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Objective: Intrauterine insemination is one of the treatment methods for infertility. This study assesses the results of IUI in two groups, which include of male factor infertility and infertility that is unexplained. Methods: This study was done in the form of census on the bases of data in 223 files of infertile patients who referred to Fatemeh Zahra fertility and infertility center of Babol. These data showed that clomiphene alone or clomiphene with HMG was used to induce ovulation for every patient. Then they were followed by vaginal sonography and after having at least one follicle (18mm or more) they received HCG and finally after two weeks βHCG was done for pregnancy test. Then the analysis of obtained results was done by Chi-square and T-test. Findings: 223 patients undergone with a total of 419 times of IUI. Of these, 134 had a male factor and underwent 234 IUIs, as a result 15 women were successfully conceived (11.2% for every patient and 6.4% for every menstrual cycle). 89 patients in unexplained infertile group underwent 185 IUIs resulting in 4 cases of pregnancy and pregnancy rate of every patient was 4.2% and for every menstrual cycle 2.1%. In 50 infertile patients with male factor whose sperm counts were under 10 millions/ml. (Severe oligospermia) there was only one pregnancy (0.7%). Conclusion: In treatment of infertile patients with male factor, specially those who without a severe oligospermia compared with unexplained infertile patients, IUI and COH (Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation) was more successful.

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Objective: Cesarean section is one of the most common ways of operation that is increasingly practiced in medical centers. The mortality of this surgical approach is seven times more than that of normal delivery and its morbidity greater than normal vaginal delivery there is no information in hand concerning the incidence of cesarean operation in Babol. Therefore, knowing about factors that make c.section widely practiced will help us decrease the number of operations and thus help the ministry of health with its goals. Methods: The research has been conducted in 1998 on cesarean sections in Yahyanejad and excellency Fatemeh Zahra public Babol clinic and Valliasr the research on the causes cesarean of was accomplished on 700 cases selected randomly in day, Bahman and Esfand 350 cases in public or private centers, questionnaires were completed considering the facts in their hospital records. Public centers were and patients claims. Findings: Incidence of cesarean in 40.5% and 50% for private centers, the most important causes of performing c-section was found to be previous cesarean 30.9% (Governmental 18.3, non-governmental 12.9), cephalo pelvic dispreparation and non-progressed delivery 28% (12.1 versus 15.9) fetal distress and discharge of meconium 13.3% (8.3 versus 4) tendency of the patient 11.9% (2 versus 9.9) mal presentations 5.1% (3.1 versus 4) high risk pregnancy 4.5% (3.7 versus 0.8), tubal ligation 2.1% (1 versus 1.1). Conclusion: Incidence of cesarean is more at public hospitals than at private and difference that are found between them it is remarkably increasing in Babol than other centers. The meaningful difference of causes of c-section in public and private centers shows that all the c-section in private centers have a medically approved indication. With attention that most common causes more cesarean is primary c/s in private centers at is recommended to decrease rate of cesarean with precision and more research in primary c/s also with patience to encourage mothers to have a normal vaginal.

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Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the follicular response in induction of ovulation with the of low dose human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) in patients with clomiphene citrate resistant PCOs. Methods: This semi-experimental study was performed on 12 patients with clomiphene citrate resistant PCOs in Fatemeh Zahra infertility center. Induction ovulation was started with 37.5 (IU) of HMG daily and then was increased by 75IU according to follicular response. Patients were exactly monitored by vaginal sonography. Findings: Eight patients showed suitable follicular response to induction, of whom 2 conceived. In 4 patients, their cycles had cancelled because no follicular response was observed in spite of increasing dose to 75IU until midcycle. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was not observed in any of them. Conclusion: Administration of low dose HMG can be used successfully to stimulate follicular growth in patients with clomiphene citrate resistant PCOs.

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Background and Objective: In this study, laparoscopy was evaluated to diagnose infertility. Methods: This study was done on the files of 221 infertile patients who referred to Fatemeh Zahra infertility center in Babol during 1997-2000. Data was gathered from the files of patients and then analyzed. Findings: Seventy seven percent of the women had primary infertility and 23% secondary. The commonest risk factor was abnormal HSG (Hysterosalpingography) that in primary infertility was 44% that was more than secondary infertility (33%). The most abundant abnormal laparoscopic findings, in primary and secondary of infertility were pelvic adhesion 24% and 27% and also unilateral tubal obstruction 17% and 25%, respectively. Also, the report of laparoscopy following the abnormal HSG 27% normal and 73% abnormal (P<0.001). The amount of diagnostic accuracy of HSG as compared with laparoscopy was obtained 67%. Conclusion: According to this study, the commonest agents were pelvic adhesion and tubal obstruction and the commonest risk factor in infertility was the abnormal HSG. Based on the findings, it is suggested that laparoscopy in females who have had primary infertility and normal HSG and who have not any risk factors can be performed later.

