Journal of

---

Introduction: Lipoprotein (a) is a particle rich in cholesterol in human plasma and it is known as an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. In addition to genetic background, other factors such as diabetes affect the plasma concentration of this lipoprotein as a risk factor. The aim of this study was evaluation and comparison of plasma concentration of Lp(a) in type II diabetics and non diabetic individuals. Material and Methods: The study population included 180 diabetic patients who had referred to the Diabetic Research center of Yazd and 180 non diabetic individuals who were matched according to age and sex with the patient group. Blood samples were collected from the study groups in fasting condition. Glycated hemoglobin, glucose, lipids and lipoproteins were measured by routine laboratory methods and Lp(a) assay was carried out by electro immunodiffusion. Results were analyzed with the use of SPSS program. Statistical tests included variance analysis, t-test for comparing lipids and lipoproteins, U-test for comparing Lp(a) in the two groups and Pearson Correlation for determining of the variables with Lp(a). Results: Mean plasma concentratin of Lp(a) in diabetic patients (Mean + SD 41.98+ 34.63 mg/dl) was significantly higher than that of the control group (26.6 + 20.2 mg/dl) (P<0.001). Mean concentration of cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL cholesterol in the patient group was higher but mean HDL cholesterol in control group was higher than patient group. However, no significant correlation was found between Lp(a) and other variables in the patient and control groups. Conclusion: Plasma concentration of Lp(a) in Diabetes Mellitus is increased independently. In diabetic patients, the risk of coronary artery disease may increase with increase in Lp(a).

---

Introduction: Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to determine plasma homocysteine levels in diabetics and compare with control persons and also evaluation of correlation between plasma homocysteine concentration and diabetic related variables. Methods: This study was done on 39 type II diabetic patients, 27 subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and 23 normal persons referring to Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center of Medical university of Isfahan. Physical characteristics were recorded. After an overnight fast, a blood sample was drawn for determination of FPG, HbA1c – homocysteine, Cr. Cholesterol – Triglyceride and HDL- Cholesterol. Mean plasma homocysteine levels in the groups were compared by one way ANOVA. The Correlation of different parameters was tested by Pearson’s correlation. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the plasma homocysteine levels of all the groups.(P=0.71). Correlation between homocysteine levels and HbA1c was not significant (P=0.42) in diabetic patients. Conclusions: The findings suggest that diabetes does not influence plasma homocysteine levels. Also, there is no correlation between plasma homocysteine levels and HbA1c in diabetic patients

---

Introduction: Vaginits is probably the most common infection in women during their reproductive years, resulting in 5-10 million health-care visits a year, worldwide. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (vvc) is the second-most common form of vaginitis in the United States, which is associated with use of oral contraceptives containing high levels of estrogen and hormonal therapies. Midwives play an important role not only in the assessment and management of vaginal infections, but also in educating women about vaginal health. Recognizing risk factors associated with infections are the key to vaginal health.The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Candidal vaginitis in women referring to Tabriz health centers. Methods: This was a cross sectional study carried out on 1000 women aged 15-49 years who were selected by multiple random method. A sample of vaginal discharge was taken from the posterior fornix of the cervix and from the vaginal wall using sterile cotton swabs. The mycelium was observed by microscopic examination of a wet mount of the secretions. Another sample was taken for culturing in Agar sabura and transported to the laboratory. In addition, questionnaires with personal and reproductive information were completed. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 15 and chi-square and, t student statistical tests were used for analysis. Results : This investigation indicated that prevalence of candidiasis was 25.2%. There was no meaningful statistical relationship between age, marriage age, occupation, education status, body mass index, day of menstruation cycle and abortion history with candidal vaginitis (p>.05),but a statistically significant relationship was observed between number of deliveries, vaginal Ph with candidiasis. Also, there was a reverse statistical relationship between OCP, DMPA methods and candidiasis. Conclusion: Midwives and other health professionals have an important role to play by giving more information to women about infections and associated risk factors, thus improving their quality of life.

