- Vice-Chancellor for Research & Technology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Sq, Zanjan, Iran
- (+98) 24 33156113 (+98) 24 33156114
- Journal of Advances in Medical and Biomedical Research is a bimonthly, double-blind, peer-reviewed, open-access journ... moreJournal of Advances in Medical and Biomedical Research is a bimonthly, double-blind, peer-reviewed, open-access journal, published by Zanjan University of Medical Sciences. From 1992 to 2018, the journal was publishing under the name of Journal of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services (pISSN: 1606-9366, eISSN: 2322-4231). It is being indexed in SCOPUS since 2010. From 2019 the name of the journal was changed to Journal of Advances in Medical and Biomedical Research and its language was also changed from Persian to English.
The J Adv Med Biomed Res accepts original articles, short communications, review articles, case reports, and letters. The Journal seeks to provide its readers with the highest quality scientific information, published through a process of careful peer review and editorial comments.
Frequency: 6 Issues per Year
E-mail: journal@zums.ac.ir
Website: http://zums.ac.ir/journal/edit
Background & Objective: Dexamethasone has been emerged as an adjuvant to local anesthetics to provide optimal analgesia. We have evaluated the postoperative analgesic efficacy of adding a low dose dexamethasone to bupivacaine in... more
Background & Objective: Dexamethasone has been emerged as an adjuvant to local anesthetics to provide optimal analgesia. We have evaluated the postoperative analgesic efficacy of adding a low dose dexamethasone to bupivacaine in ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric blocks in patients undergoing inguinal herniorraphy under spinal anesthesia.
Materials & Methods: 50 patients in the range of 20 - 80 years of age underwent elective surgery for the purpose of inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia recruited in a prospective, double-blinded, randomized manner. At the end of the surgery, the patients received an ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric block through the direct injection of drugs around nerves. Patients in the control group received bupivacaine 0.5% (2 cc) plus normal saline 1 cc (group C), and the dexamethasone group received bupivacaine 0.5% (2 cc) plus 4 mg (1 cc) dexamethasone (group D). The pain intensity was measured using the VAS scale at1, 2, 4, 12, and 24 hours after surgery.
Results: The mean time of analgesic duration in group C (3.6±3.8 hr) was greater than group D (1.6±1.14 hr). This difference was statistically significant (P =0.043). The pain intensity 2 hours after surgery in group D was higher than in group C (median with IQR: 3±4 vs. 2±2; P=0.007). The difference in the total analgesic consumption in group D (51.1±32.4 mg) versus group C (26.4±33.8 mg) was significant (P=0.018).
Conclusion: The addition of 4 mg dexamethasone to bupivacaine in an ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric block at the end of surgery in patients undergoing inguinal herniorraphy under spinal anesthesia failed to prolong the time to the first analgesic request. It provides only a minor analgesic effect 12 hours following surgery.
Keywords: Dexamethasone, Inguinal herrniorraphy, Ilioinguinal nerve, Iliohypogastric nerve, Pain
Materials & Methods: 50 patients in the range of 20 - 80 years of age underwent elective surgery for the purpose of inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia recruited in a prospective, double-blinded, randomized manner. At the end of the surgery, the patients received an ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric block through the direct injection of drugs around nerves. Patients in the control group received bupivacaine 0.5% (2 cc) plus normal saline 1 cc (group C), and the dexamethasone group received bupivacaine 0.5% (2 cc) plus 4 mg (1 cc) dexamethasone (group D). The pain intensity was measured using the VAS scale at1, 2, 4, 12, and 24 hours after surgery.
Results: The mean time of analgesic duration in group C (3.6±3.8 hr) was greater than group D (1.6±1.14 hr). This difference was statistically significant (P =0.043). The pain intensity 2 hours after surgery in group D was higher than in group C (median with IQR: 3±4 vs. 2±2; P=0.007). The difference in the total analgesic consumption in group D (51.1±32.4 mg) versus group C (26.4±33.8 mg) was significant (P=0.018).
Conclusion: The addition of 4 mg dexamethasone to bupivacaine in an ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric block at the end of surgery in patients undergoing inguinal herniorraphy under spinal anesthesia failed to prolong the time to the first analgesic request. It provides only a minor analgesic effect 12 hours following surgery.
Keywords: Dexamethasone, Inguinal herrniorraphy, Ilioinguinal nerve, Iliohypogastric nerve, Pain
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.123.23 Background & Objective: Nowadays, conventional analgesic agents that are usually used for pain killing after cesarean sections do not provide enough analgesia with infrequent serious side... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.123.23 Background & Objective: Nowadays, conventional analgesic agents that are usually used for pain killing after cesarean sections do not provide enough analgesia with infrequent serious side effects. Lidocaine has been suggested as an adjuvant analgesic agent for postoperative pain relief. We designed this randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of intravenous lidocaine in patients undergoing a cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Materials & Methods: Eighty patients undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups to receive intravenous 1.5 mg/kg of lidocaine 2% bolus 15 minutes prior to spinal anesthesia followed by an intravenous infusion of 1.5 mg/kg/h for 60 minutes (L group) or 0.9% sodium chloride (C group) in a double-blind fashion. The time until the first request for an analgesic, the duration of sensory and motor blockade, hemodynamic variables and adverse events were recorded. Results: The difference in sensory (95% CI 10.18 to 18.01; P≤0.001) and motor (95% CI 35.50 to 50.19; P≤0.001) blockade durations between groups L and C were significant. Similarly, the mean time until the first analgesic request was longer in group L (175.37±21.43) than in group C (157.12±15.25); the difference between the two groups was significant (95% CI9.95 to 26.54; P<0.001). Conclusion: Intravenous lidocaine given as a supplementary agent in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia prolonged the duration of the sensory and motor blockade of spinal anesthesia and delayed the first analgesic request by patients without hemodynamic disturbance, respiratory depression and compromising the fetus.
Research Interests:
Nocardia are gram-positive and partially acid-fast bacteria with saprophytic lives in the environment. These groups of bacteria are able to enter the human body through traumatic inhalation and may consequently cause Nocardiosis... more
Nocardia are gram-positive and partially acid-fast bacteria with saprophytic lives in the environment. These groups of bacteria are able to enter the human body through traumatic inhalation and may consequently cause Nocardiosis infections.
Case Presentation: A 32-year-old man was referred to Al-Zahra Hospital with symptoms such as fever, gradual weight loss, and persistent coughing. First, the patient was speculated to have Tuberculosis, but Mycobacterium tuberculosis was not isolated in any sputum samples. Ultimately, a broncho-alveolar lavage sample was acquired from the patient and according to the patient's clinical presentation and microbial assessments, the cause of illness was found to be Nocardia cyriacigeorgica.
Conclusion: According to this report, Nocardiosis infections may occur in immune-compromised patients and even healthy individuals. Given the similarities between the clinical manifestations and radiological findings of Tuberculosis and Nocardia pulmonary infections, medical laboratories should identify Nocardial infections in suspected TB patients.
Case Presentation: A 32-year-old man was referred to Al-Zahra Hospital with symptoms such as fever, gradual weight loss, and persistent coughing. First, the patient was speculated to have Tuberculosis, but Mycobacterium tuberculosis was not isolated in any sputum samples. Ultimately, a broncho-alveolar lavage sample was acquired from the patient and according to the patient's clinical presentation and microbial assessments, the cause of illness was found to be Nocardia cyriacigeorgica.
Conclusion: According to this report, Nocardiosis infections may occur in immune-compromised patients and even healthy individuals. Given the similarities between the clinical manifestations and radiological findings of Tuberculosis and Nocardia pulmonary infections, medical laboratories should identify Nocardial infections in suspected TB patients.
Background and Objective: It has been shown that the opioidergic system exerts widespread effects on cognitive functions. Interactions between opioid and serotonin receptors have been reported in some brain structures such as the dorsal... more
Background and Objective: It has been shown that the opioidergic system exerts widespread effects on cognitive functions. Interactions between opioid and serotonin receptors have been reported in some brain structures such as the dorsal hippocampus, thus a functional interaction between opioids and serotonin seems possible concerning memory control. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of CA1 5-HT3 receptor agonist on memory acquisition deficit induced by morphine.
Materials and Methods: In this study, we used 96NMRI mice. These mice were divided into twelve equal groups that received different doses of 5-HT3recepto ragonist, different doses of morphine and a combination of morphine and serotonin 5-HT3 receptor agonist. Morphine was injected into the peritoneum, while 5-HT3 receptor agonist M-Chlorophenylbiguanide (M-chl) was administered via intra-hippocampal injection. A step-down passive avoidance test was used for the evaluation of memory.
Results: Pre-training intra-peritoneal administration of morphine (5 mg/kg) induced amnesia. Moreover, pre-training intra-CA1 administration of 5-HT3 receptor agonist (M-Chl) (0.5 ng/mouse) impaired memory acquisition. Furthermore, intra-CA1 injection of M-Chl (0.005ng/mouse) reversed impairment of memory acquisition induced by morphine (5 mg/kg).
Conclusion: The results demonstrated the existence of a synergistic effect between hippocampal 5-HT3 receptor agonists and opioidergic receptors.
Materials and Methods: In this study, we used 96NMRI mice. These mice were divided into twelve equal groups that received different doses of 5-HT3recepto ragonist, different doses of morphine and a combination of morphine and serotonin 5-HT3 receptor agonist. Morphine was injected into the peritoneum, while 5-HT3 receptor agonist M-Chlorophenylbiguanide (M-chl) was administered via intra-hippocampal injection. A step-down passive avoidance test was used for the evaluation of memory.
Results: Pre-training intra-peritoneal administration of morphine (5 mg/kg) induced amnesia. Moreover, pre-training intra-CA1 administration of 5-HT3 receptor agonist (M-Chl) (0.5 ng/mouse) impaired memory acquisition. Furthermore, intra-CA1 injection of M-Chl (0.005ng/mouse) reversed impairment of memory acquisition induced by morphine (5 mg/kg).
Conclusion: The results demonstrated the existence of a synergistic effect between hippocampal 5-HT3 receptor agonists and opioidergic receptors.
Background and Objective: The third wave of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) embraces new approaches and methods potentially capable of addressing complex cases of substance abuse. It... more
Background and Objective: The third wave of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) embraces new approaches and methods potentially capable of addressing complex cases of substance abuse. It seems that the third wave of (CBT) emphasizing mindfulness and psychological resilience are effective in the rehabilitation of addicts undergoing methadone treatment.The present study intended to assess the effectiveness of group therapy based on acceptance and commitment in reducing the obsessive-compulsive use of substance, anxiety and depression of addicts under methadone treatment.
Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, the statistical population included all addicted men who received methadone treatment in Zanjan in 1983-94. A sample of 30 patients was selected through convenience sampling & randomly assigned into two groups, intervention and control. The intervention group participated in 8 sessions of 90-minute group therapy based on acceptance and commitment. Obsessive-compulsive use of substance and anxiety/depression questionnaires were completed in the form of a pre-test, a post-test and a quarterly follow-up period in both groups.
Results: Group therapy based on acceptance and commitment effectively reduced the obsessive-compulsive use of substance, anxiety and depression (P <0.05).The effectiveness of this intervention in increasing physical health was not statistically significant (P> 0.05). The effect of group therapy based on acceptance and commitment was substantial in comparison to the control group in the post-test phase regarding the obsessive-compulsive use of substance (1.04), anxiety (1.63) and depression (1.6), furthermore, these effects remained stable over a quarterly follow-up period.
Conclusion: The present study showed that acceptance and commitment therapy is effective in decreasing obsessive-compulsive use of substance, anxiety and depression.Therefore, acceptance and commitment therapy can be used as an effective intervention for psychological disorders associated with drug abuse in methadone-treated patients.
Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, the statistical population included all addicted men who received methadone treatment in Zanjan in 1983-94. A sample of 30 patients was selected through convenience sampling & randomly assigned into two groups, intervention and control. The intervention group participated in 8 sessions of 90-minute group therapy based on acceptance and commitment. Obsessive-compulsive use of substance and anxiety/depression questionnaires were completed in the form of a pre-test, a post-test and a quarterly follow-up period in both groups.
Results: Group therapy based on acceptance and commitment effectively reduced the obsessive-compulsive use of substance, anxiety and depression (P <0.05).The effectiveness of this intervention in increasing physical health was not statistically significant (P> 0.05). The effect of group therapy based on acceptance and commitment was substantial in comparison to the control group in the post-test phase regarding the obsessive-compulsive use of substance (1.04), anxiety (1.63) and depression (1.6), furthermore, these effects remained stable over a quarterly follow-up period.
Conclusion: The present study showed that acceptance and commitment therapy is effective in decreasing obsessive-compulsive use of substance, anxiety and depression.Therefore, acceptance and commitment therapy can be used as an effective intervention for psychological disorders associated with drug abuse in methadone-treated patients.
Background and Objective: Anopheles maculipennis is one of the most important species of mosquito that can cause serious public health problems worldwide and applying insecticides and synthetic repellents are the current methods used for... more
Background and Objective: Anopheles maculipennis is one of the most important species of mosquito that can cause serious public health problems worldwide and applying insecticides and synthetic repellents are the current methods used for its control. The continuous application of these chemicals increases the probability of resistance, reduces insecticide efficiency and causes environmental problems. Therefore, introducing alternative substances (especially natural repellents) to control programs is necessary. The aim of this study was to compare the repellency effect of Ziziphoratenuior essential oil (EO) with DEET.
Materials and Methods: Ziziphoratenuior was collected from Zanjan and its EO was extracted from dried leaves via a hydro-distillation process. The chief components of the essential oil were identified through the GC-mass method and serial dilutions of the essential oil and DEET were prepared. Adult An. Maculipennis’ were collected and kept in a laboratory. Contact bioassays were conducted by 9 volunteers, through a single-blind study where their arms were impregnated with repellent solutions. Non-blood fed female mosquitoes were exposed to different doses of repellents. The effective doses of 50% (ED50) and 90% (ED90) and duration of repellency were determined for each repellent.
Results: Thymol, geraniol and carvacrol are the chief components of Ziziphora EO and form 36.2%, 11.16% and 4.9% of it, respectively. The ED50 and ED90 for this EO against An. Maculipennis were 1.7 and 3.67 mg/cm2, respectively. A 30% Ziziphorasolution prevented biting for 240 minutes. The response of An. Maculipennis to Ziziphora EO in high doses was similar to that of DEET, however, this response differed in doses lower than 1 mg/cm2.
Conclusion: Ziziphora essential oil 30% solution has similar repellency effect to DEET and can prevent biting of An. Maculipennis for 240 minutes. Synergists could be added to increase its effectiveness and electrophysiologic studies could determine the mechanism of action of thymol and carvacrol at molecular levels.
Materials and Methods: Ziziphoratenuior was collected from Zanjan and its EO was extracted from dried leaves via a hydro-distillation process. The chief components of the essential oil were identified through the GC-mass method and serial dilutions of the essential oil and DEET were prepared. Adult An. Maculipennis’ were collected and kept in a laboratory. Contact bioassays were conducted by 9 volunteers, through a single-blind study where their arms were impregnated with repellent solutions. Non-blood fed female mosquitoes were exposed to different doses of repellents. The effective doses of 50% (ED50) and 90% (ED90) and duration of repellency were determined for each repellent.
Results: Thymol, geraniol and carvacrol are the chief components of Ziziphora EO and form 36.2%, 11.16% and 4.9% of it, respectively. The ED50 and ED90 for this EO against An. Maculipennis were 1.7 and 3.67 mg/cm2, respectively. A 30% Ziziphorasolution prevented biting for 240 minutes. The response of An. Maculipennis to Ziziphora EO in high doses was similar to that of DEET, however, this response differed in doses lower than 1 mg/cm2.
Conclusion: Ziziphora essential oil 30% solution has similar repellency effect to DEET and can prevent biting of An. Maculipennis for 240 minutes. Synergists could be added to increase its effectiveness and electrophysiologic studies could determine the mechanism of action of thymol and carvacrol at molecular levels.
Background and Objective: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the technique of choice for providing enteral access to patients who require long-term enteral nutrition. This study was performed to evaluate the outcomes and... more
Background and Objective: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the technique of choice for providing enteral access to patients who require long-term enteral nutrition. This study was performed to evaluate the outcomes and complications of PEG.
Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 77 patients (45 men, 32 women; age mean: 58.9±19.7 years, Min: 14 years, Max: 89 Years) who underwent initial PEG placement in Vali-e-asr hospital, Zanjan-Iran, from 2014 to 2015 were included. The complications were assessed three weeks and three months after PEG insertion. The quality of life (QoL) was evaluated with Karnofsky questionnaire before PEG placement and three months after that.
Results: The most common indications of PEG placement were cerebrovascular accidents (26.5%), cardio-pulmonary disease (20.6%), and drug and substance abuse toxicities (16.2%). Complications occurred in 26.5% (18 cases) of the patients. The frequencies of the complications at end of the third week and third month were 17.6% and 11.8%, respectively. The most common complication was tube leakage. Also, no significant difference was found between mean of QoL scores pre- and post- PEG placements (p> 0.05).
Conclusion: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a safe and minimally invasive endoscopic procedure associated with a low morbidity rate.
Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 77 patients (45 men, 32 women; age mean: 58.9±19.7 years, Min: 14 years, Max: 89 Years) who underwent initial PEG placement in Vali-e-asr hospital, Zanjan-Iran, from 2014 to 2015 were included. The complications were assessed three weeks and three months after PEG insertion. The quality of life (QoL) was evaluated with Karnofsky questionnaire before PEG placement and three months after that.
Results: The most common indications of PEG placement were cerebrovascular accidents (26.5%), cardio-pulmonary disease (20.6%), and drug and substance abuse toxicities (16.2%). Complications occurred in 26.5% (18 cases) of the patients. The frequencies of the complications at end of the third week and third month were 17.6% and 11.8%, respectively. The most common complication was tube leakage. Also, no significant difference was found between mean of QoL scores pre- and post- PEG placements (p> 0.05).
Conclusion: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a safe and minimally invasive endoscopic procedure associated with a low morbidity rate.
Background and Objective: Compared to the general population, psychiatric problems are more preva-lent in Type 1 Diabetes patients and can affect the success of diabetes treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the... more
Background and Objective: Compared to the general population, psychiatric problems are more preva-lent in Type 1 Diabetes patients and can affect the success of diabetes treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of group reality therapy in decreasing depression/anxiety and in-creasing treatment compliance in patients with Type 1 Diabetes in Zanjan in 2017.
Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design was performed on 40 patients that were selected through convenient sampling and were randomly assigned into two groups (experimental and control) after equalizing the groups according to age, sex, education and ill-ness duration. Both groups were tested via Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Morisky compliance with treatment (MMAS) and Gus overall compliance questionnaires. The experimental group received reality therapy for 8 sessions each week for two months and then per-formed the posttest. Data were analyzed with MANOVA and ANOVA.
Results: Findings showed that reality therapy decreased depression and anxiety and increased treat-ment compliance in the experimental group compared to the control group. There was a significant difference between the experimental and control group (P<0.01).
Conclusion: Considering the results of this study, reality therapy could be used for patients with Type 1 Diabetes who suffer from depression, anxiety and have low treatment compliance.
Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design was performed on 40 patients that were selected through convenient sampling and were randomly assigned into two groups (experimental and control) after equalizing the groups according to age, sex, education and ill-ness duration. Both groups were tested via Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Morisky compliance with treatment (MMAS) and Gus overall compliance questionnaires. The experimental group received reality therapy for 8 sessions each week for two months and then per-formed the posttest. Data were analyzed with MANOVA and ANOVA.
Results: Findings showed that reality therapy decreased depression and anxiety and increased treat-ment compliance in the experimental group compared to the control group. There was a significant difference between the experimental and control group (P<0.01).
Conclusion: Considering the results of this study, reality therapy could be used for patients with Type 1 Diabetes who suffer from depression, anxiety and have low treatment compliance.
Background and Objective: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one of the most common psychological disorders characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry and it has ahigh comorbidity with other anxiety disorders and depression.... more
Background and Objective: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one of the most common psychological disorders characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry and it has ahigh comorbidity with other anxiety disorders and depression. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of metacognitive therapy (MCT), pharmacotherapy and neurofeedback treatment in treating Iranian patients with GAD.
Methods and Materials: 42 outpatients meeting DSM-5 criteria for GAD who had been referred to Sohravardi clinical psychology and psychiatry center in the city of Zanjan were chosen on the basis of convenient sampling and were randomly assigned into three treatment groups: metacognitive therapy (n=14), pharmacotherapy (n=14) and neurofeedback treatment (n=14). All patients in each group were treated for 8 weeks. The General Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) was administered blindly Pre and Post intervention.Alpha brain waves in the occipital area (O1 and O2) using neurofeedback (pro-comp-5) were registered Pretest and Posttest. Throughout the research, 36 patients remained in the study while 6 patients forfeited. The results were analyzed using ANCOVA, ANOVA, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, ANOVA with repeated measures and post hoc test.
Results: The ANCOVA and post hoc results showed that neurofeedback, MCT and pharmacotherapy led to significant improvements in GAD-7. Also regarding alpha amplitude enhancement, the results indicated that neurofeedback led to a more significant increase when compared to MCT and pharmacotherapy.
Conclusion: It seems that neurofeedback is more effective than MCT and pharmacotherapy for the treatment of GAD and the results of this study confirm the effectiveness of O1-O2 protocol (alpha brain wave amplitude increase) in GAD symptoms severity improvement.
Methods and Materials: 42 outpatients meeting DSM-5 criteria for GAD who had been referred to Sohravardi clinical psychology and psychiatry center in the city of Zanjan were chosen on the basis of convenient sampling and were randomly assigned into three treatment groups: metacognitive therapy (n=14), pharmacotherapy (n=14) and neurofeedback treatment (n=14). All patients in each group were treated for 8 weeks. The General Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) was administered blindly Pre and Post intervention.Alpha brain waves in the occipital area (O1 and O2) using neurofeedback (pro-comp-5) were registered Pretest and Posttest. Throughout the research, 36 patients remained in the study while 6 patients forfeited. The results were analyzed using ANCOVA, ANOVA, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, ANOVA with repeated measures and post hoc test.
Results: The ANCOVA and post hoc results showed that neurofeedback, MCT and pharmacotherapy led to significant improvements in GAD-7. Also regarding alpha amplitude enhancement, the results indicated that neurofeedback led to a more significant increase when compared to MCT and pharmacotherapy.
Conclusion: It seems that neurofeedback is more effective than MCT and pharmacotherapy for the treatment of GAD and the results of this study confirm the effectiveness of O1-O2 protocol (alpha brain wave amplitude increase) in GAD symptoms severity improvement.
Background and Objective: Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSLBP) is the most common type of chronic lower back pain. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of 8 weeks of core stability exercises via Swiss ball and Sling on... more
Background and Objective: Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSLBP) is the most common type of chronic lower back pain. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of 8 weeks of core stability exercises via Swiss ball and Sling on pain and quality of life in women with NSLBP.
Materials and Methods:The subjects participated voluntarily (n=32, Age= 19 to 45 years) and were randomly divided into three groups: Swiss ball exercise (BE) group (n:11, Age:36.3 ± 7.2), Sling exercise (SE) group (n:11, Age:35.9 ± 8.1) and Control group (n:10, Age:32.9 ± 7.6), The BE group and the SE group performed their exercise protocols for 8 weeks and during this period, the control group did not engage in any exercise. Pain and quality of life (QOL) was assessed Pre and Post intervention using the Quebec pain questionnaire and quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 20.
Results: The results of Repeated Measures and Non-parametric tests showed that when comparing the two experimental groups and the control group, pain levels and the scale of physical and mental health were significantly different respectively (P=0/002, P<0/001 and P<0/001). A difference between the two experimental groups was not observed, however, the means of pain and the scale of physical and mental health from pre-test to post-test showed a greater difference in the SE group when compared to the BE group.
Conclusion: According to the results of this research and taking into account the low sample size, it is possible that despite the more altered means in the SE group, the 8 weeks of core stability exercises via Swiss ball and Sling had the same positive effect on low back pain in women with NSLBP.
Materials and Methods:The subjects participated voluntarily (n=32, Age= 19 to 45 years) and were randomly divided into three groups: Swiss ball exercise (BE) group (n:11, Age:36.3 ± 7.2), Sling exercise (SE) group (n:11, Age:35.9 ± 8.1) and Control group (n:10, Age:32.9 ± 7.6), The BE group and the SE group performed their exercise protocols for 8 weeks and during this period, the control group did not engage in any exercise. Pain and quality of life (QOL) was assessed Pre and Post intervention using the Quebec pain questionnaire and quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 20.
Results: The results of Repeated Measures and Non-parametric tests showed that when comparing the two experimental groups and the control group, pain levels and the scale of physical and mental health were significantly different respectively (P=0/002, P<0/001 and P<0/001). A difference between the two experimental groups was not observed, however, the means of pain and the scale of physical and mental health from pre-test to post-test showed a greater difference in the SE group when compared to the BE group.
Conclusion: According to the results of this research and taking into account the low sample size, it is possible that despite the more altered means in the SE group, the 8 weeks of core stability exercises via Swiss ball and Sling had the same positive effect on low back pain in women with NSLBP.
Background and Objective: Umbilical Cord blood (UCB) hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is a therapeutic approach for the treatment of malignant and non-malignant hematologic disorders due to ease of collection, lack of risk... more
Background and Objective: Umbilical Cord blood (UCB) hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is a therapeutic approach for the treatment of malignant and non-malignant hematologic disorders due to ease of collection, lack of risk for donors and lower levels of infection. Moreover, it is considered a good alternative for bone marrow HSC transplantation. The main limitation of their use is insufficient amount of HSCs due to low volume of blood collected from umbilical cord. A possible solution to overcome this limitation may be the in vitro expansion of these cells on 3D nanofiber scaffolds, with the goal of natural niche’s topography and chemistry mimicking.
Materials and Methods: In this study, MACS isolated CD133+ cells were confirmed via flow cytometry and then cultured in three conditions: 2-dimensional culture (2D), 3D PLLA scaffold and collagen-fibronectin coated PLLA scaffold.
Results: Comparison between three aforementioned groups showed that collagen-fibronectin coated scaffold had the highest expansion level CD133+ cells, while also having the highest clonogenic capacity and biocompatibility.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the protein coating of 3D PLLA scaffold with collagen-fibronectin provides a suitable system for the expansion of cells with minimal differentiation in vitro.
Materials and Methods: In this study, MACS isolated CD133+ cells were confirmed via flow cytometry and then cultured in three conditions: 2-dimensional culture (2D), 3D PLLA scaffold and collagen-fibronectin coated PLLA scaffold.
Results: Comparison between three aforementioned groups showed that collagen-fibronectin coated scaffold had the highest expansion level CD133+ cells, while also having the highest clonogenic capacity and biocompatibility.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the protein coating of 3D PLLA scaffold with collagen-fibronectin provides a suitable system for the expansion of cells with minimal differentiation in vitro.
Background and Objective: Amphetamine abuse has become a major problem in recent years. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of Matrix Model treatment in amphetamine abusers. Materials and Methods: This study was a clinical... more
Background and Objective: Amphetamine abuse has become a major problem in recent years. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of Matrix Model treatment in amphetamine abusers.
Materials and Methods: This study was a clinical trial with a pretest-posttest design. The study population included all known abusers of amphetamines in Zanjan, Iran.The sample consisted of 40 people referring to local psychiatric and psychological clinics. They were chosen based on convenient sampling and were randomly assigned into two groups, pharmacotherapy and combined therapy (pharmacotherapy and Matrix Model treatment). ASI questionnaires and urinary tests were administered before and after treatment and the data were analyzed using ANCOVA and chi-squared tests.
Results: The treatment was effective when considering job status, drug and alcohol abuse, salary, family and mental status (p= 0/001). In terms of the medical status of addiction severity, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Chi test showed that the frequency of positive urinary tests decreased in the combined therapy group (p= 0/05).
Conclusion: Results suggest that the Matrix Model Treatment can reduce addiction severity and can also reduce the frequency of positive urinary tests.
Materials and Methods: This study was a clinical trial with a pretest-posttest design. The study population included all known abusers of amphetamines in Zanjan, Iran.The sample consisted of 40 people referring to local psychiatric and psychological clinics. They were chosen based on convenient sampling and were randomly assigned into two groups, pharmacotherapy and combined therapy (pharmacotherapy and Matrix Model treatment). ASI questionnaires and urinary tests were administered before and after treatment and the data were analyzed using ANCOVA and chi-squared tests.
Results: The treatment was effective when considering job status, drug and alcohol abuse, salary, family and mental status (p= 0/001). In terms of the medical status of addiction severity, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Chi test showed that the frequency of positive urinary tests decreased in the combined therapy group (p= 0/05).
Conclusion: Results suggest that the Matrix Model Treatment can reduce addiction severity and can also reduce the frequency of positive urinary tests.
Background and Objective: The low quality of recovery after anesthesia has prolonged postoperative hospitalization time. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia on quality of... more
Background and Objective: The low quality of recovery after anesthesia has prolonged postoperative hospitalization time. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia on quality of recovery after abdominal hysterectomy.
Materials and Methods: This study is a clinical trial on 100 women 35 to 70 years with ASA class I, II who candidate to abdominal hysterectomy. Patients were divided randomly into two groups, spinal and general anesthesia. Quality of recovery was measured by questionnaires QoR-40 (emotional states, physical comfort, emotional support, physical independence and pain) at 24 and 48 hours after surgery. The data were analyzed by T-test, Mann-Whitney and Chi-Square Tests and were considered statistically significant when P-value less than 0.05.
Results: Two groups had no significant difference for age, duration of anesthesia, duration of surgery
(P> 0.05). Total score of QoR-40 Questionnaire in the first 24 hoursin the general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia was 170.28 ± 11.72 and 177.24 ± 11.35 respectively (p = 00.3) and in the first 48 hours was 185.68 ± 7.38 and 192.04 ± 5 Respectively (p< 0.001). Average score of emotional states at 24 and 48 hours after surgery for spinal anesthesia group was significantly higher than the general anesthesia group
(p = 0.008 and p< 0.001).
Conclusion: Quality of recovery in spinal anesthesia was better than general anesthesia after abdominal hysterectomy.
Materials and Methods: This study is a clinical trial on 100 women 35 to 70 years with ASA class I, II who candidate to abdominal hysterectomy. Patients were divided randomly into two groups, spinal and general anesthesia. Quality of recovery was measured by questionnaires QoR-40 (emotional states, physical comfort, emotional support, physical independence and pain) at 24 and 48 hours after surgery. The data were analyzed by T-test, Mann-Whitney and Chi-Square Tests and were considered statistically significant when P-value less than 0.05.
Results: Two groups had no significant difference for age, duration of anesthesia, duration of surgery
(P> 0.05). Total score of QoR-40 Questionnaire in the first 24 hoursin the general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia was 170.28 ± 11.72 and 177.24 ± 11.35 respectively (p = 00.3) and in the first 48 hours was 185.68 ± 7.38 and 192.04 ± 5 Respectively (p< 0.001). Average score of emotional states at 24 and 48 hours after surgery for spinal anesthesia group was significantly higher than the general anesthesia group
(p = 0.008 and p< 0.001).
Conclusion: Quality of recovery in spinal anesthesia was better than general anesthesia after abdominal hysterectomy.
Background and Objective: The cesarean section is one of the most common surgical procedures performed today. Two common complications are pain and bleeding which, if incorrectly controlled, may develop into increased complications. The... more
Background and Objective: The cesarean section is one of the most common surgical procedures performed today. Two common complications are pain and bleeding which, if incorrectly controlled, may develop into increased complications. The aim of this research was to compare the effects of diclofenac suppository and intravenous paracetamol on post-cesarean pain and bleeding.
Methods and Materials: In this clinical trial, 88 patients (ASA class I and II, 15-45 years old) who underwent elective cesarean under spinal anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups.In the first group,100 mg diclofenac suppository was administered and in the second group 1g IV paracetamol in 100 ML normal saline was administered immediately after transfer to recovery section and repeated every 6 hours for 24 hours. Pain assessment was done by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before intervention and after 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours. The control of postpartum hemorrhage was assessed by clinical examination, measurement of Hemoglobin 6 and 12 hours after surgery and Pad Score. Data were analyzed by repeated measures and independent t-test via SPSS 16.
Results: The mean score of pain and severe bleeding in the paracetamol group was significantly lower than in the diclofenac group (p<0.05).
Conclusion:According to the results of this study, intravenous paracetamol is more effective than diclofenac suppository in controlling post-cesarean pain and bleeding.
Keywords: Pain, Bleeding, Cesarean, Paracetamol, Diclofenac
Methods and Materials: In this clinical trial, 88 patients (ASA class I and II, 15-45 years old) who underwent elective cesarean under spinal anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups.In the first group,100 mg diclofenac suppository was administered and in the second group 1g IV paracetamol in 100 ML normal saline was administered immediately after transfer to recovery section and repeated every 6 hours for 24 hours. Pain assessment was done by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before intervention and after 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours. The control of postpartum hemorrhage was assessed by clinical examination, measurement of Hemoglobin 6 and 12 hours after surgery and Pad Score. Data were analyzed by repeated measures and independent t-test via SPSS 16.
Results: The mean score of pain and severe bleeding in the paracetamol group was significantly lower than in the diclofenac group (p<0.05).
Conclusion:According to the results of this study, intravenous paracetamol is more effective than diclofenac suppository in controlling post-cesarean pain and bleeding.
Keywords: Pain, Bleeding, Cesarean, Paracetamol, Diclofenac
Background and Objective: Regional differences exist in the prevalence of birth defects. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and related factors with birth defects in Zanjan, Iran. Material and Methods: This descriptive... more
Background and Objective: Regional differences exist in the prevalence of birth defects. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and related factors with birth defects in Zanjan, Iran.
Material and Methods: This descriptive analytic study was performed in Zanjan province during 2015–2016. Data included 41265 child births, which were extracted from the Iranian Mother and Newborn (IMAN) web system report of the Zanjan province hospitals (country electronic childbirth register system). Data was analyzed using descriptive, uni-variate, and multi-variate logistic regression tests.
Results: The prevalence of birth defects in Zanjan was 0.7%. Gestational age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.917, 95% CI: 0.869–0.967, P =0.002) and birth weight (OR=0.999, 95% CI: 0.999 – 1.000, P< 0.001) reduced the chance of birth defects, while consanguineous marriage of parents (OR: 1.745, CI 95%: 1.298–2.347, P< 0.001), and mother’s doctoral degree increased its prevalence (OR: 3.928, 95% CI: 1.058–14.584, P =0.041).
Conclusion: It seems that premarital counseling, screening tests before and during pregnancy, and education, especially for being pregnant in appropriate age and conditions, could be the suitable approaches for reducing the birth defects
Material and Methods: This descriptive analytic study was performed in Zanjan province during 2015–2016. Data included 41265 child births, which were extracted from the Iranian Mother and Newborn (IMAN) web system report of the Zanjan province hospitals (country electronic childbirth register system). Data was analyzed using descriptive, uni-variate, and multi-variate logistic regression tests.
Results: The prevalence of birth defects in Zanjan was 0.7%. Gestational age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.917, 95% CI: 0.869–0.967, P =0.002) and birth weight (OR=0.999, 95% CI: 0.999 – 1.000, P< 0.001) reduced the chance of birth defects, while consanguineous marriage of parents (OR: 1.745, CI 95%: 1.298–2.347, P< 0.001), and mother’s doctoral degree increased its prevalence (OR: 3.928, 95% CI: 1.058–14.584, P =0.041).
Conclusion: It seems that premarital counseling, screening tests before and during pregnancy, and education, especially for being pregnant in appropriate age and conditions, could be the suitable approaches for reducing the birth defects
Background and Objective: Children with Autism spectrum Disorder (ASD) are limited in participation in everyday activities due to the nature of their disorder. Participation means involvement in life situations. The aim of this study was... more
Background and Objective: Children with Autism spectrum Disorder (ASD) are limited in participation in everyday activities due to the nature of their disorder. Participation means involvement in life situations. The aim of this study was to evaluate psychometric properties of “the Children Participation Assessment Scale-Parent Version” (CPAS-P) in activities outside of school in Iranian children with ASD.
Material and Methods: The sample consisted of 55 parents of 6-12 years old children with ASD who selected with convenience sampling. For assessing the convergent validity of CPAS-P and Vinland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS), the spearman's correlation coefficient test was used. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were determined by using the Cronbach's alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively.
Results: The mean age of children was 7.62 years. Cronbach's alpha was obtained 0.91 to 0.94, which indicates the proper internal consistency and ICC was 0.90 to 0.95, which indicates the acceptable test-retest reliability. Finally, significant correlations were reported between CPAS-P and VABS tests in related subscales.
Conclusion: Increasing independence in doing daily activities of children with ASD is a concern for rehabilitation professions such as occupational therapists. Valid and reliable instruments are necessary for documenting treatment that should culturally adapted among Iranian children. According to the result of this study, CPAS-P has good psychometric properties for clinical practice and research.
Material and Methods: The sample consisted of 55 parents of 6-12 years old children with ASD who selected with convenience sampling. For assessing the convergent validity of CPAS-P and Vinland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS), the spearman's correlation coefficient test was used. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were determined by using the Cronbach's alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively.
Results: The mean age of children was 7.62 years. Cronbach's alpha was obtained 0.91 to 0.94, which indicates the proper internal consistency and ICC was 0.90 to 0.95, which indicates the acceptable test-retest reliability. Finally, significant correlations were reported between CPAS-P and VABS tests in related subscales.
Conclusion: Increasing independence in doing daily activities of children with ASD is a concern for rehabilitation professions such as occupational therapists. Valid and reliable instruments are necessary for documenting treatment that should culturally adapted among Iranian children. According to the result of this study, CPAS-P has good psychometric properties for clinical practice and research.
Background and objectives: Benzimidazoles such as albendazole are being used in some conditions to treat the hydatid disease, the common parasitic infections of humans and livestock that caused by Echinococcus granulosus. However,... more
Background and objectives: Benzimidazoles such as albendazole are being used in some conditions to treat the hydatid disease, the common parasitic infections of humans and livestock that caused by Echinococcus granulosus. However, treatment with these drugs is not always with complete success. In this study we evaluate the in vitro efficacy of flubendazole (FLBZ) plus praziquantel (PZQ) against E. granulosus protoscoleces and microcysts.
Materials and methods: Viable and aseptically cultured protoscoleces were treated for 17 days with 5 µg/ml FLBZ, 1 µg/ml PZQ and a combination of both drugs. The viability of protoscoleces was assessed daily by microscopic observation and eosin test. Experiment was repeated three times and drug efficacies were presented as the mean value of protoscoleces viability rate. Developed microcysts from continues cultivation of protoscoleces were subjected to this treatment as same as protoscoleces, for 21 days. Structural changes of microcysts were visualized by inverted and transmission electron microscopy.
Results: The most protoscolicidal efficacy was significantly detected in the culture treated with the combination of FLBZ and PZQ, so that all protoscoleces were killed in the nine days post-treatment. Meanwhile, 21.7±9.5% and 30.8±5.3% of protoscoleces that incubated with the same concentrations of FLBZ or PZQ alone were still viable, respectively. Degenerative changes occurred in microcysts on four days of co-treatment with the drugs, while these occurred on six and eight days with FLBZ or PZQ alone, respectively.
Conclusion: This study indicates the favorable combined effect of the FLBZ and PZQ against E. granulosus protoscoleces and microcysts in vitro.
Materials and methods: Viable and aseptically cultured protoscoleces were treated for 17 days with 5 µg/ml FLBZ, 1 µg/ml PZQ and a combination of both drugs. The viability of protoscoleces was assessed daily by microscopic observation and eosin test. Experiment was repeated three times and drug efficacies were presented as the mean value of protoscoleces viability rate. Developed microcysts from continues cultivation of protoscoleces were subjected to this treatment as same as protoscoleces, for 21 days. Structural changes of microcysts were visualized by inverted and transmission electron microscopy.
Results: The most protoscolicidal efficacy was significantly detected in the culture treated with the combination of FLBZ and PZQ, so that all protoscoleces were killed in the nine days post-treatment. Meanwhile, 21.7±9.5% and 30.8±5.3% of protoscoleces that incubated with the same concentrations of FLBZ or PZQ alone were still viable, respectively. Degenerative changes occurred in microcysts on four days of co-treatment with the drugs, while these occurred on six and eight days with FLBZ or PZQ alone, respectively.
Conclusion: This study indicates the favorable combined effect of the FLBZ and PZQ against E. granulosus protoscoleces and microcysts in vitro.
Background and Objective: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic obstructive and irreversible disease which has a high mortality and morbidity rate. Systemic inflammation and the thrombotic process can influence the... more
Background and Objective: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic obstructive and irreversible disease which has a high mortality and morbidity rate. Systemic inflammation and the thrombotic process can influence the prognosis of these patients. The objectives of this study were to evaluate prognostic effects of CBC indices (WBC, PMN, MPV, RDW), forced expiratory volume-one second (FEV1) and mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure (mPAP) in the prognosis of COPD patients with acute exacerbation of the disease.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on exacerbated COPD patients who were admitted to the emergency department, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman, Iran during 2016-2017. For all the patients, CBC was assessed as they arrived then Pulmonary Function Test and echocardiography were conducted. In order to create the final model, we employed multivariate regression analysis.
Results: A total of 1078 patients were enrolled during one year, of which 58.3% were male. In multivariate analysis, White blood cells (WBC), Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), Mean platelet volume (MPV), Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW), FEV1 and mPAP were the six variables which are independently associated with hospital mortality and ICU admission. Sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve for these six variables model were 78.5, 92 and 86% respectively.
Conclusion: Since the inflammatory and thrombotic events are influential in the prognosis of COPD patients, it may be possible to predict patients outcome with CBC related indices (WBC, PMN, MPV and RDW), although other important risk factors such as pulmonary hypertension and FEV1 decrease should be considered as well.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on exacerbated COPD patients who were admitted to the emergency department, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman, Iran during 2016-2017. For all the patients, CBC was assessed as they arrived then Pulmonary Function Test and echocardiography were conducted. In order to create the final model, we employed multivariate regression analysis.
Results: A total of 1078 patients were enrolled during one year, of which 58.3% were male. In multivariate analysis, White blood cells (WBC), Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), Mean platelet volume (MPV), Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW), FEV1 and mPAP were the six variables which are independently associated with hospital mortality and ICU admission. Sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve for these six variables model were 78.5, 92 and 86% respectively.
Conclusion: Since the inflammatory and thrombotic events are influential in the prognosis of COPD patients, it may be possible to predict patients outcome with CBC related indices (WBC, PMN, MPV and RDW), although other important risk factors such as pulmonary hypertension and FEV1 decrease should be considered as well.
Background and Objective: 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA) are two major endocannabinoids. Using inhibitors of the enzymatic pathways involved in the elimination of 2-AG and AEA as well as synthetic 2-AG, we examined the... more
Background and Objective: 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA) are two major endocannabinoids. Using inhibitors of the enzymatic pathways involved in the elimination of 2-AG and AEA as well as synthetic 2-AG, we examined the effectiveness of these endocannabinoids on epileptiform activity induced in Wistar rats by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ).
Material and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were used in this study. Epileptiform activity was induced in dult male Wistar rats by PTZ injection (20 mg/kg, i.p.). To inhibit 2-AG degradation WWL70 and JJKK048 (JJKK048: 1 mg/kg, WWL70: 5 mg/kg, i.p.) were used. To inhibit AEA elimination, URB597 and LY2183240 (URB597: 1 mg/kg, LY2183240: 2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) were used. Synthetic 2-AG was also examined (1 mg/kg, i.p.) before the PTZ injection. All drugs were dissolved in DMSO as vehicle and injected (i.p.) 15 minutes before the PTZ injection. Latency to onset and duration of the epileptiform activity were considered for statistical analysis.
Results: Injection of (JJKK048+WWL70) before the PTZ significantly increased latency to onset of the epileptiform activity (p<0.01), while reduced duration of the epileptiform activity in comparison to the vehicle (p<0.05). In addition, 2-AG administration significantly increased latency to onset of the epileptiform activity (p<0.05) and reduced duration of the epileptiform activity in comparison to the vehicle (p<0.01). However, these indexes did not show significant changes when URB597+LY2183240 were injected before the PTZ (p>0.05).
Conclusion: It seems increased level of 2-AG but not AEA,effectively decreases PTZ induced epileptiform activity of the hippocampus.
Material and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were used in this study. Epileptiform activity was induced in dult male Wistar rats by PTZ injection (20 mg/kg, i.p.). To inhibit 2-AG degradation WWL70 and JJKK048 (JJKK048: 1 mg/kg, WWL70: 5 mg/kg, i.p.) were used. To inhibit AEA elimination, URB597 and LY2183240 (URB597: 1 mg/kg, LY2183240: 2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) were used. Synthetic 2-AG was also examined (1 mg/kg, i.p.) before the PTZ injection. All drugs were dissolved in DMSO as vehicle and injected (i.p.) 15 minutes before the PTZ injection. Latency to onset and duration of the epileptiform activity were considered for statistical analysis.
Results: Injection of (JJKK048+WWL70) before the PTZ significantly increased latency to onset of the epileptiform activity (p<0.01), while reduced duration of the epileptiform activity in comparison to the vehicle (p<0.05). In addition, 2-AG administration significantly increased latency to onset of the epileptiform activity (p<0.05) and reduced duration of the epileptiform activity in comparison to the vehicle (p<0.01). However, these indexes did not show significant changes when URB597+LY2183240 were injected before the PTZ (p>0.05).
Conclusion: It seems increased level of 2-AG but not AEA,effectively decreases PTZ induced epileptiform activity of the hippocampus.
Background and Objective: Sleep behaviors have a significant impact on a child's quality of life; thus, sleep disorders are a major concern for parents. These disorders show the highest prevalence amongst pre-school children which can... more
Background and Objective: Sleep behaviors have a significant impact on a child's quality of life; thus, sleep disorders are a major concern for parents. These disorders show the highest prevalence amongst pre-school children which can lead to mood disorders and the disruption of cognitive and emotional abilities. These side effects can subsequently cause failure in school, family problems and psychiatric disorders.
Material and Methods: Primarily, a list of kindergartens located in Zanjan city were selected with the help of the State Welfare Organization of Iran. The cluster sampling method was used and 345 samples were randomly entered to the study. Parents were asked to respond to the researcher’s questions based on BEARS questionnaire. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: 304 out of 345 children participating in the study (88%) had sleep disorders. Fear of sleeping alone was the most reported sleep disorders (59.4%). Our study showed that the use of mass media reduced sleep-related problems (P=0.027). There was a significant relationship between maternal education and sleep disorders, and the lowest prevalence of sleep disorders was observed amongst children whose mothers held a bachelor's degree (P=0.008).
Conclusion: The high prevalence of sleep disorders in this study suggests that such psychological problems require special attention on the part of pediatricians, pediatric psychiatrists and general health professionals with an orientation towards teamwork.
Material and Methods: Primarily, a list of kindergartens located in Zanjan city were selected with the help of the State Welfare Organization of Iran. The cluster sampling method was used and 345 samples were randomly entered to the study. Parents were asked to respond to the researcher’s questions based on BEARS questionnaire. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: 304 out of 345 children participating in the study (88%) had sleep disorders. Fear of sleeping alone was the most reported sleep disorders (59.4%). Our study showed that the use of mass media reduced sleep-related problems (P=0.027). There was a significant relationship between maternal education and sleep disorders, and the lowest prevalence of sleep disorders was observed amongst children whose mothers held a bachelor's degree (P=0.008).
Conclusion: The high prevalence of sleep disorders in this study suggests that such psychological problems require special attention on the part of pediatricians, pediatric psychiatrists and general health professionals with an orientation towards teamwork.
Background and Objective: Ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) is a class II membrane glycoprotein that binds to insulin α receptor and can interfere in insulin signaling pathway. Transcription factor-7-like 2... more
Background and Objective: Ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) is a class II membrane glycoprotein that binds to insulin α receptor and can interfere in insulin signaling pathway. Transcription factor-7-like 2 (TCF7L2) is a transcription factor which plays a critical role in pancreatic β cell activity. ENPP1 and TCF7L2 gene polymorphisms may have functional role in susceptibility to type2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of reported K121Q and C/T rs7903146 variants of ENPP1 and TCF7L2 genes with the risk of T2D in our population
Material and Methods: 240 T2D and 240 healthy subjects were recruited. Genotyping was carried out by PCR-RFLP method. T test was used for association study.
Results: ENPP1 121Q (CC) genotype was significantly higher in T2D comparing to controls (OR;1.61, 95% CI;1.02-2.55, P=0.02) and a significant association between the frequency of C allele and T2D was observed (OR;1.339, 95%CI;1.04-1.72, P=0.012). TT genotype of TCF7L2 C>T rs7903146 was significantly higher in T2D patients (OR;0.67, 95% CI;0.49-0.98, P=0.02), but the T allele could not significantly affect the risk for T2D in our population.
Conclusion: The high frequency of Q allele of the ENPP1 K121Q and TT genotype of the TCF7L2 might be considered as a predisposing factor for T2D.
Material and Methods: 240 T2D and 240 healthy subjects were recruited. Genotyping was carried out by PCR-RFLP method. T test was used for association study.
Results: ENPP1 121Q (CC) genotype was significantly higher in T2D comparing to controls (OR;1.61, 95% CI;1.02-2.55, P=0.02) and a significant association between the frequency of C allele and T2D was observed (OR;1.339, 95%CI;1.04-1.72, P=0.012). TT genotype of TCF7L2 C>T rs7903146 was significantly higher in T2D patients (OR;0.67, 95% CI;0.49-0.98, P=0.02), but the T allele could not significantly affect the risk for T2D in our population.
Conclusion: The high frequency of Q allele of the ENPP1 K121Q and TT genotype of the TCF7L2 might be considered as a predisposing factor for T2D.
There is a requisite need to document the health literacy status and its determinants for making recommendations for public health promotions. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of limited health literacy and its... more
There is a requisite need to document the health literacy status and its determinants for making recommendations for public health promotions. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of limited health literacy and its associated factors in Iranian studies. Search queries were made in PubMed, SCOPUS, SID, Irandoc, IranMedex, and Magiran from 2000 to 1 April 2016. The quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklists. Thirty one original papers were incorporated into the systematic review. We conducted meta-analysis using a random effects model. All analysis was performed using comprehensive meta-analysis [CMA] v.2 statistical software. The thirty one papers reviewed include data on 28,138 subjects, and report a prevalence of low health literacy between 4.8% and 79.9%. Pooled analysis of these data show that the weighted prevalence of low health literacy was 37.01% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 36.97%, 37.04%) and of marginal health, literacy was 30.76% (95% CI: 30.72%, 30.79%). Low educational levels, old age, poor employment situation, and low economic status were the most important determinants of limited health literacy. In the multivariate meta-regression model, the years of the studies were significantly associated with health literacy prevalence rates. Only a third of the population had adequate health literacy and health literacy was poor among vulnerable groups such as the unemployed, older and less educated people. So, considering appropriate strategies for each of these groups could have a significant role in improving community health literacy.
Syncope is the state of lack of consciousness and temporal loss of postural tone. Syncope might be in association with a variety of benign and life-threatening conditions. Pulmonary embolism (PE) has been shown to be associated with... more
Syncope is the state of lack of consciousness and temporal loss of postural tone. Syncope might be in association with a variety of benign and life-threatening conditions. Pulmonary embolism (PE) has been shown to be associated with syncope in 13-30 percent of cases. This article presents a novel case report of PE whose only manifestation was syncope.
Research Interests:
Background & Objective: Zataria multiflora is a plant that belongs to Laminaceae family. It is traditionally believed to have several therapeutic effects. Acute promyelocytic leukemia is a distinct subtype of acute myeloid leukemia with... more
Background & Objective: Zataria multiflora is a plant that belongs to Laminaceae family. It is traditionally believed to have several therapeutic effects. Acute promyelocytic leukemia is a distinct subtype of acute myeloid leukemia with dominancy of promyelocytes in bone marrow and blood stream. The aim of this study is to investigate the anticancer effects of Z. multiflora extract on acute promyelocytic leukemia cell lines. Materials & Methods: Viability of NB4 cells was determined by trypane blue test after treatment with 20, 40 and 80µg/mL of Z. multiflora extract for 24 hours. Then, the metabolic activity of cells was determined by MTT assay after 24 hours of treatment with 80 µg/mL Z. multiflora. Finally, Real-time PCR was employed to study the effect of Z. multiflora extract on the expression of hTERT gene. Results: Z. multiflora extract decreased the viability of NB4 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Metabolic activity of NB4 cells significantly decreased following treatment with 80 µg/mL Z. multiflora. Gene expression analysis showed 59%±4% decrease in the expression of hTERT gene after treatment with 80 µg/mL of Z. multiflora. Conclusion: Z. multiflora extract significantly decreased the viability and metabolic activity of NB4 cells. It also led to significant downregulation of hTERT gene compared to the control group. Therefore, Z. multiflora methanolic extract potentially has anticancer effect on acute promyelocytic leukemia cells through down regulation of hTERT. Further investigations are needed to explore other mechanisms of actions and the active ingredients.
Research Interests:
Background & Objective: Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety reaction, which occurs as a result of encountering a seriously traumatic event during one's lifetime. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of saffron... more
Background & Objective: Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety reaction, which occurs as a result of encountering a seriously traumatic event during one's lifetime. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of saffron aqueous extract and crocin on spatial memory and learning with the Barnes maze in a PTSD model on male Wistar rats (Weighting 200-250 gr). Materials & Methods: Wistar rats (n=48) were randomly divided into two groups: PTSD and non-PTSD. The PTSD group first received intra-cerebero-ventricular (ICV) administration of 10 µg/rat aqueous saffron extract, crocin or saline and then an electric foot shock. After 21 days, both groups were returned to the electric shock box in order to remember stressors without receiving any shocks. Corticosterone levels were then measured in the samples. Concurrently, a digital camera was recording the animals' behaviors. Upon this, spatial learning and memory was assessed for five consecutive days. Results: The saffron extract and crocin caused a significant increase (P<0.001) in corticosterone levels and a significant reduction (P<0.05) in freezing behavior, as well as a significant difference (P<0.001) in spatial learning of the two groups. Conclusion: Our results indicated the potential role of saffron aqueous extract and its active derivative (crocin) in improving behavioral symptoms and spatial learning in PTSD models.
Research Interests:
Background & Objective: Wound dressing and healing in diabetic patients is encountered with many problems. This study aims to investigate the effect of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on the survival of random skin... more
Background & Objective: Wound dressing and healing in diabetic patients is encountered with many problems. This study aims to investigate the effect of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on the survival of random skin flap (RSF) on Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ) using an optical microscope.
Materials & Methods: In this study, 60 male Albino Wistar rats were used (average weight 250-300 gr). The rats were divided into six groups: 1). Health-Non (HN), 2). Health- Cells (HC), 3). Health –Sham (HS), 4). Diabetic-Non (DN) that were became diabetic by injecting STZ 70 mg/kg intraperitoneally), 5). Diabetic-Sham (DS), 6). And Diabetic-Cell (DC). In all groups, the day of surgery was considered as the zero day, on the back area of animal, the flap was created with a size of 8 × 3 cm and the BM-MSCs were performed. The sampling was performed on day 7 after surgery from the region where Transitional Zone (TZ) necrosis was initiated.
Results: BM-MSCs increased the number of blood vessels (P=0.009) and the histology parameters (wound demarcation P=0.0001, granulation tissue P=0.0001) significantly compared to the control group. But this increase was not significant in the area of the survival region.
Conclusion: It was concluded that after treatment with BM-MSCs, the wound healing process in both non-diabetic and diabetic groups was increased in accordance with histological characteristics.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Random skin flap, Bone marrow, Stem cells, Streptozotocin, Survival
Materials & Methods: In this study, 60 male Albino Wistar rats were used (average weight 250-300 gr). The rats were divided into six groups: 1). Health-Non (HN), 2). Health- Cells (HC), 3). Health –Sham (HS), 4). Diabetic-Non (DN) that were became diabetic by injecting STZ 70 mg/kg intraperitoneally), 5). Diabetic-Sham (DS), 6). And Diabetic-Cell (DC). In all groups, the day of surgery was considered as the zero day, on the back area of animal, the flap was created with a size of 8 × 3 cm and the BM-MSCs were performed. The sampling was performed on day 7 after surgery from the region where Transitional Zone (TZ) necrosis was initiated.
Results: BM-MSCs increased the number of blood vessels (P=0.009) and the histology parameters (wound demarcation P=0.0001, granulation tissue P=0.0001) significantly compared to the control group. But this increase was not significant in the area of the survival region.
Conclusion: It was concluded that after treatment with BM-MSCs, the wound healing process in both non-diabetic and diabetic groups was increased in accordance with histological characteristics.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Random skin flap, Bone marrow, Stem cells, Streptozotocin, Survival
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Background & Objective: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transient state between normal condition and dementia. Available data indicates that coronary artery diseases (CAD) may increase the risk of MCI. Hence, the early detection of... more
Background & Objective: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transient state between normal condition and dementia. Available data indicates that coronary artery diseases (CAD) may increase the risk of MCI. Hence, the early detection of MCI can prevent the progression of cognitive decline. Materials & Methods: A sample of 65 subjects with degrees of CAD was enrolled to the study. For cognitive assessment, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used. Sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of MoCA were assessed in the cutoff points of 26 and 25. The SPSS 22 was used for data analysis. The statistical significance was set at P-value<0.05. Results: The prevalence of cognitive impairment was calculated 41.5% and between 47.7% and 60% by MMSE and MoCA, respectively. At the cutoff point of 25 for MoCA test, the sensitivity and specificity were 92.6% and 84.2%, and PPV and NPV were 80.6% and 94.1%, respectively, and the efficacy of MoCA test for the detection of MCI was 87.69%. At the cutoff point of 26 for MoCA test, the sensitivity and specificity were 96.3% and 65.8%, and PPV and NPV were 66.7% and 96.2%, respectively, and the efficacy of MoCA test was 78.46%. Conclusion: The prevalence of MCI in patients with CAD was higher than what was previously reported. The MoCA was more sensitive for recognizing the MCI in these patients. We suggested the cutoff point of 25 for the higher accuracy of the MoCA in detecting MCI in CAD patients.
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Background & Objective: Food allergy is an important and increasing problem in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the type and prevalence of food reactions in child care centers of Zanjan city (northwest, Iran). Materials... more
Background & Objective: Food allergy is an important and increasing problem in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the type and prevalence of food reactions in child care centers of Zanjan city (northwest, Iran). Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 40 kindergartens from Zanjan city. A questionnaire containing information about the occurrence of food reaction, offending food, type of reaction, feeding and birth history, and atopy in the children and their families, was prepared and completed by the parents. Then, the data were gathered and analyzed by SPSS 16. Results: In this study 801 children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years entered the study. Two hundred and one reactions (25.1%) were reported. Skin reactions including; urticaria (47.3%) and dermatitis (8%) were registered as the most common problems. Cow's milk (32.3%) was the most offending food. There was significant correlation between age, duration of breast feeding, personal and family history of atopy, and food reactions; however, we did not find any correlation between birth body weight, gender, time of complementary feeding and food reaction. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of food reaction in Zanjan city. Therefore, along with confirmatory diagnostic tests, family education for prevention and treatment of children is recommended.
