zahra zakeri

The context of situation has always been one of the main issues of rhetorical sciences.This issue at hand has four main component that include:required audience,appropriate words,appropriate environment,appropriate speaker.The focus of this research will be on the required audience.The appropriateness of the audience means to comply with the appropriateness of the word with its recipient. Undoubtedly, knowing the audience is the prelude to complying with this ratio. Based on this, the more accurate and complete the audience criteria are, the more correct the audience's requirements will be met.Audience analysis and knowing the audience in rhetorical books is limited to the knowledge and attention of the audience. The division of the audience into empty-minded, hesitant and negative is a confirmation of this article;While the characteristics of the audience are not summarized in science and attention, Rather, there are other elements in the perceptual and behavioral structure of humans, each of which leads the theologian to choose a specific way of speaking.Since the topic of the research was the investigation of the Quranic addresses of Prophet Moses to the Israelites, it became necessary to have a self-knowledge that is compatible with revealed anthropology.For this purpose,Sadra's anthropology, which is largely derived from the Qur'an and hadiths, was chosen for this purpose.In this way,Sadra's anthropology, which corresponds to ontology, was explained first, and the components of the human being's structure in two perceptual and behavioral areas were mentioned.Then, based on the context and meaning of each component, the relationship between that component of the human structure and the corresponding language structure was expressed. And in the final part, the desired verses were analyzed based on this corresponding structure.And the focus point of the discussion is to show linguistic audience in the example of Quranic verses addressed to Moses based on anthropology in Sadra's philosophical system.

Assessment of relationship between LC3II/LC3 and Autophagy-related 7 (Atg7) proteins, as markers of autophagy, as well as evaluating the sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation in spermatozoa of infertile men with globozoospermia.

In this case-control study, 10 semen samples from infertile men with globozoospermia and 10 fertile individuals were collected, and the sperm parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation, and main autophagy markers (Atg7 and LC3II/LC3) were assessed according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, TUNEL assay, and western blot technique, respectively.

The mean of sperm concentration and motility were significantly lower, while the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa and DNA fragmentation were significantly higher in infertile men with globozoospermia compared to fertile individuals (P<0.01). Unlike the relative expression of LC3II/LC3 that did not significantly differ between the two groups, the relative expression of ATG7 was significantly higher in infertile men with globozoospermia compared to fertile individuals (P <0.05). There was a significantly negative correlation between the sperm concentration (r=-0.679; P=0.005) and motility (r=-0.64; P=0.01) with the expression of ATG7, while a significantly positive association was founf between the percentage of DNA fragmentation and expression of ATG7 (0.841; P =0.018).

The increased expression of ATG7 and unaltered expression of LC3II/LC3 may indicate that the autophagy pathway is initiated but not completely executed in spermatozoa of individuals with globozoospermia. A significant correlation of ATG7 expression with increased sperm DNA fragmentation, reduced sperm concentration, and sperm motility may associate with the activation of a compensatory mechanism for promoting deficient spermatozoa to undergo cell death by the autophagy pathway. Therfore, this pathway could act as a double-edged sword that, at the physiological level, is involved in acrosome biogenesis, while, at the pathological level, such as globozoospermia, could act as a compensatory mechanism.

lupus nephritis (LN) is a severe form of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with renal complications. Current diagnosis is based on invasive renal biopsy and serum antibodies and complement levels that are not specific enough. The current study aims to identify new biomarker candidates for non-invasive diagnosis of LN and explore the pathogenic mechanisms that contribute to renal injury. A metabolomics approach using 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), was developed for comparison of urine metabolic profile of 14 LN patients, 10 SLE patients, and 11 healthy controls (HCs). Differential biomarker candidates were identified by using multivariate modeling, and their diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC).   Three metabolites were common in differentiating all three groups including beta-alanine, 2,2-dimethylsucssinic acid, and 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde and suggested as a diagnostic panel for LN with AUC of 0.89, sensitivity of 81 %, and specificity of 100 %. Complementary analyses on pathways indicated that nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism is the most important perturbed pathway in LN. Metabolomics is a useful tool for identification of biomarkers with the ability to diagnose LN patients and predict perturbed pathways responsible for renal injury.

