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Background and Aim: Personality and stress are associated with irritable bowel disease. The aim of this study was to compare personality characteristics and coping strategies between the patients with irritable bowel syndrome and normal individuals. Material and Method: In this cross sectional study we selected 200 people (100 irritable bowel syndrome patients and 100 normal individuals) on the basis of convenient method. We used two questionnaires including the NEO- Five Factor personality Inventory and LazarusFolkman coping Questionnaire for data collection. Data were analyzed by t-test and Mannwhitney U Test. Results: The results showed that the mean scores of neuroticism factor in the patients with irritable bowel syndrome were higher than those in the normal individuals. While the mean scores of extraversion and conscientiousness factor in the normal subjects was higher than those in the patients with irritable bowel syndrome. There were no significant differences between the two groups in openness and agreeableness. Data showed that normal individuals compared to the patients with irritable bowel syndrome, used more problem- oriented coping styles. There were no significant differences between the two groups in regard to the escapeavoidance variable. Conclusion: The results showed that IBS was affected by personality characteristics and coping strategies. Study of these factors can have many applications in the fields of research, etiology and treatment of this disease.

Background and aims: One of the mechanisms that thought to underlie social anxiety disorder is dysfunction in attentional control. The current study was designed to compare attentional control deficits in the three group: normal, with social anxiety disorder and with comorbidity (social anxiety disorder and depression) students. Methods: The design of present study was causal-comparative. Statistical population of this study contained all normal female students, with social anxiety disorder, and with comorbidity of social anxiety disorder and depression in Lorestan University in academic years 2015-2016. With a single-stage cluster sampling method, 534 students completed the social anxiety and depression questionnaires. Then, according to the cutoff point of questionnaires, students were qualified enter the stage of clinical interview. Finally, 90 students, 30 students were selected in each group, and then performed color-word Stroop test. The results were analyzed with SPSS software, MANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. Results: Results showed that between social anxiety disorder and normal groups was not significant difference in the attentional control (P

Background and aim: Malachite due to its structural features and low degradability can be difficult in aquatic environments. Given the acetic acid effect on the physical and chemical characteristics of scoria, this study was aimed to evaluate acetic acid on the scoria performance in removing of Malachite from aquatic environments. Methods: This is lab scale study that carried out in vitro at different pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time and constant concentration of the dye. Residual concentrations of dye were measured in 665 nm. In order to understand adsorption process, obtained data were fitted by the Langmuir, Freundlich isotherms, and pseudo first and second order kinetics. Data were analyzed by design of experiments software (DOE). Results: The results showed that removing of dye increased with increasing of acid normality, pH, adsorbent dosage and contact time. The highest efficiency (100%) obtained for the modified adsorbent with Acetic acid 12 normality in pH=11, of adsorbent dose=1.4 g/L and contact time of 75 minutes. Adsorption data were proper obeyed from both the Langmuir isotherm and Freundlich adsorption and pseudo-second-order kinetic. Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that Malachite adsorption by scoria occurs as both multi and mono layer and scoria treatment with acetic acid, due to wide chemical changes (especially silica/ alumina ratio) of adsorbent structure cause the increasing efficiency of its than natural scoria.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen that is resistant to many antibiotics including beta-lactams. Production of β-lactamases is the main mechanism of β-lactam resistance in A. baumannii. The aim of the present study was to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile and frequency of ESBL genes in clinical isolates of A. baumannii in hospitals in Kerman, Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study 102 isolates of Acinetobacter species were collected from clinical specimens, including, respiratory secretions, urine, blood culture and body fluid. For confirming A. baumannii Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify blaOXA-51 gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using the disk diffusion method. PCR technique was carried out for the detection of blaCTX-M, blaSHV, blaTEM, blaPER and blaVEB genes. FINDINGS: blaOXA-51 gene was detected in 95 (93/1%) isolates. All of the isolates were resistant to Cefepime and Cefotaxime. Almost all of them were resistant to Imipenem, Meropenem, Gentamicin, Amikacin, Aztreonam, Ciprofloxacin, Ceftazidim, Levofloxacin, Tetracycline and Piperacillin-Tazobactam. The rates of susceptibility to Polymyxin-B and Tigecycline were 61/1% and 23/2%, respectively. The frequency of, blaSHV, blaTEM, blaCTX-M and blaVEB genes were 44 (46.3%), 30 (31.6%), 30 (31.6%), and 13 (13.7%), respectively. None of the isolates were carried blaPER gene. CONCLUSION: Because of the high rate of ESBLs producing A. baumannii isolates detected in this study, effective infection control strategy should be performed.