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Background & Objective: Psoriasis is a chronic and relapsing disease with a prevalence of 2%. Since it is a chronic and non-fatal skin disease, its impact on quality of life in patients is underestimated compared to other diseases. This... more
Background & Objective: Psoriasis is a chronic and relapsing disease with a prevalence of 2%. Since it is a chronic and non-fatal skin disease, its impact on quality of life in patients is underestimated compared to other diseases. This study points out the importance of the quality of life in these patients and their correlation with disease severity. Materials & Methods: Quality of life of psoriasis patients was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and psoriasis severity was measured, using Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI). DLQI were compared regarding age, gender and affected areas in patients. Results: Among 135 patients, 67 (49.6%) were male and 68 (50.4%) were female. The mean age of subjects was 41.49±15.43 years (ranging from 17 to 83 years). The mean DLQI score was 10.73±7.3 (ranging from 0 to 26). Independent t-test showed that the mean DLQI score was significantly greater in women than men (P=0.031). Spearman test showed positive correlation between DLQI and age as well as PASI and DLQI. Conclusion: Results of this study showed a positive and significant correlation between PASI score and quality of life of patients, which implies that with increasing the severity of the disease, the effect of psoriasis on patients' quality of life increases as well.
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Article Info ABSTRACT A 32-year-old man with dyspepsia and rectorrhagia dating back 3 weeks underwent endoscopy and colonoscopy. Upper GI endoscopy revealed a 2×2cm submucosal lesion at the gastric body. Endoscopic ultrasonography... more
Article Info ABSTRACT A 32-year-old man with dyspepsia and rectorrhagia dating back 3 weeks underwent endoscopy and colonoscopy. Upper GI endoscopy revealed a 2×2cm submucosal lesion at the gastric body. Endoscopic ultrasonography confirmed GIST and surgery was recommended. Colonoscopy diagnosed left side inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (ulcerative colitis). Abdominal CT scan and sonography had no apparent abnormality. The pathology report confirmed low grade, spindle type gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Treatment was started with oral Mesalazine and Asacol enema. As the abdominal and pelvic CT showed no metastasis, a complete surgical resection of the tumor was performed and in a 6-month follow up, the patient had no problem. IBD patients are at an increased risk of malignancy due to chronic inflammatory state and the use of immunomodulator agents. Thus, the risk of malignancies at the beginning of the disease is low and its occurrence is rare. The most common cancer in such patients is adenocarcinoma and GIST is somehow rare, with a small number reported in literature. Since the presence of GIST is not related to disease activity, it should be considered in differential diagnosis in patients with controlled IBD who are still symptomatic.
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Article Info ABSTRACT Background & Objective: Esophageal cancer (EC) has been identified as one of the most common cancers in the northeastern regions of Iran. In our study, parametric non-mixture cure rate model was applied to evaluate... more
Article Info ABSTRACT Background & Objective: Esophageal cancer (EC) has been identified as one of the most common cancers in the northeastern regions of Iran. In our study, parametric non-mixture cure rate model was applied to evaluate the effects of risk factors on the long-term survival of patients with EC in East Azerbaijan, Northeastern Iran. Materials & Methods: This retrospective cohort study of 127 patients with EC registered at Iran National Cancer Registry office in the period 2009-2010. These patients were followed up for 5 years in East Azerbaijan, Iran until 2015. The best parametric cure rate model was identified and the risk factors of survival in patients with EC were measured by Akaike Information Criteria and parametric non-mixture cure rate model, respectively. Results: The survival time of EC patients ranged 0.10-69.03 months. Male sex (Odds Ratio (OR) =0.08, 95% confidence interval (CI: 0.02-0.32, P<0.001), patients who underwent esophagectomy surgery (OR=6.11, 95%CI: 1.46-25.55, P=0.013) had a significant effect on the survival and the cure fraction of EC patients. Population cure rate was 0.11 (95%CI: 0.07-0.19) and cure fraction was estimated 4.9%. Conclusion: The Weibull non-mixture cure rate model was the most appropriate statistical tool to identify potential risk factors that affect both survival and cure fraction of EC patients. It is a recommended tool for analyzing the long-term survival of patients with EC.
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Article Info ABSTRACT Background & Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders that cause a high annual cost of patients care and health services in a society. Given the fact that DM management is very... more
Article Info ABSTRACT Background & Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders that cause a high annual cost of patients care and health services in a society. Given the fact that DM management is very important, the present study aims to investigate the effect of combined therapy with fenugreek and nutrition training based on Iranian traditional medicine on FBS, HgA1c, BMI, and waist circumference in type 2 diabetic patients. Materials & Methods: This randomized double blinded clinical trial was conducted on patients with type 2 diabetes in Tehran (Iran) during 2017. Patients were randomly divided into four groups, including: G1 [fenugreek powder (10g/two times per day) with nutrition training), G2 [wheat flour (placebo) with nutrition training), G3 [fenugreek powder (10g/two times per day) without nutrition training], and G4 [wheat flour (placebo) without nutrition training]. Results: This study was done on 125 patients (43% male and 57% female). There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics of all groups. The mean of FBS in G1, G2, G3 and G4 significantly decreased by 62, 12, and 23 units, respectively (P<0.001). The mean of HbA1c in groups G1, G2, and G3 declined by 0.77, 0.31 and 0.5 units, respectively. The mean of BMI in groups G1, G2, and G3 decreased by 1.38, 0.82 and 0.89 units, respectively. Furthermore, waist circumference reduced in all of three groups by 7.11, 3.8 and 3.18 units, respectively. There was no significant change in mean value of these parameters in G4 group. Conclusion: Given the positive effect of fenugreek and nutrition training on FBS, HbA1c, BMI, and waist circumference, it can be suggested for blood glucose control in diabetic patients. Interestingly, combined therapy with fenugreek and nutrition training was more effective in reducing blood glucose, indicating the importance of this combined therapy for blood glucose control in DM patients.
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Article Info ABSTRACT Background & Objective: Epidemiology and predisposing factors of spondylodiscitis or vertebral osteomyelitis are different in various populations. This study was conducted to delineate the epidemiological and... more
Article Info ABSTRACT Background & Objective: Epidemiology and predisposing factors of spondylodiscitis or vertebral osteomyelitis are different in various populations. This study was conducted to delineate the epidemiological and microbiological status of vertebral osteomyelitis in Hamadan, Iran. Materials & Methods: In this retrospective study, all patients with definite diagnosis of spondylodiscitis (changing of intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebral MRI signal) hospitalized in Besat and Farshchian Hospitals of Hamadan between 2006 and 2015 (during 10 years) were enrolled by convenience sampling. Data on age, gender, underlying disease, constitutional symptoms, place of acquiring infection, leukocytosis, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), surgical intervention, vertebral biopsy culture, anemia, abscess, place of vertebral involvement, positive brucellosis test, and blood culture results were obtained from the patients' medical files and recorded in a questionnaire. Results: A total of 71 patients with spondylodiscitis (mean age: 49.56 years) were enrolled. Brucella (n: 27, 38%) was the leading cause of the disease followed by tuberculosis (n: 11, 15.5%). Although 34 patients had positive serologic test for Brucella, other agents were causes of the disease according to course of treatment and vertebral biopsy in 7 of them. In 21 cases, the cause of the disease was unknown. The most common place of involvement was lumbosacral region (78.9%). Conclusion: Unlike Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guideline that do not recommend to perform age-guided aspiration biopsy in suspected cases of spondylodiscitis when Brucella is endemic and whereby people have strong positive serology, our results demonstrated that, even in case of positive Brucella test, other factors are likely to contribute to acquiring spondylodiscitis, and vertebral biopsy is recommended for definite diagnosis. Early diagnosis is necessary to select appropriate antibiotic and treat spondylodiscitis early.
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Article Info ABSTRACT Background & Objective: Metabolic syndrome is defined as a cluster of metabolic disorders, which may lead to type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8... more
Article Info ABSTRACT Background & Objective: Metabolic syndrome is defined as a cluster of metabolic disorders, which may lead to type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of aerobic training and Nigella sativa supplements on insulin resistance, lipid profiles, and plasma levels of HbA1c in Type 2 diabetic rats. Materials & Methods: 35 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The training program included 8 weeks of aerobic training on a treadmill. The supplement group consumed N. Sativa supplement at the end of each training session at the dose of 400mg/kg/day. After 8 weeks of aerobic training and N.Sativa consumption, the plasma levels of HbA1C, insulin resistance and lipid profiles were measured. Results: The results showed that blood glucose level in all three groups was significantly lower than the baseline (P=0.0001). Cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL showed the most significant decrease in aerobic and combination training groups (P=0.0001). In HDL index, aerobic and combined exercise groups showed a significant increase (P=0.0001). Hemoglobin A1c index and insulin resistance in the combination group showed a significant decrease compared to the other groups (P=0.0001). Conclusion: The results shows that exercise along with N. Sativa supplement is more effective than N. sativa supplement or exercise alone in the status of rats with type 2 diabetes. This kind of combination therapy may also be applicable to diabetic patients.
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Article Info ABSTRACT Background & Objective: Several studies have shown that topical and intravenous Dexmedetomidine and Lidocaine can decrease pain and reduce consumption of analgesic drugs. However, Lidocaine may be accompanied with... more
Article Info ABSTRACT Background & Objective: Several studies have shown that topical and intravenous Dexmedetomidine and Lidocaine can decrease pain and reduce consumption of analgesic drugs. However, Lidocaine may be accompanied with several side effects such as respiratory suppression, seizure, and cardiac arrhythmias. On the other hand, Dexmedetomidine has favorable properties such as low risk of apnea, analgesia, sympatholysis, and sedation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of nebulized Dexmedetomidine and nebulized Lidocaine on hemodynamic characteristics of the patients undergoing bronchoscopy. Materials & Methods: In the present randomized, double-blind study; 75 children (1-6 years old) undergoing fiber-optic bronchoscopy were allocated to three groups. Group 1 received nebulized solution containing 2 µg/kg of Dexmedetomidine. Group 2 received nebulized solution containing 4 mg/kg of Lidocaine 1%. Group 3 received nebulized solution containing 0.9% of normal saline as the control group. Heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure and SpO2, Bispectral Index (BIS) were measured and compared. BIS, indicating the depth of anesthesia was considered as a confounding factor. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20. Results: The mean of arterial blood pressure and heart rate was significantly lower in group 1 compared to groups 2 and 3 during bronchoscopy (P<0.05). Blood oxygen saturation and sedation scores were significantly higher in group 1 compared to the other groups during bronchoscopy (P<0.05). Furthermore, the hemodynamic parameters were more stable in group 1 compared to the other groups during recovery. Conclusion: Premedication with nebulized Dexmedetomidine was significantly associated with more stable hemodynamic parameters and lower risk of side effects compared to nebulized Lidocaine in children undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy.
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Background and Objective: Parkinson is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to incurable and debilitating conditions. Herbal extracts can afford protection against neurodegenerative diseases due to their bioactive compounds. In the... more
Background and Objective: Parkinson is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to incurable and debilitating conditions. Herbal extracts can afford protection against neurodegenerative diseases due to their bioactive compounds. In the present study, we investigated the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of B. carduchrum on catalepsy and brain oxidative stress in rat’s model of Parkinson’s disease.
Materials and Methods: Rats were randomly divided into five groups of eight animals. The control group was left intact. Parkinsonian group received an injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in the right anterior mid-brain. Extract treated groups received hydro-alcoholic extract of B. carduchrum at doses of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg by gavage seven days after 6-OHDA injection. 14 days after treatment, bar test was performed and lipid peroxide levels of different brain regions were determined. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey's test using SPSS software and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: In 6-OHDA-lesioned group, bar time was increased significantly (P<0.05) when compared with the control group (122.50±90.12 versus 0.00±0.00). B. carduchrum at doses of 200 and 400mg/kg significantly reduced 6-OHDA induced catalepsy (P<0.0.5). 6-OHDA treatment leads to significant increases in lipid peroxide levels of cerebellum, cortex, hippocampus and striatum (P<0.05). Administration of B. carduchrum extract at different doses caused significant reduction in the lipid peroxide levels of different brain regions (P<0.05).
Conclusion: B. carduchrum extract ameliorated 6-OHDA -induced catalepsy and lipid peroxide level of brain in rat’s model of Parkinson’s disease.
Keywords: Biarum carduchrum, Catalepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Lipid peroxide
Materials and Methods: Rats were randomly divided into five groups of eight animals. The control group was left intact. Parkinsonian group received an injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in the right anterior mid-brain. Extract treated groups received hydro-alcoholic extract of B. carduchrum at doses of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg by gavage seven days after 6-OHDA injection. 14 days after treatment, bar test was performed and lipid peroxide levels of different brain regions were determined. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey's test using SPSS software and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: In 6-OHDA-lesioned group, bar time was increased significantly (P<0.05) when compared with the control group (122.50±90.12 versus 0.00±0.00). B. carduchrum at doses of 200 and 400mg/kg significantly reduced 6-OHDA induced catalepsy (P<0.0.5). 6-OHDA treatment leads to significant increases in lipid peroxide levels of cerebellum, cortex, hippocampus and striatum (P<0.05). Administration of B. carduchrum extract at different doses caused significant reduction in the lipid peroxide levels of different brain regions (P<0.05).
Conclusion: B. carduchrum extract ameliorated 6-OHDA -induced catalepsy and lipid peroxide level of brain in rat’s model of Parkinson’s disease.
Keywords: Biarum carduchrum, Catalepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Lipid peroxide
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Article Info ABSTRACT Background & Objective: Quinolones are the antibiotics used to treat infections. Several reports have indicated the increased resistance to quinolone in Klebsiella pneumoniae strains all over the world. The aim of... more
Article Info ABSTRACT Background & Objective: Quinolones are the antibiotics used to treat infections. Several reports have indicated the increased resistance to quinolone in Klebsiella pneumoniae strains all over the world. The aim of this study was to investigate amino acid substitutions in GyrA and ParC proteins among quinolone-resistant isolates of K. pneumoniae in Borujerd (west of Iran) hospitals. Materials & Methods: Totally, 100 isolates of K. pneumoniae were collected. After validating the isolates by conventional laboratory methods, an antimicrobial susceptibility test was carried out for some antibiotics from the quinolones family. Quinolone resistance and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of Ciprofloxacin were detected by disk diffusion and E-test methods, respectively. The amplification of gyrA and parC genes in quinolone-resistant strains was performed by PCR using specific primers. PCR products were sequenced in order to detect the mutations in gyrA and parC genes. Results: Generally, 38% of all the collected isolates were resistant to Nalidixic acid and Ciprofloxacin, 18% were resistant to Ofloxacin, and 15% were resistant to Norfloxacin. Concurrent resistance to Nalidixic acid, Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, and Norfloxacin was determined in 15% of the cases. In 86% (n=20) of Ciprofloxacin-resistant strains, MIC was measured 128 μg/mL. The mutation rate was 40% (n=9) in gyrA gene in quinolone-resistant strains and 35% (n=8) in parC gene. Conclusion: Briefly, our research findings revealed that a relatively high resistance to quinolones as well as fluoroquinolone was observed among K. pneumoniae isolates in Brojurd hospitals. It is likely that mutation occurrence in certain positions of gyrA and parC genes has a significant effect on developing high-level resistance to quinolone in K. pneumoniae.
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Eosinophilic cholecystitis is a rare inflammatory condition encountered in surgical cholecystectomy specimens. In terms of histopathology, it is defined by transmural infiltration of eosinophils composing more than 90% of leukocytes. We... more
Eosinophilic cholecystitis is a rare inflammatory condition encountered in surgical cholecystectomy specimens. In terms of histopathology, it is defined by transmural infiltration of eosinophils composing more than 90% of leukocytes. We here report a case of 19-year-old male admitted with thalassemia intermedia and with severe left upper quadrant pain. The patient underwent open splenectomy and cholecystectomy. In his histopathologic examination eosinophilic infiltration was found in gallbladder wall.
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Background & Objective: Molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles (MoO3 NPs) have widespread applications in industries. However, the toxic and non-toxic effects of MoO3 NPs have not been fully investigated yet. In this study, effects of MoO3 NPs... more
Background & Objective: Molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles (MoO3 NPs) have widespread applications in industries. However, the toxic and non-toxic effects of MoO3 NPs have not been fully investigated yet. In this study, effects of MoO3 NPs on ovary function of female rats were studied. Materials & Methods: In this study, 21 female rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=7): the first group did not receive any treatment, the second one received normal saline, and the third group received 5 mg/kg MoO3 NPs in normal saline via intraperitoneal injection during a period of 28 days. Serum concentrations of estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone were measured. Also, changes of ovaries, uterine weights, uterine, and length of uterine horns were studied. Results: The serum level of estrogen in the MoO3 NPs exposed group was significantly attenuated; those of luteinizing hormones and follicle stimulating hormone were elevated while progesterone level change was insignificant. The weights of the right ovary and the uterine body decreased significantly in the exposed group. Conclusion: Our data showed that MoO3 nanoparticle exposure could cause an imbalance of sex hormones and decrease in body and ovarian weights in thefemale rats.
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Article Info ABSTRACT Background & Objective: Toxico-pathological effects of herbal plants have always been a major concern, but little information is provided on the toxico-pathological effects of origanum on the fetus. Due to ethical... more
Article Info ABSTRACT Background & Objective: Toxico-pathological effects of herbal plants have always been a major concern, but little information is provided on the toxico-pathological effects of origanum on the fetus. Due to ethical rules and regulations, no drug experiment on the human fetus is permitted; hence, the chick embryo model is used as an ideal opportunity to study the adverse effects of drugs. This study aims to assess the histopathological effects of the various doses of Origanum vulgare (O. vulgare) using the chick embryo model. Materials & Methods: Ross chicken eggs were subjected into four experimental groups (n=7); phosphate buffered saline-injected group and Origanum-injected groups that were treated with O. vulgare leaf-extract at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg per kg egg-weight, respectively. After injecting the embryos with the extracts, re-incubation was performed and allowed to develop until day 18, when embryos were evaluated for pathological lesions. Results: Treated embryos were normal in the Origanum-injected groups and no defect was noticed on the body features. The microscopic lesions including congestion and edema were made in the brain, liver, kidney, heart, and lung in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: It can be concluded that O. vulgare at a concentration higher than 25 mg per kg is toxic for chick embryo in a dose-dependent manner; therefore, more attention should be given to the toxicity of O. vulgare in the period of fetal development.
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Background & Objective: Breast cancer is considered to be one the most preventable types of cancer in women. In this regard, one of the most important self-care techniques for women is breast self-examination. The main objective of the... more
Background & Objective: Breast cancer is considered to be one the most preventable types of cancer in women. In this regard, one of the most important self-care techniques for women is breast self-examination. The main objective of the present study was to determine the effect of educational intervention based on trans-theoretical model on the correct behavior of breast self-examination among health volunteers in Rafsanjan city, in 2017. Materials & Methods: This semi-experimental study was performed on 92 health volunteers who were assigned to two intervention and control groups in Rafsanjan, Iran. The required data was collected through a valid and reliable questionnaire. After the pretest analysis and determination of the participants' educational needs, the educational program was implemented in six sessions. The effect of the training program was evaluated immediately and eight weeks later. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 16; the significance level was considered 0.05. Results: Mean age of the volunteers was about 46 years. After the implementation of the educational program, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of movement in the stages of change during three interval periods (P<0.05). Also, there was a significant difference between mean scores of the two groups in all structures (except for perceived barriers) after the intervention (P<0.05). Conclusion: The use of educational methods, such as demonstration, role-playing, and the use of Molding (Moulage), has had an impact on the empowerment of health volunteers as health promoters. Regarding the effectiveness of the educational intervention based on trans-theoretical model in performing the correct behavior of breast self-examination, it is recommended to use this model in other areas and topics.
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Background & Objective: Hyper-kyphosis negatively affects health status, physical mobility, and quality of life. Corrective exercise interventions are often utilized to manage subjects with thoracic hyper-hypnosis. The purpose of this... more
Background & Objective: Hyper-kyphosis negatively affects health status, physical mobility, and quality of life. Corrective exercise interventions are often utilized to manage subjects with thoracic hyper-hypnosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of multimodal spine strengthening exercises (spinal strengthening, spinal alignment and other such exercises for increased spine mobility) and posture training in young individuals with functional thoracic hyper-kyphosis. Materials & Methods: 97 young men with hyper-kyphosis abnormality (a kyphosis angle of more than 42 degrees) with a mean age of 23.82±2.96 years, the height of 174.74 ± 7.75 cm, and the weight of 70.36 ± 8.53 kg were selected. The individuals were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Experimental group subjects participated in a 12-week progressive corrective exercise program with postural training that was performed 3 sessions per week for one hour, while the control group subjects underwent daily activities during the same period. The kyphosis angle was measured with a flexible ruler. Data was analyzed by ANCOVA. Results: The findings of the study showed that the multimodal spine strengthening exercise (spinal strengthening, spinal alignment and exercises for increased spine mobility) and postural training had a significant effect on the reduction of the thoracic kyphosis angle in the experimental group (P≤0.05). Conclusion: Corrective exercises along with postural training are recommended for the correction of hyper-kyphosis abnormalities in young adult.
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Background & Objective: Fennel, as an edible plant, and due to its estrogenic compounds, has widely been used as a therapeutic agent for centuries. In this study, the effects of neonatal exposure to fennel alcoholic extract (FAE), on the... more
Background & Objective: Fennel, as an edible plant, and due to its estrogenic compounds, has widely been used as a therapeutic agent for centuries. In this study, the effects of neonatal exposure to fennel alcoholic extract (FAE), on the onset of puberty, estrus cycle, ovaries, and lordosis were investigated.
Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 48 female BALB/c pups were divided into 4 groups: control (without treatment), treatment with estradiol benzoate (EB), 100 and 200 (mg/kg bw) FAE that were daily administered for 5 days from birth.
Results: The age at vaginal opening (VO) was significantly earlier in EB and 200 FAE. Body weight at VO was lower than control only in EB. A disrupted estrus cycle, decreased number of cycles and increased index diestrus were observed in EB and 200 FAE treated mice. Ovary weight in the EB-, 100- and 200 FAE-treated groups were lower. The number of Graafian follicles in the EB-, 100- and 200 FAE and number of corpus luteum in the EB and 200 FAE groups were lower than that of control females. Estradiol concentration increased in the EB and 200 FAE and LH concentration decreased in the EB-, 100- and 200 FAE groups. The lordosis quotient (LQ) was significantly low in the EB- and 200 FAE-treated groups, vis-à-vis the control group.
Conclusion: The present results indicated that neonatal exposure to FAE induces early VO and disrupts ovary function. In addition, fennel acts like xenoestrogens and causes defeminization of the brain in the estrus cycle as well as lordosis in mice.
Keywords: Foeniculumvulgare, Puberty, Reproductive Health, Lordosis
Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 48 female BALB/c pups were divided into 4 groups: control (without treatment), treatment with estradiol benzoate (EB), 100 and 200 (mg/kg bw) FAE that were daily administered for 5 days from birth.
Results: The age at vaginal opening (VO) was significantly earlier in EB and 200 FAE. Body weight at VO was lower than control only in EB. A disrupted estrus cycle, decreased number of cycles and increased index diestrus were observed in EB and 200 FAE treated mice. Ovary weight in the EB-, 100- and 200 FAE-treated groups were lower. The number of Graafian follicles in the EB-, 100- and 200 FAE and number of corpus luteum in the EB and 200 FAE groups were lower than that of control females. Estradiol concentration increased in the EB and 200 FAE and LH concentration decreased in the EB-, 100- and 200 FAE groups. The lordosis quotient (LQ) was significantly low in the EB- and 200 FAE-treated groups, vis-à-vis the control group.
Conclusion: The present results indicated that neonatal exposure to FAE induces early VO and disrupts ovary function. In addition, fennel acts like xenoestrogens and causes defeminization of the brain in the estrus cycle as well as lordosis in mice.
Keywords: Foeniculumvulgare, Puberty, Reproductive Health, Lordosis
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Background & Objective: Low birth weight is considered as one the causes of infant mortality across the world. Accordingly, paying attention to neonatal growth leads to mortality rate decrement and consequently prevents future physical... more
Background & Objective: Low birth weight is considered as one the causes of infant mortality across the world. Accordingly, paying attention to neonatal growth leads to mortality rate decrement and consequently prevents future physical and mental disabilities in this age group.
Materials & Methods: This historic (retrospective) cohort study was conducted on 280 one-year-old male and female infants who were divided into two equal groups of low and normal birth weights. Then, the developmental status of the neonates at the corrected age of one year was assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 19 via t-test and multiple regression analysis.
Results: Of the 280 infants examined, 142 (50.7%) of them were male and 138 (49.3%) were female with the mean weight of 640.9±2696.9 gr, and the mean gestational age of 37.8±2.4 weeks. Moreover, the findings revealed that the gross motor skills and the problem-solving areas had the highest levels of developmental delay in the subjects. In addition, a significant relationship was observed between the developmental delay of the neonates in different areas and the variables of birth weight, birth height, birth rate, duration of hospitalization in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and some causes of neonatal hospitalization (P<0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results, health policymakers were recommended to pay much more attention to the assessment of the developmental status of low-weight neonates for timely diagnosis and treatment as well as the education of health care providers and parents.
Keywords: Developmental status, Low birth weight, Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)
Materials & Methods: This historic (retrospective) cohort study was conducted on 280 one-year-old male and female infants who were divided into two equal groups of low and normal birth weights. Then, the developmental status of the neonates at the corrected age of one year was assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 19 via t-test and multiple regression analysis.
Results: Of the 280 infants examined, 142 (50.7%) of them were male and 138 (49.3%) were female with the mean weight of 640.9±2696.9 gr, and the mean gestational age of 37.8±2.4 weeks. Moreover, the findings revealed that the gross motor skills and the problem-solving areas had the highest levels of developmental delay in the subjects. In addition, a significant relationship was observed between the developmental delay of the neonates in different areas and the variables of birth weight, birth height, birth rate, duration of hospitalization in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and some causes of neonatal hospitalization (P<0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results, health policymakers were recommended to pay much more attention to the assessment of the developmental status of low-weight neonates for timely diagnosis and treatment as well as the education of health care providers and parents.
Keywords: Developmental status, Low birth weight, Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)
Research Interests:
Background & Objective: Overweight people are more vulnerable to developing fatty liver disease, moreover; they are more likely to have increased serum liver enzymes and lactate dehydrogenase than others. The aim of this study was to... more
Background & Objective: Overweight people are more vulnerable to developing fatty liver disease, moreover; they are more likely to have increased serum liver enzymes and lactate dehydrogenase than others. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in liver enzymes and lactate dehydrogenase after doing exhaustive aerobic and anaerobic exercises in active overweight male students. Materials & Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 45 overweight male students were randomly divided into aerobic (n=15), anaerobic (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. In aerobic group: first, a study was performed on the Astrand aerobic test (including running on a barrel at speeds of 5 to 8 miles per hour with a gradient of 3 minutes, and after 3 minutes, every 2 minutes, a steep gradient of 2.5%, a constant speed, and a fatigue), the subjects of the anaerobic group performed the Rast anaerobic test (including 6 fast-paced repetitions at 35 meters distance and maximum severity, with a rest interval of 10 seconds in each repetition). The control group was without any intervention. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test. Results: The results indicated a noteworthy increase in ALP and LDH values of the three groups in the aerobic and anaerobic exercise groups (P=0.3, P=0.6). However, although AST and ALT were increased by aerobic and anaerobic exercise, there was no significant difference between the three groups (P=0.02) (P=0.01). Conclusion: There was an evident increase in the serum levels of ALP, AST, ALT and LDH as an indicator of liver damage in overweight people, which are more vulnerable to fatty liver disease. Therefore, according to the achieved results, aerobic exhausting exercise could be a more appropriate exercise for the overweight.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.122.51 Background & Objective: Social anxiety disorder, which involves excessive anxiety of social situation due to fear of negative evaluation, is a debilitating disorder that leads to social... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.122.51 Background & Objective: Social anxiety disorder, which involves excessive anxiety of social situation due to fear of negative evaluation, is a debilitating disorder that leads to social dysfunction. The purpose of this study is to investigate Efficacy of Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT) versus Group Hypnotherapy (GHt) on Brain/Behavioral Systems of Social Phobia Patients. Materials & Methods: The numbers of 30 subjects were divided into two groups receiving either CBGT or GHt. The questionnaires of brain / behavioral systems (GWPQ) and social phobia (SPIN) were administered in two phases (before and after intervention). Results: Both therapy approaches caused significant changes in the level of social phobia and brain/behavioral systems activity. The alterations in brain-behavioral subsystems (BIS and FFFS) in the Extinction and Flight components were in favor of hypnotherapy (P<0.05). Conclusion: The findings from the present research provide evidence that due to alterations in brain/behavioral systems associated with the social phobia, hypnotherapy can be considered as a powerful approach treating social phobia.
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.122.43 Background & Objective: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Postural control and motor function disorders are the most common MS... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.122.43 Background & Objective: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Postural control and motor function disorders are the most common MS related symptoms. Currently, exercise therapy seems to be the most effective non-pharmacological approach in controlling and improving these disorders. Thus, the present study intends to study the effect of combined training protocol on postural control and motor functions of individuals with MS. Materials & Methods: After selecting 60 women with MS as the study sample, they were randomly assigned to two training intervention and control groups, each comprised of 30 subjects. The training intervention group performed the combined training protocol for eight weeks. Results: The results of the covariance analysis showed that the combined training protocol had a significant effect on all postural control (postural sway indexes and Berg Balance Scale) and motor function (Timed 25 Feet Walk test and Timed Up and Go test) variables in individuals with MS (P≤0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the combined training protocol improved postural control and motor functions of individuals with MS. Therefore, these results may be recommended to all individuals who are making an effort to treat and improve individuals with MS.
Research Interests:
Background & Objective: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of combined training (aerobic-resistance) on serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and... more
Background & Objective: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of combined training (aerobic-resistance) on serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins 3 (IGFBP-3) in men with prostate cancer.
Materials & Methods: 20 eligible men with prostate cancer with an average age of 62.6±7.71 years, height of 172.15±5.02 cm, average weight of 75.6±11.6 kg, and the body mass index 25.54±3.47 were divided randomly into two groups (10 individuals each): the control and experimental groups. The experimental group experienced eight weeks of combined training (Aerobic resistance) with three sessions per week. During this period the control group did not participate in any exercise. At the beginning and the end of the period, 5 mL blood samples were taken to measure serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3. The obtained data were then analyzed using ANCOVA with P-value≤ 0.05.
Results: The results showed that the eight weeks of combined training significantly reduced the level of IGF-I in the experimental group (P=0.001). Also, the combined training significantly increased the level of IGFBP-3 in the experimental group, which was significantly different from the control group (P=0.036).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the combined training can affect some of the factors associated with prostate cancer and may be able to contribute to the improvement of patientschr('39') disease (along with the main treatment protocol).
Keywords: ombined training, Prostate cancer, IGF-I, IGFBP-3
Materials & Methods: 20 eligible men with prostate cancer with an average age of 62.6±7.71 years, height of 172.15±5.02 cm, average weight of 75.6±11.6 kg, and the body mass index 25.54±3.47 were divided randomly into two groups (10 individuals each): the control and experimental groups. The experimental group experienced eight weeks of combined training (Aerobic resistance) with three sessions per week. During this period the control group did not participate in any exercise. At the beginning and the end of the period, 5 mL blood samples were taken to measure serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3. The obtained data were then analyzed using ANCOVA with P-value≤ 0.05.
Results: The results showed that the eight weeks of combined training significantly reduced the level of IGF-I in the experimental group (P=0.001). Also, the combined training significantly increased the level of IGFBP-3 in the experimental group, which was significantly different from the control group (P=0.036).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the combined training can affect some of the factors associated with prostate cancer and may be able to contribute to the improvement of patientschr('39') disease (along with the main treatment protocol).
Keywords: ombined training, Prostate cancer, IGF-I, IGFBP-3
Research Interests:
Background & Objective: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has been recognized as a serious public health threat. The early detection of kidney damage in CKD is a useful way to reduce the disease burden. This study aimed to determine the power... more
Background & Objective: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has been recognized as a serious public health threat. The early detection of kidney damage in CKD is a useful way to reduce the disease burden. This study aimed to determine the power of Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and cystatin C (Cys-C) to predict the kidney damage in Iranian patients.
Materials & Methods: This study was conducted at Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital on 72 renal patients. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was assumed as the gold standard method. The NGAL and Cys-C were used as predictors and estimated GFR was used as a response variable. Three logistic regression models were fitted to investigate the impact of single and multiple markers for the prediction of GFR status.
Results: The regression models with NGAL and Cys-C as single predictors, and with both of them as multivariate predictors, were fitted to the data. The markers except for Cys-C were significantly related to the renal damage in all models (P<0.05). The obtained odds ratio for the model with NGAL, Cys-Cand both NGAL and Cys-C were 1.142, 1.004 and 1.125, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the models with NGAL, Cys-C and both of them were 96.00 and 100.00; 64.00 and 97.87; and 96.00 and 100, respectively.
Conclusion: Our findings revealed that the NGAL biomarker as a single predictor could result in high predictor power for classifying the patients with and without kidney damage. Thus, the clinicians can use this marker for the early prediction of this renal problem.
Keywords: Kidney damage, NGAL, Cystatin C, AUC, Iranian population
Materials & Methods: This study was conducted at Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital on 72 renal patients. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was assumed as the gold standard method. The NGAL and Cys-C were used as predictors and estimated GFR was used as a response variable. Three logistic regression models were fitted to investigate the impact of single and multiple markers for the prediction of GFR status.
Results: The regression models with NGAL and Cys-C as single predictors, and with both of them as multivariate predictors, were fitted to the data. The markers except for Cys-C were significantly related to the renal damage in all models (P<0.05). The obtained odds ratio for the model with NGAL, Cys-Cand both NGAL and Cys-C were 1.142, 1.004 and 1.125, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the models with NGAL, Cys-C and both of them were 96.00 and 100.00; 64.00 and 97.87; and 96.00 and 100, respectively.
Conclusion: Our findings revealed that the NGAL biomarker as a single predictor could result in high predictor power for classifying the patients with and without kidney damage. Thus, the clinicians can use this marker for the early prediction of this renal problem.
Keywords: Kidney damage, NGAL, Cystatin C, AUC, Iranian population
Research Interests:
Iran. This study used multi-stage cluster sampling and included 1039 mothers from Zanjan province in 2015-2016. The data gathering tools were the lifestyle questionnaire (LSQ) and a demographic questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS... more
Iran. This study used multi-stage cluster sampling and included 1039 mothers from Zanjan province in 2015-2016. The data gathering tools were the lifestyle questionnaire (LSQ) and a demographic questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20. Results: The results showed that the lifestyle status of 4.6% of the mothers was lower than the normal level, 89.3% at the normal level, and 6.1% was good. Mean and standard deviation of the total lifestyle of mothers was 2.01±0.31. Evaluating the mean of lifestyle components showed that the highest mean of lifestyle status in mothers in Zanjan province was related to drugs avoidance (M=2.65) and the lowest mean was related to sport and health components (M=1.44). Conclusion: The lifestyle status of the studied samples was predominantly at normal level. However, their status in such components as exercise and health, environmental health, weight control, nutrition, and physical health was not very favorable, which makes it necessary to plan more precisely in this area. Results showed that mothers living in the city had a significantly better lifestyle than those living in rural areas. Findings also indicated that mothers with a higher level of education had a better lifestyle than those with a lower level.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.122.17 Background & Objective: Perovskia abrotanoides Karel locally known as Brazambal, is widely used in medical practice to treat various disorders. Burn is a common source of injury and Brazambal... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.122.17 Background & Objective: Perovskia abrotanoides Karel locally known as Brazambal, is widely used in medical practice to treat various disorders. Burn is a common source of injury and Brazambal ointment has been extensively used in burn wound healing in North of Iran. The purpose of this study was to examine the healing effect of Brazambal ointment in experimental model of burn. In addition, in-vitro healing characteristics and antibacterial activity of P. abrotanoides was investigated. Materials & Methods: Scald burn injury was produced by pouring 2.5cc of boiling water (95ºC) on the posterior surface of rat's neck for 10 seconds. Twenty-eight adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups (7 rats each) and followed for 7 days. Control group (no treatment); Silver sulfadiazine-treated group; Brazambal ointment-treated group; and vehicle-treated group received the complete ointment without Brazambal part. The effects of Brazambal aqueous extract on fibroblast cells and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were evaluated. Results: Topical application of Brazambal ointment can accelerate wound healing process by initiating re-epithelialization and formation of granulation tissue. Proliferative activity of the aqueous extract on fibroblast cells was observed after 48 h in concentrations of 7.5% and 10% (P<0.0001). However, P. abrotanoides Karel extract had no significant antibacterial effect. Conclusion: The presence of hair follicles, re-epithelialization and granulation tissue is suggestive of Brazambal ointment relative effectiveness on experimental scald burn in rats. However, further studies are warranted to reveal the healing mechanisms of P. abrotanoides.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.122.9 Background & Objective: Pain is a common symptom among people with MS. In the majority of MS patients, pain is chronic in nature, but it can change over time. The objective of this study was... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.122.9 Background & Objective: Pain is a common symptom among people with MS. In the majority of MS patients, pain is chronic in nature, but it can change over time. The objective of this study was to determine if pain type can predict pain severity changes in individuals with MS over time. Materials & Methods: The research method was a longitudinal design that evaluated pain type and severity at baseline and after 3 years of follow up among people with MS. At the beginning of the study a random sample comprising of 188 individuals with MS were recruited. From those, 78 individuals experienced pain included the study. The McGill pain questionnaire and ID-Pain questionnaire were used to assess type of pain. Numeric Rating Scale was used to measure pain severity. McNemar, Cohen's un-weighted Kappa Coefficient, Paired Student t-tests and Generalized Estimating Equations were used to analyze the data. Results: Findings indicated that all pain severity ratings raised on average, though this difference was statistically significant only for lowest pain (P=0.0006). Type of pain did not change in the major part of study sample (P=0.44). Results further indicated that over the follow-up period the lowest pain severity scores were significantly predicted by type of pain (P<0.05), while the pain ratings in worst pain severity was not predicted by the type of pain. Conclusion: Results of the current study help for better understanding of the pain type and severity changes over time among patients with MS.
Research Interests:
The MICs of fluconazole alone and in combination with amphotericin B were determined on fluconazole-resistant C. albicans by broth microdilution method based on the CLSI document M27-A3 and the synergistic effects were interpreted by the... more
The MICs of fluconazole alone and in combination with amphotericin B were determined on fluconazole-resistant C. albicans by broth microdilution method based on the CLSI document M27-A3 and the synergistic effects were interpreted by the FIC index. To address the inhibitory effects of drug combinations, we investigated the anti-biofilm activities of fluconazole alone and in combination with amphotericin B against fluconazole-resistant C. albicans using crystal violet staining, light field microscopy and expression analysis of HWP1 using RT-PCR. Results: Ten percent of the colonizing clinical isolates of C. albicans were found to be fluconazole-resistant. The fluconazole combined with amphotericin B exhibited synergistic and partial synergistic effects against fluconazole-resistant C. albicans isolates with FIC index ranging from 0.50 to 0.75. Our findings demonstrated that fluconazole combined with amphotericin B exerted a significant reduction and inhibition on biomass, biofilm formation and the expression levels of HWP1 (P<0.05). Conclusion: Fluconazole combined with amphotericin B showed potent inhibitory activity against fluconazole-resistant C. albicans biofilm formation. Other measures are important to determine the effectiveness of the drug combinations against C. albicans biofilm.
Research Interests: Microbiology and Biology
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.123.49 Acroangiodermatitis (AAD), also known as Pseudo-Kaposi's sarcoma, is a rare benign angioproliferative disease associated with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) or other vascular disorders.... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.123.49 Acroangiodermatitis (AAD), also known as Pseudo-Kaposi's sarcoma, is a rare benign angioproliferative disease associated with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) or other vascular disorders. We present an 81-year-old male with plaque-like cutaneous lesions, which had progressive erythematous margins, severe pain, and intense pruritus, as well as bilateral swollen and painful feet. It was around five months that he had these problems. Based on the pathology of skin lesion biopsy specimens and the immunohistochemical staining results (which indicated the positivity of CD34), the diagnosis of pseudo-Kaposi's sarcoma was confirmed.
Research Interests: Oncology and Rheumatology
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.123.45 Achieving adequate coverage of soft tissue defects located on the lower third of the legs and feet is challenging for reconstructive surgeons. Fasciocutaneous flaps can be used to meet this... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.123.45 Achieving adequate coverage of soft tissue defects located on the lower third of the legs and feet is challenging for reconstructive surgeons. Fasciocutaneous flaps can be used to meet this challenge. Two common fasciocutaneous flaps used in this context are the reverse sural flap and lateral supramalleolar flap (LSMF). Plastic and reconstructive surgeons are relatively unfamiliar with the second flap. In this article, we introduce a patient with an extensive soft-tissue defect on the dorsum and lateral side of her foot and ankle.
Research Interests:
Background & Objective: FLT3-ITD mutation detection has been an integral part of diagnostic work ups focused on acute myeloid leukemia. However, some studies have indicated that the mutation is unstable during the various stages of the... more
Background & Objective: FLT3-ITD mutation detection has been an integral part of diagnostic work ups focused on acute myeloid leukemia. However, some studies have indicated that the mutation is unstable during the various stages of the disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability of this marker in paired diagnosis-relapse samples using Delta-PCR method. Materials & Methods: In this retrospective study, paired diagnosis-relapse bone marrow or peripheral blood samples from 180 adult AML patients were analyzed for FLT3-ITD mutations using conventional fragment analysis and Delta-PCR methods. A dilutional experiment of DNA derived from a FLT3-ITD mutated patient in normal peripheral blood was performed in order to evaluate the sensitivity of each method. Results: All samples were analyzed using both conventional fragment analysis and Delta-PCR methods. FLT3-ITD mutations were detected in 24 diagnostic samples (13.3%) and 28 relapse samples (15.5 %) through conventional fragment analysis. Three out of four patients who were FLT3-ITD positive in the relapse samples had a mutation in the diagnostic samples using the Delta-PCR method. On the other hand, at the time of diagnosis and relapse, the mutation test results were incompatible in only 3.6% of patients based on the results of the Delta-PCR method compared to 14.2 based on conventional fragment analysis. Our findings revealed that the sensitivity of Delta-PCR as related to FLT3-ITD detection was 0.2 %. Compared to the conventional fragment analysis, with a sensitivity of 2%, Delta-PCR shows greater sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: The conventional testing of the FLT3-ITD mutation by fragment analysis did not detect a significant proportion (11%) of FLT3-ITD positive samples in AML patients. Delta PCR increased the sensitivity and specificity relative to the conventional method. The detection of FLT3-ITD mutation through Delta PCR is important in order to detect minor clones at diagnosis or during the monitoring of AML patients.
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.123.23 Background & Objective: Nowadays, conventional analgesic agents that are usually used for pain killing after cesarean sections do not provide enough analgesia with infrequent serious side... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.123.23 Background & Objective: Nowadays, conventional analgesic agents that are usually used for pain killing after cesarean sections do not provide enough analgesia with infrequent serious side effects. Lidocaine has been suggested as an adjuvant analgesic agent for postoperative pain relief. We designed this randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of intravenous lidocaine in patients undergoing a cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Materials & Methods: Eighty patients undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups to receive intravenous 1.5 mg/kg of lidocaine 2% bolus 15 minutes prior to spinal anesthesia followed by an intravenous infusion of 1.5 mg/kg/h for 60 minutes (L group) or 0.9% sodium chloride (C group) in a double-blind fashion. The time until the first request for an analgesic, the duration of sensory and motor blockade, hemodynamic variables and adverse events were recorded. Results: The difference in sensory (95% CI 10.18 to 18.01; P≤0.001) and motor (95% CI 35.50 to 50.19; P≤0.001) blockade durations between groups L and C were significant. Similarly, the mean time until the first analgesic request was longer in group L (175.37±21.43) than in group C (157.12±15.25); the difference between the two groups was significant (95% CI9.95 to 26.54; P<0.001). Conclusion: Intravenous lidocaine given as a supplementary agent in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia prolonged the duration of the sensory and motor blockade of spinal anesthesia and delayed the first analgesic request by patients without hemodynamic disturbance, respiratory depression and compromising the fetus.
Research Interests:
Background & Objective: The production of plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamases (PMABLs) among urinary Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates causes a severe problem to the successful treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). This study was... more
Background & Objective: The production of plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamases (PMABLs) among urinary Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates causes a severe problem to the successful treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). This study was designed to evaluate antimicrobial resistance, the presence of AmpC beta-lactamase genes, and the genetic relatedness among K. pneumoniae strains separated from patients with UTI.
Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, a total of 100 K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from UTI cases in Milad Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The sensitivity of the isolates to 12 antibiotics was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. AmpC production was determined using a boronic acid combined-disk test. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out to screen all isolates with family-specific PMABL genes. The genetic relatedness of AmpC-producing isolates was determined by an enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR).
Results: Over a period of 11 months, PMABLs were detected in 49 isolates (49%) of K. pneumoniae. Resistance to at least three classes of antimicrobials was detected in 30 (61.2%) PMABL producers. Among AmpC producers, 34 isolates harbored only one AmpC gene group, including MOX (n=11), EBC (n=8), ACC (n=7), CIT (n=4), FOX (n=2), and DHA (n=2). Multiple AmpC gene groups were detected in 15 isolates. The ERIC-PCR showed the polyclonal distribution of AmpC-producing isolates.
Conclusion: In our study, a high frequency of AmpC-producing K. pneumoniae was observed. This is the first report of ACC type AmpC beta-lactamase in Iran. Strategies to minimiz
Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, a total of 100 K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from UTI cases in Milad Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The sensitivity of the isolates to 12 antibiotics was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. AmpC production was determined using a boronic acid combined-disk test. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out to screen all isolates with family-specific PMABL genes. The genetic relatedness of AmpC-producing isolates was determined by an enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR).
Results: Over a period of 11 months, PMABLs were detected in 49 isolates (49%) of K. pneumoniae. Resistance to at least three classes of antimicrobials was detected in 30 (61.2%) PMABL producers. Among AmpC producers, 34 isolates harbored only one AmpC gene group, including MOX (n=11), EBC (n=8), ACC (n=7), CIT (n=4), FOX (n=2), and DHA (n=2). Multiple AmpC gene groups were detected in 15 isolates. The ERIC-PCR showed the polyclonal distribution of AmpC-producing isolates.
Conclusion: In our study, a high frequency of AmpC-producing K. pneumoniae was observed. This is the first report of ACC type AmpC beta-lactamase in Iran. Strategies to minimiz
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.123.9 Background & Objective: Securigera securidaca is a medicinal plant used in Persian folk medicine to decrease blood sugar. Nevertheless, there is some controversy about its effects. The current... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.123.9 Background & Objective: Securigera securidaca is a medicinal plant used in Persian folk medicine to decrease blood sugar. Nevertheless, there is some controversy about its effects. The current study investigated the hypoglycemic activity of the aqueous seed extract of S. securidaca. Materials & Methods: Sixty mature male Charles-River rats were categorized and divided randomly into 10 groups with two timeframes (7 and 14 days). To induce diabetes, rats were injected intraperitoneally with 7 mg/0.5 mL streptozotocin in normal saline per 100 g body weight. The aqueous seed extract of S. securidaca was given orally to rats daily (80 mg/0.5 mL in distilled water per 100 g of rat body weight). The blood sugar of rats was measured on the 7 th and 14 th days. Blood lipid indices and ALT, AST, and ALP plasma levels were measured after 14 days of treatment. Results: The findings showed that the S. securidaca aqueous seed extract had a significant effect on the blood sugar of rats after 7 and 14 days compared with the diabetic group. After 14 days, there was a significant difference in the weight of treated rats between the S. securidaca aqueous seed extract and diabetic groups. The S. securidaca aqueous seed extract had no significant effect on the blood lipid profiles of the treated rats. The AST enzyme levels were significantly higher in rats exposed to the seed extract than in the diabetic group. Conclusion: Based on the results, S. securidaca seed extract had a significant effect in reducing the blood sugar of diabetic rats with no significant changes in lipid profiles. More studies are needed to explore in more detail the mechanism of this hypoglycemic effect.
Research Interests: Pharmacology and Diabetes
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.123.9 Background & Objective: Stress contributes to sleep-wake behavior in all animals. It seems that factors such as learning and memory processes can improve sleep disorders. Therefore, the... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.123.9 Background & Objective: Stress contributes to sleep-wake behavior in all animals. It seems that factors such as learning and memory processes can improve sleep disorders. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the effects of stress and learning (spatial memory) on total post-stress REM, NREM and waking time in rats. Materials & Methods: Adult rats (n=21) were divided into 3 groups; group 1 received only immobilization stress; group 2 was subjected only to the learning process (Barnes maze); and group 3 underwent both the stress and learning conditions. For each rat, sleep signals were recorded for 2 hours for 3 consecutive days. After recording of sleep or awakening signals, animal subjected to immobilization stress for 2 hours in each day. Then, post-stress and post-learning signals were recorded for another 2 hours. Results: Immobilization stress resulted in significant decrease in total REM sleep time. However, total time of NREM increased following stress. Performing the learning task resulted in a significant increase in post-learning REM time (p<0.05). Moreover, total NREM time did not change markedly following the learning process. Interestingly, the learning process significantly (p<0.05) decreased total time of awakening when compared with pre-learning condition. However, learning process could increase REM sleep significantly (p<0.05) after the stress condition has been administered. Conclusion: Our data suggested that immobilization stress could not prevent REM sleep after a learning process has been administered. However, the completion of a learning process increased post-stress REM time. It seems that learning helps to prevent the inhibitory effects of stress on REM sleep.
Research Interests:
Background & Objective: Nosocomial infection is one of the most daunting challenges to the global health care system. The current study aimed to compare the antimicrobial resistance pattern in hospital versus community-acquired infections... more
Background & Objective: Nosocomial infection is one of the most daunting challenges to the global health care system. The current study aimed to compare the antimicrobial resistance pattern in hospital versus community-acquired infections in pediatric patients in Besat Hospital, Hamadan, Iran. Materials & Methods: The current study was carried out on all patients with a hospital-acquired infection (HAI) who were hospitalized in Besat Hospital, Hamadan, Iran, for 48 hours. Moreover, patients with community-acquired infections (who had an infection before hospitalization) were also included in the current study. E-test and Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test were utilized to determine antimicrobial susceptibility patterns according to the report test/CLSI M100/S27 guidelines. Antibiotic resistance patterns in both patients with hospital and community-acquired infections were separately recorded. Subsequently, the obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 16). Results: A number of 43 and 68 patients showed HAI and CAI, respectively. The most common HAI and CAI were bloodstream infection and urinary tract infection (UTI) with a prevalence of 69.8%, and 73.5%, respectively. The most frequent organisms isolated from CA and HA-infections were E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus with a prevalence of 67.9%, and 30.2%, respectively. The highest level of resistance in Gram-negative bacteria was observed against cotrimoxazole and ceftriaxone. Furthermore, the highest resistance in Gram-positive organisms was against clindamycin. The prevalence rates of MRSA isolates in HAI and CAI were reported as 46.2% and 36.9%, respectively. Conclusion: The obtained results indicated the high resistance to several antibiotics that can be used as promising choices in the treatment of both CA and HA-infections. It is recommended that region-specific monitoring studies be carried out in order to assist the clinician to select the accurate empirical therapy.
Research Interests:
Type 2 autoimmune polyglandular (Schmidt) syndrome (APS-2) is defined by the occurrence of at least 2 out of 3 of the following manifestations, Addison's disease, Hypothyroidism and Type 1 diabetes mellitus. APS-2 is a rare condition with... more
Type 2 autoimmune polyglandular (Schmidt) syndrome (APS-2) is defined by the occurrence of at least 2 out of 3 of the following manifestations, Addison's disease, Hypothyroidism and Type 1 diabetes mellitus. APS-2 is a rare condition with an incidence of 1-2/100 000 per year. Prevalence of APS-2 is most happening in the range of 20-40 years of age. Here we present a patient who complained about loss of appetite with significant weight loss also having trouble with her skin saying she had experienced progressively darkening of the skin all over her body and manifestations of Addison's disease at the age of 70. The patient was treated with oral Prednisolone, Fludrocortisone and Levothyroxine and evaluated after one month which showed the hormonal panel within the normal range.
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.124.43 Acute pulmonary edema affects 0.08% to 1.5% of women during pregnancy and during the postpartum period, and preeclampsia/eclampsia is a major obstetric cause of acute pulmonary edema. We... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.124.43 Acute pulmonary edema affects 0.08% to 1.5% of women during pregnancy and during the postpartum period, and preeclampsia/eclampsia is a major obstetric cause of acute pulmonary edema. We present a case of a 23-year-old nulliparous woman who was referred to tertiary medical center for preterm labor and dyspnea(Mousavi Hospital). The patient complained of having suddenly developed respiratory distress and a decrease in O2 saturation following the administration of magnesium sulfate. A chest radiograph taken at bedside showed widespread interstitial shadowing consistent with pulmonary edema. The patient was given prompt treatment, and she achieved full recovery. Pharmacological agents are one of the defendants used for lung edema during pregnancy. It is important to pay attention to lung edema due to tocolytic administration.
Research Interests:
Background & Objective: Pain is an unpleasant feeling that influences the quality of patients’ life. Arteriovenous fistula catheterization pain can be reduced in hemodialysis patients with nonmedicinal and noninvasive methods of pain... more
Background & Objective: Pain is an unpleasant feeling that influences the quality of patients’ life. Arteriovenous fistula catheterization pain can be reduced in hemodialysis patients with nonmedicinal and noninvasive methods of pain relief. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of cryotherapy at the Hoku point on the severity of the pain of catheterization in hemodialysis patients.
Materials & Methods: This quasi experimental study was conducted on 40 hemodialysis patients selected by census sampling method. In the first session, intensity of arterial and venous puncture pain, without applying any intervention, was recorded using the visual analogue scale (VAS). In the second and third sessions before catheterization, ice cubes were placed on the Hoku point for 10 minutes and the intensity of pain of arterial and venous fistula was immediately measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 by independent t-test.
Results: The mean score of pain in the first session (arterial: 5.97±2.44, venous: 6.00±2.62) was compared with the mean score of pain in the second (arterial: 2.80±1.92, venous: 2.72±2.09) and third sessions (arterial: 2.42±1.72, venous: 2.50±1.93). The results of repeated measure analysis of variance showed that the mean score of pain significantly reduced in the second and third sessions compared to the first session (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Cryotherapy at the Hoku point reduces the severity of pain of arteriovenous fistula catheterization and, thus, can be suggested as an effective noninvasive method for puncture pain relief in hemodialysis patients.
Keywords: Arteriovenous Fistula, Cryotherapy, Hemodialysis, Pain
Materials & Methods: This quasi experimental study was conducted on 40 hemodialysis patients selected by census sampling method. In the first session, intensity of arterial and venous puncture pain, without applying any intervention, was recorded using the visual analogue scale (VAS). In the second and third sessions before catheterization, ice cubes were placed on the Hoku point for 10 minutes and the intensity of pain of arterial and venous fistula was immediately measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 by independent t-test.
Results: The mean score of pain in the first session (arterial: 5.97±2.44, venous: 6.00±2.62) was compared with the mean score of pain in the second (arterial: 2.80±1.92, venous: 2.72±2.09) and third sessions (arterial: 2.42±1.72, venous: 2.50±1.93). The results of repeated measure analysis of variance showed that the mean score of pain significantly reduced in the second and third sessions compared to the first session (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Cryotherapy at the Hoku point reduces the severity of pain of arteriovenous fistula catheterization and, thus, can be suggested as an effective noninvasive method for puncture pain relief in hemodialysis patients.
Keywords: Arteriovenous Fistula, Cryotherapy, Hemodialysis, Pain
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.124.31 Background & Objective: Recent studies have shown a relationship between energy regulation and the circadian rhythm at behavioral, molecular, and physiological levels. The present study... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.124.31 Background & Objective: Recent studies have shown a relationship between energy regulation and the circadian rhythm at behavioral, molecular, and physiological levels. The present study investigated the effect of chronotype on meal timing and obesity in Iranian housewives. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out using a convenience-sampling method through the participation of housewives living in Ahvaz in 2018. Anthropometric information was collected. To assess food intake timing, energy intake and sleep patterns during seven days of normal living were recorded by the researchers. Dietary information was obtained by using a 24-hour recall questionnaire and analyzed by NUT IV software. The morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ) was used to determine chronotypes. Results: There was a significant difference between the morning and evening groups in terms of the timing of lunch (P=0.004) and mid-afternoon snacks (P=0.04). There was no significant difference between mean energy intake in the morning and evening chronotypes in women who were overweight or obese (P=0.31). There was also no significant difference between morning and evening chronotypes in terms of the percentage of energy intake of meals and snacks (P>0.05). The only significant difference, detected between morning and evening chronotypes in normal-weight women, was for the percentage of energy intake after 3:00 PM. (P=0.008). Conclusion: The present study showed no effect of chronotype on obesity. However, energy intake calculations were based on self-reports, which could lead to information bias. Therefore, in future studies, researchers should carry out clinical trials while controlling food intake and considering meal timing.
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Background and Objective: Migraine is a neurological syndrome that involves one-way or two-way recurrent headaches with a moderate to severe severity and lasts from 2 to 72 hours. Chronic migraines occur for about 3 months and at least 15... more
Background and Objective: Migraine is a neurological syndrome that involves one-way or two-way recurrent headaches with a moderate to severe severity and lasts from 2 to 72 hours. Chronic migraines occur for about 3 months and at least 15 days or more per month, with a global incidence of 1.4 to 2.2 percent. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of neurofeedback and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in reducing symptoms of women with migraine.
Materials and Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up for 2 months. The sample consisted of 20 migraine patients aged 15-55 years. Initial evaluation (entrance examination and exit), implementation of the Ahvaz Migraine Questionnaire (AMQ), and Blanchard Headache Diary (BHD) were performed. Patients were randomly assigned to the neurofeedback treatment group (N=10) and tDCS (N=10). Subjects of each group were evaluated 4 times consisting before intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS 23 software.
