[ relationship of dentistry students' spiritual intelligence to general health]

Introduction: Dental Students are encountered with a wide range of health-related problems because of studying in stressful clinical environment. Spiritual intelligence and their relationship with other factors like general health are of interesting subjects for behavioural sciences experts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between general health and spiritual intelligence in dental students of Tehran

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 481 dental students who studied in different universities of Tehran were enrolled. Data were collected using Spiritual intelligence, General health [GHQ-28] and characteristics demographic questionnaires. Data were also entered into SPSS-v16 and analyzed with correlation test, T-test and ANOVA test. The significant level was <0.05

Results: Dental students have intermediate level of spiritual intelligence and there was no any difference between male and female. There was significant relationship between Spiritual intelligence and General health generally and in all parts [P<0.005]. Grade point average, marital status, educational year and economical state showed significantly correlated with General health. Age, grade point average, educational year and economical state showed significantly correlated with spiritual intelligence

Conclusion: Improvement of spiritual intelligence could help increase the general health of dental students

[Spiritual intelligence in the dental students of Tehran Universities 2013-2014]

Introduction: spiritual intelligence refers to the individual ability in interacting with universe and metacognitive. The present aimed at determining the level of spiritual intelligence of dental students in Tehran universities

Method: this was a cross sectional-descriptive study. A total of 481 dental students of different universities in Tehran, Iran were randomly enrolled in the study. Date were collected using spiritual intelligence questionnaire of Abdullah Zadeh including demographic data such as: gender, age, semester, GPA, economic situation, residential, and marital status. Then data was analyzed using SPSS and inferential statistics such as independent t-test and ANOVA

Results: spiritual intelligence in dental students of Tehran universities was moderately high; however, no statistically significant difference was found between male and female students. A significant relationship was found between spiritual intelligence and age, study courses, GPA, and economic status [P<0.05]. However, no significant difference was found between spiritual intelligence and other variables including gender, marital status, and residence

Conclusion: spiritual intelligence of the students increased with the increase of age, GPA, economic status, and years in the university. Intermediate level students need more attention in order to improve their spiritual intelligence. However, deeper analysis of spiritual intelligence and better understanding of associated factors revealed the need to conduct further studies that show correlation between other factors such as public health and welfare with spiritual intelligence

[Comparing performance of decision tree and neural network in predicting myocardial infarction]

Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common diseases in all societies. Using data mining techniques to generate predictive models to identify those at risk for reducing the effects of the disease is very helpful. The main purpose of this study was to predict the risk of myocardial infarction by Decision Tree based on the observed risk factors. The present work was an analytical study conducted on a database containing 350 records. Data were obtained from patients admitted to Shahid Rajaei specialized cardiovascular hospital, Iran, in 2011. Data were collected using a four-sectioned data collection form. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software version 12 by CRISP methodology. In the modeling section decision tree and Neural Network were used. The results of the data mining showed that the variables of high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia and tobacco smoking were the most critical risk factors of myocardial infarction. The accuracy of the decision tree model on the data was shown to be as 93/4%. The best created model was decision tree C5.0. According to the created rules, it can be predicted which patient with new specified features may affected by myocardial infarction

[Correlation of human resource strategies based on allen ylsy model with organizational performance staff in Aiat Allah Kashani Hospital]

Introduction: At present, the organization for success, have no choice except to formulate appropriate strategies with human resources; otherwise today's complex environment and incompatibility of the strategies will lead to inefficient use of human resources. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation of human resource strategies based on Allen Ylsy Model with organizational performance in Aiat Allah Kashani hospital staff

Materials and Methods: This study is a descriptive-correlation study that was performed on 247 personnel's of Aiat Allah Kashani hospital in Shahrekord. Stratified samples were randomly selected and collected demographic and researcher's made [Staff Function Questionnaire on Allen Yelsy Model] in two components for assessing the Allen Ylsy Model and personnel performance were used in 43 questions. Content and face validity of this questionnaire were confirmed through 7 specialists. Reliability was obtained by using Cronbach's alpha 0.92. Data were also analyzed by descriptive statistics and inferential statistical test using SPSS/18

