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Background: Given that ovarian cancer symptoms are nonspecific and that appropriate surgical staging and pathological grading are important for the best treatment and prognosis of patients, this study aimed to determine the correlation of preoperative serum levels of CA125 and He4 with staging and grading. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 29 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent staging based on FIGO protocol and grading by pathologist during 2011-13. Serum CA125 and He4 were determined preoperatively to measure the correlation of these tumor markers with staging and grading. Results: We did not observe a significant correlation between preoperative serum levels of CA125 and He4, and ovarian epithelial cancer staging and grading (P>0.05). However, serum levels of CA125 and He4 were significantly correlated with each other (P>0.001). Conclusion: Based on this study, we cannot differentiate epithelial ovarian cancer surgical staging or pathological grading by preoperative CA125 and He4 serum levels.

Background: Some metals play an important role in biological reactions and metabolism of human body. Low and high concentrations of these elements can cause diseases and poisoning. This study was carried out in order to investigate the concentration of metals in inlet and outlet water of households in Ahvaz city, Iran in 2018. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Water samples were taken from four different residential areas of Ahvaz city and finally 24 samples of inlet water and 24 samples of outlet water were tested. Experiments were performed with three replications. Heavy metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy and combined with mass spectrometry. In order to determine the amount of the mentioned heavy metals, ICP-OES (Varian 710-ES) was used . Results: The highest concentration belonged to calcium (146.39 mg/L) and the lowest concentration belonged to cobalt (0.001 mg/L). The concentration pattern of heavy metals in the inlet and outlet water of the purification devices was as follows: calcium> sodium> magnesium> potassium> iron> zinc> manganese> chromium= cobalt. The values of calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron,manganese, copper, cobalt and chromium in the water outlet water were less than the obtained values in the input water. Conclusion: Concentrations of heavy metals calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, cobalt and chromium in the inlet and outlet of domestic water purifiers were lower than the national standard of Iran, the World Health Organization and the US Environmental Protection Agency. According to the results, home water purifiers reduce heavy metals.

Background: Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world with its side effects, for instance in reproductive system. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that have preventive and therapeutic effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of probiotics Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus casei on sperm maturation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 35 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control, diabetic (type 1), diabetic rats treated with B.lactis and L.casei and a mixture of both probiotics. Diabetic groups were injected intraperitoneally with streptozotocin (60mg/kg). Probiotics were administered for 35 days. At the end of treatment, blood glucose levels, epididymal weight and sperm maturation were evaluated. The percentage of histone-protamine replacement was evaluated by aniline blue staining. Results: In the present study, blood glucose level in the diabetic group was significantly increased compared to the control group (P

Background: The health system reform plan was implemented by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in accordance with the Fourth and Fifth Development Plan Acts in order to achieve public health coverage. Despite achieving many successes in the pursuit of the objectives of the plan, it has faced challenges. The purpose of the study was to determine the challenges of health system reform plan in the centers of affiliated to Bushehr University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted with qualitative content analysis approach. A total of 38 healthcare providers were selected from centers affiliated with Bushehr University of Medical Sciences by purposive sampling method. Data was collected from semi- structured interviews in six focus group discussions, and analyzed simultaneously with data collection. Data accuracy and rigor were confirmed in various ways. Results: The three main categories of decreased satisfaction, infrastructure problems, and management system weaknesses emerged after analyzing 860 initial codes. Decreased satisfaction emerged from primary satisfaction and dissatisfaction subcategories; infrastructure problems emerged from ambiguities in upstream laws, weaknesses in policy making and building culture of change, and lack of comprehensive coverage, and the management system weaknesses emerged from weaknesses in planning, weakness in human resource management, and weaknesses in supervisory practices. Conclusion: It appears that the main challenges included financial problems, rapid implementation and failure to consider the less-favored cities in the implementation of the plan. In order to quickly revive the plan and achieve its positive and beneficial goals, it is recommended to revise the plan and take effective measures, especially in solving infrastructure and management problems.