Phospholipase C zeta 1 (PLCζ) is one of the main sperm factor involved in oocyte activation and other factors may assist this factor to induce successful fertilization. Microinjection of recombinant tr-kit, a truncated form of c-kit receptor, into metaphase II-arrested mouse oocytes initiate egg activation. Considering the potential roles of tr- KIT during spermiogenesis and fertilization, we aimed to assess expression of tr-KIT in sperm of men with normal and abnormal parameters and also in infertile men with previous failed fertilization and globozoospermia. This experimental study was conducted from September 2015 to July 2016 on 30 normozoospermic and 20 abnormozoospermic samples for experiment one, and also was carried out on 10 globozoospermic men, 10 men with a history low or failed fertilization and 13 fertile men for experiment two. Semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation were assessed according to WHO protocol, and TUNEL assay. Sperm tr- KIT was evaluated by flow cytometry, immunostaining and western blot. The results show that tr-KIT mainly was detected in post-acrosomal, equatorial and tail regions. Percentage of tr-KIT-positive spermatozoa in abnormozoospermic men was significantly lower than normozoospermic men. Also significant correlations were observed between sperm tr-KIT with sperm count (r=0.8, P<0.001), motility (r=0.31, P=0.03) and abnormal morphology (r=-0.6, P<0.001). Expression of tr-KIT protein was significantly lower in infertile men with low/ failed fertilization and globozoospermia compared to fertile men. The significant correlation was also observed between tr-KIT protein with fertilization rate (r=-0.46, P=0.04). In addition, significant correlations were observed between sperm DNA fragmentation with fertilization rate (r=-0.56, P=0.019) and tr-KIT protein (r=-0.38, P=0.04). tr-KIT may play a direct or indirect role in fertilization. Therefore, to increase our insight regarding the role of tr-KIT in fertilization further research is warranted.

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy manifests as digital clubbing, subperiosteal new bone formation in tubular bone and diffuse skin hypertrophy. It could be either primary or secondary. We report a 31-year-old man presenting with digital clubbing and diffuse skin thickening which started at puberty. X-rays showed subperiosteal new bone formation. All examinations for secondary causes were negative.

Treatment with tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors has been increasingly implicated in the management of autoimmune diseases.In spite of their promising effects, they are commonly associated with side effects. This issue indicates the need for newer drugs with the same efficacy and fewer serious adverse effects. Pentoxifylline is aphosphodiesterase which inhibits TNF secretion and exerts to some degree an anti-inflammatory effect. The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of pentoxifylline as an adjunctive therapy in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.Twenty-five patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis were randomly assigned to treatment or placebo groups having been matched for age and gender.The treatment group received pentoxifylline (1200 mg daily), and the placebo group received a placebo in addition to the standard treatment of sulfasalazine 2-3 gram daily and indomethacin 50-75 mg per day that were given to all the patients in both groups.Serum levels of TNF-α were measured before and after the study intervention.Serum levels of TNF-α were reduced significantly in both groups with a p-value of

There are different controversial reports about Zinc status in healthy and normal population. The aim of this study is to evaluate Zinc status in normal and healthy population.
This cross-sectional study conducted on 320 subjects aged between 10 - 30 years without any underlying diseases or history of mineral therapy in Zahedan, south east of Iran. Zinc level was measured in all subjects after 12 hours fasting. All blood samples were centrifuged following 45 minutes spontaneous coagulation and then stored at -20°C. Zinc level was measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, Varian, Australia (spectr AA 240fs, 2009, USA).
Of 355 cases, 320 were eligible for the study. Mean age was 15.5 ± 2.15 years and median age was 16. One hundred twenty cases were male and the others were female (200 cases). Mean BMI was 21.43 ± 4.15. Mean Zinc level was 100.1 ± 16 µg/dL. Overall, 2.1% of normal population had Zinc deficiency, 83.3% had normal Zinc status, and 14.6% had Zinc excess.
Our study showed minority of cases had Zinc deficiency, which is different from previous reported results, because the most subjects in this study had normal level of zinc. We recommend further studies on diet in our population. It seems the only reason for the obtained result in this part of Iran with low socioeconomic status may be related to the diets containing high levels of Zinc such as whole grains and dairy products.

