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ABSTRACT: Introduction & Objective: Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disease of human with prevalence of 1 to 4 percent. Peripheral neuropathy is one of the chronic complications of diabetes and its prevalence is not properly known, but worldwide is from 5 to 66 percent. The prevalence of this complication is not known in Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in definite cases of diabetes type 2 and related factors in Dena town-ship in fall 2004. Materials & Methods: This was a cross sectional descriptive study that 40 definite cases of type 2 diabetes )28 females and 12 males( whose duration of disease were between 5 to 25 years were selected randomly. After informing and taking history and physical examination of the subjects, the nerve conduction study and electromyography were performed for them. Then the data were analyzed by SPSS software and X2 and Fischer exact tests. Results: Results of this study showed that prevalence of diabetes in urban and rural areas of Dena township were 1 and 0.8 percent respectively. Prevalence of neuropathy was 52.5% which comprised of 17.5% peripheral neuropathy, 22.5% carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and 12.5% combined form. The distal symmetrical sensorimotor peripheral polyneuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome were the most common peripheral neuropathy and entrapment mononeuropathy, respectively. In this study, there were no significant statistical correlation between peripheral neuropathy and sex, age, duration of diabetes, fasting blood sugar, underlying disease, retinopathy and nephropathy, but significant correlation was found between mononeuropaty (CTS) and fasting blood sugar. Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes mellitus causes high prevalence of neuropathy (peripheral neuropathy & mononeuropathy) which is not related to duration of diabetes, retinopathy, nephropathy, age and underlying disease. We concluded that early diagnosis of disease could be done by educating of people and this can lead to a decrease in complications of diabetes.

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ABSTRACT: Introduction & Objective: Much interest has been focused on the development of alternative instrument for bridging the nerve gaps. In the present study we used poled polyvinelidene fluoride (PVDF) tube filled with nerve growth factor (NGF) and collagen gel as a substitute for nerve autograft and compared the results with other current surgical techniques. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats each weighing 200-250 g were randomly divided in five groups nerve guidance channel, autograft, epineural suture, axotomy and sham operation. In nerve guidance channel groups, a 10 mm piece of left sciatic nerve was transected and this gap was repaired by PVDF tube containing NGF 7s (100 ng) and collagen gel (1.28 mg/ml). In autograft group, the 10 mm piece was 180° rotated and sutured to two nerve ends. In epineural suture group, left sciatic nerve in the middle thigh was transected then sutured end to end. In axotomy group, left sciatic nerve was transected in the middle thigh and was not repaired. After two months, left ventral L4-6 segments of spinal cord was removed and semi-thin and ultra-thin preparation for light and electron microscope were done. Contra-lateral side of spinal cord segments was used as control in all groups. Results: After two months we observed motor neuron atrophy and shrinkage, cytoplasmic vacouels and piknotic neurons in different surgical groups, but it was more intense in axotomy group. These changes were less in epineural suture group than in autograft and nerve guidance channel groups. In sham and control groups no changes were observed. In addition, increased nuclear condensation, nuclear membrane folding, central and marginal chromatin clumping in spinal motor neuron were observed in surgical groups mainly in axotomy group. Conclusion: According to the results, any type of injury to the sciatic nerve can cause cell changes and finally cell death in the spinal motor neurons. Using PVDF with NGF and collagen gel reduced cell changes at the level of autograft.

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ABSTRACT: Introduction & Objective: Nociception and behavioral responses to noxious stimuli are different in males and females. It seems that these differences are due to the effects of sex hormones on the pain mechanisms. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of testosterone administration on nociception by formalin test in gonadectomized rats. Material & Methods: In this study 32 male wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=8) the control rats without receiving any drug or surgical operation, the sham – operated animals with surgical stress, the gonadectomized rats receiving 0.5 ml vehicle (olive oil ) i.p., and the gonadectomized rats receiving testosterone enantate (6 mg/100 gr body weight in 0.5 ml vehicle i.p.). On the sixth day after gonadectomy operation, formalin test was done in all rats. Pain scores in formalin test were statistically analyzed by SPSS and ANOVA. Results: The results showed that testosterone caused an increase in pain score in acute phase of formalin test in gonadectomized rats compared with sham-operated group (p<0.001). However, pain score in chronic phase was significantly reduced in testosterone received rats (p<0.001). Conclusion: It can be concluded that testosterone increases nociception in acute phase of formalin test in gonadectomized rats. On the other hand, testosterone relieved pain during chronic phase. Anti-nociceptive effects of testosterone in chronic phase may be through central nervous system by interacting with endogenous pain modulatory systems