---

Introduction: Obesity and overweight are one of the health problems in developed and developing countries that are increasing every day. The purpose of this study was to asses the prevalence of obesity and overweight and their risk factors among preschool children in Yazd . .Methods: In a descriptive cross sectional study 400 preschool aged 6 years, including 200 boys and 200 girls were selected via random sampling method from among health assessment clinics and evaluated for obesity and overweight and their risk factors in 2005-2006. BMI for age and sex was based on standardized percentile curves for BMI ( NHNESIII accepted by WHO ). Obesity was defined as BMI >95th and overweigh as BMI in 85-95th percentile. The data of the research was collected through complied questionnaire by interviewing parents and then analyzed and evaluated using SPSS: 11.5 software. Results: The prevalence of obesity and overweight was 3.8% and 4.3%, respectively. Frequency of obesity and overweight was approximately 5.5% and 5% in boys and 2%, 3.5% in girls, respectively. Obesity and overweight had a significant statistical relationship with physical activity, amount of television viewing and consumption of fast food and soda, but no statistically significant relationships were seen with sex, birth order and parental educational levels. Conclusion: In this study, prevalence of obesity and overweight was lower than other similar studies, but obesity risk factors should be considered during decision making on preventive measures.

---

Introduction: It is believed that prolonged and intensive exercise training may induce tissue damages due to production of free radicals and other reactive oxygen radicals. Antioxidant capacity status in Zourkhaneh (traditional wrestling) sportsmen has not been studied to date therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare of antioxidant characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors of Zourkhaneh sportsmen and non-sportsmen. Methods: In the study, 17 male Zourkhaneh sportsmen who were active in the last 6 months for at least 3 sessions per week and each session of at least 45 minutes, and 20 male sedentary individuals who did not have any regular physical activity during the same time period participated in the study. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), supreoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and lipid status was determined through standardized and valid methods in the biochemistry laboratory of Birjand university of medical sciences. T-tests were used to compare groups and statistical significance was also considered where P<0.05. Results: The TAC and anaerobic power of the legs of Zourkhaneh sportsmen was significantly higher than non-sportsmen (P<0.05). In addition, it was observed that there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding their lipid profile, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percent (P>0.05). Conclusion: Zourkhaneh special trainings result in beneficial antioxidant status and better anaerobic power as compared to non-sportsmen and these factors make them more resistant against cardiovascular diseases.

---

Introduction: Addiction and drug abuse in one of the most important health, social and political problems in the world, especially in developing countries. Nowadays this problem has higher prevalence in young people, and so students of the universities are at risk. The aim of this study was to identify drug abuse prevalence and risk factors in students of Shaheed Sadoughi Medical University, Iran, Yazd Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study and 534 students were selected through random sampling from different medical sciences colleges. The data was collected by self-designed questionnaire and interview, and then analyzed using SPSS software and chi-square test. Results: Data showed the prevalence of drug abuse in students to be 21.5%, frequency of drug abuse was as follows: Hookah 15.9%, cigarette 24.13%, opium 2.8%. The major risk factors were amusement 47.4% and unemployment 42.98%. It was higher in single males who lived in university dormitories. Conclusion: According to the study results, it is recommended that families and university managers facilitate student's entertainment, marriage and occupation. The high prevalence of smoking hookah which is usually accompanied by use of other drugs should be considered in educational programs.

---

Introduction: The previous researches about the etiology of coronary artery atherosclerosis have accentuated on clinical and medical risk factors, such as cigarette smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, positive family background, myocardial ischemia history in family, atherogenic diet, increase of A lipoprotein, inflammatory factors such as increase of cross-reactive protein and so on. Although factors in behavioral medicine are recognized as an independent risk factor in coronary artery atherosclerosis, few researches have been done on hostility and anger. The aim of this study was to determine the difference between normal people(Control group) and people with coronary artery atherosclerosis(Case group) with regards to hostility and anger. Methods: This study was performed as a case-control design. Data was collected from seventy-seven patients with coronary artery atherosclerosis who had referred to Afshar Hospital Professional Heart Clinic in Yazd city and seventy-eight normal people were used as control. Two groups completed the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire(BPAQ) to measure their hostility and anger. Results: The results of the analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference regarding hostility(p<.05) and anger(p<.001) between the two groups. Hierarchical multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the sociodemographic and clinical variables(step 1) explained 35.5 % to 47.4%, while hostility and anger(step 2) explained 6.7% to 9% of the variance in incidence of coronary artery atherosclerosis. Conclusion: Hostility and anger are strong risk factors for coronary artery atherosclerosis or CAD in Iran. Therefore, in order to decrease the incidence rate of coronary artery atherosclerosis in Iran, alongside medical interventions, attention should also be paid towards behavioral interventions in order to modify hostile and angrily behavior.

