JOURNAL OF MAZANDARAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
Year:2016 | Volume:26 | Issue:137|Papers Count:27

Background and purpose: The 4T1 cell line is a laboratory model used in the study of tumors biology. This cell line is very tumorigenic with high metastatic capacity in different organs. In this study, histology and immunohistochemistry methods were used to investigate the structure and localization of Na+/K+- ATPase enzyme in 4T1 cells induced breast cancer tumor in Balb/c nu mice. Materials and methods: The histological sections (4 mm) were stained using Hematoxilin-Eosin and IgGα5 special antibody was used for immunohistochemistry study.Results: Study of tumor structure showed abnormal proliferation and high mitogenicity in epithelial cells with high proliferation rate. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed significant immunofluorescence, indicating abundant presence of Na+/K+-ATPase enzymes (sodium potassium pump) in tumor cells.Conclusion: Current results showed high rate of sodium potassium pump in plasma membrane of tumor cells. Immunofluorescence characteristic of 4T1 tumor cell lines make them appropriate candidate for antitumor studies.

Background and purpose: Influenza virus is one of the most important respiratory infectious agents. Viral antigenic variations are major problems for vaccine production process. At present, many researches have focused on conserved domains of influenza virus antigenic peptides for subunit vaccine development. Hemagglutinin small subunit (HA2) and the 23 amino acid extracellular N-terminal domain of proton selective ion channel (M2e) are highly conserved in all human influenza A strains and very attractive for broad-spectrum universal influenza vaccine production.Materials and methods: In this study, the synthetic 3M2e gene was cloned upstream of HA2 gene following digestion by BamH1. Chimeric construct pET28a-3M2e-HA2 was transformed into E.coli (BL21) and the cells were grown overnight in LB broth media containing 50 mg/ml kanamycin after induction of isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). Expression of chimer protein 3M2e-HA2 was approved by sodiumdodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and western blot analysis using monoclonal specific antibody. Then, the recombinant protein was purified using Ni-TED columns.Results: The result of colony PCR, restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing revealed that the 3M2e gene was properly cloned into pET28a- HA2 and was in frame to histidin tag.Conclusion: Identification of antibodies against conserved epitopes of (HA2) and (M2e) is an important step toward development of influenza vaccine, hence, chimer protein (3M2e-HA2) prepared in this study could be an appropriate subunit vaccine candidate for preventing influenza virus infection.

Background and purpose: The purpose of this study was to design a recombinant vector pEFGP- N1 containing the full length of HIV-1Vpr gene. To the best of our knowledge, the cloning of Vpr gene in pEGFP_N1 is not previously done.Materials and methods: As a source of Vpr gene the pUC19-Vpr recombinant vector was confirmed by digestion with restriction enzymes BglII and NotI in order to separate the Vpr gene. The specific primers for Vpr gene including the restriction sites of XhoI and KpnI were designed according to the multiple cloning site of pEGFP-N1 and PCR reaction was performed using the pUC 19-Vpr vector as a template. The PCR product was undergone electrophoresis and gel extraction. Digestion reaction was done on both the extracted PCR product and the pEGFP-N1vector. The recombinant pEGFP-N1-Vpr vector was achieved by the ligation reaction using the T4 DNA ligase and it was transformed into the E-coli (DH5α) and propagated. Finally, confirmation was done through the restriction enzyme digestion and PCR amplification.Results: The recombinant vector pUC19-Vpr was confirmed using the restriction enzymes digestion, and then Vpr gene was successfully amplified using its specific primers including restriction sites for XhoI and KpnI. The PCR product was confirmed by electrophoresis. Finally, a recombinant vector pEGFP-N1 containing the full length of human immunodeficiency virus-1 Vpr gene (pEGFP-N1-Vpr) was successfully constructed.Conclusion: HIV-1 Vpr gene in its full length size could be ligated into the pEGFP-N1.