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Background & aim: Nowadays the effects of plant-based foods in maintaining and improving the health of many diseases have been considered. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Abscisic acid on serum sex hormone levels and testis of adult male rats, respectively. Methods: In this experimental study, 50 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control, sham and experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The control group received no drug treatment. The sham group received distilled water as a solvent. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were administered orally with 20, 400 and 800 mg /kg of extract containing plant hormone Abscisic acid for 40 days respectively. At the end of the fortieth day from all groups blood samples were taken and serum hormones LH, FSH, dihydrotestosterone, and testosterone were measured by ELISA. Testicular tissue changes were studied by optical microscopy after preparation of tissue samples and lineage sperm counts between experimental and control groups were studied. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and t-test. Results : Abscisic acid extract with doses of 400 and 800 mg/ kg at the end of the fortieth day significantly increased serum testosterone levels than the control group (p<0.05). No significant differences in serum hormones LH, FSH and DHT were observed in the experimental group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Primary spermatocytes, borderline Sertoli between experimental and control groups were not seen (p<0.05). Histology of seminiferous tubules and spermatogenesis cell also had not changed. Conclusion : Possibly during a period of 40-day the effects of Abscisic acid on receptor function , through the impact on N- methyl-D-aspartate receptors and γ receptor by proxysom ( PPARγ) and activation of LH receptors in Leydig cells lead to testes activation and cause increase in secretion of testosterone. Key words: Abscisic acid, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, LH, FSH, pituitary-gonadal axis

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Abstract Background & aim: Pistachio oil contains the chemical compounds such as saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids can inhibit 5-α- reductase enzyme and unsaturated fatty acids increase cholesterol levels in the body. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of pistachio oil on adult male rats’ reproductive status. Methods: In the present experimental study, 40 male Wistar rat were divided into five groups of eight. The control group received water and standard food the sham group received an equal of distilled water as a solvent and the experimental groups receiving 1, 2 and 4 ml/kg of pistachio oil for a period of 28 days orally. At the end of the 28th day, blood samples and preparation of tissue sections were taken from the rats. The results were analyzed by Excel, One- way analysis variance, and t- test. Results: The results of hormonal assays revealed that the pistachio Vera oil at 2 and 4 ml/kg, had a significant increase in testosterone levels (P <0.05) compared to the control and sham groups. Histopathological analysis showed that the sperm density in seminiferous tubules of the testis in experimental groups increased significantly (P <0.05). Conclusions: The pistachio Vera oil increased testosterone and tubular sperm density, possibly related with compounds such as palmitic and myrystic acids as the inhibitor of 5 - alpha - reductases and increased biosynthesis of 17 - beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Key words: Pistachio Vera oil, Testis, Gonadotropin, Testosterone, Rat

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Abstract Background & aim: Pistachio oil contains the chemical compounds such as saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids can inhibit 5-α- reductase enzyme and unsaturated fatty acids increase cholesterol levels in the body. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of pistachio oil on adult male rats’ reproductive status. Methods: In the present experimental study, 40 male Wistar rat were divided into five groups of eight. The control group received water and standard food the sham group received an equal of distilled water as a solvent and the experimental groups receiving 1, 2 and 4 ml/kg of pistachio oil for a period of 28 days orally. At the end of the 28th day, blood samples and preparation of tissue sections were taken from the rats. The results were analyzed by Excel, One- way analysis variance, and t- test. Results: The results of hormonal assays revealed that the pistachio Vera oil at 2 and 4 ml/kg, had a significant increase in testosterone levels (P <0.05) compared to the control and sham groups. Histopathological analysis showed that the sperm density in seminiferous tubules of the testis in experimental groups increased significantly (P <0.05). Conclusions: The pistachio Vera oil increased testosterone and tubular sperm density, possibly related with compounds such as palmitic and myrystic acids as the inhibitor of 5 - alpha - reductases and increased biosynthesis of 17 - beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Key words: Pistachio Vera oil, Testis, Gonadotropin, Testosterone, Rat