---

Introduction: The cause of many metabolic diseases is a progressive increase in fasting insulin levels that is generally associated with inflammatory status. In such conditions, circulating resistin hormonal levels and CRP levels also increase. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of 2 months aerobic training on insulin resistance and inflammatory markers. Methods: In the study, 30 middle aged healthy men volunteered (Age=38.56±4.77, BMI=25.14±2.16) to participate and based on their body fat percentage were assigned in two equal groups. Experimental group was asked to perform 2 months of aerobic exercise, 4 sessions a week with 60-80% maximum heart rate, while the control group was sedentary during the same period. Blood samples were collected 48 hours before the first session and 48 hours after the last session under similar conditions. Results: Plasma insulin (p≤0.001) and glucose (p≤0.001) levels decreased and consequently insulin resistance index also decreased (p≤0.001) in the experimental group as compared to controls. Also, resistin concentrations increased (p≤0.001), while CRP concentrations decreased (p≤0.001), respectively in the experimental group. Conclusion: In general, it can be concluded that regular aerobic exercise due to improved insulin resistance and plasma levels of two inflammatory markers (CRP and the resistin) reduces risk factors of metabolic disease and atherosclerosis and can be used as an effective strategy to prevent such diseases.

---

Introduction: Gastric cancer is considered as one of the most prevalent cancers, such that in our country it is on the top of prevalent cancers. Because of the high prevalence of this cancer in north of Iran, in spite of its incidence decrease in many regions of the world, we decided to determine the epidemiological and malignancy properties of gastric cancer in this region Methods: This research is a descriptive study (based on existing data). The study population consisted of gastric cancer patients referred to oncology clinic at Ramsar Imam Sajjad hospital during 2002- 2009. Necessary information was extracted from their medical files and pathology reports, and statistically analyzed. Results: In this Study, 144 patients were assessed (103 males and 47 females). In 95.8% of patients, tumor was adenocarcinoma. In 45.1% tumor was located in antrum. In 48.6% tumor was poorly differentiated. 72.9% of subjects had positive lymphatic involvement. There was metastatic involvement in 31.9% of patients, and the most common organ for metastasis was liver. 46.5% of Patients were in stage 4 at the time of referring to hospital and in 38.2% of cases tumor has been progressed to T2 Level. Conclusion: By considering this fact that most referring patients (46.5%) were in stage 4 when were diagnosed and had poorly differentiated carcinoma, it is recommended that people should consider abdominal discomfort as a serious problem and do necessary diagnostic methods especially in ages above 45 years with especial emphasis on early diagnosis of disease and reduction of death rate for at risk population.

---

Introduction: In patients with polycystic ovary syndrome hyperinsulinaemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia may represent an increased risk for coronary cardiovascular disease .This study aimed to investigate risk factors for cardiovascular disease based on polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes in Shiraz. Methods: This Cross-sectional study was performed on 3200 students aged 18-14. Demographic survey, clinical signs of androgen excess (acne, hirsutism, alopecia), Ultrasound were applied in order to find the cyst. Tests included prolactin, dehydroepiandrodion sulfate, and oral glucose tolerance test, fasting blood glucose, blood sugar two hours later, triglycerides, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein. Data were submitted to SPSS software, version 11.5 and then analyzed by chi-square tests. Results: The serum cholesterol mean in four phenotypes had a statistically significant relationship with non-PCOS patients(p<0.05). Mean of serum cholesterol in oligomenorrhea, Hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovary phenotype (195.09±30.28) was higher than the other phenotypes. Mean of serum cholesterol and low density lipoprotein(LDL-C) were significantly higher in patients with Hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovarian phenotype(130.046±26.27) and oligomenorrhea, Hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovary syndrome phenotype(138.58±28.34) compared with non-infected individuals. Serum glucose mean in all phenotype was higher than non-infected after two hours and it showed a significant relation in oligomenorrhea and also polycystic ovarian phenotype(98.03 ± 20.98 versus 87.5±12.97) with non-infected individuals. Conclusion: Biochemical factors that lead to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases is increased in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Therefore, it should be attended in prevention programs

---

Introduction: Life style is an important element to prevent the cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to determine life style risk factors of Tehran citizens as well as to prevent cancer. Methods: This study is a descriptive - analytic research with Sample size of 2500 Tehran citizens. The study data was collected via a questionnaire that contained 2 parts: demographic and questions related to life style cancer. Its validity and reliability was determined through content validity and Alfa-Cronbach test. Data was collected in one time and in front of the interviewer. Data analysis was done by SPSS software and descriptive and inferential statistics. The participants’ life style was assessed at three levels of satisfactory level 80-100%, moderately satisfactory level 60-79/9% and not satisfactory level0%-59/9%. Results: 40/4% of the subjects had no direct contact with sunlight. 62% of the subjects had contact with the white matter. 45/8% have sometimes been nervous. 46/7% of the civilian population of normal BMI had poor lifestyle. Conclusion: Since studied Tehran citizens’ life style associated with cancer prevention were not desired in most aspects, life style correction can prevent the cancer to a great extent. It is essential that health and medical authorities specially nurses plan to reform life style, health behaviors and individuals’ habits.