Background: Research suggests the inhibitory effects of deferoxamine as an iron chelator on erythroleukemia cells. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of deferoxamine on B92 cells as a model of glial cells carcinoma. Materials and Methods: The present experimental study treated 6×104 B92 cells with 0, 10, 50 and 100 µM of deferoxamine for 24 hours in the presence or absence of 10 μmol/l of ferric chloride. Morphological changes were evaluated in the treated cells compared to in the control sample using an inverse optical microscope. The inhibitory and cytotoxic effects of deferoxamine were evaluated using the dimethylimidazole-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction and neutral red uptake assay. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. P

Background: Cutaneous mucomycosis is an invasive fungal infection that usually develops in the immunodeficient patients. Although it also occurs in cases without underlying disease. So far in Iran and the world, primary cutaneous mucormycosis of the neck without predisposing factor has not been reported. Materials and Methods: In this case,we present a 51 years old patient with progressive neck swelling and skin necrosis without any underlying disease. Firstly, treated as Ludwig Angina and necrotizing fasciitis. Finally diagnosed as neck mucormycosis according to pathologic result. systemic antifungal treatment and multiple surgical debridements with close intervals performed for him. Results: Primary cutaneous mucormycosis should be considered in any case of cutaneous necrosis ,even without underlying disease. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to improve survival rate of neck mucormycosis patients. Conclusion: Rapid diagnosis and initiation of systemic antifungal therapy along with invasive surgical debridement can improve survival rate and subsequent soft tissue reconstruction of the neck mucormycosis in patients without underlaying disease.

Background: In developing countries, air pollution caused by industries constitutes a serious threat to public health. The present study was conducted to determine the dispersion patern and assess the health risks of PM10 emitted from the stacks of a ceramic and tile factory. Materials and Methods: The present descriptive-cross sectional study was performed on a tile and ceramic industry in Ardakan, Yazd, Iran. The stacks emission information and meteorological and topographical data were first prepared to run the AERMOD model and draw the disperesion patern and evaluate exposure to PM10. The simulated concentrations were then compared to EPA and WHO standards, and carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks of exposure to PM10 were calculated using the formulas proposed by EPA. Results: The results showed unifrom PM10 dispersion in all directions given the flat modeling area. The simulated maximum PM10 concentrations were found to be higher than the maxium thresholds stipulated in both the standards for a 24-hour period and higher than the WHO thresholds on an annual basis. In contrast, the average daily and annual concentrations were found to be below the standard limits. The results of assessing both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks were therefore estimated to be acceptable. Conclusion: Although the present study calculated the contribution of the study factory’s stacks to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks as acceptable, the cumulative effects of industries in Ardakan can increase these risks in the villages surrounding these industries.

Background: Recent studies have shown that oxidative stress is a major cause of depression. Rosa canina L. is a fruit that contains different antioxidant compounds. The present study was conducted to investigate the antidepressant effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of Rosa canina L. on male mice using the behavioral tests of forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Materials and Methods: The present experimental study randomly assigned 42 mice to 6 groups of 7, i.e. the control (normal saline), the reserpine (negative control), the fluoxetine (positive control) and three reserpine groups intraperitoneally treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the hydroalcoholic extract of Rosa canina L. Depression was evaluated using the FST and TST. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of the brain were also measured. The data were analyzed in SPSS using One-Way ANOVA. P

Background: As an emerging interdisciplinary area of science with a multitude of potential facilities and applications, synthetic biology integrates different disciplines with one another ranging from basic science to engineering. This interdisciplinary branch therefore encompasses sciences that require specific development and ethical approaches. Materials and Methods: Science management principles were used to design the framework of discrete ethical issues of synthetic biology in terms of the creation, storage, distribution and application of synthetic biology. Results: There is a debate over whether or not the artificial organisms created as living machines deserve ethical considerations. The free storage of knowledge as open libraries about manufacturing the parts, devices and biological systems is another issue. In this respect, technological gap and justice could also be debated. Biosafety and biosecurity are also important in applying synthetic biology, as this science is increasingly facing the community of garage biologists. In biosecurity, creating organisms with dual applications raises ethical issues regarding bioterrorism. Conclusion: The complexity and broad scope of ethical issues regarding the application of synthetic biology products require that distinct ethical principles be developed in collaboration with experts in ethics and law and futurists in discourse with the civil community.