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Abstract Background and aim: Zonisamide is an inhibitor for glutamate neurotransmitter and gamma aminobutiric acid (GABA)-mediators. It also increases the total levels of serotonin. According to the importance of this drug in psychotherapy, its side effects on the endocrine system seem to be very important. This study was aimed to determine the effects of zonisamide on pituitary-gonad axis and spermatogenesis. Methods: In this experimental study, 50 adult male Wistar rats were divided in five groups of ten. The control group did not receive any medical treatment. The sham group received 1 ml distilled water as a solvent and three experimental groups were treated with 50, 100, 200 mg/ kg of zonisamide orally for 28 days.At the day of 29, blood samples and preparation of tissue section were taken from all groups. Serum concentrations of hormones were measured via Radio Immuno Assay (RIA). Using the SPSS software, the results were analyzed by using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey tests. Results: The results showed that 100 and 200(mg/kg.b.w) of zonisamide could reduce the serum level of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), while it increased the LH concentration. It should be noted that 200(mg/kg.b.w) of drug also enhanced the FSH level (P<0/001). Also, a considerable decline was observed in spermatogenesis chain at high doses of zonisamide. Conclusion: This study showed that high doses of zonisamide decrease the serum concentration of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone and the number of spermatogenic cells. It also increased the serum FSH and LH levels. Therefore, it is proposed that zonisamide may decrease the function of reproductive activity. Key words: Zonisamide, Reproduction, Rat

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Abstract Background & aim: Formative research is done to identify and analyze the related factors for a behavior and determining an initiative idea for intervention. This study aimed at knowing about viewpoints of taxi drivers in Yasuj and assessing attitudes and behaviors in driving. In this way, a behavioral intervention will be designed for decreasing risky driving behaviors. Methods: This cross-sectional study including qualitative and quantitative on taxi drivers in Yasuj. In qualitative part, data were explored from 16 drivers in two focal group discussions and in quantitative survey, a questionnaire is used for measuring attitudes and self-reported behaviors and a checklist is used for recording observational behaviors of 260 taxi drivers. Descriptive and analytical statistics for quantitative were used. All discussions with taxi drivers were recorded, categorized and analyzed and its findings summarized in five main themes. Results: Majority of taxi drivers had desired attitudes toward risky driving behaviors. More than 80 percent reported that always or most times avoid doing risky driving. However, observation showed that not fastening seatbelt through route is the most frequent behaviors among taxi drivers. In focal group discussions, four themes and few sub-themes were explored and the main recommendations for reducing risky driving behaviors were continuous education, road modification, increasing police supervision and using route supervisors as opinion leaders of taxi drivers. Conclusion: Determining frequent risky driving behaviors, attention to viewpoints of drivers and selecting segments based on influencing factors on their behaviors can be effective for reducing risky driving behaviors. Key words: Formative research, Risky driving behaviors, attitude, Taxi drivers, Social marketing

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Background & aim: The Cucurbita pepo L. fruit pulp contains anti-oxidant, vitamins A, C and E, cucurbitacin, β-carotene and α-carotene, B complex vitamins, vitamin B6, pantetonic acid and contains minerals as well. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pumpkin fruits on spermatogenesis and testicular tissue changes in male rats. Methods: The present experimental study was conducted on forty adult male Wistar rats in four groups of ten. The control group received no drug treatment whereas the experimental groups were treated with 20, 40 and 80 percent of Cucurbita pepo L. fruit pulp orally for 28 days. At the end of the twenty-eighth day, the animals were operated and tissue sections were prepared after testes were removed. Histological changes between the experimental and control groups were examined by light microscopy. Using t-test, ANOVA and Tukey test data were analyzed. . Results: The consumption of pumpkin fruit at amounts of 40 and 80 percent increase in the number of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and spermatids were (p <0.05). It also showed that at 80% increase in the concentration of spermatozoa in the seminiferous tubules was observed. Conclusion: The results indicated that the pumpkin fruits containing ingredients such as cucurbitacin, pantothenic acid, vitamins and minerals that can increase testosterone level and improve the process of spermatogenesis.

