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Introduction : In order to evaluate the role of thyroid autoimmunity in patients with goiter, this study was done 10 years after implementation of iodine supplementation program ( iodised salt). The serum levels of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (Anti TPO) and thyroglobulin antibodies (anti TG) were studied in a group of patients with simple goiter and compared with normal controls. Materials and methods: We performed this study at the endocrine clinic of Noor Hospital in Isfahan University using simple sampling method in those patients that had normal thyroid function tests: The patients with simple goiter were enrolled in case group (N =105) and those without goiter in control group (N=85). Results: 34.3% (n=36) in case group and 19.1% (n=17) in control group had elevated Anti TPO titer (p value=0.018). 42.9% (n=45) in case group and 23.6% (n=21) in control group had elevated Anti TG titer (p value=0.005). Discussion : Considering the higher percentage of elevated levels of anti thyroid antibodies in the case group,we conclude that thyroid autoimmunity has an important role in goiter prevalence and increased iodine intake may play a role in thyroid autoimmunity.

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Introduction: Stroke is a clinical diagnosis which brings up cerebrovascular diseases. Stroke includes any cerebrovascular accident which leads to local neural defect and lasts more than 24 hours. Stroke has severe and irreversible complications and high rates of recurrence after first episode, therefore we decided to study clinical and paraclinical findings of this disease for better diagnosis and prevention of it. Methods: We prepared a case series study to review medical files of the patients admitted to pediatric medical center with the diagnosis of CVA between 1993 and 2003. 19 patients were assessed in this study. Results: Their mean age was 5.72 (SD=3.801). Among clinical signs hemiparesis was the most common finding (89.5%). Vital signs were normal except for two patients with low-grade fever or hypertension. Such cardiac diseases as cardiomyopathy, valvular disorder, d-TGA, and congestive heart failure were common predisposing factors. According to CT scan reports, 6 patients (31.6%) suffered from deep ischemic stroke, and 5 (21.3%), and 2 patients (10.5%) suffered from superficial ischemic stroke and and hemorrhagic stroke, respectively. 2 patients manifested signs of both superficial and deep ischemic stroke. One of them suffered from Moyamoys syndrome and the other was a known case of MELAS (mitochondrial encepholomyopaty lactic acidosis syndrome). CBC was the most important abnormal test. Conclusion: According to this study, congenital heart diseases are the most common cause of stroke in children. Stroke in children is not frequently associated with vital signs change, and deep ischemic stroke is the most common type of the stroke in children.

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Introduction: Food-borne pathogens are causes of poisoning and gastrointestinal infections. In recent years, it is recommended to use natural materials like plant extracts and essences instead of chemical preservatives in food industry. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the phenolic compounds of ethanolic walnut kernel and its antimicrobial effect on some food-borne pathogens. Methods: In this experimental study, after collection of walnut kernel, its ethanolic extract was prepared. Then its antimicrobial activity on salmonella typhimurium, shigella disentriae, listeria monocytogenes was examined as Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) using microdilution method. Chloramphenicol (30µg) was used as the reference antimicrobial agent. Total phenols, flavonoids and flavonols were also determined by colorimetric method. Results: The results showed that MIC was between 0.625 and 1.25 mg/ml and MBC was between 1.25 and 2.5mg/ml for ethanolic extract. Total phenols were 365±14.71mg/g gallic acid equivalent, and total flavonoids and flavonols were 285±12.25 and 132± 1.63mg/g rutin equivalent, respectively. Conclusion: These findings showed that walnut kernel has antibacterial effects on three aforementioned bacteria and can substitute for chemical preservatives. More studies, such as examinations in food models are needed to unravel the antimicrobial effects of this plant.

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Introduction: Biosynthesis of thyroid hormone and consequently the requirement for iodine have been established to increase during gestation mainly due to increased iodine demand by the fetus. Therefore, diminished iodine intake by the mother during early pregnancy eventually leads to the development of iodine deficiency disorders(IDDS)  in the offspring. The present study aimed to explore the pattern of urinary iodine excretion during gestation in urban districts of Urmia County.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 40 women at 1^st trimester were enrolled. Exclusion criteria consisted of history of miscarriage and thyroid malfunction. Random urine samples were collected at 1^st -, 2^nd – and 3^rd trimesters. In fact, UIC was determined via the sandell-kolthoff-method.

Results: Median UIC at 1^st- , 2^nd- and 3^rd trimester were reported 116.5 µg/L, 98.8 µg/L and 100   µg/L, respectively. Repeated measurement revealed no Significant differences in median UIC during gestation (P=0.2). Prevalence of iodine deficiency (UIC<150 µg/L) at 1^st -, 2^nd – and 3^rd trimesters were 72%, 75% and 86%, respectively.

Conclusions: The findings of the present study revealed that median UIC (105.1 µg/L) among pregnant residents of Urmia County was lower than the values recommended by WHO for school-age children and non-pregnant women. Accordingly, prevalence of iodine deficiency (UIC<150 µg/L) was demonstrated to be substantially higher compared to those regions with adequate Iodine intake. These findings imply that pregnant women residing in urban districts of Urmia are iodine deficient.