Results: The results of Mann-Whitney U test indicated that there was no significant difference between the two treatments during the stages of evaluation in the severity, duration, and number of pain attacks per month. The results of Friedman test showed that there was a significant difference between the severity of headaches and the number of pain attacks in one month in the treatment groups during the stages of evaluation, but the duration of pain relief in each group in the evaluation steps did not differ significantly.
Conclusion: Neurofeedback and tDCS treatments reduce the symptoms of migraine disease, but there is no significant difference between the two treatments in terms of headache symptoms improvement.
Keywords: Migraine, Neurofeedback, Transcranial direct current stimulation
Materials and Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up for 2 months. The sample consisted of 20 migraine patients aged 15-55 years. Initial evaluation (entrance examination and exit), implementation of the Ahvaz Migraine Questionnaire (AMQ), and Blanchard Headache Diary (BHD) were performed. Patients were randomly assigned to the neurofeedback treatment group (N=10) and tDCS (N=10). Subjects of each group were evaluated 4 times consisting before intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS 23 software.
Results: The results of Mann-Whitney U test indicated that there was no significant difference between the two treatments during the stages of evaluation in the severity, duration, and number of pain attacks per month. The results of Friedman test showed that there was a significant difference between the severity of headaches and the number of pain attacks in one month in the treatment groups during the stages of evaluation, but the duration of pain relief in each group in the evaluation steps did not differ significantly.
Conclusion: Neurofeedback and tDCS treatments reduce the symptoms of migraine disease, but there is no significant difference between the two treatments in terms of headache symptoms improvement.
Keywords: Migraine, Neurofeedback, Transcranial direct current stimulation
Research Interests:
Background & Objective: Dexamethasone has been emerged as an adjuvant to local anesthetics to provide optimal analgesia. We have evaluated the postoperative analgesic efficacy of adding a low dose dexamethasone to bupivacaine in... more
Background & Objective: Dexamethasone has been emerged as an adjuvant to local anesthetics to provide optimal analgesia. We have evaluated the postoperative analgesic efficacy of adding a low dose dexamethasone to bupivacaine in ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric blocks in patients undergoing inguinal herniorraphy under spinal anesthesia.
Materials & Methods: 50 patients in the range of 20 - 80 years of age underwent elective surgery for the purpose of inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia recruited in a prospective, double-blinded, randomized manner. At the end of the surgery, the patients received an ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric block through the direct injection of drugs around nerves. Patients in the control group received bupivacaine 0.5% (2 cc) plus normal saline 1 cc (group C), and the dexamethasone group received bupivacaine 0.5% (2 cc) plus 4 mg (1 cc) dexamethasone (group D). The pain intensity was measured using the VAS scale at1, 2, 4, 12, and 24 hours after surgery.
Results: The mean time of analgesic duration in group C (3.6±3.8 hr) was greater than group D (1.6±1.14 hr). This difference was statistically significant (P =0.043). The pain intensity 2 hours after surgery in group D was higher than in group C (median with IQR: 3±4 vs. 2±2; P=0.007). The difference in the total analgesic consumption in group D (51.1±32.4 mg) versus group C (26.4±33.8 mg) was significant (P=0.018).
Conclusion: The addition of 4 mg dexamethasone to bupivacaine in an ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric block at the end of surgery in patients undergoing inguinal herniorraphy under spinal anesthesia failed to prolong the time to the first analgesic request. It provides only a minor analgesic effect 12 hours following surgery.
Keywords: Dexamethasone, Inguinal herrniorraphy, Ilioinguinal nerve, Iliohypogastric nerve, Pain
Materials & Methods: 50 patients in the range of 20 - 80 years of age underwent elective surgery for the purpose of inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia recruited in a prospective, double-blinded, randomized manner. At the end of the surgery, the patients received an ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric block through the direct injection of drugs around nerves. Patients in the control group received bupivacaine 0.5% (2 cc) plus normal saline 1 cc (group C), and the dexamethasone group received bupivacaine 0.5% (2 cc) plus 4 mg (1 cc) dexamethasone (group D). The pain intensity was measured using the VAS scale at1, 2, 4, 12, and 24 hours after surgery.
Results: The mean time of analgesic duration in group C (3.6±3.8 hr) was greater than group D (1.6±1.14 hr). This difference was statistically significant (P =0.043). The pain intensity 2 hours after surgery in group D was higher than in group C (median with IQR: 3±4 vs. 2±2; P=0.007). The difference in the total analgesic consumption in group D (51.1±32.4 mg) versus group C (26.4±33.8 mg) was significant (P=0.018).
Conclusion: The addition of 4 mg dexamethasone to bupivacaine in an ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric block at the end of surgery in patients undergoing inguinal herniorraphy under spinal anesthesia failed to prolong the time to the first analgesic request. It provides only a minor analgesic effect 12 hours following surgery.
Keywords: Dexamethasone, Inguinal herrniorraphy, Ilioinguinal nerve, Iliohypogastric nerve, Pain
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.124.8 Background & Objective: The potent antioxidant property of fullerene C60 nanoparticles and their derivatives has been demonstrated in a wide range of in vitro and in vivo studies. Hence, we... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.124.8 Background & Objective: The potent antioxidant property of fullerene C60 nanoparticles and their derivatives has been demonstrated in a wide range of in vitro and in vivo studies. Hence, we examined the effects of fullerene C60 on the oxidative stress parameters in brain and liver of the rats in normal situation. Materials & Methods: The study was performed in two groups of Wistar rats (each group, n = 6); normal and fullerene-treated normal animals. Treated rats received fullerene via oral gavage at dose of 1 mg/kg/day for 60 days. At termination of the study, the oxidative stress parameters were determined in brain and liver tissues, including the contents of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The t-test was used to analyze the data between two groups. Results: Fullerene C60 treatment did not change blood glucose level in treated rats compared to untreated rats. Fullerene C60 significantly increased the value of CAT activity by 66% and MDA levels by 68%, while decreased SOD activity by 33% at liver of treated rats compared to untreated animals (P<0.05). Fullerene administration increased significantly only CAT activity of brain in the treated rats (0.34±0.10 U/mg protein) compared to untreated animals (0.12±0.03 U/mg protein), (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that oral administration of fullerene C60 nanoparticles differently changed the oxidative stress parameters in liver and brain in normal condition. It is suggested that these effects be considered for the application of these nanoparticles in various therapeutic purposes.
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Results: 52 (61.2%) patients were female and 33 (38.8%) were male with the mean age of 34.8±12.2 years old. There were no significant differences between either the mean age and gender or the mean platelet count at the baseline among the... more
Results: 52 (61.2%) patients were female and 33 (38.8%) were male with the mean age of 34.8±12.2 years old. There were no significant differences between either the mean age and gender or the mean platelet count at the baseline among the groups, but there was a statistical significant difference in the mean platelet between the groups at the end of the first month. However, significant difference was not seen in the mean platelet count in months 2 to 6. The chronicity in group I was significantly less than group III. Also, the chronicity rate in non-infected ITP patients was lower than the H. pylori-positive patients (P=0.03). Likewise, the chronicity rate was lower in the intervention group than in the control group (P=0.035). Conclusion: Our results showed that eradication of H. pylori can reduce the chronicity rate in adult patients with ITP. Further studies on larger number of patients with longer follow-up are recommended.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.125.57 The prominence of the hand function is underlined fundamentally by its rich vascular system. The superficial palmar arch incredibly provides hand with the blood supply, which is normally... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.125.57 The prominence of the hand function is underlined fundamentally by its rich vascular system. The superficial palmar arch incredibly provides hand with the blood supply, which is normally formed by the ulnar artery and superficial palmar branch of the radial artery. In the current case, the unilateral absence of superficial palmar arch with the rare presence of the median artery was reported, which was noticed in the right hand of a male cadaver during a routine educational dissection. The awareness of particular variations in hand blood supply during hand operations leads in preventing surgical mistakes.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.125.49 Background & Objective: Although Pinus eldarica is considered as a pine with many valuable phytochemical constituents, little is known about the pharmacological effects of its bark extract.... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.125.49 Background & Objective: Although Pinus eldarica is considered as a pine with many valuable phytochemical constituents, little is known about the pharmacological effects of its bark extract. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate in vivo antioxidant activity and also the possible beneficial effects of the bark extract of P. eldarica on dexamethasone-induced dyslipidemia in rats. Materials & Methods: Total phenolic content was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu method. The in vivo antioxidant assays included the measurement of hydroperoxides level and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value in plasma samples of rats receiving intraperitoneal injections (IP) injections of plant extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) for 28 days. For induction of dyslipidemia, dexamethasone (10 mg/kg) was subcutaneously administered during 8 days. Different doses of extract were given orally plus dexamethasone in three groups of animals. Serum lipids, blood glucose and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and liver histopathology were assessed. Results: High total phenolic content was determined as 375±1.2 mg gallic acid equivalent/ g of dried bark extract. The extract significantly decreased plasma hydroperoxides level at all doses and increased FRAP value at the dose of 400 mg/kg during in vivo antioxidant analysis. P. eldarica led to a significant reduction in serum levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride and MDA and improved liver histopathological changes at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg in dyslipidemic rats. Conclusion: These findings suggest the potential antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic activities for the bark extract of P. eldarica which may be due to the high amounts of phenolic compounds.
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Background & Objective: Mutations in embB306 gene and their association with resistance to ethambutol (EMB) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) have not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the... more
Background & Objective: Mutations in embB306 gene and their association with resistance to ethambutol (EMB) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) have not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the point-mutations in emb306B gene and their association with resistance to EMB in M. tuberculosis.
Materials & Methods: This case (M. tuberculosis resistant to EMB) -control (M. tuberculosis sensitive to EMB) study was performed in the West of Iran (2014-2015), in order to determine the sensitivity of M. tuberculosis strains. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-DNA sequencing was used for determining the point-mutations of embB306 gene in both groups (sensitive and resistant to EMB). Data was analyzed by SPSS 16 and Fisherchr('39')s exact test.
Results: Fifty M. tuberculosis strains were isolated from 1019 patients that were suspected to have tuberculosis (TB). 86% of the isolates were sensitive and 14% were resistant to EMB. EmbB306 gene sequencing showed no mutation in control samples; but mutation was observed in 85.71% of resistant samples in case samples. The embB306 mutation showed a significant relationship with EMB resistance (P= 0.00).
Conclusion: Mutations in embB306 were observed in the strains resistant to EMB; however, there was no mutation in the sensitive group. There is a direct relationship between these mutations and this type of resistance, so it is an indicator of creation of resistance to EMB in M. tuberculosis.
Keywords: embB306 Gene, Ethambutol, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Point-Mutations
Materials & Methods: This case (M. tuberculosis resistant to EMB) -control (M. tuberculosis sensitive to EMB) study was performed in the West of Iran (2014-2015), in order to determine the sensitivity of M. tuberculosis strains. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-DNA sequencing was used for determining the point-mutations of embB306 gene in both groups (sensitive and resistant to EMB). Data was analyzed by SPSS 16 and Fisherchr('39')s exact test.
Results: Fifty M. tuberculosis strains were isolated from 1019 patients that were suspected to have tuberculosis (TB). 86% of the isolates were sensitive and 14% were resistant to EMB. EmbB306 gene sequencing showed no mutation in control samples; but mutation was observed in 85.71% of resistant samples in case samples. The embB306 mutation showed a significant relationship with EMB resistance (P= 0.00).
Conclusion: Mutations in embB306 were observed in the strains resistant to EMB; however, there was no mutation in the sensitive group. There is a direct relationship between these mutations and this type of resistance, so it is an indicator of creation of resistance to EMB in M. tuberculosis.
Keywords: embB306 Gene, Ethambutol, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Point-Mutations
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Biofilm formation plays a crucial role in wound infections and increases the bacteria resistance to treatment. The present study investigated the relationship between the biofilm formation, ESBL, AmpC, and KPC... more
Background and Objective: Biofilm formation plays a crucial role in wound infections and increases the bacteria resistance to treatment. The present study investigated the relationship between the biofilm formation, ESBL, AmpC, and KPC enzymes in Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from the wound specimens.
Materials and Methods: Eighty- nine A. baumannii isolates were collected from wound specimens and were confirmed by different biochemical tests. The biofilm-producing strains were identified using the crystal violet method. The producing strains of KPC, ESBL, and AmpC β-lactamase enzymes were detected through phenotypic tests. Further, the PCR method was employed to identify the ESBL, KPC, and AmpC. The Chi-square test and SPSS 16 were used for data analysis.
Results: Among 89 wound isolates, 21 and 68 were collected from male and female patients, respectively. The strains resistant to ciprofloxacin (69.66%) and gentamicin (66.29%) were the most frequent strains while ceftazidime (7.86%) and colistin (1.12%) resistant strains had the lowest frequency. Furthermore, 40 isolates were considered as ESBL-producing enzymes, 33 isolates as AmpC, and 26 isolates as KPC-producing enzymes. In addition, the isolates were categorized as strong biofilms with 20 isolates, moderate biofilms with 19 isolates, and weak biofilm-producing strains with 10 isolates. The distribution of the β-lactamase genes in A. baumannii isolates was blaVEB (34.83%), blaPER (32.58%), blaFOX (29.21%), blaADC (30.33%), blaIMP (28.08%), and blaKPC (22.47%).
Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that isolates with a higher level of antibiotic resistance tended to form stronger biofilms. Likewise, the results showed that the relationship between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance might be affected by the type of β-lactamase enzyme in wound infection.
Keywords: Acinetobacter baumannii, β-lactamases, Biofilm, Bacterial Infections, Drug Resistance
Materials and Methods: Eighty- nine A. baumannii isolates were collected from wound specimens and were confirmed by different biochemical tests. The biofilm-producing strains were identified using the crystal violet method. The producing strains of KPC, ESBL, and AmpC β-lactamase enzymes were detected through phenotypic tests. Further, the PCR method was employed to identify the ESBL, KPC, and AmpC. The Chi-square test and SPSS 16 were used for data analysis.
Results: Among 89 wound isolates, 21 and 68 were collected from male and female patients, respectively. The strains resistant to ciprofloxacin (69.66%) and gentamicin (66.29%) were the most frequent strains while ceftazidime (7.86%) and colistin (1.12%) resistant strains had the lowest frequency. Furthermore, 40 isolates were considered as ESBL-producing enzymes, 33 isolates as AmpC, and 26 isolates as KPC-producing enzymes. In addition, the isolates were categorized as strong biofilms with 20 isolates, moderate biofilms with 19 isolates, and weak biofilm-producing strains with 10 isolates. The distribution of the β-lactamase genes in A. baumannii isolates was blaVEB (34.83%), blaPER (32.58%), blaFOX (29.21%), blaADC (30.33%), blaIMP (28.08%), and blaKPC (22.47%).
Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that isolates with a higher level of antibiotic resistance tended to form stronger biofilms. Likewise, the results showed that the relationship between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance might be affected by the type of β-lactamase enzyme in wound infection.
Keywords: Acinetobacter baumannii, β-lactamases, Biofilm, Bacterial Infections, Drug Resistance
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.125.25 Background & Objective: Busulfan (BUS) as a drug for cancer treatment can produce free radicals. Crocin (CRO) is a potent antioxidant with beneficial effects. This study was designed to... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.125.25 Background & Objective: Busulfan (BUS) as a drug for cancer treatment can produce free radicals. Crocin (CRO) is a potent antioxidant with beneficial effects. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of CRO against BUS-related damages to the male rats reproductive parameters. Materials & Methods: Forty-eight male rats were randomly assigned into 8 groups; Group 1 (normal control group) received normal saline; Group 2 (BUS control group) received 10 mg/kg/body weight (b.w.) of BUS; Group 3-5 (CRO groups) received 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 mg/kg/b.w. of CRO, respectively; Group 6-8 (BUS + CRO groups) received BUS + CRO. Treatments were administered daily by intraperitoneal injection in a five-week period. The sperm parameters, testis malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), testosterone level, and germinal layer height were evaluated histologically and analyzed statistically. Results: All parameters reduced significantly in the BUS control group compared to the normal control group (P<0.01) except the MDA level (which increased). The CRO and CRO + BUS treatments in all doses increased whole parameters significantly compared to the BUS control group (P<0.01) except MDA level (which decreased). No significant modifications were observed in all CRO groups compared to the normal control group (P>0.05). Conclusion: It seems that CRO could increase the quality of spermatozoa and improves BUS-induced adverse effects on male fertility parameters.
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Skin ulcers and their slow healing are considered as one of the important medical aspects. Nowadays, various antibiotics and materials are used to accelerate the wound healing process. One of the methods taken in... more
Background and Objective: Skin ulcers and their slow healing are considered as one of the important medical aspects. Nowadays, various antibiotics and materials are used to accelerate the wound healing process. One of the methods taken in the field of wound healing is using ozone. On the other hand, one of the factors that hurt the speed of wound healing is stress. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effect of ozonated water on healing of skin ulcers in stressful conditions.
Materials & Methods: A total of 80 male mice were randomly divided into four groups: stress -no ozone, stress - ozone, no stress-no ozone, no stress- ozone group. Isolation stress was used (daily, 4 hours, for 14 days). The healing process was evaluated based on measuring the wound surface area in days 2, 6, 10, and 14 and histopathological data.
Results: Isolation stress by decreasing the fibroblast maturation and angiogenesis in the wound leads to a reduction in the speed of wound healing. Ozone enhanced the rate of tissue repair in both stress and stressless situations by decreasing inflammation and increasing the fibroblast maturation, amount of collagen tissue, rate of re-epithelialization, new vascularization, and granulation tissue size.
Conclusion: The results of this study implied that treatment with ozone could accelerate the wound healing process and decrease the harmful effects of stress conditions in healing process of animal model.
Keywords: Isolation stress, Ozonated water, Wound healing
Materials & Methods: A total of 80 male mice were randomly divided into four groups: stress -no ozone, stress - ozone, no stress-no ozone, no stress- ozone group. Isolation stress was used (daily, 4 hours, for 14 days). The healing process was evaluated based on measuring the wound surface area in days 2, 6, 10, and 14 and histopathological data.
Results: Isolation stress by decreasing the fibroblast maturation and angiogenesis in the wound leads to a reduction in the speed of wound healing. Ozone enhanced the rate of tissue repair in both stress and stressless situations by decreasing inflammation and increasing the fibroblast maturation, amount of collagen tissue, rate of re-epithelialization, new vascularization, and granulation tissue size.
Conclusion: The results of this study implied that treatment with ozone could accelerate the wound healing process and decrease the harmful effects of stress conditions in healing process of animal model.
Keywords: Isolation stress, Ozonated water, Wound healing
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Diabetes causes fertility disorders by interfering with the endocrine gland function. There are reports that, green tea and catechins could have anti-oxidant and hypoglycemic properties. Therefore, in the present... more
Background and Objective: Diabetes causes fertility disorders by interfering with the endocrine gland function. There are reports that, green tea and catechins could have anti-oxidant and hypoglycemic properties. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the effects of green tea aqueous extract and catechin influence on pituitary-gonadal axis in rat models of type 1 diabetes.
Materials & Methods: Six groups of Wistar rats (8 in each group), including control, diabetic control (intraperitoneal injection (IP) of 0.5 mL saline solution for 30 days after induction of diabetes), diabetic treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of green tea aqueous extract (IP injection of 0.5 mL green tea extract for 30 days), and diabetic treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of catechin (IP injection 0.5 mL of catechin for 30 days) were used. The induction of diabetes was conducted through an IP injection of 240 mg/kg alloxan. At the end of the treatment course, the serum levels of LH, FSH, estrogen, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and cytoplasmic HOdG-8 in testicular tissue were measured by ELISA method. ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test (P<0.05) were used to perform the data analysis.
Results: The incorporation of 200 mg/kg green tea extract and 100 and 200 mg/kg concentrations of catechin, in comparison with the diabetic control group, led to a significant dose-dependent increase in the serum level of LH, FSH, estrogen, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone. A dose-dependent significant decrease was observed in HOdG-8 in the testicular tissue of diabetic rats (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the obtained data, compared to green tea, catechin considerably enhanced the hormonal parameters and reduced HOdG-8 in testicular tissue of diabetic rats.
Keywords: Catechin, Diabetes mellitus, Green tea, Oxidative Stress, Rats, Testis
Materials & Methods: Six groups of Wistar rats (8 in each group), including control, diabetic control (intraperitoneal injection (IP) of 0.5 mL saline solution for 30 days after induction of diabetes), diabetic treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of green tea aqueous extract (IP injection of 0.5 mL green tea extract for 30 days), and diabetic treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of catechin (IP injection 0.5 mL of catechin for 30 days) were used. The induction of diabetes was conducted through an IP injection of 240 mg/kg alloxan. At the end of the treatment course, the serum levels of LH, FSH, estrogen, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and cytoplasmic HOdG-8 in testicular tissue were measured by ELISA method. ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test (P<0.05) were used to perform the data analysis.
Results: The incorporation of 200 mg/kg green tea extract and 100 and 200 mg/kg concentrations of catechin, in comparison with the diabetic control group, led to a significant dose-dependent increase in the serum level of LH, FSH, estrogen, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone. A dose-dependent significant decrease was observed in HOdG-8 in the testicular tissue of diabetic rats (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the obtained data, compared to green tea, catechin considerably enhanced the hormonal parameters and reduced HOdG-8 in testicular tissue of diabetic rats.
Keywords: Catechin, Diabetes mellitus, Green tea, Oxidative Stress, Rats, Testis
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.125.1 Neural stem cells are undifferentiated cells that are located in limited areas of central nervous system. These cells have proliferation and self-renew ability and can be differentiated into... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.27.125.1 Neural stem cells are undifferentiated cells that are located in limited areas of central nervous system. These cells have proliferation and self-renew ability and can be differentiated into neurons and glial cells. Mature nerve cells do not have proliferative ability; and due to the limited number of nerve stem cells, injuries to the nervous system are not recoverable. The purpose of this review is to identify characteristics and factors that may influence proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells. These cells provide useful tools for in vitro study of neural cells developmental stages. Besides, they have extensive therapeutic applications providing an unlimited source of cells for tissue transplantation and repair. Overall, the identification of factors contributing to neural stem cell's proliferation and differentiation can be effective for body's natural capacity to repair nerve damages. For cell therapy purposes, application of induced medium or an appropriate stimulants may have an effective role in increasing the rate of growth and proliferation of these cells in vitro.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.126.54 Background & Objective: Given the probable harmful effects of the electromagnetic fields of mobile phones, the present study investigated auditory brainstem response (ABR) and pure tone... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.126.54 Background & Objective: Given the probable harmful effects of the electromagnetic fields of mobile phones, the present study investigated auditory brainstem response (ABR) and pure tone audiometry (PTA) modalities in mobile phone users. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 96 healthy mobile phone users in Zanjan city. The subjects were evaluated for demographic information, average daily use of mobile phones, the total duration of use in years, the dominant ear of use, and neural and auditory complaints. Subsequently, ABR and PTA tests were conducted. Afterward, the data was analyzed using SPSS V.18 software and P<0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Concerning the relevance of the average latencies of waves and average daily use of mobile phones, a significant correlation was found between mobile phone use and wave Ⅲ (P=0.04), and wave Ⅴ (P=0.03) latencies in the right ear. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in PTA results according to average daily use in the right ear (P=0.05) and the number of years of use (P=0.01) and preferred ear of use in the left ear (P=0.02). There was also a marginally statistically significant relationship (P=0.06) between the average daily use of mobile phones and decreased hearing threshold level in the 8000-Hz frequency in the right ear. Conclusion: Given the effects of average daily use of mobile phones and total years of use, it is proposed that long-term mobile phone use exerts probable harmful effects on the auditory system.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.126.47 Physiological experiments show that mean blood pressure is controlled by the nervous system in long-term. The nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), located in the dorsomedial medulla oblongata is... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.126.47 Physiological experiments show that mean blood pressure is controlled by the nervous system in long-term. The nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), located in the dorsomedial medulla oblongata is extensively recognized as an essential brain area complicated in the integration of numerous viscerosensory processes, such as respiratory, cardiovascular, hepatic gustatory, and renal regulation mechanisms. NTS is a region of the brain stem in which primary baroreceptor afferents terminate and synapse with the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) via a nitric oxidergic pathway and hence is vital in the normal control of arterial pressure (AP). The NTS as a comparator evaluates the error signals between afferents of cardiovascular receptor and central neural structures and sends signals to nuclei that normalize the circulatory variables. Furthermore, during exercise, signals from the muscle receptors reach the NTS that activate sympathetic premotor neurons and thus cause pressor and tachycardiac responses. The GABAergic interneurons of NTS may contribute to baroreceptor reflex resetting by the inhibition of the barosensitive NTS neurons, thereby enhancing the sympathetic nerve activity. The basic functions of the NTS with respect to regulating the cardiovascular system are introduced in this review. Then, the potential mechanisms underlying cardiovascular regulation are discussed with a focus on NTS functions.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.126.41 Background & Objective: Recent studies have shown the effect of meal timing on weight-loss diet success with controversial results. The current study evaluated the effect of evening meal... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.126.41 Background & Objective: Recent studies have shown the effect of meal timing on weight-loss diet success with controversial results. The current study evaluated the effect of evening meal timing on weight and body mass index (BMI) in overweight/obese subjects who were on a standard weight-loss diet. Materials & Methods: A total of 70 obese/overweight employees of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences took part in this randomized clinical trial (RCT). Participants were randomly assigned into a limited meal timing weight-loss (LMTWL) group with the last meal before 06:00 PM and a non-limited meal timing weight-loss (NLMTWL) group with the last meal before 12:00 AM. All participants followed a standard weight-loss diet as follows: 53% carbohydrate 30% fat and 17% protein. Weight and body mass index was measured at the run-in-period (2 weeks), baseline and the end of four weeks. Independent sample T-test was used to compare parametric continuous variables between the two groups. Results: Of participants, 60% were female. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups based on sex. Also, age, height, physical activity level, BMI and energy intake was similar between the two groups. There were no differences in LMTWL and NLMTWL groups based on weight (P=0.89) and BMI (P=0.91) before and after four weeks of the intervention. Conclusion: Meal timing did not influence the amount of weight lost by overweight/obese subjects on a weight-loss diet. However, more RCTs with larger samples and longer follow-up durations (with a focus on nutrient intake, circadian clock patterns, and the interaction between genotype and chronotype) are needed to confirm this finding.
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Background & Objective: Asthma is the most common inflammatory disorder of respiratory system.The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of asthma and association of asthma with anxiety among 13-14 year-old students in... more
Background & Objective: Asthma is the most common inflammatory disorder of respiratory system.The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of asthma and association of asthma with anxiety among 13-14 year-old students in Zanjan.
Materials & Methods: In this cross sectional study 1500 students were randomly selected by cluster random sampling ; ISSAC questionnaire was filled by face to face interview and patients with asthma were recognized and their anxiety status was also measured using Zung questionnaire.
Results: A total of 225 students (15%) had symptoms of mild to moderate asthma. The frequency of anxiety among students with and without asthma was 38.7% and 26.7% respectively. There was a significant correlation between asthma with anxiety (P=0.0001). The odds ratio for anxiety in asthmatic group was 1.73, CI95% (1.16- 2.58).
Conclusion: These results showed higher prevalence of asthma and anxiety inadolescents and significant correlation between asthma and anxiety.
Keywords: Adolescents, Anxiety, Asthma
Materials & Methods: In this cross sectional study 1500 students were randomly selected by cluster random sampling ; ISSAC questionnaire was filled by face to face interview and patients with asthma were recognized and their anxiety status was also measured using Zung questionnaire.
Results: A total of 225 students (15%) had symptoms of mild to moderate asthma. The frequency of anxiety among students with and without asthma was 38.7% and 26.7% respectively. There was a significant correlation between asthma with anxiety (P=0.0001). The odds ratio for anxiety in asthmatic group was 1.73, CI95% (1.16- 2.58).
Conclusion: These results showed higher prevalence of asthma and anxiety inadolescents and significant correlation between asthma and anxiety.
Keywords: Adolescents, Anxiety, Asthma
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Background & Objective: Beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ) causes neural cell death and has a pivotal role in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The prevention of Aβ-induced toxicity is a target for agents intend to treat Alzheimer’s... more
Background & Objective: Beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ) causes neural cell death and has a pivotal role in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The prevention of Aβ-induced toxicity is a target for agents intend to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Our previous in vitro study indicated anti-cholinesterase and anti-oxidant activity of Amygdalus scoparia and Cerasus microcarpa methanolic extracts. In the present study, their neuroprotective effects against Aβ-induced toxicity are investigated.
Materials & Methods: The methanolic extracts of the aerial parts of A. scoparia and C. microcarpa were prepared by the maceration method. In the culture, mature cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) were exposed to Aβ alone or in combination with different concentrations of extracts and incubated for 24 hours, and cell viability was measured by the MTT assay. Oxidative stress markers and AChE activity were also measured. Then, the AChE activity of cultured neurons was measured after incubation with different concentrations of extracts. The LD50 values of extracts were estimated using the limit test.
Results: The co-incubation of C. microcarpa and A. scoparia extracts with Aβ protected CGNs against Aβ-induced cell death and ameliorated Aβ-induced oxidative stress. The AChE activity of cultured neurons was inhibited by both extracts in a dose-dependent manner. LD50 was estimated as being above 2000 mg/kg for both extracts.
Conclusion: Both extracts attenuated Aβ-induced cell death by ameliorating oxidative stress. Also, the inhibitory effect of extracts on AChE activity might have been involved. Based on these results, these extracts may have therapeutic effects on Alzheimer’s disease. However, further investigations are recommended.
Keywords: Alzheimer, Oxidative stress, Acetylcholinesterase, Cerasus microcarpa, Amygdalus scoparia
Materials & Methods: The methanolic extracts of the aerial parts of A. scoparia and C. microcarpa were prepared by the maceration method. In the culture, mature cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) were exposed to Aβ alone or in combination with different concentrations of extracts and incubated for 24 hours, and cell viability was measured by the MTT assay. Oxidative stress markers and AChE activity were also measured. Then, the AChE activity of cultured neurons was measured after incubation with different concentrations of extracts. The LD50 values of extracts were estimated using the limit test.
Results: The co-incubation of C. microcarpa and A. scoparia extracts with Aβ protected CGNs against Aβ-induced cell death and ameliorated Aβ-induced oxidative stress. The AChE activity of cultured neurons was inhibited by both extracts in a dose-dependent manner. LD50 was estimated as being above 2000 mg/kg for both extracts.
Conclusion: Both extracts attenuated Aβ-induced cell death by ameliorating oxidative stress. Also, the inhibitory effect of extracts on AChE activity might have been involved. Based on these results, these extracts may have therapeutic effects on Alzheimer’s disease. However, further investigations are recommended.
Keywords: Alzheimer, Oxidative stress, Acetylcholinesterase, Cerasus microcarpa, Amygdalus scoparia
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.126.17 Anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) palsy after proximal humeral fracture is very rare syndrome. This report presents a 21-year-old man with axillary nerve and AIN palsy following a proximal... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.126.17 Anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) palsy after proximal humeral fracture is very rare syndrome. This report presents a 21-year-old man with axillary nerve and AIN palsy following a proximal humeral fracture. The fracture was treated with open reduction and internal fixation, and nerve palsy was treated conservatively. At 6-month follow-up, proximal humeral and distal radius fractures had a complete union. There was no subluxation of the humeral head, due to complete deltoid muscle recovery. Range of motion of the shoulders was complete and symmetric. FPL, index FDP and deltoid muscles had full strength. EMG revealed complete recovery of the axillary nerve and AIN injury.
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Background & Objective: Anthracosis is a bronchoscopic finding characterized by the presence of black pigments in the bronchial mucosa. In this study we examined the relationship between anthracosis and pulmonary tuberculosis in a sample... more
Background & Objective: Anthracosis is a bronchoscopic finding characterized by the presence of black pigments in the bronchial mucosa. In this study we examined the relationship between anthracosis and pulmonary tuberculosis in a sample size much larger than previous studies in order to alleviate the ambiguities and controversy surrounding this issue.
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2010 to October 2016 on patients referred to the hospital for bronchoscopy due to any respiratory problem. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was sampled during bronchoscopy and the smears and cultures of tuberculosis mycobacterium acquired from the samples were examined.
Results: In this study, 2377 patients were studied. The patients aged between 30 and 96 years, and of all patients, 1397 individuals were male. The prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among patients with and without anthracosis was 9.24% and 3.07%, respectively (P<0.001). The frequency ratio of females with anthracosis in comparison with males with anthracosis showed that the prevalence of this disease among females is higher than in males (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Pulmonary tuberculosis and anthracosis are related to each other and there is a direct relationship between the prevalence of pulmonary anthracosis and age and the female sex.
Keywords: Anthracosis, Bronchoalveolar lavage, Iran, Tuberculosis
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2010 to October 2016 on patients referred to the hospital for bronchoscopy due to any respiratory problem. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was sampled during bronchoscopy and the smears and cultures of tuberculosis mycobacterium acquired from the samples were examined.
Results: In this study, 2377 patients were studied. The patients aged between 30 and 96 years, and of all patients, 1397 individuals were male. The prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among patients with and without anthracosis was 9.24% and 3.07%, respectively (P<0.001). The frequency ratio of females with anthracosis in comparison with males with anthracosis showed that the prevalence of this disease among females is higher than in males (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Pulmonary tuberculosis and anthracosis are related to each other and there is a direct relationship between the prevalence of pulmonary anthracosis and age and the female sex.
Keywords: Anthracosis, Bronchoalveolar lavage, Iran, Tuberculosis
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.126.1 Background & Objective: Dietary patterns and the consumption of some macronutrients could influence hypertension as a public health problem. This study was conducted to identify dietary... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.126.1 Background & Objective: Dietary patterns and the consumption of some macronutrients could influence hypertension as a public health problem. This study was conducted to identify dietary patterns and compare the intake of some micronutrients, as well as food groups, according to the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) guidelines. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the dietary patterns of 101 people with mild to moderate hypertension who were randomly selected among outpatients attending hospital clinics and health centres at Zanjan. Food intake data were collected using the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and three-day food diaries. Factor analyses and binary logistic regression were used to identify dietary styles and the associations between types of dietary patterns and hypertension, adjusted for covariates. Results: Two main dietary patterns were identified, including the DASH-style dietary pattern and the modern dietary pattern which contains high intakes of fast foods, junk foods, animal fat, organ meat, chicken, tea, and coffee. A greater odds ratio for hypertension (odds ratio: 3.95; 95% CI: 0.91-17.2) was found at the first quartile of the modern pattern compared to the last one, adjusted for confounding variables. Also, patients at the last quartile of the DASH-style pattern received significantly more sodium (P=0.02). Hypertensive patients consumed more sodium and less potassium, calcium, and magnesium than given in the DASH recommendations for both identified dietary patterns. Conclusion: Two main dietary patterns were found in hypertensive patients. Considering both dietary patterns and micronutrient intake in prevention programs for hypertensive patients is suggested. Future research is recommended.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.127.119 Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is the result of excessive cytokine release, leading to over-response by immune cells, such as macrophages and T lymphocytes. Here, we report a... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.127.119 Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is the result of excessive cytokine release, leading to over-response by immune cells, such as macrophages and T lymphocytes. Here, we report a lethal case of HLH with a complete clinical course. The patient was a 45-year-old man with fever and chills since two months ago plus splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and pancytopenia. The Anti-HBc IgM was positive, but the HBS antigen, anti-HCV, and HBS antibody were negative. Assessment for cirrhosis was carried out by FibroScan, which showed F4 grade. The biopsy sampling was impossible due to the low platelet count. During admission, generalized bleeding was developed and led to alveolar hemorrhage, which subsequently resulted in the patient's death. Liver necropsy certified the diagnosis of hemophagocytic syndrome. Overall, according to the reported case in this paper, it should be remembered that secondary HLH is an inflammatory phenomenon due to different conditions, such as latent newly-developed infections.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.127.111 Background & Objective: Post-stroke fatigue is a troublesome symptom and a common complaint of stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric features of the... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.127.111 Background & Objective: Post-stroke fatigue is a troublesome symptom and a common complaint of stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric features of the Persian version of the FIS (FIS-P) administered to Iranian stroke patients. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional methodological study, the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the FIS (FIS-P) were examined. The participants were 280 Iranian people (140 healthy adults; 140 stroke patients) who were assessed using the FIS-P, fatigue severity scale (FSS), and SF-36 questionnaire. The content, convergent, and discriminant validity of the FIS-P were evaluated using CVR and CVI, Pearson correlation, and independent-sampling T-tests, respectively. Furthermore, inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability were assessed via the intra-class correlation coefficient and SEM. The internal consistency reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's α. Results: The results of the CVR for items ranged from 0.6-1, and the CVI of the FIS-P was 0.85. The Pearson correlation measure revealed strong and inverse correlations between FIS-P and FSS and a low to moderate relationship between all subscales of the SF-36 and FIS-P in terms of convergent validity. T-test results showed the discriminant validity of the FIS-P in differentiating between stroke patients and healthy participants. The ICC coefficients for test-retest and inter-rater reliability for the overall scale were 0.991 and 0.984, respectively. Cronbach's α was 895. Conclusion: The strong psychometric properties of the FIS-P indicated its applicability in assessing the impact of fatigue on stroke victim's daily activities and the effectiveness of therapeutic and rehabilitation interventions.
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Background & Objective: Efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) can block efflux pumps and are helpful in potentiating the activity of aminoglycosides against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The present study compared the effects of phenylalanine-arginine... more
Background & Objective: Efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) can block efflux pumps and are helpful in potentiating the activity of aminoglycosides against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The present study compared the effects of phenylalanine-arginine beta naphthylamide (PAβN) and curcumin on aminoglycoside minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates. Materials & Methods: For this descriptive-analytical study, 100 clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected and identified by differential diagnostic tests. The MICs of amikacin, gentamicin, and tobramycin were evaluated before and after adding EPIs using a micro-broth dilution test. Results: The bacteria were isolated from different types of samples, including urine (26 isolates), sputum (37 isolates), ulcers (20 isolates), catheters (eight isolates), blood (five isolates), feces (two isolates), and eyes (two isolates). Overall, 60% of the isolates were obtained from males (mean age = 47.85), and 40% from females (mean age = 44.76). In the MIC test, 11 (25.5%), 15 (34.8%), and 18 (41.8%) isolates were resistant to amikacin, gentamicin, and tobramycin, respectively. Significant reductions in the MICs of amikacin, gentamicin, and tobramycin were observed after adding curcumin in 54-100% of aminoglycoside-resistant isolates, while fewer changes in the MICs of aminoglycosides were seen against these clinical isolates after adding PAβN (36-55%). Conclusion: Curcumin and PAβN can potentiate the effect of aminoglycosides on clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and change their susceptibility pattern due to efflux pump inhibition. However, our outcomes detected that curcumin was more effective than the PAβN against the aminoglycoside-resistant isolates of P. aeruginosa.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.127.97 Background & Objective: Spermatogenesis and oogenesis stress is a primary epigenetic element that can cause lifelong modifications in neural system functions. This study was designed to... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.127.97 Background & Objective: Spermatogenesis and oogenesis stress is a primary epigenetic element that can cause lifelong modifications in neural system functions. This study was designed to elucidate whether preconceptional stress during spermatogenesis and oogenesis affects the seizure behaviors and body weight of the offspring later in life. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 16 male and 32 female adult rats were included. Half of the rats were subjected to predatory stress. Then, they were coupled as follows: both subjects were intact as the control group (MC-FC), both subjects were stressed (MS-FS), male control/female stressed (MC-FS), and male stressed/female control (MS-FC). The pups were weighed and assessed for pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. In addition, aniline blue staining was performed to study the chromatin maturity of the sperm in male parents immediately after copulation. Results: The latency of the first seizure behavior significantly diminished in stressed pups, and the duration of focal and generalized seizures significantly increased in the stressed rats. In addition, the body weight of the pups decreased in the stress groups compared to control rats, and a significant decrease was detected in the chromatin maturity of sperms in stressed rats. Conclusion: Stress during spermatogenesis and oogenesis can be critical for the general growth (body weight) and seizure susceptibility of the offspring. Therefore, to improve reproductive outcomes, stress-lowering interventions are better to be started before conception.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.127.90 Background & Objective: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common chronic diseases and the leading cause of death in the world and in Iran. The aim of this study was to explore the... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.127.90 Background & Objective: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common chronic diseases and the leading cause of death in the world and in Iran. The aim of this study was to explore the geographical epidemiology of CVDs in the province of Zanjan, Iran. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Zanjan University of Medical Sciences. Patients with a discharge diagnosis of CVDs (I00-I99 group of ICD-10 codes) who were hospitalized from 2012-2019 were selected as a study sample. All spatial analyses were performed in ArcGIS 10.7, and descriptive analysis was conducted by R (v3.6.0) and RStudio (v1.2.1335) software. Results: The ischemic heart disease subgroup accounted for the majority of CVD cases (43.8%), while acute rheumatic fever (0.03%) was the least common contributor to CVD. Men had a higher rate of CVD (53.1%) than women (46.9%). The mean age of all CVD subgroups was 56.88 years, and the mean length of stay of all CVD subgroups was 114.2 hours. Zanjan city (57.4%) had the greatest incidence rate of CVDs in Zanjan province, Iran. Conclusion: Geographical epidemiology studies can identify the pattern of CVD distribution in different areas and can be helpful in preventing CVDs. A spatial-temporal pattern of CVD distribution provides crucial information for health development planning in Iran. The findings of this study provide useful information for health authorities in Ayatollah Mousavi Zanjan, Iran, to plan CVD prevention programs.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.127.82 Background & Objective: Hope therapy is an efficient and positive psychology intervention used to treat chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hope... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.127.82 Background & Objective: Hope therapy is an efficient and positive psychology intervention used to treat chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hope therapy on anxiety and depression using an Islamic approach and compare this approach with conventional hope therapy in coronary heart disease (CAD) patients. Materials & Methods: The study was conducted in the form of a randomized trial with pre-post-test, and control groups. A total of 45 patients with CAD were sampled through convenience sampling from a hospital in Qom city, Iran. Data were collected using Snyder's hope questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). After collecting pre-test data, the participants were randomly divided into three groups of peers, and the intervention sessions were performed in eight sessions of 90 minutes each. One experimental group received Islamic hope therapy, and the other experimental group was exposed to conventional hope therapy, while the control group received a stress relief package. All three groups undertook a post-test, the data from which were analyzed by SPSS 22, using Levin, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, and covariance tests. Results: Islamic and conventional hope therapy both significantly outperformed the stress relief package in terms of increasing hope and decreasing depression. Also, Islamic hope therapy had an especially significant effect on reducing anxiety. Conclusion: Islamic hope therapy seems similar to conventional hope therapy in its ability to increase hope and reduce depression and is more effective in reducing anxiety. Therefore, it could be helpful in treatment of patients with CAD and other chronic diseases that cause patients a high level of anxiety.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.127.76 Background & Objective: Early detection of neonatal hearing disorders is a suitable measure of speech and behavioral development. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.127.76 Background & Objective: Early detection of neonatal hearing disorders is a suitable measure of speech and behavioral development. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hearing disorder in high-risk neonates treated in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Materials & Methods: This descriptive study was performed on 150 neonates treated in the NICU of Besat Hospital in Hamadan, Iran, using a census method. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) and otoacoustic emission (OAE) tests were performed by Labat and HOMOTH devices in Besat Hospital of Hamadan for diagnosis of hearing disorders. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test via SPSS 16. Results: In this paper, 63.3% of studied participants were male and 36.7% were female. Also, 4.7% of participants had mild to severe hearing disorder, and 3.3% had moderately-severe hearing loss. There was a statistically significant relationship between age at admission, hearing loss in both ears, and oxygen demand with hearing-impaired participants (ABR test). Conclusion: Considering the presence of 4.7% of hearing-impaired neonates (ABR test) in this study, it is necessary to design and implement a comprehensive hearing screening for high-risk neonates in terms of hearing disorders.
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Metabolic syndrome has a high prevalence (about 22.4% in adult individuals) in developed countries. Inflammation due to obesity and fat accumulation is the most important factor in the progression of metabolic syndrome. In cells which... more
Metabolic syndrome has a high prevalence (about 22.4% in adult individuals) in developed countries. Inflammation due to obesity and fat accumulation is the most important factor in the progression of metabolic syndrome. In cells which have a receptor for insulin hormone, inflammatory mediators target the insulin signaling pathway and cause insulin resistance. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors are a group of ligand inducible transcription factors, whose activation can improve insulin resistance and their agonists such as Genistein, which seems to be useful in prevention of insulin resistance development. Genistein is one of the soy derived isoflavonoids that affects carbohydrate and lipid metabolism resulting in prevention of insulin resistance. The current narrative review has concentrated mainly on highlighting the usefulness of Genistein in the improvement of insulin resistance and therapeutic potential of it in both in-vitro and in-vivo models. Genistein can increase fatty acid β-oxidation, decrease lipogenesis and improve insulin resistance in hepatocytes. In adipocytes, Genistein prevents downregulation of adiponectin expression and facilitates the upregulation of adiponectin expression. In β-islet cells, Genistein initiates the special cascade which leads to proliferation of β cells, resulting in increased secretion of insulin. Based on findings of the studies, it can be concluded that Genistein can be a useful agent in prevention of de novo lipid synthesis as well as proliferation of β cells. In this way the development of metabolic syndrome can be prevented.
Keywords: Genistein, Inflammation, Hyperglycemia, Insulin resistance, Metabolic syndrome, Soy isoflavone
Keywords: Genistein, Inflammation, Hyperglycemia, Insulin resistance, Metabolic syndrome, Soy isoflavone
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The Coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) has recently emerged as a pandemic and has endangered the lives of thousands of people worldwide. No specific treatment has been identified so far. However, the identification of... more
The Coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) has recently emerged as a pandemic and has endangered the lives of thousands of people worldwide. No specific treatment has been identified so far. However, the identification of diagnostic and prognostic factors in patients can be valuable for the application of preventive strategies. Increased platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), prothrombin time (PT), and D-dimer indices have been found in patients with increased inflammation and thrombosis and can lead to heart disease. Also, an increase in these indices is accompanied by worsening of the disease and impairment of the respiratory tract, which necessitates ventilation for the patients eventually. The evaluation of NLR, PLR, and coagulation parameters can be useful for identifying high-risk individuals who need to be intubated. Patient survival will improve by the timely identification and the use of appropriate treatment strategies.
Keywords: COVID-19, Diagnosis, Inflammation, Lymphocyte, Neutrophil, Platelet
Keywords: COVID-19, Diagnosis, Inflammation, Lymphocyte, Neutrophil, Platelet
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.128.166 Necrotizing mediastinitis is the most lethal type of mediastinitis and is caused by neck fascia, esophageal, and mediastinal infections. Therefore, its early diagnosis is crucial. This... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.128.166 Necrotizing mediastinitis is the most lethal type of mediastinitis and is caused by neck fascia, esophageal, and mediastinal infections. Therefore, its early diagnosis is crucial. This report presents the case of a 49-year-old man who was suffering from necrotizing mediastinitis due to prolonged esophageal rupturing after rabbit bone ingestion diagnosed using infection assessments and imaging. After right lateral posterior thoracotomy, the mediastinal abscess was debrided and drained. The rabbit bones were then removed from the esophagus. Two drainage tubes and two thoracotomy tubes were inserted into the mediastinal and pleural spaces, and a jejunostomy tube was inserted. Varied clinical manifestations makes the diagnosis hard and time-consuming. If early diagnosis, antibiotic therapy, thoracic surgery, proper monitoring, CT-scan imaging for differential diagnosis, and intervention are not initiated promptly, mediastinitis resulting from DNM can be lethal.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.128.156 Background & Objective: Cancer is one of the most prominent public health issues. It can put the patient's hope and quality of life (QOL) at risk. The purpose of this study was to determine... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.128.156 Background & Objective: Cancer is one of the most prominent public health issues. It can put the patient's hope and quality of life (QOL) at risk. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of dignity therapy on the hope and quality of life of cancer patients. Materials & Methods: This trial was conducted in 2019. The sample included 76 cancer patients who were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=38) and a control group (n=38). Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Herth-Hope questionnaire (1991), and the EORTC QLQ-C30 scoring (1988). The intervention group received a dignity therapy protocol. The control group received no intervention. The questionnaires were completed again four weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 and several tests (Chi-square, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, independent t-test, paired t-test, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney). The significance level was set at P-value<0.05. Results: Mean scores for hope and quality of life before the intervention were not significantly different between the experimental and control groups (P=0.11). Four weeks after the end of the intervention, the mean scores of hope in the intervention group (26.88±2.90) were significantly higher than those of the control group (24.60 ± 4.26) (P=0.03). Also, after the intervention, the mean scores of quality of life in the intervention group (69.61±12.71) were significantly higher than those of the control group (50.64 ±12.15) (P<0.001). Conclusion: Dignity therapy can be an effective intervention method for increasing hope and improving the quality of life among cancer patients.
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Background and Objective: Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a type of disease which is characterized by increased production of B-HCG by placental cells. Increased β-HCG production is due to increased proliferation of beta cells... more
Background and Objective: Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a type of disease which is characterized by increased production of B-HCG by placental cells. Increased β-HCG production is due to increased proliferation of beta cells and lack of apoptosis. If left untreated, it can lead to malignancy. Almost 30-50 of GTD progresses to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) in women over 40 years old. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin A doses (100,000 IU and 200,000 IU) on the decrement of β-HCG levels.
Materials and Methods: The study included three groups: two patients and one control, and each group contained 22 individuals. Two groups of patients (A and B) received 100,000 IU and 200,000 IU doses of vitamin A, respectively, in addition to suction curettage. β-HCG levels were then measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA).
Results: The β-HCG drop-in group B, which received 200,000 IU of vitamin A, was higher than that of group A. It was significant in the third and fourth weeks after the treatment compared to the control group. There was also a significant relationship between the three groups in terms of Gravid (P<0.001). All the patients were followed up for 6 months.
Conclusion: Considering that in the long run, the dose of 200,000 IU compared to the dose of 100,000 IU of vitamin A did not significantly reduce the B-HCG, therefore, in order to prevent the complications of high doses, the single dose of 100,000 IU was used for GTD patients.
Keywords: Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), β-HCG, Gravid, Parity, Vitamin A
Materials and Methods: The study included three groups: two patients and one control, and each group contained 22 individuals. Two groups of patients (A and B) received 100,000 IU and 200,000 IU doses of vitamin A, respectively, in addition to suction curettage. β-HCG levels were then measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA).
Results: The β-HCG drop-in group B, which received 200,000 IU of vitamin A, was higher than that of group A. It was significant in the third and fourth weeks after the treatment compared to the control group. There was also a significant relationship between the three groups in terms of Gravid (P<0.001). All the patients were followed up for 6 months.
Conclusion: Considering that in the long run, the dose of 200,000 IU compared to the dose of 100,000 IU of vitamin A did not significantly reduce the B-HCG, therefore, in order to prevent the complications of high doses, the single dose of 100,000 IU was used for GTD patients.
Keywords: Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), β-HCG, Gravid, Parity, Vitamin A
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Infections due to burn wounds are serious because of their effects on the course of the disease and its consequences. The rate of burn wound infection is very high in developing countries. The purpose of this... more
Background and Objective: Infections due to burn wounds are serious because of their effects on the course of the disease and its consequences. The rate of burn wound infection is very high in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to identify common bacterial agents causing burn wound infection and determine antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in a burn Hospital, Isfahan, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 2017 to 2018 on all patients with burn wound infection. Burn wounds suspected of infection were collected aseptically and traditional bacteriological methods were used to identify the causes of infection. Antimicrobial resistance test was done by the disk diffusion method in accordance with CLSI recommendations.
Results: From the total of 1500 wound culture, 957(63.8%) samples were detected as positive. The highest rate of infection was in the ICU ward and the lowest was in the restoration ward. The most common gram-negative bacteria were Acinetobacter baumannii (34.9%) with the highest and the lowest antibiotic resistance to Ceftazidime and Tobramycin, respectively. Among recovered Gram-positive isolates, Staphylococcus aureus (10.2%) were the predominant isolates with the highest and the lowest antibiotic resistance to Penicillin and Vancomycin, respectively.
Conclusion: Due to the variable nature of antibiotic susceptibility patterns and pathogens causing burn wound infection, continuous evaluation, detection of dominant bacterial infections and sensitivity patterns to locally available antibiotics in burn wound patients in order to modify the drug regimen for proper antibiotic treatment is important and seems reasonable.
Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance pattern, Bacterial infection, Burn patients
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 2017 to 2018 on all patients with burn wound infection. Burn wounds suspected of infection were collected aseptically and traditional bacteriological methods were used to identify the causes of infection. Antimicrobial resistance test was done by the disk diffusion method in accordance with CLSI recommendations.
Results: From the total of 1500 wound culture, 957(63.8%) samples were detected as positive. The highest rate of infection was in the ICU ward and the lowest was in the restoration ward. The most common gram-negative bacteria were Acinetobacter baumannii (34.9%) with the highest and the lowest antibiotic resistance to Ceftazidime and Tobramycin, respectively. Among recovered Gram-positive isolates, Staphylococcus aureus (10.2%) were the predominant isolates with the highest and the lowest antibiotic resistance to Penicillin and Vancomycin, respectively.
Conclusion: Due to the variable nature of antibiotic susceptibility patterns and pathogens causing burn wound infection, continuous evaluation, detection of dominant bacterial infections and sensitivity patterns to locally available antibiotics in burn wound patients in order to modify the drug regimen for proper antibiotic treatment is important and seems reasonable.
Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance pattern, Bacterial infection, Burn patients
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Freezing of gait (FOG) is accompanied by various complications, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of mortality and morbidity in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The incidence of this disabling... more
Background and Objective: Freezing of gait (FOG) is accompanied by various complications, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of mortality and morbidity in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The incidence of this disabling phenomenon can be predicted in at least one-third of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of FOG among Iranian patients with Parkinson’s disease and to determine the predictors of this phenomenon in these patients.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 135 patients with Parkinson’s disease, referred to Rasoul Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The subjects were selected using the convenience sampling method. FOG was confirmed via clinical examination by two fellows of the movement disorder fellowship program. Variables were evaluated using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, and measurement of the area under the ROC curve (AUC).
Results: Out of 135 patients with Parkinson’s disease, 36 (26.7%) had FOG. Based on the results, FOG had a significantly higher prevalence in older patients, compared to younger patients. According to the results, FOG had no significant relationship with other baseline variables, including gender, disease duration, and disease manifestations. According to the multivariate logistic regression model, advanced age (OR: 0.915; P=0.031) and longer disease duration (OR: 0.992; P=0.019) predicted the incidence of FOG in the presence of underlying factors.
Conclusion: The prevalence of FOG among patients with Parkinson’s disease was estimated at 26.7%, which is within the global range. The results revealed that age and duration of disease were two factors, which could predict the occurrence of FOG with high sensitivity and specificity.
Keywords: Determinants, Freezing of Gait, Parkinson's disease, Prevalence, Risk Factors
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 135 patients with Parkinson’s disease, referred to Rasoul Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The subjects were selected using the convenience sampling method. FOG was confirmed via clinical examination by two fellows of the movement disorder fellowship program. Variables were evaluated using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, and measurement of the area under the ROC curve (AUC).
Results: Out of 135 patients with Parkinson’s disease, 36 (26.7%) had FOG. Based on the results, FOG had a significantly higher prevalence in older patients, compared to younger patients. According to the results, FOG had no significant relationship with other baseline variables, including gender, disease duration, and disease manifestations. According to the multivariate logistic regression model, advanced age (OR: 0.915; P=0.031) and longer disease duration (OR: 0.992; P=0.019) predicted the incidence of FOG in the presence of underlying factors.
Conclusion: The prevalence of FOG among patients with Parkinson’s disease was estimated at 26.7%, which is within the global range. The results revealed that age and duration of disease were two factors, which could predict the occurrence of FOG with high sensitivity and specificity.
Keywords: Determinants, Freezing of Gait, Parkinson's disease, Prevalence, Risk Factors
Research Interests:
Background & Objective: Social support helps patients cope with the outcomes of diseases and therapy side effects. However, there is little information about the social support status among Iranian cancer patients. This study assessed the... more
Background & Objective: Social support helps patients cope with the outcomes of diseases and therapy side effects. However, there is little information about the social support status among Iranian cancer patients. This study assessed the amount of perceived social support status (SSQN) and satisfaction (SSQS) in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients based on socio-economic factors.
Methods & Materials: This study was carried out in 2018 on all GI cancer patients referred to health centers in the province of Zanjan (i.e., Vali-e Asr teaching hospital and Mehraneh charity clinic for cancer therapy). The Persian version of Sarason’s social support questionnaire was applied.
Results: The questionnaire was completed by 284 patients. The average amount of SSQN was 3.56±1.25. The average score of SSQS was 4.87±0.57. Network dimension and satisfaction status were significantly correlated (P<0.001). Groups were significantly different in terms of their satisfaction (P<0.001), whereas they were the same in terms of network size.
Conclusion: Cancer patients reported high levels of social support in terms of network (SSQN), but were not highly pleased with the support received (SSQS). More secure employment, higher income, a higher level of education, and being an urban resident are predictors of high levels of satisfaction of perceived social support.
Keywords: Cancer, Social determinants, Social support
Methods & Materials: This study was carried out in 2018 on all GI cancer patients referred to health centers in the province of Zanjan (i.e., Vali-e Asr teaching hospital and Mehraneh charity clinic for cancer therapy). The Persian version of Sarason’s social support questionnaire was applied.
Results: The questionnaire was completed by 284 patients. The average amount of SSQN was 3.56±1.25. The average score of SSQS was 4.87±0.57. Network dimension and satisfaction status were significantly correlated (P<0.001). Groups were significantly different in terms of their satisfaction (P<0.001), whereas they were the same in terms of network size.
Conclusion: Cancer patients reported high levels of social support in terms of network (SSQN), but were not highly pleased with the support received (SSQS). More secure employment, higher income, a higher level of education, and being an urban resident are predictors of high levels of satisfaction of perceived social support.