Background and purpose: Fatigue is a common symptom in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Reflexology is a nursing intervention that could reduce fatigue. This study aimed at determining the effects of foot reflexology on fatigue in patients undergoing hemodialysis.Materials and methods: A clinical trial with before and after design was conducted in hemodialysis patients attending Imam-Ali and Iran-mehr clinic in Bojnurd, 2013. Using randomized sampling 78 patients were allocated into three groups: intervention, placebo, and control group. The patients in intervention group received foot reflexology, and simple foot reflexology without pressing certain parts of the foot was done in placebo group. The patients in control group received only routine care. Piper Fatigue Scale was used to measure fatigue level before and after the intervention. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA and Paired t-test.Results: The results showed a significant difference between fatigue scores in intervention and control groups before and after the intervention (P<0.001). After the foot reflexology, the fatigue score in intervention group reduced to 3.8±1.27 (vs. 4.34±1.35 before the intervention), while the fatigue score in control group increased to 5.19±0.87 (vs. 4.91±1.04 before the intervention) (P<0.05). The placebo group showed no significant difference before and after the intervention (P=0.9).Conclusion: Reflexology can be used as a nursing intervention in reducing fatigue among patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Background and purpose: Direct smear microscopy is the most common method of detecting tuberculosis with 70% sensitivity in best conditions, therefore, researches have always focused on improving the sensitivity of sputum smear. This study aimed at comparing the diagnostic value of sputum smear using light microscopy and fluorescence microscopy without sodium hypochlorite in patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 195 patients suspected of pulmonary tuberculosis attending Zahedan Booali Hospital who were selected via purposive sampling. Three sputum specimens were obtained from each patient and microscopic examinations were done using the Ziehl-Neelsen staining, auramine-rhodamine staining and Leuven Stein culturing. For smear microscopy, two sets of sputum smears were prepared from each sample (with and without sodium hypochlorite). Finally, the results of smear microscopy and sputum culture were compared.Results: In direct smear using the Ziehl– Neelsen with and without sodium hypochlorite 69 (35%) and 63 (32%) patients were found positive, respectively and in auramine-rhodamine staining with and without adding sodium hypochlorite 71 (36%) and 66 (33%) cases were found positive, respectively. Fluorescent microscope with and without sodium hypochlorite increased the diagnostic value of direct smear compared to optical microscopy but this increase was not statistically significant.Conclusion: The diagnostic value of sputum smear microscopy using fluorescent sodium hypochlorite in patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis was more than other diagnostic methods.

Background and purpose: Aging and decreased physical activity can cause tribulation in physical functions and decline in postural stability. Women with hyperkyphosis have increased body sway, which can increase the risk of falls. This study examined the effects of corrective exercises on postural stability in elderly women with hyperkyphosis.Materials and methods: A randomized controlled trial was carried out in 30 adults (60-75 years old) who were chosen by purposive sampling from Jahandine Elderly Center in Arak, spring 2014. The participants were randomly assigned into an experimental group (n=13) and a control group (n=13). The subjects in exercise group participated in an 8 week (3 sessions a week) corrective exercise program. But no intervention was performed in the control group. TURN180 test and flexicurve ruler were used in pre and post-test for evaluation of postural stability and kyphosis angle. To analyze the data, dependent t-test and covariate analysis at significance level of P<0.05 were applied.Results: Twenty six participants completed post-test measures. Kyphosis angle was changed in the experimental group from 50.58 to 48.84 degrees (P=.002) and significant improvements were seen in the TURN180 test (P=.008). But there was no significant difference in the control group.Conclusion: According to current results corrective exercises could be effective in improving kyphosis angle, and postural stability which would consequently decrease the risk of fall.  

Background and purpose: Physical activity is one of the components of impulsivity and is one of the risk factors for falls in elderly. In the other words, it causes loss of balance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between impulsivity level in elderly and their ability in maintaining balance.Materials and methods: This cross-Sectional study was performed in 50 elderly aged 60 to 74 years old (25 males and 25 females) in Semnan, Iran, 2013. The participants were selected using convenience sampling. The Continuous Performance Test (CPT) was used to measure impulsivity and then Balance Biodex system (BBS) was used to measure the static and dynamic balance.Results: The mean age of the participants was 65.48 ± 4.36. The mean scores for static balance, static balance with closed eyes, dynamic balance, dynamic balance with closed eyes, and impulsivity were 3.64±2.69, 4.10±2.47, 4.55±2, 6.65±1.98, and 2.56±4.11, respectively. The impulsivity and static balance with open eyes (r=0.54, P<0.001), static balance with closed eyes (r=0.44, P<0.001) and dynamic balance with open eyes (r=0.31, P<0.02) were significantly correlated.Conclusion: This study showed that significant correlation between balance and impulsivity in elderly depends on intensity of balance test. Easier balance task and more sensory information results in high correlation between balance and impulsivity but more challenging balance tasks decrease this correlation.