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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Since, ovarian response during assisted reproductive technology (ART) depends on ovarian reserve so it is important to evaluate ovarian reserve before the ART cycle. The purpose of this study was to determine correlation between basal antral follicle count and mean ovarian diameter before treatment with ovarian responsiveness.
METHODS: This study was performed on 94 infertile women who consecutively underwent ART in Fatemeh Zahra Center in Babol for one year. FSH, LH and FSH/LH were measured on day 3 of cycle, and basal antral follicle count and mean ovarian diameter were determined by vaginal sonography. GnRH Agonist was administered for hypophysial down regulation and then gonadotropin was administered for induction of ovulation. Ampules of gonodotropin, days of stimulation, numbers of oocytes, pregnancy rate and cycle cancellation were recorded.
FINDINGS: A positive linear correlation was seen between basal antral follicle count with recovered oocytes (p<0.05). Also, pregnancy rate had a positive linear correlation with recovered oocyte, fertilized ovum and basal antral follicle count (p< 0.05). A negative linear correlation was observed between basal antral follicle count with ampules of gonadotropin, days of stimulation that was not statistically significant (p>0.05). It was not seen a significant correlation between mean ovarian diameter and pregnancy rate, recovered oocytes, days of stimulation and ampules of gonodotropin.
CONCLUSION: The results show that antral follicle count on cycle day 3 has positive correlation with oocyte count and pregnancy rate. It is an easy and reliable method to predict ovarian responsiveness that allows physicians to evaluate patients immediately before ART stimulation and to optimize stimulation protocols.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In marrow primary culture for mesenchymal stem cell isolation, the cells suspended in supernatant are usually discarded at first medium exchange. The objective of this study was to culture and expand these cells, to examine their mesenchymal stem cell nature, to compare their growth rate with that of adherent cells of primary culture and eventually to optimize the culture conditions for the cells maximum proliferation.
METHODS: In this experimental study, 10 Wistar strain rats were sacrificed, their tibial bone marrow were collected and plated in 75cm2 culture flasks. Four days after culture initiation, the supernatant medium was collected and its floating cells along with those primarily adherent cells were expanded by three successive subcultures, during which population doubling time (PDT) was calculated and statistically compared. Furthermore, culture condition including its fetal bovine serum (FBS) concentration as well as the cell density at culture initiation for maximum proliferation of the cells was optimized. The isolated cells were evaluated with respect to their potential to differentiate into bone, cartilage and adipose cells.
FINDINGS: Based on our results, the population of the cells from removed medium was doubled in number each 14.9±2 hr, while this value was 19±2.1 hr for primarily adherent cell population (p<0.05). Data indicated that both cells had a maximum proliferation when cultured in a medium containing 15% FBS at 100 cell/cm2. The isolated cells were readily differentiated into skeletal cells as were evident in specific staining as well as RT-PCR analysis.
CONCLUSION: Supernatant of rat’s marrow primary culture contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with high growth rate.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Clomiphene citrate is the first–line treatment in patients with ovulatory dysfunction, but it may be associated with side effects for example multiple follicles, multiple pregnancy and adverse effects on endometrial growth. Nowadays, it is considered to use letrozole for induction ovulation. The aim of this study was to compare letrozole with clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction, in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOs).
METHODS: This clinical trial study was performed on 107 PCOs patients. They divided into two groups. Group one received 100mg clomiphene citrate (n=57) and group two received 5mg letrozole (n=50) daily on days 3-7 of their menstrual cycle. Human chorionic gonadotrplin (hCG) at a dose of 10000IU was administered when at least one mature follicle was observed. A single IUI was performed 34 hours later. Then size and number of mature follicles, ovulation rate, endometrial thickness and pregnancy rate was measured.
FINDINGS: The number and the size of mature follicles were similar between two groups. The pregnancy rate in letrozole was 6% higher than clomiphene group (20% vs. 14%) that did not show significant difference. Endometrial thickness in letrozole and clomiphene citrate group was 64% and 64.9%, respectively. 86% of patients developed mature follicle in letrozole group who all of them showed ovulation, but in 72% of patients in clomiphene citrate group was developed mature follicles.
CONCLUSION: Letrozole may be an acceptable alternative to clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction and pregnancy rate in PCOs patients.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Every year, there are many people who suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI). They are at high risk for depression, psychological disorder and cognitive disabilities. But both patients and their families and medical teams pay more attention to their physical problems. So, the goal of this study was to assess cognitive abilities and psychosocial health of TBI persons.
METHODS: This longitudinal cohort study was performed on 91 patients (18-60 years) with TBI who were hospitalized at Hefdah Sharivar hospital, Amol, Iran. They were followed up 6 and 12 months after trauma. General health, depression and cognitive abilities measured with GHQ28 (General Health Questionnaire 28), BDI (Beck Depression Inventory) and MMSE (Mini Mental Status Examination) questionnaires, and were evaluated based on severity of brain injury (GCS).
FINDINGS: Mean age of the patients was 32.40±12.08 years and more patients (n=79, 86.8%) were male. Nineteen (20.9%) of them were experienced severe TBI (GCS=3-8). Sixty seven patients (73.6%) after 6 months and 61patients (67%) after 12 months were suspected to psychological disorder (cut of point =24). Only 26 (28.6%) and 29 (31.9%) of patients 6 and 12 months after injury were normal range of BDI. Correlation between severity of TBI and cognitive abilities depression and psychological health were statistically significant (p<0.05). But demographic factors did not have effective on them (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION: The findings showed that impairment in mental health and cognitive ability in patients with traumatic brain injury. But it seems that there are discovered patients psychological disorders before 12 months. So, TBI persons and their carers may need professional assistance, early treatment and rehabilitation for maintaining a reasonable psychosocial quality of life.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Continuing dental education program is recognized as a necessary measure for promoting and maintaining the level of knowledge and skill of dental graduates. The aim of this study was to determine the opinions of general dental practitioners and faculty members view about different aspects of these programs.