Rheumatoid arthritis has a non-homogeneous pattern around the world. The current study aimed to describe the clinical manifestations and disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis patients in southeastern Iran. In this descriptive, cross-sectional study with convenience sampling, data regarding the demographics, painful joints, number of swollen and tender joints, ESR, disease activity, and therapeutic regimen of 500 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who referred to the Rheumatology Clinic of Ali Ebn Abitaleb Hospital between October 2012 and October 2013 was collected using a data form. After collection, the data was analyzed using SPSS version 16. Of the 500 studied cases, 437 cases (87.4%) were female and 63 cases (12.6%) were male. Average patient age was 48.78 ± 13.97 years, and the mean duration of the disease was 7.28 ± 7.14 years. The mean value of disease activity score-28 (DAS-28) was 3.54 ± 1.38. The DAS-28 in 30.25% of cases was below 2.6, while in 14.7% of cases it was greater than 5.1. The knee (49.6%) and the wrist (36.6%) were the most prevalent painful joints, and 375 patients complained of morning stiffness. The most frequent therapeutic regimens were prednisolone (81%), methotrexate (62.4%), hydroxychloroquine(60.8%), sulfasalazine (24%), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (22.2%). Based on the results of this study, the mean value of DAS-28 of 3.54 ± 1.38 implies disease activity in most cases in southeastern Iran. This indicates that changing therapy regimens is necessary.

There has been two approaches in valuating virtual Water exports: Partial and General Equilibrium. Partial Equilibrium analysis are basically measured in terms of physical quantities (hectare, Cubic meter, tons etc.).This approach being partial does not consider other economic sectors (mines, industries and services). However, in general approach using input- output format, all economic sectors are taken into account simultaneously. The data base used in this approach is compositional (values and physical quantities) to estimate virtual water exports and imports for evaluating ecological pathology. Some researchers using partial equilibrium conclude that agricultural sector of Iran is net importer of virtual water, while others using general equilibrium are of the view that it is a net exporter of virtual water .One limiting factor in both the analysis is that these analysis are based on similar technology assumptions. In this paper we try to incorporate relative water productivity of trade partners in our analysis for the countriesfrom which 70 percent of Iran s imports came from. Our findings show that despite being a hot and dry country facing water shortages, Iran has been net exporter of virtual water. When we have taking into account the relative water productivity in our analysis, we find that the coefficient of net export of virtual water has increased even further.

Various factors, including genetic, psychological, environmental, and immune dysfunction, may contribute to susceptibility to schizophrenia. Due to several reports regarding abnormal cytokine production, abnormal cytokine concentrations and their receptors in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid, activation of the inflammatory response system, and altered levels of different cytokines in acute schizophrenia have been studied in recent years..
The purpose of this study was to examine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-23 levels in schizophrenic patients versus those of healthy controls..
Patients and In this case–control study, serum levels of IL-6 and IL-23 of 30 schizophrenic patients and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum levels of these cytokines were measured in schizophrenic patients experiencing their first episode who had not taken any psychotic drugs for at least 2 months prior to the study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 17. IL levels showed a non-Gaussian distribution. The statistical analysis was performed using appropriate statistical tests, including the Kruskal-Wallis or Mann–Whitney test..
Serum IL-23 levels of schizophrenic patients were significantly higher (696 ± 132 pg/mL) than those of the control subjects (313 ± 33 pg/mL) (P = 0.007). Serum IL-6 levels of the schizophrenic patients were also significantly higher than those of the controls (5.28 ± 1.1 and 2.54 ± 0.32 pg/mL, respectively; P = 0.01)..
These findings indicate that immune system activation might be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia..

Dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) are common forms of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy which are characterized by muscle inflammation with an unknown cause. Immune cells infiltrate myofibrils and endomysial capillaries, which leads to damage of muscle fibers through the production of humoral factors and different cytokines..
Increased IL-18 and IL-6 serum levels have been reported in a variety of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate IL-18 and IL-6 serum levels in DM and PM patients compared to a healthy control group..
Patients and In this cross-sectional study, 15 patients with DM, 5 patients with PM, and 20 healthy control subjects were recruited. The levels of serum IL-18 and IL-6 in patients and control groups were measured by using ELISA assay. Blood tests were taken to determine the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and creatine kinase (CK) and were measured by standard methods. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test with a non-Gaussian population using SPSS 19 software..
IL-18 levels were significantly higher in DM patients and PM patients before treatment compared to healthy control subjects (P = 0.001, P = 0.01, respectively). There were no significant differences between DM and PM patients before treatment with healthy controls for IL-6 serum levels (P = 0.51, P = 0.43, respectively)..
Serum IL-18 contributes to the immunopathogenesis of DM and PM and would be a useful marker for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. IL-6 has a less pivotal role in the pathology of DM and PM..