Findings: The results showed that there is a significant solidarity between human resource strategy and organizational performance [P<0.05]

The most important strategies that had correlation with organizational performance included, personnel relations [33.3%], strategy [14.2%] and performance management strategies [2%]

However, strategies to attract, hire and compensate predictive, had not significant correlation with personnel performance

Conclusion: Due to impact of human resource strategies on the performance evaluation has been studied more than the average, it is suggested that management should focus on strategies to improve organizational performance benefits they are entitled to. In this regards, providing HR position in Kashani Hospital is recommended

[Prevalence of sexual violence among infertile women attended to 2011. Tehran of infertility centers]

Violence is a global problem. More than 1.6 millions of people worldwide lose their lives because of violence every year. Also, many others are injured and suffer from physical, sexual, reproductive and mental problems. 10-69 percent of women experience of physical violence and over 30-50 percent of them experience sexual violence. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence and the factors associated with sexual violence against infertile women attending to infertility centers in Tehran, Iran. In this cross sectional / descriptive study 400 infertile women attending to infertility centers in Tehran were included. The samples of the study were selected by purposive sampling method. A questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire consisted of demographical characteristics of infertile women, demographical characteristics of husband, The questionnaire of sexual violence that has happened in the last 3 months and Questionnaire of general health. To analyze data, descriptive statistics, Spearman test, one way analysis of variance and SPSS 17 software were used. Age of women was 30. 50 +/- 6. 16. Prevalance of sexual violence was 47. 3%. Sexual violence was significantly associated with income, unwanted marriage ,using drugs and opium and evaluation of total physical health of women and ethnicity, smoking and addiction or drug abuse, mental diseases of the husband and threatened to divorce before treatment, general health status and number of sexual intercourse [P < 0.05]. One of the main purposes of marriage in developing countries is fertility. Infertile women try many methods of infertility treatment, loneliness and harsh treatment of infertility and sexual and marital problems may be the most important predisposing factor for mental disorders and violence. Factors influence the incidence of violence, smoking, use of drug and physical and mental illnesses. Coping strategies, defining marriage goals, knowledge about infertility treatments, women's empowerment, intimate relationships can help infertile couples and lessen violence

[Investigating the results of coronary artery angiography in persons with positive exercise test]

Background: Exercise test is a non-invasive method to assess the cardiovascular situation. The results of exercise test alone cannot determine the presence or absence of coronary artery diseases and for definite diagnosis the application of angiography is necessary

Objective: To investigate the results of coronary artery angiography in persons with positive exercise test

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed on 200 clients with chest pain who underwent exercise test at Imam Sajjad Hospital in Ramsar during 2009-2010. Study population was selected based on simple sampling and data were collected through interview and observation. Data were further analyzed using chi-square and t-independent tests

Findings: Of 200 clients participated in the study, 49 [24.5%] had positive exercise test, 122 with negative exercise test [66%], and 19 [9.5%] needed further evaluation. Among those with positive exercise test, 29 had positive angiography indicating a real-positive exercise test of 59.2% and a false-positive figure equal to 28.56%. There was a significant relationship between the positive exercise test and both BMI and sex [P<0.05, P<0.04]

Conclusion: It seems that the application of exercise test to be a suitable screening tool especially in people with chest pain. However, caution must be taken when interpreting the result of an exercise test for a patient

[Comparative evaluation of the shear bond strength of metal brackets bonded to porcelain using different porcelain surface treatments]