METHODS: This qualitative study used focus groups of 35 general dentists (in seven groups) and 27 members of the dentistry faculty (in ten groups). After transcription of the entire discussions, content analysis was done by coding and categorizing the data.
FINDINGS: The total codes extracted from faculty members were 44 and for general dentists were 43 codes so divided in three categories. There were 9 common codes between two groups after assessment of the contents.
CONCLUSION: General dentist’s needs including operative dentistry, root canal therapy and dental prosthesis should be considered in planning of these programs for quality improvement and increasing the efficacy and effectiveness of them.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Drop out of nursing students is a very important problem in the educational system. It is not only a personal problem but also causes social, mental and family problems. This study was done to investigate the causes of student drop out in Hazrat Zeinab nursing and midwifery faculty of Amol, Iran.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was done on 100 students of semester 3 -8 of Amol nursing and midwifery faculty. Students were divided into 2 groups the ones who had dropped out (the average of their passed credits was less than 16) and the ones who had not dropped out (the average of their passed credits was more than 16). Data was gathered by questionnaire including demographic characteristics and questions related to the factors affecting student drop out. Then the factors affecting student drop out were evaluated.
FINDINGS: The average grade of the diploma was 16.87±1.6 and the average of the passed credits was 15.99 ± 1.2. There was a significant difference between two groups of students according to marital status (p<0.000) accommodation situation (p =0.009), acceptance quota (p=0.01), interest in the course (p<0.000) and the educational consultation (p= 0.02). There was the greatest relationship between the diploma average and the dropping out (p<0.000).
CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, numerous factors such as marriage and acceptance quota can affect the student dropout. Drop out prevention and hazardous consequences of dropping out require careful recognition of these factors and effective planning.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Traffic accidents are one of the main causes of death in world and the first cause of year life lost in Iran. Although paths leading to the Amol town are busy and eventful, we have not comprehensive information about effective factors in traffic accident and the factors related to traffic accident severity. This study was done to determine mortality and injury severity in the accident victims referred to the Hefdah Shahrivar hospital of Amol, Iran.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was studied on 1397 road accident victims referred to Hefdah Shahrivar hospital of Amol town in 2007. Information on characteristics of injured persons, how accident occurred, accident location and time were recorded in the checklist. Injury severity scores (ISS) ranged from 1-6 according to physicians opinion. Then data was evaluated.
FINDINGS: From 1397 cases, 995 (71.2%) were male and 633 (45.2%) were at the age group of 15-30 years old. Number of deads was 125 (8.9%) that cause of death in 72 (6.57%) of them was head trauma. Number of injured cases was 476 (34.2%) and severity of injury was 7.85±10.21 on the roads outside urban area that was more than other roads (p<0.05). The passenger car occupants injured more (731 cases=52.3%) but the mean of injury severity in cyclists was 9.26±11.05 that was more than pedestrians, passenger car occupants and motorcyclists.
CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that a variety of factors, including the type and location of traffic accidents being involved in causing injuries, mortality and severity of injuries. Therefore, identifying these native factors will be a good guidance for the accurate and effective planning in improving the health of society.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Gynecology cancer is one of the most important issues in oncology and social medicine. Quality of life assessment in gynecologic cancer patients helps to evaluate the effect of treatment and supportive interventions in these patients. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life and its sub- scales in gynecologic cancer patients before and after chemotherapy and its related factors.
METHODS: This cross–sectional study was performed on 54 gynecologic cancer patients who were selected with proposal sampling. Data were collected with demographic and FACT-G questionnaires in individual interview before and 3 months after chemotherapy for quality of life evaluation. The quality of life was evaluated in four subgroups: physical, socio-familial, emotional and functional health. The minimum and maximum score of overall quality of life was 0 and 108, respectively.
FINDINGS: The mean age of patients was 54.70±13.80 years. The mean of physical, socio-familial, emotional, functional health and overall quality of life before treatment (61.69±18.48) was higher than after treatment (71.68 ± 16.38) (p<0.05). There was a relationship between age and overall quality of life after treatment (r = -0/42, p= 0.001). There was no significant difference between quality of life and marital status, education, job, economic status and type of cancer.
CONCLUSION: Complete duration of chemotherapy treatment can cause the overall improvement of quality of life in gynecologic cancer patients. Patient perception of this leads to better acceptance of cancer treatment.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: With respect to efficacy and less adverse side effects of medicinal plants, interest in alternative therapeutic approaches for treatment of diseases has become very popular. So in this study antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipididemic properties of 14 day administration of methanolic extract of D. carota seeds were investigated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.
METHODS: In this experimental study, type I diabetes was induced in 30 male Wistar rats (200-250g) by injection of 65 mg/kg, i.p of streptozotocin. Before this and 5 days postinjection blood samples were collected for measurement of serum level of glucose. Diabetes was confirmed in rats having FBS above 250 mg/dL. Thirty diabetic rats were divided to 5 groups (six animal for each group) received 100, 200, 300 mg/kg of extract, 600 µg/kg glibenclamide and 0.5 ml distilled water individually by gavage for 14 days. After 14 days rats sacrificed by decapitation and fasting blood samples were collected from cervical vein and above factors were measured with commercial kits by spectrophotometery.
FINDINGS: Administration of the methanol extract of D. carota seeds ) 100mg/kg) for 14 days had no significant effect on serum glucose level but significantly decreased triglycerides (113±13 vs. 84±4, p<0.05), LDL(27±9 vs.9±4, p<0.01) and VLDL (22.6±2 vs. 16.8±0.8, p<0.05) and at 300 mg/kg decreased triglycerides (175±41 vs. 61±6, p<0.01), VLDL (35±8 vs. 12±1, p<0.05), cholesterol (95±4 vs. 72±6, p<0.05), LDL (30.4±2 vs. 10±3, p<0.05) and increased HDL(42±3 vs. 50± 4, p<0.05) serum levels in comparison with diabetic groups.
CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, administration of Daucuscarota seeds extract for 14 days has mild antihyperglycemic but significant antihyperlipidemic effects in diabetic rats.