Background: Great interests have been drawn to the quality of diet. Dietary energy density is a good indicator of diet quality. In spite of the comprehensive concept of energy density rather than energy intake, no studies have evaluated the dietary energy density of lactating mothers. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the association between dietary energy density and infants’ growth. Methods: Dietary intake data were collected from 300 lactating mothers through the 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Data on physical activity were reported by participant’s responding International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The anthropometric features were taken from the health records in health centers. Findings: Infants’ weight, height, head circumference, and weight for height at birth, and 2 and 4 months later were not significantly different within any of 4 categories of energy density. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that there is no association between quartiles of mothers’ dietary energy density and infants’ weight, length, weight for length, and head circumference growth by the age of 2 and 4 months.

Prostate cancer is one of the five most common cancers in men. It is suspected that selenium protect or exacerbate the risk of prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the association between prostate cancer risk and selenium in the serum, toenail and supplements. So it was tried to do a systematic review and meta-analysis and meta-regression of 22 studies (5 toenail studies, 14 serum studies and 3 supplements studies) in order to obtain detailed results of these studies’ data. Meta-regression results showed that location of study (p value

Background: Echinococcus granulosus causes human cystic echinococcusis (hydatid cyst) as an important public health problem in many regions of the world. Serologic tests are the main methods for diagnosis of the disease nowadays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is the most routine and common method for diagnosis. There are some problems in primary diagnosis such as cross-reaction with sera from patients with other parasitic disease in serological tests. Using an appropriate source of antigenic material is a very important and crucial point in improvement of ELISA method. Methods: Recombinant AgB Echinococcus granulosus were applied as a new antigen in ELISA and sensitivity and specificity of new kit were compared with Euroimmun hydatid kit. 73 sera from patients with hydatid cyst (confirmed by surgical operation) and 73 healthy individuals’ sera were tested by recombinant AgB kit. Findings: The sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 97.33% were determined by homemade kit. Conclusion: According to our results, recombinant EgAgB has good performance in total IgG ELISA for detection of sera antibodies from patients with hydatid cyst. Keywords: Hydatid cyst, Echinococcus granulosus, Recombinant protein, ELISA, Euroimmun

Background and Objective: Post pain operative is common and a major complication which lead to numerous dangerous effects in various organs. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of methocarbamol on postoperative pain following cholecystectomy. Materials and Methods: In a randomized, double – blind clinical trail study 60 ASA I, II patient in two group (n=30 in each group) between 30-50 years old and weigh lower of 100kg undergone general anesthesia for cholecystectomy. Elective surgery was selected in Besat Hospital, Sanandaj, Iran during 2008. Both group did not receive premedication and under similar condition of general anesthesia. Interventional group received 500mg Methocarbamol intravenus slowly and the control group received 5ml placebo slowly after operation. The pain score were measured by visual anesthesia scale (VAS) on the 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours after operation and if necessitated narcotics (PRN, VAS>4) were prescribed. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16, ANOVA, Chi-Square and student’s t-tests. Results: There were no significant differences between two groups in terms of age, gender. The mean of score pain was lower for interventional group at 6.24 hours after operation (P

