Background:Stachys piliferaBenth has long been used to treat infectious diseases as well as respiratory and rheumatoid disorders in Iranian folk medicine. Antioxidants, antitumor, and antimicrobial properties of the plant have been reported.Objectives:This experimental study was designed to evaluate systemic and topical anti-inflammatory effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract from aerial parts of Stachys pilifera (HESP).Materials and Methods:Anti-inflammatory effects of HESP was studied in four well-known animal models of inflammation, including carrageenan- or formalin-induced paw edema in rat (thirteen groups, 6 rats per each group), and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)- or xylene-induced ear edema in mouse (ten groups, 6 mice per each group). The rats received HESP (50-400 mg/ kg) orally 45 minutes before the subplantar injection of carrageenan or formalin. In TPA or xylene tests, HESP (1, 2.5, and 5 mg/ear) was applied topically simultaneous with these phlogistic agents on the ear mice. Finally, pathological examination of the inflamed tissues (paw and ear) was carried out.Results:Acute toxicity study of the extract showed that no rats were killed at 5000 mg/kg (LD50 > 5000 mg/kg). The extract (100 and 200 mg/ kg) significantly suppressed carrageenan-induced paw edema 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after carrageenan challenge in comparison with the control group (P < 0.001). The HESP (100 and 200 mg/kg) also produced a considerable antiedematogenic effect in the formalin test over a period of 24 hours (P < 0.01). Furthermore, topical administration of the HESP (1, 2.5, and 5 mg/ear) inhibited TPA- and xylene-induced ear edema in comparison with the control group (P < 0.001). The pathological analysis of the paws and ears revealed that HESP was capable of reducing tissue destruction, cellular infiltration, and subcutaneous edema induced by the indicated phlogistic agents.Conclusions:The present data confirmed systemic and topical anti-inflammatory effects of Stachys pilifera which is comparable to indomethacin.

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global health problem. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk behaviors for HBV infection among high risk groups in Kohgiloyeh and Boyerahmad province, in Southwest of Iran.MethodsBlood samples were collected from 2009 subjects, between 2009 and 2010 in Kohgiloyeh and Boyerahmad province, in southwest of Iran. Recruited subjects were the high risk groups for HBV infection, including inmates, injecting drug users, health care workers, patients on maintenance haemodialysis, hemophilic patients and patients with a history of blood transfusion. Their serum samples were tested for the presence of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (HBc IgM, IgG) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seropositive specimens were tested for HBsAg. Demographic features of participants were recorded during sample collecting.ResultsHBsAg was detected in 24 of the 2009 subjects, giving an overall prevalence of 1.2%. All HBsAg positive cases were males. The prevalence of HBsAg among injection drug users was 3.2%. Significant correlation was found between HBV infection and drug abuse, level of education and place of residence (p<0.05), while no significant correlation was found between HBV infection and previous history of blood transfusion, unprotected sexual behavior, and thalassemia.ConclusionBased on the findings of this study, incarceration and drug abuse are the most important risk factors for acquiring HBV infection in this region. Modifying behavior, improving the individual education and expanding the HBV vaccination coverage may reduce the rate of infection in the region.

This study was conducted to examine the association of happiness in adolescent females with leisure time and health related behaviours namely diet, physical activity and first or second hand smoking. Using a self‐administered questionnaire, data were collected from 8159 female high school students ages 11–19 years. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed statistically significant associations between happiness and weight, regular exercise, exposure to second‐hand tobacco smoke, daily fruit or vegetable consumption and the way participants spent their leisure time. Happiness was associated with lower BMI, regular physical activity, absence of exposure to second‐hand smoke, higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, and spending leisure time with family (all P < 0.005). These exploratory findings suggest that encouraging children and adolescents to adopt healthy behaviours, providing family time and a smoke‐free environment may make them not only healthier but also happier.

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