Please cite this article as follows:
Pouraboli I, Nazari S, Ranjbar B, Shariati M, KargarJahromi H. Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of daucuscarota ssp. sativum seeds extract in diabetic rats. J Babol Univ Med Sci 2014 16(3): 33-40.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Breastfeeding is the best food for growth and development of newborns and infants. General physicians have an essential role in promoting breastfeeding. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of general practitioner about breastfeeding. METHODS: This cross sectional study was about the knowledge and attitude of general practitioner in Sari, northern Iran in 2012. A questionnaire including 30 different questions related to breastfeeding, time of starting the feeding and duration of breastfeeding and maintenance of feeding was completed by general practitioners. FINDINGS: Three hundred general practitioners completed the questionnaires. One hundred and forty (46%) were female, 188(63%) were employed in urban area. There was no significant difference between private or governmental section as a view point of the results of answer to the questions. Urban physicians had more knowledge than the rural physicians. Overall knowledge of the participants was more than 50% in most of cases (96%) and in more than half of the cases was higher than 70%. Work experience of individuals had no effect on level of their knowledge. CONCLUSION: The level of knowledge of the physicians was at optimal level in most of cases, but there are inadequate acknowledge in some items of breastfeeding among them.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Since Capparis spinosa and Morus alba traditionally have been used to treat some diseases, this study investigated the anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of hydroalcoholic C.spinosa seeds and M.alba aqueous leaves xtract separately and in combined on blood glucose and lipids in diabetic.