Background: Carnitine deficiency is a common condition in patients on maintenance hemodialysis that contributes to dyslipidemia, anemia, and poor general health in these patients. We evaluated the effect of oral L-carnitine supplementation on lipid profile, anemia, and quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Methods: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, trial was conducted on dyslipidemic patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Patients in the intervention group (n = 24) received 1 g/d of L-carnitine and the placebo group (27 patients) were similarly taking placebo for 16 weeks. Concentrations of plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL (High density lipoprotein), LDL (Low density lipoprotein), hemoglobin, erythropoietin dose, and quality of life (QOL or Quality of life, using Short-Form Health Survey) were measured at baseline and 8 and 16 weeks after the beginning of the intervention. Finding: After the intervention, there was a significant decrease in triglyceride (-31.1 ± 38.7 mg/dl, P = 0.001) and a significant increase in HDL (3.7 ± 2.8 mg/dl, P < 0.001) and hemoglobin (0.7 ± 1.7 g/dl, P = 0.037) concentrations in the carnitine groop. Decrease in total cholesterol concentration in the carnitine group was not statistically significant (-6.6 ± 16.0 mg/dl, P = 0.055). No significant change was seen in LDL concentration in any group (P > 0.05). Erythropoietin dose was significantly decreased in both the carnitine (-4750 ± 5772 mg, P = 0.001) and the placebo (-2000 ± 4296 mg, P = 0.033) groups. No improvement was observed in QOL scores or its domains in any group. Conclusion: In patients on maintenance hemodialysis, oral L-carnitine supplementation has significant beneficial effects on lipid profile. Also, it can increase hemoglobin concentration and subsequently reduce needed erythropoietin dose, but has no considerable effect on quality of life in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) is an anabolic growth factor that affects nitrogen balance and its changing trend is not clearly understood in critically ill patients. This study was carried out to evaluate the association between serum IGF-I levels and its changing trend in critically ill patients. Methods: In this nested case-control study, all consecutive patients admitted to the medical ICU of Rasoul-e-Akram and Firuzgar hospital (Tehran, Iran) from January through October 2008 were included. IGF1 concentration was meas-ured within the first 24h of ICU admission and the fourth, seventh and tenth day since admission. Patients were fol-lowed until discharge from ICU or expiration. Results: The study population consisted of 90 patients (mean age: 58.01 ± 22.56), 31 (34.4%) of who died and 59 (65.6%) were discharged. On admission, 43 patients (47.7%) had low IGF-I levels, whereas 47 (52.3%) had normal or high levels. The concentration of IGF-I was not significantly different in every 4 measurements between expired and discharged patients. Significant decrease was seen between first to fourth day IGF-I concentration (p = 0.005). Chang-ing trend was not statistically different in two groups of patients. Conclusions: There was no relation between low IGF-I concentration on admission day and increased adverse out-come, but overall these patients had lower IGF1. No clear association was found between changing trend of IGF1 and mortality. Stress on admission time may cause decreasing pattern of IGF-I in the first 4 days of admission.

"nAbstract "nBackground: Ticks are hematophagous arthropod belonging to the Class of Arachnids. Ticks are also one of the major vectors of pathogens to animal and human. This study was conducted to determine tick infestation rate of sheep in Abdanan during 2007–2008. "nMethods: Sampling was performed seasonally in 19 villages during spring 2007 until winter 2008. A total of 1095 sheep were selected and tested for tick infestation. After collection, all ticks were transported to laboratory of Medi­cal Entomology and were identified with appropriate identification keys. "nResults: Totally, 864 hard ticks were collected. The ticks were classified into two genera and 5 species including: Hyalomma marginatum (44.67%), Hy. anatolicum (43.17%), Hy.asiaticum (6.37%), Hy. dromedarii (5.55%), Hea­maphysalis sulcata (0.24%). The highest seasonal activity was observed in spring (36.46 %) and the lowest seasonal was in winter (11.57%). The rate of tick frequency in mountainous region was 48.15% and it was 51.85% in plateau regions. In this study, tick infestation of sheep was 11.41%. "nConclusion: Hy.marginatum has the more frequent density in the study area. "n "nKeywords: Ticks, sheep, Iran

It has been demonstrated that natural killer (NK) cells play a role in regulation of autoimmunity. They play a protective role in several rodent disease models. In this study we aimed to compare the immunophenotypic features of NK cells in Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) with normal subjects with regard to CD56 and CD16 molecules. This study was carried out on 30 AS patients and 33 normal volunteer donors. Peripheral Blood Mononuclear cells (PBMC) were tested by flow cytometry detecting the intensity of CD56 and CD16 surface molecules. The percentage of positive cells and their subsets were then calculated and statistically analyzed using SPSS software. A significant increase was found in CD56+ CD16+ (Por = 0.009), and also in the subset of CD56 dim CD16+ (Por = 0.02), but not in CD56 bright CD16+ (P=0.3) NK cells in AS patients compared to controls. We conclude that these results may indicate that NK and their subset ratios play a role in AS pathogenesis. Moreover, determination of NK subsets in combination with clinical features may be useful for AS diagnosis. However, further studies using large samples together with determination of relevant cytokines are recommended to verify the exact role of NK in AS disease.