Keywords: Cancer, Social determinants, Social support
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.128.124 Background & Objective: Escherichia coli (E. coli) is considered to be the most common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) worldwide. Due to the recent rise in bacterial resistance to... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.128.124 Background & Objective: Escherichia coli (E. coli) is considered to be the most common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) worldwide. Due to the recent rise in bacterial resistance to antibiotics and the appearance of multidrug-resistant E. coli, treatment options have been significantly limited, thus increasing the cost of treatment as well as morbidity and mortality rates, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to identify the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of E. coli for use in early empirical treatments and cultures of negative UTIs caused by previous antibiotic usage. Materials & Methods: In the present study, 704 urine samples with a positive culture of E. coli were evaluated in terms of susceptibility to gentamycin, nitrofurantoin, ceftazidime, cefixime, meropenem, cefepime, azithromycin, ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Data were collected based on age, sex, and hospitalization or ambulatory patient status. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Results: E. coli showed the lowest resistance to nitrofurantoin (4.5%) and the highest resistance to cefixime (34.9%). There was a statistically significant relationship between antibiotic resistance and age, gender, and hospitalization status Conclusion: Because of the high resistance rate of E. coli to cefixime, precautions should be taken before using cefixime to treat UTIs.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.129.225 Every 30 seconds, one lower limb amputation due to diabetes is performed in the world. This study was conducted on a 64-year-old woman with a diabetic foot on her left leg. The patient had... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.129.225 Every 30 seconds, one lower limb amputation due to diabetes is performed in the world. This study was conducted on a 64-year-old woman with a diabetic foot on her left leg. The patient had pain with a visual analog scale (VAS) score of 80 mm on 100 mm. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a product derived from leeches in the treatment of DFUs. Wound grade 1 according to Wagner's classification system was covered with leech cream. A decoction of Hirudo orientalis was prepared by lyophilizing leeches at-80°C, the proteins containing biologically active substances (BAS) were extracted with normal saline, and this BSA was formulated in the form of cream. In vitro control of this pharmaceutical product was estimated according to the activity of these BSA. The leech cream was applied twice a day from the knee to the tail of the left toe for a month. The patient used no antibiotics and only received hygiene. After treatment, the patient was followed up for two months. Pain decreased significantly in terms of VAS: 40 mm after two days. At the end of the 3 rd day, the pain completely disappeared. The granulation tissue was apparent on the toes' ulcers after a week. The diameter of the wound was reduced by ~50% in three weeks. After four weeks, the ulcers were completely healed. After two months follow up there was no sign of wound recurrence. Topical leech cream enhanced the wound healing process and, therefore, may have curative effects on DFUs.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.129.218 Tuberculous empyema (TE) is an uncommon form of pleural tuberculous (TB). Although the incidence of TE has significantly decreased, it still threatens public health. Patients with TE... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.129.218 Tuberculous empyema (TE) is an uncommon form of pleural tuberculous (TB). Although the incidence of TE has significantly decreased, it still threatens public health. Patients with TE experience a protracted illness and significant morbidity and mortality risk. Male sex is a significant risk factor for TE. Herein, we report an adult case of TE admitted to a tertiary care hospital of Iran with clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes of this disease. The duration of illness and duration of chest tube drainage equaled 7 months and 48 days, respectively. Our patient required surgery despite the administration of antituberculosis drugs and chest tube drainage. Due to the presence of parenchymal lesions, bronchopleural fistula, and failure of lung re-expansion after chest tube insertion, the patient required decortication with the closure of the bronchopleural fistula and additional thoracoplasty. In the case presentation, we emphasize difficulties encountered in the treatment of such patients.
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Septoplasty is one of the most common nasal surgeries. After septoplasty, the nasal pack is routinely used to control bleeding, which can lead to complications such as pain and anxiety. This study aims to compare... more
Background and Objective: Septoplasty is one of the most common nasal surgeries. After septoplasty, the nasal pack is routinely used to control bleeding, which can lead to complications such as pain and anxiety. This study aims to compare the effect of septoplasty with and without nasal packing on outcomes and complications of the surgery.
Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 50 patients undergoing septoplasty surgery at Besat Hospital, Hamadan, Iran, (during 2018 and 2019) were selected among the patients and randomly allocated in two groups of septoplasty with nasal pack (group A, 25 patients) and septoplasty without nasal pack (group B, 25). Anxiety score, pain score, bleeding rate, hematoma, respiratory status and local infection were compared in both groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: The incidence of complications of throat irritation, tearing and headache and facial pain during the first 24 hours after septoplasty in group A was 48%, 76% and 64%, respectively, and in group B, it was 12%, 0% and 0%, respectively (P <0.05). Mean score of anxiety and pain in the patients during 24 hours and first week after septoplasty and mean score of nasal obstruction during 24 hours, first week and three months after septoplasty in group A were significantly higher than those in group B (P <0.05).
Conclusion: The use of nasal packs following septoplasty can cause throat irritation, tearing, increased pain, anxiety and respiratory problems in patients and it seems to have no effects on the duration of bleeding during 24 hours after the surgery.
Keywords: Septoplasty, Nasal Packing, Facial Pain, Anxiety
Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 50 patients undergoing septoplasty surgery at Besat Hospital, Hamadan, Iran, (during 2018 and 2019) were selected among the patients and randomly allocated in two groups of septoplasty with nasal pack (group A, 25 patients) and septoplasty without nasal pack (group B, 25). Anxiety score, pain score, bleeding rate, hematoma, respiratory status and local infection were compared in both groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: The incidence of complications of throat irritation, tearing and headache and facial pain during the first 24 hours after septoplasty in group A was 48%, 76% and 64%, respectively, and in group B, it was 12%, 0% and 0%, respectively (P <0.05). Mean score of anxiety and pain in the patients during 24 hours and first week after septoplasty and mean score of nasal obstruction during 24 hours, first week and three months after septoplasty in group A were significantly higher than those in group B (P <0.05).
Conclusion: The use of nasal packs following septoplasty can cause throat irritation, tearing, increased pain, anxiety and respiratory problems in patients and it seems to have no effects on the duration of bleeding during 24 hours after the surgery.
Keywords: Septoplasty, Nasal Packing, Facial Pain, Anxiety
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.129.204 Background & Objective: Capparis spinosa L. belongs to the Capparaceae family for which biological roles such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects have been reported.... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.129.204 Background & Objective: Capparis spinosa L. belongs to the Capparaceae family for which biological roles such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects have been reported. Some active chemical groups including flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, tannins, and minerals have been detected in this plant. This study aimed to extract the C. spinosa alcoholic extract from different parts of the plant, measure the content of phenols and flavonoids, and evaluate the effects of bud extracts on the viability and oxidative state of the islets of Langerhans isolated from rat pancreas. Materials & Methods: In this experimental setup, the hydroalcoholic extracts of different parts of the plant were obtained based on the maceration method. Folin-Ciocalteu and rutin were used as the standard reagents to measure phenols and flavonoids. The islets of Langerhans were isolated from the pancreas of male rats (n=16) and incubated for 24 hours. Then, the islets were exposed to the plant extract for 24 hours after which cellular viability and reactive oxygen species were measured. Results: The C. spinosa bud alcoholic extract markedly increased the survival of the islet cells. This effect was dose-dependent, and the greatest effects were observed at10 3 and 10 4 μgmL-1. At the mentioned concentrations, ROS production was reduced by 37% and 72% respectively comparing to the control. Conclusion: The results indicated that C. spinose may have protective effects on the endocrine pancreas by increasing viability and decreasing ROS in the islets, and can thus be considered as a promising agent for prophylaxis and therapy in diabetes management.
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder that is caused by mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene. The multiplicity of mutations in the PAH gene of PKU leads to the cases, in which the... more
Background and Objective: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder that is caused by mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene. The multiplicity of mutations in the PAH gene of PKU leads to the cases, in which the pathogenic mutation cannot be detected. In these cases, the variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR), which is the polymorphic marker associated with the PAH gene, is used to identify PKU carriers. The present study was conducted to investigate the allele frequency of this marker in PKU population of Golestan Province (north of Iran).
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 26 non-relative PKU patients (1-23 years old, phenylalanine: 4.5-250 mg/dl) were identified from different regions of Golestan Province within a one-year period (2016). Genomic DNA was then extracted from leukocytes using the high pure PCR template preparation kit (Roche) and the fragments containing the PAH VNTR were evaluated using PCR-sequencing method.
Results: PCR products of PAH VNTR alleles produced 334, 454, 484, 514, and 604 bp fragments. They were corresponding to the presence of alleles with 3, 7, 8, 9, and 12 copies of the repeat units, respectively. In addition, the distribution of VNTR alleles was as follows: 28.85%, 28.85%, 17.3%, 19.23%, and 5.77%.
Conclusion: This study is the first report regarding the genetic structure of PKU population using PAH VNTR alleles in Golestan Province. Considering the population diversity in Iran, it is necessary to investigate the frequency and distribution of VNTR alleles in different parts of the country.
Keywords: Phenylketonuria, Phenylalanine hydroxylase, VNTR, Iran
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 26 non-relative PKU patients (1-23 years old, phenylalanine: 4.5-250 mg/dl) were identified from different regions of Golestan Province within a one-year period (2016). Genomic DNA was then extracted from leukocytes using the high pure PCR template preparation kit (Roche) and the fragments containing the PAH VNTR were evaluated using PCR-sequencing method.
Results: PCR products of PAH VNTR alleles produced 334, 454, 484, 514, and 604 bp fragments. They were corresponding to the presence of alleles with 3, 7, 8, 9, and 12 copies of the repeat units, respectively. In addition, the distribution of VNTR alleles was as follows: 28.85%, 28.85%, 17.3%, 19.23%, and 5.77%.
Conclusion: This study is the first report regarding the genetic structure of PKU population using PAH VNTR alleles in Golestan Province. Considering the population diversity in Iran, it is necessary to investigate the frequency and distribution of VNTR alleles in different parts of the country.
Keywords: Phenylketonuria, Phenylalanine hydroxylase, VNTR, Iran
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Non-technical skills are critical for patient safety and good surgical outcomes. Thus, surgeons should master these skills. This study aimed to assess non-technical skills among Iranian orthopedic surgeons.... more
Background and Objective: Non-technical skills are critical for patient safety and good surgical outcomes. Thus, surgeons should master these skills. This study aimed to assess non-technical skills among Iranian orthopedic surgeons.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in two orthopedic surgery wards in 2019. A total of 22 orthopedic surgeons were observed in this survey. The data were collected using Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) through observing and recording events during surgeries.
Results: “Leadership” was the best non-technical skill with score of 3.14 out of 4, while “communication and teamwork” had the lowest score (3.02 out of 4). There was a significant relationship between work experience and “projecting and anticipating future state” (P=0.009).
Conclusion: The studied orthopedic surgeons showed acceptable non-technical skills. However, poor behaviors were observed in some domains. Educational programs, policymaking interventions, and supervision can improve the surgeons’ non-technical skills.
Keywords: Human factors, Non-technical skills, Orthopedic surgery, Operating room, Surgeon
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in two orthopedic surgery wards in 2019. A total of 22 orthopedic surgeons were observed in this survey. The data were collected using Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) through observing and recording events during surgeries.
Results: “Leadership” was the best non-technical skill with score of 3.14 out of 4, while “communication and teamwork” had the lowest score (3.02 out of 4). There was a significant relationship between work experience and “projecting and anticipating future state” (P=0.009).
Conclusion: The studied orthopedic surgeons showed acceptable non-technical skills. However, poor behaviors were observed in some domains. Educational programs, policymaking interventions, and supervision can improve the surgeons’ non-technical skills.
Keywords: Human factors, Non-technical skills, Orthopedic surgery, Operating room, Surgeon
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: The mechanism of analgesic and anxiolytic activity of resveratrol in neuropathic pain conditions remains obscure. The present study was conducted to examine whether the analgesic and anxiolytic activities of... more
Background and Objective: The mechanism of analgesic and anxiolytic activity of resveratrol in neuropathic pain conditions remains obscure. The present study was conducted to examine whether the analgesic and anxiolytic activities of resveratrol are associated with α1- and α2-adrenoceptors of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which is a key area of the cortex in the pain process, following neuropathic pain in rats.
Materials and Methods: Neuropathic pain was created by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. Male Wistar rats were assigned to the sham, CCI, CCI+resveratrol (40μg/5μL), CCI+resveratrol+prazosin (α1-adrenoceptor antagonist,30μg/5μL), and CCI+resveratrol-Yohimbine (α2-adrenoceptor antagonist, 30μg/5μL) groups. The rats received intra-ACC injection of the drug on the day of CCI and for 6 days post-CCI on a daily basis. Cold allodynia (using acetone test) and anxiety (using elevated plus maze, EPM) were examined on days 2, 4, and 6 following CCI.
Results: CCI model significantly increased cold allodynia and anxiety. Resveratrol significantly decreased cold allodynia. Prazosin induced no significant changes in allodynia as compared with the CCI+resveratrol treated group. But the animals in this group had no significant difference from the day before the surgery or compared with the sham group. Prazosin significantly decreased entries into open arms. Additionally, yohimbine significantly increased cold allodynia as compared with the CCI+resveratrol treated group. However, it induced no significant changes in the EPM parameters. Our findings also demonstrated a significant correlation between allodynia and anxiety in CCI rats.
Conclusion: It is suggested that the mechanism of analgesic and anxiolytic activities of resveratrol in the ACC of rats is different, and is mediated through α2- and α1-adrenoceptors, respectively.
Keywords: Allodynia, Anxiety, Anterior cingulate cortex, α-adrenoceptors, Rat, Resveratrol
Materials and Methods: Neuropathic pain was created by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. Male Wistar rats were assigned to the sham, CCI, CCI+resveratrol (40μg/5μL), CCI+resveratrol+prazosin (α1-adrenoceptor antagonist,30μg/5μL), and CCI+resveratrol-Yohimbine (α2-adrenoceptor antagonist, 30μg/5μL) groups. The rats received intra-ACC injection of the drug on the day of CCI and for 6 days post-CCI on a daily basis. Cold allodynia (using acetone test) and anxiety (using elevated plus maze, EPM) were examined on days 2, 4, and 6 following CCI.
Results: CCI model significantly increased cold allodynia and anxiety. Resveratrol significantly decreased cold allodynia. Prazosin induced no significant changes in allodynia as compared with the CCI+resveratrol treated group. But the animals in this group had no significant difference from the day before the surgery or compared with the sham group. Prazosin significantly decreased entries into open arms. Additionally, yohimbine significantly increased cold allodynia as compared with the CCI+resveratrol treated group. However, it induced no significant changes in the EPM parameters. Our findings also demonstrated a significant correlation between allodynia and anxiety in CCI rats.
Conclusion: It is suggested that the mechanism of analgesic and anxiolytic activities of resveratrol in the ACC of rats is different, and is mediated through α2- and α1-adrenoceptors, respectively.
Keywords: Allodynia, Anxiety, Anterior cingulate cortex, α-adrenoceptors, Rat, Resveratrol
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.129.175 Background & Objective: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults.... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.129.175 Background & Objective: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults. Vitamin A (retinol) has a role in the mechanism of vision process and retinol binding protein-4 (RBP4), is a carrier of vitamin A, and as an adipokine may be associated with increased risk for insulin resistance and DR. This case-control study was aimed to determine and analyze plasma RBP4-to-vitamin A ratio in relation with terms of DR severity. Materials & Methods: In the present analytical cross-sectional study, 51 T2DM patients, aged 48-73 years old, were enrolled from those attending to the Ophthalmology Center of Vali-e Asr Hospital, Zanjan, Iran. Patients were categorized as non-retinopathy diabetic patients (NRDP) without any eye problem, those with mild non-proliferative DR (mild NPDR) (n=12), those with severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (severe NPDR) (n=12), and those with proliferative DR (PDR) (n=12); a control group (n=15) was also considered. Anthropometric parameters, BMI, and WHR were determined and blood sample were taken from each participant after overnight fasting (12-14h) to measure their biochemical parameters. Serum RBP4 and vitamin A levels were measured via ELISA and C18 reverse-phase HPLC methods, respectively. Results: Plasma RBP4 concentration was significantly higher in three different stages of DR than that of the control group suffering from diabetes (77.0±11.0, 81.7±10.9 and 88.3±11.9 vs. 71.4±12.3, respectively; P=0.004). The ratio of plasma RBP4-to-retinol in DR groups was found to be significantly higher than that in the control group suffering from diabetes (0.21±0.06, 0.27±0.12 and 0.28±0.07 vs. 0.16±0.14, respectively; P=0.001). Conclusion: Higher plasma RBP4-to-vitamin A ratio was related to DR severity. Further experimental studies with larger scales are recommended.
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.130.291 Background & Objective: Candida species, and most frequently isolated Candida albicans, are normal microorganisms of oral cavities; however, C. albicans is responsible for oral cavities in... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.130.291 Background & Objective: Candida species, and most frequently isolated Candida albicans, are normal microorganisms of oral cavities; however, C. albicans is responsible for oral cavities in children with dental caries. As a new biologic technique, using probiotics has gained popularity in preventing and controlling diseases at present. Enterococcus durans has exhibited useful antioxidative properties and antibacterial and probiotic characteristics. This study aims to evaluate the effects of probiotic Enterococcus durans on the in vitro adhesion of Candida albicans. Materials & Methods: Reference bacteria strain of probiotic E. durans (ATCC 6056), C. albicans reference strain (PTCC-5027), and 10 clinical samples of C. albicans were provided. Adherence inhibition of Candida albicans was measured using microtiter plates applying two methods (addition of a mixed suspension of C. albicans and E. durans simultaneously and addition of E. durans 30 minutes before C. albicans). Data were analyzed with a repeated measure model. Statistical significance was set at P-value<0.01. Results: Adhesions of C. albicans biofilms decreased in the presence of the probiotic strain E. durans. Mean OD620 nm was within the range of 0.45 to 0.49, and 0.33 for OD490 nm. Conclusion: Using E. durans as a probiotic could reduce Candida albicans adhesion and, therefore, can be considered as an effective way to decrease its pathogenicity.
Research Interests:
Background: Behçet’s disease (BD) is a multi-system inflammatory vascular disorder with auto immunity background. It is a genetic disease that may be affected by environmental factors. Behçet’s disease may involve different organs like... more
Background:
Behçet’s disease (BD) is a multi-system inflammatory vascular disorder with auto immunity background. It is a genetic disease that may be affected by environmental factors. Behçet’s disease may involve different organs like urogenital, skin, eyes and gastrointestinal system. According to geographic area and genetic predisposition, prevalence of the disease is different. The aim of this study was the evaluation of some clinical features of muco-cutaneous lesions of Behcet,s disease in 2018.
Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study was done on 43 patients with Behçet’s disease (24 men, 19 women). Data about age, sex, duration of the disease, taking medicine was collected. The self-reported questionnaire was completed by participations. Skin manifestations, genital and ocular involvement were alsodocumented.
Results:
The male to female ratio was 1.26/1. Oral aphthous commonly localized on the lips. The percent for ocular involvement and skin lesions were 76%,48% respectively. There was a statically significant correlation between ocular lesions and age. Also relationship between skin lesions and frequency of oral aphthous per year was meaningful too. There was a significant relationship between incidence of ocular lesions and incidence of skin lesions.
Conclusion:
Oral aphthous as the most popular manifestation of BD is the hallmark of diagnosis. Thus, patients with oral aphthous require close surveillance for other manifestations of BD for timely diagnosis and refer to Rheumatologist.
Keywords: Stomatitis, Aphthous, Behcet Syndrome, eye manifestations, genitalia, skin manifestations
Behçet’s disease (BD) is a multi-system inflammatory vascular disorder with auto immunity background. It is a genetic disease that may be affected by environmental factors. Behçet’s disease may involve different organs like urogenital, skin, eyes and gastrointestinal system. According to geographic area and genetic predisposition, prevalence of the disease is different. The aim of this study was the evaluation of some clinical features of muco-cutaneous lesions of Behcet,s disease in 2018.
Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study was done on 43 patients with Behçet’s disease (24 men, 19 women). Data about age, sex, duration of the disease, taking medicine was collected. The self-reported questionnaire was completed by participations. Skin manifestations, genital and ocular involvement were alsodocumented.
Results:
The male to female ratio was 1.26/1. Oral aphthous commonly localized on the lips. The percent for ocular involvement and skin lesions were 76%,48% respectively. There was a statically significant correlation between ocular lesions and age. Also relationship between skin lesions and frequency of oral aphthous per year was meaningful too. There was a significant relationship between incidence of ocular lesions and incidence of skin lesions.
Conclusion:
Oral aphthous as the most popular manifestation of BD is the hallmark of diagnosis. Thus, patients with oral aphthous require close surveillance for other manifestations of BD for timely diagnosis and refer to Rheumatologist.
Keywords: Stomatitis, Aphthous, Behcet Syndrome, eye manifestations, genitalia, skin manifestations
Research Interests:
Background and Objectives: Depression and fatigue are common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). These complications exacerbate the symptoms of MS. This study aimed to determine the effect of self- acupressure on depression and... more
Background and Objectives: Depression and fatigue are common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). These complications exacerbate the symptoms of MS. This study aimed to determine the effect of self- acupressure on depression and fatigue in MS patients.
Materials and methods: In this randomized clinical trial, the 96 participants from MS Patients Support Association in Mashhad completed the demographic form, depression subscale of the DASS-42, and FSS. Then, they were randomly assigned to intervention and sham groups. Participants in the intervention group pressed Shenmen, and Yintang and the sham group pressed 2.5 cm below the Shenmen and three centimeters above the Yin Tang acupoints 15 minutes every day for one month. The depression subscale of the DASS-42 and FSS questionnaires were completed by the participants one hour after the last intervention in each group. In this study, chi-square, independent t-test, and paired t-test tests were used.
Results: The statistical analysis showed that the mean fatigue and depression scores in the two groups did not have significant differences before the intervention (P > 0.05). One hour after the last intervention, statistical analysis showed that the mean of fatigue and depression scores in the intervention group was significantly reduced compared to the sham group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Self-acupressure is a simple and inexpensive intervention that effectively reduces depression and fatigue among MS patients.
Keywords: Acupressure, Depression, Fatigue, Multiple sclerosis
Materials and methods: In this randomized clinical trial, the 96 participants from MS Patients Support Association in Mashhad completed the demographic form, depression subscale of the DASS-42, and FSS. Then, they were randomly assigned to intervention and sham groups. Participants in the intervention group pressed Shenmen, and Yintang and the sham group pressed 2.5 cm below the Shenmen and three centimeters above the Yin Tang acupoints 15 minutes every day for one month. The depression subscale of the DASS-42 and FSS questionnaires were completed by the participants one hour after the last intervention in each group. In this study, chi-square, independent t-test, and paired t-test tests were used.
Results: The statistical analysis showed that the mean fatigue and depression scores in the two groups did not have significant differences before the intervention (P > 0.05). One hour after the last intervention, statistical analysis showed that the mean of fatigue and depression scores in the intervention group was significantly reduced compared to the sham group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Self-acupressure is a simple and inexpensive intervention that effectively reduces depression and fatigue among MS patients.
Keywords: Acupressure, Depression, Fatigue, Multiple sclerosis
Research Interests:
thrombolytic therapy, an appropriate treatment option , if primary angioplasty is not available for the treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction patients in the early hours after the onset of the symptoms. The aim of this study was to... more
thrombolytic therapy, an appropriate treatment option , if primary angioplasty is not available for the treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction patients in the early hours after the onset of the symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the tenecteplase drug vs alteplase in the treatment of STEMI patients. We searched the PubMed, cochrane library, Web Of Science for safety and clinical effectiveness. we hand searched US, european, and iranian cardiovascular journals. Randomized clinical trials that included comparison TNKase with alteplase drugs alone OR with other drugs in STEMI patients in English, Persian and Korean languages were selected in this study. Two review authors independently assessed RCTs studies eligibility and quality. Finally, the data were analysis with Review Manager v 5.3. there was no statistically significant difference between tenecteplase and alteplase in risk of 30 day mortality(RR=1.01;95% CI:0.89-1.13, p=0.82).the risk of Reinfarction, cardiogenic shock ,ICH, stroke and minor bleeding were similar in AMI patients treated With both drugs. tenecteplase was associated with a statistically significant reduction total bleeding and major bleeding , Respectively (p=0.0003)and(p=0.0003). tenecteplase in comparison with alteplase is recommended due to the easier use and better safety in reducing the risk of bleeding.
Keywords: Thrombolytic therapy, Acute Myocardial Infarction, ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Keywords: Thrombolytic therapy, Acute Myocardial Infarction, ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.130.253 Background & Objective: The present study aimed at exploring the structure of global knowledge, hidden patterns, and emerging Coronavirus events using co-word techniques. Co-word analysis is... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.130.253 Background & Objective: The present study aimed at exploring the structure of global knowledge, hidden patterns, and emerging Coronavirus events using co-word techniques. Co-word analysis is one of the most efficient scientific methods to analyze the structure and dynamics of knowledge and the general state of research. Materials & Methods: This applied research performed using Co-word analysis. The statistical population is 4102 keywords from Web of Science Core Collection indexed documents on Coronavirus retrieved through advanced search (1970-2019). To identify the keywords used to design a search strategy, the Medical Subject Heading browser was utilized. After the keyword editing process, the threshold identified, and UCINET, VOSviewe, and SPSS 16 were used to analyze the data. Results: The highest frequent keyword was "Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)" with a frequency of 276. Nineteen subject clusters were the result of a hierarchical clustering analysis by the Wards' method. Clusters 4 and 15 were the biggest ones with nine keywords. Strategic diagram analysis showed that the most prominent Coronavirus clusters' most prominent clusters are in Quadrant III of the strategic diagram. Conclusion: The results showed that Coronavirus research's intellectual structure in the form of 19-topic thematic clusters and determining the degree of cluster cohesion makes it possible to discover complex conceptual relationships of valid international Coronavirus research. The results of this paper could also be used to guide medical researchers, especially coronavirus scientists. Medical policymakers can also more effectively present strategic plans by becoming aware of the global knowledge structure, hidden patterns, and emerging international coronavirus events.
Research Interests:
Background and Objectives Zanjan is reported as the hot spot region of Brucellosis infection in Iran. This longitudinal study aimed to determine the epidemiologic pattern as well as the risk of Brucellosis using geospatial estimation in... more
Background and Objectives
Zanjan is reported as the hot spot region of Brucellosis infection in Iran. This longitudinal study aimed to determine the epidemiologic pattern as well as the risk of Brucellosis using geospatial estimation in Zanjan province.
Materials and Methods
The data used in this study were collected from the Health Center of the cities of Zanjan province during 2012-2017 and after the approval of the disease control unit of the province, entered the study. This longitudinal study was used to determine the annual pattern of the disease and to identify high-risk areas using Moran statistics and then analyzed using the temporal spatial cox model.
Results
The results of the research show that the number of affected people in the province was increased after 2012 and the maximum number was observed from 2013 to 2014, however, from 2015 to 2016 it showed a significant decrease. Spatial variations show that the incidenceof the disease was increased in all areas over the six years. the temporal variations shows that during the years 2012 to 2017 the incidence of brucellosis in spring and summer was higher than other seasons; thereafter the incidence peak was witnessed in Khordad, Tir and Mordad.
Conclusion
The results of this study can be used to determine the starting point of future programs and to evaluate their effectiveness.
Keywords: Brucella Infection, Geospatial, longitudinal, Trend, Iran
Zanjan is reported as the hot spot region of Brucellosis infection in Iran. This longitudinal study aimed to determine the epidemiologic pattern as well as the risk of Brucellosis using geospatial estimation in Zanjan province.
Materials and Methods
The data used in this study were collected from the Health Center of the cities of Zanjan province during 2012-2017 and after the approval of the disease control unit of the province, entered the study. This longitudinal study was used to determine the annual pattern of the disease and to identify high-risk areas using Moran statistics and then analyzed using the temporal spatial cox model.
Results
The results of the research show that the number of affected people in the province was increased after 2012 and the maximum number was observed from 2013 to 2014, however, from 2015 to 2016 it showed a significant decrease. Spatial variations show that the incidenceof the disease was increased in all areas over the six years. the temporal variations shows that during the years 2012 to 2017 the incidence of brucellosis in spring and summer was higher than other seasons; thereafter the incidence peak was witnessed in Khordad, Tir and Mordad.
Conclusion
The results of this study can be used to determine the starting point of future programs and to evaluate their effectiveness.
Keywords: Brucella Infection, Geospatial, longitudinal, Trend, Iran
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.130.230 Background & Objective: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) represent serious chronic auto-inflammatory conditions, affecting the alimentary tract. The beneficial effect of dexpanthenol has... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.130.230 Background & Objective: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) represent serious chronic auto-inflammatory conditions, affecting the alimentary tract. The beneficial effect of dexpanthenol has been observed on some inflammatory conditions. Here, the therapeutic potential of combined dexpanthenol and prednisolone in alleviating the symptoms of the animal model of IBD was investigated. Materials & Methods: Luminal instillation of 4% acetic acid (2 ml for each rat) was used to induce IBD. Rats in the treatment groups received dexpanthenol (500 mg/kg), prednisolone (2 mg/kg), or a combination of both (half doses of each drug) by oral gavage for 11 consecutive days. Results: Dexpanthenol could regress the clinical scores of the IBD model more than prednisolone. More importantly, combination therapy with half doses of dexpanthenol and prednisolone caused more considerable improvement in the disease activity index (DAI) compared to IBD rats received monotherapy. Both monotherapies promoted a remarkable decrease in the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of NF-κBp65, as well as the levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and TNF-α activity in the inflamed colon. Dexpanthenol could regress the intensity of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitric oxide (NO) in the inflamed colon more than prednisolone. More importantly, our results demonstrated that combination therapy resulted in a much more prominent decrease in the level of TNF-α and NF-κBp65, as well as the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total gut protein content, than monotherapy. Conversely, combination therapy resulted in a much more pronounced decrease in NO and MDA levels than those recorded in IBD rats received individual treatment. Finally, the mRNA level of IκBα did not show any remarkable discrepancy between the experimental groups. Conclusion: The combination of dexpanthenol and prednisolone could be used as a promising strategy to alleviate the signs of IBD.
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.130.230 Background & Objective: Allergies are manifested with a variety of signs and symptoms. In this study, the frequencies of asthma symptoms, allergic rhinitis, eczema, and related factors among... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.130.230 Background & Objective: Allergies are manifested with a variety of signs and symptoms. In this study, the frequencies of asthma symptoms, allergic rhinitis, eczema, and related factors among 6-to 7-year-old schoolchildren were investigated. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among schoolchildren of 35 elementary schools of Zanjan by using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire consisting of the following: asthma symptoms, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, sex, weight, height, feeding, paracetamol and antibiotic use, maternal education, physical activity, exposure to pets or farm animals, heavy traffic exposure, and parental tobacco use. Data were gathered and analyzed by SPSS software. Results: In this study, 800 children (383 girls and 417 boys) were recruited. The prevalence of wheezing was 28% (95% Confidence Interval; 27,36), rhinitis 20% (95% CI; 19, 27), and dermatitis 16.8% (95% CI;13.1, 17.5). However, the rates of physician-diagnosed asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema were 1%, 8.9%, and 4.1%, respectively. The prevalence rates of asthma symptoms and atopic dermatitis were significantly higher in girls than in boys (P=0.01 and P<0.001, respectively). The weight of children with asthma was significantly higher than children without asthma (P=0.01). Conclusion: The frequencies of wheezing, rhinitis, and dermatitis among 6-to 7-year-old children were high. Thus, symptoms and history should be considered for the accurate diagnosis and management of children.
Research Interests:
Dear Editor in Chief Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in a pandemic (1). Early diagnosis and testing of symptomatic individuals and asymptomatic carriers (2) remain essential since the latter... more
Dear Editor in Chief
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in a pandemic (1). Early diagnosis and testing of symptomatic individuals and asymptomatic carriers (2) remain essential since the latter group can transmit the virus (3,4). Current assays for SARS-CoV-2 detection are mostly based on quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR)(5). However, cross-contamination remains a challenge in RT-qPCR assays. Here, we would like to share the most interesting route of sample contamination in SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnosis laboratories and the necessity of personnel testing.
We set up our molecular diagnosis laboratory three months ago using RT-qPCR. We strictly adhered to biosafety guidelines to ensure personnel safety and avoid cross-contamination of samples. We use (i) two extraction negative controls (EXNC), (ii) one no template control for every 10 samples, and (iii) one negative control. Note that to minimize the probability of contamination, the positive control was prepared last, after each patient’s sample was added to the corresponding tube.
After one month and a half, we noticed a slightly positive signal (Cq = 38) in one of the EXNC. Upon repeating the run, both EXNC showed a Cq = 38. We narrowed down the cause to the personnel. Thus, all the personnel were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by the reference laboratory of the Pasteur Institute of Iran.
We were astonished when we found that the person who was in charge of extractions tested positive for SARS-nCoV-2. This same person also handled the extraction kits. Thus, a SARS-CoV-2 PCR-negative technician was assigned to perform viral RNA extraction. The results were perfectly satisfactory.
How is it possible when the RNA extraction technologist used all necessary personal protective equipment and level 2 biosafety guidelines?
Since the SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive person handled the extraction kits, she contaminated all the buffers and solutions probably by inadvertent touching of her mask or face.
What we observed is the trickiest route of cross-contamination in a molecular diagnostic laboratory even when the most experienced user is working. When molecular diagnostic laboratory personnel do not use shields, it is probable that they touch their masks or faces inadvertently. Especially when they work long hours, and the mask becomes wet because of the exhalation, the outer surface of the mask is certainly contaminated.
We strongly recommend that all the personnel working in SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnostic laboratories have to be tested. In fact, personnel of every molecular diagnosis laboratory should be tested especially for respiratory diseases that can be transmitted through exhalation of infected individuals.
Ethical considerations
Ethical issues (Including plagiarism, informed consent, misconduct, data fabrication and/or falsification, double publication and/or submission, redundancy, etc.) have been completely observed by the authors.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in a pandemic (1). Early diagnosis and testing of symptomatic individuals and asymptomatic carriers (2) remain essential since the latter group can transmit the virus (3,4). Current assays for SARS-CoV-2 detection are mostly based on quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR)(5). However, cross-contamination remains a challenge in RT-qPCR assays. Here, we would like to share the most interesting route of sample contamination in SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnosis laboratories and the necessity of personnel testing.
We set up our molecular diagnosis laboratory three months ago using RT-qPCR. We strictly adhered to biosafety guidelines to ensure personnel safety and avoid cross-contamination of samples. We use (i) two extraction negative controls (EXNC), (ii) one no template control for every 10 samples, and (iii) one negative control. Note that to minimize the probability of contamination, the positive control was prepared last, after each patient’s sample was added to the corresponding tube.
After one month and a half, we noticed a slightly positive signal (Cq = 38) in one of the EXNC. Upon repeating the run, both EXNC showed a Cq = 38. We narrowed down the cause to the personnel. Thus, all the personnel were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by the reference laboratory of the Pasteur Institute of Iran.
We were astonished when we found that the person who was in charge of extractions tested positive for SARS-nCoV-2. This same person also handled the extraction kits. Thus, a SARS-CoV-2 PCR-negative technician was assigned to perform viral RNA extraction. The results were perfectly satisfactory.
How is it possible when the RNA extraction technologist used all necessary personal protective equipment and level 2 biosafety guidelines?
Since the SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive person handled the extraction kits, she contaminated all the buffers and solutions probably by inadvertent touching of her mask or face.
What we observed is the trickiest route of cross-contamination in a molecular diagnostic laboratory even when the most experienced user is working. When molecular diagnostic laboratory personnel do not use shields, it is probable that they touch their masks or faces inadvertently. Especially when they work long hours, and the mask becomes wet because of the exhalation, the outer surface of the mask is certainly contaminated.
We strongly recommend that all the personnel working in SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnostic laboratories have to be tested. In fact, personnel of every molecular diagnosis laboratory should be tested especially for respiratory diseases that can be transmitted through exhalation of infected individuals.
Ethical considerations
Ethical issues (Including plagiarism, informed consent, misconduct, data fabrication and/or falsification, double publication and/or submission, redundancy, etc.) have been completely observed by the authors.
Research Interests:
Tetanus is a neurological disorder caused by Clostridium tetani. Although vaccination has significantly reduced the incidence of tetanus worldwide, the occurrence of sporadic cases requires effective and timely treatment. In this study,... more
Tetanus is a neurological disorder caused by Clostridium tetani. Although vaccination has significantly reduced the incidence of tetanus worldwide, the occurrence of sporadic cases requires effective and timely treatment. In this study, we report the case of a 45-year-old man who had difficulty in swallowing and opening mouth. The patient had the history of a small puncture wound with a nail in his toes about 12 days ago.
Research Interests:
Background & Objective: Fatigue is defined as a feeling of disability and weakness that leads to a reduction in the capacity of individuals to do their job and daily activities. Sleep disorders are one of the most important causes of... more
Background & Objective: Fatigue is defined as a feeling of disability and weakness that leads to a reduction in the capacity of individuals to do their job and daily activities. Sleep disorders are one of the most important causes of fatigue in nurses. The present study aimed to determine the level of occupational fatigue and sleep quality among nurses working in various wards of public hospitals.
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 234 nurses working in diverse wards of the two public hospitals affiliated to Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Iran selected by the convenience sampling method. The data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion Recovery scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Finally, the data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance using the SPSS software version 21.
Results: The mean sleep quality index of the nurses working in the nursing station was at the appropriate level (3.83±2.32), whereas the nurses working in other wards had an unsuitable level of sleep quality index. Moreover, the mean score of occupational fatigue was high among the nurses of female Post-cardiac Care Unit (post-CCU) (58.12±12.24) and moderate among the nurses of other hospital wards. The results of t-test indicated significantly lower mean scores of sleep latency, taking sleeping medications, and acute fatigue in nurses with a second job, compared to nurses with a single job (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Sleep problems and occupational fatigue in nurses of the female Post-CCU and nursing stations were higher and lower than the nurses working in the other hospital wards, respectively. Furthermore, the second job variable was found to be important and influential.
Keywords: Hospital, Nurse, Occupational fatigue, Sleep quality
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 234 nurses working in diverse wards of the two public hospitals affiliated to Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Iran selected by the convenience sampling method. The data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion Recovery scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Finally, the data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance using the SPSS software version 21.
Results: The mean sleep quality index of the nurses working in the nursing station was at the appropriate level (3.83±2.32), whereas the nurses working in other wards had an unsuitable level of sleep quality index. Moreover, the mean score of occupational fatigue was high among the nurses of female Post-cardiac Care Unit (post-CCU) (58.12±12.24) and moderate among the nurses of other hospital wards. The results of t-test indicated significantly lower mean scores of sleep latency, taking sleeping medications, and acute fatigue in nurses with a second job, compared to nurses with a single job (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Sleep problems and occupational fatigue in nurses of the female Post-CCU and nursing stations were higher and lower than the nurses working in the other hospital wards, respectively. Furthermore, the second job variable was found to be important and influential.
Keywords: Hospital, Nurse, Occupational fatigue, Sleep quality
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.131.296 Background & Objective: The blink reflex recovery cycle indicates the excitability of interneurons in the brainstem. In this study, we aimed to investigate the blink reflex and R2 recovery... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.131.296 Background & Objective: The blink reflex recovery cycle indicates the excitability of interneurons in the brainstem. In this study, we aimed to investigate the blink reflex and R2 recovery cycle in patients with benign essential blepharospasm (BEB). Materials & Methods: This prospective case-control study compared the blink reflex and R2 recovery in 18 BEB patients with 18 age-and gender-matched healthy individuals. The blink reflex was measured in a stimulation duration of 0.2 ms, and R1, R2, and R2' were recorded for all subjects. The R2 recovery cycle was measured by stimulation of the supraorbital nerve at four interstimulus intervals (ISI) of 200, 300, 500, and 1000 ms, with the same intensity as the previous test. The R2 recovery index was calculated and compared with the control group via independent sample t-test. Two-tailed P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The blink reflex (R1, R2, and R2' responses) distal latencies and amplitudes in the BEB group were not significantly different from the control group (P>0.05). The R2 recovery index in all intervals was significantly higher in the BEB group than the control group (P=0.00). The most significant difference between the BEB and control groups regarding the R2 recovery indices was observed at ISIs of 300 and 200 ms (80.36 vs. 16.99 and 75.70 vs. 12.57, respectively). There was a negative correlation between the patient's age at the onset of disease and the R2 recovery index; however, it was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Our findings showed that the R2 recovery reflex was higher in BEB patients than the normal population. Therefore, it can be a helpful index for differentiating BEB cases from psychogenic or malingering ones.
Research Interests:
Background & Objective: It has been postulated that depressed individuals with low total cholesterol levels may be more likely to die prematurely from suicide. This study aimed to examine the association between low serum cholesterol and... more
Background & Objective: It has been postulated that depressed individuals with low total cholesterol levels may be more likely to die prematurely from suicide. This study aimed to examine the association between low serum cholesterol and suicide in depressed attempters.
Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 180 suicide attempters, who met the inclusion criteria and were willing to participate in the study, were recruited in 2017. The data was collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II). The blood cholesterol level was measured via an auto-analyzer.
Results: The mean age was 26.39±10.75 years. The average cholesterol level in the moderate, severe, and serious depression groups was 151.30±35.23, 145.89±36.32, and 145.15±33.33, respectively. The mean age was higher in the group with a higher depression level, though the difference was not significant (P=0.06). The percentage of suicide attempts in single individuals was significantly higher (P=0.02). The mean cholesterol level in the group with the highest level of depression was the lowest, but the difference was insignificant (r=-.01, P=0.85). Only in females, the level of blood cholesterol showed a nearly significant difference between groups with different severities of depression (P=0.05). Cholesterol had a significant correlation with suicide frequency (P=0.008, r=0.28).
Conclusion: Our results revealed no significant association between low serum cholesterol and suicide in attempters with depression; but low total serum cholesterol may be associated with depression and suicide in depressed subjects. Yet, more studies are required for verification of this causality.
Keywords: Serum cholesterol, Depression, Suicide, Attempter
Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 180 suicide attempters, who met the inclusion criteria and were willing to participate in the study, were recruited in 2017. The data was collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II). The blood cholesterol level was measured via an auto-analyzer.
Results: The mean age was 26.39±10.75 years. The average cholesterol level in the moderate, severe, and serious depression groups was 151.30±35.23, 145.89±36.32, and 145.15±33.33, respectively. The mean age was higher in the group with a higher depression level, though the difference was not significant (P=0.06). The percentage of suicide attempts in single individuals was significantly higher (P=0.02). The mean cholesterol level in the group with the highest level of depression was the lowest, but the difference was insignificant (r=-.01, P=0.85). Only in females, the level of blood cholesterol showed a nearly significant difference between groups with different severities of depression (P=0.05). Cholesterol had a significant correlation with suicide frequency (P=0.008, r=0.28).
Conclusion: Our results revealed no significant association between low serum cholesterol and suicide in attempters with depression; but low total serum cholesterol may be associated with depression and suicide in depressed subjects. Yet, more studies are required for verification of this causality.
Keywords: Serum cholesterol, Depression, Suicide, Attempter
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.131.296 Background & Objective: Doulas can ease labor and delivery in a hospital);however, in Iran, few studies have been conducted on this topic because of the cultural and structural boundaries.... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.131.296 Background & Objective: Doulas can ease labor and delivery in a hospital);however, in Iran, few studies have been conducted on this topic because of the cultural and structural boundaries. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of a doula's presence on anxiety and pain in pregnant women during the delivery process. Materials & Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 80 pregnant women referred to Ayatollah Musavi Hospital (Zanjan, Iran) in 2016. For women in the intervention group, the doula provided emotional and physical support. The mothers' pain severity and anxiety were measured by using a visual analog scale (VAS) and Spielberger questionnaire, respectively. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using chi-square and t tests, respectively. Results: We found that a higher proportion of patients had experienced mild anxiety about entering the postpartum period (47.5% vs 15%) and exiting it (80% vs 40%; P<0.05) compared to the control group. Also, the mean VAS score was significantly higher in the control group at 4-5 cm (86.5±11.39 vs 78.62±14.0; P=0.007) and 7-8 cm of cervical dilatation (99.0±4.41 vs 95.0±8.47; P=0.01) stages. Conclusion: The presence of a trained doula during labor can ease the mental consequences of delivery and decrease women's anxiety and pain during labor.
Research Interests:
Embase, and Cochrane Reviews, were searched from their date of creation up to 26 Jan 2019. We conducted two meta-analyses, one for fetal Doppler indices and the other for adverse events of sildenafil. Eligible studies were randomized... more
Embase, and Cochrane Reviews, were searched from their date of creation up to 26 Jan 2019. We conducted two meta-analyses, one for fetal Doppler indices and the other for adverse events of sildenafil. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), in which the effects of sildenafil on fetal Doppler indices have been evaluated. The quality of studies was appraised through the five components of the Cochrane checklist (for quality appraisal of RCT studies) by two of the authors. Results: Out of 1,087 reviewed sources, seven studies were included for meta-analysis. The following results were observed for the effect of sildenafil on the umbilical artery (UA): A significant effect on the umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA PI) (P=0.03) was observed in dosages more than 60 mg/d (P=0.008). Sildenafil was effective in UA PI of the individuals suffering from eclampsia (P=0.008); however, no significant effect was observed on IUGR disorder. Furthermore, sildenafil had no effect on the umbilical artery systolic/diastolic (UA S/D) ratio.Sildenafil was not effective on the middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA PI) or on the middle cerebral artery systolic/diastolic (MCA S/D) ratio. Regarding adverse events, headaches occurred significantly more in mothers consuming sildenafil (P=0.03). Conclusion: Obviously, we need more accurate RCTs in this issue before any decision can be made.
Research Interests:
From the first reported case of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on December 30, 2019 in Wuhan, China, the number of confirmed cases of the disease has been increased continuously and exponentially up to now. The event has emerged as a... more
From the first reported case of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on December 30, 2019 in Wuhan, China, the number of confirmed cases of the disease has been increased continuously and exponentially up to now. The event has emerged as a clear threat to global health such that the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the outbreak of the disease a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The disease has infected approximately 195,000 people and killed about 7,700 in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. As COVID-19 is spreading globally, its economic consequences also mounting across all countries. This perspective research designed to examine briefly the economic consequences of COVID-19 on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region Countries.
Keywords: Coronavirus Disease 2019, COVID-19, Economic Consequences, MENA
Keywords: Coronavirus Disease 2019, COVID-19, Economic Consequences, MENA
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.130.265 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can induce coagulopathy at the base of sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC), which is an important cause of death in these patients. Cytokine storm causes... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.28.130.265 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can induce coagulopathy at the base of sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC), which is an important cause of death in these patients. Cytokine storm causes imbalance in coagulation and fibrinolytic system. A combination of hypercoagulability state, decrease or inhibition of fibrinolysis and endotheliopathy causes thromboembolic events. Underlying diseases such as diabetes and hypertension with a high rate of mortality in COVID-19 and some conditions like aging and obesity are the main disorders with hemostatic disturbance and increase of coagulopathy. Therefore, it seems that the combination of COVID-19 infection and these risk factors increase the risk of thromboembolic complications all together.
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.132.54 Background & Objective: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has three key features, i.e., disorders in social interactions, reciprocal communication problems, and restricted, repetitive behavioral... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.132.54 Background & Objective: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has three key features, i.e., disorders in social interactions, reciprocal communication problems, and restricted, repetitive behavioral patterns. A child with ASD affects parents and could create tension for parents. Making meaning in life can help parents cope with stressful events. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the effectiveness of group logotherapy on the meaning of life of mothers of children with ASD. Materials & Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial incorporating a pre-test, post-test, and control group. To this end, 40 mothers of children with ASD were selected and randomly allocated into two experimental (n=20) and control groups (n=20). The Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) was used to collect data. The research group received ten sessions of 90 minutes logotherapy twice per week, and the control group received a routine intervention. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software, along with descriptive statistical, mean, chi-square, Levene's, and t tests. Results: The results demonstrated significant differences between the experimental and control groups in the mean score of meaning in life after administering logotherapy intervention (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results indicated that group instruction using the logotherapy approach affected the meaning in life of mothers of children with ASD.
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.132.46 Background & Objective: Pathophysiology of Ischemia/Reperfusion (Isc/R) can cause renal and hepatic damages. Naringenin (NAR) is a flavonoid with potent antioxidant properties. In the present... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.132.46 Background & Objective: Pathophysiology of Ischemia/Reperfusion (Isc/R) can cause renal and hepatic damages. Naringenin (NAR) is a flavonoid with potent antioxidant properties. In the present study, the effects of NAR on the liver after the renal Isc/R procedure were investigated. Materials & Methods: Sixty-four Wistar rats were divided into eight groups. The animals in the control group received dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Group 2 as the Isc/R group went under the Isc/R procedure. Groups 3, 4, and 5 as the NAR groups received 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg of NAR, respectively. Groups 6, 7, and 8 were the Isc/R+NAR groups. The NAR was administrated for four consecutive weeks orally. Levels of the expression of p53, Bcl2, and Bax genes were assessed. The histomorphometric features, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory cytokines, and hepatic enzymes were analyzed. Results: We observed that Isc/R increased inflammatory cytokines, NO level, histomorphometric parameters, the expression of p53 and Bax genes, and enzymes, compared to the control group (P<0.05). On the other hand, the latter intervention decreased TAC and Bcl2 gene expression significantly (P<0.05), in comparison with the control group. All values significantly (P<0.05) diminished in the NAR and NAR+Isc/R groups, compared to the Isc/R group. However, the TAC level and Bcl2 were higher in the NAR and NAR+Isc/R groups than the Isc/R group. Conclusion: The NAR could recover the liver damage resulting from Isc/R. This impact could be attributed to the antioxidant effects.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.132.41 Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) is a painful ophthalmoplegia associated with granulomatous inflammation of the cavernous carotid artery and surrounding tissues which responds to corticosteroid.... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.132.41 Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) is a painful ophthalmoplegia associated with granulomatous inflammation of the cavernous carotid artery and surrounding tissues which responds to corticosteroid. Other causes of painful ophthalmoplegia must be ruled out. We present a case of THS in which the course of the disease suggested this idiopathic condition which occurred after wide mastoidectomy. The patient was diabetic and had a huge pituitary gland adenoma. Partial petrosectomy, laboratory tests, and imaging studies were normal. We named this condition 'Tolosa-Hunt-Like Syndrome'.
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Background & Objective: Melissa officinalis (MO) was shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is traditionally believed to have anti-hyperglycemic effects. This study aims to evaluate the protective effects of MO... more
Background & Objective: Melissa officinalis (MO) was shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is traditionally believed to have anti-hyperglycemic effects. This study aims to evaluate the protective effects of MO on streptozotocin (STZ) induced pancreatic damage and thereupon diabetes in rats. Materials & Methods: To induce diabetes mellitus (DM) in rats, STZ (60 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. Forty eight rats were randomly divided into four groups: control 1 (C1) consisted of healthy rats, control 2 (C2) consisted of non-treated diabetic rats, and treatment groups 1 and 2 (T1, T2) were the diabetics orally treated with 150 and 300 mg/kg MO for 14 days, respectively. After euthanizing the animals, their pancreases were extracted and sent for stereological evaluations. Volume density (Vv; %), the absolute volume of the islets (mm 3), numerical density of beta cells (Nv; per mm 3), and their total number (×10 6), were measured. P-value<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The treatment groups showed significant improvements in volume density and total volume of the islets as well as the numerical density and the total number of the beta cells (P<0.001). The treatment groups also had significantly lower blood sugar compared to the untreated group (P=0.008). Conclusion: According to our results, MO has shown promising effects on the pancreatic beta cells against toxic chemicals such as STZ. However, further studies are needed to examine the beneficial effects and possible adverse effects of MO in laboratory models and also in humans.
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Background & Objective: Patients undergoing a caesarean section (CS) frequently experience shoulder pain, which is often neglected. However, there are some recommendations to prevent or relieve this pain. This study examined the effect... more
Background & Objective: Patients undergoing a caesarean section (CS) frequently experience shoulder pain, which is often neglected. However, there are some recommendations to prevent or relieve this pain. This study examined the effect of intravenous dexamethasone and ketamine on reducing shoulder pain in patients who underwent a CS under spinal anesthesia.
Materials & Methods: The cohort of this prospective study comprised 231 subjects, all of whom were candidates for a CS during 2016. The patients were evaluated based on the type of medication received. After undergoing spinal anesthesia, the first group received 0.5 mg/kg ketamine intravenously and the second group received 0.1 mg/kg dexamethasone intravenously. The patients in these two groups were compared with a control group made up of patients who had not received any medication. Levels of pain severity during and immediately after, as well as 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, and 24 h after the CS, were recorded based on the visual analogue scale (VAS). The amount of pethidine consumed was also documented.
Results: Compared to the control group, the intravenous administration of ketamine and dexamethasone significantly reduced shoulder pain resulted from CS under spinal anesthesia (P<0.05). In addition, the number of pethidine recipients in the control group was significantly higher (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The results showed that prophylactic administration of dexamethasone and ketamine is effective in relieving shoulder pain after a CS.
Materials & Methods: The cohort of this prospective study comprised 231 subjects, all of whom were candidates for a CS during 2016. The patients were evaluated based on the type of medication received. After undergoing spinal anesthesia, the first group received 0.5 mg/kg ketamine intravenously and the second group received 0.1 mg/kg dexamethasone intravenously. The patients in these two groups were compared with a control group made up of patients who had not received any medication. Levels of pain severity during and immediately after, as well as 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, and 24 h after the CS, were recorded based on the visual analogue scale (VAS). The amount of pethidine consumed was also documented.
Results: Compared to the control group, the intravenous administration of ketamine and dexamethasone significantly reduced shoulder pain resulted from CS under spinal anesthesia (P<0.05). In addition, the number of pethidine recipients in the control group was significantly higher (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The results showed that prophylactic administration of dexamethasone and ketamine is effective in relieving shoulder pain after a CS.
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.132.21 Background & Objective: Diabetes vascular complications are the leading cause of death in the world. Therefore, we investigated the effect of pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) on the formation of... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.132.21 Background & Objective: Diabetes vascular complications are the leading cause of death in the world. Therefore, we investigated the effect of pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) on the formation of atheromatous plaque and renal function in atherosclerotic rats. Materials & Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of normal, atherosclerotic, and two similar groups under PLP treatment. Atherosclerosis was induced in rats by an atherogenic diet and all groups were treated with 0.18% of PLP in drinking water daily for three months. Hematoxylin and eosin stain was applied to assess the histopathological changes in the aorta of subjects. Insulin resistance index, the activity of the glyoxalase (GLO) system, lipid profile, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation markers, advanced oxidation protein products, and inflammatory markers, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and TGF-β1 were examined in all rats. In addition, serum creatinine levels and urinary protein excretion of all animals were measured. Results: Atheromatous lesions were not observed in the aorta of PLP-treated atherosclerotic rats. Furthermore, PLP seemed to improve insulin function, lipid profile, kidney function parameters, GLO system activity, and inflammation. We found that PLP treatment decreased the formation of LDL oxidation products both in vitro and in vivo (P<0.001). Conclusion: According to our findings, PLP imposed a beneficial effect on vascular complications in atherosclerotic rats, which could be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, PLP has positive impacts on insulin function, dyslipidemia, and GLO system activity.
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Background & Objective: Migraine is an occasional headache that represents neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as changes in the autonomic nervous system. Biofeedback is a non-pharmacological technique used to treat... more
Background & Objective: Migraine is an occasional headache that represents neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as changes in the autonomic nervous system. Biofeedback is a non-pharmacological technique used to treat migraine headaches and is proven to reduce headaches and improve performance. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of biofeedback and pharmacological treatments to find the best treatment strategy for migraine headaches.
Materials & Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 86 patients who referred to Noor Psychiatric Clinic and Neurology Clinic of Valiasr Hospital, Zanjan, Iran. Patients were divided into two groups of daily treatment with medication and treatment with medicine and biofeedback. Cases were monitored every two months using interviews and questionnaires.
Results: The study was carried out on 86 migraine patients with the age range of 31-45 years for 3 months. Most of the patients were female, including 90.7% of the individuals in the case group and 81.4% of the control group. The frequency distribution of medication use was not different between the two groups (P=0.744). Most of the participants had a history of more than 1 year of headache. During the treatment, the frequency and severity of attacks reduced obviously until the 8th week. The decrease in the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) score was more significant in the biofeedback group, except in the 10th and 12th weeks. However, the decline in the MIDAS score was not significant. Moreover, the reduction in the frequency of attacks remained significant until the end of the study.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the combination of biofeedback treatment and medication therapy provides a more rapid response than pharmacological treatment alone. Therefore, biofeedback is an effective add-on therapy, which can be taken into consideration for diminishing all aspects of migraine headache attacks.
Keywords: Biofeedback, Effective, Migraine headache, Pharmacological, Treatment
Materials & Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 86 patients who referred to Noor Psychiatric Clinic and Neurology Clinic of Valiasr Hospital, Zanjan, Iran. Patients were divided into two groups of daily treatment with medication and treatment with medicine and biofeedback. Cases were monitored every two months using interviews and questionnaires.
Results: The study was carried out on 86 migraine patients with the age range of 31-45 years for 3 months. Most of the patients were female, including 90.7% of the individuals in the case group and 81.4% of the control group. The frequency distribution of medication use was not different between the two groups (P=0.744). Most of the participants had a history of more than 1 year of headache. During the treatment, the frequency and severity of attacks reduced obviously until the 8th week. The decrease in the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) score was more significant in the biofeedback group, except in the 10th and 12th weeks. However, the decline in the MIDAS score was not significant. Moreover, the reduction in the frequency of attacks remained significant until the end of the study.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the combination of biofeedback treatment and medication therapy provides a more rapid response than pharmacological treatment alone. Therefore, biofeedback is an effective add-on therapy, which can be taken into consideration for diminishing all aspects of migraine headache attacks.
Keywords: Biofeedback, Effective, Migraine headache, Pharmacological, Treatment
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.132.1 Currently, efforts have focused on dealing with the emerging coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide. Hopefully, information technology can be applied to meet the challenges related to... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.132.1 Currently, efforts have focused on dealing with the emerging coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide. Hopefully, information technology can be applied to meet the challenges related to the pandemic and biosurveillance. Free and open-source software (FOSS) model has emerged as an effective tool against these challenges. The main objective of this study was to determine and summarize the application of FOSS in published and released resources and materials against COVID-19. This review includes projects that were available through GitHub and SourceForge reliable web-based materials. All projects were identified between January 1 and April 10, 2020. Search terms in GitHub and SourceForge were based on clinical terminologies, such as COVID-19, COVID, Covid19, and Corona Virus. Inclusion or exclusion criteria were used to filter the results. Finally, a screening procedure was followed to achieve the most related records. We identified 46,426 records in GitHub and seven projects in SourceForge. The top 40 projects were included. The results show that a high percentage of FOSS projects against COVID-19 were related to visual dashboards. The open dataset and analytical methods made a significant contribution to this context. Previously learned lessons from FOSS have shown that the explained projects would play important roles in future epidemics by forking and joining in new projects, which formed around a specific problem.
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Recently, some evidence has shown that the failure of iron homeostasis may occur in critically ill patients and can lead to iron overload (1, 2). Elevated ferritin levels as a body iron burden index in critically ill patients may be... more
Recently, some evidence has shown that the failure of iron homeostasis may occur in critically ill patients and can lead to iron overload (1, 2). Elevated ferritin levels as a body iron burden index in critically ill patients may be associated with depressed level of consciousness and greater mortality (3, 4). However, the necessity of using iron-chelating agents in clinical situation is still unknown for these cases.