Background: The prevalence of sleep disorders in the general population is between 26.4% and 39.4% in Asia, which has increased in Iran in recent decades. Low sleep quality and reduced sleep hours result in work impairment and physical and mental illnesses. This study aimed to improve sleep quality and determine the factors affecting the quality of sleep. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 2018 among 243 employees presenting to the Center for Occupational Medicine at Gonabad University of Medical Sciences. Demographic data such as age, shift work and education level were asked of the staff. Weight, blood pressure, height and waist circumference were measured. The sleep quality score was extracted by completing the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol were also measured. Logistic regression analysis was performed. Significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Among 243 men studied, 99 men (40.7%) had low sleep quality and 126 men (51.9%) reported sleeping less than seven hours a day. age (p=0.021) and waist circumference (p=0.036) and shift work had a direct effect while education had a reverse effect on the quality of sleep. Fasting blood suger, cholesterol, triglesride, body mass index did not have a significant effect on sleep quality. Conclusion: Low sleep quality and inadequate sleep hours causes physical and psychological complications, which mandates planning and training to reduce factors affecting low sleep quality.

Background: Given the importance of Stachys genus in Iran and their significant biological activity, we collected three species of this plant: St. aucheri Benth., Stachys benthamiana Boiss and St. inflata Benth. from different regions of Iran. We examined the free radical scavenging potential, total phenol content and tyrosinase inhibitory activity of their methanol, methanol 80% and dichloromethane extracts. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant activity and total phenol content of the mentioned extracts were assessed using DPPH and FolinCiocalteu reagent, respectively. The inhibitory activity of the extracts on tyrosinase was also investigated. Results: Total phenol content of different extracts was high in the extracts as 98.5-139.7 mg eq. gallic acid/g in methanol 80% extract, 36.8-54.7 mg eq. gallic acid/g in methanol extract and 17.9-44.9 mg eq. gallic acid/g in dichloromethane extract. Furthermore, their antioxidant activity was correlated with total phenol content of the extracts. Methanol 80% extract had the highest total phenol content and antioxidant activity. Evaluation of the tyrosinase inhibitory potential of the extracts revealed that St.inflata exhibited a considerable inhibitory potential (IC50= 5.4 ± 0.6 µM). Conclusion: It can be concluded that tyrosinase inhibitory activity of Stachys genus might be due to the less polar compounds and these compounds are mostly present in the dichloromethane extract of St. inflatai over St. aucheri and St. benthamiana

Background: Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary branch of biology and engineering. As synthetic biology develops into a promising science and engineering field, we need to clarify the purpose and nature of this science in terms of security, ethics and the recognition of the benefits of potential risks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the researchers’ attitudes toward synthetic biology in Bushehr University of Medical Science. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 80 faculty members of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences who have the research experience. To collect information a researcher-made questionnaire consisted of 19 questions in fields of benefits and risks of synthetic biology, compliance with religious beliefs, uncertainty about the boundaries between man and God, the necessity of policy making in this science and the speed of progress of this science were used. Demographics characteristics of subjects were also assessed through the questionnaire. Results: In this study, 22 women and 58 men with the average age of 43.87±7.35 years of 20.79±14.56 (range 31 to 60 years) with mean history of research of 12.43±6.2 years were enrolled. The results showed that 85.65% of study subjects had a positive approach to the benefits of this science, 72.46% expressed concern about the serious risks of synthetic biology and 72.33% had positive attitude towards policy making in this field. There was an intersectional and boundary relationship between conflicts with religious beliefs and trust the policymakers and scientists (P=0.052). Also, there was no significant relationship between age, sex, and research history with any of the questionnaire items (P-value>0.05). Conclusion: The academic society was aware from the benefits and risks of synthetic biology. They did not express a conflict between this branch of science and their religious beliefs and trusts. They also considered an interdisciplinary approach and training of a skillful human resource among the fundamental strategic policies in the field of synthetic biology.

Short stature is an important clinical feature of Turner syndrome (TS). In this report, a girl with short stature suspected to have Turner syndrome underwent cytogenetic analysis, which confirmd Turner syndrome by observing sex chromosomal monosomy using the karyotype test. In addition to Turner syndrome, Robertsonian (ROB) translocation t(13;14) was detected. As recommended by a genetic counselor, all family members underwent karyotype analysis, which detected ROB translocation t(13;14) in father of the family. The simultaneous occurrence of ROB translocation and Turner syndrome is a rare phenomenon and affects the individual’s life, for instance, reduced fertility. Therefore, cytogenetic study is recommended in cases with abnormally short stature in order to manage their health before any treatment procedure