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare shear bond strength of metal brackets bonded to dental porcelain on the basis of presence or absence of silane, type of acid [hydrofluoric acid [HF] or phosphoric acid [H3PO4]] and roughness of porcelain surface [glazed or deglazed] within mouth-like environment. Eighty glazed ceramic disks were randomly divided into 8 groups of 10 disks: group 1 [HF+silane], group 2 [deglazed+HF+silane], group 3 [HF], group 4 [deglazed+HF], group 5 [H3PO4+silane], group 6 [deglazed+H3PO4+silane], group 7 [H3PO4], group 8 [deglazed+H3PO4]. Then the brackets were bonded and thermocycled. After that, shear bond strength test was done using the Zwick device and the type of bond failure was determined under stereomicroscope at 4X magnification. 3-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis were used for statistical analyses. The shear bond strength for the test groups were as follows: group [1]:13.05 +/- 7.7 MPa, group [2]:25.16 +/- 10.66 MPa, group [3]:6.7 +/- 5.86 MPa, group [4]:15.39 +/- 8.97 MPa, group [5]:12.76 +/- 7.91 MPa, group [6]:13.57 +/- 7.85 MPa, group [7]:0.54 +/- 0.67 MPa, group [8]: 9.34 +/- 6.52 MPa. The type of bond failure in all groups was adhesive failure except for group 2. No significant difference in the interaction between [glazed or deglazed], [presence or absence of silane], and type of acid was found [P>0.05]. Under the conditions of this study, the best clinical method was the use of 37% phosphoric acid and silane that resulted in the optimal clinical strength and adhesive bond failure

appropriate multiple criteria decision making method for solving electricity planning problems, addressing sustainability issue

In the past, decision making within the energy sector, especially in Iran, was limited to economic analysis. Lately, multiple criteria decision making has gained great popularity. However, this is not enough to make a right decision by considering sustainability. This paper deals with designing an appropriate multiple criteria decision making method to address the multifaceted nature of such problems. This task is the second precondition to make a decision which meets the sustainability criterion. This is done by revealing new facts about quantitative and qualitative data and the degree of compensation between the criteria. Moreover, this paper illustrates the capability of different methods with regard to sustainable energy planning and management in two steps: 1] comparison of two main approaches in the strategic energy planning context; 2] evaluation of multi attribute decision making methods and combining them. Combining four methods including Analytical hierarchy process. Preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation II, geometric mean and weighted sum seems to result in designing an appropriate method which meets the sustainability criterion. These contributions are proposed for comparing the renewable energy technologies with non-renewable ones. Nevertheless, these seem to be applicable in any comparison between discrete alternatives in the energy sector

[Correlation between insulin-like growth factor-I [Igf-1] levels and severity of liver involvement in patients afflicted with liver cirrhosis]

Insulin-like growth factor [IGF-1] is a polypeptide that 90% of it is secreted by liver. Cirrhosis of liver is a condition accompanied with decreased level of IGF-1, and with progression of the disease the level of IGF-1 may be further decreased. In this study the relation between the degree of IGF-1 and severity of liver disease on the basis of Child-Pugh and Model for end stage liver disease[MELD] score is investigated. In this cross sectional study, 100 cirrhotic patients who were diagnosed on the basis of liver biopsy or clinical criteria, referring to the gastroenterology clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran during the years 2007-2008 were recruited. Laboratory investigations including IGF-1, CBC, liver Enzymes, Alkaline phosphates, serum Albumin, Creatinine, direct and total Bilirubin were carried out for all the patients. Similarly ultrasound for evaluation of ascites and endoscopy for varices were performed. 100 cirrhotic patients with male to female ratio of 63 to 37 and median age of 44.4 +/- 15 years were enrolled in the study. This study showed a mean IGF-1 level [ +/- standard deviation] equal to 92.95 +/- 91.51 ng/dl. Fourteen patients [14%] had IGF-1 within normal limits while 86 patients [86%] had abnormal IGF-1 level. In all patients the correlation coefficient between IGF-1 and MELD was -0.317 [p=0.001] and correlation coefficient between IGF-1 and Child-Pugh was equal to -0.478 [p<0.001]. The findings of this study showed that IGF-1 could be an index of severity of cirrhosis and can be used to determine the severity of the disease in patients, in particular, when liver biopsy is not possible