Background and purpose: Many conditions and oral lesions are associated with aging that could have considerable impact on quality of life. This study investigated the prevalence of oral lesions in elderly in nursing homes.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 90 residents (over 60 years of age) in nursing homes in Sari and Babol, Iran, 2015. Data was recorded in a checklist and analyzed in SPSS ver.16 applying T-test, Chi-square and Fisher exact tests.Results: We studied 90 individuals including 26 males (28.9%) and 64 females (71.1%), mean age: 78.8 years. All elderly were found to have at least one lesion of the oral mucosa. The most common lesions were fissured tongue (55.6%), varicosity (46.7%), pigmentation (26.7%), candidiasis (25.6%) and sublingual varices (21.1%). Varicosity was more prevalent in men. 63.1% of the lesions were observed in tongue. The lesions in 60% of the people were due to wearing dentures (P<0.05). There was no significant association between smoking and the prevalence of oral lesions.Conclusion: High prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in studied population signifies the need for more serious oral examinations and follow-up of this group of people.

Background and purpose: In recent decades psychosomatic disorders have emerged that complexity of their diagnosis impose large economic burdens on patients. The aim of this study was to identify and classify the profiles of psychosomatic disorders and their relationship with psychological problems (mental distress, anxiety, and depression) in an Iranian adult population.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 4763 individuals participating in a research project called SEPAHAN. Psychosomatic symptoms and psychological problems were studied using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15) and 47 questions psychosomatic, Lacourt Questionnaire General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and hospital anxiety and depression Scale (HADS).Results: Four categories of psychosomatic disorders including mental, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and general symptoms were extracted from psychosomatic symptoms that explained 42.02% of the total variance. Similar to that of the study population four categories of psychosomatic disorders were extracted for both males and females explaining 41.54 and 44.75 of the total variance, respectively. A significant association was seen between mental health problems and psychosomatic disorders. In other words, higher scores in psychosomatic disorders increased the prevalence of mental health problems (p<0.001).Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge the current study was the first study that categorized psychosomatic disorders (mental, gastrointestinal, respiratory and general symptoms). The results showed higher incidences of mental health problems are associated with severity of these disorders. These results could be of great help in appropriate diagnosis of these disorders and also in treatment and prevention of mental health problems based on the observed relationships.

Background and purpose: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that cause a sharp drop in job performance and social activities is commonly seen in Iranian veterans. Identifying the variables involved is important to predict the risk of psychological harms. This study aimed at assessing the relationship between attachment styles and cognitive emotion regulation strategies in veterans with PTSD.Materials and methods: A correlational study was carried out in 56 veterans attending clinics affiliated with the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs. Structured clinical interview for the DSM-IV (SCID-I) was used to ensure the comorbid disorders. Then, PTSD Checklist, Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS), and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) were completed by the participants.Results: The results showed no significant relationship between PTSD and secure attachment (r=0.182) but a positive and statistically significant relationship was found between PTSD and insecure attachment (P<0.01). Also, there was a significant association between PTSD and cognitive emotion regulation strategies especially, negative cognitive emotion regulation strategies (P<0.01).Conclusion: According to the findings, insecure attachment style are directly associated with PTSD and could be a factor predisposing to the disorder. Also, the type of cognitive emotion regulation can be a good predictor for the risk of PTSD.

Background and purpose: This research aimed at investigating the effect of kinesio tape on functional performance of lower extremity and pain severity in athletes with and without medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS).Materials and methods: The study was performed in 30 students of physical training course in Guilan University including 15 students with MTSS and 15 healthy students. At first, the function of lower extremity was compared between the two groups using shuttle run tests, figure 8 hop test, side to side hop test, and agility hop test. Pain severity was measured by visual analog scale. Then, taping was performed to evaluate the functional performance and pain severity in athletes before, immediately and 24 hr after continues use of the tape.Results: Before the intervention the functional performance in those with MTSS was weaker in SR, FEH, and AH tests than that in healthy group (P≤0.05). The ANOVA test showed better scores in SR, FEH and AH tests and decrease in pain levels among individuals with MTSS syndrome after using kinesio tape (P≤05). But 24 hours after use of kinesio tape the functional performance and pain severity did not change (P≥0.05).Conclusion: Trainers are recommended to plan special functional exercises and using Kinesio tape for its medicinal role (deep sense improvement and decrease of pain) to improve the functional performance of athletes with MTSS.