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is one of the controversial complications of diabetes. Given the hypoglycemic properties of Yellow Horne Poppy (YHP), this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of oral administration of aqua-ethanolic extract of YHP and glibenclamide on serum level of T3 and T4 hormones in alloxan diabetic rats compared to healthy rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 56 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups of 8, including healthy control, healthy treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg of YHP extract, diabetic control, diabetic treated with 250 and 500mg/kg of YPH extract and diabetic treated with 5μg/kg of glibenclamide. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of alloxan. After 30 days of treatment, blood samples were collected and the concentration of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 were measured. Finally, the data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: The serum concentrations of thyroid hormones were significantly lower in the diabetic control group than those in the control group (P

Background: Organ transplant is considered the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage organ disorders. This process improves recipient’s longevity and quality of life. However, organ shortage for transplantation has remained an unresolved global issue. One of the primary sources of organ donation is brain-dead bodies. The most important factor that impedes the success of donation is lack of family's consent. Exploring effective factors on decision making of the families of brain-dead patients for organ donation helps policy makers plan how to facilitate organ donation. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 223 employees and 222 clients of Shohadaye-Khalij-e-Fars Hospital in Bushehr province in 2016. Samples were selected through a proportionate stratified random sampling from each hospital. Knowledge and Attitude towards Organ Donation and Brain Death Questionnaire, developed by Iranian Society of Organ Donation, was used for data collection. Data were analyzed in SPSS 16. Results: Mean scores of employees' knowledge and attitude towards donation were higher than those of hospital clients. However, clients' mean score of religious belief was higher than employees'. There was a significant positive relationship between employees' attitude and religious belief. A significant relationship was also observed between employees' knowledge and probable causes of disagreement with organ donation. Furthermore, the relationship of hospital clients' attitude towards donation with their religious belief, knowledge and probable causes of disagreement with organ donation was significant. The relationship of their knowledge with their religious belief and probable causes of disagreement with organ donation was also significant. Conclusion: Considering that organ donation can save people's lives, the need to train and improve the factors observed in this research is felt to encourage people to donate organs.

Background: As an important plant belonging to the Nepeta genus, Nepeta racemosa has been reported to be widely used in traditional medicine. The present study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical content and antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of the decoction, infusion and hydro-alcoholic extract of this plant. Materials and Methods: The total phenolic content of the samples was determined using a slightly- modified Folin–Ciocalteu method. The DPPH free radical scavenging method was used to evaluate the antioxidant activities, and the Vanillin-Sulphuric Acid Method for the saponin content of the extract. Moreover, their inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase were investigated based on standard methods. Results: The phenolic content of the plant decoction was found to be 222.8 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram of dried extract and its flavonoid content 87.8 mg of quercetin equivalent per gram of dried extract. The highest saponin content obtained was associated with the hydro-alcoholic extract of the plant with 41.9 mg of quillaja equivalent per gram of dried extract. The plant decoction also showed the highest potential compared to the other samples in terms of antioxidant properties investigated using the DPPH and FRAP methods. Furthermore, the plant decoction showed great potential in terms of its inhibitory effects on α-amylase with 9.45 µmol of acarbose equivalent per gram of dried extract, and α-glucosidase with 33.57 µmol of acarbose equivalent per gram of dried extract. Conclusion: According to the results, Nepeta racemosa was found to exhibit high levels of antioxidant and antidiabetic abilities, which are directly proportional to its phenolic and flavonoid contents.

Background: Renal injuries associated with ischemia/reperfusion are a prevalent clinical phenomenon that can cause the emergence of progressive kidney diseases, eventually leading to chronic kidney injuries. The present study was conducted to evaluate the results obtained from non-invasive imaging using small-animal SPECT and investigate the recovery process in an animal model of renal ischemia/reperfusion. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were used to establish a unilateral model of renal ischemia/ reperfusion injury. After occluding the left renal pedicle for 120 minutes, the animals were investigated in terms of reperfusion at 24 hours, one week and three weeks. At each time point, the intravascular injection of 99mTc-DMSA as well as scanning with the SPECT machine were conducted. Blood sampling and renal biopsy were also performed. Results: After 24 hours, the accumulated activity levels were significantly lower in the ischemic kidney compared to in the contralateral intact kidney. Severe renal histologic changes were also observed. After one and three weeks, the radiopharmaceutical uptake increased in the ischemic compared to both the contralateral kidney and the time point of 24 hours, and the absorbed activity was divided between the two kidneys in a more balanced fashion, which is quite consistent with the histologic results. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that non-invasive imaging with a small-animal SPECT system using 99mTc-DMSA provides researchers with an appropriate tool in rodent models of renal ischemic damage for evaluating the long-term follow-up of kidney recovery. The obtained results also appear to be thoroughly consistent with invasive histological studies.

