Background: This study was carried out to compare mucociliary function (MCF) of nasal cavity before and after septorhinoplasty surgery by saccharin test. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 70 patients who needed septorhinoplasty surgery in Kashani and Alzahra Hospital during 2013–2014 to measure MCF. Saccharin test was performed on the patients before surgery and on three more intervals 1 day, 1 week, and on month after ward and the readings were recorded. Saccharin test is performed by placing saccharin granules on the anterior part of inferior turbinate and the time the patient feels the sweet taste is recorded the normal range is below 30 min. Results: Mean of test for each time interval was obtained and comparison of measurements was made reading were mean of saccharin test before surgery (7.74 ± 1.65 min) the day after surgery (7.75 ± 1.7 min), on week after surgery (15.04 ± 3.4), and 1 month after surgery (8.49 ± 2.08 min). The readings before surgery did not have statistically significant difference with the readings 1 day after surgery P = 0.99, but comparison of test results at other time intervals were significant (P < 0.001). A relative increase in saccharin test time was seen in a period of 1 month after surgery the rise was more noticeable in the 1^st week compared to 1 month after surgery. Conclusion: This study in the period after septorhinoplasty surgery MCF undergoes slight impairment that gradually progresses to normal values during 1 month after surgery.

Background: Breast cancer is among the most common cancers in the world. Ultrasound evaluations of breast have come into attention as an alternative route. Ultrasound features of benign lesions such as fibroadenoma can be overlapping with those in a malignant tumor. Here, we assessed the reports of breast ultrasound in patients with pathologic diagnosis of fibroadenoma. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and enrolled female patients with confirmed histologic diagnosis of fibroadenoma. Ultrasound studies were performed on the participants to see which sonographic patterns are more frequent in such lesions. Results: In 92 patients with 40.4 ± 9.2 years of age, all participants were classified as stage 4 on Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System scale. The mean ± standard deviation of size for the lesions was 167.4 ± 101.4 mm². Upper outer quadrants in the breasts had the most number of lesions. Almost lesions were round with only 2.2% were oval. When assessed for the margin definition, 57.8% were circumscribed. Noncircumscribed masses were reported in 21.7%. About 91.3% of cases were hypoechoic in the ultrasound evaluation. Lobulated masses were in 28.3% of the cases. 8.7% of the masses were spongy whereas 9.8% and 2.2% of them had calcification and heterogenic appearance, respectively. Conclusion: The most frequent features include a hypoechoic mass with a circumscribed border; however, complex presentations that overlap malignant masses are also detectable including noncircumscribed margin, lobulation, presence of a posterior shadow, heterogenicity, and micro calcification.

Background: Acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common reason for infertility. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency distribution of endometritis in women with unexplained infertility and comparison with frequency distribution of endometritis in anovulatory infertility to identify the importance of endometritis due to subacute PID evaluation in the case of infertility. Materials and Methods: This case–control study was done on 100 women with unexplained infertility and ovulatory infertility who referred to Shahid Beheshti clinic in 2013 in Isfahan, Iran. They were divided into two groups of unexplained infertility and anovulatory infertility. Endometrial samples were given from all the patients by Pipelle biopsy under sterile conditions, and then prepared samples were sent to the pathology laboratory to evaluate the existence of plasma cells by a pathologist to diagnose endometritis. Results: Frequency distribution of acute PID history among the patients in both groups showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). Prevalence of endometritis in unexplained infertility group was 34% and in anovulatory group was 21% (P < 0.05). Prevalence of vaginitis was 46% in unexplained group and 40% in anovulatory group (P < 0.05), and prevalence of PID was 4% in unexplained infertility group and 0% in anovulatory infertility group. Conclusion: The prevalence of endometritis and vaginitis was more in the unexplained infertility group rather than the anovulatory infertility group that may reveal the importance of endometritis evaluation in the cases of unexplained infertility.

Background: Limited spatial nasal cavity in children, make pediatric dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) a difficult surgical procedure. We apply a limited approach to pediatric DCR and follow them for their consequences. Materials and Methods: An experimental study was done in pediatric DCR with limited approach (age < 14-year-old). After written consent, with general anesthesia, with nasal endoscopic surgery, lacrimal bone is exposed and extruded. In contrast with routine procedure, ascending process of maxillary sinus reserve; and marsupialization and wide exposure to lacrimal sac was done only by lacrimal bone defect; and cannulation preserve with temporary silicone tube. Results: Between 2006 and 2012, 16 pediatric DCR was done by a unique surgeon in 2 otorhinolaryngologic centers. Before surgery 14 (87.5%) had epiphora, 3 (18.8%) had eye discharge, and 3 (18.8%) had eye sticky eye. Two (12.5%) had history of facial trauma, and 10 (62.5%) had congenital nasolacrimal duct insufficiency. Five (31.3%) had history of dacryocystitis. Patients were followed for 17 ± 9 months. Silicone tube stayed for 4 ± 2.5 months. We could follow 7 patients and minimal improvement or need to revision surgery considered as technical failure. After surgery, 3 patients had no epiphora with complete improvement; 2 had very good improvement with confidence of the patients and parents; 2 cases had unsuccessful surgery in our patients, who needs to another surgery. One of them had several probing and surgery before our endoscopic DCR. Conclusions: Limited approach in endoscopic DCR of pediatrics can be done in noncomplicated patients, with minimal manipulation, more confidence, and acceptable results.