Background and purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of family-based cognitive behavioral therapy in modification of self-image associated with obesity in children.Materials and methods: A randomized controlled trial was performed in children with obesity (BMI≥95th percentile) aged 8-15 years old. Using convenience sampling, the participants were recruited from Children Hospital and Morsali clinic in Arak, Iran. They were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=15) or control group (n=15). The children in experimental group received family-based cognitive behavioral therapy (6 group sessions) and their parents attended 5 group sessions. All participants completed Body Parts Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BPSS-R) and Standard Figural Stimuli Scale (SFSS) in pretest, posttest and follow-up. BMI was calculated in all three stages.Results: Family-based cognitive-behavioral therapy was found effective in improving the body parts satisfaction (P=0.023) and body image satisfaction (P=0.0001). The improvement maintained only in body image at follow-up (P=0.0001).Conclusion: According to these results, family-based cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in modification of self-image in children.

Background and purpose: Sleep is necessary to maintain physical health. Every metabolic disorder especially obesity, can affect the quality and quantity of sleep. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sleep quality and quantity and obesity.Materials and methods: In this descriptive study, data of 3559 participants aged 20 to 70 years were collected from Yazd Health Study (YaS) using a researcher-made questionnaire. The obesity was determined based on BMI. Data was analyzed using Chi-square test, regression analysis and CI in SPSS V.18.Results: The participants were 49.5% male. The prevalence of obesity in males and females was 17.3% and 33.9%, respectively. The lowest rate of obesity was found in people aged 20 to 29 years (12%), and the highest rate was observed in those aged 60 to 69 years old (30.4%). The results showed that people with sleep less than six hours, and more than ten hours were 2 and 2.5 times more likely to become obese, respectively. Individuals waking up in an unwanted time of sleep -three times or more- (47%), having more than three nightmares (33%), taking three or more sleeping pills (51%), and people who had more than 60 minutes delay in falling asleep (17%) were more at risk of obesity.Conclusion: Considering the importance of enough sleep, sleep hygiene practices are necessary to improve the quantity and quality of sleep in order to prevent obesity.

Background and purpose: The human body is composed of various inhomogenous tissues with a variety of physical and radiological properties. These inhomogeneities could change isodose distributions, increase the probability of geometric errors, and eventually lead to missing of the target irradiation or incorrect isodose coverage in conformal radiation therapy (CRT) due to the uncertainties resulted from the effect of such inhomogeneties on isodose curves. In this study, the effect of inhomogeneities on dosimetric accuracy of the CRT of prostate was investigated using Monte Carlo simulation method.Materials and methods: An anthropomorphic pelvis phantom was used in two modes representing a homogeneous and heterogeneous phantom. Three dimensional (3D) CRT planning composed of five fields were performed on the CT images of the phantoms using the CorPLAN treatment planning system (TPS) of a 2100C/D Varian linac. Delivery of 3DCRT was also simulated by EGSnrc Monte Carlo code for the same conditions used in the CorPLAN TPS. The dose distributions resulted from the MC simulations were compared with those of the CorPLAN TPS for both of the phantoms based on the "dose difference (DD) percentages" and "distance to agreement (DTA)" parameters.Results: Findings indicated that the heterogeneity leads to an overdose estimation at the target location up to 2.8% and 4.4% for the 6 and 18 MV energies, respectively by the CorPLAN TPS compared with the MC simulation data. The average DD and DTA for the homogeneous phantom were 2.7%-3.4mm and 1.6%-2.3 mm while for the inhomogeneous phantom they were 5.5%-3.7 mm and 6.0%-2.5 mm at the 6 and 18 MV energies, respectively.Conclusion: Our results indicates that the accuracy of the dosimetry parameters estimated by the CorPLAN TPS at 18 MV is more than that of 6 MV energy. But, the heterogeneity deteriorates more the accuracy level of such dosimetry parameters estimated by this commercial TPS at 18 MV energy.