Background: In recent years, numerous studies have addressed the role of other factors, especially the immune system, on developing diabetic retinopathy. Given the role of interferons in regulating immune system activities, the present study was conducted to investigate serum levels of interferon-gamma in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Materials and Methods: The present research was conducted on 42 patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in the case group and 41 patients with only type 2 diabetes in the control group. The two groups were matched in terms of age and gender. In the previous three months, the participants had not developed severe bacterial, viral or parasitic infections, not undergone ocular and non-ocular surgeries and not taken immunosuppressants. After measuring the patients’ systolic and diastolic blood pressures, their urine and blood samples were collected for the laboratory analysis of CBC, LDL, HDL, TG, total cholesterol, proteinuria, FBS, HbA1c, ESR, CRP, BUN, Creatinine and interferon gamma. The data collected were statistically analyzed in SPSS-18. Results: Out of 83 patients aged 41-78 years with type 2 diabetes, 42 patients were assigned to the case group and 41 to the control group. The mean of age of the case group was 59.69±6.866 years and that of the controls 58.71±7.410. Based on statistical methods, the two groups were matched in terms of age and gender. Although serum levels of interferon gamma were higher in the case group compared to in the controls, the difference was statistically insignificant (P>0.05). No significant differences were also observed between the two groups in terms of WBC, LDL, total cholesterol, FBS, CRP, Creatinine, HDL and diastolic blood pressure (P>0.05). According to the logistic regression model, the risk of developing retinopathy was approximately 8 times higher in the insulin users compared to in those using oral medicines. Conclusion: The statistical analysis and regression model did not suggest significant relationships between serum levels of interferon gamma and diabetic retinopathy. The two groups were significantly different in terms of insulin consumption. Further studies are recommended to be conducted to find the role of immunological factors in developing diabetic retinopathy.

Background: Dentistry is considered a high-risk profession for developing musculoskeletal disorders, which can be prevented by resorting to ergonomics training. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of ergonomics training on working status in dental students. Materials and Methods: The present quasi-interventional study was conducted in 2017 on 57 students of a clinic affiliated to the Department of Dentistry of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran. Before and after holding a one-day training program entitled, “Introduction to different musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic principles in dentistry", two executive directors of the research project as direct observers used the method of rapid entire body assessment (REBA) to evaluate working status in the students. Descriptive statistics, i.e. frequency and relative frequency, were used to describe the data, and the Wilcoxon test to analyze the data in SPSS-25 (α = 0.05). Results: Working status was found to be at least at a moderate level of risk in 86% of the students before the training and in 70% afterwards. The worst working status was observed in the Department of Pediatrics before the training, and in the Department of Prosthetics after. Significant differences were also observed in REBA scores after compared to before the training (P

Background: Medicinal herbs have been used for managing various diseases for many years. Quercetin is a member of flavonoid family with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial potential of quercetin in ameliorating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, EAE was induced in male Wistar rats by guinea pig spinal cord homogenate and complete Freund’s adjuvant. Then, the rats were allocated into three equal groups (n=10). Quercetin administration (10 mg/kg daily) initiated on day 12 post-immunization, when the rats developed a disability score. The brains and blood samples were collected on day 36 and used for next experiments. Results: Quercetin therapy led to a better outcome in EAE rats compared to EAE rat without treatment. Myeloperoxidase activity and nitric oxide levels in the sera and the lipid peroxidation level in the brain tissues of EAE rats were significantly increased in EAE rats compared to normal control rats (P