[ frequency of abnormal E-cadherin expression and its relationship with biological behavior of gastric adenocarcinoma]

E-cadherin is a calcium-dependent molecule that contributes to intercellular adhesion. Its proper functioning is important in the maintenance of epithelial structure and integrity. E-cadherin serves as a very important tumor suppressor. In this study, we aim to determine the frequency of E-cadherin expression aberrancy and its relationship to the biological behavior of gastric adenocarcinoma. A total of 52 patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomies in Imam Khomeini Hospital were investigated in a cross-sectional study. Their tissues were stained by immunohistochemistry methods to investigate the expression of E-cadherin. Patients' information including age, gender, Helicobacter pylori infection, lesion location, adenocarcinoma subtype, metastasis, differentiation and regional lymph node involvement, depth of invasion and staging were collected and compared. Age, gender, Helicobacter pylori infection, lesion location, regional lymph node involvement, metastasis, depth of invasion, differentiation and staging did not have a statistically significant relationship with abnormal E-cadherin expression. Abnormal E-cadherin expression was significantly higher in the diffuse sub-type as compared with the intestinal type [90.9% vs. 48.8%, p = 0.016]. The present study assessed the frequency and relationship between abnormal E-cadherin expression and certain biological variables of tumor behavior in Iranian patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. A significant correlation existed only between diffuse sub-typing and reduced E-cadherin expression

[Evaluation of HBV_DNA level distribution and related factors in chronic hepatitis B patients]

Hepatitis B is still a major health problem in many parts of the world. In some developing countries the most common cause of chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis is hepatitis B virus [HBV]. The progression of chronic hepatitis B to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] include such viral factors as genotype C and high levels of serum HBV DNA in addition to host factors such as older age, male gender, obesity and diabetes. Other factors that influence progression to cirrhosis and HCC are simultaneous alcohol use, and co-infections with HIV, HDV and HCV. The present study aims to determine the correlations between serum HBV DNA viral load and related factors. In this study, new HBV DNA and ALT levels that enable better separation between different stages of this disease are presented. Materials and Chronic hepatitis B patients who presented to the Liver Clinic at Imam Khomeini Hospital in 1388 who were HBsAg positive for more than six months were enrolled in this study. Patients who had previously been treated or those with concurrent HIV, HCV and HDV infections as well as those with autoimmune hepatitis and fatty liver were excluded. Patients' data, HbeAg state, demographics, liver enzymes, HBV DNA level, smoking history, cirrhosis and disease stage were recorded. In order to better differentiation between non-replicative and reactive chronic hepatitis B patients, statistical analysis was done to distinguish between their HBV DNA levels. Evaluation of the relationships between HBV DNA level and the above mentioned variables was performed. High Levels of HBV DNA correlated with HBeAg positive state, smoking [p=0.005] and elevated liver enzymes [p=0.002]. The cut-off value for ALT level that separated HbeAg-positive group [immunoclearance and immunotolerance phases] was set at 42 U/l on the roc curve[r=0.889 area under curve] with 100% sensitivity and 67.7% specificity. The cut-off value for serum HBV DNA levels that differentiated between the Hbe Ag-negative group [non-replicative and reactive phases] was set at 3000 IU/ml on the roc curve [r=0.987 area under curve] with 97% sensitivity and 92% specificity. The present study determined that serum HBV DNA at a level of 3000 IU/ml was a better level for classification of HBeAg-negative patients into the non-replicative and reactive groups

[ effect of interleukin 28 B polymorphism on sustained virology response [SVR] in Patients with chronic hepatitis C]