Oxidative stress, inflammation and increased iron stores are concepts related to each other. Oxidative stress has been defined by an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant conditions, which along with boosted inflammatory response have been commonly reported in critical situation in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (5, 6). Inflammation and oxidative stress can also be considered as one of the most important probable causes of increased iron stores in critical patients (7). Likewise, iron excess promotes the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress via "Fenton reaction", as well as the increase of susceptibility to infection (2). It should be mentioned that the relationship between iron overload and infectious diseases has been relatively proved (7). Imbalance iron metabolism and iron overload status can be deteriorated after emerging infection in these patients.
Keywords: Iron-chelator, Intensive Care Unit, Iron overload
Oxidative stress, inflammation and increased iron stores are concepts related to each other. Oxidative stress has been defined by an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant conditions, which along with boosted inflammatory response have been commonly reported in critical situation in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (5, 6). Inflammation and oxidative stress can also be considered as one of the most important probable causes of increased iron stores in critical patients (7). Likewise, iron excess promotes the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress via "Fenton reaction", as well as the increase of susceptibility to infection (2). It should be mentioned that the relationship between iron overload and infectious diseases has been relatively proved (7). Imbalance iron metabolism and iron overload status can be deteriorated after emerging infection in these patients.
Keywords: Iron-chelator, Intensive Care Unit, Iron overload
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.133.118 Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a heterogeneous and relatively unknown disease caused by premature immune destruction of red blood cells. While its occurrence is uncommon among... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.133.118 Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a heterogeneous and relatively unknown disease caused by premature immune destruction of red blood cells. While its occurrence is uncommon among children, it is sometimes severe and resistant to treatment. The warm-reactive type contains 70 % to 80% of all cases, in which the first-line treatment is considered to be a steroid. Moreover, splenectomy, rituximab (a monoclonal antibody), and immunosuppressive drugs are used in refractory cases, with unclear efficacy and deep suppression of the immune system, which consequently lead to various side effects. This study reports the successful treatment of a life-threatening case using a new method. In this regard, it was stated that using the capacity of Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) as one of the complementary therapies can help in the treatment of this disease. In this case report, we documented the successful treatment of a severe and refractory warm AIHA in a boy, who was resistant to the currently recommended treatments such as corticosteroids, rituximab, and cyclosporine at different time periods. Based on ITM, a novel treatment was performed, which was daily swallowing 4-6 live small freshwater fishes (from Cyprinidae family) for an eight-week period and later being tapered. As a result, this treatment had a rapid response with no side effects. At the time of performing this study, the patient was in his 5th-year disease-free period. For future research, we recommend the researchers to study the use of this novel treatment in case of resistance to the current established therapies of warm AIHA disease.
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Background and Objective: The clinical outcomes and treatment options for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients are highly dependent upon molecular markers. In this study, Wilms tumor (WT1) (exons 7 and 9) mutations, SNP rs16754, and WT1... more
Background and Objective: The clinical outcomes and treatment options for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients are highly dependent upon molecular markers. In this study, Wilms tumor (WT1) (exons 7 and 9) mutations, SNP rs16754, and WT1 expression levels in 130 random AML patients were screened; FMs-like tyrosine kinase-3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD), nucleophosmin (NPM1), and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (CEBPA) mutations were also evaluated.
Material and Methods: Overall, 130 AML patients were recruited for our study. WT1 mutations were determined by Sanger sequencing, and expression levels were determined by real-time PCR. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).
Results: The frequency of WT1 mutations in the study population was 5.4%, and it did not affect overall survival (OS) (p=0.98), disease-free survival (DFS) (p=0.97), or complete remission (CR) rates in AML patients. The major allele of SNP rs16754 in the current study was A. No significant differences were found for OS (p=0.52), DFS (p=0.42), or complete remission rates among all SNP rs16754 genotypes. The overexpression of WT1 was observed in 83% of patients at diagnosis. No significant difference was found for OS (p=0.84), DFS (p=0.82), or complete remission rates between AML patients with high and low WT1 expression levels.
Conclusion: The results of the current study do not support WT1 mutation, SNP rs16754, or WT1 overexpression at diagnosis, as they were found to be poor prognostic markers in AML patients.
Keywords: AML, WT1 mutations, WT1 expression, SNP rs16754, Outcomes
Material and Methods: Overall, 130 AML patients were recruited for our study. WT1 mutations were determined by Sanger sequencing, and expression levels were determined by real-time PCR. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).
Results: The frequency of WT1 mutations in the study population was 5.4%, and it did not affect overall survival (OS) (p=0.98), disease-free survival (DFS) (p=0.97), or complete remission (CR) rates in AML patients. The major allele of SNP rs16754 in the current study was A. No significant differences were found for OS (p=0.52), DFS (p=0.42), or complete remission rates among all SNP rs16754 genotypes. The overexpression of WT1 was observed in 83% of patients at diagnosis. No significant difference was found for OS (p=0.84), DFS (p=0.82), or complete remission rates between AML patients with high and low WT1 expression levels.
Conclusion: The results of the current study do not support WT1 mutation, SNP rs16754, or WT1 overexpression at diagnosis, as they were found to be poor prognostic markers in AML patients.
Keywords: AML, WT1 mutations, WT1 expression, SNP rs16754, Outcomes
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.133.100 Background & Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies in the world. The early detection of CRC is not only a simple process but also is the key to... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.133.100 Background & Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies in the world. The early detection of CRC is not only a simple process but also is the key to treatment. Data mining algorithms could be potentially useful in cancer prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment. Therefore, the main focus of this study is to measure the performance of some data mining classifier algorithms in predicting CRC and providing an early warning to the high-risk groups. Materials & Methods: This study was performed on 468 subjects, including 194 CRC patients and 274 non-CRC cases. We used the CRC dataset from Imam Hospital, Sari, Iran. The Chi-square feature selection method was utilized to analyze the risk factors. Next, four popular data mining algorithms were compared in terms of their performance in predicting CRC, and, finally, the best algorithm was identified. Results: The best outcome was obtained by J-48 with F-measure=0.826, receiver operating characteristic (ROC)=0.881, precision=0.826, and sensitivity =0.827. Bayesian net was the second-best performer (F-Measure=0.718, ROC=0.784, precision=0.719, and sensitivity=0.722) followed by random forest (F-Measure=0.705, ROC=0.758, precision=0.719, and sensitivity=0.712). The multilayer perceptron technique had the worst performance (F-Measure=0.702, ROC=0.76, precision=0.701, and sensitivity=0.703). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, J-48 could provide better insights than other proposed prediction models for clinical applications.
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.133.92 Background & Objective: Although patient's rights seem to be accepted theoretically, the subject is often neglected in practice. Respect for patient's rights by health care providers may... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.133.92 Background & Objective: Although patient's rights seem to be accepted theoretically, the subject is often neglected in practice. Respect for patient's rights by health care providers may optimize health outcomes and the quality of life. In addition, a perfect connection is created between health care services and patients' needs and expectations. This study aimed to identify the deficits of patients' rights and find out whether an education-based program can result in higher respect for patient's rights. Materials & Methods: This descriptive survey was conducted before and after the execution of an educational-based program. A structured interview was used to collect data from 204 participants. The categorized questions were reviewed and classified by 6MP classification according to the patient's rights. Following undertaking an education-based program, the structured interview was utilized to recollect data from the participants. Outcome measures were the percentage of deficits in terms of the patient's rights before and after the education-based program. Results: There were high percentages of deficiencies in "the right to receive optimal health services" and "access to optimal and sufficient information" sections. Almost no compliance was observed in the other rights of patients. Our results indicated that 187 deficits recorded in the pre-test phase reduced to 57 in the post-test phase. Moreover, the number of deficits declared by the participants significantly (P<0.05) diminished in all dimensions of the 6MP classification. This means that the identified deficits following the conducted education-based program were dramatically improved (three folds improvement). Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, an education-based program may play an important role in promoting respect for patient's rights. This suggests health care systems consider a practical and ethical (not merely legal and official) perspective for patient's rights which in turn would optimize the quality of services provided by health care providers.
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: SARS COV-2 is a worldwide pandemic disease. There is currently no effective cure for this virus, but some types of herbs can be a good choice for reducing its symptoms. There are some reports that Thymus... more
Background and Objective: SARS COV-2 is a worldwide pandemic disease. There is currently no effective cure for this virus, but some types of herbs can be a good choice for reducing its symptoms. There are some reports that Thymus Vulgaris has a high antioxidant compounds effective in strengthening the immune system, as well as anti-virus effects to reduce the respiratory symptoms. Therefore, we speculated that Thymus Vulgaris could be useful for reducing some of the symptoms in patients suffering from COVID- 19.
Materials and Methods: First, thyme essential oil was prepared and a questionnaire regarding the patients’ symptoms was designed. Then, 83 patients with COVID-19 were randomly selected and divided into control group and thyme receiving group (TRG). The questionnaire was completed and emphasized to consume 5 mL of the syrup or essential oil three times per day. Finally, one week after the first visit, the questionnaire was completed again to determine the effects of thyme on the mentioned symptoms. Finally, the test results were reviewed and reported.
Results: The results one week after taking thyme showed that, the fever (p<0.027), dizziness (p<0.003), cough, dyspnea, muscular pain, headache, anorexia, weakness and lethargy, fatigue, and chest wall pain were significantly reduced (p<0.001). Also, BUN (p<0.004), neutrophil count (p<0.001), and calcium (p<0.034) decreased but, lymphocyte count was increased significantly (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Thyme plant which has high antioxidant properties, strengthens the immune system, and induces the antiviral effect could reduce the symptoms of coronavirus; therefore, it is recommended for reducing the symptoms of COVID-19.
Keywords: COVID-19, Thyme, Thymus Vulgaris, Persian Medicine, Respiratory
Materials and Methods: First, thyme essential oil was prepared and a questionnaire regarding the patients’ symptoms was designed. Then, 83 patients with COVID-19 were randomly selected and divided into control group and thyme receiving group (TRG). The questionnaire was completed and emphasized to consume 5 mL of the syrup or essential oil three times per day. Finally, one week after the first visit, the questionnaire was completed again to determine the effects of thyme on the mentioned symptoms. Finally, the test results were reviewed and reported.
Results: The results one week after taking thyme showed that, the fever (p<0.027), dizziness (p<0.003), cough, dyspnea, muscular pain, headache, anorexia, weakness and lethargy, fatigue, and chest wall pain were significantly reduced (p<0.001). Also, BUN (p<0.004), neutrophil count (p<0.001), and calcium (p<0.034) decreased but, lymphocyte count was increased significantly (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Thyme plant which has high antioxidant properties, strengthens the immune system, and induces the antiviral effect could reduce the symptoms of coronavirus; therefore, it is recommended for reducing the symptoms of COVID-19.
Keywords: COVID-19, Thyme, Thymus Vulgaris, Persian Medicine, Respiratory
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Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.133.74 Background & Objective: Occurrence of oxidative stress in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus affects spermatogenesis and testicular functions. As the promising antioxidant activities of fullerene... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.133.74 Background & Objective: Occurrence of oxidative stress in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus affects spermatogenesis and testicular functions. As the promising antioxidant activities of fullerene C60 nanomaterial have been demonstrated by previous reports, the current study aimed to determine its effects on the markers of oxidative stress damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetes testes in rats. Materials & Methods: To perform the current study, 32 male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups (each group, n=8) as follows: two control (normal and diabetic) and two treated (normal and diabetic) groups. Streptozotocin at dose of 45 mg/kg (i.v. injection) was used to induce diabetes at the beginning of the test. Treated rats orally received fullerene C60 (1 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. The markers of oxidative stress damage were assessed in the testes at the end of the study, including malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) contents as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test were used to analyze the data. Results: Blood glucose level was not altered in the fullerene-treated normal and diabetic animals. Diabetes induction increased MDA level, but decreased CAT activity in the testes of diabetic animals compared to the normal animals. Administering fullerene C60 significantly decreased MDA content and increased the activity of CAT in the testes of diabetic animals compared to the untreated diabetic rats. Fullerene C60 administration in normal animals also decreased the activity of SOD in the testes. Conclusion: According to our findings, fullerene C60 nanoparticles could reduce oxidative stress damage in diabetic condition in rat testicular tissue probably through potentiating the antioxidant defense system.
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: The ability of breaking bad news to patients, especially to patients diagnosed with cancer is one of the challengeable issues in the field of medicine. On this basis, this study was designed to assess... more
Background and Objective: The ability of breaking bad news to patients, especially to patients diagnosed with cancer is one of the challengeable issues in the field of medicine. On this basis, this study was designed to assess physicianschr('39') performance as well as importance of their training on how to deliver bad news to patients diagnosed with cancer.
Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study for assessing physicians’ performance in delivering bad news. The hematologists and oncologists from Imam Khomeini and Shariati hospitals, Tehran, Iran, were included in the study. A questionnaire for physicians (SPIKES model) which comprised six statements was used to evaluate their performance. The time of breaking the cancer diagnosis news to the patients by the physicians and educational records were evaluated with the average score of the physicians in relation to each statement.
Results: Totally, 12 physicians participated in the study. There was no significant difference between the statements and age or gender (P>0.05); but there was a significant relationship between ending the discussion (conversation), summarizing the content, and using the word "cancer” during the conversation (P<0.05). Additionally, there was significant correlation between the time spent on informing the patient about the cancer diagnosis and concluding the discussion and summarizing the statements (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Guidelines which are introducing the most harmless methods for delivering bad news with minimal negative effects on the patients’ mental health can be helpful for the medical staff, so that they can perform this important task with less stress and minimum complications for the patients.
Keywords: Bad News, Cancer, Physician Performance
Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study for assessing physicians’ performance in delivering bad news. The hematologists and oncologists from Imam Khomeini and Shariati hospitals, Tehran, Iran, were included in the study. A questionnaire for physicians (SPIKES model) which comprised six statements was used to evaluate their performance. The time of breaking the cancer diagnosis news to the patients by the physicians and educational records were evaluated with the average score of the physicians in relation to each statement.
Results: Totally, 12 physicians participated in the study. There was no significant difference between the statements and age or gender (P>0.05); but there was a significant relationship between ending the discussion (conversation), summarizing the content, and using the word "cancer” during the conversation (P<0.05). Additionally, there was significant correlation between the time spent on informing the patient about the cancer diagnosis and concluding the discussion and summarizing the statements (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Guidelines which are introducing the most harmless methods for delivering bad news with minimal negative effects on the patients’ mental health can be helpful for the medical staff, so that they can perform this important task with less stress and minimum complications for the patients.
Keywords: Bad News, Cancer, Physician Performance
Research Interests:
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.133.63 Background & Objective: Clostridium perfringens is an anaerobic bacterium, commonly present in retail foods. Its enterotoxin-producing ability, short generation time, ability to grow at... more
Article Info ABSTRACT 10.30699/jambs.29.133.63 Background & Objective: Clostridium perfringens is an anaerobic bacterium, commonly present in retail foods. Its enterotoxin-producing ability, short generation time, ability to grow at elevated temperatures, and spore-forming ability allow C. perfringens to survive in food-processing temperatures, and cause foodborne illness. The aim of study was to screen dehydrated vegetables contaminated with Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) and C. perfringens alpha-toxin (CPA). Materials & Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was carried out on 140 samples (70 unpacked and 70 packed). The samples included dehydrated vegetables collected from different areas of Tehran, Iran. Samples were inoculated on peptone and sulfite polymyxin sulfadiazine (SPS) agar for enrichment. The enrichment culture was then incubated on anaerobic condition for 48 hours. The black colonies were selected for identification test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The bacterial colonies were identified by biochemical tests, and duplex PCR was performed for CPE and CPA genes. Results: In general, 13 samples (9.3%) were identified as contaminated with C. perfringens using phenotypic methods; all of the isolates were also positive for CPA, but negative for CPE gene. The contamination rate for packed and unpacked vegetables was 12.8% and 5.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Our findings showed that contamination of packed samples was higher than unpacked ones, which might be due to drying as well as packaging process. We found that these isolates were negative for enterotoxin.
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10.30699/jambs.29.134.125 Background & Objective: Irisin is considered as a candidate to treat obesity and metabolic diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was a systematic review and meta-analysis to define the effective modes of... more
10.30699/jambs.29.134.125 Background & Objective: Irisin is considered as a candidate to treat obesity and metabolic diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was a systematic review and meta-analysis to define the effective modes of exercise on irisin concentration in adults. Materials & Methods: Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Science Direct, and references lists of articles were searched until April 25, 2020. To study the impact of exercise duration (short-term and long-term) on the pre-test and post-test concentration of irisin, 21 studies with 384 subjects were evaluated. Results: In the present study, a significant increase was found in irisin level in longterm resistance training (LTRT) intervention groups (MD:-0.61 ng/ml, 95% CI [-1.12, 0.09], P=0.02). However, no significant changes were reported in the groups of longterm aerobic training, short-term aerobic training, and short + long term aerobic training. Conclusion: The analysis showed that only LTRT among the types of exercise can elevate irisin concentration. Therefore, LTRT seems to have more beneficial influences, compared to other modes of exercise in inclusive irisin responses.
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10.30699/jambs.29.134.139 Background & Objective: Acetaminophen is known as the most common agent which causes hepatic and renal toxicity in human and experimental animals at supratherapeutic doses. The current study investigated the... more
10.30699/jambs.29.134.139 Background & Objective: Acetaminophen is known as the most common agent which causes hepatic and renal toxicity in human and experimental animals at supratherapeutic doses. The current study investigated the protective effects of Descurainia sophia seed extract on the acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity markers in male mice. Materials & Methods: Experimental male mice (n=60, Swiss albino mice) were divided into six groups as follows: Group A (control group), Group B (acetaminophen group), and treatment groups including T1, T2, T3, and T4 (D. sophia seed extract groups). Toxicity was induced by acetaminophen (500 mg/kg). The mice administered D. sophia seed extract for 7 days in doses of 50, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg. In the next step, animals were euthanized 24 hours after acetaminophen administration. Blood samples were collected. Serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and uric acid were analysed. Furthermore, kidney tissues were removed for histopathological examination via haematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: Our data revealed that acetaminophen increased the levels of BUN, creatinine and uric acid (P<0.05). Pre-treatment of D. sophia seed extract decreased the serum BUN, creatinine and uric acid significantly compared to the acetaminophen group (P<0.05). Additionally, in histopathological examination, D. sophia extract had restored acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity, particularly in the dose of 300 mg/kg. Conclusion: The present findings suggested that oral administration of D. sophia seed extract has protective effect against acetaminophen nephrotoxicity in mice.
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10.30699/jambs.29.134.145 Background & Objective: Hypothyroidism is a prevalent condition in various regions all over the world, including Iran. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with thyroid dysfunctions in Ravansar... more
10.30699/jambs.29.134.145 Background & Objective: Hypothyroidism is a prevalent condition in various regions all over the world, including Iran. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with thyroid dysfunctions in Ravansar area, Kermanshah province. Due to hypo and hyperthyroidism diversity and pathogeneses complexity, machine learning was also integrated; it is as an accurate and potent method for the dimensionality reduction to realize the study objective. Materials & Methods: In this study, 10069 individuals participated from Ravansar area. Data were taken from the Ravansar Non-Communicable Diseases (RaNCD) cohort study, which is a part of national PERSIAN cohort. Feature selection was done using random forests machine learning tool. The two thyroid diseases correlation was explored through conventional statistical procedures.
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10.30699/jambs.29.134.152 Background & Objective: The combination of two or more therapeutic agents and their synergetic impacts can be therapeutically effective against multifactorial diseases, such as diabetic foot ulcers. This study... more
10.30699/jambs.29.134.152 Background & Objective: The combination of two or more therapeutic agents and their synergetic impacts can be therapeutically effective against multifactorial diseases, such as diabetic foot ulcers. This study demonstrates the application of a nanofiber-based drug delivery system with a controlled release of the growth factor. Various studies have shown that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulates angiogenesis via the VEGF signaling pathway and graphene oxide (GO) has been reported to possess antibacterial property. Therefore, VEGF and GO are hypothesized to have wound-healing effects when used synergistically. Materials & Methods: In this study, VEGF was purified and verified by western blotting. GO and polycaprolactone (PCL) were prepared by electrospinning and were characterized by scanning electron microscope. Next, VEGF was immobilized by EDC/NHS linker in PCL-GO. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were used to evaluate the antibacterial property of GO. Biodegradation and other release properties of the nanofibers were assessed. Moreover, the nanofibers were studied for cell viability and gene expression using human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Results: The re-analysis of the protein-protein interaction network from the GO database confirmed the centrality of the nitric oxide synthase 3 (eNOS) showing its effects on the expression of other proteins. In addition, the PCL-GO nanofiber loaded with VEGF was studied for the expression of the eNOS gene in the VEGF signaling pathway. It was observed that PCL-GO-VEGF led to an increased expression of the eNOS gene in two weeks. Conclusion: Based on the observed antibacterial property and angiogenesis influence, PCL-GO-VEGF can be considered as a candidate to promote diabetic wound healing.
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10.30699/jambs.29.134.161 Background & Objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in most countries. By identifying the population attributable risk (PAR) of the main risk factors of CVDs, the... more
10.30699/jambs.29.134.161 Background & Objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in most countries. By identifying the population attributable risk (PAR) of the main risk factors of CVDs, the overall effect of various exposures on a population can be determined; the findings could be used in CVD prevention. The present study aimed to explore the PAR of some factors, including physical exercise, hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol level, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), cigarette, hookah smoking, and drug and alcohol abuse, for CVDs Materials & Methods: This study was done in Yazd Province, Iran. The PAR of the above-mentioned factors were assessed. The used data were obtained from the first stage of the Shahedieh Cohort Study, conducted on over 10 000 residents (aged 35-70 years) of Shahedieh and annexed cities. PAR and the related Bayesian credible interval were calculated using R 3.4.3 software. Results: Of 9967 studied subjects, 7.95% had CVD. The most usual risk factors for CVDs were inadequate physical exercise and abdominal obesity (waist-to-hip ratio [WHR]). Age was the strongest determinant of CVD. PAR for inadequate physical exercise was 25.48% in women and 14.14 % in men; WHR PAR was 46.93% in women and 31.42 in men. Conclusion: Age cannot be controlled, so that CVDs are mainly attributed to high blood pressure. Therefore, blood pressure control should be considered as a primary strategy to reduce CVD incidence.
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10.30699/jambs.29.134.167 Background & Objective: Peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBDs) are a group of diseases with peroxisomal dysfunction. Wide range of symptoms are associated with the disease which are due to mutations in the PEX... more
10.30699/jambs.29.134.167 Background & Objective: Peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBDs) are a group of diseases with peroxisomal dysfunction. Wide range of symptoms are associated with the disease which are due to mutations in the PEX genes. The PEX1 mutation occurs in Zellweger syndrome (ZS), a severe autosomal recessive condition with hypotonia, intellectual disability, and hepatic enlargement. The present study determined the molecular aspects of ZS in a family in South Khorasan Province, Iran. Materials & Methods: Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed, clinical history was taken, and the family pedigree was drawn. Subsequently, Sanger sequencing was performed for unique primers. Afterwards, in terms of ZS phenotype, in silico studies were done to examine the changes that occurred in the protein structure. Results: The PEX1 (NC_000007.14) mutation was detected at location Chr7q21.2. This chromosomal location was anticipated as the disorder-causing variant. GGT (Glycine) changes to GAT (Aspartate) in codon 843 were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Examination results of the mentioned family revealed a missense mutation in the PEX1. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study indicated a mutation in the PEX1 in the affected family. This mutation is a missense variant at codon 843 in ZS patients. It has an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. This mutation may be widespread among Iranian population with ZS and can be used for a more desirable personalized medicine.
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10.30699/jambs.29.134.176 Background & Objective: Since the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not well known yet, investigating its origin, etiology, diagnostic criteria, clinical... more
10.30699/jambs.29.134.176 Background & Objective: Since the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not well known yet, investigating its origin, etiology, diagnostic criteria, clinical manifestations, risk factors, treatments, and other related aspects is extremely important. In this situation, clinical experts face many uncertainties to make decision about COVID-19 prognosis based on their judgment. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine the diagnostic criteria for COVID-19 as a prerequisite to develop clinical diagnostic models. Materials & Methods: In this retrospective study, the Enter method of the binary logistic regression (BLR) and the Forward Wald method were used to measure the odds ratio (OR) and the strength of each criterion, respectively. P-value<0.05 was considered as statistically significant for bivariate correlation coefficient. Results: Phi and Cramer's V correlation coefficient test showed that 12 diagnostic criteria were statistically important; measuring OR revealed that six criteria had the best diagnostic power. Finally, true classification rate and the area under receiver operative characteristics curve (AUC) were calculated as 90.25% and 0.835, respectively. Conclusion: Identification of diagnostic criteria has become the standard approach for disease modeling; it helps to design decision support tools. After analyzing and comparing six diagnostic performance measures, we observed that these variables have a high diagnostic power for COVID-19 detection.
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10.30699/jambs.29.134.183 This study aimed to report histopathological features and serological outputs of the lung, heart and liver in a patient suffered from Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). A woman was admitted to the Razi... more
10.30699/jambs.29.134.183 This study aimed to report histopathological features and serological outputs of the lung, heart and liver in a patient suffered from Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). A woman was admitted to the Razi Hospital, Rasht city, Iran with the symptoms of cough, dyspnea, fever and myalgia. She had also Parkinson's disease (PD); she had no history of respiratory, cardiovascular, renal and gastrointestinal diseases and alcohol consumption. COVID-19 infection was proved by the Real time-PCR (RT-qPCR) test. The required specimen was obtained from nasopharyngeal swab; however, lung radiologic findings revealed atypical signs of COVID-19. The patient expired after 8 days of admission. After death, needle biopsy was performed for histopathologic evaluation of the heart, lung and liver tissues. The RT-qPCR was performed to evaluate the presence of Coronavirus in the tissues. The pathological biopsies showed advanced alveolar damages in the lung, periportal inflammation in the liver, spread steatosis in the hepatocytes and moderate myocarditis in the heart. However, the RT-qPCR test was negative for these tissues, but alterations in the above-mentioned areas may be due to the secondary side effects of COVID-19 infection or pharmacological treatments.
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10.30699/jambs.29.135.189 Background & Objective: Beverages containing caffeine have an anti-obesity function. Reduction of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) inflammation is considered an important strategy to ameliorate obesity compilations... more
10.30699/jambs.29.135.189 Background & Objective: Beverages containing caffeine have an anti-obesity function. Reduction of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) inflammation is considered an important strategy to ameliorate obesity compilations such as insulin resistance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 8-week caffeine supplementation on the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of fetuin-A (FetA) in the liver and nuclear factor kappa B (Nf-κb) and toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4) in the VAT of rats with a highfat diet (HFD). Materials & Methods: A total of 40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, caffeine, HFD, and HFD+caffeine supplement groups. After 2 weeks of acclimatization, the rats were randomly fed with HFD (46% fat) and a normal diet (5% fat) for 8 weeks. The rats in the caffeine groups were gavaged with 6 mg of the caffeine solution per kg of body weight. FetA mRNA of the liver, Nf-κb, and Tlr4 mRNA of VAT were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The results indicated that FetA mRNA expression and weight gain in HFD+caffeine were significantly reduced compared to the other groups. Nf-κb mRNA expression was significantly higher in the HFD group than in the caffeine groups. No statistically significant differences were found in Tlr4 mRNA expression between the groups. Conclusion: : These findings suggest that consuming caffeine can prevent HFDinduced liver and adipose tissue (AT) inflammation.
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10.30699/jambs.29.135.197 Background & Objective: Skin flaps in the distal region lose their tissue because of impaired perfusion, which is strongly due to the ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and oxidative stress (OS). Reducing reactive... more
10.30699/jambs.29.135.197 Background & Objective: Skin flaps in the distal region lose their tissue because of impaired perfusion, which is strongly due to the ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and oxidative stress (OS). Reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increasing antioxidant capacity are the most important approaches to preserve flaps. Given the antioxidant effects of selenium, it is expected to be effective in enhancing flap survival. Materials & Methods: In this survey, 30 rats were divided into 3 groups of 10: 1) sham group (incision of the flap margin without elevation of the bed), 2) flap surgery group (incision and elevation of the skin from bed+plastic film placement under the flap), and 3) flap surgery+nano-selenium oxide treatment (incision and elevation of the skin from bed+plastic film placement under the flap+nano-selenium oxide 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally) On the seventh day after flap surgery, the flap necrosis percentage, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured Results: Flap necrosis and the level of MDA significantly increased in the flap surgery group and decreased in the nano-selenium oxide-treated group (P<0.05). SOD activity decreased in the flap surgery group and increased in the nano-selenium oxidetreated group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that treatment with nano-selenium oxide reduced flap tissue necrosis and lipid peroxidation significantly; it also increased SOD activity. Therefore, the survival of the flap and its efficacy increased.
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10.30699/jambs.29.135.206 Background & Objective: The family caregivers of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience heavy caregiver burden (CB). This study investigated the effects of a multidisciplinary... more
10.30699/jambs.29.135.206 Background & Objective: The family caregivers of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience heavy caregiver burden (CB). This study investigated the effects of a multidisciplinary supportive program on CB in the family caregivers of patients with advanced COPD. Materials & Methods: This randomized field trial was conducted in the pulmonary subspecialty clinic of Birjand University of Medical Sciences, in 2019. In the present study, 92 eligible family caregivers of COPD patients were randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. The study intervention included eight sessions. Three educational sessions on COPD were held by a pulmonary disease specialist and an experienced nurse in COPD care, two educational sessions were held on coping strategies by a psychiatric nurse and three peer support sessions. CB was assessed before, immediately after and two months after the study intervention. SPSS (v. 21.0) was used for data analysis. Results: CB significantly decreased in the intervention group (P=0.01). It did not change significantly in the control group (P=0.63). Between-group differences, with respect to the mean score of CB at the baseline (P=0.66) and the first posttest (P=0.72) were not significant. The mean score of CB in the second posttest was significantly lower in the intervention group, compared to the control group (P=0.007). Conclusion: Multidisciplinary supportive program is effective in reducing CB among the family caregivers of patients with advanced COPD.
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10.30699/jambs.29.135.215 Background & Objective: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are of the main causes of mortality and morbidity in the world. This study aimed to investigate the two training protocols in patients with acute ischemic... more
10.30699/jambs.29.135.215 Background & Objective: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are of the main causes of mortality and morbidity in the world. This study aimed to investigate the two training protocols in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and their relationship with the patients' prognosis. Materials & Methods: This experimental study included 45 patients whose ages ranged from 45 to 65 years. Patients were recruited by convenience sampling and purposive method. The participants were categorized into two intervention groups high-intensity anaerobic training (HIT) and continuous aerobic exercise). The control group individuals had no history of exercise. All three scores were assessed at the beginning of the study and after 28 days. SPSS 22 was used to analyze the collected data and the following statistical tests were performed: independent samples t-test, ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. The level was considered to be 0.05. Results: The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score reduced in both exercise groups compared to the controls, in the post-intervention period (frame 9 to 7). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score also increased in the continuous exercise group (from 21.93 to 23.4 in the HIT group and from 22.4 to 24.14 in the continuous group), while the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) score reduced (frame 3 to 2) (P=0.001). Conclusion: Performing intermittent exercise over four weeks can improve the overall prognosis quality of CVA patients by reducing the MRS score.
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10.30699/jambs.29.135.223 Background & Objective: Social support is generally accepted to act as a protective factor against stressful situations. However, the extent of its effect on the depression and lifestyle of myocardial infarction... more
10.30699/jambs.29.135.223 Background & Objective: Social support is generally accepted to act as a protective factor against stressful situations. However, the extent of its effect on the depression and lifestyle of myocardial infarction (MI) patients is not known. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the role of perceived social support in predicting major depressive disorder and lifestyle components in MI patients. Materials & Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2019 on 176 MI patients chosen through the purposive and convenience sampling methods from the Heart Center Hospital of Mazandaran, Iran. The required information was collected by three standard questionnaires, including the social support appraisals (SS-A) scale by Phillips, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP-II). Pearson correlation coefficient and canonical correlation coefficient were performed. The significance level in this study was considered as P-value<0.05. Results: The findings of the present study indicated that social support could predict depression by 48% and a significant negative correlation was found between social support and depression (r=-0.47, P=0.01). Moreover, social support had a significant impact on lifestyle components and was shown to predict health accountability (R 2 =0.691, β=0.289), spiritual growth (R 2 =0.672, β=0.256), stress management (R 2 =0.285, β=0.122), and interpersonal behavior (R 2 =0.586, β=0.175). In addition, it affected these factors significantly. Conclusion: Providing opportunities for further social support for MI patients paves the way for enhancing health-promoting behaviors and reducing depression in this group of patients.
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10.30699/jambs.29.135.230 Background & Objective: Attention to the mental health status of the elderly and their quality of life (QOL) is essential and an important factor in economic progress. The purpose of this study was to determine... more
10.30699/jambs.29.135.230 Background & Objective: Attention to the mental health status of the elderly and their quality of life (QOL) is essential and an important factor in economic progress. The purpose of this study was to determine the mental health status, QOL, and their related factors in the elderly referred to health centers in Zanjan, Iran in 2017. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 228 elderly people referred to Zanjan health centers. Information was collected using two standardized questionnaires, including GHQ-28 and SF-36. The samples were selected using a random cluster sampling method and through considering the socioeconomic status of urban areas. Data was analyzed by independent t-test, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Of 228 participants, 61.8% were female and 38.2% were male. The mean age of the participants was 68.03±5.89. The mean and standard deviation of total mental health was 56.93±10.27 (a lower score indicates a better status) and the mean and standard deviation of total QOL score was 58.60±15.62. There was a significant relationship between mental health and sex (P=0.002), education (P=0.01), occupation (P<0.0001), and income (P= 0.006). Moreover, a significant association was observed between the QOL and variables such as age (P=0.001), education (P=0.006), occupation (P=0.001), type of residence (P=0.02), and income (P=0.002). In addition, there was a significant correlation between all domains of QOL and mental health (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results indicated that both mental health status and QOL in this elderly population were in moderate level. Therefore, providing educational and counselling services and comprehensive support from various support systems in the community is recommended.
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10.30699/jambs.29.135.238 Background & Objective: In December 2019, the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was observed in China, and it it spread rapidly throughout the world. Iranian traditional healers have applied... more
10.30699/jambs.29.135.238 Background & Objective: In December 2019, the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was observed in China, and it it spread rapidly throughout the world. Iranian traditional healers have applied different medicinal plants to prevent and treat COVID-19 based on their ethnopharmacological knowledge. This research aimed to investigate the ethnomedicinal knowledge of Iranian traditional healers to alleviate COVID-19 signs and symptoms. Materials & Methods: Due to the limitations caused by COVID-19 pandemic, oral interviews were conducted by 26 traditional healers in Kerman and Zahedan cities in Iran. The names of recommended remedies for COVID-19 were collected, and their scientific names were authenticated. Next, a comprehensive research was carried out in the scientific databases. Finally, the herbs with any related proved properties to the respiratory system were listed; these herbs were probably useful for the COVID-19 prevention or treatment. Results: Zataria multiflora, Althaea officinalis, Hordeum vulgare, Malva sylvestris, Matricaria chamomilla, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale are considered as the most popular herbs by Iranian traditional healers for prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19. Recent studies have demonstrated that the abovementioned herbs can be considered as good sources for alleviating the respiratory disorders such as influenza. Moreover, they have antitussive and immune-modulatory properties. Conclusion: Since there is no effective treatment for COVID-19, the capacity of different traditional medicine and ethnomedicine knowledge can be used as good sources for new drug discovery after accurate studies.
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In this study, thrombolytic therapy is described and a case of left subclavian artery thrombosis with acute clinical symptoms is presented. The patient was an 82-year-old woman with the symptoms of axillary artery thrombosis.... more
In this study, thrombolytic therapy is described and a case of left subclavian artery thrombosis with acute clinical symptoms is presented. The patient was an 82-year-old woman with the symptoms of axillary artery thrombosis. Catheter-directed thrombolysis was performed and thrombolytic medication was injected via a catheter. In addition, a low dose of heparin was infused intravenously. Following treatment, clinical symptoms were normal. The repeated angiography indicated a good blood flow to the left upper distal limb. Minimally invasive methods, such as catheter-based thrombolytic therapy may be a suitable alternative for patients with viable limb acute ischemia.
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10.30699/jambs.29.136.251 Background & Objective: Evidence about the effect of theophylline and gabapentin on post-spinal headache is rare. Therefore, in this study, we compared the effect of gabapentin and theophylline on post-spinal... more
10.30699/jambs.29.136.251 Background & Objective: Evidence about the effect of theophylline and gabapentin on post-spinal headache is rare. Therefore, in this study, we compared the effect of gabapentin and theophylline on post-spinal headache after cesarean section. Materials & Methods: We conducted a double-blind randomized clinical trial on 120 pregnant women, who underwent spinal anesthesia due to cesarean section; they had experienced post-spinal headache. They were randomly assigned to the study groups, including gabapentin and theophylline groups. The gabapentin group received 400 mg of gabapentin, every eight hours for 24 hours. The theophylline group also received 200 mg theophylline, every eight hours for 24 hours. The visual analog scale (VAS) score was compared between the two groups before the intervention and 8, 16 and 24 hours after the intervention. Statistical analysis was done using Student's t-test. P-value less than 5% was considered as significant. Results: There was not any significant difference between the two groups in regards of VAS score, before the intervention and 8 and 16 hours after the intervention; the significant lower VAS score was reported by the theophylline group, 24 hours after the intervention (0.7±1.79 vs. 2.23±2.58, P=0.014). Reductions in the VAS score during 8 hours (3.14 vs. 2.67), 16 hours (4.7 vs. 3.47) and 24 hours (5.5 vs. 3.8) were compared after the intervention; it was higher in the post-intervention compared to the pre-intervention in the theophylline group. Conclusion: The present clinical trial study showed that reduction in the VAS score was significantly higher in the theophylline group compared to the gabapentin group, only within 24 hours. Both gabapentin and theophylline were effective against post-spinal headache, but Theophylline was more effective on pain relief within 24 hours.
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10.30699/jambs.29.136.257 Background & Objective: Dyskinesia is a debilitating complication of Parkinson's disease (PD), which appears due to some known risk factors. The effect of diabetes and high plasma glucose on the manifestation of... more
10.30699/jambs.29.136.257 Background & Objective: Dyskinesia is a debilitating complication of Parkinson's disease (PD), which appears due to some known risk factors. The effect of diabetes and high plasma glucose on the manifestation of dyskinesia has been evaluated in just a few previous reports. The current study aimed to assess the mentioned correlation. Materials & Methods: In this case-control study, 88 patients with PD were enrolled and categorized into two equal groups of diabetic and non-diabetic patients. They were selected from the movement disorder clinic in Rasoul Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Patients were evaluated regarding the presence of dyskinesia and its characteristics, besides the assessment of other clinical parameters. Results: The prevalence of dyskinesia in diabetics, compared to non-diabetics, showed a higher rate (P=0.033). Baseline parameter equality was confirmed to exclude the confounding bias effect. Simultaneous involvement of upper and lower extremities (right after drug intake) was the most prevalent sign of dyskensia in diabetic patients with PD. Conclusion: The comorbidity of PD and diabetes showed a higher prevalence of levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) in PD; this result was obtained based on homogeneity of the two groups in manners of age, disease, treatment duration and the dosage of levodopa.
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10.30699/jambs.29.136.263 Background & Objective: Stroke is the second leading cause of mortality and the third leading cause of morbidity worldwide. This study aimed to examine the spatial-temporal distribution of stroke in rural... more
10.30699/jambs.29.136.263 Background & Objective: Stroke is the second leading cause of mortality and the third leading cause of morbidity worldwide. This study aimed to examine the spatial-temporal distribution of stroke in rural districts,
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10.30699/jambs.29.136.271 Background & Objective: Today, obesity is one of the most important health problems in the world. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of caffeine and high fat diet on expression of PGC1-α,... more
10.30699/jambs.29.136.271 Background & Objective: Today, obesity is one of the most important health problems in the world. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of caffeine and high fat diet on expression of PGC1-α, Fndc-5 and UCP-1 genes in male Wistar rats. Materials & Methods: To study the aim of this survey, 40 male Wistar rats were divided into four equal groups (n=10 in each group), including: 1) control, 2) high fat diet (HFD), 3) caffeine and 4) high fat diet and caffeine (HFD+caffeine) groups. Oral gavage of caffeine was performed in a dose of 6 mg/kg body weight. PGC1-α and Fndc-5 mRNA of muscles, and UCP-1 mRNA of subcutaneous fatty tissue were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). One-way ANOVA test was used to analyze the data. Results: The results of the present study showed that caffeine prevented overweight and increased PGC1-α, Fndc-5 and UCP-1 gene expression in the caffeine group. There were no significant differences in target genes expression, between the HFD+caffeine and the control group. Conclusion: Based on our results, caffeine is a preventive factor for obesity. It can increase the converting process of white adipose tissue to the brown.
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10.30699/jambs.29.136.279 Background & Objective: Hypothyroidism leads to an increased risk of overweight and obesity. This study examined the effect of weight gain caused by hypothyroidism on maternal health (hypertension, gestational... more
10.30699/jambs.29.136.279 Background & Objective: Hypothyroidism leads to an increased risk of overweight and obesity. This study examined the effect of weight gain caused by hypothyroidism on maternal health (hypertension, gestational diabetes, and miscarriage) for the first time. Materials & Methods: This case-control study consisted of 123 pregnant women with clinical hypothyroidism and 242 non-hypothyroid pregnant women as the control group. National guidelines were used to diagnose hypothyroidism in the first trimester. Body mass index (BMI), thyroid-stimulating hormone level, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) were measured. Moreover, fasting blood sugar was assessed during 24-28 weeks of gestation. Data were analyzed by the Chi-square, Student's t-distribution, and logistic regression using the SPSS19 software. Results: We found a significant relationship between BMI and hypothyroidism in pregnant women (P<0.001). Systolic and diastolic BP in the case group were higher in women with BMI≥25 (P=0.017 and P=0.002). Furthermore, diastolic BP had a significant impact on abortion (P=0.018). The rate of abortion increases by 1.042 with 1 mmHg elevation in diastolic BP in pregnant women if the variables maternal age, hypothyroidism, and overweight are constant. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, weight gain in women with hypothyroidism can affect the risk of high diastolic BP and abortion.
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10.30699/jambs.29.136.286 Background & Objective: Both duloxetine (DLX) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are recommended as safe and effective treatments for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. However, these... more
10.30699/jambs.29.136.286 Background & Objective: Both duloxetine (DLX) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are recommended as safe and effective treatments for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. However, these methods have not been compared. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of treatment by DLX and TENS in diabetic neuropathy pain relief. Materials & Methods: This survey was performed on 60 eligible diabetic patients randomly divided into two groups of DLX (20, 40, and 60 mg/day for weeks 1, 2, and 3-12, respectively), and TENS (20 min,80 HZ, 50 Amp, 0.2 ms Square pulses 2-3 times sensory threshold). The participants were evaluated according to the numerical rating scale (NRS) after four and twelve weeks of treatment. Moreover, adverse drug reactions were documented during the study period. Results: Baseline demographic data had no significant difference between the two groups (P≥0.05). The average NRS scores were significantly lower in the DLX group in both measurement times. At the end of weeks four (P=0.01) and 12 (P=0.001), the trend of changes was significant from baseline to the third month (P=0.0001). No patient in the TENS group reported any side effects, while 18% did in the DLX group. Conclusion: We found that both DLX and TENS were effective and safe for the management of painful diabetic neuropathy. The DLX seemed to be better, compared to TENS. However, in some conditions, such as drug intolerance or contraindication for medications, TENS could be a proper intervention.
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10.30699/jambs.29.136.293 Background & Objective: The frontal sinus is regarded as one of the human paranasal sinuses located in the frontal bone as a triangular-shaped cavity, which originates as separated space from the anterior ethmoid... more
10.30699/jambs.29.136.293 Background & Objective: The frontal sinus is regarded as one of the human paranasal sinuses located in the frontal bone as a triangular-shaped cavity, which originates as separated space from the anterior ethmoid cells. Computed Tomography (CT) is a completely non-destructive technique that uses a high density of contrast to identify the air inside any bony sinus with soft tissue demarcated by air within a particular nasal cavity. This study aimed to measure the anteroposterior length, width, and height of frontal sinus in different age groups of both genders with axial, coronal, and sagittal CT scans, as well as identifying the pneumatization of that sinus according to the extent represented by CT scans. Materials & Methods: A prospective study was conducted on a random sample of 250 subjects attending the Radiology Section of both Baghdad Medical City and Salah Al-Deen Teaching Hospitals from February 2019 to January 2020. Different age and gender groups from these individuals underwent measurement of the anteroposterior length, width, and height of frontal paranasal sinus in axial, sagittal, and coronal CT scans. Results: The frontal air cells belonged to the anterior group including four types and one medial group with a prevalence of 37.6%, 18%, 16.8%, 6.8%, and 20.8%, respectively, through a series of CT scan sections. The mean values of frontal sinus length, width, and height for males were 19.8±8.
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10.30699/jambs.29.136.303 Background & Objective: The behavior of COVID-19, clinical symptoms, and mortality rate are not the same in different regions. Due to lack of knowledge about the cited issues, we aimed to investigate the clinical... more
10.30699/jambs.29.136.303 Background & Objective: The behavior of COVID-19, clinical symptoms, and mortality rate are not the same in different regions. Due to lack of knowledge about the cited issues, we aimed to investigate the clinical symptoms, case fatality rate, and some risk factors of COVID-19. Materials & Methods: This longitudinal study was started from the late February 2020 and lasted to the mid-July 2020 in Jiroft, Kerman province, Iran. The course of the disease, clinical signs and symptoms, underlying diseases, patients' exposure history, travel history, adherence to health instructions, and the fatality rate of the disease were evaluated in the patients. The descriptive statistics and frequency were analyzed in different groups using IBM SPSS statistics version 20. Results: In this study, 2977 definitive cases of COVID-19 were detected using RT-PCR test. The frequent clinical symptoms were fever (45.2%), body aches and bruises (38.8%), and cough (36.4%), respectively. The fatality rate of the disease was 4%. Evaluation of the patients' exposure history showed that almost 50% of the cases had no exposure. Among the studied individuals, 33% had the history of exposure to a definite COVID-19 case. Conclusion: Personal hygiene, social distancing, and use of face mask are of great importance in reducing the disease morbidity and mortality. Public awareness about COVID-19 should also be increased, especially in the elderly individuals with the history of underlying and chronic diseases.
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10.30699/jambs.29.137.309 Background & Objective: Methylphenidate (MPH), as a central nervous system stimulant, is often used to manage hyperactive disorders. The literature is scarce regarding the behavioral consequences of chronic MPH... more
10.30699/jambs.29.137.309 Background & Objective: Methylphenidate (MPH), as a central nervous system stimulant, is often used to manage hyperactive disorders. The literature is scarce regarding the behavioral consequences of chronic MPH treatment and the role of involved receptors. Thus, in the current study involved receptors in MPH inducedanxiety, depression and motor activity disorders were evaluated. Materials & Methods: Seventy rats were randomly distributed to seven groups (n = 10, per group); they were treated with normal saline, Domoic acid (DOM) (as AMPA/kainite receptor agonist), Bicuculline (BIC) (as GABAA receptor antagonist), Ketamine (KET) (as NMDA receptor antagonist), Yohimbine (YOH) (as Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist), or Haloperidole (HAL) (as D2 dopamine receptor antagonist), simultaneously with MPH (10 mg/kg). On days 11, 17 and 24, some standard behavior tests including Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), Forced Swim Test (FST) and Open Field Test (OFT) were used to investigate anxiety, depression and motor activity disturbances, respectively. Results: Our study indicated that pretreatment of rats with KET, HAL and YOH abolished MPH induced-mood and motor activity disturbances. Conclusion: MPH by interacting with Dopaminergic, NMDA and ɑ2-adrenergic receptors induces anxiety, depression and motor activity disorders.
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Background & Objective: Plantago psyllium has long been utilised as a medicinal agent worldwide. The current study aims to evaluate the in vivo antimicrobial effects of aqueous P. psyllium and a hydro-alcoholic extract of P. psyllium on... more
Background & Objective: Plantago psyllium has long been utilised as a medicinal agent worldwide. The current study aims to evaluate the in vivo antimicrobial effects of aqueous P. psyllium and a hydro-alcoholic extract of P. psyllium on Helicobacter pylori as well as the effects of these extracts on liver and kidney in a rat model. Materials & Methods: A total number of 50 female Sprague Dawley rats were experimentally infected (Except for the negative control group). The rats were divided into five groups of 10. The groups were treated by Aqueous and Hydro-Alcoholic P. psyllium leaf extracts. Subsequently, H. pylori antigens which were present in the in rats' stool were measured using a serological assay. To diagnose the pathogenicity of the kidney and liver, blood samples which had been taken before and after treatment, were tested for renal and hepatic enzymes by Analyzer Electrolyte and Sysmex KX-21N. Results: Following the amoxicillin treatment, the levels of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of the treated rats were compared with those of the control group, and a significant difference was observed (P<0.05). Antigen decrease was observed in all of the groups treated with amoxicillin (P=0.0004), aqueous, and hydro-alcoholic extracts (P<0.05). Antigen decrease in the stool was observed in all groups, which indicates that treatment with the herbal extract could affect the infected rats. Conclusion: P. psyllium hydro-alcoholic extract can be applied as a selective treatment for H. pylori infection. Hopefully, experiments suggested that the mentioned extracts could positively affect the process of disease recovery.
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Background & Objective: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication with the signs of kidney damage. The effect of S-Allyl-cysteine (SAC) on inflammatory cytokines was evaluated to prevent PE-induced renal complications. Materials &... more
Background & Objective: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication with the signs of kidney damage. The effect of S-Allyl-cysteine (SAC) on inflammatory cytokines was evaluated to prevent PE-induced renal complications. Materials & Methods: Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: 1) control, 2) PE, 3) EC, 4) PE+SAC50, 5) PE+SAC200, 6) EC+SAC50, and 7) EC+SAC200. In Groups 1-3, the rats received saline by gavage for 9 consecutive days, starting on the day 11 of gestation (G11). In Groups 4-7, the rats received SAC (50 or 200mg/kg) by gavage for 9 days, starting on G11. The rats in PE and EC groups were injected with Lipopolysaccharides on G14. The rats in EC groups were injected with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) on G16 and G18. On G20, urine, blood, and kidney samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Results: In PE and EC groups, creatinine clearance, urine protein/creatinine ratio and proteinuria significantly increased compared to the control rats. Administration of SAC significantly reduced protein excretion and the protein/creatinine ratio in the urine specimen of all treated groups. The results showed significant increase in the renal concentration of IL-1β and TNFα in the PE and EC rats. Administration of 200 mg/kg SAC significantly decreased IL-1β and TNF-α in all treated groups. SAC (200mg/kg) significantly decreased malondialdehyde and ameliorated histological changes in PE and EC groups; it also mitigated kidney dysfunctions in experimental PE and EC. Conclusion: The ameliorative effect of SAC may be mediated by its antioxidant and modulatory effects on cytokines, such as IL-1β and TNF-α.
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10.30699/jambs.29.137.331 Background & Objective: DNA vaccines as a new generation of vaccines require adjuvant to improve vaccine immunogenicity; adjuvants can also increase the DNA vaccine efficacy. In this study, the effects of the... more
10.30699/jambs.29.137.331 Background & Objective: DNA vaccines as a new generation of vaccines require adjuvant to improve vaccine immunogenicity; adjuvants can also increase the DNA vaccine efficacy. In this study, the effects of the host's interferon-inducible Mx protein as bio adjuvant and conventional alum adjuvant were evaluated. Materials & Methods: The BALB/c mice were immunized by different prime-boost strategies of the alum and Mx adjuvanted-HA2 DNA vaccine; they were challenged with the specific influenza virus. The potency and safety were evaluated. Humoral immune response was assayed by haemagglutination and virus neutralization tests. The induction of cell-mediated immune responses was determined using an MTT assay. The safety of vaccine regarding side effects occurrence was assessed by observation and histopathologic evaluation. Results: Mx as a host defense peptide was able to increase the immune response against influenza better than alum adjuvant (p<0.01). By HA2 and Mx in prime and boost strategy, the highest level of specific antibodies developed; they are capable of inducing cell-mediated immune responses. Results indicated that Mx in the DNA vaccine could induce stronger immune responses without any side effects; but alum had some local and general reactions. Conclusion: The Mx could effectively enhance immune responses; it has the potential to enhance the vaccine immunogenicity.
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10.30699/jambs.29.137.125 Background & Objective: The rate of survival in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) can dramatically improve, if the patients receive all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) treatment. However, this drug's toxicity is a... more
10.30699/jambs.29.137.125 Background & Objective: The rate of survival in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) can dramatically improve, if the patients receive all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) treatment. However, this drug's toxicity is a major problem in APL treatment. Previous researches have demonstrated that phyto-polyphenols such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and kaempferol cause apoptosis in hematopoietic neoplasms, but do not negatively impact healthy cells. The present study compared the differentiation effects of kaempferol and EGCG, as well as ATRA in NB4 leukemia cells during five days. Materials & Methods: Herein, kaempferol and EGCG's differentiation-inducing activity was examined by NBT assay and Real-time PCR in leukemia NB4 cells. Results: EGCG (25 µM) and kaempferol (50 µM) induced the NB4 cells' differentiation, towards a granulocytic pattern similar to ATRA (1 μM). EGCG further suppressed PML/RARα clinical marker's expression compared to kaempferol, it also decreased HDAC1 expression in leukemia NB4 cells. Conclusion: Based on this study, compared to kaempferol, EGCG at low concentrations is preferred for long-term ATRA therapy in APL patients.
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10.30699/jambs.29.137.125 Background & Objective: Pain is one of the most common complications after thyroidectomy. Opioid administration can overcome this complication, however, it has some side effects, including nausea and vomiting.... more
10.30699/jambs.29.137.125 Background & Objective: Pain is one of the most common complications after thyroidectomy. Opioid administration can overcome this complication, however, it has some side effects, including nausea and vomiting. So, the use of local anesthetic instead of opioids is a good alternative. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effect of ultrasound-guided superficial cervical plexus block (SCPB) versus anatomic landmark (LM)-based SCPB on post-operative severity of pain after thyroidectomy. Materials & Methods: In this clinical trial 113 patients were selected through convenience sampling method. Patients were randomly divided in to three groups: a) control, b) LM-based nerve block, and c) ultrasound-guided nerve block. Data collection was performed by demographic checklist and visual analogue scale (VAS). After general anesthesia, nerve block was performed by 15 mL of 0.25% Bupivacaine solution. Postoperative pain was measured in post anesthesia care unit (PACU) at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 hours. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square and fisher exact tests and repeated measurements were used for data analysis (SPSS V.18 software). Results: Patients of group c in comparison to other groups received lower analgesic dose during operation (p≤0.001); fewer of them needed post-operative analgesia (p≤0.001). The ultrasound-guided SCPB group had significantly lower pain severity in comparison to other groups in different time intervals (p≤0.001). Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided superficial cervical plexus block reduced the pain after thyroidectomy. However, the ultrasound-guided nerve block is a wellorganized and expanding technique, but it needs more practice and training.
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10.30699/jambs.29.137.125 Background & Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Oxidative stress is one of the involved factors in CRC onset and progression. Recent examinations have revealed... more
10.30699/jambs.29.137.125 Background & Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Oxidative stress is one of the involved factors in CRC onset and progression. Recent examinations have revealed antioxidant characteristics of vitamin D. Given the vital role of this vitamin in balancing free radicals and antioxidant capacity, in this study we intended to review the association between vitamin D deficiency and oxidative stress in CRC patients. Materials & Methods: In the present case-control study, 30 CRC patients and 32 healthy individuals were entered, based on the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Peripheral blood was taken from the subjects. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values, total antioxidant capacity, and serum vitamin D were measured. Data were interpreted using SPSS 18 software; t-test and the Mann Whitney test were applied. Results: The outcomes explained that TBARS values were significantly greater in patients group (P <0.005), but no meaningful difference was monitored in the total antioxidant capacity. 21 (70%) patients and 14 (44%) control subjects had inadequate vitamin D. There was a significant association between serum vitamin D in both groups (P <0.005). A notable negative relationship was found between vitamin D values and oxidative stress indicator (p=0.05, r =-0.249). Conclusion: insufficient vitamin D can lead to an increase in oxidative stress, which is directly associated with CRC. Serum vitamin D levels were also inadequate in high percentage of cancer patients. Given the predominance of vitamin D insufficiency in the population, more extensive studies are required to prove the impact of deficiency on disease pathogenesis.
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10.30699/jambs.29.137.125 Tietze's syndrome is an inflammatory disorder, which frequently misdiagnosed as the severe life-threating problem. Herein, we reported a case of a 23-year-old male, who complained about the acute chest pain after... more
10.30699/jambs.29.137.125 Tietze's syndrome is an inflammatory disorder, which frequently misdiagnosed as the severe life-threating problem. Herein, we reported a case of a 23-year-old male, who complained about the acute chest pain after pneumonia complication. After full examination, he diagnosed as Tietze's syndrome. Since the precise diagnosis of Tietze's syndrome has a great importance, our report may raise consciousness to manage this condition.
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Klebsiella pneumoniae is the most common pathogenic bacterium in the genus Klebsiella (1). The aim of this study was to use Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles in vaccine design of the capsule antigen of Klebsiella pneumoniae... more
Klebsiella pneumoniae is the most common pathogenic bacterium in the genus Klebsiella (1). The aim of this study was to use Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles in vaccine design of the capsule antigen of Klebsiella pneumoniae K2O1.
The capsular antigen was loaded into the polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles by W/O /W method (5). FT-IR and AFM were used to confirm capsule antigen loading and morphology of the nanoparticles, respectively (6,7). The fever after the vaccination was tested by limolus amoebocyte lysate assay (LAL test)(8). The investigation of the serum of mice by ELISA. Histopathological examination of lung, liver and spleen organs of vaccinated mice in four groups containing five female BALB/C mice (6-7 week-old) was studied after challenge with Klebsiella pneumoniae. Mice vaccinated with nanoparticles containing Klebsiella pneumoniae capsular antigen showed that the proposed vaccine has a high potential for long-term and stable protection against pure Klebsiella pneumoniae capsule antigen, activates (T Helper) lymphocytes T, and stimulates memory by stimulating T cells. Indicating the effectiveness of the vaccine, the results revealed that the vaccine could be recommended for animal studies with more samples or phase one clinical trial studies.