In some autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Interleukin-27 (IL-27) and IL-33 levels are increased. These observations suggest that IL-27 and IL-33 may have a role in the pathogenesis of polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM).. The aim of this study was to assess IL-27 and IL-33 levels in PM/DM patients compared to healthy control subjects..Patients and Twenty patients with DM and nine patients with PM were recruited in this study. Twenty-nine healthy controls whose age and gender were matched with the patients were also recruited. Serum IL-27 and IL-33 was measured by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).. The serum levels of IL-27 in patients with DM and PM were higher than those of healthy controls. There were no significant differences in serum levels of IL-33 in patients with DM and PM compared to the healthy control group.. These data indicate that IL-27 might be selectively involved in the pathogenesis of DM and PM. However, IL-33 does not appear to be influenced..

Cytokines play a crucial role in the processes which induce inflammation, joint destruction and extra-articular signs associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to examine the role of IL-23 and IL-10 in rheumatoid arthritis in pretreatment and post-treatment compared to healthy control subjects and osteoporosis patients. In this cross-sectional study, 30 patients diagnosed with RA and 30 healthy controls subjects and 15 patients with osteoporosis matched to age and gender were selected. Blood samples were collected from the patients and the control group to determine IL-23 and IL-10 serum levels. The serum levels of IL-23 and IL-10 were measured by ELISA assay. IL-23 serum levels in RA patients were more than IL-23 serum levels in control group and osteoporosis group and was considered a significant difference (P=0.007). IL-23 serum levels in the patient group three months after treatment decreased significantly compared to RA subjects before treatment (P=0.009). There was no significant difference between IL-10 serum levels in RA patients group before treatment compared to control group and osteoporosis group, but IL-10 serum levels in RA group before treatment and three months after treatment showed a significant difference (P= 0.001). The results showed that IL-23 and IL-10 are highly active in RA and these cytokines might be closely involved to pathogenic mechanisms of the disease.

The improvement of health and medical sciences، and the need for continuous training and retraining of medical graduates have become a necessity. To fulfil this need، the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education، with the aim of improving the quality of knowledge، attitude and performance of the medical community، has implemented the continuing education program. Considering the significance and role of e-learning and mobile learning، in particular، this study aimed to evaluate the factors affecting the implementation of mobile learning in continuing medical education programs using the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences، Tehran، Iran. This study used a descriptive research method based on the TRA model. The statistical population of this research was 2375 employees taking part in the continuing medical education program at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. The sample size was determined 330 according to Morgan table and the data were collected using the stratified random sampling method. The instrument of the study was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of four domains including attitude، subjective norms، knowledge and mindset، and intention learning. The reliability of the questionnaire، using Cronbach''s alpha، was found o be 0. 88. Its validity was confirmed by 25 professors in the field. The collected data were analyzed through SPSS software، version 14، using t-test and Pearson''s correlation coefficients. There was a significant relationship (p<0. 05) between the intention of mobile learning in continuing medical education program at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and each of the three factors affecting the model. Furthermore، the intention of mobile learning was mostly correlated with mentality of mobile learning، tendency to mobile learning and behavioral control، respectively. Among the variables influencing the intention of mobile learning (p<0. 01، r= 0. 845) based on TRA، mentality and knowledge of learner was the main parameter. Therefore، the managers of the continuing education programs should the learners’ level of knowledge on mobile learning before implementing mobile learning system.

Progression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) could be due to oxidative stress especially through reactive oxygen species (ROS). Detoxification of ROS is largely performed by Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), therefore polymorphisms of GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 genes which decrease enzymes activity could affect SLE susceptibility. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of GSTM1 (deletion), GSTT1 (deletion) and GSTP1 (Ile105Val) polymorphisms on SLE susceptibility. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of 163 SLE patients and 180 age, sex and ethnically matched controls. GSTs genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-multiplex procedure or polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. GSTT1 null genotype frequency was higher in SLE patients than controls. NO association observed between GSTM1 null genotype or GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism with SLE. Nevertheless combination of GSTT1 null/ GSTM1 null genotypes showed 2.8-fold increase in risk of SLE. Moreover the combination of GSTT1 null/ GSTM1 null/GSTP1 Ile/Val and Val/Val genotypes increased the SLE risk about 8 fold. Present data suggest that GSTT1 null/ GSTM1 null/GSTP1 Ile/Val and Val/Val genotypes might largely contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE.