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a group of opportunistic pathogens and these are widely dispersed in water and soil resources. Identification of mycobacteria isolates by conventional methods including biochemical tests, growth rates, colony pigmentation, and presence of acid-fast bacilli is widely used, but these methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and may sometimes remain inconclusive. Materials and Methods: The DNA was extracted from NTM cultures using CTAB, Chelex, Chelex + Nonidet P-40, FTA^® Elute card, and boiling The quantity and quality of the DNA extracted via these methods were determined using UV-photometer at 260 and 280 nm, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the heat-shock protein 65 gene with serially diluted DNA samples. Results: The CTAB method showed more positive results at 1:10–1:100,000 at which the DNA amount was substantial. With the Chelex method of DNA extraction, PCR amplification was detected at 1:10 and 1:1000 dilutions. Conclusions: According to the electrophoresis results, the CTAB and Chelex DNA extraction methods were more successful in comparison with the others as regard producing suitable concentrations of DNA with the minimum use of PCR inhibitor.

Background: Molecular methods for the detection of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) are potentially more rapid than conventional culture-based drug susceptibility testing, facilitating the commencement of appropriate treatment for patients with DR-TB. The aim of this study was to evaluate and develop polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assays for the detection of mutations within rpsL, and for the determination of streptomycin (STR) resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Materials and Methods: Clinical specimens were collected from individuals with suspected TB referred to the TB Center of Isfahan' from which 205 M. tuberclosis were isolated and identified by conventional phenotypic methods. The minimum inhibitory concentration of STR for all isolates was determined using the proportion method and 10 isolates were recognized as STR resistant M. tuberculosis. The effect of genetic alterations in the rpsL gene for these resistant isolates were investigated by PCR-RFLP method. Results: Three (30%) isolates showed point mutation at codon 43 by RLFP analysis. Conclusion: Our results suggest that RFLP analysis of the rpsL gene is useful for the rapid prediction of STR resistant strains of M. tuberculosis.

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its complications are major public health problems. As it is hard to treat and control the chronic state, control of disease depends on the prevention especially by vaccination. There is an impaired immune response to vaccinations including HBV in patients with some malignancies. The aim of this study is to assess the response rate of patients undergoing chemotherapy to HBV vaccination. Materials and Methods: All patients from two hematology/oncology clinics in Isfahan, Iran with the history of at least 1 month chemotherapy who had the inclusion criteria were enrolled in a case control study. Also a sex- and age-matched control group from healthy population was selected. They were vaccinated in a schedule of 0, 1, and 6 months and were examined for antibody titers 1 month after the last dose. The titers more than 10 mIU/ml were determined as positive response to vaccination. Results: In this study, 50 patients and 50 healthy subjects were enrolled. The two groups were age and sex matched (P > 0.05). Frequency of negative responses to HBV vaccination in case and control groups were 9 (18%) and 1 (2%), respectively (OR = 10.75, CI = 1.30–88.47, P = 0.027). Of 50 patients, 54%, 12%, 22%, and 12% had breast cancer, lymphoma, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary cancers, respectively, and frequency of negative responses were 3 (11%), 1 (16%), 4 (36.4%), and 1 (16%), respectively (P = 0.167). Conclusion: According to our results, malignancy and chemotherapy will have an important effect on the immune system and cause negative response to HBV vaccination. Our results revealed the importance of passive immunity and screening for HBV infection in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Also more studies for better vaccination schedules in this group of patients are recommended.

Background: Bacterial infections are responsible for great number of mortality in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Knowledge about prevalence of bacterial infections and their antibiotic-resistance pattern would be a great step for their treatment and management. Materials and Methods: Data about nosocomial infections in ICUs of Alzahra Hospital (referral hospital in Isfahan, center of Iran) were gathered during the years 2007–2010. A questionnaire was fulfilled for any specific patient with nosocomial infection containing demographic data of patient and also characteristics of the infection. Results: Out of all patients, 707 individuals (65.6%) were male and 370 (34.4%) were female. Our data revealed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.9%), Klebsiella (11%), and Escherichia coli (6.4%) were the most prevalent bacterial infections. The most common sites of nosocomial infections in the ICU were respiratory system (399 cases, 37%), urinary system (230 cases, 21.4%), and blood (102 cases, 9.5%). The antibiotic-resistance of each bacteria in ICU ward was assessed and data were categorized in a table. There were less documentary about bacterial cultures in the year 2007 when compared with the next years. Conclusion: We found some differences (such as bacterial prevalence in ICU wards which caused nosocomial infections) in our local prevalence of nosocomial infections and also in their resistance pattern compared to other centers. Knowing about our data will help physicians to administer the most suitable antibiotics for treatment of nosocomial infections in our area.