The capsular antigen was loaded into the polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles by W/O /W method (5). FT-IR and AFM were used to confirm capsule antigen loading and morphology of the nanoparticles, respectively (6,7). The fever after the vaccination was tested by limolus amoebocyte lysate assay (LAL test)(8). The investigation of the serum of mice by ELISA. Histopathological examination of lung, liver and spleen organs of vaccinated mice in four groups containing five female BALB/C mice (6-7 week-old) was studied after challenge with Klebsiella pneumoniae. Mice vaccinated with nanoparticles containing Klebsiella pneumoniae capsular antigen showed that the proposed vaccine has a high potential for long-term and stable protection against pure Klebsiella pneumoniae capsule antigen, activates (T Helper) lymphocytes T, and stimulates memory by stimulating T cells. Indicating the effectiveness of the vaccine, the results revealed that the vaccine could be recommended for animal studies with more samples or phase one clinical trial studies.
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Leishmaniasis is a worldwide vector-borne disease. The Cutaneous form of this disease leaves chronic wounds on the patient's skin. The purpose of this study was to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis woundsusing Lucilia serricata larvae.... more
Leishmaniasis is a worldwide vector-borne disease. The Cutaneous form of this disease leaves chronic wounds on the patient's skin. The purpose of this study was to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis woundsusing Lucilia serricata larvae. Leishman's body was confirmed and Leishmania major was identified using PCR test in the samples of three patients in health center of Andimeshk County, southwest Iran during 2019-2020. The patients signed an informed consent form to receive maggot therapy. Five to ten sterile 1st instar larva of L. serricata per cm 2 wound were inserted directly on the wounds in 48-hours intervals and bandaged with sterile saline gauze. Cutaneous leishmaniasis wounds were free of purulent secretion within 9-12 days. After 30-45 days of treatment; the wounds were healed entirely without leaving scar tissues. The results showed larvae of L. sericata can significantly improve wound healing rate but it is recommended to evaluate this biotherapy method in more patients.
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Background & Objective: The start of menstruation is an important event in female puberty, but there are several health related problems that may be associated with its occurrence. Our goal was to estimate the frequency of menstrual... more
Background & Objective: The start of menstruation is an important event in female puberty, but there are several health related problems that may be associated with its occurrence. Our goal was to estimate the frequency of menstrual problems and determine the factors related with them in adolescents. Materials & Methods: Girls were recruited from the Mashhad and Sabzevar regions in northeastern Iran. Adolescent girls who had attained menarche were administrated to complete a self-reported questionnaire containing items about menstrual pattern and premenstrual symptoms. Descriptive and categorical data were analyzed for statistical significance using t-tests and chi-square tests. Results: Eight hundred and ninety seven girls (mean age 14.0±1.3 years) ranging in age from 10 to 19 years were recruited. The mean age of menarche was 12.57±1.19 years for the girls recruited in Sabzevar vs 12.68±1.23 years in group from Mashhad (P <0.05). Dysmenorrhea was observed in 617 (68.8%) of participants and irregular cycle was found in 168 (18.7%) of cases. Also, 47.6% of participants had premenstrual syndrome (PMS) which was significantly associated with dysmenorrhea (P<0.05). Backache (60%) and tendency to cry easily (31.8%) were common premenstrual disorders among participants. 21% had delayed menarche and 2.1% suffered from menorrhagia. The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea and obesity in girls with early menarche was significantly higher compared to those with delayed menarche (P<0.05). Conclusion: Menstrual disorders affect a large percentage of Iranian girls. More than half of participants experienced dysmenorrhea that often required medical treatment.
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Background & Objective: Socioeconomic impact evaluation is a systematic and data based analysis; it aims to determine the socioeconomic benefit of science in human life and health, organizational capabilities, decision making and so on.... more
Background & Objective: Socioeconomic impact evaluation is a systematic and data based analysis; it aims to determine the socioeconomic benefit of science in human life and health, organizational capabilities, decision making and so on. In this study, we intended to present the results of socioeconomic impact assessment in Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences (IUMS).
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Background & Objective: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections in children worldwide and Escherichia coli is the main pathogen that can cause UTI. The current study aims to investigate the antibacterial... more
Background & Objective: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections in children worldwide and Escherichia coli is the main pathogen that can cause UTI. The current study aims to investigate the antibacterial susceptibility pattern, biofilm production, and determine the frequency of afa and sfa genes in E. coli strains isolated from pediatrics with UTI from 2018 to 2019 in Hamadan, Iran. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 112 E. coli strains were collected from children with UTI. Disc diffusion method was performed to determine antimicrobial susceptibility. The PCR was used to detect the existence of afa and sfa genes. A microtiter plate assay was performed to test the biofilm production ability. Results: 81 (72.32%) of the 112 E. coli strains isolated from UTI samples were positive for biofilm development (22.2% strong, 33.3% moderate, and 44.4% weak). The afa and sfa genes were detected in 29.4% and 49.1% of the isolates, respectively. Most isolates were resistant to cephalothin (76.79%) and sensitive to imipenem and meropenem (100%). Conclusion: The afa and sfa genes have a significant correlation with strong biofilm formation in uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC).
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Background & Objective: There is a worldwide trend towards substitute synthetic antioxidants with natural alternatives to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis (UC). This study was conducted to evaluate the... more
Background & Objective: There is a worldwide trend towards substitute synthetic antioxidants with natural alternatives to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis (UC). This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Dracocephalum kotschyi extract on tissue injury and oxidative stress in an aceticacid induced colitis model. Materials & Methods: 48 male Wistar rats were allocated to 6 groups: healthy control, colitis control, and 4 treatment groups which administrated 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg of D. kotschyi extract respectively, and 200 mg/kg sulfasalazine once daily for 8 days after colitis induced. Colitis severity was assessed using histologic and macroscopic changes of damaged colon, and enzymatic antioxidant activities like superoxide dismutase (SOD), total thiol (-SH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lipid peroxidation marker MDA (malondialdehyde) were evaluated. Results: D. kotschyi extract (50mg/kg) decreased colonic macroscopic and histological damage scores, which were accompanied by a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation, and an increase in colonic antioxidant markers. Conclusion: The results suggest that D. kotschyi extract is effective against oxidative bowel damages induced in IBD and its beneficial effect is, at least in part, due to its antioxidant properties.
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Background & Objective: The neuroprotective potential of 1,8-Cineole (CIN) has recently been documented in vitro. Here we studied potential beneficial therapeutic effects of CIN, using the temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) pilocarpine rat... more
Background & Objective: The neuroprotective potential of 1,8-Cineole (CIN) has recently been documented in vitro. Here we studied potential beneficial therapeutic effects of CIN, using the temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) pilocarpine rat model through up-regulation of Bcl-2, as an anti-apoptotic gene. Materials & Methods: A total of 32 (n=8 per group) male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups as follows: i) normal rats (received CIN (50 mg/kg)). ii) Non-treated epileptic rats. iii) Vehicle epileptic rats treated with 10% Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20). iv) TLE-treated rats with CIN once daily (50 mg/kg), three days after the first seizure and up to 28 days, four days a week (treatment group). For the analysis, based on the Racine scale, the score of 4 and 5 was chosen. Rats were sacrificed and primed 28 days after the first seizure for both histopathological and quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Results: The findings showed that CIN prevents cell death caused by Pilocarpine, via regulatory effect on apoptotic and anti-apoptotic gene expression. QRT-PCR results showed a significant increment in the Bcl-2 expression, and a decrease in Caspas-3 gene in the epileptic group treated with CIN. Also, amount of total antioxidant capacity was higher in CIN treated group. Histological study of the brain regions revealed a significant decrease in the apoptotic and necrotic hippocampal cells in the treatment groups. Conclusion: Collectively, the present study showed CIN significantly induced neuroprotection effects for brain damage. It seems CIN can be a promising method for improving the effectiveness of therapy.
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Background & Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent malignancy leading to death across the world. However, patient survival is greatly affected following a diagnosis of diabetes. The purpose of this research was to study... more
Background & Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent malignancy leading to death across the world. However, patient survival is greatly affected following a diagnosis of diabetes. The purpose of this research was to study the correlation between diabetes and controlling risk factors with the survival rate of colorectal cancer patients. Materials & Methods: This retrospective follow-up study was done on 356 patients with colorectal cancer, who had been diagnosed during 1999-2013. Notably, the patients were selected using systematic random sampling. The patients were allocated into two groups according to the history of diabetes and its absence. The survival rate of the patients was assessed during the follow-up period up to 2018. Results: In colorectal cancer patients, the diabetes prevalence was 11%. The mean survival rate in patients with CRC and non-colorectal non-diabetic was 5.541±0.227 years and in diabetic patients was 0.508 ±5.246 years. No significant difference was apperceived in the survival rate of the diabetic and non-diabetic patients (P = 0.57). The risk of mortality in patients with CRC who were not treated with insulin increased and their survival decreased (P= 0.05). In metastatic stage of lymph nodes, it was 0.314 higher in patients with the metastasis to distant regions (P = 0.000). Conclusion: Based on the results, training diabetic patients regarding effective therapies in controlling risk factors, hyperglycemia, and screening for rapid diagnosis of CRC are essential to improve health and increase survival rate in diabetic patients.
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Background & Objective: Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in a wide range of conditions such as infectious and autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and various malignancies to unfavorable birth outcomes.... more
Background & Objective: Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in a wide range of conditions such as infectious and autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and various malignancies to unfavorable birth outcomes. We studied vitamin D status in a group of neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD) and its relationship with the outcome of heart surgery. Materials & Methods: Total vitamin D levels in plasma were measured before and 24 hours after the operation in 45 neonates with CHD undergoing heart surgery and in 77 hospitalized neonates without a history of CHD as controls, at Children's Medical Center between March and September 2018. Results: Preoperative vitamin D levels in patients with CHD were not significantly different from the control group (42.4 +/-18.0 versus 46.9 +/-27.7 nmol/L, P=0.640). Patients' vitamin D levels decreased postoperatively (42.4 +/-18.0 versus 36.2 +/-14.5 nmol/L, P=0.013). This decline was significant in the cyanotic and open-heart surgery groups, but not in non-cyanotic or closed-heart surgery groups. In 41 (91.1%) patients, the outcome was successful discharge from the hospital, in 3 (6.7%), the outcome was demise, and in one, it was not determined due to early discharge. Preoperative and postoperative vitamin D levels did not show any relationship with the outcome. However, logistic regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between the amount of postoperative decline in vitamin D levels and the outcome of death (OR=1.261, 95% CI=1.026-1.551, P=0.028). Conclusion: Results corroborates previous findings and suggests the amount of postoperative decline in vitamin D levels as a predictor of the outcome of heart surgery in CHD.
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Background & Objective: The present study aimed to assess the supportive role of open lung ventilation on respiratory mechanics, the rate of oxygenation, inflammatory biomarkers, and probable liver or renal injuries following coronary... more
Background & Objective: The present study aimed to assess the supportive role of open lung ventilation on respiratory mechanics, the rate of oxygenation, inflammatory biomarkers, and probable liver or renal injuries following coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Materials & Methods: This randomized double-blinded clinical trial study was conducted on 64 candidates for coronary artery bypass surgery using a cardiopulmonary pump. The patients were randomly categorized into the Positive endexpiratory pressure (PEEP) group (n = 32) or Zero End Expiratory Pressure (ZEEP) group (n = 32). Results: Interleukin-6 levels were similar between the PEEP and ZEEP groups before surgery (p = 0.18) and were significantly higher in the ZEEP group after pump insertion (p = 0.005). On the contrary, the levels of Interleukin-6 were significantly higher in the PEEP group after extubation (p = 0.001). The Between-group analysis also showed a significant difference between the levels of interleukin-6 in the ZEEP and PEEP groups, representing a greater increase in the PEEP group (p < 0.001). There was no difference in certain hemodynamic parameters, including heart rate, mean blood pressure, mean CO2 pressure (PCO2), mean concentration of HCO3, and base excess. The mean arterial O2 saturation was higher overall in the PEEP group compared to the ZEEP group. The mean PaO2/FiO2 was significantly higher in the PEEP than in the ZEEP group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Supportive ventilation technique leads to better oxygenation and better lung expansion, as well as lowering inflammatory biomarkers, after coronary artery bypass surgery.
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Androgens play an essential role in the regulation of the structure and function of the central nervous system and are involved in different types of cognitive functions and behaviors. The low levels of androgens may change cognitive... more
Androgens play an essential role in the regulation of the structure and function of the central nervous system and are involved in different types of cognitive functions and behaviors. The low levels of androgens may change cognitive functions and result in neurodegenerative disorders. Regarding the important role of androgens in the central nervous system, androgen deprivation by castration may lead to synaptic and cognitive dysfunction. The focus of this study is specifically on experiments reporting the role of androgen deprivation by castration in changes of neuronal system functions that underlies depression, anxiety, synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Also, we tried to explain a possible mechanism by which castration changes synaptic plasticity, memory formation and cognitive functions. In this review article, Science direct, PubMed and Scopus databases were explored to provide original articles. Studies show that castration leads to anxiety, depression, memory impairments and synaptic dysfunctions. On the other hand, it has been reported that castration decreases the level of some synaptic markers such as BDNF, PSD-95, and SYN. Therefore, regarding a positive correlation between cognitive performances and synaptic markers, it can be suggested that castration can exacerbate memory impairments, synaptic dysfunctions, and cognitive defects by decreasing the level of the synaptic markers. However, it is necessary to conduct more investigation to understanding the effects of castration on the central nervous system.
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COVID-19 spread rapidly worldwide and became a pandemic disease in April 2020. During this period, various medical complications of this disease have been reported, but less attention has been paid to the cognitive aspects caused by the... more
COVID-19 spread rapidly worldwide and became a pandemic disease in April 2020. During this period, various medical complications of this disease have been reported, but less attention has been paid to the cognitive aspects caused by the pandemic. In this review article, an attempt has been made to address the cognitive aspects of COVID-19 disease. Importantly, this disease has caused people to use their hands lesser than before the pandemic. It also forces the people to escape from the contaminated regions. In addition, mental fatigue resulting from long-term quarantine and staying at home, social jet lag due to changes in the hours of use of artificial light, economic problems, and poverty resulting from a long-lasting lockdown, are also the consequences of the pandemic. All of these consequences can be led to chronic psychological stress, which may induce several metabolic, immunological, cardiovascular, and psychological impairments and/or disorders. These outcomes indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic is a complicated issue that would not be resolved by considering the epidemiologic rules. There is an urgent need for a new branch of science which could be called “Pandemiology”, which could be categorized as a sub-branch of cognitive science. Pandemiology seems to be an interdisciplinary science and uses the social sciences, psychology, neuroscience, art, economy, politics, medicine, biology, media, and other sciences to better deal with the complications of such emerging pandemics.
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10.30699/jambs.30.139.190 Autoimmune myelofibrosis (AIMF) is considered as an infrequent cause of bone marrow fibrosis (BMF) and a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Due to its rarity, it is mistakenly diagnosed as... more
10.30699/jambs.30.139.190 Autoimmune myelofibrosis (AIMF) is considered as an infrequent cause of bone marrow fibrosis (BMF) and a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Due to its rarity, it is mistakenly diagnosed as primary myelofibrosis (MF). We describe the clinicopathologic features of a secondary form of AIMF in a 33year-old female patient with an undiagnosed SLE which presented with acute bicytopenia. Absence of splenomegaly, leukopenia, anemia, BMF (grade MF-1), and presence of autoantibodies were some of noticeable features. Treatment with corticosteroid led to complete regeneration of the bone marrow and subsequently to an improved hematological status. Six-month follow-up showed that the patient was in good clinical condition. Identification of AIMF is a diagnostic challenge and pitfall and it is actually a diagnosis of exclusion. It could be the first and only presenting feature of SLE and results in hematologic disturbances. So, we should consider SLE-associated AIMF in the differential diagnosis of pancytopenia.
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Bartter syndrome (BS) is a group of uncommon genetic disorders of reabsorption of salt in the cortical thick ascending limb (TAL) of the Henle's loop, typically distinguished by metabolic alkalosis, salt loss, hypokalemia, hyperreninemic... more
Bartter syndrome (BS) is a group of uncommon genetic disorders of reabsorption of salt in the cortical thick ascending limb (TAL) of the Henle's loop, typically distinguished by metabolic alkalosis, salt loss, hypokalemia, hyperreninemic hyperaldosteronism and normal blood pressure. Bartter syndrome type 3, recognized as a classic BS (CBS), occurs because of mutations in CLCNKB gene. We enrolled one consanguineous Iranian family with one patient in our study. Targeted genomic capture and massively parallel sequencing (MPS) of all recognized genes responsible for BS subtypes 1-5 were carried out to recognize the genetic reasons of BS. Here, we report the recognition of a novel homozygous frameshift mutation in the CLCNKB gene in an Iranian pedigree. The subjects were homozygous for a frameshift mutation (p.Gly662GlyfsX12) within CLCNKB gene that encodes the basolateral chloride voltage-gated channel Kb. The identification of other causative mutations in CLCNKB gene additionally supports the important function of this gene in causing BS. To the best of our knowledge, this is a novel CLCNKB gene mutation in BS children. The accurate function of the CLCNKB Gly662GlyfsX12 mutation in the CBS pathogenesis is still unknown.
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10.30699/jambs.30.139.177 Background & Objective: Screening and timely diagnosis of positive individuals is one of the important issues in controlling pandemic of Covid-19. Early and timely diagnosis of asymptomatic individuals, contact... more
10.30699/jambs.30.139.177 Background & Objective: Screening and timely diagnosis of positive individuals is one of the important issues in controlling pandemic of Covid-19. Early and timely diagnosis of asymptomatic individuals, contact tracking, disconnection of Covid-19 transmission chain through early detection of patients and decreasing R0 were the main objectives of the current study. Materials & Methods: The Covid-19 outpatient sampling detection project started in Zanjan province on March 26, 2020 and samples were taken from people suspected of having Corona Virus and people in contact with these patients. Results: All 31,937 cases (48% male, 52% female) who had referred to Comprehensive Health Care Centers until May 16, 2020, were selected. A considerable percentage of incidences were observed in Zanjan and Khodabandeh cities. 20% of the examined samples had positive results. A substantial incidence was found in the age group of over 70-year-old. Following implementation of the outpatient screening project, R0 fell below 1 in the province. Conclusion: Prior to the implementation of Covid-19 laboratorial outpatient screening project, the value of R0 was 1.4 in Zanjan province. However, this value fell below 1, after implementation of the laboratorial outpatient screening indicating that the principal way to effectively control Covid-19 is to detect positive cases and manage them.
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10.30699/jambs.30.139.170 Background & Objective: Acrylamide is a highly soluble, widely-produced industrial and cytotoxic material. Some substances with antioxidant properties can ameliorate the deleterious effect of acrylamide. Vitamin... more
10.30699/jambs.30.139.170 Background & Objective: Acrylamide is a highly soluble, widely-produced industrial and cytotoxic material. Some substances with antioxidant properties can ameliorate the deleterious effect of acrylamide. Vitamin C is necessary for the normal functioning of all cells and scavenging the free radicals due to the antioxidant properties. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin C on the biochemical parameters and histological changes in the kidney tissue damage induced by acrylamide in rats. Materials & Methods: Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10): 1) the control group, 2) acrylamide group, 3) vitamin C group, and 4) acrylamide + vitamin C group. Histopathologic assessment (by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H& E) staining of the kidney tissue) was performed and biochemical parameters (serum malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), urea, and creatinine) were measured. Results: There was a significant enhancement in the serum urea, creatinine, and malondialdehyde levels in the acrylamide group compared to the other groups (P < 0.001). Serum TAC increased in the vitamin C group compared to the acrylamide + vitamin C and acrylamide groups (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: The present study showed that chronic consumption of acrylamide can lead to pathological changes in the kidney tissue as well as unfavorable alteration in serum urea, creatinine, TAC, and MDA levels. Concurrent vitamin C consumption had a significant preventive effect on the aforementioned parameters. Therefore, vitamin C can play a protective and antioxidant role in decreasing the toxic effects of acrylamide in rat kidneys.
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10.30699/jambs.30.139.162 Background & Objective: Hospitals niche as a source and repository for microbial infections are playing a significant role in the health of hospitalized patients. Bacteria are playing an essential role in human... more
10.30699/jambs.30.139.162 Background & Objective: Hospitals niche as a source and repository for microbial infections are playing a significant role in the health of hospitalized patients. Bacteria are playing an essential role in human and animal blood infections and meningitis. The prevalence of bacterial agents and their susceptibility patterns are fundamental goals of current research. Materials & Methods: Sampling was carried out in two main educational hospitals, Sari City, Iran, from April 2016 to March 2017. After traditional biochemical tests, susceptibility testing of isolates was performed taking advantage of Kerby-Bauer. Subsequently, the frequency of related bacterial agents to meningitis and bacteremia and their susceptibility patterns were analyzed. Results: Frequencies of bacterial isolates in Bouali and Imam Hospitals for meningitis (1.9%, 3.5%), bacteremia (31.9%, 26.3%), and urinary tract infection (UTI) were screened (66.2%, 70.1%). Staphylococcus aureus (41.7%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (45%) were the highest isolates of meningitis in the mentioned hospital. These values to bacteremia were as follows: Gram-negative Staphylococci (30.7%), Escherichia coli (30%). Coagulase-negative Staphylococci isolates recovered from meningitis were completely sensitive to ciprofloxacin and Gentamycin. In addition, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella and Acinetobacter spp showed higher than 90% resistance against ampicillin. E. coli, Klebsiella spp and S. aureus showed 100% resistance to amoxiclav; while Klebsiella spp were completely sensitive to amoxiclav. Conclusion: Given the bacterial isolates detected from hospital wards and following the findings prompt diagnosis method is essential to control infections and the proper use of effective antibiotics.
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10.30699/jambs.30.139.154 Background & Objective: Phage therapy could be used as an alternative method to antibiotic treatments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activities of isolated lytic bacteriophage... more
10.30699/jambs.30.139.154 Background & Objective: Phage therapy could be used as an alternative method to antibiotic treatments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activities of isolated lytic bacteriophage against ciprofloxacin-resistant strain of Salmonella infanits in vitro conditions. Materials & Methods: The standard strain of Salmonella infantis and its specific bacteriophage was isolated by soft agar method. Phage susceptibility to heat and pH was evaluated by the Double-Layer Agar method. In vitro assay was carried out on human epithelial type 2 (HEp-2) cells to investigate the effect of bacteriophage on the cytotoxic and invasion of Salmonella infantis to human epithelial cells. Results: Head and tail morphology of bacteriophages against Salmonella infantis were identified by transmission electron microscopy and assigned to the Myoviridae family. The results of the double-layer agar assay showed that the titer of bacteriophages was 1.8×10 7 PFU/ml. bacteriophage was stable at 4 ֯ C and the best quantification of bacteriophage was determined at pH=8. The isolated bacteriophage was specific for Salmonella infantis and had no lytic activity against other pathogenic bacteria. In the evaluation of the binding and invasion of Salmonella infantis to the HEp-2 cell line, as expected, the lytic activity of specific bacteriophage was observed following inoculation. Conclusion: Additional studies are needed for better understanding of the interaction between phage, microorganisms and human host before applying phage therapy on a large scale.
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10.30699/jambs.30.139.146 Background & Objective: Lead entry into the body causes considerable damages to the brain in the long term. We aimed to investigate the effects of exercise (treadmill running) and flaxseed oil on lead... more
10.30699/jambs.30.139.146 Background & Objective: Lead entry into the body causes considerable damages to the brain in the long term. We aimed to investigate the effects of exercise (treadmill running) and flaxseed oil on lead acetate-induced behavioral deficits in male rats. Materials & Methods: 60 rats were divided into 6 groups: Control (C), Exercise (Ex), Flaxseed oil (FO), Lead (L), Lead-Exercise (L-Ex), and Lead-Flaxseed oil (L-FO). Groups L, L-Ex, and L-FO obtained 100 mg/kg of lead acetate, and groups FO and L-FO received 4 ml/kg (by gavage) of flaxseed oil for 28 consecutive days and Ex, and L-Ex groups ran on the treadmill. At the end of the session, spatial memory, depression, and anxiety behaviors were examined utilizing Morris water maze, forced swimming test, and elevated plus maze respectively. Results: Lead acetate impaired learning and memory and led to depression and anxiety in rats. Treadmill running and flaxseed oil, both, improved learning and memory and decreased anxiety, but unlike treadmill running, flaxseed oil could not prevent depression resulted from lead consumption. Conclusion: Exercising (treadmill running) and flaxseed oil prevent lead-induced behavioral deficits.
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10.30699/jambs.30.139.138 Background & Objective: Retinopathy is a common difficulty in diabetic subjects. Hyperglycemia damages the tissues through stimulation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Since the antioxidant function of... more
10.30699/jambs.30.139.138 Background & Objective: Retinopathy is a common difficulty in diabetic subjects. Hyperglycemia damages the tissues through stimulation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Since the antioxidant function of garlic has been proven, in the current report the activity of aqueous garlic extract (AGE) upon the oxidative stress and inflammation in the retinal substances of rats with diabetes was investigated. Materials & Methods: 24 male Wistar rats were distributed in 4 groups: the healthy rats, the rats with diabetes (DM2),the garlic-treated rats with diabetes (DM2+AGE), and the garlic-treated healthy rats (AGE). After the treatment was finished, oxidative stress, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), thiol group (SH), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were assayed. For the evaluation of inflammation, mRNA and protein levels of transforming growth factor beta-2 (TGF-β2) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were measured in retinal homogenates using real-time PCR and ELISA, correspondingly. Results: In the DM2 rats, TAC and thiol group diminished (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively), whereas TOS and LPO increased (p<0.01 and p<0.001, correspondingly) compared to the control rats. In the DM2+AGE rats TAC and thiol group increased (p<0.01 and p<0.05, correspondingly), whereas TOS and LPO diminished (p<0.05 and p<0.001, correspondingly) compared with DM2 rats. The gene expression and protein concentrations of TGF-β2 and IL-1β increased in the DM2 rats compared to the healthy group, whereas these parameters decreased in the DM2+AGE rats compared to the untreated rats with diabetes (p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings revealed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory results of garlic extract. Thus, garlic extract could be beneficial for lessening diabetesinduced retinopathy.
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10.30699/jambs.30.139.129 Background & Objective: Breast cancer patients need a variety of skills and abilities to deal with the consequences of the illness. Self-management is one of the operational strategies that leads to disease... more
10.30699/jambs.30.139.129 Background & Objective: Breast cancer patients need a variety of skills and abilities to deal with the consequences of the illness. Self-management is one of the operational strategies that leads to disease acceptance, treatment adherence, and improving the quality of life. The use of smartphone applications (apps) can play a pivotal role in the support and self-management of breast cancer patients. This study aimed to identify the educational contents and technical features of a selfmanagement smartphone app for women with breast cancer in Iran. Materials & Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in 2020. The statistical population of the study consists of 120 women with breast cancer who were selected via simple random sampling. For data collection, a self-designed questionnaire was developed in which validity and reliability of the questionnaire was measured. The statistical analysis of the data was made using the SPSS software. Results: From the breast cancer patients' point of view, the most important educational contents of the smartphone app. include information acquisition (4.73), lifestyle management (4.65), symptom management (4.43), psychological management (4.01), and compatibility with changes (3.98) respectively. In terms of technical features the most important characteristics were ease of the app. use (4.83), simple visual interface (4.75), security and privacy of information (4.63), reminders (4.55) and the ability to communicate (4.42). Conclusion: For more effective smartphone apps, educational contents and technical features of apps should be designed based on the needs and preferences of patients. To ensure the use and acceptance of the app., developers should design apps that have technical requirements.
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10.30699/jambs.30.139.123 Background & Objective: Caring for children with autism is associated with parental stress and puts them at risk for depression and anxiety. Increasing resilience may help reduce the parents' stress. The main... more
10.30699/jambs.30.139.123 Background & Objective: Caring for children with autism is associated with parental stress and puts them at risk for depression and anxiety. Increasing resilience may help reduce the parents' stress. The main objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between resilience and anxiety, depression, and stress in families with autistic children in 2018. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 137 members of the target families were selected randomly. The cases were surveyed based on the family resilience scale and DASS-21 questionnaire with the checklist of demographics variables. The collected data were analyzed by the MS Excel and SPSS V.22 software. Results: There was no significant correlation between age/gender and resilience, but depression and anxiety was related to the level of resiliency. Income and history of mental illness had significant associations with depression. The family size, educational level, income, and history of mental illness had a significant effect on anxiety. The level of education, income, history of mental illness and gender had statistically significant associations with the level of stress among individuals. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, family resilience is the factor that directly correlates with the level of depression, anxiety and stress among the family members of the autistic children. It is therefore advisable to increase this ability of individuals in various ways, such as training, counseling and supporting groups.
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10.30699/jambs.30.139.116 Background & Objective: It has been reported that low concentration of zinc in serum is associated with insulin resistance (IR), also appears to be a relationship between insulin and leptin. In this study the... more
10.30699/jambs.30.139.116 Background & Objective: It has been reported that low concentration of zinc in serum is associated with insulin resistance (IR), also appears to be a relationship between insulin and leptin. In this study the possibility of increased leptin concentration and zinc deficiency was evaluated. Their relationship with overweight and IR was also investigated in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials & Methods: In this case-control study, 104 PCOS cases and 99 healthy individuals as control were included. Blood specimens were collected from participants post overnight fasting period; zinc concentrations (spectrophotometry method), leptin (ELISA method), insulin (ECLIA method), lipid profiles and glucose were measured with enzymatic method. The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index determined the IR level. Results: Zinc level was 87.20 ± 11.32 μg/dl in PCOS group, and 113.68 ± 8.31μg/dl in control group. Leptin concentration was 23.06 ± 3.33 ng/mL and 19.37 ± 3.34 ng/mL, and IR was 2.37 ± 0.83 and 1.45 ± 0.74 in case and control groups, respectively (all p<0.001). Zinc had marked negative correlation with leptin, insulin, and IR (p<0.001). According to the subject, which waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) parameters were confounding factors, hyperleptinemia and zinc decrement significantly affected PCOS subjects. In contrast, only zinc decrement had an association with PCOS, after eliminating the confounding factors (OR: 0.782, p<0.001). Conclusion: Zinc reduction is more effective on PCOS than hyperleptinemia. Hyperleptinemia has association with waist circumference and BMI; it can also affect PCOS. Zinc deficiency is a more effective factor than an increase in leptin concentration in women with PCOS.
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10.30699/jambs.30.139.109 Background & Objective: Tuberculosis (TB) remains an ongoing major public health problem in the world. In recent years, experimental evidenc suggests a link between TB and Vitamin (Vit) D. This study was... more
10.30699/jambs.30.139.109 Background & Objective: Tuberculosis (TB) remains an ongoing major public health problem in the world. In recent years, experimental evidenc suggests a link between TB and Vitamin (Vit) D. This study was conducted to determine serum Vit D, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and parathormone (PTH) levels in untreated pulmonary TB (PTB) patients. Materials & Methods: In this case control study, 50 outdoor PTB patients were selected with 50 gender-matched controls from April 2019 to March 2020. Controls were drawn randomly from general population. Body mass index (BMI), serum Vit D, PTH, Ca, P, Albumin (Alb), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and direct bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) levels were measured in the two study groups. The results were analyzed on SPSS version 25. Results: Median [IQR] Vit D levels were 17.4 [14.0-24.0] ng/ml in cases,and 23.0 [18.0-27.0] ng/ml in controls (p=0.002). Median [IQR] serum corrected Ca value for the TB patients (8.91 [8.60-9.15] mg/dL) was significantly lower than that of the healthy controls (9.60 [9.15-9.89] mg/dL, P< 0.001). Median [IQR] PTH was 48 in TB patients [45-52 pg/ml] and 38 in controls [28-42 pg/ml] (p<0.0001). Conclusion: BMI and uncorrected and corrected serum Ca, P, Vit D, Alb, and both two aminotransferases levels were significantly lower and serum PTH was significantly higher in patients with TB as compared to controls.
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10.30699/jambs.30.139.101 Background & Objective: Perioperative myocardial ischemia remains one of the most serious complications of cardiac surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bolus esmolol versus its infusion on... more
10.30699/jambs.30.139.101 Background & Objective: Perioperative myocardial ischemia remains one of the most serious complications of cardiac surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bolus esmolol versus its infusion on hemodynamic responses after laryngoscopy and intubation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Materials & Methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 75 patients that were allocated into three groups. In the infusion group, 10 minutes prior to laryngoscopy 0.5 mg/kg esmolol was injected, and then, 200 µg/kg/minute esmolol was infused. In the bolus group, 2 minutes prior to the laryngoscopy 1.5 mg/kg bolus dose of esmolol was injected intravenously. In the control group, a bolus dose of normal saline was administered. Heart rate (HR), Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures and mean arterial pressure (MAP), were recorded every one minute from 10 minutes prior to laryngoscopy to 10 minutes after intubation. Repeated measure ANOVA was applied as statistical analysis. Results: SBP was at the lowest rate since laryngoscopy was started until 10 minutes after intubation in the esmolol infusion group (P= 0.029). From the initiation of laryngoscopy to 6 minutes after the intubation, DBP was at the lowest rate in the infusion group. There was a significant difference between the groups regarding DBP changes during the measurement. ANOVA model showed that interaction between time and groups on SBP, MAP, and HR (P< 0.05). Conclusion: According to our results, the exact doses of esmolol infusion significantly reduced the level of SBP during intubation, compared with bolus esmolol.
10.30699/jambs.30.139.86 Bisphenol A, as a primary substance used for making many plastic devices enters the body through various routes such as skin penetration, oral ingestion, and inhalation and is among the chemicals leading to the... more
10.30699/jambs.30.139.86 Bisphenol A, as a primary substance used for making many plastic devices enters the body through various routes such as skin penetration, oral ingestion, and inhalation and is among the chemicals leading to the disruption of the endocrine system. It exerts its destructive effects on the various tissues through estrogen, androgen, thyroid, pregnane X, and aryl hydrocarbon receptors. This review study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacological effects of bisphenol and its signaling pathways especially in the adipose tissue. Studies have shown that the disruption in the level of adipocytokines can contribute to the formation and progression of the chronic diseases such as cancers. Decreased level of adiponectin (as an adipokine secreted from white adipose tissue) and increased levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and leptin are among the disruptions caused by bisphenol which can develop different types of cancers. Accordingly, it seems that the use of bisphenol and contact with it should be reconsidered with regard to its destructive effects on the endocrine system.
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Novel coronavirus causes the outbreak of COVID-19. There is still no verified treatment regimen against this novel virus; however, different drugs and compounds have been tested against it. Ample proposals have led to a good understanding... more
Novel coronavirus causes the outbreak of COVID-19. There is still no verified treatment regimen against this novel virus; however, different drugs and compounds have been tested against it. Ample proposals have led to a good understanding of pathogenesis and drug efficacy against the novel virus disease. Excess systemic inflammation, which is described as cytokine storm, in the severe cases of COVID-19 can pass through the blood-brain barrier, enter the brain tissue, and activate the microglial cells and oligodenritcytes. Activation of the microglia cells and oligodenritcytes can increase generation of reactive oxygen species in the brain. Excess generation of reactive oxygen species can in turn increase neuroinflammation in some cases of patients with COVID-19. Treatment of COVID-19 is far from clear. Today, some antiviral drugs such as remdisivir, favipiravir, ribavirin, kaletra, and arbidol are being tested against the disease. Besides these drugs, corticosteroids, anti-malaria drugs (such as chloroquine family), anticoagulants (such as heparin or enoxaparin) are repurposed. In this paper, first we explained the pathogenesis of COVID-19 particles, particularly in the brain. Second, we reviewed recent treatment options up to now, including interferon therapy, convalescent plasma exchange, plasmapheresis, immunoglobin therapy, and use of specified monoclonal anti-bodies in COVID-19 patients.
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Over the past two decades, coronaviruses have been associated with a significant prevalence. Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) emerged in 2002 and 2012, respectively. In late 2019, a new... more
Over the past two decades, coronaviruses have been associated with a significant prevalence. Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) emerged in 2002 and 2012, respectively. In late 2019, a new coronavirus, as the third most common human coronavirus outbreak in recent two decades, appeared in Wuhan, China, and quickly became a global health threat (1, 2). On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially named the current disease COVID-19¬, which is caused by SARS-CoV-2. (3) Health workers and organizations worldwide are working hard to control and prevent further outbreaks of the disease.
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10.30699/jambs.30.140.299 This is a report of a 17-year-old wrestler who had suffered from a sport injury during an international competition that led to recurrent shoulder dislocation. Physical examination showed that he had a severe... more
10.30699/jambs.30.140.299 This is a report of a 17-year-old wrestler who had suffered from a sport injury during an international competition that led to recurrent shoulder dislocation. Physical examination showed that he had a severe ligamentous laxity. In the magnetic resonance images there were combined humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) and Bankart lesions. Combination of Bankart and HAGL lesions, severe ligamentous laxity, being adolescent and requiring a full recovery to resume wrestling professionally, made this case unique. Here we explain his imaging and arthroscopic findings, the technique used for arthroscopic repair, and his midterm follow-up results.
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The 2019 Coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19) has spread to over two hundred countries worldwide, affecting > 170 million people and causing >3,500,000 deaths (May 29, 2021). Severe COVID-19 disease mostly disturbs the respiratory... more
The 2019 Coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19) has spread to over two hundred countries worldwide, affecting > 170 million people and causing >3,500,000 deaths (May 29, 2021). Severe COVID-19 disease mostly disturbs the respiratory system, but gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting, nausea and diarrhea, are also present. Herein, we are reporting a COVID-19 patient with acute pancreatitis (AP) in Zanjan, Iran.. This patient showed acute pancreatitis as a COVID-19-related complication, emphasizing the importance of evaluating pancreas-specific plasma amylase levels in patients with COVID-19 and intestinal cramping.
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10.30699/jambs.30.140.289 Background & Objective: Burn wound infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibiting β-lactam antibiotic resistance are one of the greatest challenges of antimicrobial treatment. In this context, P.... more
10.30699/jambs.30.140.289 Background & Objective: Burn wound infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibiting β-lactam antibiotic resistance are one of the greatest challenges of antimicrobial treatment. In this context, P. aeruginosa strains harboring resistance mechanisms, such as production of extended-spectrum betalactamases have the highest clinical impact no the management of burn wound infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) against P. aeruginosa harboring Cefotaximase-Munich (CTX-M) gene strains. Materials & Methods: In this study, 60 isolates of P. aeruginosa were collected from burn wound infections referred to major hospitals of Tehran, Iran. All strains were assessed for the presence of beta-lactamase CTX-M gene by polymerase chain reaction. In-vitro antibacterial effect of IONPs against P. aeruginosa harboring CTX-M strains was assessed by microdilution assay and CTX-M gene expression profile using Real-time PCR. Results: Our results demonstrated that 12/60 isolates were identified to be CTX-Mproducing P. aeruginosa with multidrug resistance phenotypes. Our results indicated that the CTX-M gene frequency was 20%. We found that the expression of CTX-M gene in P. aeruginosa strains treated with IONPs (6.21±4.1) was much lower than that of non-treated (9.73±2.02) nanoparticles (P=0.000). Also, IONPs at 256 μg/ml had inhibitory effect on the growth of P. aeruginosa by suppressing CTX-M expression. Conclusion: IONPs have potent antibacterial properties against P. aeruginosa through the suppression of CTX-M expression. According to our results, IONPs are promising tools for the development of new antimicrobial drugs against P. aeruginosa, since these composites have potential to decrease antibiotic resistance.
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10.30699/jambs.30.140.281 Background & Objective: This study was conducted to shed light on the hidden relationships, trends, and patterns of the teenagers' mental health dataset based on data mining techniques. Materials & Methods: The... more
10.30699/jambs.30.140.281 Background & Objective: This study was conducted to shed light on the hidden relationships, trends, and patterns of the teenagers' mental health dataset based on data mining techniques. Materials & Methods: The proposed method has four parts as follows: data preprocessing, data cleaning, target class selection, and extracting rules. The classes included inappropriate, moderate, and acceptable. The rules were extracted separately by implementing ID3, CHAID, and rule induction on the Caspian 5 dataset. Results: It was found that the teenagers who rarely drink carbonated soda and have dinner seven days a week, have acceptable status of mental health. Besides, watching TV and playing computer games for 4 hours or more per week, drinking tea and packaged juices, eating cakes, cookies, pastries, biscuits, and chocolate weekly could lead to inappropriate status of mental health. Conclusion: An attempt to improve health especially in youth is one of the important concerns of every country. The rules express the negative impact of soda on mental health. Besides, it can be concluded that there is a direct relationship between having breakfast and mental health.
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10.30699/jambs.30.140.275 Background & Objective: Monoarthritis is the inflammation of a single joint. There is limited data on the etiology of monorthritis in Iran. This study was aimed to evaluate epidemiologic charecteristics of the... more
10.30699/jambs.30.140.275 Background & Objective: Monoarthritis is the inflammation of a single joint. There is limited data on the etiology of monorthritis in Iran. This study was aimed to evaluate epidemiologic charecteristics of the patients with monorthritis in Kashan, Iran. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 227 patients with monorthritis referred to the rheumatology clinic of Kashan, Iran between 2018 and 2019. General, physical and rheumatological examinations were performed on all patients. synovial fluid samples were analyzed for viscosity, leucocyte count, Gram's staining, culture and microscopic evaluation of crystals. Results: Mean age of the patients at the baseline was 56.1±17.2 years, out of whom 44.1% were male. Acute and chronic monoarthritis cases were 51.5% and 48.5%, respectively. The most common involved joint was the knee (60.7%) followed by the ankle (32.2%). Pseudogout (39.3%) and gout (31.6%) were the most common causes of acute monoarthritis. There was no significant difference in etiology of acute monoarthritis between male and female (P value=0.33). Osteoarthritis (53.50%) and rheumatoid arthritis (25.50%) were the most common causes of chronic arthritis. A significant correlation was obtained between sex and causes of chronic monoarthritis (P value=0.012). Patients with various etiologies of chronic monoarthritis had significantly different mean age (P value<0.001). Conclusion: The knee joint was the most common site affected by monoarthritis. Pseudogout and osteoarthritis were the most common causes of acute and chronic arthritis, respectively.
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10.30699/jambs.30.140.269 Background & Objective: COVID-19 is a serious disease with different symptoms and risk factors infecting and killing many people around the world. This study was performed to investigate the demographic and... more
10.30699/jambs.30.140.269 Background & Objective: COVID-19 is a serious disease with different symptoms and risk factors infecting and killing many people around the world. This study was performed to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 suspects referred to the hospitals and coronavirus treatment centers of Shahroud, Iran. Materials & Methods: Upon the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic in Shahroud, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences launched a project to systematically record the demographic, clinical, and medical data of all suspects referred to the Corona Center. In this study, the data of 3945 suspected people collected during 5 months were analyzed. The RT-PCR test was used as the criterion for diagnosing the disease. Results: Among 3945 suspected cases, 24.4% had positive RT-PCR test. The mean age of confirmed cases was 52.16 years. Dry cough and fever in addition to anorexia were reported as the most common symptoms. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that people over 60 years with heart disease reduce the risk, while people over 60 years, diabetics, and obese people increase the risk of infection. Conclusion: These results necessitate further lines of research into different symptoms and risk factors to help identify COVID-19 cases earlier and start faster treatment.
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10.30699/jambs.30.140.263 Background & Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease defined by chronic synovitis and progressive joint destruction. This study investigated calprotectin as a serological marker in the hope... more
10.30699/jambs.30.140.263 Background & Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease defined by chronic synovitis and progressive joint destruction. This study investigated calprotectin as a serological marker in the hope of establishing an adequate means of diagnosing RA and following up on patients. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study included 32 RA patients who were referred to the rheumatology clinic of Baqiyatallah Hospital (Tehran, Iran) from 2019 to 2020. Clinical examinations and requested laboratory tests was performed. The final visit was placed after a year with the same method as the initial visit. Disease activity was assessed by Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS-28) for 28 joints which is assessable by ESR or CRP and data were analyzed by SPSS 20 version. Results: changes over time were significant in both (P=0.00 and P=0.00), and a significant relationship was found between the quantitative scores of the two forms of DAS-28 (P<0.000). Calprotectin did not show any significant correlation with either form of the DAS-28 quantitatively. Ahead of logistic regression analysis on the after one-year C-reactive protein based DAS-28 data, patients with cured disease or low disease activity were combined into one group. Accordingly, calprotectin was able to predict RA activity level to some extent (P=0.06), though a more efficient prediction was achieved when erythrocyte sedimentation rate and calprotectin were applied together (P=0.03). Conclusion: ESR and calprotectin did not show good power in predicting disease activity individually but they could have significantly high prediction potency combined.
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10.30699/jambs.30.140.255 Background & Objective: Growth is an important marker of child health. It has been shown recently that a chronic inflammatory condition, known as Environmental Enteric Dysfunction might play a more significant... more
10.30699/jambs.30.140.255 Background & Objective: Growth is an important marker of child health. It has been shown recently that a chronic inflammatory condition, known as Environmental Enteric Dysfunction might play a more significant role on growth velocity than clinical infections. The present study aims to investigate the fecal myeloperoxidase concentration (a marker of gut inflammation) and its relationship with growth velocity. Materials & Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 74 children from rural population of Iran (2 to 5 years of age) were randomly included. The heights and weights of the children were measured at a quarterly interval. The stool samples were obtained from all children in order to measure myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentration. The growth velocity was assessed on the basis of height for age Z-score and weight for age Z-score changes. A questionnaire on socioeconomic status was also completed by children's parents. Results: 82 children aged 2 to 5 years (37 females and 45 males) with mean age of 40.63 ± 12.7 months participated in this study. The mean fecal MPO level was 71.26 ng/ml (Min-Max: 2-232.33 ng/ml). There was no significant relationship between fecal myeloperoxidase level and changes in height and weight Z scores. Moreover, there was no significant relationship between socioeconomic status of households and fecal myeloperoxidase level. Conclusion: The mean level of fecal MPO in the present study was lower than similar studies. This significant difference might be mainly due to the better social status of families and environmental conditions of villages in our study.
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10.30699/jambs.30.140.249 Background & Objective: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) determined by permanent kidney damage. Due to the similarity of clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism with CKD, hypothyroidism may be neglected and remain... more
10.30699/jambs.30.140.249 Background & Objective: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) determined by permanent kidney damage. Due to the similarity of clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism with CKD, hypothyroidism may be neglected and remain untreated. The goal of our study was to evaluate the rate of hypothyroidism in CKD patients who need hemodialysis. Materials & Methods: This is a cross-sectional research. The sampling method was census and included all CKD patients in need of hemodialysis, who had undergone hemodialysis for at least three months. Serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones were measured in these patients, then the collected data were statistically analyzed. Results: We studied 108 patients, 58 males (53.7%) and 50 females (46.3%). The mean age of the patients was 61.09 ± 13.45 years. The mean serum levels of hormones were as follows: TSH: 1.64±1.78 µIL/ml, T3:0.88 ± 0.2ng/dl, and T4:7.7±1.6 µg/dl. In this study, 7.4% of the patients had high TSH levels, 3.7% of the patients had decreased T4 levels and 10.2% of the patients had lower than normal T3 levels. Conclusion: The rate of hypothyroidism in CKD patients who needed hemodialysis was higher than the normal population. It is recommended that serum TSH, and T4 levels in CKD patients be measured regularly to detect subclinical hypothyroid cases.
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10.30699/jambs.30.140.241 Background & Objective: COVID-19 was first seen in Wuhan-China in December 2019, and became a widely-spreadepidemic and caused a terrifying lifethreatening problem in most societies of the world. In Iran, a... more
10.30699/jambs.30.140.241 Background & Objective: COVID-19 was first seen in Wuhan-China in December 2019, and became a widely-spreadepidemic and caused a terrifying lifethreatening problem in most societies of the world. In Iran, a declaration was made on January 20, 2020, and all health systems were alerted of the disease threats. Materials & Methods: We collected all chest CT scans of 200 cases diagnosed as COVID-19 who died in 22 hospitals of Golestan Province, Iran. All data were collected in a designed checklist, then statistical evaluation was made using descriptive analysis and Chi-Square test. Results: The most frequent complaints in patients were dyspnea (38.5%), fever (15%), and dry cough (13%). Hypertension (22.5%), Heart disease (18.5%), and diabetes (15%) were present as underlying diseases. CT scan findings showed Ground Glass Opacity (96%), consolidation (44%), pleural effusion (26.5%), crazy paving (15%), and cardiomegaly (15.5%). Conclusion: Based on this study, hypertension as an underlying disease was significantly related to Highly Suggestive CT scans. No relation was found between cardiomegaly and death under 48 hours. Our findings Showed Ground Glass Opacity (GGO) in 192 (96%), consolidation in 88 (44%), crazy paving in 30 (15%), cardiomegaly in 30 (15%), and pleural effusion in 53 (26.5%) cases.
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10.30699/jambs.30.140.232 Background & Objective: Currently, no therapeutic or surgical treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been officially approved. This is a serious void in the medical field given the increasing... more
10.30699/jambs.30.140.232 Background & Objective: Currently, no therapeutic or surgical treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been officially approved. This is a serious void in the medical field given the increasing prevalence of NAFLD cases in developing countries. Our study compared the therapeutic effect of metformin, melatonin and vitamin E on serum parameters that are associated with NAFLD pathogenesis. Materials & Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 140 patients with NAFLD who were referred to the central hospital of Qazvin. Patients were assigned randomly into four groups. The first group received metformin (500mg daily) with two placebos, the second group received melatonin (10mg daily) with two placebos, the third group received daily 800 IU vitamin E with two placebos and the fourth group received three placebos daily. All four groups were placed on the same diet regimen and had the same lifestyle changes to increase their daily activity time. Ultrasonography was used for the evaluation of the appearance of liver. Weight, BMI, AST, ALT, lipid profile and FBS were measured at baseline, 3 months and 6 months later. Results: All of the therapeutic agents caused a decrease in aminotransferases but metformin was also more potent in improving lipid profiles. A significant difference in LDL was obtained by melatonin (mean change in the control vs. melatonin 15.9; P=0.032) and AST (mean change in control vs. melatonin-18.3; P<0.001). Metformin improved liver appearance in ultrasonography imaging better than the other treatments (P=0.043). Conclusion: Metformin can be considered an effective medication but melatonin may accelerate the healing process in NAFLD patients.
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10.30699/jambs.30.140.223 Background & Objective: Hospital readmissions are common and expensive. Identifying the patients who are at high risk of readmission can decrease readmission cases. Hence, in the present study, the clinical... more
10.30699/jambs.30.140.223 Background & Objective: Hospital readmissions are common and expensive. Identifying the patients who are at high risk of readmission can decrease readmission cases. Hence, in the present study, the clinical characteristics, biomarker results, and Computed Tomography (CT) criteria of all the readmitted patients were assessed. Materials & Methods: Data of 98 readmitted patients to the Baqiyatallah Hospital in Tehran were reviewed from December 22, 2019 through June 20, 2020. We classified the readmitted patients into three groups: patients (1) without COVID-19 symptoms, (2) with suspected COVID-19, and (3) with confirmed COVID-19 infection. Results: Our data revealed that the frequency of gender was significantly different between the groups (with higher frequency in men). The duration between the two admissions was significantly low in the confirmed COVID-19 group. Ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were more common in confirmed COVID-19 group. High levels of CRP, and ESR were detected in the confirmed COVID-19 group. During the first admission, the WBC count was significantly lower in the confirmed COVID-19 group, the RBC count and hemoglobin level were significantly higher in both first and second admissions in the confirmed COVID-19 group. Most of the patients had bilateral lung lesions and ground glass opacities (GGO) in their CT Scans in the second admission. Conclusion: Our data suggested that the older men and ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus had a high risk of hospital readmission in COVID-19. The confirmed COVID-19 group showed a shorter time to be readmitted.
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10.30699/jambs.30.140.215 Background & Objective: Measurement of inflammatory markers and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) may contribute to the evaluation of lung involvement severity. This study aimed to evaluate relationship between... more
10.30699/jambs.30.140.215 Background & Objective: Measurement of inflammatory markers and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) may contribute to the evaluation of lung involvement severity. This study aimed to evaluate relationship between severity of primary lung involvement with highest level of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and LDH in patients with COVID-19. Materials & Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 123 patients with COVID-19 in Shahid Sadoughi Hospital. Data including age, gender, ESR (mm/h), LDH (U/L), and high-resolution Computed Tomography scan (HRCT) findings and hospitalization ward were extracted from medical records. The regression model was used to determine the relation between HRCT findings with LDH and ESR.
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10.30699/jambs.30.140.211 A number of studies have previously provided evidence on the Anti-inflammatory properties of plant-derived compounds that can prevent lung injury. In this study, we attempted to analyze the therapeutic effects of... more
10.30699/jambs.30.140.211 A number of studies have previously provided evidence on the Anti-inflammatory properties of plant-derived compounds that can prevent lung injury. In this study, we attempted to analyze the therapeutic effects of PM 014 on inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis in COVID-19 as well as describing the treatment of one of the most challenging problems related to the coronavirus-19 (COVID-19). We believe that having a close look at all angles of the proposed mechanism goes beyond the physiological consequences of a way to design new strategies for providing an appropriate treatment.
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10.30699/jambs.30.140.200 Background & Objective: Hearing loss as a sensory disorder is among the most common developmental disorders. Based on the universal neonatal screening results, the incidence of hearing deficit is 1-3 per 1000... more
10.30699/jambs.30.140.200 Background & Objective: Hearing loss as a sensory disorder is among the most common developmental disorders. Based on the universal neonatal screening results, the incidence of hearing deficit is 1-3 per 1000 live births in the well-baby nursery population and 2-4 in 100 newborns in the intensive care community. The aim of this study was to highlight the main risk factors for hearing loss based on the existing evidence. Materials & Methods: We searched all observational studies related to risk factors of hearing loss from 1990 to 2019 in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science direct, and google scholar search engines. Quality of the included studies was evaluated by the STROBE checklist. Totally, 17 observational studies met our inclusion criteria. Results: In most of the reviewed studies, the relations between hearing loss in infants and some maternal and neonatal variables such as ventilatory support, craniofacial anomalies, hyperbilirubinemia, meningitis, Apgar scores, sepsis, asphyxia, stay in intensive care units, respiratory distress syndrome, and pulmonary surfactant were statistically significant. Conclusion: Our results indicated that ventilator support, craniofacial anomalies, low birth weight, and hyperbilirubinemia were the main statistically significant risk factors for hearing-loss.
Research Interests: Infants and Hearing Loss
Uterus mullerian adenosarcoma is a very rare malignancy, commonly seen in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women (1). It is composed of biphasic growth patterns, including neoplastic mesenchymal and benign epithelial components (2).... more
Uterus mullerian adenosarcoma is a very rare malignancy, commonly seen in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women (1). It is composed of biphasic growth patterns, including neoplastic mesenchymal and benign epithelial components (2). Article Info
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Abstract This case study includes three pregnant women with COVID-19 diagnosed during pregnancy or delivery between March 28 and May 13, 2020. All cases were confirmed by a positive pharyngeal reverse transcription polymerase chain... more
Abstract
This case study includes three pregnant women with COVID-19 diagnosed during pregnancy or delivery between March 28 and May 13, 2020. All cases were confirmed by a positive pharyngeal reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test and one case by computed tomography scan (CT Scan) in addition to the (RT-PCR). Clinical and laboratory information was extracted from hospital records during pregnancy and delivery. The adverse effects during pregnancy and after the birth of the newborn, the possibility of vertical transmission from positive pregnant mothers to the neonates were investigated. Of the three women with COVID-19 infection, one patient was diagnosed two weeks before delivery and two were diagnosed during delivery and hospitalization. No adverse effects including preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, rupture of the amniotic sac during pregnancy and premature delivery were observed but one of the patients suffered from intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). in this study, adverse pregnancy outcome was not observed in pregnant women with Covid-19 infection based on hospital observations. No vertical transmission was observed following vaginal delivery or cesarean section and during pregnancy. As the effect of the virus on different people in society varies according to their individual characteristics, our conclusion in this study on pregnant women is also affected by these individual differences, which requires further studies in this field with more samples.
This case study includes three pregnant women with COVID-19 diagnosed during pregnancy or delivery between March 28 and May 13, 2020. All cases were confirmed by a positive pharyngeal reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test and one case by computed tomography scan (CT Scan) in addition to the (RT-PCR). Clinical and laboratory information was extracted from hospital records during pregnancy and delivery. The adverse effects during pregnancy and after the birth of the newborn, the possibility of vertical transmission from positive pregnant mothers to the neonates were investigated. Of the three women with COVID-19 infection, one patient was diagnosed two weeks before delivery and two were diagnosed during delivery and hospitalization. No adverse effects including preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, rupture of the amniotic sac during pregnancy and premature delivery were observed but one of the patients suffered from intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). in this study, adverse pregnancy outcome was not observed in pregnant women with Covid-19 infection based on hospital observations. No vertical transmission was observed following vaginal delivery or cesarean section and during pregnancy. As the effect of the virus on different people in society varies according to their individual characteristics, our conclusion in this study on pregnant women is also affected by these individual differences, which requires further studies in this field with more samples.
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Hydatid cysts can be caused by Echinococcus species in various tissues. Skeletal cystic lesions are very rare and may be neglected. Here, we report a case of pathologic fracture following primary hydatid cystic lesions in the proximal and... more
Hydatid cysts can be caused by Echinococcus species in various tissues. Skeletal cystic lesions are very rare and may be neglected. Here, we report a case of pathologic fracture following primary hydatid cystic lesions in the proximal and femoral shaft bone. A 62-year-old man suffered a sudden fracture followed by swelling of the thigh. Intramedullary femoral fixation was made and during the surgery, numerous cystic lesions of the hydatid cysts were observed. After the surgery ultrasound and CT-Scans of the abdomen, lung, spine, and brain did not confirm any sign of mass or cyst elsewhere. The patient was followed up for one year. During this period, the union was not yet completely established and the patient was stillreceiving treatment. Orthopedic surgeons need to be aware of this parasitic complication in bones and joints and provide the best outcome for the patients with proper treatment. Surgery along with albendazole and/or mebendazole therapy remains the treatment of choice. For this purpose, it is recommended that attention be paid to long-term follow-up in continuous professional development courses.
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10.30699/jambs.30.141.365 Background & Objective: Given the growing rate of psychiatric disorders, especially in young populations, detailed data on frequency of these disorders for further national public health strategiesis of great... more
10.30699/jambs.30.141.365 Background & Objective: Given the growing rate of psychiatric disorders, especially in young populations, detailed data on frequency of these disorders for further national public health strategiesis of great importance.We aimed to survey the frequency of different psychiatric disorders among children and adolescents in Kohgiloyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province. Materials & Methods: 20.5% (205 out of 1001) of studied cases showed at least one psychiatric disorder and 79.5 % showed no sign of any disorders. Anxiety disorders were the most frequent disorders (15.5%) followed by the behavioral disorders (7%), smoking and drug abuse (6%), behavioral disorders (2.4%) and neurodevelopmental disorders (2%), but no case was observed with psychosis. Results: Our study indicated that pretreatment of rats with KET, HAL and YOH abolished MPH induced-mood and motor activity disturbances. Conclusion: in comparison with other studies from Iran or other countries the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in Kohgiloyeh and Boyer-Ahmad is relatively high and special policies and efforts are suggested for enhancement of mental health values in this region.