Background and aims: With a widespread regard to the human error issue and recognize the importance of human as an active processor of information The necessity for an effective framework to analyze different mental processes interact with the system to carry out job duties will be obvious. So the aim of this study was to analyze human errors by SHERPA and human information processing model. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study in 2014 carried out in the control room of the petrochemical industry. Subjects included 62 employees in four post shift supervisor control, head control, board man and outside operator in 4 sites which were working 8-hour shifts. To analyze the errors, SHERPA technique was used, then to classify human information processing Wickens model and to identify the factors those affecting the performance Kirwan classifier was used. In addition to gathering data observation, interview and documentation study methods were used. Results: with Analysis of SHERPA worksheet, 246 human errors were identified. Most errors (143) related to the understanding of human information processing. Both work instructions and training and experience, collectively became the most important factors affecting the processing of data in data processing. Conclusion: The results of this study, with identification of possible errors in data processing and find those factors that affect on them, distinguish the system weaknesses.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infec-tion among the hemodialysis (HD) patients at the Nephrology and Urology Research Center, Tehran, Iran, and identify the potential risk factors. A total of 112 patients on HD in our two dia-lysis units were studied. The mean duration of follow-up was 27 ± 27 months (range, 6-132). All study subjects were HCV-negative at entry to the study and were tested for anti-HCV antibody by ELISA II every six months thereafter. Positive samples were re-examined by RT/PCR for confir-mation. Factors that might be implicated in HCV transmission were evaluated. Six patients (5.3%) were labeled as HCV infected, at the end of the follow-up period. Thus, the incidence of HCV infection in our dialysis units was 1.8 per 100 person years. A total of 64.5% of the study popu-lation had previous history of blood transfusion(s) and 8% had undergone prior transplantation. Univariate analysis showed a significant relationship between number of blood transfusions and duration on dialysis and HCV infection. Multivariate analysis revealed that only duration on HD was significantly associated with HCV positivity (OR: 1.03, p=0.008). Our study further suggests that nosocomial transmission plays a major role in HCV transmission among patients on HD. Meticulous practice of preventive measures is essential to eradicate the spread of HCV in HD units.

Background: Pulmonary resection is the most common Thorax surgery. Many complications that occur after pulmonary resection may lead to increased morbidity and mortality in these patients. One of the most imporatant comlpication is bronchopleural fistula (BPF). This complication is associated with numerous deaths and side effects. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Statictical society were the patients who underwent pulmonary resection by the year 2008 to 2010 in Alzahra hospital of Isfahan, Iran and the sample size was 147 patients. The results have been analyzed with Kendall's Correlation Coeffienct and χ2 test. Finding: In 7.3 percent of the studied patients, BPF has been found. Based on our finding we can say the incidence of Bronchopleural fistula after pulmonary resection are related with the extent of resection, side of resection and the need for mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: Based on our finding it seems that patients with right lung resection and also patients with pneumonectomy need more supervision in compare to other patients with pulmonary resection.

In recent studies, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been increasingly employed to treat various diseases like pulmonary fibrosis (PF). There are very few MSCs in tissues so in order to obtain their sufficient numbers for therapeutic applications, their in vitro expansion is necessary. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term culture of the human umbilical cord vein MSCs (hUCV-MSCs) on pulmonary fibrosis in mice. MSCs were first isolated from human umbilical cord vein and cultured up to 18 passages. In C57BL/6 mice, 15 min after belomycin instillation, UCV-MSCs at passages (P) 0, 4, 8, 12, and 18 (long-term culture) were transplanted intratracheally. Mice were weighted every 5 days and were euthanized on day 21. For histopathological examination, the lung sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson’s trichrome. The mRNA expression of TGF-β1, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) in lung tissues were assessed using RT-PCR. For cell tracking, human cytochrome B DNA was detected in mice lung tissues by PCR. The weight of mice receiving long-term culture of UCV-MSCs increased compared to other mice (p=0.056). Also, transplantation of UCV-MSCs at P18 led to increased alveolar space and decreased connective tissue and collagen deposition of the lung tissues. The mRNA expression of TGF-β1, α-SMA, and COL1A1 also decreased in this group. The results showed that intratracheally transplanted long-term culture of the UCV-MSCs attenuated lung fibrosis in mice.

Appropriate sensing is indispensable for appropriate functioning ofimplantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Oversensing is a major clinicaldilemma in patients with ICD leading to inappropriate ventricular arrhythmiadetection and therapy. T-wave oversensing is an important clinical problemleading to QRS double counting with inappropriate therapy, in particular. Wepresent a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and intermittent T waveoversensing by an ICD which could be resolved by device reprogramming.