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Background & aim: Health literacy is the capacity of an individual to obtain, interpret, and understand basic health information and services and the competence to use such information and services in ways that are health enhancing. The aim of this study was to assess the HIV/AIDS health literacy in Yasuj and its related factors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a 21-item valid and reliable questionnaire was used. Our sample included 250 individuals aged 15- 49 years that selected by two-stage cluster sampling method and completed the questionnaire. Results: Average of health literacy scores of participants was 10.30 ± 3.36 and only 16.4 percent of them had adequate HIV/AIDS literacy. In modified regression model, there was a significant association between education (B= 0.40, p<0.001), being governmental staff (B=1.54, p=0.02), and low economic status (B= - 0.52, p=0.02) with HIV/AIDS literacy scores. Conclusions: Most of the individuals in this study had not enough HIV/AIDS literacy level. It seems that lack of access to information and services relevant to the HIV/AIDS complexity and disproportion of information with audience and inappropriate form of presenting health messages, cause low health literacy. Keywords: health literacy, HIV/AIDS, Assessment

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Abstract:
Background and aim: Leaves and flowers of Nasturtium officinalis L. contain flavonoid compounds. This plant has several characteristics, such as anticancer properties, blood suger insucer and blood lipids. In the present study, the protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of grasses in liver toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in Wistar rats was investigated.
 
Methods: In this research, 32 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four equal groups of  control (received olive Oil), positive control (received olive Oil + CCl4), and four groups as treatment 1 and 2 received olive oil intraperitoneal administration and 250, 500mg/kg body weight hydroalcoholic extract Nastartium officinals respectively. Animals were treated orally by gavage daily for 32 days. At the end of experiment, serum levels of aspartate and alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase and total proteins were assessed. The Data was analyzed with using of one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's HSD tests using SPSS 21.
 
Results: The mean of ALT, AST, ALP reduced and total protein increased significantly in the in the fourth group compared to the second group (P<0.05). Histological investigation demonstrated that necrosis and inflammation of liver reduced following carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity.
 
Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extract of Nasturtium officinal's can protect liver cells against toxic oxidative damage caused by carbon tetrachloride.
 
 

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Background & aim: HIV/AIDS is a major health concern globally. Promoting HIV AIDS literacy for everyone is one of the appropriate and required measures in this regard. The present research aimed to improve HIV/AIDS literacy among male teachers in high schools of Ahvaz.

Methods: The present field-trial study was conducted on 200 male teachers of the first and second high schools of Ahvaz. The study population was randomly divided into intervention (n=100) and control (n=100) groups. The Iranian HIV/AIDS Literacy Questionnaire was used to collect data. According to easy-to-read texts and alternative communication tools strategies, HIV/AIDS Literacy intervention was developed. The intervention included developing an educational pamphlet and sending SMS to the intervention group. One month after the intervention, the questionnaire was completed again and analyzed by SPSS software using logistic regression and t-test.

Results: The age mean and standard deviation of the participants was 41.60 ± 7.80. At the baseline, the mean and standard deviation of HIV/AIDS literacy was 11.1 ± 3.46 in the intervention group and 9.63 ± 2.54 in the comparison group. After the intervention, the score of HIV/AIDS literacy significantly improved in the intervention group (P<0.001). Only marital status was the significant predictor for HIV/AIDS literacy. Analysis of the Pearson correlation coefficients showed that understanding and search skills have the strongest correlation with HIV/AIDS literacy.

Conclusion: Based on the study findings, it was concluded that promoting HIV/AIDS literacy through   the use of easily understandable texts and alternative communication tools can prove to be effective. Considering the role of teachers in transferring knowledge and skills to prevent HIV and its transmission, it is suggested to hold regular and continuous training courses for all teachers.