Background and purpose: There is an increasing interest towards consumption of aquatic products, therefore, the health of aqua ecosystems is highly important. Heavy metal pollution in fish is a global concern due to its bioaccumulation potential, toxicity and persistence in food chain. This study investigated the concentration of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, chromium, copper, and zinc) in the gill, liver, and muscle tissue of Cyprinus carpio, Capoeta trutta, and Ctenopharyngodon idella in Gharasou River, Kermanshah province, Iran.Materials and methods: Sampling was done in Gharasou River and the gill, liver, and muscle tissues were prepared. The concentrations of heavy metals were measured using an ICP.Results: The average concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Zn in the muscle tissue of Cyprinus carpio and Capoeta trutta were 0.001 and 0.001, 0.016 and 0.008, 0.14 and 0.14, 0.53 and 0.33, and 0.51 and 0.51 mg/g wet weight, respectively. The metals with highest and lowest concentrations were zinc and cadmium that were found in different tissues of the fishes, respectively. The accumulation of metals in the tissues of liver and gills was found to be higher than that in the muscles. Moreover, the Hazard Quotients (HQ) index of all heavy metals was than 1.Conclusion: The concentrations of heavy metals were lower than the levels permitted by World Health Organization, hence, the fish species studied are considered healthy to use.

Background and purpose: Among the numerous chemicals utilized in agriculture, 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) is widely used to control weeds. This herbicide is considered as a carcinogen and high toxic pollutant which is very difficult to remove due to its biological and chemical stability. This study aimed at photocatalytic degradation of 2, 4-D using indium oxide nanoparticles in the presence of ultraviolet light.Materials and methods: This study was carried out in bench scale and batch system. The effect of operating parameters such as pH (2-11), contact time (5-240 min), catalyst dose (0.1-2 g/l) and initial concentration of herbicide (5-40 m/l) on the efficiency of the process were studied. The experimental data were fitted to a pseudo-first-order kinetic model.Results: Increasing the pH and initial concentration of herbicide led to reduced efficiency while increasing the contact time and catalyst dose increased the efficiency. The best result (70% efficiency) was achieved at pH 3, 1 g/l catalyst dose, 120 min contact time, and 5 mg/l initial concentration. The process data well followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic model (R2=0.915).Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the photocatalytic process using indium oxide nanoparticles in the presence of ultraviolet light have a relatively good efficiency in removing 2, 4-D.

Background and purpose: Some problems such as filtration, centrifugation, and turbidity in effluent has limited the application of activated carbon and many nano-sized adsorbents. The magnetization of adsorbents using magnetic nano- crystals (MNCs) is a useful approach to overcome these problems. In the present study, magnetic activated carbon was synthesized (since it is separated fast and easily from solution) and employed as an adsorbent for removal of reactive dyes (Reactive black 5 (RB5) and Reactive red 120 (RR120)) from aqueous solutions.Materials and methods: Physical, surface and magnetic properties of adsorbent were analyzed using XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, VSM and BET techniques. The performance of adsorbent in removing dyes was investigated considering the effect of pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, initial dye concentration, and temperature in a batch system. The experimental data was analyzed by Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms, pseudo- first and second order kinetic models, and thermodynamic equations.Results: In our study, by increasing temperature and adsorbent dose and decreasing the initial concentration, at pH 3 and equilibrium time of 30 min the adsorption efficiency increased. The optimum dose of the adsorbent was 1 g/L. Based on the Langmuir isotherm model the maximum adsorption capacity of 192.6 and 188.7 mg/g was obtained for RB5 and RR120 dyes, respectively. The adsorption process of both dyes obeyed the Langmuir and pseudo-second order models. The thermodynamic results showed that the adsorption process of dyes was endothermic and spontaneous in nature.Conclusion: The present study showed that the magnetic activated carbon in addition to features such as rapid and easy separation from solution, has a high potential for dye adsorption too.

Background and purpose: Aluminum phosphide (AlP) is commonly used in Iran (especially in north) to keep stored rice and cereal grains safe from pests. There are several reports on intentional or accidental poisoning with AlP tablets also referred to as rice tablets. The goal of this research was to study the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory features in patients poisoned with AIP tablets.Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, information was extracted from patients’ records in Qaemshahr Razi Haspital and Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital, 2013-2014. Data including demographic characteristics, number of tablets, methods of intake, time and season of abuse, the time interval between tablet ingestion and hospital admission, vital signs, and laboratory data were recorded in a check list.Results: Fifty two cases (mean age: 23.4±9.2 years) were investigated including 38 females (73.08%) and 14 males (26.92%). The overall number of poisoned patients was higher in autumn (28.8%) and in evenings (51.9%). Death occurred in 16 cases (5 males and 11 females) and 36 patients survived of whom four (2 males and 2 females) developed complications.Conclusion: In this study, the number of women poisoned with ALP tablet was dramatically higher compared to that of males. Autumn and evenings were found with highest rates of poisoning.

sampling and the illuminance was measured using network method. In each place 2 to 10 measurements (between 8:00 AM and 14:00) were done using Lux meter (TES; A1336). Data was analyzed by GEE in SPSS V. 20.Results: The lighting intensity was measured in 306 places including 194 classrooms, 49 offices and 63 corridors. Our evaluation showed that 34% of the classrooms, 40.8% of the offices, and 33% of the corridors had appropriate standard illuminance.Conclusion: This research showed that incorrect layout of windows, the materials and colors of the walls and the material of the floors and curtain styles had significant effect on the lighting of the places.