---

Introduction: Based on the findings of studies, brain tumors result in the decline of pediatric performance and quality of life. Therefore, this study aims at investigating different epidemiologic, demographic and clinical factors in children and adolescents with brain tumors in Arak, Iran. Methods: This case–control study was conducted on 50 children with brain tumor (with the age range of 1.5 – 19 years) as the case group and 50 children without brain tumor as the control group. Subjects were selected from inpatients and outpatients in the Valiasr Hospital of Arak, Iran from 2010 – 2013. A questionnaire including epidemiologic, demographic and clinical information was filled out for all subjects, and the study data was analyzed in SPPS software ( Version 18). Results: There was a significant difference between the members of the two groups regarding habitation (p=0.008), the number of siblings (p=0.003), history of contact with pets or owning them (p=0.007),father’s history of constant contact with chemicals, heavy metals and pesticides (p=0.05), the consumption of vitamin and nutritional supplements during pregnancy (p=0.048), history of neurologic diseases (p=0.048), history of cancer and other malignant tumors except for those of the nervous system (p=0.005) and history of brain tumors in the first degree relatives of subjects (p=0.035). Conclusion: According to research results, several preventable and predictable factors are linked to pediatric brain tumors. Therefore, children prone to brain tumors are recommended to be examined and screened for these risk factors.

---

Introduction: Obesity as one of the most important public health problems is growing worldwide and it is associated with many non-communicable diseases. The aim of this study was investigating the prevalence of general obesity and central obesity and their related factors.
Methods: The data of this research were extracted from a population health survey of Yazd province, Iran (YaHS), which was conducted on 9911 adults aged 20-70 years in 2014-2015. Body Mass Index
(BMI) < 18.5 was considered underweight, in the range of 18.5 -24.9 healthy, from 25 to 29.9 overweight, and ≥30 was interpreted as obese. Central obesity was defined as the waist circumference (WC) of ≥ 102 cm for men and ≥ 88 cm for women as well as waist to hip ratio (WHO) ≥ 0.90 for men and ≥0.85 for women. Chi-square and one-way ANOVA tests were used for univariate analysis.
Results:  The prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity in both genders were 3.7 % (4.0% in men and 3.4% in women), 37.7% (39.9% in men and 35.6% in women), and 27 % (19.3% in men and 34.7% in women), respectively. The prevalence of abdominal obesity based on WC and WHR were 44.8 (23.9% in males and 65.4% in females) and 69.8% (69.4% in males and 70.2% in females), respectively. Gender (female), old age, being married for both genders, and low education in women were associated with an increase in both types of obesity.
Conclusion: Overweight and obesity have affected more than half of the population (64%) and abdominal obesity has high prevalence in Yazd

---

Introduction: Childhood cansers are the second leading cause of death among children. Since the incidence and prevalence of malignancies are different in different regions and there are several cultural and environmental factors involved, the aim of this study was investigating epidemiology of common malignancies in children in Hamedan Province during the years of 1386-1395.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the population study was the children with  malignancies referred to Besat's Hospital in Hamadan Province. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 20 software. Descriptive indices and Chi-square test were used in this study.
Results: All available records showed that the malignancy was more prevalent in boys in freqency (57/7%). Most acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients were 1-9 years, most acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients were older than 9 years and most other malignancies were 1-4 years and over 9 years. The number of blood platelets (PLT) and the white blood cells (WBC) of the majority of patients in other malignancies, respectively, were greater than 100,000 and less than 50,000. For acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia patients, the number of PLT and WBC  were less than 100,000 and less than 50,000, respectively. The most clinical symptoms for acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients were fever and pale,  fever and bleeding for acute myeloid leukemia AML patients, and finally masses and fever for patients with other malignancies.
Conclusion: Although the results of the family cancer were consistent with expected results concluded of similar studies, but  the incidence of other malignancies in females was different (51/1%) with the results of some other studies.

---

---

---