There are controversial reports regarding the role of peptidylarginine deiminase type 4 (PADI4) gene polymorphisms and risk of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of PADI4 rs1748033 polymorphism and susceptibility to RA in a sample of the Iranian population.This case-control study was done on 150 patients with RA and 150 healthy subjects. PADI4 rs1748033 genotyping was done using amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) assay.The PADI4 rs1748033 variant increased the risk of RA in codominant (OR=1.67, 95%CI=1.03-2.71, p=0.048, CT vs CC; OR=2.73, 95%CI=1.25-5.97, p=0.013, TT vs CC) and dominant (OR=1.84, 95%CI=1.15-2.92, p=0.014, CT+TT vs CC) tested inheritance models. In addition, the PADI4 rs1748033 T allele increased the risk of RA (OR=1.63, 95%CI=1.16-2.29, p=0.006) in comparison with C allele.In conclusion, our finding indicated that PADI4 rs1748033 gene polymorphism increased the risk of RA in a sample of the Iranian population.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with unknown etiology. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is naturally occurring cytokine that inhibits interleukin-1 (IL-1) activity by binding to the IL-1 receptors without signal transduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between IL-1Ra gene 86bp VNTR polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus in the South- East of Iran. In this case control study, genetic polymorphism was analyzed in 163 SLE patients and 183 healthy controls. Genotyping of IL-1Ra VNTR polymorphism was determined by gel electrophoresis after PCR amplification. IL-1Ra VNTR alleles have different copies of 86bp tandem repeats: allele 1(four repeats), allele 2 (two repeats), allele 3 (five repeats), allele 4 (three repeats) and allele 5 (six repeats). We found an increased frequency of IL-1Ra allele 4 and 1/4 genotype in SLE patients compared to healthy controls (p=0.001 and p=0.002 respectively). Whereas, the frequency of IL-1Ra allele 3 was higher in controls than SLE patients (p=0.01). There was no any association between the IL-1Ra allele 2 and SLE. We did not observe any association between IL-1Ra polymorphism and SLE manifestations. We concluded that IL-1Ra allele 4 was involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. However, there was no association between the IL-1Ra allele 2 and SLE in South East of Iran.

To evaluate the effects of garlic on some blood metabolites in pre-partum dairy goats, the ration was supplemented with raw garlic at the doses of 0, 30, 50 and 70 g kg-1 of Dry matter (DM) in eight pregnant Mahabadi breed goats (59 ± 1 kg initial live weight) in a replicated Latin square design during the last two months of pregnancy. Each experimental period lasted 14 days with the first 12 days used for diet adaptation and two days of data collection with a 3-days wash-out period between treatments. The results revealed a beneficial increasing effect of garlic (at the level of 70 g kg-1 of DM) on serum glucose concentration (p < 0.05). No effects of garlic supplementation on blood non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), total triglycerides, total protein, and albumin concentration were observed, except for serum cholesterol concentration, which was reduced (p < 0.05) with 70 g kg-1 of DM of garlic supplementation. Dry matter intake was the same between the different treatment groups and throughout the trial period. Concerning the blood indicators of negative energy balance, no significant effects were found for NEFA and BHB in pre-partum goats however, serum glucose was improved significantly, which showed that garlic supplementation may improve the efficiency of feed utilization. In conclusion, garlic, as feed additives in ruminant nutrition, holds promise for improving feed efficiency and controlling the negative energy balance.

Limited studies have been focused on the role of IL-33 and IL-18 in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).This study was done to measure the levels of IL-18 and IL-33 in the serum of patients with RA, before treatment, three month after treatment and compare to patients with osteoporosis as well as healthy controls. Sera were obtained from 20 patients with RA before treatment, 15 patients with osteoporosis and 30 healthy controls that have been matched to patients group. IL-33 and IL-18 levels were measured using ELISA assay. Serum levels of IL-33 were significantly higher in patients with RA before treatment 5.47± 0.142 (pg/ml) versus three months after treatment 4.34±0.072, P=0.001, and control subjects 4.53±.076 (pg/ml), P=0.000. There were significant differences between IL-33 serum levels in patients with RA before treatment compare to osteoporosis subjects before treatment (5.47± 0.142 versus 3.65±0.08, P=0.000). The serum IL-18 levels of the RA patients before treatment 482.12±67.38 (pg/ml) were significantly higher than the IL-18 level three months after treatment 302.67±55.33 (pg/ml) P=0.004, the control group 216.19±47.56 (pg/ml) P= 0.004 and patients with OP 316.79±53.72, p= 0.001. Our results showed that IL-33 and IL-18 are highly active in RA and these cytokines might be closely involved in the pathologic mechanisms of the disease.