The effect of IL 28 B polymorphism on sustained virology response [SVR] in patients with Hepatitis C genotype 1 varies among races. Multiple studies have shown that the SVR is two or three times higher in patients with CC genotype compared to those with TT genotype. This study aims to assess the relationship between IL 28 B polymorphism and SVR in Iranian patients. Materials and In a cross-sectional study, 48 patients with Hepatitis C genotype 1 who underwent PCR testing six months following treatment were divided into two groups, SVR positive and negative in order to compare IL 28 B polymorphism. The SVR rate was higher in patients who presented with high baseline ALT levels, independent of IL 28 B genotype [p=0.023]. Logistic regression analysis showed a higher SVR rate in patients with CC genotype compared to TT genotype [p=0.007, OR=29.333, CI=2.558-336.387], however no significant difference was noted between TC and TT genotypes [p=0.177, OR=2.887, CI=0.618-13.496]. Additionally, there was a significant difference between CC and non-CC groups [TC, TT] in SVR rate [p=0.017, OR=13.750, CI=1.602- 118.061]. A high SVR rate was seen in the C group [CC, TC] when compared with the TT genotype [p=0.036, OR=4.923, CI=1.111-21.816]. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the IL 28 B genotype in predicting SVR was 88.8%, 38%, 64.8% and 72.8%, respectively. In addition; although the CC genotype was positive, the sensitivity and NPV were increased to 91.6% and 95.2% respectively. This study confirms the relationship between IL 28 B genotype and SVR rate in the patients with Hepatitis C genotype 1. It seems; IL 28 B genotype could be the reasonable Lab. test for treatment plan of the problematic cases of the patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

[Seroepidemiological study of visceral leishmaniasis [Kala-azar] in Ardabil province, Iran, 1986 - 2009]

Visceral Leishmaniasis [kala-azar] is the most important endemic disease in Northwestern Iran, particularly in Ardabil province. This study aimed to review the Seroepidemiological studies which have been performed in Ardabil province during 1986-2009. In this descriptive analytical study, studies which have been carried out from 1986 through 2009 in Northwestern Iran about clinical, diagnostic and epidemiological features of Kala azar, using DAT, were reviewed. Collected data were analyzed using the SPSS software. in total, 2703 of human visceral leishmaniasis were detected by direct agglutination test [DAT] in Ardabil province, 1787 [66.1%] of them were from Meshkin-shahr district, 837 [31%] cases were from Moghan district, and 79 [2.9%] cases were from Ardabil district. Ninety eight percent of the cases were under 10 years old while only 0.5% of the VL cases were >/= 20 years old and 17% of them were under 1 year of age. Currently Kala-Azar is the most important endemic disease in Northwestern Iran, particularly in Ardabil province. Anti-Leishmania antibodies at the titers of >/= 1:3200 using DAT along with clinical signs including fever, anemia and hepatosplenomegaly are considered as active visceral leishmaniasis. DAT antibody titer of 1/800 and lower and absent of clinical signs is considered as negative VL.

[ study on efficacy of NSAIDS in controlling pain caused by orthodontic treatment]

Considering the pain as one of the most significant reasons for patients avoiding orthodontic treatments, the topic of pain control appears to be of prime importance for both clinicians and patients. This study was aimed at determining the efficacy of commonly used non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] in controlling pain following orthodontic procedures. This was a double-blind clinical trial performed on a total of 75 patients, randomly divided into 5 groups following the placement of their initial arch wires. The members of each group received one of the 5 different treatments [Ibuprofen 400 mg, Naproxen 250 mg, Mefenamic acid 250 mg, Aspirin 325mg, and starch as placebo]. After receiving 2 doses of drugs [one hour before and six hours after bonding] the patients indicated the severity of their pain on a 100mm horizontal line [VAS] during mastication, biting, fitting on anterior and posterior teeth in different specified times. Statistical analyses were carried out based on ANOVA and t-test. The pain increased soon after the placement of the arch wire and reached its peak in 24 hours. In all cases, the least pain was reported following the administration of Ibuprofen and the most after taking placebo. Although all NSAIDs were more or less effective in controlling pain, ibuprofen was found to be relatively of higher efficacy in decreasing the pain