METHODS: In this experimental study, 60 rats weighting 200-220 gr were divided into 6 groups of 10 each: diabetic control group, treated diabetic groups with different concentrations of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kgbw with the extracts of these two plants separately and in combination and treated diabetic group with Glibenclamide. Streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes. The extracts of C.spinosa and M.alba with doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kgbw and glibenclamide with 600 doses were fed them separately and in combination. Taking blood from rats was done in fasting condition and blood glucose level was determined with enzym and triglyceride, cholesterol and lipoproteins method using Pars Azmon Kits.

FINDINGS: The extract of M.alba leaves had the best effect on reducing the blood glucose level with dose of 200mg/kg (92/26±16mg/dl) (p<0/01). 800 mg/kg concentration reduced cholesterol (74/8±16mg/dl), triglyceride (25/7±12 mg/dl) and LDL (10/2±1/5 mg/dl) (p<0/05). 400 mg/kg dose of M.alba extract increased the amount of HDL (63/2±2/5mg/dl, p<0/05). The extract of C.spinosa with 200 mg/kg concentration had the best effect on reducing the blood glucose (117/1±16 mg/dl, p<0/01) and triglyceride (82/02±14/2 mg/dl, p<0/05) levels. This extract with 800mg/kg concentration declined cholesterol (83/3±1mg/dl) and LDL (9/7±2/1mg/dl) (p<0/05). Its concentration of 400mg/kg increased the amount of HDL (74/8±19/7). The combination of two extracts with dose of 200 mg/kg reduced blood glucose (106/4±24) and triglyceride (73/23±18mg/dl) (p<0/05). 800 mg/kg of this combination reduced cholesterol (69/4±2/4mg/dl) and LDL (14/4±3/9 mg/dl) (p<0/05). 400 mg/kg of it increased HDL (60/5±17mg/dl, p<0/01).

 

CONCLUSION: The results showed that there are some effective materials in C.spinosa and M.alba extracts which have the capability of reducing blood glucose and lipids.

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ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: OCT4B1, as one of the variants of OCT4 gene, is expressed at higher levels in cancer tissues and cancer cell lines, compared to other OCT4 variants. Recent studies have revealed the anti-apoptotic role of OCT4B1. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of OCT4B1 suppression on the expression profile of anti-apoptotic genes in three human tumor cell lines.

METHODS: In this in-vitro study, three human tumor cell lines including AGS (stomach adenocarcinoma), 5637 (bladder cancer), and U87MG (brain tumor) were purchased from the National Cell Bank of Iran (Pasteur Institute) and cultured in test and control groups. In order to suppress OCT4B1 expression, the cultures were transfected, using siRNA technology and lipofection method. After confirming the suppression process, total RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized. Finally, the expression rates of anti-apoptotic genes were determined, using specific primers and real-time PCR technique.

FINDINGS: Our data revealed an almost similar pattern of alteration in the expression profile of anti-apoptotic genes in all three cell lines. Also, BCL2, BRAF, and BFAR genes exhibited the most significant down-regulation by 20.87, 18.33, and 15.11 folds, respectively. The expression of at least 20 genes (out of 26 genes) decreased, while the expression rates of CASP2, IGF1R, TNF, and MCL1 were up-regulated or remained unchanged. Also, the expression of CFLAR gene was up-regulated in U87MG and down-regulated in other cell lines (5637 and AGS).

CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, OCT4B1 suppression by blocking the expression of anti-apoptotic genes may result in the induction of apoptosis in cancer cell lines.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cholera is a debilitating enteric disease, caused by Vibrio cholerae. Cholera toxin is the most important virulence factor in the pathogenesis of Vibrio cholera. Cholera toxin B subunit (CTxB), which forms a bond between the toxin and eukaryotic cells, has immunogenic features. The purpose of this study was to produce and purify antibodies against CTxB recombinant protein.

METHODS: The CTxB recombinant protein was expressed and purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. In total, ten 5-week-old BALB/C mice were divided into control and test groups. The test group subcutaneously received 10 micrograms of the recombinant protein along with Freund's adjuvant. Antibody titers were measured by ELISA method. The serum of immunized mice, receiving phosphate-buffered saline, was used in ELISA as the control. Immunoglobulin G was purified by the use of affinity column of G protein. The inhibiting effect of antibody against CTxB on toxin was examined using GM1-ELISA method.

FINDINGS: The results of ELISA method showed the binding of recombinant protein to cholera toxin antibody. The amount of purified protein for each liter of the medium was 9 milligrams. ELISA findings showed that after each injection, the amount of antibody in mice was increased. The absorption rate of serum with the dilution of 1:500 was higher than three. According to Bradford assay, the density of purified antibody was 1 mg/ml. In ELISA’S reaction, 156 ng of toxin-binding subunit was identified by the antibody. The binding of toxin to GM1 increased by 70%, using immunized animal serum.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed the efficiency of CTxB recombinant protein as an effective immunogen for provoking humoral response against cholera toxin. The antibody against the recombinant B subunit was able to identify toxins and inhibit its binding to GM1 receiver

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Otitis externa in children is defined as the inflammation of the external ear canal and it is a common clinical issue in general medicine. This study aimed to determine the main causes of otitis externa in children in Babol, Iran.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 56 children diagnosed with otitis externa referring to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Clinic of Rohani Hospital of Babol, Iran. Demographic data of the subjects including age, gender and duration of symptoms were recorded, and earwax was removed using a speculum. Afterwards, the obtained samples were evaluated microscopically, and were partly inoculated on media such as chocolate agar, blood agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar with Chloramphenicol. Eventually, the effective organisms were detected using different laboratory methods.

FINDINGS: : In this study, the most frequent symptoms of ear infection among children were inflation (76.8%) and secretion (75%), while the most common clinical manifestations were inflation of channel (82.1%) and secretion (69.6 %), respectively. Moreover, direct observation of the studied patients indicated bacteria as the most frequent organisms (42.9%). The most commonly isolated bacteria included Bacillus, coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Streptococci, while the most frequent fungi were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans.

CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, otitis externa in children could be caused by fungi, bacteria or the combination of both these organisms

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ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pain is the most frequent symptom in different diseases. In modern medicine, there are two main categories of analgesics: opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Given the importance of medicinal plants in the treatment of different diseases, this study aimed to compare the analgesic effects of the alcoholic extract of Teucrium with morphine and aspirin.

METHODS: In this experimental study, 36 Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of 6. The negative control group received normal saline (5 ml/kg), two positive control groups received morphine 2.5 mg/kg  and aspirin 300 mg/kg, and three treatment groups received hydro-alcoholic extract of Teucrium (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) intraperitoneally in single doses. Half an hour after the intraperitoneal injection of the extract, 50 microlitres of 2.5% formalin was injected subcutaneously into the right paw of the rats, and the analgesic effects were compared using the formalin test.

FINDINGS: In this study, the hydro-alcoholic extract of Teucrium had a dose-dependent analgesic effect, and the most effective dose of the extract was 200 mg/kg. Acute pain scores in the normal saline, aspirin, morphine and 200 mg/kg extract groups were 2.58±0.09, 1.39±0.06, 4.15±0.09 and 1.61±0.1, respectively. In addition, chronic pain scores were 2.37±0.09, 0.99±0.1, 0.33±0.09 and 1.18±0.06, respectively. Analgesic effects of Teucrium extract on chronic pain were lower compared to morphine, and had no significant difference with aspirin.

CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, and regarding the presence of polyphenolic compounds in this herb, Teucrium is believed to have several analgesic properties