Background: Migraines are a neurological disease, of which the most common symptom is an intense and disabling episodic headache. Many persons experience sensory hyper excitability manifested by photophobia, phonophobia and osmophobia. This study was planned to investigate the prevalence of osmophobia in migranous and episodic tension type headache (ETTH). Materials and Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to all patients to evaluate the eventual presence of osmophobia during a headache attack and different characteristics of osmophobia were determined. Results: Osmophobia reported in 84% with migranous headache with aura, 74% of migranous patients without aura and in 43.3% of those with ETTH. In 50% of patients, osmophobia was present in all of their headache attacks, 11.7% had osmophobia in more than half of their attacks (from 10 attacks they reported osmophobia in 5-9 ones) and others had this sign in less than half of their attacks (from 10 attacks they reported osmophobia in less than 5 ones). Most frequently the offending odors were scents (88%), foods (54.2%) and cigarette smoke (62.5%). Osmophobia starts 30 min before the headache starts in 22.7% of patients. Conclusion: Osmophobia appears structurally integrated into the migraine history of the patient; however, for differential diagnosis with ETTH, other criteria are necessary.

Background: Decreased high-energy phosphate level is involved in endothelial cell injury and dysfunction. Reduced telomerase activity in endothelial cells in parallel with reduced energy levels might be due to altered direction of alternative splicing machine as a complication of depleted energy during the process of atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods: Isolated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated for 24 hours by oligomycine (OM) and 2-deoxy glucose (2-DG). After 24 hours, the effect of energy depletion on telomerase splicing pattern was evaluated using RT-PCR. Indeed, in both treated and untargeted cells, nitric oxide (NO) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were measured. Results: ATP was depleted in treated cells by 43.9% compared with control group. We observed a slight decrease in NO levels (P = 0.09) and vWF (P = 0.395) in the setting of 49.36% ATP depletion. In both groups, no telomerase gene expression was seen. Telomerase and housekeeping gene expression were found in positive control group (colon cancer tissue) and sample tissue. Conclusions: The absence of telomerase gene expression in HUVECs might be due to the mortality of these cells or the low level of telomerase gene expression in these cells under normal circumstances.

Background: Valproic acid (VPA) is a widely used broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug for therapy of generalized and focal epilepsies. Cross-sectional studies have suggested that valproate treatment may be associated with hyperinsulinemia. We decided to investigate hyperinsulinemia as a health-threatening side effect of VPA in Iranian epileptic patients. Materials and Methods: Body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, fasting serum insulin, fasting blood glucose (FBS), and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured in 30 VPA-treated epileptic patients and 30 controls (CBZ-treated). The Chi-square test, t-test, and Pearson correlation test were used. Results: BMI was higher in VPA group than in control group (25.7 ± 3.5 > 21.7 ± 4.1) (0.000 < 0.05). Prevalence of obesity was 16.6% in VPA group that was almost the same and even lower than general Iranian population. Serum triglyceride (TG) (150 ± 77.2) was higher than CBZ group (114 ± 35.2) (P = 0.023 < 0.05). However, serum high-density lipoprotein level was lower in VPA group than controls (45.2 ± 11.7 < 54.4 ± 13.9) (P = 0.008 < 0.05). Serum insulin, FBS, HOMA-IR, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein did not demonstrate statistically significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Despite the majority of previous studies that are against VPA and according to our study, VPA could be prescribed safely and it may not cause IR and its complications.

Background: Wound healing is a complex process leading to regeneration of damaged skin tissue. Arnebia euchroma (AE) have many effective activities such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidative, and anti-tumoral effects. The extract of AE has positive effects on burn wounds. This study is designed to investigate the healing effects of AE on excisional wounds in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty six rats with the age of 8 weeks divided into three groups. One group (E1) was treated with AE gel at a concentration of 10%. Control group (C1) received normal saline and the vehicle group (C2) was treated with carboxymethyl cellulose gel as the vehicle for 14 days. Stereological analysis was done to investigate the collagen bundle and hair follicale synthesis, vascularization, fibroblast proliferation. Pathological evaluation was also conducted. Results: In this study, pathological evaluation showed severe acute inflammation in C2 group, chronic and acute inflammation in C1 and also more wound contraction in E1 in comparison with other groups. There was a meaningful difference between E1 and C1 regarding fibroblast proliferation (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Results of this study revealed the healing effect of AE on excisional wounds and recommend its administration after further clinical investigations.