iran. Moreover, the history of giardiasis in Iran between 1999 -2012 was investigated. In this study, we collected all information about molecular epidemiology of giardiasis in Iran and the world. Databases consisted of Magiran, Iranmedex, Google Scholar, Pubmed, Science direct, and Scopus. Based on our results the prevalence of giardiasis in Iran is between 2-36%. We found limited number of studies on the genotyping of G.lamblia in Iran. These studies found A II and B III as the most common assemblages. More studies are recommended to investigate the situation of giardiasis on human and animal samples in different parts of the world, especially in regions with paucity of information about the genotyping of giardiasis.

In recent years using some methods such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and bone marrow transplantation has increased the rate of success in cancer treatment, however, cancer is taking more victims every day throughout the world. According to the Natinal Cancer Institute of Iran, about 62040 cases were diagnosed with cancer in Iran during 2007of whom 44.19% were female. Usually, invasive therapeutic methods lead to gonadal damage and infertility. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation is suggested as the only way for saving the sex cells and fertility amongst prepubertal girls and women involved in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, genetic disorders or other specific diseases. The main goal of ovarian cryopreservation is to reinstate the tissue in order to restore fertility and hormonal cycle. Ovarian tissue transplants dates back to early twentieth century, but it took more than 100 years to have successful human birth following ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation. Nevertheless, many questions still exist which need to be dealt with.