Insulin resistance and related factors in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]: an analytic cross-sectional study

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] is characterized by fatty change of liver without inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate presence of clinical and metabolic components in non-diabetic patients with NAFLD and to assess the relationship between insulin resistance and these factors. In this study, a group of 50 sonographically confirmed patients with NAFLD was studied. Following an overnight fasting, blood samples were obtained to measure serum levels of Triglyceride, Cholesterol, Low Density Lipoprotein [LDL-C], High Density Lipoprotein [HDL-C], SGOT and SGPT, haemoglobin A1C, Fasting Blood Sugar [FBS] and peripheral blood insulin level. Based on homeostatic model assessment [HOMA] score, patients were divided into four quartiles. Other variables including BMI, waist and hip circumference were also measured. The mean age was 42 +/- 10.3 years [range, 22-65], 33 cases [66%] were men, and 17 cases [34%] were women. Mean insulin level was higher in females [female=15.3 +/- 6.7, males=12.9 +/- 5.7]. Variables including waist [P=0.38] and LDL-C [P =0.49] were significantly different among defined study groups. The higher the HOMA index, the lower the HDL-C level [P <0.05]. Patients with insulin resistance showed significant higher values of LDL and Waist circumference. Values of HDL were significantly lower in these patients. Body mass index, Weight, Triglyceride, Cholesterol, AST and ALT values showed no relation with insulin resistance

effect of piascledine in the treatment of chronic periodontitis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of an herbal medicine, Piascledine, on the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Twenty-four patients with chronic periodontitis participated in this interventional case control investigation. After initial screening the subjects were divided into case and control groups. Clinical measurements including plaque index [PI], bleeding on probing [BOP], probing pocket depth [PPD], bone level [BL] and clinical attachment level [CAL] were recorded for both groups, before and one month after scaling and root planing [SRP]. The case group received 300 mg Piascledine capsules once a day for three months and the control group was only treated with SRP. The measurements were repeated in both groups at the 3 and 6 month recall visits. Improvements were observed in all clinical parameters in both groups during the study period. PI as a covariate factor showed no significant difference between the two groups [P>0.05]. On the other hand CAL, BOP, PPD and BL showed reduction in all patients, but no significant difference was found between the two groups. According to the results obtained in the present study, Piascledine does not seem to have a favorable effect in the treatment of chronic periodontitis

[ study and comparison of social welfare and services development degree among Iran's provinces in 1994 and 2004]

Simultaneous with the bodily growth of Tehran metropolis, some of the important factors have led to the growth of poverty and lack of accessibility to housing by different social group especially low-income people. Some of these pertinent factors are: contradiction between housing, urban and regional planning; limitation of executing power of governments due to disharmony between dwelling programs and policies regarding housing provision; lack of cooperation in housing plan based on policy initiatives and whole socioeconomic plans especially planning of birth control as well as guidance of migration; limitation of governmental financial resources in solving housing problems of low-income group, confronting with this problem and majority of them are included in the needy category; and housing schemes by private agencies for the high-income group who already enjoy high purchasing power. Importance of its subject, i.e. chaotic frameworks and their relation with poverty is in the ratio of slums and number of divorced women has increased enormously in the last few years. The problem that may be propounded here is that what type of relationship does exist between geographical distribution of slums and scattered percentage of divorced housewives in 22 zonal units of Tehran? in this research by using 1996 census, poverty in 22 zones of Tehran has been studied on the basis of two indicators i.e. percentage of divorced housewives and percentage of families with four people to above living in one room, and then with the help of GIS software, their map has been drawn. Findings show that ratio of married housewives to the total married women are equal to 86 percent whereas ratio of divorced housewives is 47 percent to the total divorced women. In other words, divorced women are less than married housewives. Similarly, findings indicate that zones 11, 13, and 21 are placed in the list of less congested zones, from the point of view of the concentration of divorced housewives to the total divorced women. In zones 11 and 13, due to the establishment of administrative and service center and in zone 21 due to industrial and workshop establishment, employment opportunity is available for divorced women. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15, and 22 are included in the list of average zones that are scattered in different parts of the city. However 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 9, and 12 are the highest congested zones as far as divorced housewives are concerned. In other words, the above mentioned zones have the highest percentage of divorced housewives. According to the acquired data, two indicators have come out i.e. "percentage of family of four and more living in one room" as a criteria for housing poverty; and "percentage of divorced housewives in the zones located in central and south Tehran" have more concentration than the rest of the zonal units. With due attention to the present research findings, one of the important ways to eliminate poverty and deprivation, is the governmental interference in housing security as well as special attention towards suitable housing construction for the low-income groups with the emphasis on divorced housewives. Because, entrusting the housing problem to the private sectors/agencies bring the cost extensively high and as such restrict the accessibility of low income family to find a suitable dwelling. As a whole, low-income groups, due to the lack of savings, even are incapable of utilizing banking credit and facilities