Background: Cystic hydatidosis disease (CHD) is a common disease of human and animal caused by contamination with the metacestode stage of echinococcus granulosus. The disease causes cyst in tissue body of patients. Antigen B is one of the important antigens in liquid cyst. Methods: Expressed and purified recombinant antigen of echinococcus granulosus was used as antigen in ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method. The handmade kit was studied with physical and bacteriostatical methods. Physical stability was assessed with accelerated stability test (Arrhenius equation). First, numeral negative and positive samples were evaluated; then, the kit was exposed in special temperatures and times; afterwards, the samples were evaluated again and compared with the first evaluation. Proclin300, Soduim azide and Bacillus subtilis were chosen in bacteriostatic method. Different concentration of bacillus and different percents of preservatives were added to solutions of the kit. Growth of bacteria was evaluated and the least percent of preservatives that had the most effect of bacteriostatic was determinated. Findings: According to stability test, the handmade kit had one-year stability and do not have stability for two years in the 2-8ºC tempreture. Sodium azide had destructive effect on solutions of the kit; but, proclin300 with the concentration of 0.05% was appropriate for solutions. Conclusion: Stability and bacteriostatic methods showed that the handmade kit can be maintained in 2-8ºC with significant activity.

Background: Considering the heterogenicity of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the diagnosis is difficult. The aim of present study was to compare ovarian morphology, pattern of menstrual cycles and testosterone level in obese and non obese polycystic ovary syndromepatients. Methods: Clinical characteristics, hormonal profile and ovarian morphology were evaluated in 54 women with polycystic ovary syndrome, aged 21-48 years. They were devided in 2 groups regarding Body Mass Index; obese (BMI ≥ 25) and nonobese (BMI < 25). Fidings were statistically analyzed. Findings: Mean BMI was 28.5 ± 3.2 in obese group and 21 ± 2.6 kg/m2 in nonobese group. Menstrual cycles were regular in 11 patients (20.4%) and irregular in 43 patients (79.6%). BMI was 23.6 ± 3.6 in patients with regular cycles and 25 ± 5 in those with irregular cycles (P = 0.36). Mean testosterone level was 7.1 ± 1.7 in obese and 5.6 ± 2.9 ng/ml in nonobese group (P = 0.69). In obese group, ovarian morphology was normal in only 8 patients (29.6%) and abnormal in 19 patients (70.4%) (P = 0.039) and in nonobese group 12 patients (44.4%) had normal morphology and 15 patients (55/6%) had abnormal morphology. (P = 0.039). Conclusion: Our study suggests that there is significant correlation between BMI and ovarian morphology but there is no significant difference between BMI and menstrual cycle or BMI and testosterone level. Thus both obese and nonobse PCOS patients show different presentations and it is necessary to do more studies to compare clinical features of PCOS in obese and nonobese patients for early diagnosis and management. Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Body Mass Index, Ovarian morphology, Testosterone.

Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a public health priority in Latin America. While the burden of HIV is historically concentrated in urban areas and high-risk groups, subnational estimates that cover multiple countries and years are missing. This paucity is partially due to incomplete vital registration (VR) systems and statistical challenges related to estimating mortality rates in areas with low numbers of HIV deaths. In this analysis, we address this gap and provide novel estimates of the HIV mortality rate and the number of HIV deaths by age group, sex, and municipality in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico. Methods We performed an ecological study using VR data ranging from 2000 to 2017, dependent on individual country data availability. We modeled HIV mortality using a Bayesian spatially explicit mixed-effects regression model that incorporates prior information on VR completeness. We calibrated our results to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Results All countries displayed over a 40-fold difference in HIV mortality between municipalities with the highest and lowest age-standardized HIV mortality rate in the last year of study for men, and over a 20-fold difference for women. Despite decreases in national HIV mortality in all countries—apart from Ecuador—across the period of study, we found broad variation in relative changes in HIV mortality at the municipality level and increasing relative inequality over time in all countries. In all six countries included in this analysis, 50% or more HIV deaths were concentrated in fewer than 10% of municipalities in the latest year of study. In addition, national age patterns reflected shifts in mortality to older age groups—the median age group among decedents ranged from 30 to 45 years of age at the municipality level in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico in 2017. Conclusions Our subnational estimates of HIV mortality revealed significant spatial variation and diverging local trends in HIV mortality over time and by age. This analysis provides a framework for incorporating data and uncertainty from incomplete VR systems and can help guide more geographically precise public health intervention to support HIV-related care and reduce HIV-related deaths.