Background: Nowadays, in order to preserve the environment and sustainable development, the use of natural and renewable resources is a priority for industries. High performance and specific structure of nano-biocompatible materials has attracted researchers. In this research, alginate polymer, which is generally obtained from marine sources such as algae, was added to polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers in order to improve their biocompatibility and investigate the effect of solution parameters on their morphology. Materials and Methods: Polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers were produced in different concentrations by electrospinning to investigate the effect of concentration, adding alginate polymer and Triton x-100 surfactant. The quality of nanofibers and rheology behavior of polymer solutions were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, rheometry and tensiometer. Results: The results showed that increasing the concentration of polymer solution increased the diameter of nanofibers, as well as the viscosity of the polymer solution, such that a polyvinyl alcohol solution with 10wt.% concentration produced more uniform nanofibers. At first, adding alginate to the polyvinyl alcohol solution deteriorated electrospinning, however, production of nanofibers was improved by increasing polyvinyl alcohol solution to 10wt.%. Also, the results showed that adding Triton x-100 surfactant to the polymer solution affected the dominant mechanism in electrospinning by reducing surface tension and viscosity of the solution at polyvinyl alcohol solution 6wt.% and 10wt.%, respectively. Conclusion: Under optimized conditions of solution parameters, suitable nanofibers will be produced, which will be applicable in many industries, such as drug delivery.

Background: Osteoporosis is a prevalent bone disease caused by an imbalance between bone formation and resorption. Nutritional factors are involved in the preven­tion of osteoporosis. Several treatments exist for osteoporosis including bisphosphonates, parathyroid hormone, estrogen therapy, and hormone therapy, which have their own side effects. In the quest for an appropriate treatment for osteoporosis, researchers are now turning toward the nature-based medications such as marine algae (seaweed). The aim of the present review is to investigate the effects of algae on osteoporosis. Materials and Methods: We examined articles indexed in PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases. It should be noted that human studies on the beneficial effects of seaweed on osteoporosis are rare. Results: Seaweeds have several health benefits including their effect on bone metabolism. Active ingredients of algae have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in addition to other features that heal various diseases. Research has shown that algae improve bone metabolism because they are a rich source of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, other bone-supporting elements, amino acids and growth factors. Conclusion: The extracted compounds from algae are biocompatible, and do not have the side effects of synthetic medications; therefore, they can be used for osteoporosis treatment.

Background: The knowledge transfer gap is one of the challenges facing the healthcare system. Nowadays, choosing the right and all-inclusive audience, determining the research priorities and publishing the key message of the research in a simple and understandable language have a special place in research. Knowledge translation is an effective strategy for acceptance and application of research results in practice. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the performance of researchers at Bushehr University of Medical Sciences from the transfer of research question to promoting the use of evidence in the process of knowledge translation. Materials and Methods: This descriptive survey recruited a population of researchers from Bushehr University of Medical Sciences who were randomly selected. Eighty-three researchers were selected if they met the inclusion criteria of having at least five approved research projects from 2011 to 2015 as the main researcher or collaborator. Data were collected using Self-Assessment Questionnaire of Academic Researchers Knowledge Translation Activities, which was validated in another phase of this research. Results: The findings of this study showed that the researchers' performance was better in the following items: knowing research priorities of the university (4±1.08), familiarity with the users of the research results (3.61±0.90) (the transfer of research question domain), conducting up-to-date research in accordance with the needs of the stakeholders (4.25±0.84), performing the necessary activities to produce a transmittable message (4.09±0.83) and observing the appropriate interval between determining the subject and beginning the study (4.08±0.83) (knowledge production domain), publication of research results in local and foreign journals (4.58±0.65), presenting the research results in local and foreign conferences, seminars and congresses (4.22±0.95) (knowledge transfer domain) and conducting research with the objective of evidence-based decision making (3.97±1.02) (promoting the use of evidence domain). Conclusion: The results indicate that although the performance of researchers is Bushehr University of Medical Sciences is at a desirable level in the whole process of knowledge translation, but the gap between the knowledge and practice in transfer of research question and knowledge requires effective intervention. Therefore, it is suggested that a Knowledge Translation Committee be established at the Deputy of Research and Technology. &nbsp

Background: Enterobius vermicularis is a human parasitic nematode and lives in the cecum and the distal parts of the digestive system. It is estimated that about one billion people are infected with this parasite worldwide, and children are more commonly infected than other age groups. This study was conducted to determine theprevalence of E.vermicularis and the relevant factors among primary school children in Bushehr. Materials & Methods: After coordination with the ministry of education, 12 schools were randomlyselected from six districts in two stages, and 203 male and female students at different educational levels were examined using Garaham method. First, parents were trained how to sample properly and were given the necessary equipment. Then samples were collected and examined microscopically. Data were analyzed in SPSS 18.0 software using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Of the participants, 13.3% of cases (7.9% male and 5.4% female) were infected withE.vermicularis. The highest prevalence was observed in the fifth-grade students. There was no significant relationship between some symptoms such as drooling, sucking fingers and nail-biting and their gender, but it was significant for tooth grinding during sleep. The infection rate increased with the increasing family size. Conclusion: Given the prevalence of E.vermicularis among school children was relatively considerable in this study and that it causes sleep, growth and learning disorders in children, it is suggested that training courses be held for parents and preventive measures be taken to improve health in the region.