[Genetic assessment of chromosome 21 microsatellites and their application in the diagnosis of down syndrome patients within an Eastern Azarbayjan population]

Down syndrome is one of the most common chromosome aneuploidies causing mental retardation which occurs in approximately 1/230 pregnancies. It is usually caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21. The aim of this study was to evaluate the simple PCR based DNA diagnostic method and also to determine the parental origin of the extra chromosome 21 in trisomal Down syndrome. To determine the polymorphism rates of chromosome 21 microsatellite markers, 50 people from Eastern Azarbayjan were randomly selected and studied for the microsatellites. The results were statistically analyzed. Thirty affected Down syndrome patients, diagnosed by specialists were referred to the lab for further molecular analysis. After genetic counseling and getting consent, blood samples were obtained. Seven pairs of chromosome 21 microsatellite markers were amplified using PCR in all the samples. Five highly polymorphic microsatellite markers were selected from a total seven markers, studied in 50 normal people. Out of 30 Down syndrome's patients, trisomal 21 was diagnosed in 21 families [70%]. In which non-disjunction errors were determined to be of maternal origin in 86% and of paternal origin in 9% of the cases. The mean maternal and parental age was 33/3 and 36/2, respectively. The three microsatellite markers, D21S1910, D21S1411 and D21S11 could diagnose a high percentage of trisomal 21 in Down syndrome' patients. The parental origin of an extra copy of chromosome 21 could be exactly determined

[Depression in athlete and non- athlete university students]

Background and Aim: Depression is a common mood impairment with mild to severe range of severity and has been called as mind common cold. It is important to identify the prevalence of this disorder in young university students because mental health of this group is critical for the future community health. Exercise, while maintaninig physical health and developing body mastery, has known positive effects on mental health. This study was conducted to assess and compare the rate of depression among athlete and non athlete university students

Method and Materials: This was a cross-sectional comparative study to investigate and compare the rate of depression in two 50- person groups of athlete and nonathlete students. Participants were students of Isfahan medical sciences university who were selected through stratified randomized sampling in 2006. Data were collected by a two-section questionnaire including demographic data and Zung's Standard Scale for Depression. Data were analyzed and presented by descriptive [Mean, standard deviation, frequency distribution] and analytical [T- test, ANOVA, Spearman- Pearson] measures and tests

Findings: Mood status was found normal in 96% of athlete and 66% of non athlete students. The rest 4% of athlete students were just mildly depressed. The mean depression score of athletic students [32.24 +/- 7.94] was less than that of non athletic students [47.2 +/- 9.58] and the difference was statistically significant [t=7.93, p < 0. 001]

Conclusion: To improve community mental health, healthy life styles including daily physical activities should be encouraged and supported in university students