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10.30699/jambs.30.141.357 Background & Objective: The gastric residual volume has a direct effect on the volume and timing of the subsequent feeding and causes gastric emptying and pulmonary aspiration. The present study compares the... more
10.30699/jambs.30.141.357 Background & Objective: The gastric residual volume has a direct effect on the volume and timing of the subsequent feeding and causes gastric emptying and pulmonary aspiration. The present study compares the effect of Cydonia oblonga and Phyllanthus Emblica (Amla) fruit on gastric residual volume and pulmonary aspiration in mechanically-ventilated patients. Materials & Methods: This is a single-blind randomized clinical trial, including 48 patients (divided into three groups) under mechanical ventilation admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan. Amla product and cydonia juice were gavaged in intervention groups A and, B, respectively. In all groups, the same gavage solution was prepared every three hours. Eventually, pulmonary secretion aspiration was measured (on the first, third and fifth days). Results: The difference of the mean gastric residual volume was not statistically significant in the intervention groups (on thefirst three days). The mean residual volume of the fourth and fifth days was statistically different and the rate of pulmonary aspiration in the intervention groups (on the fifth day) was significantly lower than the control group (P<0.001). The mean gastric residual volume of the two groups had no significant difference (P<0.471). Conclusion: The present study shows the effectiveness of cydonia juice and Amla on the gastric residual volume in patients admitted to ICU. The incidence of pulmonary aspiration in intervention groups has a decreasing trend (on the fifth day). Therefore, cydonia juice and Amla can be appropriate alternatives to chemical drugs.
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10.30699/jambs.30.141.347 Background & Objective: Despite the critical importance of catheter as an indwelling medical device, its prolonged utilization in hospitalized patients may lead to infection. This study aimed to identify... more
10.30699/jambs.30.141.347 Background & Objective: Despite the critical importance of catheter as an indwelling medical device, its prolonged utilization in hospitalized patients may lead to infection. This study aimed to identify distribution of uropathogenic bacteria isolated from catheterized uro-oncology patients, their biofilm production, and antimicrobial resistance patterns to generally used antibiotics. Materials & Methods: The urine samples of catheterized urology cancer patients were collected for urinalysis and urine culture. Then capability of biofilm production was detected by Congo red agar method, tube method, and microtiter plate assay. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was also performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Muller-Hinton agar. Subsequently, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to detect the biofilm encoding genes. Results: Of the 100 urinary catheter samples, 76 isolates were recovered from urinary catheters of 52 patients. Escherichia coli was established to be the most frequent pathogen isolated from the urine of patients followed by Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus. All of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates were found to be biofilm producers. All studied isolates were found resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, and cephalexin. All biofilm-producer MRSA and Pseudomonas isolates were found to harbor the virulence genes studied. Both imipenem and fosfomycin were the most effective antibiotics against isolated bacteria. Conclusion: In our study virulent pathogens with highly-resistant profile and potential to form biofilm were isolated from uro-oncology patients. Therefore, the current study highlights the significance of antibiotic resistance which can lead to treatment failure.
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10.30699/jambs.30.141.340 Background & Objective: Bronchiolitis is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in children. High-flow nasal cannulas (HFNCs) are an alternative for managing moderate to severe cases. Our aim was to... more
10.30699/jambs.30.141.340 Background & Objective: Bronchiolitis is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in children. High-flow nasal cannulas (HFNCs) are an alternative for managing moderate to severe cases. Our aim was to describe the outcomes in critically ill children with bronchiolitis who receive HFNC support. Materials & Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of critically ill children who had bronchiolitis and received HFNC support while hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) between January 2013 and January 2020. The primary outcome was deterioration in the Wood-Downes scale. Secondary outcomes included length of hospitalization, duration of oxygen therapy, SpO2/FiO2, and the ROX index (respiratory rateoxygenation). Results: During this period, 2,390 children were admitted, 87 of whom had bronchiolitis and met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 4.4 months (IQR: 2.4-8.6). In 87.3% of cases there was no worsening in the scale with the use of HFNCs. In the group that worsened, 79.3% had moderate and 20.7% severe bronchiolitis on admission, and they had a higher rate of congenital heart disease (p=0.03), chronic respiratory diseases (p=0.03) and neurological (p=0.05) diseases. At 12 hours, this group had a lower SpO2/FiO2 (< 180) and ROX index (< 4.0). None of the patients required mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: The use of HFNCs in children with moderate to severe bronchiolitis was associated with a modified clinical course, avoiding mechanical ventilation even in risk groups. SpO2/FiO2 and ROX index 12-hour cutoff points suggestive of patients with a delayed response to HFNC support were identified.
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10.30699/jambs.30.141.333 Background & Objective: The lack of breast cancer screening in young women leads to late disease diagnosis and worse outcomes in this age group. This study was designed to evaluate clinicopathological features... more
10.30699/jambs.30.141.333 Background & Objective: The lack of breast cancer screening in young women leads to late disease diagnosis and worse outcomes in this age group. This study was designed to evaluate clinicopathological features and long-term outcomes of young breast cancer women in south of Iran. Materials & Methods: This is a retrospective study of breast cancer patients who were pathologically diagnosed during 2005 to 2017. Data from 284 breast cancer patients aged 40 years or younger were included in this study. Demographic, clinicopathological properties as well as treatment modalities including type of surgery, adjuvant radiotherapy, and adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy were recorded and analyzed. Results: Median age of the patients was 36 (range 23-40) years. After a median follow-up of 68 months, 21 patients had died due to the disease, 59 patients were alive with the disease, and 204 patients were alive without the disease. The univariate COX regression demonstrated that the disease-free survival (DFS) was significantly low in patients who had undergone breast conservation surgery (BCS) and also patients with higher stages, estrogen/progesterone-negative and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (ER-/PR-/HER2+) status. Low overall survival (OS) was also significantly associated with stage. According to multivariate COX regression, BCS, stages II, III and also young age were independent predictive factors for low DFS. Conclusion: Given the aggressive features and worse outcome of young breast cancer patients, treatment remains tough and screening seems to be required at young age. Further studies are required to find best management and therapeutic protocols for these patients.
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10.30699/jambs.30.141.327 Background & Objective: Obesity is one of the problems associated with cardiovascular complications. Patients' heart function improves after sleeve gastrectomy. Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) is one of the... more
10.30699/jambs.30.141.327 Background & Objective: Obesity is one of the problems associated with cardiovascular complications. Patients' heart function improves after sleeve gastrectomy. Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) is one of the methods used to monitor heart function before and after sleeve gastrectomy. In this study, we evaluated the echocardiographic parameters pre and post sleeve gastrectomy. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 22 patients including 17 female and 5 maleundergoing sleeve gastrectomy were studied. They had referred to Shariati Hospital in Tehran during 2019-2020. All patients underwent 2D echocardiography using speckle-tracking to evaluate left ventricular function and measure GLS. Results: Data analysis showed that GLS increased after surgery compared to preoperative period (15.4 ± 3.8 vs. 18.4 ± 3.04). Also, PAP, LVEDV, LVESV, LVDD, LVDS and AO were higher in the mentioned period; these findings were statistically significant (p-value <0.05). However, the RVSM mean, TAPSE, RVFAC and LVH parameters were higher post-surgery in comparison to the pre-surgery; a significant relationship was observed between the parameters before and after surgery. Conclusion: It can be concluded that GLS method, which evaluates echocardiographic parameters in obese patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy can be highly significant in monitoring patients.
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10.30699/jambs.30.141.319 Background & Objective: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants are utilized for treatment of post stroke depression, reduced quality of life and poor compliance. This study... more
10.30699/jambs.30.141.319 Background & Objective: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants are utilized for treatment of post stroke depression, reduced quality of life and poor compliance. This study compared the effects of sertraline and nortriptyline on the quality of life and depression in post-stroke patients. Materials & Methods: This randomized double-blind trial was conducted on 56 stroke patients admitted to Valiasr Hospital in Zanjan, Iran, 2016. Patients were randomly allocated in two groups by simple randomization and received sertraline in one group, nortriptyline in the other and nobody received placebo. Patients were screened for depression using BDI (II) questionnaire and those without depression were entered into study. During follow-up, patients completed a quality of life questionnaire named Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Data were analysed using repeated measure and Bonferroni tests in SPSS 22. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of patients in sertraline and nortriptyline groups were 61.7 and 63.6, respectively (P=0.194). No significant differences were observed for sex, marital status and education between two groups. The mean score of total quality of life and its dimensions decreased significantly during 6 months for both groups (P=0.001). The effect of sertraline in these reductions was not different from nortriptyline (P=0.60). The proportions of moderate or severe depression were 17.9% and 37.0% in sertraline and nortriptyline groups, respectively (P=0.24). Conclusion: Both sertraline and nortriptyline improved all aspects of quality of life and their effect on prevention of depression was similar. Therefore, the administration of sertraline or nortriptyline could be beneficial in post-stroke patients.
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10.30699/jambs.30.141.314 Background & Objective: In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the approved treatment options for infertility. Despite many progresses in this field, its success rate is about 20-25%. Utilization of drugs which... more
10.30699/jambs.30.141.314 Background & Objective: In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the approved treatment options for infertility. Despite many progresses in this field, its success rate is about 20-25%. Utilization of drugs which suppress or decrease uterine smooth muscle contraction before embryo transfer, theoretically can improve fertility by increasing implantation rate. This study was designed to evaluate nifedipine administration on embryo transfer success. Materials & Methods: In this double blinded randomized clinical trial, ninety-eight infertile women from primary and secondary causes were included in two groups; one group received placebo and the other group a single dose of 20 mg nifedipine, both thirty minutes before embryo transfer. Primary outcome was defined as clinical pregnancy, and secondary outcomes as live birth, ectopic pregnancy, multiple gestation and abortion. Results: Clinical pregnancy occurred in eighteen patients in the placebo group and in seventeen patients in nifedipine group (OR = 0.91, 0.40-2.09 (95% CI)). Sixteen patients in placebo group and fourteen patients in nifedipine group had successful live births (OR = 0.82, 0.34-1.95 (95% CI)). Multiple gestation (OR = 1.71, 0.24-11.78 (95% CI)) and abortion (OR = 0.46, 0.07-2.95 (95% CI)) were not different between the two groups. No side effect of drug occurred in any group. Conclusion: single dose of 20 mg nifedipine tablet administered thirty minutes before IVF had no effect on improving clinical pregnancy and live birth rate. Using higher doses, or different regimens in specific patients' subgroups may have more effect on embryo transfer success.
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10.30699/jambs.30.141.306 Background & Objective: In recent years,there has been a growing trend towards the use of herbal medicine in the treatment and prevention of diseases. Blood lipidlowering drugs have many side effects. On the... more
10.30699/jambs.30.141.306 Background & Objective: In recent years,there has been a growing trend towards the use of herbal medicine in the treatment and prevention of diseases. Blood lipidlowering drugs have many side effects. On the other hand, various studies have reported the effect of dill (Anethum graveolens) on the reduction of blood lipids in different ways. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dill on reducing the blood lipid levels. Materials & Methods: In this systematic review, 12 papers that evaluated the effect of dill on blood lipid levels up to the end of 2018 were studied using valid key words such as Lipid Profile, Dill (Anethum graveolens), and Hyperlipidemia in Pubmed, Medlib, Scopus, Sciencedirect, Embase, Google Scholar, Magiran, IranMedex, and SID. The results of the studies were combined using the random effects method of meta-analysis. The heterogeneity of studies was investigated using Q statistics and I 2 Index. Results: In 12 studies, the weighted mean differences (WMDs) of cholesterol reduction (TC) before and after intervention were estimated to be WMD =-19.22 mg / dl (95% CI:-30.68,-7.77), triglyceride, WMD =-25.47 mg / dl (95% CI:-49.28,-1.66) and low density lipoprotein (LDL), WMD =-14.01 mg / dl (95% CI:-22.14,-5.89) which were statistically significant (p = 0.001). Meta-analysis after intervention in the case and placebo groups were (SMD=-2.71, 95% CI:-3.28,-1.06), for TC (SMD=-1.77, 95%CI:-2.71,-0.82) for TG and (SMD=-2.64, 95%CI:-3.88,-1.41)for LDL which indicated statistically significant reduction. Conclusion: Dill reduces cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein, but does not have a significant effect on high-density lipoprotein levels.
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Abstract: Synchronized evidence of bilateral ovarian masses with an asymptomatic incidental appendiceal solitary mass is an unusual event during operation. The main differential diagnosis in this status is metastatic mucinous... more
Abstract:
Synchronized evidence of bilateral ovarian masses with an asymptomatic incidental appendiceal solitary mass is an unusual event during operation. The main differential diagnosis in this status is metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma of ovary to appendix versus metastatic mucinous neoplasm of appendix in both side ovaries. Herein, i present a metastatic bilateral ovarian high grade serous carcinoma to the appendix as a diagnosis pitfall. A 43-year-old woman, with menstrual irregularity was referred. Imaging studies showed bilateral ovarian masses. She underwent total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo oophorectomy , omentectomy, pelvic lymph nodes dissection and appendectomy. Final diagnosis, according to histopathological and immunohistochemical findings was metastatic bilateral ovarian high grade serous carcinoma of the appendix. These tumor markers may be useful for final diagnosis because tumoral tissue expression of them is not 100%. Therefore usage of several of them in correlation with histopathology findings, definitely helpful.
Keywords: Metastasis, Ovary, Appendix, Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous.
Synchronized evidence of bilateral ovarian masses with an asymptomatic incidental appendiceal solitary mass is an unusual event during operation. The main differential diagnosis in this status is metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma of ovary to appendix versus metastatic mucinous neoplasm of appendix in both side ovaries. Herein, i present a metastatic bilateral ovarian high grade serous carcinoma to the appendix as a diagnosis pitfall. A 43-year-old woman, with menstrual irregularity was referred. Imaging studies showed bilateral ovarian masses. She underwent total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo oophorectomy , omentectomy, pelvic lymph nodes dissection and appendectomy. Final diagnosis, according to histopathological and immunohistochemical findings was metastatic bilateral ovarian high grade serous carcinoma of the appendix. These tumor markers may be useful for final diagnosis because tumoral tissue expression of them is not 100%. Therefore usage of several of them in correlation with histopathology findings, definitely helpful.
Keywords: Metastasis, Ovary, Appendix, Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous.
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10.30699/jambs.30.142.463 Despite extensive preventive efforts and access to effective drugs and vaccines, tuberculosis still remains an important health problem around the world. Tuberculosis bacteria can infect the gastrointestinal... more
10.30699/jambs.30.142.463 Despite extensive preventive efforts and access to effective drugs and vaccines, tuberculosis still remains an important health problem around the world. Tuberculosis bacteria can infect the gastrointestinal tract through the primary foci of infection in the lungs via the mesenteric lymph nodes or directly through the blood or lymph. Due to non-specific clinical symptoms, early peritonitis is diagnosed with a delay. The lack of specific biological and radiographic markers and the long history of bacterial culture make the diagnosis of peritonitis difficult. In this study, two cases of abdominal involvement with clinical symptoms of acute abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and severe weight loss were reported.
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10.30699/jambs.30.142.458 Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the head and neck are rare vascular benign anomalies but may become lethal when persistent and progressive. It occurs when a fetal capillary bed fails to fully involute,... more
10.30699/jambs.30.142.458 Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the head and neck are rare vascular benign anomalies but may become lethal when persistent and progressive. It occurs when a fetal capillary bed fails to fully involute, allowing direct connection between arteries and veins. They can also happen as a result of trauma or a hormonal changes. Clinically along with swelling, they are associated with signs of warmth, palpable thrill or bruit. Management of the lesion is challenging and follows a multimodal laser therapy approach followed by embolization and surgical resection. Complete excision is required as incomplete excision leads to recurrence. A detailed clinical background combined with imaging generally clearly delineates the lesion and allows for a careful therapeutic option. A case report of a post-traumatic/acquired AVM on the upper lip is presented in this report which was diagnosed on contrast tomography Angiogram and MRI in a 7year old female and treated with intralesional corticosteroids followed by surgical excision.
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Background & Objective: Individuals with opioid use disorder are a marginalized population in any society. They commonly have a weaker immune system, greater stress vulnerability, poorer health, more high-risk behaviors, and less access... more
Background & Objective: Individuals with opioid use disorder are a marginalized population in any society. They commonly have a weaker immune system, greater stress vulnerability, poorer health, more high-risk behaviors, and less access to healthcare services compared to the general population, which can expose them to a risk of severe COVID-19 complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of opioid use disorder on mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2. Materials & Methods: This registry-based retrospective cohort study was conducted on 2362 consecutive inpatients with a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 between March 5, 2020 and March 21, 2021, presenting to a university hospital in Ilam in the southwest of Iran. Forty-five patients with opioid use disorder were identified in this study and matched to 100 patients without opium addiction. All patients with a history of opium addiction were included in the study group, and age-and sex-matched patients without opioid use disorder were randomly recruited as the controls. After adjusting for the effects of age and comorbidities, data were analyzed in STATA version 10, using logistic regression models. Results: The mortality of patients with opioid use disorder increased following COVID-19 (adjusted OR: 6.59; 95% CI: 1.84-23.59; P=0.004). Hypertension (adjusted OR: 8.17; 95% CI: 2.21-30.15; P=0.002) and advancing age (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01-1.11; P=0.01) were significantly associated with increased COVID-19 mortality. Conclusion: Based on the present findings, opioid use disorder is a possible risk factor for mortality following COVID-19. The findings of the present study can be applied in the implementation of preventive measures and policies and prioritization of COVID-19 vaccination. However, further relevant research is recommended.
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10.30699/jambs.30.142.443 Background & Objective: hypertension is one of the most common global health problems and the leading cause of premature mortality worldwide. This study aims to investigate the epidemiological characteristic and... more
10.30699/jambs.30.142.443 Background & Objective: hypertension is one of the most common global health problems and the leading cause of premature mortality worldwide. This study aims to investigate the epidemiological characteristic and the spatial-temporal variations of the admission rate of hypertension in Zanjan province, Iran, during 2014-2019. Materials & Methods: Data were obtained from nine health information system (HIS) databases. Univariate chi-square and T-test methods were used to test the hypothesis, and binary logistic regression was used to model the probability of admission due to hypertension. Results: Sixty-eight thousand eight hundred forty-three patients have been hospitalized due to cardiovascular diseases in Zanjan province, Iran, and 5931 cases had hypertension. The admission rate of hypertension was 555 cases per 100,000 which were higher in women than in males (755 cases vs. 357) (P<0.001). The highest admission rate of hypertension was detected in the age group over 80 and in Khoramdareh county, Zanjan province, Iran (P<0.001). The probability of admission due to hypertension was increased by aging in all regions, which was higher among women and in the Southeast study area. Conclusion: This study shows the high admission rate of hypertension in Zanjan province, Iran, from 2014-2019. It is a warning to policymakers and local health authorities to increase their efforts to reduce the incidence of hypertension by identifying the principal main risk factors and applying periodic screening programs in high-risk, high areas.
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10.30699/jambs.30.142.438 Background & Objective: There are variable results regarding lipid profile status in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). We aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum lipids and RDS in... more
10.30699/jambs.30.142.438 Background & Objective: There are variable results regarding lipid profile status in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). We aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum lipids and RDS in preterm infants. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on preterm infants admitted to Hamadan Fatemieh and Besat Hospitals between the years 2018-2019. Each infant was evaluated regarding RDS severity, serum lipid profile, ventilator use, and length of hospital stay. SPSS 16 was utilized to analyze the data at a 95% confidence interval. Results: Out of 294 neonates, 51% were male. The mean birth weight and gestational age were 1783.51 ±551.86 grams and 32.37 ± 2.46 weeks, respectively. Based on the severity of RDS, 9.1% were mild, 41.8% moderate and 49.1% were severe. In severe RDS, mean triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL were significantly higher and HDL lower than in mild RDS (P <0.001). Conclusion: In preterm infants with RDS, there is a significant relationship between serum lipid profile and severity of RDS, and also there is a significant correlation between serum lipid profile and birth weight and gestational age of neonates.
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10.30699/jambs.30.142.431 Background & Objective: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection badly affects the liver and represents a critical health problem in Egypt. The parasitic diseases such as schistosomiasis, toxoplasmosis, or amebiasis... more
10.30699/jambs.30.142.431 Background & Objective: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection badly affects the liver and represents a critical health problem in Egypt. The parasitic diseases such as schistosomiasis, toxoplasmosis, or amebiasis were highly distributed among Egyptian citizens and affect the liver status in various ways. Co-infections of these parasites with HCV are possible and accompanied by negative clinical consequences. The current study shed the light on the incidence of Toxoplasma gondii, Entamoeba histolytica, and Schistosoma infections among the HCV patients from Menoufia Province, Egypt. Materials & Methods: One hundred and eighty HCV infected patients were examined for T. gondii, E. histolytica, and Schistosoma using ELISA or indirect haemagglutination test, and fecal examination was done to detect the E. histolytica cyst stage or Schistosoma mansoni ova. Results: Overall incidence of T. gondii IgG and IgM was 65% and 3.89%, respectively. Moreover, the incidence of E. histolytica, and Schistosoma mansoni was (50% and 21.67) and (42.22% and 1.67%), using serological means and stool examination, respectively. Multiple parasitic infections (T. gondii and E. histolytica), (T. gondii and Schistosoma), (E. histolytica, and Schistosoma), and (T. gondii, E. histolytica, and Schistosoma) were 22.78%, 16.67%, 10.56%, and 10.56%, using serological means, respectively, among HCV-infected patients. Significant differences were demonstrated in the incidence of T. gondii, E. histolytica, and Schistosoma among HCV patients based on age, gender, and residence. Conclusion: T. gondii, E. histolytica, and Schistosoma mono-or multiple infections highly exist among HCV patients from Menoufia Province, Egypt.
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Background and Objective: Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the most painful, and disabling oral inflammatory conditions caused by chemotherapy. This study aimed to determine the pomegranate seed oil (PSO) effect on improving... more
Background and Objective: Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the most painful, and disabling oral inflammatory conditions caused by chemotherapy. This study aimed to determine the pomegranate seed oil (PSO) effect on improving chemotherapy-induced mucositis.
Materials and Methods: This single-blind, randomized, clinical trial recruited patients with chemotherapy-induced mucositis in the oncology ward of Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan, Iran, in 2018 (n = 70). Patients were divided into two groups by randomized block design. The control group was treated with 15 ml of routine mouthwash 4 times daily for 14 days. The intervention group was treated with mixed solution of routine mouthwash and PSO (50:50). The mucositis severity was evaluated on the 1st, 7th and 14th days after the intervention using a checklist for assessing the mucositis severity. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Fisher's exact, independent t and repeated measures ANOVA tests.
Results: The subjects’ mean ages in the intervention and control groups were 57.48±14.742 and 58.81±14.134 years, respectively. Groups were matched for clinical and demographic characteristics (P>0.05). The mean mucositis severity in the intervention group decreased from 1.97 on the 1st day to 0.52 on the 7th day and to 0.03 on the 14th day (P<0.001). The rates of mucositis severity in the control group were 1.98, 1.47 and 0.63, respectively on these days (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The mouthwash containing PSO improved chemotherapy-induced mucositis further than the routine mouthwash. Therefore, PSO can be used along with routine medicinal solutions to relieve and prevent oral mucositis symptoms.
Keywords: Cancer, Chemotherapy, Oral mucositis, Pomegranate seed, Stomatitis
Materials and Methods: This single-blind, randomized, clinical trial recruited patients with chemotherapy-induced mucositis in the oncology ward of Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan, Iran, in 2018 (n = 70). Patients were divided into two groups by randomized block design. The control group was treated with 15 ml of routine mouthwash 4 times daily for 14 days. The intervention group was treated with mixed solution of routine mouthwash and PSO (50:50). The mucositis severity was evaluated on the 1st, 7th and 14th days after the intervention using a checklist for assessing the mucositis severity. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Fisher's exact, independent t and repeated measures ANOVA tests.
Results: The subjects’ mean ages in the intervention and control groups were 57.48±14.742 and 58.81±14.134 years, respectively. Groups were matched for clinical and demographic characteristics (P>0.05). The mean mucositis severity in the intervention group decreased from 1.97 on the 1st day to 0.52 on the 7th day and to 0.03 on the 14th day (P<0.001). The rates of mucositis severity in the control group were 1.98, 1.47 and 0.63, respectively on these days (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The mouthwash containing PSO improved chemotherapy-induced mucositis further than the routine mouthwash. Therefore, PSO can be used along with routine medicinal solutions to relieve and prevent oral mucositis symptoms.
Keywords: Cancer, Chemotherapy, Oral mucositis, Pomegranate seed, Stomatitis
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Background & Objective: Clinical and Radiologic Degenerative Spondylolisthesis (CARDS) classification is a relatively newer system than Meyerding's to better categorize lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS). The purpose of this... more
Background & Objective: Clinical and Radiologic Degenerative Spondylolisthesis (CARDS) classification is a relatively newer system than Meyerding's to better categorize lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of surgery in patients with different types of LDS based on CARDS classification. Materials & Methods: In this retrospective study, we assessed 49 (38 female and 11 male) patients with refractory L4-L5 LDS undergoing decompression, reduction and instrumented fusion in Imam Reza Hospital of Mashhad from February 2015 to January. Patients' classification, disability, and pain were assessed based on CARDS classification, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and visual analogue scale (VAS). Finally, a statistical analysis was performed to find out any correlation between different types of the disease and their clinical improvement. Results: The mean follow-up period was 40.5±6.8 months (26-72 months). Type B had the highest prevalence, and A had the lowest. Type C had the highest body mass index. Surgery could significantly improve both pain and disability in all types of the disease; however, we could not find any significant difference between the types in response to the surgery (p-value > 0.477). Gender distribution was similar among the types, but body mass index was the highest in type C. Conclusion: Although all types of refractory L4-L5 LDS benefit from the operation, this improvement is not different among the types. It seems here, like other areas of the spine, that no significant relationship exists between the clinical and radiological characteristics.
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10.30699/jambs.30.142.407 Background & Objective: Procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) includes the administration of sedative/dissociative medications with or without the concomitant delivery of analgesic agents. The bispectral index... more
10.30699/jambs.30.142.407 Background & Objective: Procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) includes the administration of sedative/dissociative medications with or without the concomitant delivery of analgesic agents. The bispectral index system (BIS) is a modern technology for neurophysiological monitoring that continuously analyzes the patient's electroencephalogram curve during sedation to assess the level of consciousness. This study aimed to compare various PSA protocols, including propofol/fentanyl, propofol/ketamine, and ketamine, based on the BIS and other critical items in adults with anterior shoulder dislocation (ASD) in the emergency department. Materials & Methods: This randomized three-group double-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 150 patients with ASD in Besat General Hospital in Tehran, Iran. The sample size was determined at 50 individuals in each group receiving propofol/fentanyl (group A), propofol/ketamine (ketofol; group B), and ketamine (group C). Before PSA, the sensor of the BIS monitor was attached to the patient, and several items were compared, including the side effects and duration of sedation, as well as BIS values before and 1-5 min after PSA. Results: Visual analogue scale scores before and after the intervention were obtained at 8.1±0.69 and 2.08±0.7, respectively. The BIS values at the 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd , 4 th , and 5 th min after PSA were not different in the three groups. The comparison between the three groups regarding the patients' satisfaction showed that there was a significant difference between them (P=0.02), which was higher in the ketofol group. Conclusion: The investigation of PSA using propofol/ketamine, ketamine, and propofol/fentanyl showed similar frequencies of BIS values and adverse respiratory events. The use of propofol/fentanyl was associated with a slightly higher incidence of hypotension. Moreover, the frequency of patient satisfaction was higher among the subjects in group B, compared to those in the other groups.
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10.30699/jambs.30.142.397 Background & Objective: Fear of falling, balance, and environmental hazards are viewed as significant psychological and physical components in seniors. This systematic review was carried out to review... more
10.30699/jambs.30.142.397 Background & Objective: Fear of falling, balance, and environmental hazards are viewed as significant psychological and physical components in seniors. This systematic review was carried out to review psychometric properties of psychological and physical fall outcome measures in Persian older adults. Materials & Methods: The databases were searched using the COSMIN guideline recommendation search strategy and filters. A systematic search was undertaken utilizing the PubMed,
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10.30699/jambs.30.142.388 Background & Objective: In recent years, the use of nanoparticles (NPs), especially gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in radiotherapy, has been repeatedly studied by in-vitro, in-vivo experiments, and Monte Carlo... more
10.30699/jambs.30.142.388 Background & Objective: In recent years, the use of nanoparticles (NPs), especially gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in radiotherapy, has been repeatedly studied by in-vitro, in-vivo experiments, and Monte Carlo simulation. Some studies declare that specific absorption of GNPs (with a higher atomic number) by cancerous cells increases radiations' lethal effect compared to normal cells. This review article aimed to investigate the radiosensitizing effect of GNPs in cancer radiotherapy. Materials & Methods: Research databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus were examined from December 2019. All Gold Nanoparticles Radiation Therapy (GNRT) articles that studied the radiosensitization of gold nanoparticles in radiotherapy were involved in the assessment. Among 706 chosen articles, 52 documents were included in this investigation. Results: The results of all these studies indicate that an increase in tumor mortality happens due to higher radiation absorption by nanoparticles entering the tumor; however, the relationship between the interaction of radiant energy and the size of gold nanoparticles is controversial. Conclusion: This review article will discuss recent advances in the development of gold-based NPs to improve radiotherapy.
Research Interests:
SARS-CoV-2 is a novel strain of the coronaviruses posing great challenges to the human immune system. Hence, human innate immunity determines how our body responses to the early infection (1-3). According to the studies, coronavirus can... more
SARS-CoV-2 is a novel strain of the coronaviruses posing great challenges to the human immune system. Hence, human innate immunity determines how our body responses to the early infection (1-3). According to the studies, coronavirus can cause a range of symptoms by affecting various organs in the body (4, 5). Currently, our hospital is one of the referral centers of COVID-19 in Iran. We would like to share our findings regarding complete bed rest in management of moderate COVID-19 cases.
Keywords: COVID-19, complete bed rest, hypoxemia
Keywords: COVID-19, complete bed rest, hypoxemia
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We herein describe a 34-year-old woman with a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) impinging on the posterior wall of the left atrium, subdivided by a membrane at the distal part of the impingement. In this patient, a much dilated... more
We herein describe a 34-year-old woman with a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) impinging on the posterior wall of the left atrium, subdivided by a membrane at the distal part of the impingement. In this patient, a much dilated coronary sinus due to the PLSVC resulted in a membrane-like structure in the posterior wall of the left atrium with the appearance of the cor triatriatum in transthoracic echocardiography (ie, a pseudo cor triatriatum). Although the PLSVC is a common malformation of the superior systemic vein, its aforementioned presentation is rare.
Keywords: Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava, Cor Triatriatum, Coronary Sinus, Left Atrial Function
Keywords: Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava, Cor Triatriatum, Coronary Sinus, Left Atrial Function
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Reconstructing scalp defects can be challenging for a plastic surgeon. For this purpose, different procedures such as primary repair and coverage with skin grafts or flaps can be considered. Sometimes, the external table of the skull can... more
Reconstructing scalp defects can be challenging for a plastic surgeon. For this purpose, different procedures such as primary repair and coverage with skin grafts or flaps can be considered. Sometimes, the external table of the skull can be removed completely to the diploic space. At the same time or after the formation of granulation tissue, the diploic space can be covered with split-thickness skin grafting.
In this article, we have reported the reconstruction of a traumatic scalp defect in a one-year-old baby. There was a large defect in the left temporoparietal area of the scalp. The wound was debrided and irrigated with normal saline frequently. After the wound infection was controlled, instead of covering it with a flap or excising the external table of the skull and skin grafting, we managed this defect by the fenestration of the external table of the skull followed by the formation of the granulation tissue and coverage of the defect with split-thickness skin grafting. The post-op course was uneventful, and the wound was covered completely with the skin graft. We believe that this method of treatment in a child allows us to provide better coverage for the defect when the patient is older and after tissue expansion. We also showed that the punctate fenestration of the skull can provide a granulated tissue bed for skin grafting, as well as the excision of the external table of the skull.
Keywords: Scalp trauma, Skull fenestration, Scalp flaps
In this article, we have reported the reconstruction of a traumatic scalp defect in a one-year-old baby. There was a large defect in the left temporoparietal area of the scalp. The wound was debrided and irrigated with normal saline frequently. After the wound infection was controlled, instead of covering it with a flap or excising the external table of the skull and skin grafting, we managed this defect by the fenestration of the external table of the skull followed by the formation of the granulation tissue and coverage of the defect with split-thickness skin grafting. The post-op course was uneventful, and the wound was covered completely with the skin graft. We believe that this method of treatment in a child allows us to provide better coverage for the defect when the patient is older and after tissue expansion. We also showed that the punctate fenestration of the skull can provide a granulated tissue bed for skin grafting, as well as the excision of the external table of the skull.
Keywords: Scalp trauma, Skull fenestration, Scalp flaps
Research Interests:
Abstract: Background and Objective: Datura stramonium L. is a medicinal herb from the family of Solanaceae. It has been used in herbal remedies for promoting health and treating several diseases. The current study was set up to compare... more
Abstract:
Background and Objective: Datura stramonium L. is a medicinal herb from the family of Solanaceae. It has been used in herbal remedies for promoting health and treating several diseases. The current study was set up to compare the effects of Datura stramonium L. extract on the naloxone-precipitated opiate-withdrawal in mice.
Materials and Methods: Male BALB/c mice (30–35 g, n = 40) were arbitrarily separated into 4 groups. The control group received morphine and normal saline and other groups received three doses of D. stramonium extract (10, 20, or 30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, i.p.). Physically dependent was made by the administration of morphine in increasing doses (50-75 mg/kg, i.p.). The withdrawal signs were elicited by intraperitoneal injections of naloxone (5 mg/kg) 2 h after the last injection of morphine.
Results: Administration of D. stramonium extract in doses of 20 and 30 mg/kg markedly diminished the jumping numbers compared to the control group (P<0.05). All three doses of D. stramonium extract could significantly suppress the increase in climbing (P<0.05, P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively) and diarrhea (P<0.001). D. stramonium in higher doses (20 or 30 mg/kg) significantly decreased rearing and itching (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The study findings suggest that D. stramonium extract is effective in alleviating the signs of morphine withdrawal. Additional research is needed to determine the exact mechanisms underlying D. stramonium for inhibiting morphine withdrawal syndrome.
Keywords: Morphine Withdrawal Signs, Naloxone, Datura stramonium extract, Opioid Addiction
Background and Objective: Datura stramonium L. is a medicinal herb from the family of Solanaceae. It has been used in herbal remedies for promoting health and treating several diseases. The current study was set up to compare the effects of Datura stramonium L. extract on the naloxone-precipitated opiate-withdrawal in mice.
Materials and Methods: Male BALB/c mice (30–35 g, n = 40) were arbitrarily separated into 4 groups. The control group received morphine and normal saline and other groups received three doses of D. stramonium extract (10, 20, or 30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, i.p.). Physically dependent was made by the administration of morphine in increasing doses (50-75 mg/kg, i.p.). The withdrawal signs were elicited by intraperitoneal injections of naloxone (5 mg/kg) 2 h after the last injection of morphine.
Results: Administration of D. stramonium extract in doses of 20 and 30 mg/kg markedly diminished the jumping numbers compared to the control group (P<0.05). All three doses of D. stramonium extract could significantly suppress the increase in climbing (P<0.05, P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively) and diarrhea (P<0.001). D. stramonium in higher doses (20 or 30 mg/kg) significantly decreased rearing and itching (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The study findings suggest that D. stramonium extract is effective in alleviating the signs of morphine withdrawal. Additional research is needed to determine the exact mechanisms underlying D. stramonium for inhibiting morphine withdrawal syndrome.
Keywords: Morphine Withdrawal Signs, Naloxone, Datura stramonium extract, Opioid Addiction
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Abstract: Background and Objective: Rheum turkestanicum (R. turkestanicum) has been known to reduce inflammation and has antioxidant properties such as protective effect in neurons. This study aimed to determine the effects of R.... more
Abstract:
Background and Objective: Rheum turkestanicum (R. turkestanicum) has been known to reduce inflammation and has antioxidant properties such as protective effect in neurons. This study aimed to determine the effects of R. turkestanicum on neuronal toxicity induced by the pro-parkinsonian neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.
Materials and Methods: MTT and DNA fragmentation by PI staining (sub-G1 peak) assays were used to determine cell viability and induction of apoptosis, respectively. Fluorimetry methods measured lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The amount of glutathione (GSH) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured by DTNB (5, 5′-Dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) and pyrogallol respectively.
Results: Pretreatment with 12.5 to 100 μg/mL of R. turkestanicum extract for 24 hours attenuated 6-OHDA (final concentration 42.5 μg/mL)-induced cytotoxicity. Also, the pretreatment of SH-SY5Y cells with R. turkestanicum inhibited 6-OHDA-stimulated apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, R. turkestanicum extract repressed 6-OHDA-induced oxidative stress as measured by the MDA, ROS, GSH, and SOD levels.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that R. turkestanicum extract has neuroprotective activity on 6-OHDA-induced neuronal toxicity of neuroblastoma cells.
Keywords: Rheum turkestanicum, Oxidative stress, 6-Hydroxydopamine, Neuroblastoma, Apoptosis
Background and Objective: Rheum turkestanicum (R. turkestanicum) has been known to reduce inflammation and has antioxidant properties such as protective effect in neurons. This study aimed to determine the effects of R. turkestanicum on neuronal toxicity induced by the pro-parkinsonian neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.
Materials and Methods: MTT and DNA fragmentation by PI staining (sub-G1 peak) assays were used to determine cell viability and induction of apoptosis, respectively. Fluorimetry methods measured lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The amount of glutathione (GSH) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured by DTNB (5, 5′-Dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) and pyrogallol respectively.
Results: Pretreatment with 12.5 to 100 μg/mL of R. turkestanicum extract for 24 hours attenuated 6-OHDA (final concentration 42.5 μg/mL)-induced cytotoxicity. Also, the pretreatment of SH-SY5Y cells with R. turkestanicum inhibited 6-OHDA-stimulated apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, R. turkestanicum extract repressed 6-OHDA-induced oxidative stress as measured by the MDA, ROS, GSH, and SOD levels.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that R. turkestanicum extract has neuroprotective activity on 6-OHDA-induced neuronal toxicity of neuroblastoma cells.
Keywords: Rheum turkestanicum, Oxidative stress, 6-Hydroxydopamine, Neuroblastoma, Apoptosis
Research Interests:
Abstract: Background and Objective: As a significant cause of nosocomial infections, Acinetobacter baumannii has been linked to opportunistic infections. The assessment of clonal relatedness of A. baumannii isolates using typing... more
Abstract:
Background and Objective: As a significant cause of nosocomial infections, Acinetobacter baumannii has been linked to opportunistic infections. The assessment of clonal relatedness of A. baumannii isolates using typing methods like ERIC-PCR is beneficial for controlling conditions due to these resistant isolates. This research aims to study Acinetobacter baumannii resistant isolates to multidrug using typing methods like ERIC-PCR in clinics of Zanjan city.
Materials and Methods: In all, one hundred immunocompromised patients in ICU were included in the study and isolates of A. baumannii were extracted from their samples, and molecular typing using ERIC-PCR was performed on patients who were positive for aminoglycoside resistance-related genes (aph(2'')-Id, ant(4'')-Ia, ant(3'')-I, aac(6'')-Ib, aac(3)-I, aph(3'')-I, aph(2'')-Ib and aph (2'')-Ic).
Results: 67% of isolates had gentamicin resistance, and 63% had tobramycin resistance. The isolates tested positive for multidrug resistance (MDR) were all labeled as MDR strains. Furthermore, all antibiotics tested were ineffective against 32% of the isolates, while 91% could be deemed extensively drug-resistant (XDR). The aminoglycoside resistance gene aac(6′)-Ib accounted for 79% of the cases, followed by ant(3'')-I and aph(2'')-Id (47%). Sixty-four percent of the isolates carried three or more aminoglycoside resistance genes simultaneously. A total of six types and 20 subtypes of patterns were obtained from ERIC-PCR.
Conclusion: In this study, aminoglycoside-resistant A. baumannii was found in a high percentage of ICU patients, mainly with the enzyme-modified aminoglycosides like aac(6′)-Ib, aph(2'')-Id and ant(3'')-I. ERIC-PCR has also shown an increased level of diversity in A. baumannii isolates. Therefore, genetic diversity or clonal relatedness of A. baumannii isolates in clinical settings can be assessed using ERIC-PCR.
Keywords: Acinetobacter baumannii, Molecular typing, Antibiotic resistance, ERIC PCR
Background and Objective: As a significant cause of nosocomial infections, Acinetobacter baumannii has been linked to opportunistic infections. The assessment of clonal relatedness of A. baumannii isolates using typing methods like ERIC-PCR is beneficial for controlling conditions due to these resistant isolates. This research aims to study Acinetobacter baumannii resistant isolates to multidrug using typing methods like ERIC-PCR in clinics of Zanjan city.
Materials and Methods: In all, one hundred immunocompromised patients in ICU were included in the study and isolates of A. baumannii were extracted from their samples, and molecular typing using ERIC-PCR was performed on patients who were positive for aminoglycoside resistance-related genes (aph(2'')-Id, ant(4'')-Ia, ant(3'')-I, aac(6'')-Ib, aac(3)-I, aph(3'')-I, aph(2'')-Ib and aph (2'')-Ic).
Results: 67% of isolates had gentamicin resistance, and 63% had tobramycin resistance. The isolates tested positive for multidrug resistance (MDR) were all labeled as MDR strains. Furthermore, all antibiotics tested were ineffective against 32% of the isolates, while 91% could be deemed extensively drug-resistant (XDR). The aminoglycoside resistance gene aac(6′)-Ib accounted for 79% of the cases, followed by ant(3'')-I and aph(2'')-Id (47%). Sixty-four percent of the isolates carried three or more aminoglycoside resistance genes simultaneously. A total of six types and 20 subtypes of patterns were obtained from ERIC-PCR.
Conclusion: In this study, aminoglycoside-resistant A. baumannii was found in a high percentage of ICU patients, mainly with the enzyme-modified aminoglycosides like aac(6′)-Ib, aph(2'')-Id and ant(3'')-I. ERIC-PCR has also shown an increased level of diversity in A. baumannii isolates. Therefore, genetic diversity or clonal relatedness of A. baumannii isolates in clinical settings can be assessed using ERIC-PCR.
Keywords: Acinetobacter baumannii, Molecular typing, Antibiotic resistance, ERIC PCR
Research Interests:
Abstract: Background and Objective: Breast milk contains nutrients such as carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and a source of communal bacteria with probiotic potential that is very effective in the... more
Abstract:
Background and Objective: Breast milk contains nutrients such as carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and a source of communal bacteria with probiotic potential that is very effective in the prevention and treatment of neonatal infections. The aim of this study was the evaluation of probiotic properties of lactobacilli in breast milk and their inhibitory effect on pathogenic bacteria of the gastrointestinal tracts.
Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive study, during 10 months from January to October 2018, 100 breast milk samples were collected by referring to health centers after isolation. Lactobacilli strains were evaluated based on morphological characteristics, catalase, and hot staining tests, survival tests in acidic conditions, and bile salt tolerance to evaluate probiotic properties. Antibiotic resistance of probiotic strains and ability to inhibit pathogenic bacteria was evaluated by well method and growth inhibition zone.
Results: 122 lactobacilli belonging to 12 species were identified from 100 samples of breast milk by phototypical methods. The predominant species belonging to casei and other lactobacilli were Fermentum, Plantarum, and Gasseri, respectively.The highest antibiotic resistance was related to vancomycin (63.15%). The 3 isolates L4, L14 and L16 were able to strongly inhibit all the studied gastrointestinal pathogens.
Conclusion: Breast milk is a rich source of beneficial probiotic lactobacilli, which can be useful in breast milk for infants who are not breastfed to prevent neonatal infections.
Keywords: Breast milk, Lactobacillus, Probiotic, Inhibitory effect
Background and Objective: Breast milk contains nutrients such as carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and a source of communal bacteria with probiotic potential that is very effective in the prevention and treatment of neonatal infections. The aim of this study was the evaluation of probiotic properties of lactobacilli in breast milk and their inhibitory effect on pathogenic bacteria of the gastrointestinal tracts.
Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive study, during 10 months from January to October 2018, 100 breast milk samples were collected by referring to health centers after isolation. Lactobacilli strains were evaluated based on morphological characteristics, catalase, and hot staining tests, survival tests in acidic conditions, and bile salt tolerance to evaluate probiotic properties. Antibiotic resistance of probiotic strains and ability to inhibit pathogenic bacteria was evaluated by well method and growth inhibition zone.
Results: 122 lactobacilli belonging to 12 species were identified from 100 samples of breast milk by phototypical methods. The predominant species belonging to casei and other lactobacilli were Fermentum, Plantarum, and Gasseri, respectively.The highest antibiotic resistance was related to vancomycin (63.15%). The 3 isolates L4, L14 and L16 were able to strongly inhibit all the studied gastrointestinal pathogens.
Conclusion: Breast milk is a rich source of beneficial probiotic lactobacilli, which can be useful in breast milk for infants who are not breastfed to prevent neonatal infections.
Keywords: Breast milk, Lactobacillus, Probiotic, Inhibitory effect
Research Interests:
Abstract: Background and Objective: COVID-19 has enforced high burden on health systems universally. To better allocate limited health equipment, we aimed to investigate the prognostic impacts of laboratory parameters. Materials and... more
Abstract:
Background and Objective: COVID-19 has enforced high burden on health systems universally. To better allocate limited health equipment, we aimed to investigate the prognostic impacts of laboratory parameters.
Materials and Methods: All SARS-CoV-2 patients admitted to Imam-Reza University Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, during three COVID19 peak periods in Iran (March to April 2020, July to August, and October to November 2020) were enrolled the study. Demographic and laboratory data were extracted and compared between survivors and non-survivors. Regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC curve) were used to identify risk factors and assess the ability of laboratory tests in predicting in-hospital mortality.
Results: A total of 2156 COVID19 patients were included in the analysis, with a mean age of 60.20 (±18.8) years. Most patients were male (57%). Multiple regression analysis identified older age (OR=1.01), male sex (OR=2.34), lymphopenia (OR=2.12), LDH >500U/L (OR=2.17), hypernatremia (OR=9.7), urea >45mg/dL (OR=3.6), and BS >200mg/dl (OR=1.93) as significant risk factors for in-hospital death. Using ROC curve analysis, D-dimer (>1000ng/ml) as well as CK-Mb (>28U/L) both with sensitivities and specificities of more than 80% and PPV of about 90% were able to identify patients with higher possibility of in-hospital death.
Conclusion: Male sex, older age, lymphopenia, hypernatremia, increased Urea, increased LDH, and hyperglycemia may serve as potential risk factors for in-hospital death. D-dimer and CK-MB may be used in identifying patients with high probability of in-hospital death. These tests may be used in clinical decision-making in order to improve outcomes of patients with COVID-19.
Keywords: COVID-19, Laboratory tests, Mortality, Prognosis, Risk factors, SARS-CoV-2
Background and Objective: COVID-19 has enforced high burden on health systems universally. To better allocate limited health equipment, we aimed to investigate the prognostic impacts of laboratory parameters.
Materials and Methods: All SARS-CoV-2 patients admitted to Imam-Reza University Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, during three COVID19 peak periods in Iran (March to April 2020, July to August, and October to November 2020) were enrolled the study. Demographic and laboratory data were extracted and compared between survivors and non-survivors. Regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC curve) were used to identify risk factors and assess the ability of laboratory tests in predicting in-hospital mortality.
Results: A total of 2156 COVID19 patients were included in the analysis, with a mean age of 60.20 (±18.8) years. Most patients were male (57%). Multiple regression analysis identified older age (OR=1.01), male sex (OR=2.34), lymphopenia (OR=2.12), LDH >500U/L (OR=2.17), hypernatremia (OR=9.7), urea >45mg/dL (OR=3.6), and BS >200mg/dl (OR=1.93) as significant risk factors for in-hospital death. Using ROC curve analysis, D-dimer (>1000ng/ml) as well as CK-Mb (>28U/L) both with sensitivities and specificities of more than 80% and PPV of about 90% were able to identify patients with higher possibility of in-hospital death.
Conclusion: Male sex, older age, lymphopenia, hypernatremia, increased Urea, increased LDH, and hyperglycemia may serve as potential risk factors for in-hospital death. D-dimer and CK-MB may be used in identifying patients with high probability of in-hospital death. These tests may be used in clinical decision-making in order to improve outcomes of patients with COVID-19.
Keywords: COVID-19, Laboratory tests, Mortality, Prognosis, Risk factors, SARS-CoV-2
Research Interests:
Abstract: Background and Objective: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is among the epidemic metabolic chronic diseases that attenuates physiological functions, including hematopoiesis and immune responses, developing a higher risk of... more
Abstract:
Background and Objective: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is among the epidemic metabolic chronic diseases that attenuates physiological functions, including hematopoiesis and immune responses, developing a higher risk of COVID-19 incidence. This study purposed to study the association of physical activity level (PAL) with the COVID-19 incidence in patients with T2DM.
Materials and Methods: All patients with T2DM from Kermanshah (Iran) were among the statistical population of this study. Using Cochran's formula, 424 patients with T2DM (220 women, 224 men) were chosen. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) assessed the PAL. To compare the variables between men and women the independent t-test was used. Also, to evaluate the relationship between variables the Pearson correlation coefficient test was used (SPSS software version 24) at a significant level of (P≤0.05).
Results: Based on the results, no significant difference was observed in PAL and COVID-19 incidence between women and men (P=0.342). Also, a significant positive relationship was observed between low and high PAL with COVID-19 incidence in men (r=0.638, P=0.039; r=0.231, P=0.048) and women (r=0.728, P=0.011; r=0.331, P=0.018), respectively. However, there was a significant inverse relationship between the moderate PAL and the incidence of COVID-19 among women (r=-0.791, P=0.021) and men (r=-0.731, P=0.029).
Conclusion: Most of the patients with T2DM had an inadequate PAL. Compared with low and high PALs, moderate PAL might have lowered the incidence of COVID-19 more effectively. Finally, a moderate PAL is recommended to patients with T2DM to boost the immune system and prevent COVID-19 infection than high or low PAL.
Keywords: Exercise, T2DM, Infection, COVID-19
Background and Objective: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is among the epidemic metabolic chronic diseases that attenuates physiological functions, including hematopoiesis and immune responses, developing a higher risk of COVID-19 incidence. This study purposed to study the association of physical activity level (PAL) with the COVID-19 incidence in patients with T2DM.
Materials and Methods: All patients with T2DM from Kermanshah (Iran) were among the statistical population of this study. Using Cochran's formula, 424 patients with T2DM (220 women, 224 men) were chosen. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) assessed the PAL. To compare the variables between men and women the independent t-test was used. Also, to evaluate the relationship between variables the Pearson correlation coefficient test was used (SPSS software version 24) at a significant level of (P≤0.05).
Results: Based on the results, no significant difference was observed in PAL and COVID-19 incidence between women and men (P=0.342). Also, a significant positive relationship was observed between low and high PAL with COVID-19 incidence in men (r=0.638, P=0.039; r=0.231, P=0.048) and women (r=0.728, P=0.011; r=0.331, P=0.018), respectively. However, there was a significant inverse relationship between the moderate PAL and the incidence of COVID-19 among women (r=-0.791, P=0.021) and men (r=-0.731, P=0.029).
Conclusion: Most of the patients with T2DM had an inadequate PAL. Compared with low and high PALs, moderate PAL might have lowered the incidence of COVID-19 more effectively. Finally, a moderate PAL is recommended to patients with T2DM to boost the immune system and prevent COVID-19 infection than high or low PAL.
Keywords: Exercise, T2DM, Infection, COVID-19
Research Interests:
10.30699/jambs.30.143.507 Background & Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic is a phenomenon that has infected and killed many people worldwide. Underlying diseases such as diabetes mellitus, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) can... more
10.30699/jambs.30.143.507 Background & Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic is a phenomenon that has infected and killed many people worldwide. Underlying diseases such as diabetes mellitus, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) can affect the severity of COVID-19 and aggravate patients' condition. This study aimed to predict the severity of the COVID-19 disease in CKD patients by combining feature selection and classification methods. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted between March 2021 and September 2021 in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The data set includes 83 traits of 72 kidney transplant patients, 231 kidney failure patients, and 105 dialysis patients. The data set has 77 input attributes, including age, sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, chronic lung disease, and kidney transplant In the proposed method, the combination of ant colony algorithm and the CHAID method has been used. Results: The combination of the ant colony algorithm and CHAID method leads to better performance than CHAID alone. A total of 22 rules were extracted, of which 6 rules with a confidence of more than 60% were introduced as selected rules. The most reliable rule states that if a person has CKD stage 5, is not undergoing dialysis (5ND), and is short of breath, in 81% of cases the type of COVID-19 disease will be severe. Conclusion: In this study the severity of COVID-19 disease in kidney patients was measured using variables including age, diabetes mellitus, blood pressure, CKD stage, etc. The results showed that high levels of kidney disease can lead to severe COVID-19.
Research Interests:
Abstract: Background and Objective: Consanguinity increases the incidence of genetic disorders. The frequency of consanguinity varies in different societies. There was no data regarding the frequency of consanguinity in Zanjan... more
Abstract:
Background and Objective: Consanguinity increases the incidence of genetic disorders. The frequency of consanguinity varies in different societies. There was no data regarding the frequency of consanguinity in Zanjan province. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of consanguineous unions in the parents of children with genetic disorders and its related factors in Zanjan, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included children with genetic diseases referring to the medical genetics clinic in Zanjan's Musavi Hospital during 2014-2018. Data including consanguineous unions in families (up to three previous generations), types of genetic illnesses, child and parents' age, parental educational level, and occupation were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and chi-square test.
Results: Of the 87 children, 41 (47.7%) were male, and 50 (59.5%) resided in urban areas. The mean age of the children was 6.5 years. The educational level of 56.6% of fathers and 50.6% of mothers were highschool diploma or higher. The parents of 44 children (51.8%) had consanguineous unions. The most common type of consanguineous union was between first cousins. The nature of the genetic disorders in 63 (72.4%) of children was molecular. The proportion of consanguinity was significantly higher in parents of children with molecular than chromosomal disorder (P<0.0001). Consanguinity had also a significant relationship with the children's age (P=0.04).
Conclusion: This study's outcomes illustrate that parents of more than half of children with genetic disorders had consanguinity and the frequency of consanguinity was more common in parents of children with molecular disease than chromosomal disorder. Given that, it is necessary to avoid consanguineous marriage as much as possible, and families with a history of molecular genetic disease, should be informed of the possible consequences.
Keywords: Consanguinity, Genetic disorders, Children
Background and Objective: Consanguinity increases the incidence of genetic disorders. The frequency of consanguinity varies in different societies. There was no data regarding the frequency of consanguinity in Zanjan province. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of consanguineous unions in the parents of children with genetic disorders and its related factors in Zanjan, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included children with genetic diseases referring to the medical genetics clinic in Zanjan's Musavi Hospital during 2014-2018. Data including consanguineous unions in families (up to three previous generations), types of genetic illnesses, child and parents' age, parental educational level, and occupation were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and chi-square test.
Results: Of the 87 children, 41 (47.7%) were male, and 50 (59.5%) resided in urban areas. The mean age of the children was 6.5 years. The educational level of 56.6% of fathers and 50.6% of mothers were highschool diploma or higher. The parents of 44 children (51.8%) had consanguineous unions. The most common type of consanguineous union was between first cousins. The nature of the genetic disorders in 63 (72.4%) of children was molecular. The proportion of consanguinity was significantly higher in parents of children with molecular than chromosomal disorder (P<0.0001). Consanguinity had also a significant relationship with the children's age (P=0.04).
Conclusion: This study's outcomes illustrate that parents of more than half of children with genetic disorders had consanguinity and the frequency of consanguinity was more common in parents of children with molecular disease than chromosomal disorder. Given that, it is necessary to avoid consanguineous marriage as much as possible, and families with a history of molecular genetic disease, should be informed of the possible consequences.
Keywords: Consanguinity, Genetic disorders, Children
Research Interests:
Abstract: Background and Objective: Iron overload in the liver can potentially induce non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we sought to evaluate the phlebotomy in NAFLD, and compare it with modifiedlife style.... more
Abstract:
Background and Objective: Iron overload in the liver can potentially induce non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we sought to evaluate the phlebotomy in NAFLD, and compare it with modifiedlife style.
Materials and Methods: This randomized, single-blind, clinical trial was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of phlebotomy on liver enzymes and steatosis in NAFLD patients. Forty patients diagnosed with NAFLD were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups, including twenty patients in the first group who were under daily consumption of 800 IU vitamin E with modified lifestyle, and the second group who administrated 400 ml phlebotomy at the baseline and fifth month of study alongside the modified lifestyle. Transient elastography (TE) was used to evaluate liver transaminases, hemoglobin, ferritin levels, and liver stiffness prior to and following the intervention. Chi-square and paired t-tests were used to analyze the data, using SPSS v18.
Results: In each group, there were 14 men and 6 women. There was no statistically significant difference in demographic features. After the intervention, the mean liver stiffness of the control group increased from 10.38±2.65 kPa before the treatment to 11.40±6.58 kPa, which was not significantly different (P=0.463). The liver stiffness was 11.29±4.71 kPa in the intervention group before the treatment, which was reduced to 8.10±2.36 kPa after the treatment; however, the difference between pre and post-treatment values was statistically significant (P=0.009). Before and after the treatment, there were no significant differences in the levels of liver enzymes between the two groups.
Conclusion: Phlebotomy is a useful treatment for NAFLD patients, and decreased liver stiffness as cirrhosis complication.
Keywords: Phlebotomy, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, Transient elastography, Fibroscan
Background and Objective: Iron overload in the liver can potentially induce non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we sought to evaluate the phlebotomy in NAFLD, and compare it with modifiedlife style.
Materials and Methods: This randomized, single-blind, clinical trial was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of phlebotomy on liver enzymes and steatosis in NAFLD patients. Forty patients diagnosed with NAFLD were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups, including twenty patients in the first group who were under daily consumption of 800 IU vitamin E with modified lifestyle, and the second group who administrated 400 ml phlebotomy at the baseline and fifth month of study alongside the modified lifestyle. Transient elastography (TE) was used to evaluate liver transaminases, hemoglobin, ferritin levels, and liver stiffness prior to and following the intervention. Chi-square and paired t-tests were used to analyze the data, using SPSS v18.