Background: The order zoantharia (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) which is one of the most unexplored orders are present in the Persian Gulf. This group of cnidarians commonly found in tropical waters at various places in the world and morphological identification to the species level is extremely complicated. In the present study, molecular diversity of shallow water zoanthids from the Bushehr coasts in the Persian Gulf was investigated for the first time. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four colonies of zoanthids with variety of shape and colors have been collected from different locations. After DNA extraction using CTAB-Phenol-Chloroform method,mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI), mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA (mt 16S rDNA) and the nuclear internal transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA (ITS-rDNA) were amplified usingpolymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Results: Based on the obtained sequences, the presence of four species-level clades: Zoanthus sansibaricus, Zoanthus pulchellus, Zoanthus sociatus and Palythoa aff. mutuki. Palythoa aff confirmed. mutuki species observed in this study had identical sequences with previously reported Palythoa aff. mutuki in the Persian Gulf. Nevertheless, in the present study two new undescribed species from genus Zoanthus (Z.sociatus and Z.pulchellus) were identifed. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate the efficiency of molecular markers application in comparison with morphological characteristics to identify zoaentaria, especially at the species level. Undoubtedly, more studies on zoanthids distribution patterns will increase our knowledge about the biodiversity of the Persian Gulf.

Synthetic biology is a novel branch of biological sciences. The creation of a synthetic microorganisms with minimal genome compatible with life by Craig Venter had provoked the prior hot philosophical discussions about the nature of life. The recent advancements in synthetic biology brings new philosophical analysis about hybrid entities “synthetic organisms” and “living machines” and fundamental difference between biological machines and the living world. This paper is a critical analysis of the philosophical perspective on the design of synthetic organisms, minimal genome and artificial life. It also presents a critical view on knowledge-making practices in synthetic biology on Richard Feynman’s statement: “What I cannot create, I do not understand.” &nbsp

Background: Vitiligo is characterized by autoimmune destruction of melanocytes and it presented as a patches of depigmented on skin and mucosa. Contradictory reports have been listed from the zinc serum level in patients with vitiligo. The aim of this study was to check the zinc levels in patients with vitiligo who reffered to skin clinics of Arak University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: In this case –control study, we 103 patients vitiligo and 103 healthy people as a control group were entered to our study after obtaining knowingly testimonial.Two groups were matched according to gender and age. Zinc serum level were measured by using the spectrometery method in two groups. Results: The mean serum level of zinc was 92.1±13.8 in patients with localized vitiligo, 81.3 ±12.7 in patients with generalized vitiligo and 91.8±16.2 in control group. Zinc level in generalized vitiligo was significantly less than the control group. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that zinc serum level in patients with generalized vitiligo is lower than healthy people. So it can be used in treatment of these patients.

Background: Power hierarchy, cohesion and family structure are the main component of every family. Families with disabled children may be affected with this structure and function. The aim of this study was to comparison of the power hierarchy, cohesion and family structure with disabled and non-disabled children in Bushehr from the perspective of their mothers (2015). Materials & Methods: In this Cross-sectional study, 150 mothers of disabled and non-disabled children in Bushehr city were selected by census and clusters method, respectively. Family structure, cohesion and hierarchy of mothers was assessed by using the Family System Test (FAST). Data were analyzed by using SPSS software (Version 18) and statistical tests carried out such as (Independent t-test, ANOVA and chi-square test. Results: Based on this results, there was no significant difference between the families in terms of power (p=0.22) but the cohesion of families with children with physical disabilities (p=0.0001, 1/90 ± 0.54) and mentally (p=0.0001, 1.56 ± 0.73) is less than the natural family (p=0.0001, 2.26 ± 0.52), Also in terms of structure, there was no significant difference between families with healthy children and physical disability and mentally (p=0.05). Conclusion: Findings showed that the cohesion of families with disabled children are more vulnerable than healthy family. In the first step, awareness of young couples about the outcome of the birth of a disabled child is necessary and inevitable and in second step, providing training and adequate support to families with disabled child.