Background and purpose: Nowadays, percutaneous coronary interventions are found effective in increasing the longevity in patients with cardiovascular diseases. But evidence show that quality of life after this intervention is still lower than desired. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life in cardiovascular patients before and after coronary angioplasty.Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 106 patients undergoing coronary angioplasty in Rasht Dr. Heshmat Hospital, 2014-2015. The patients were gradually selected from angiography unit who met our inclusion criteria and were willing to participate in the study. The patients completed the MacNew Heart Disease health-related quality of life Questionnaire before and three months after the angioplasty. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (paired t-test).Results: The majority of patients were over 60 years of age (39.6%), male (67.9%), married (88.7%), living in the city (84%) and had high school education (62.3%).The mean scores for quality of life before and three months after angioplasty were 106.68±13.74 and 126.6±15.99, respectively. A significant difference was observed in quality of life before and three months after angioplasty (P=0.000).Conclusion: Coronary angioplasty improves the quality of life in patients and they can benefit from the advantages of coronary angioplasty as a minimally invasive and cost-effective intervention.

Fetal cervical teratoma is a rare and benign congenital tumor which is diagnosed in sonography during second and third trimesters. A 25-year-old primigravida referred to imaging center at 26-27 weeks’ gestation for routine prenatal anomaly screening. There were no history of special diseases or harmful drug intake. On sonographic examination, a large heterogeneous cervical mass with area of calcification, solid and cystic component was seen on anterior side of fetal neck. Fetal cervical teratoma was confirmed using magnetic resonance imaging. On time diagnosis of fetal cervical teratoma using sonography prevents infant death due to airway obstruction during delivery.

Branchio-oculo-facial (BOF) is a rare genetic disorder inherited as an autosomal dominant trait resulting from maldevelopment in the branchial arches. This paper presents a case of sporadic BOF for the first time in Iran. He was 2 years and 9 months old that was born in the first pregnancy (normal birth). His parents were healthy and they were 3rd degree relatives. The patient had normal intelligence. His obvious symptoms were holes in both sides of the neck (he had surgery at 6 months of age), broad nasal bridge, nasal duct obstruction, pseudocleft of the upper lip, submucos cleft palate, microphthalmia, and squint eye (more dropping in right eye). He also had hypernasal speech. This rare syndrome is accompanied with different anomalies, and physical and mental disorders, therefore, a team of specialists is needed in treatment of such patients.

Periodontal disease is one of the most common chronic infectious diseases in humans. In recent years, an association was found between periodontitis and some systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, problems during pregnancy, diabetes, cerebrovascular diseases, and respiratory disorders. Complications that may arise during pregnancy include pretem birth, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, and preeclampsia. The association between periodontitis and preeclampia is discussed in this article by reviewing relevant data.

Background and purpose: The purpose of this study was to systematically review published studies on the association between strength and strain of hamstring muscle in athletes with and without hamstring strain. Hamstring strain is highly prevalent in athletes. The probable recurrence of hamstring strain is annoying for athletes and athletic leagues, therefore, it is important to investigate its causes and search for solutions to prevent and treat this injury. Muscle strength as one of the causes of strain could be helpful in this field.Materials and methods: Electronic databases including Science Direct, Elsevier, ProQuest, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched. The search keywords included Athletes, Hamstring strain, Muscle incoordination, Electromyography, Isokinetic.Results: A total of 380 articles was found of which 160 were duplicate, 150 articles were excluded according to their titles and abstracts, and the rest were studied. Finally 14 articles that met our inclusion criteria were selected. Six of the 14 studies were carried out in healthy athletes and eight investigated hamstring strain in athletes with the injury.Conclusion: The results showed that hamstring muscle derangement was one of the most important factors causing hamstring strain. The evaluation of hamstring damage was found to be useful in anticipating future strain in athletes. This evaluation could be beneficial for rehabilitation prior to and after the strain.