Osteoporosis is a multifactorial skeletal disease, whose mechanisms are not fully understood. It is more common in older people, especially in postmenopausal women.. Body mass index (BMI) has been suggested as an important measurement to assess bone mineral density (BMD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of age, weight and BMI on BMD in postmenopausal women..Patients and In a cross-sectional study based on BMD measurement using dual-energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) method, 80 postmenopausal women referred to Rheumatology Clinics in Zahedan were selected; 26 participants had osteoporosis, 28 had osteopenia, and 26 had normal bone density. Weight and height were obtained to calculate BMI.. The mean BMD of women older than 50 years compared to those younger than 50 years was significantly different (P < 0.05). The mean weight and BMI were found to be significantly lower in patients with low BMD as compared to the normal group (P < 0.0001). There was a negative significant association between age and low BMD only in femur neck region (r = -0.37, P = 0.006). In addition, a direct association was observed between weight (r = 0.41, P = 0.002) and BMI (r = 0.31, P = 0.02) with BMD at lumbar spine.. The findings indicated that older women with low BMI were at higher risk of low bone mass. Body weight, BMI and aging may be important predictors of BMD, but they are not the only factors affecting bone loss. Therefore, it is recommended to assess other risk factors with a larger number of patients..

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disease with unknown etiology. We hypothesized that insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene may influence the development and/or progression of SLE and lupus nephritis. In a crass sectional case-control study, genomic DNA from 106 SLE patients and 103 healthy controls matched for sex, age, and ethnicity, were genotyped for the (I/D) polymorphism of ACE gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Comparison of quantitative variants between two groups was assessed by student t-test and association between qualitative variables was analyzed by the chi-square or Fisher exact tests. The frequency of DD genotype in SLE patients was significantly higher than control group (25.5 % vs. 14 %), and the risk of SLE was 2.2 times greater in subjects with DD genotype than the individual by DI and II genotypes (OR, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.1 to 4.4]; p=0.023). The distribution of D allele in SLE patients was significantly higher (p=0.021) compare to controls (47 and 36.4, respectively). The Risk of nephropathy in SLE patients with DD genotype was three times more than other genotypes (OR), 3 [95% CI, 1.1 to 8]; p=0.027]. This study demonstrated that ACE DD genotype acts as a risk factor on SLE and Lupus nephropathy in an Iranian population.

Using different technology presumptions by Central Bank and Statistical Center of Iran in designing symmetric tables has confused the users. Users have two solutions for this problem: using the symmetric tables irrespective of the technology presumptions in different economic areas or calculating them based on make-use matrices proportionality to specific goals before using. The article addresses the later. Eight symmetric tables are calculated based on last aggregated statistical make-use matrices designed by Central Bank and Statistical Center of Iran in 1999 and 2001 and are compared with the present tables emphasizing the production structure of petroleum and natural gas. Findings of the research reveal that all elements of the mentioned tables are meaningful and should not easily be modified and removed.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause changes in the placenta. In this study, quantitative changes of placenta were investigated using stereological methods. In this case-control study, 10 placentas from systemic lupus erythematosus pregnancy (antinuclear antibody>10), and 10 placentas from normal uncomplicated pregnancy were obtained from Imam Ali Hospital. Volume of placentas was estimated using Cavalieri''s principle. 3 full-thickness columns of each placenta were taken using systematic uniform random sampling (SURS). After fixation in modified Lillie''s solution, they were cut into 5 mm slices. 5-7 sections selected from each slice using SURS and stained by Masson’s trichrome. Then stereological analyses were done on 8-10 SURS fields of each section. Placental volume, absolute volume and volume density of chorionic villi, intervillous space, syncytiotrophoblast, fibrin and blood vessels in chorionic villi were estimated in both groups. The Mann Whitney-U test was employed to determine statistically significant differences between the means. Significant level was set at p<0.05. Total volume and volume density of fibrin and total volume and volume density of blood vessels significantly increased in SLE group in comparison with control group (p<0.01). Volume density of syncytiotrophoblast increased 50% in SLE group in comparison with control group, this increase was statistically significant (p<0.01). Results showed that systemic lupus erythematosus disease can cause significant changes in the structure of placenta that may be influential on the evolution and survival of fetus.