Results: In each group, there were 14 men and 6 women. There was no statistically significant difference in demographic features. After the intervention, the mean liver stiffness of the control group increased from 10.38±2.65 kPa before the treatment to 11.40±6.58 kPa, which was not significantly different (P=0.463). The liver stiffness was 11.29±4.71 kPa in the intervention group before the treatment, which was reduced to 8.10±2.36 kPa after the treatment; however, the difference between pre and post-treatment values was statistically significant (P=0.009). Before and after the treatment, there were no significant differences in the levels of liver enzymes between the two groups.
Conclusion: Phlebotomy is a useful treatment for NAFLD patients, and decreased liver stiffness as cirrhosis complication.
Keywords: Phlebotomy, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, Transient elastography, Fibroscan
Research Interests:
Abstract: Background and Objective: Due to the severe inflammatory conditions and cytokine storm in COVID-19 disease, corticosteroids are used worldwide as adjunctive therapy for these patients due to their anti-inflammatory effects.... more
Abstract:
Background and Objective: Due to the severe inflammatory conditions and cytokine storm in COVID-19 disease, corticosteroids are used worldwide as adjunctive therapy for these patients due to their anti-inflammatory effects. However, due to limited and inconsistent information about the effectiveness of this drug, this study aimed to investigate the benefit of combined use of β-interferon and methylprednisolone in patients with COVID-19.
Materials and Methods: 57 patients infected with SARS coronavirus 2 underwent treatment. Laboratory parameters, hospitalization duration, and clinical outcomes in these patients were studied.
Results: Statistical analysis showed no correlation between combination therapy with the hospitalization duration (P=0.22) and mortality (P=0.48). Also, the findings of this study showed that the ESR level in patients receiving combination therapy with methylprednisolone and interferon beta decreased significantly at the end of the intervention (P=0.0001). At the end of the study, the levels of neutrophils (P=0.001) and lymphocytes (P- value=0.0001) in the blood in the interferon group showed a significant change.
Conclusion: This study showed no effect of adding methylprednisolone and interferon beta to the treatment protocol on mortality in the patients.
Keywords: COVID-19, Methylprednisolone, Interferon-beta, SARS-CoV-2
Background and Objective: Due to the severe inflammatory conditions and cytokine storm in COVID-19 disease, corticosteroids are used worldwide as adjunctive therapy for these patients due to their anti-inflammatory effects. However, due to limited and inconsistent information about the effectiveness of this drug, this study aimed to investigate the benefit of combined use of β-interferon and methylprednisolone in patients with COVID-19.
Materials and Methods: 57 patients infected with SARS coronavirus 2 underwent treatment. Laboratory parameters, hospitalization duration, and clinical outcomes in these patients were studied.
Results: Statistical analysis showed no correlation between combination therapy with the hospitalization duration (P=0.22) and mortality (P=0.48). Also, the findings of this study showed that the ESR level in patients receiving combination therapy with methylprednisolone and interferon beta decreased significantly at the end of the intervention (P=0.0001). At the end of the study, the levels of neutrophils (P=0.001) and lymphocytes (P- value=0.0001) in the blood in the interferon group showed a significant change.
Conclusion: This study showed no effect of adding methylprednisolone and interferon beta to the treatment protocol on mortality in the patients.
Keywords: COVID-19, Methylprednisolone, Interferon-beta, SARS-CoV-2
Research Interests:
Abstract: Background and Objective: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promote metastasis in colorectal cancer; however, the mechanism underlying this process is not fully understood. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step... more
Abstract:
Background and Objective: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promote metastasis in colorectal cancer; however, the mechanism underlying this process is not fully understood. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step in tumor acquisition of metastatic phenotype. We aimed to investigate the effect of MSCs on the expression of EMT markers, as well as cancer stem cell markers in HT-29 colorectal cancer cells.
Materials and Methods: MSCs were isolated from bone marrow tissue, and their multi potency was confirmed. The HT-29 cell line was prepared and co-cultured with MSCs for 3 days using 6-well transwell co-culture plates (membrane pore size: 0.4 µm). Cell morphology was observed by inverted microscopy. The expression levels of EMT-related genes, namely E-cadherin, Vimentin, and β-catenin, were investigated by the RT-qPCR method. Also, the surface expression levels of CD44 and CD133 cancer stem cell markers were analyzed by flow cytometry.
Results: The co-culture of HT-29 cells with bone marrow-derived MSCs resulted in changes in cell morphology from epithelial to mesenchymal forms. The expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers, namely Vimentin and β-catenin, were significantly increased (2.25 and 1.83 folds, respectively), while the expression of the epithelial marker, E-cadherin, was reduced (0.3 folds). The expression of CD133 was also increased (51.5%).
Conclusion: Tumor-resident mesenchymal stem cells can promote colorectal cancer metastasis inducing EMT as well as increasing cancer stem cell frequency in the tumor microenvironment. It seems that direct contact between MSCs and colorectal cancer cells is not required for the interaction. Our findings may help scientists to find effective strategies against cancer metastasis by targeting tumor-resident MSCs.
Keywords: Stem cells, Metastasis, Colorectal cancer, Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition, Biomarker
Background and Objective: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promote metastasis in colorectal cancer; however, the mechanism underlying this process is not fully understood. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step in tumor acquisition of metastatic phenotype. We aimed to investigate the effect of MSCs on the expression of EMT markers, as well as cancer stem cell markers in HT-29 colorectal cancer cells.
Materials and Methods: MSCs were isolated from bone marrow tissue, and their multi potency was confirmed. The HT-29 cell line was prepared and co-cultured with MSCs for 3 days using 6-well transwell co-culture plates (membrane pore size: 0.4 µm). Cell morphology was observed by inverted microscopy. The expression levels of EMT-related genes, namely E-cadherin, Vimentin, and β-catenin, were investigated by the RT-qPCR method. Also, the surface expression levels of CD44 and CD133 cancer stem cell markers were analyzed by flow cytometry.
Results: The co-culture of HT-29 cells with bone marrow-derived MSCs resulted in changes in cell morphology from epithelial to mesenchymal forms. The expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers, namely Vimentin and β-catenin, were significantly increased (2.25 and 1.83 folds, respectively), while the expression of the epithelial marker, E-cadherin, was reduced (0.3 folds). The expression of CD133 was also increased (51.5%).
Conclusion: Tumor-resident mesenchymal stem cells can promote colorectal cancer metastasis inducing EMT as well as increasing cancer stem cell frequency in the tumor microenvironment. It seems that direct contact between MSCs and colorectal cancer cells is not required for the interaction. Our findings may help scientists to find effective strategies against cancer metastasis by targeting tumor-resident MSCs.
Keywords: Stem cells, Metastasis, Colorectal cancer, Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition, Biomarker
Research Interests:
Abstract: Background and Objective: Oral cancer is one of the 10 most common cancers in the world and its global outbreak is increasing. Saliva assessment is one of the non-invasive diagnostic methods for this cancer. The aim of the... more
Abstract:
Background and Objective: Oral cancer is one of the 10 most common cancers in the world and its global outbreak is increasing. Saliva assessment is one of the non-invasive diagnostic methods for this cancer. The aim of the study was to achieve a comprehensive conclusion about changes in salivary antioxidants in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth (OSCC).
Materials and Methods: In the present study, as a systematic review and meta-analysis study, information extracted by searching in external databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, google scholar) and internal databases (IranMedex, Scientific Information Database, Magiran) between the years 1980 to 2020. Comprehensive meta-analysis version 2 software was used to analyze the data (P <0.05).
Results: Of 497 articles, 271 duplicate articles were deleted, and then, after reviewing the titles and abstracts of the articles, another 197 articles were removed. The full text of 26 articles were reviewed and evaluated. Finally, based on the STROB checklist, the data of 10 articles were entered into the meta-analysis. Salivary malondialdehyde (MDA) index levels were much higher in patients with OSCC than in healthy people (P=0.0001). All salivary antioxidant indexes (TAC) (P=0.003) and GSH glutathione (P=0.008) saliva was significantly lower in patients than in the healthy group and regarding the salivary superoxide dismutase (SOD) index was no significant.
Conclusion: In general, antioxidant supplements may be able to help prevent, treat, and improve the prognosis of this disease, which requires further research in this area.
Keywords: Squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth, Antioxidant, Saliva
Background and Objective: Oral cancer is one of the 10 most common cancers in the world and its global outbreak is increasing. Saliva assessment is one of the non-invasive diagnostic methods for this cancer. The aim of the study was to achieve a comprehensive conclusion about changes in salivary antioxidants in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth (OSCC).
Materials and Methods: In the present study, as a systematic review and meta-analysis study, information extracted by searching in external databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, google scholar) and internal databases (IranMedex, Scientific Information Database, Magiran) between the years 1980 to 2020. Comprehensive meta-analysis version 2 software was used to analyze the data (P <0.05).
Results: Of 497 articles, 271 duplicate articles were deleted, and then, after reviewing the titles and abstracts of the articles, another 197 articles were removed. The full text of 26 articles were reviewed and evaluated. Finally, based on the STROB checklist, the data of 10 articles were entered into the meta-analysis. Salivary malondialdehyde (MDA) index levels were much higher in patients with OSCC than in healthy people (P=0.0001). All salivary antioxidant indexes (TAC) (P=0.003) and GSH glutathione (P=0.008) saliva was significantly lower in patients than in the healthy group and regarding the salivary superoxide dismutase (SOD) index was no significant.
Conclusion: In general, antioxidant supplements may be able to help prevent, treat, and improve the prognosis of this disease, which requires further research in this area.
Keywords: Squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth, Antioxidant, Saliva
Research Interests:
The health-care system should be ready to deal with a large number of COVID-19 patients who may require critical care. Patients with severe consequences should have well-rehearsed and structured protocols for quick identification,... more
The health-care system should be ready to deal with a large number of COVID-19 patients who may require critical care. Patients with severe consequences should have well-rehearsed and structured protocols for quick identification, isolation, triage, and care plans. The higher incidence of metabolic syndrome combined with COVID-19 shows that concurrence of these two disorders, as well as the therapeutic and care issues they cause, should be thoroughly investigated to improve defense against disease along its course and more caution and special supportive care should be taken to avoid future problems.
Keywords: COVID-19 -Metabolic syndrome-pandemic
Keywords: COVID-19 -Metabolic syndrome-pandemic
Research Interests:
Legionella pneumophila is a thin, aerobic, Gram-negative, pathogenic bacillus and the leading cause of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) in human, especially those with high risk conditions including immune system disorders or chronic lung... more
Legionella pneumophila is a thin, aerobic, Gram-negative, pathogenic bacillus and the leading cause of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) in human, especially those with high risk conditions including immune system disorders or chronic lung diseases. The mortality rate of LD has been reported to be 60% or higher in inappropriately treated cases. Investigating the prevalence of L. pneumophila and identifying contaminated sources in hospital settings are essential steps that should be taken to control the disease and evaluate the efficacy of interventional strategies. Currently, the culture method is considered as the “gold standard” for detection of L. pneumophila and LD diagnosis. In this case report of severe LD in Iran, we studied a 60-year-old male patient with underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We also presented the clinical and pathophysiological features of LD as well as its diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The importance of early diagnosis of L. pneumophila infection in patients with COPD is also highlighted.
Keywords: Legionella pneumophila, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Legionnaires' disease, Pneumonia, Iran
Keywords: Legionella pneumophila, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Legionnaires' disease, Pneumonia, Iran
Research Interests:
Partial muscular inter-ventricular septal defect (VSD) or Pacman heart is a rare congenital or occasionally acquired anomaly. Concurrent Pacman heart and Shone's complex are extremely rare and have never been reported until now. We... more
Partial muscular inter-ventricular septal defect (VSD) or Pacman heart is a rare congenital or occasionally acquired anomaly. Concurrent Pacman heart and Shone's complex are extremely rare and have never been reported until now. We described a 37-year-old male patient with congenital Pacman heart, flail mitral valve (FMV), and a history of multiple congenital anomalies, including subvalvular aortic stenosis, bicuspid aortic valve (AV), and coarctation of the aorta compatible with the incomplete form of Shone's complex. Cardiac surgery was not necessary to perform for this anomaly due to the absence of a left-to-right shunt through this partial defect.
Keywords: Flail mitral leaflet, Congenital heart defects, Bicuspid aortic valve
Keywords: Flail mitral leaflet, Congenital heart defects, Bicuspid aortic valve
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease that causes 6% of deaths, 90% of which occur in low- and middle-income countries. Improving these patients' quality of life (QOL) is one of the... more
Background and Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease that causes 6% of deaths, 90% of which occur in low- and middle-income countries. Improving these patients' quality of life (QOL) is one of the primary treatment goals. The St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) is used to measure the health status of patients with respiratory problems. This research aimed to assess the health status of patients with COPD after validating the Persian version of this questionnaire.
Materials and Methods: The study was performed from Feb to Oct 2016 in Shiraz, Iran. First, the Persian version of the questionnaire was validated using a back-translation technique by two translators, supervised by two researchers, and finally approved by two pulmonologists. The test-retest method was used to investigate the questionnaire's reliability. The questionnaire was used to assess the health status of 158 COPD patients with FEV1/FVC ratio≤ 0.7 or FEV1<80%, without exacerbation, cardiac disease, or recent hospitalization.
Results: The reliabilities of the first part (questions 1-7) and second part (questions 8-14) of the questionnaire was 0.64 and 0.90, respectively. The current health was good, fair, poor, and very poor in 7.6%, 22.2%, 44.9%, 22.8%, and 2.5% of the patients, respectively. The mean± standard deviation (SD) scores calculated for symptoms, activity, and impact were 54.216±23.725, 41.477±24.996, and 37.482±26.390, and the total score was 133.176±69.284.
Conclusion: The Persian version of the SGRQ-C was valid and reliable. The patients with COPD at our center had a good health status.
Keywords: Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive, Quality of Life, St. George Respiratory Questionnaire
Materials and Methods: The study was performed from Feb to Oct 2016 in Shiraz, Iran. First, the Persian version of the questionnaire was validated using a back-translation technique by two translators, supervised by two researchers, and finally approved by two pulmonologists. The test-retest method was used to investigate the questionnaire's reliability. The questionnaire was used to assess the health status of 158 COPD patients with FEV1/FVC ratio≤ 0.7 or FEV1<80%, without exacerbation, cardiac disease, or recent hospitalization.
Results: The reliabilities of the first part (questions 1-7) and second part (questions 8-14) of the questionnaire was 0.64 and 0.90, respectively. The current health was good, fair, poor, and very poor in 7.6%, 22.2%, 44.9%, 22.8%, and 2.5% of the patients, respectively. The mean± standard deviation (SD) scores calculated for symptoms, activity, and impact were 54.216±23.725, 41.477±24.996, and 37.482±26.390, and the total score was 133.176±69.284.
Conclusion: The Persian version of the SGRQ-C was valid and reliable. The patients with COPD at our center had a good health status.
Keywords: Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive, Quality of Life, St. George Respiratory Questionnaire
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Dysregulation of long-term expression of non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has a potential role in progressive brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. This study aimed to analyze the apoptosis and expression of 51A... more
Background and Objective: Dysregulation of long-term expression of non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has a potential role in progressive brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. This study aimed to analyze the apoptosis and expression of 51A and NAT-Rad18 lncRNAs and their target genes in brain tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of the rat model of AD, before and after memantine treatment.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: 1. Normal control (n = 4), 2. Sham-operated (n = 4), 3. Alzheimer's control (n = 10), and 4. The experimental group (n = 10) was treated with memantine. The qPCR and TUNEL tests were used to detect the lncRNAs expression and apoptosis.
Results: Sorl1 gene was reduced in brain tissue of Alzheimer’s control (p = 0.016) and PBMCs of Alzheimer's control and experimental groups (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001 respectively). The expression of NAT-Rad18 and Rad18 genes increased in brain tissue of Alzheimer's control group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.04 respectively) while reduced in PBMCs of Alzheimer's control and experimental groups (p = 0.005 and p = 0.045 for NAT-Rad18, p = 0.01 and p = 0.006 for Rad18).
Conclusion: ROC curve analysis showed 100% sensitivity and 85.7% specificity for the Sorl1 gene with 0.911 under the curve area and 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for NAT-Rad18 and Rad18, separately with one under the curve area. Decreased expression in Sorl1, NAT-Rad18, and Rad18 genes can be used as blood biomarkers for diagnosis independently. However, studies on Alzheimer's patients are needed.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, Rat, Biomarker, lncRNA, Memantine
Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: 1. Normal control (n = 4), 2. Sham-operated (n = 4), 3. Alzheimer's control (n = 10), and 4. The experimental group (n = 10) was treated with memantine. The qPCR and TUNEL tests were used to detect the lncRNAs expression and apoptosis.
Results: Sorl1 gene was reduced in brain tissue of Alzheimer’s control (p = 0.016) and PBMCs of Alzheimer's control and experimental groups (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001 respectively). The expression of NAT-Rad18 and Rad18 genes increased in brain tissue of Alzheimer's control group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.04 respectively) while reduced in PBMCs of Alzheimer's control and experimental groups (p = 0.005 and p = 0.045 for NAT-Rad18, p = 0.01 and p = 0.006 for Rad18).
Conclusion: ROC curve analysis showed 100% sensitivity and 85.7% specificity for the Sorl1 gene with 0.911 under the curve area and 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for NAT-Rad18 and Rad18, separately with one under the curve area. Decreased expression in Sorl1, NAT-Rad18, and Rad18 genes can be used as blood biomarkers for diagnosis independently. However, studies on Alzheimer's patients are needed.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, Rat, Biomarker, lncRNA, Memantine
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Aging is a natural phenomenon which can cause changes in most organs and cells. Numerous mechanisms including oxidative stress and free radical generation is involved in the progression of the aging process.... more
Background and Objective: Aging is a natural phenomenon which can cause changes in most organs and cells. Numerous mechanisms including oxidative stress and free radical generation is involved in the progression of the aging process. Pomegranate seed oil (PSO), has different therapeutic properties including anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this research, the effect of PSO against D-galactose-induced aging is investigated.
Materials and Methods: D-galactose, 500 mg/kg, injected subcutaneously (S.C.) to induce aging in rats. Animals in treatment groups received PSO, 0.4 and 0.8 ml/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.). After 42 days, behavioral test was evaluated by passive avoidance (PA). Then animals killed, blood samples collected by cardiac puncture, and brain and liver removed. Levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) measured in serum. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiol contents of brain and liver homogenized tissue samples were determined.
Results: D-galactose increased lipid-peroxidation in liver and brain tissues as well as elevation of ALT, AST, but the level of thiol contents decreased in homogenized tissues. Both doses of PSO attenuated d-galactose-induced injury in liver and brain by decreasing ALT, AST, MDA and elevation of thiol content. The PA test showed that PSO increased the latency time to enter the
dark chamber compared to the control group.
Conclusion: PSO decreased D-galactose-induced aging in rats via prevention of oxidative stress. This effect may be related to the presence of various compounds and their anti-oxidant properties, which is found in PSO.
Keywords: Aging, Lipid peroxidation, Oxidative stress, Punica granatum
Materials and Methods: D-galactose, 500 mg/kg, injected subcutaneously (S.C.) to induce aging in rats. Animals in treatment groups received PSO, 0.4 and 0.8 ml/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.). After 42 days, behavioral test was evaluated by passive avoidance (PA). Then animals killed, blood samples collected by cardiac puncture, and brain and liver removed. Levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) measured in serum. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiol contents of brain and liver homogenized tissue samples were determined.
Results: D-galactose increased lipid-peroxidation in liver and brain tissues as well as elevation of ALT, AST, but the level of thiol contents decreased in homogenized tissues. Both doses of PSO attenuated d-galactose-induced injury in liver and brain by decreasing ALT, AST, MDA and elevation of thiol content. The PA test showed that PSO increased the latency time to enter the
dark chamber compared to the control group.
Conclusion: PSO decreased D-galactose-induced aging in rats via prevention of oxidative stress. This effect may be related to the presence of various compounds and their anti-oxidant properties, which is found in PSO.
Keywords: Aging, Lipid peroxidation, Oxidative stress, Punica granatum
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Increment in cancer prevalence and subsequent need for chemotherapy leads to distinct kidney-related diseases such as acute kidney injury (AKI). Cisplatin is a common chemotherapeutic agent that has been used in... more
Background and Objective: Increment in cancer prevalence and subsequent need for chemotherapy leads to distinct kidney-related diseases such as acute kidney injury (AKI). Cisplatin is a common chemotherapeutic agent that has been used in many cancers; however, it can damage renal cells. Capparis spinosa is an important therapeutic plant in Persian medicine that encompasses high amounts of bioactive antioxidant components. The current study aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective effects of Capparis spinosa seed hydroalcoholic extract (CSSE) against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in vivo through histopathological evaluation.
Materials and Methods: Forty Sprague Dawley rats weighing within the range of 230±20 gr were randomly divided into eight groups including sham, a single-dose cisplatin intraperitoneally (IP) injected group (7 mg/kg), toxic dose CSSE (200 mg/kg) group, and groups with cisplatin 7mg/kg IP and different doses of CSSE. Histopathological changes in the kidney tissues were quantified by the image-J program and analyzed by statistical methods.
Results: Cisplatin-induced glomerular and tubular injuries in the kidney tissue. A single-dose cisplatin decreased the glomerular area and Bowman's capsule area, increased Bowman's space, and induced tubular loss of brush borders, tubular dilatation, tubular cast formation and tubular necrosis. All of the changes were reversed by CSSE significantly.
Conclusion: Post-CSSE (50 and 100 mg/kg) treatment could protect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in vivo. More clinical studies are needed to confirm its protective effects on the prevention of kidney injury in chemotherapy receiving patients.
Keywords: Capparis spinosa, Persian Medicine, Pathology, Acute kidney injury, Cisplatin. Cancer
Materials and Methods: Forty Sprague Dawley rats weighing within the range of 230±20 gr were randomly divided into eight groups including sham, a single-dose cisplatin intraperitoneally (IP) injected group (7 mg/kg), toxic dose CSSE (200 mg/kg) group, and groups with cisplatin 7mg/kg IP and different doses of CSSE. Histopathological changes in the kidney tissues were quantified by the image-J program and analyzed by statistical methods.
Results: Cisplatin-induced glomerular and tubular injuries in the kidney tissue. A single-dose cisplatin decreased the glomerular area and Bowman's capsule area, increased Bowman's space, and induced tubular loss of brush borders, tubular dilatation, tubular cast formation and tubular necrosis. All of the changes were reversed by CSSE significantly.
Conclusion: Post-CSSE (50 and 100 mg/kg) treatment could protect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in vivo. More clinical studies are needed to confirm its protective effects on the prevention of kidney injury in chemotherapy receiving patients.
Keywords: Capparis spinosa, Persian Medicine, Pathology, Acute kidney injury, Cisplatin. Cancer
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an unknown recurrent intestinal disease and a common cause of gastrointestinal disorders, which may lead to colorectal cancer if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. The... more
Background and Objective: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an unknown recurrent intestinal disease and a common cause of gastrointestinal disorders, which may lead to colorectal cancer if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. The beneficial effects of several probiotics in diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been investigated, although their mechanisms have not been yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated the possible association between the changes in the levels of the expression of miRNAs and the anti-inflammatory activity of the L. acidophilus as a probiotic model in Wistar rats suffering the acid-induced UC.
Materials and Methods: Twenty rats were randomly divided into four groups. To induce colitis, the rats were briefly anesthetized, and 1 ml of acetic acid (4%) was injected into their rectum using a Foley catheter, as explained previously. L. acidophilus was given orally (3×108 CCU/ml) for 10 days. The rats were monitored daily for clinical signs for 10 days. Following euthanasia, the macroscopic and microscopic pathological lesions in the intestinal tissues were examined. Additionally, the total RNA from specimens were extracted, and the expression levels of mRNAs for cytokines, including TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, and the expression levels of miR-1, miR-155, miR-let7d, and miR-99a were determined using the qPCR method.
Results: The clinical signs and pathological damages induced by acid were ameliorated in the rats receiving L. acidophilus compared with rats that did not receive it, as evidenced by improved clinical signs and results of immunohistochemistry and chemical assays. miRNAs, including miR-1, miR-99, miR-Let7d and miR-155 and changes in the expression of mRNAs, including TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ were significant. Changes in the amount of myeloperoxidase, nitrite oxide, and malondialdehyde were also significant (P ≤ 0.05). In pathological examination, immune cell infiltration and COX2 were different in colitis and treatment groups.
Conclusion: Therapeutic use of probiotics ameliorated UC by significantly changing the levels of miR-1, miR-99, miR-Let7d and miR-155.
Keywords: Lactobacillus acidophilus, MicroRNA, Ulcerative colitis
Materials and Methods: Twenty rats were randomly divided into four groups. To induce colitis, the rats were briefly anesthetized, and 1 ml of acetic acid (4%) was injected into their rectum using a Foley catheter, as explained previously. L. acidophilus was given orally (3×108 CCU/ml) for 10 days. The rats were monitored daily for clinical signs for 10 days. Following euthanasia, the macroscopic and microscopic pathological lesions in the intestinal tissues were examined. Additionally, the total RNA from specimens were extracted, and the expression levels of mRNAs for cytokines, including TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, and the expression levels of miR-1, miR-155, miR-let7d, and miR-99a were determined using the qPCR method.
Results: The clinical signs and pathological damages induced by acid were ameliorated in the rats receiving L. acidophilus compared with rats that did not receive it, as evidenced by improved clinical signs and results of immunohistochemistry and chemical assays. miRNAs, including miR-1, miR-99, miR-Let7d and miR-155 and changes in the expression of mRNAs, including TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ were significant. Changes in the amount of myeloperoxidase, nitrite oxide, and malondialdehyde were also significant (P ≤ 0.05). In pathological examination, immune cell infiltration and COX2 were different in colitis and treatment groups.
Conclusion: Therapeutic use of probiotics ameliorated UC by significantly changing the levels of miR-1, miR-99, miR-Let7d and miR-155.
Keywords: Lactobacillus acidophilus, MicroRNA, Ulcerative colitis
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Since the distribution of HBV genotypes in patients with hepatitis B indicates the predominant genotypes in specific geographical area, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of S gene mutations in... more
Background and Objective: Since the distribution of HBV genotypes in patients with hepatitis B indicates the predominant genotypes in specific geographical area, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of S gene mutations in high-risk children with maternal HBV in southeastern Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional prospective study was performed from March 2019 to March 2020. We studied 26 patients infected with hepatitis B virus through vertical route. Serological markers of HBV were tested for HBs Ag, anti-HBs, HBe Ag, anti-HBe, and anti-HBc through ELISA. HBV-positive DNA-HBV samples were examined by nested PCR. The correlation between categorical variables was estimated using Spearmen correlation coefficient. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22 software.
Results: Our study showed that no S gene mutation occurred in studied children. However, 4 (15.4%) of the children were HBe Ag positive, while the frequency of positive HBe antibody positive in the serum of children was 18 (69.2%).
Conclusion: In general, since different types of Pre-S / S variants are predominantly identified in patients with chronic HBV that can affect the progression of liver disease, it is therefore necessary to evaluate the types of Pre-S / S variants regularly in HBV. Carriers should be identified to help discover people at higher risk for liver disease. Our study, as a single center study in southeastern Iran, indicated no mutation in this gene in hepatitis B patients.
Keywords: Mutation, Hepatitis B, HBV, Children
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional prospective study was performed from March 2019 to March 2020. We studied 26 patients infected with hepatitis B virus through vertical route. Serological markers of HBV were tested for HBs Ag, anti-HBs, HBe Ag, anti-HBe, and anti-HBc through ELISA. HBV-positive DNA-HBV samples were examined by nested PCR. The correlation between categorical variables was estimated using Spearmen correlation coefficient. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22 software.
Results: Our study showed that no S gene mutation occurred in studied children. However, 4 (15.4%) of the children were HBe Ag positive, while the frequency of positive HBe antibody positive in the serum of children was 18 (69.2%).
Conclusion: In general, since different types of Pre-S / S variants are predominantly identified in patients with chronic HBV that can affect the progression of liver disease, it is therefore necessary to evaluate the types of Pre-S / S variants regularly in HBV. Carriers should be identified to help discover people at higher risk for liver disease. Our study, as a single center study in southeastern Iran, indicated no mutation in this gene in hepatitis B patients.
Keywords: Mutation, Hepatitis B, HBV, Children
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Better individualized treatment needs novel prognostic predictors. X-ray repair cross complementing XRCC5 and XRCC6 are coding genes of... more
Background and Objective: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Better individualized treatment needs novel prognostic predictors. X-ray repair cross complementing XRCC5 and XRCC6 are coding genes of the Ku protein complex (key components of the non-homologous end-joining [NHEJ] pathway), which could serve as prognostic factors in breast cancer. Hence, in this study, the association of XRCC5 (coding the Ku70 subunit) and XRCC6 (coding the Ku80 subunit) single polymorphisms with the risk of metastatic breast cancer was assessed.
Materials and Methods: This study included 30 breast cancer patients and 30 age-matched healthy women. Tetra-Arms polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and high-resolution melt (HRM) real-time PCR were performed to determine XRCC5 (variable number tandem repeat [VNTR] polymorphism, rs6147172) and XRCC6 (rs132793) polymorphisms, respectively. Demographical and clinical tumor status was recorded for all women. Allele frequencies and related genotypes were identified.
Results: Our results indicated that 34% of patients receiving chemotherapy had metastases in other organs, mostly in the lung. The frequencies of 0R/0R, 1R/1R, 2R/2R, and 1R/R genotypes in the XRCC5 gene were 6.6%, 63.3%, 6.6%, and 23.3%, respectively. No significant association was found between XRCC5 and metastatic breast cancer (P = 0.426). In addition, the XRCC5 polymorphism was associated with progesterone (P = 0.068), as well as the time interval between chemotherapy and relapse (P = 0.069). The frequency of AA, GG, and AG genotypes in XRCC6 were 0%, 33.3%, and 66.7%, respectively. The XRCC6 polymorphism was associated with cancer metastasis. There was a significant relationship between age (P = 0.048) and family history (P = 0.020) with cancer incidence. A significant association was observed between the XRCC6 polymorphism with human epithelial receptor 2 (HER2; P = 0.070) and radiotherapy sessions (P = 0.007).
Conclusion: We speculate that the genetic variation of the XRCC6 gene (rs132793 SNP) might be considered as a diagnostic biomarker in breast cancer, but further studies are necessary to confirm the results.
Keywords: Breast cancer, Metastasis, Polymorphism, XRCC5, XRCC6
Materials and Methods: This study included 30 breast cancer patients and 30 age-matched healthy women. Tetra-Arms polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and high-resolution melt (HRM) real-time PCR were performed to determine XRCC5 (variable number tandem repeat [VNTR] polymorphism, rs6147172) and XRCC6 (rs132793) polymorphisms, respectively. Demographical and clinical tumor status was recorded for all women. Allele frequencies and related genotypes were identified.
Results: Our results indicated that 34% of patients receiving chemotherapy had metastases in other organs, mostly in the lung. The frequencies of 0R/0R, 1R/1R, 2R/2R, and 1R/R genotypes in the XRCC5 gene were 6.6%, 63.3%, 6.6%, and 23.3%, respectively. No significant association was found between XRCC5 and metastatic breast cancer (P = 0.426). In addition, the XRCC5 polymorphism was associated with progesterone (P = 0.068), as well as the time interval between chemotherapy and relapse (P = 0.069). The frequency of AA, GG, and AG genotypes in XRCC6 were 0%, 33.3%, and 66.7%, respectively. The XRCC6 polymorphism was associated with cancer metastasis. There was a significant relationship between age (P = 0.048) and family history (P = 0.020) with cancer incidence. A significant association was observed between the XRCC6 polymorphism with human epithelial receptor 2 (HER2; P = 0.070) and radiotherapy sessions (P = 0.007).
Conclusion: We speculate that the genetic variation of the XRCC6 gene (rs132793 SNP) might be considered as a diagnostic biomarker in breast cancer, but further studies are necessary to confirm the results.
Keywords: Breast cancer, Metastasis, Polymorphism, XRCC5, XRCC6
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Patients suffering from cardiac arrest (CA) have poor prognosis and survival. The association of pre-arrest comorbidity with unsuccessful resuscitation in patients with CA is far from clear. The aim of the... more
Background and Objective: Patients suffering from cardiac arrest (CA) have poor prognosis and survival. The association of pre-arrest comorbidity with unsuccessful resuscitation in patients with CA is far from clear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between pre-existing comorbidity and unsuccessful resuscitation following CA in Iranian patients.
Materials and Methods: Data of all the patients with CA (1320 patients) who were admitted to Baqiyatallah Hospital (Tehran, Iran), and underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from 2018 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. We analyzed the association of comorbidity data with the mortality rate and unsuccessful CPR.
Results: In the present study, 794 (60.2%) patients were female. Most CAs occurred in the hospital (1289). The case fatality rate (CFR) of CA was 69.92%. Additionally, of the 1320 patients, CPR was unsuccessful in 1271 (96.3%) patients. Our data analysis revealed that gender had no significant relationship with the mortality rate and unsuccessful CPR. However, age was significantly associated with mortality, but not with unsuccessful CPR. CA, respiratory distress, and impaired consciousness were significantly associated with mortality. Furthermore, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), renal disease (P=0.032), and poisoning had a significant correlation with mortality. In addition, CABG and congestive heart failure (CHF) were significantly correlated with the unsuccessful CPR.
Conclusion: The present study suggested that CABG and CHF had a significant relationship with unsuccessful resuscitation. Furthermore, cardiomyopathy, CABG, renal disease, and poisoning were significantly associated with mortality.
Keywords: Cardiac arrest, CPR, Comorbidity
Materials and Methods: Data of all the patients with CA (1320 patients) who were admitted to Baqiyatallah Hospital (Tehran, Iran), and underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from 2018 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. We analyzed the association of comorbidity data with the mortality rate and unsuccessful CPR.
Results: In the present study, 794 (60.2%) patients were female. Most CAs occurred in the hospital (1289). The case fatality rate (CFR) of CA was 69.92%. Additionally, of the 1320 patients, CPR was unsuccessful in 1271 (96.3%) patients. Our data analysis revealed that gender had no significant relationship with the mortality rate and unsuccessful CPR. However, age was significantly associated with mortality, but not with unsuccessful CPR. CA, respiratory distress, and impaired consciousness were significantly associated with mortality. Furthermore, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), renal disease (P=0.032), and poisoning had a significant correlation with mortality. In addition, CABG and congestive heart failure (CHF) were significantly correlated with the unsuccessful CPR.
Conclusion: The present study suggested that CABG and CHF had a significant relationship with unsuccessful resuscitation. Furthermore, cardiomyopathy, CABG, renal disease, and poisoning were significantly associated with mortality.
Keywords: Cardiac arrest, CPR, Comorbidity
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is caused due to coronary artery occlusion and divided into two forms of ST-elevation (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation (NSTEMI) myocardial infarction. This study aimed to determine... more
Background and Objective: Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is caused due to coronary artery occlusion and divided into two forms of ST-elevation (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation (NSTEMI) myocardial infarction. This study aimed to determine the success rate of treatment with primary PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) versus thrombolysis in the establishment of perfusion and to evaluate the short-term complications caused by each method.
Materials and Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 90 patients were selected for primary PCI treatment and 90 patients for thrombolytic treatment. Clinical data and basic demographic characteristics of the patients and cardiovascular risk factors were recorded. The success rate of coronary reperfusion by primary PCI and thrombolytic therapy was then determined by angiography and 90-minute ECG with resolution or improvement of chest pain. All patients were examined for any serious complications such as cerebrovascular accidents, shock, and heart failure for 30 days after treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS ver. 20.
Results: In the primary PCI group, 75.6% of the patients were males, and 24.4% were females, but in the thrombolytic group, 76.6% and 23.3% of the cases were males and females, respectively. The mean door-to-balloon time for PCI was 63.60 ± 23.92 and was 53.70 ±21.52 min in the thrombolytic group. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade III and TIMI-II were the most frequent in primary PCI and thrombolytic groups, respectively. The odds ratio (OD) of mechanical MI and major arrhythmia in patients received the primary PCI compared to those received thrombolytic therapy was 0.24 and 0.66, respectively. Also, the OD of mortality in the primary PCI group was 2.12.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that in STEMI patients, the chances of short-term complications such as post-MI mechanical complications, major arrhythmia, and bleeding requiring blood transfusion were lower in patients who were treated with primary PCI than those who received thrombolytic treatment. Also, the average hospitalization in CCU and hospital in the primary PCI group was lower than the thrombolytic group.
Keywords: Primary PCI, Thrombolytic, Fibrinolysis, ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)
Materials and Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 90 patients were selected for primary PCI treatment and 90 patients for thrombolytic treatment. Clinical data and basic demographic characteristics of the patients and cardiovascular risk factors were recorded. The success rate of coronary reperfusion by primary PCI and thrombolytic therapy was then determined by angiography and 90-minute ECG with resolution or improvement of chest pain. All patients were examined for any serious complications such as cerebrovascular accidents, shock, and heart failure for 30 days after treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS ver. 20.
Results: In the primary PCI group, 75.6% of the patients were males, and 24.4% were females, but in the thrombolytic group, 76.6% and 23.3% of the cases were males and females, respectively. The mean door-to-balloon time for PCI was 63.60 ± 23.92 and was 53.70 ±21.52 min in the thrombolytic group. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade III and TIMI-II were the most frequent in primary PCI and thrombolytic groups, respectively. The odds ratio (OD) of mechanical MI and major arrhythmia in patients received the primary PCI compared to those received thrombolytic therapy was 0.24 and 0.66, respectively. Also, the OD of mortality in the primary PCI group was 2.12.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that in STEMI patients, the chances of short-term complications such as post-MI mechanical complications, major arrhythmia, and bleeding requiring blood transfusion were lower in patients who were treated with primary PCI than those who received thrombolytic treatment. Also, the average hospitalization in CCU and hospital in the primary PCI group was lower than the thrombolytic group.
Keywords: Primary PCI, Thrombolytic, Fibrinolysis, ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive disorder of posture and motor status caused by various factors and can cause childhood disabilities and abnormalities like flat foot deformity. Kinesio Taping is a typical... more
Background and Objective: Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive disorder of posture and motor status caused by various factors and can cause childhood disabilities and abnormalities like flat foot deformity. Kinesio Taping is a typical technique that helps relieve pain, relax muscles, and increase proprioception. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping on the plantar arch index in children with diplegic cerebral palsy.
Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was performed on 20 children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy aged 2 to 6 years in Zanjan-Iran rehabilitation centers. The children were examined in separate intervention and control groups. In the control group, common flat foot exercises were performed. In contrast, in the intervention group, the Kinesio Taping method was used in addition to the mentioned exercises, and finally, the data were analyzed. Paired samples T-Test and Independent T-Test were used to determine the effect of Kinesio Taping in reducing flat feet.
Results: After statistical analysis, it was found that, although both groups showed significant results in their plantar arch indexes, the intervention group's results seemed more effective (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Kinesio taping can be a safe, inexpensive, and accessible method to manage flat feet complications in children with diplegic cerebral palsy.
Keywords: Flatfoot, Kinesio Taping, Cerebral palsy
Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was performed on 20 children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy aged 2 to 6 years in Zanjan-Iran rehabilitation centers. The children were examined in separate intervention and control groups. In the control group, common flat foot exercises were performed. In contrast, in the intervention group, the Kinesio Taping method was used in addition to the mentioned exercises, and finally, the data were analyzed. Paired samples T-Test and Independent T-Test were used to determine the effect of Kinesio Taping in reducing flat feet.
Results: After statistical analysis, it was found that, although both groups showed significant results in their plantar arch indexes, the intervention group's results seemed more effective (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Kinesio taping can be a safe, inexpensive, and accessible method to manage flat feet complications in children with diplegic cerebral palsy.
Keywords: Flatfoot, Kinesio Taping, Cerebral palsy
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: It has been reported that allopathic drugs do not have significant effects on diabetes treatment. In contemporary literature, much attention has been given to the potential use of traditional medicines, including... more
Background and Objective: It has been reported that allopathic drugs do not have significant effects on diabetes treatment. In contemporary literature, much attention has been given to the potential use of traditional medicines, including medicinal plants, in the treatment of metabolic abnormalities. Indeed, the effect of Securigera securidaca, as a medicinal agent, in alleviating the complications of diabetes has received marked attention, particularly in animal models. The aim of this review is to clarify the S.securidaca therapeutic effects in diabetes mellitus treatment based on animal research.
Materials and Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Web of Science were searched, from inception to January 2020 to investigate the effects of S.securidaca on diabetes in animal models. Each article was critically rewired for its methodological quality using the CAMARADE tool.
Results: Thirteen articles were reviewed and some positive effects of S.securidaca were observed in alloxan and Streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals. With a closer look at the mechanisms, S.securidaca is comparable with current antidiabetic drugs. The results of animal trials indicated hypoglycemic effects of S.securidaca in animal models.
Conclusion: Remedies like S.securidaca could count as a treatment option for diabetic patients, alongside current antidiabetic medications, yet with fewer side-effects.
Keywords: Securidaca, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypoglycemic Agents, Herbal Medicine
Materials and Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Web of Science were searched, from inception to January 2020 to investigate the effects of S.securidaca on diabetes in animal models. Each article was critically rewired for its methodological quality using the CAMARADE tool.
Results: Thirteen articles were reviewed and some positive effects of S.securidaca were observed in alloxan and Streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals. With a closer look at the mechanisms, S.securidaca is comparable with current antidiabetic drugs. The results of animal trials indicated hypoglycemic effects of S.securidaca in animal models.
Conclusion: Remedies like S.securidaca could count as a treatment option for diabetic patients, alongside current antidiabetic medications, yet with fewer side-effects.
Keywords: Securidaca, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypoglycemic Agents, Herbal Medicine
Research Interests:
Background & Objective: Leishmaniasis is among the seven more significant tropical diseases, and it is a major global health issue with a wide range of clinical symptoms and potentially lethal consequences. Resveratrol and its derivatives... more
Background & Objective: Leishmaniasis is among the seven more significant tropical diseases, and it is a major global health issue with a wide range of clinical symptoms and potentially lethal consequences. Resveratrol and its derivatives have been shown to have anti-Leishmanial properties. This study aimed to use a metaanalysis of relevant papers to determine the leishmanicidal impact of resveratrol and its derivatives. Materials & Methods: A comprehensive search method was used to query the electronic databases of PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus up until June 2021. The articles that met the inclusion criteria were chosen. Random-effects models were used to calculate mean differences in IC50 (concentration corresponding to a 50% reduction in Leishmania) for each outcome. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the evidence. To assess heterogeneity and the stability of the pooled data, sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed. The Egger's and Begg's tests were used to assess publication bias. Results: In the meta-analysis, nine studies were considered. Resveratrol (RSV) and its derivatives significantly reduced survivability in Leishmania promastigote [24.02 µg/ml; (95% CI 17.1, 30.8); P<0.05; I 2 = 99.8%; P Heterogeneity = 0.00] and amastigote [18.3 µg/ml; (95% CI 13.5, 23.2); P<0.05; I 2 = 99.6%; P Heterogeneity= 0.00]. The metaanalysis revealed a considerable publication bias. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the effect magnitude was similar, but the heterogeneity was reduced. According to subgroup analysis, the pooled effect sizes of leishmanicidal resveratrol and its derivatives were altered by the kind of stilbenes and Leishmania species. Conclusion: According to the findings of this meta-analysis, RSV and its derivatives could be a possible therapeutic option for leishmaniasis. However, more research is needed to confirm and employ this chemical against Leishmania.
Research Interests:
Ellis-Van Creveld (EVC) syndrome, otherwise known as chondroectodermal dysplasia, is a genetic disorder with cardiac and skeletal manifestations. The four main characteristics of EVC syndrome include chondroectodermal dysplasia,... more
Ellis-Van Creveld (EVC) syndrome, otherwise known as chondroectodermal dysplasia, is a genetic disorder with cardiac and skeletal manifestations. The four main characteristics of EVC syndrome include chondroectodermal dysplasia, polydactyly, congenital heart defects, and hypoplastic nails and teeth. Changes in the mechanical properties of the chest wall in infants with skeletal dysplasia reduce the functional residual capacity and cause respiratory failure. Here, we describe the case of a female patient with symptoms, including fever, poor feeding, and frequent cough, for one week before admission to a hospital in Sabzevar, Iran. The patient was a four-month-old girl with a medical history of EVC syndrome. She complained of fever, poor feeding, and repeated cough for one week. She had multiple labial frenal attachments in the upper and lower jaws, as well as long bones. The iliac bones were short and square-shaped, with the acetabulum in a transverse orientation. Slight elongation of the chest, along with short ribs, was also observed. Based on the findings, EVC syndrome should be considered as a pediatric disorder, which can damage multiple organs, including the skeletal system, and cause respiratory disorders and congenital heart disease. If this syndrome is not diagnosed in childhood, due to poor available treatments, patients will be at risk of disorders at older age.
Keywords: Ellis–Van-Creveld syndrome, mesoectrodermal Dysplasia, Genetic diseases, case report
Keywords: Ellis–Van-Creveld syndrome, mesoectrodermal Dysplasia, Genetic diseases, case report
Research Interests:
Shone syndrome is a rare congenital cardiac abnormality; however, many of the cases remain undiagnosed until early and middle adulthood. Different imaging modalities are used to assess the related structural abnormalities. In this case... more
Shone syndrome is a rare congenital cardiac abnormality; however, many of the cases remain undiagnosed until early and middle adulthood. Different imaging modalities are used to assess the related structural abnormalities. In this case study, we report a 32-year-old woman who was planning her first pregnancy. In light of her childhood heart problems, in addition to a history of extended penicillin prescriptions for several years, she was referred for complementary assessments. At the time of presentation, she was asymptomatic. Imaging results showed several structural obstructive left-sided lesions and pulmonary artery hypertension. Ultimately, the patient was diagnosed with congenital shone syndrome, which was initially misdiagnosed. Shone complex in our case was presented in its full form, which could be potentially fatal in case of pregnancy.
Keywords: Congenital heart disease, Echocardiography, Shone syndrome, Shone’s complex, Pregnancy
Keywords: Congenital heart disease, Echocardiography, Shone syndrome, Shone’s complex, Pregnancy
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Cardiovascular diseases are the most important causes of death worldwide. Atherosclerosis, as a common form of cardiovascular disease, tends to involve specific areas of the circulatory system. Boron has... more
Background and Objective: Cardiovascular diseases are the most important causes of death worldwide. Atherosclerosis, as a common form of cardiovascular disease, tends to involve specific areas of the circulatory system. Boron has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties with potential beneficial effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of Boron on histopathological changes of atherosclerotic plaque and lipid profile in hyperlipidemic rabbits.
Materials and Methods: Male rabbits in five groups of control, sham, hyperlipidemia, treatment 1 and treatment 2 were fed on high fat diet (1% cholesterol). Treatment groups received Boron, 4 mg / kg, on the first and 20th days of experiment. Animals’ weights were measured on days 1, 21 and 60. Plasma levels of Cholesterol, LDL, HDL and TG were measured by photometric method. After 60 days, Sudan IV staining method was used for macroscopic study. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining method were performed for quantitative analysis.
Results: Animals in the control and sham groups showed no significant change in serum lipid profile with no atherosclerotic plaque in aortic vessels. In the hyperlipidemia group, significant alterations in lipid profile and presence of atheroma plaques were detected. In animals receiving Boron as a protective agent, atheroma plaques were significantly less (p <0.05). This was confirmed by quantitative analysis.
Conclusion: Boron ameliorates the development and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Boron can be used alone or in combination with other drugs as anti-atherosclerotic treatment.
Keywords: Atherosclerosis, Boron, Hyperlipidemia, Atheroma plaques, Lipid profile
Materials and Methods: Male rabbits in five groups of control, sham, hyperlipidemia, treatment 1 and treatment 2 were fed on high fat diet (1% cholesterol). Treatment groups received Boron, 4 mg / kg, on the first and 20th days of experiment. Animals’ weights were measured on days 1, 21 and 60. Plasma levels of Cholesterol, LDL, HDL and TG were measured by photometric method. After 60 days, Sudan IV staining method was used for macroscopic study. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining method were performed for quantitative analysis.
Results: Animals in the control and sham groups showed no significant change in serum lipid profile with no atherosclerotic plaque in aortic vessels. In the hyperlipidemia group, significant alterations in lipid profile and presence of atheroma plaques were detected. In animals receiving Boron as a protective agent, atheroma plaques were significantly less (p <0.05). This was confirmed by quantitative analysis.
Conclusion: Boron ameliorates the development and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Boron can be used alone or in combination with other drugs as anti-atherosclerotic treatment.
Keywords: Atherosclerosis, Boron, Hyperlipidemia, Atheroma plaques, Lipid profile
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Infertility is a health problem that affects 72.4 million couples worldwide. Infertility can occur as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle, such as a smoking habit. Cigarettes contain nicotine, a toxic compound... more
Background and Objective: Infertility is a health problem that affects 72.4 million couples worldwide. Infertility can occur as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle, such as a smoking habit. Cigarettes contain nicotine, a toxic compound that can trigger oxidative stress and eventually decrease fertility. Temulawak is a medicinal plant that is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used as a traditional remedy and is believed to improve fertility. We aim to study the effect of temulawak extract on the morphology, motility, and sperm counts of nicotine-induced mice.
Materials and Methods: A total of 20 mice were divided into four groups (n = 5): control normal (K0); nicotine-induced (K1); and nicotine-induced treated with two different concentrations of temulawak extract, 4 mg/20 g body weight (P1) and 8 mg/20 g body weight (P2). The mice were given nicotine and temulawak for 28 days and then killed by neck dislocation. Both testes and vas deferens were collected for sperm analysis.
Results: Mice treated with nicotine (K1) showed lower sperm counts (p=0.012) and motility (p<0.001) compared to mice in the control normal (K0) but had no difference in morphology. Treatment with temulawak (4 mg/20 g body weight) on nicotine-induced mice (P1) significantly increased sperm motility (p< 0.001). A double dose of temulawak extract (P2) resulted in significantly higher motility and sperm counts than in group K1.
Conclusion: Temulawak treatment (8 mg/20 g body weight) on nicotine-induced mice can significantly improve motility and sperm counts.
Keywords: Nicotine, Temulawak, Spermatozoa, Infertility
Materials and Methods: A total of 20 mice were divided into four groups (n = 5): control normal (K0); nicotine-induced (K1); and nicotine-induced treated with two different concentrations of temulawak extract, 4 mg/20 g body weight (P1) and 8 mg/20 g body weight (P2). The mice were given nicotine and temulawak for 28 days and then killed by neck dislocation. Both testes and vas deferens were collected for sperm analysis.
Results: Mice treated with nicotine (K1) showed lower sperm counts (p=0.012) and motility (p<0.001) compared to mice in the control normal (K0) but had no difference in morphology. Treatment with temulawak (4 mg/20 g body weight) on nicotine-induced mice (P1) significantly increased sperm motility (p< 0.001). A double dose of temulawak extract (P2) resulted in significantly higher motility and sperm counts than in group K1.
Conclusion: Temulawak treatment (8 mg/20 g body weight) on nicotine-induced mice can significantly improve motility and sperm counts.
Keywords: Nicotine, Temulawak, Spermatozoa, Infertility
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health disorder that affects the way people think and feel about themselves and others, causing problems in everyday life functions and attributes. BPD has a high... more
Background and Objective: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health disorder that affects the way people think and feel about themselves and others, causing problems in everyday life functions and attributes. BPD has a high comorbidity with mood disorders such as bipolar disorder (BD). The people with borderline personality traits (BPT) are not diagnosed as personality disorder but they have the traits of this personality disorder that can affect their mental health and function. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of BPT as a predictor of suicidal ideation in patients with BD.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 50 individuals (25 women and 25 men) who were hospitalized in Shahid Beheshti psychiatric hospital, Zanjan, Iran. The patients were selected by structural clinical interview and then examined by borderline personality inventory (BPI) and Beck scale for suicide ideation (BSSI). The diagnosis of bipolar disorder was made by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists.
The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistical methods and inferential statistics including independent t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient and Multivariate regression analysis with stepwise methods.
Results: The results indicate that there is a significant relationship between BPT and suicidal ideation in patients with BD. Pearson correlation coefficient results revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between the component of primary defense mechanisms as one of the BPT components and suicidal ideation in patients with BD. The results also showed that the type of mood disorder along with BPT and gender are not determinants of suicidal ideation in patients but, there is a relationship between BPT and suicidal ideation in bipolar patients.
Conclusion: We showed a relationship between BPT and suicidal ideation in BD patients. Our study also showed that a high level of BPT which could lead to the diagnosis of BPD may be a risk factor for suicidal ideation. Thus, it seems that one of the central modifiable risk factors for suicidal ideation severity is BPD features.
Keywords: Borderline personality disorder, Suicidal ideation, Bipolar disorder
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 50 individuals (25 women and 25 men) who were hospitalized in Shahid Beheshti psychiatric hospital, Zanjan, Iran. The patients were selected by structural clinical interview and then examined by borderline personality inventory (BPI) and Beck scale for suicide ideation (BSSI). The diagnosis of bipolar disorder was made by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists.
The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistical methods and inferential statistics including independent t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient and Multivariate regression analysis with stepwise methods.
Results: The results indicate that there is a significant relationship between BPT and suicidal ideation in patients with BD. Pearson correlation coefficient results revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between the component of primary defense mechanisms as one of the BPT components and suicidal ideation in patients with BD. The results also showed that the type of mood disorder along with BPT and gender are not determinants of suicidal ideation in patients but, there is a relationship between BPT and suicidal ideation in bipolar patients.
Conclusion: We showed a relationship between BPT and suicidal ideation in BD patients. Our study also showed that a high level of BPT which could lead to the diagnosis of BPD may be a risk factor for suicidal ideation. Thus, it seems that one of the central modifiable risk factors for suicidal ideation severity is BPD features.
Keywords: Borderline personality disorder, Suicidal ideation, Bipolar disorder
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Doxorubicin as an effective chemotherapeutic agent is frequently used in various cancers. Nowadays, the application of doxorubicin is limited due to its cardiotoxic effects. The important mechanism which is... more
Background and Objective: Doxorubicin as an effective chemotherapeutic agent is frequently used in various cancers. Nowadays, the application of doxorubicin is limited due to its cardiotoxic effects. The important mechanism which is involved in the cardiac injury of doxorubicin is the generation of reactive oxygen species; therefore antioxidant compounds may reduce cardiotoxicity. In the present study, we evaluated the protective effects of Portulaca oleracea extract against doxorubicin-induced damage in cardiomyocytes cell line H9c2.
Materials and Methods: The H9c2 cells were pre-treated for 2h with different concentrations of extract (12-400µg/ml) or resveratrol (50µM, positive control), and then doxorubicin was added for 24h. Afterward, the cell viability, and parameters of oxidative stress including lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and also apoptosis rate, were measured.
Results: The results revealed that doxorubicin extremely decreased cell viability via increasing malondialdehyde, ROS, and apoptotic cells. The extract could reverse doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through anti-oxidant activity.
Conclusion: In conclusion, we witnessed that P. oleracea has protective effect against doxorubicin-caused cardiomyocytes damage.
Keywords: Cardioprotective agents, Doxorubicin, Cardiomyocytes, Portulaca oleracea
Materials and Methods: The H9c2 cells were pre-treated for 2h with different concentrations of extract (12-400µg/ml) or resveratrol (50µM, positive control), and then doxorubicin was added for 24h. Afterward, the cell viability, and parameters of oxidative stress including lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and also apoptosis rate, were measured.
Results: The results revealed that doxorubicin extremely decreased cell viability via increasing malondialdehyde, ROS, and apoptotic cells. The extract could reverse doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through anti-oxidant activity.
Conclusion: In conclusion, we witnessed that P. oleracea has protective effect against doxorubicin-caused cardiomyocytes damage.
Keywords: Cardioprotective agents, Doxorubicin, Cardiomyocytes, Portulaca oleracea
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Acetaminophen overdose can result in hepatic injury, mainly through oxidative stress. We investigated the protective effect of Cuminum cyminum (C. cyminum) seeds powder after acetaminophen administration.... more
Background and Objective: Acetaminophen overdose can result in hepatic injury, mainly through oxidative stress. We investigated the protective effect of Cuminum cyminum (C. cyminum) seeds powder after acetaminophen administration.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 male rats were allocated into five groups of six in number as follows: control, acetaminophen (A), and acetaminophen + C. cyminum 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg (A+C). After 24 hours of fasting, the control group received distilled water, and groups A and A+C received acetaminophen 1,000 mg/kg orally through gavage. Six hours later, the control group and group A were given distilled water, and groups A+C received C. cyminum 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg by gavage. Twelve hours after the second gavage, hepatic markers of oxidative stress and serum ALT and AST were assessed.
Results: In group A, the activities of serum ALT and AST, the concentration of hepatic malondialdehyde and H2O2 increased, and peroxidase & catalase activities decreased substantially compared to the control group. C. cyminum administration in groups A+Cs resulted in the return of these changes toward group control.
Conclusion: These results suggest that C. cyminum, due to its flavonoid and polyphenol contents, could diminish hepatic injury induced by acetaminophen.
Keywords: Acetaminophen, Hepatotoxicity, Cuminum cyminum, Oxidative stress, Hepatic function
Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 male rats were allocated into five groups of six in number as follows: control, acetaminophen (A), and acetaminophen + C. cyminum 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg (A+C). After 24 hours of fasting, the control group received distilled water, and groups A and A+C received acetaminophen 1,000 mg/kg orally through gavage. Six hours later, the control group and group A were given distilled water, and groups A+C received C. cyminum 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg by gavage. Twelve hours after the second gavage, hepatic markers of oxidative stress and serum ALT and AST were assessed.
Results: In group A, the activities of serum ALT and AST, the concentration of hepatic malondialdehyde and H2O2 increased, and peroxidase & catalase activities decreased substantially compared to the control group. C. cyminum administration in groups A+Cs resulted in the return of these changes toward group control.
Conclusion: These results suggest that C. cyminum, due to its flavonoid and polyphenol contents, could diminish hepatic injury induced by acetaminophen.
Keywords: Acetaminophen, Hepatotoxicity, Cuminum cyminum, Oxidative stress, Hepatic function
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Little is known about the association between dietary protein intake and clinical manifestations in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. We aimed to determine the correlation between dietary protein intake and pain... more
Background and Objective: Little is known about the association between dietary protein intake and clinical manifestations in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. We aimed to determine the correlation between dietary protein intake and pain severity, functional status, and body composition indices in patients with knee OA.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 220 OA patients, staged I to Ⅲon Kellgren and Lawrence scale. Patients were selected randomly via cluster sampling method from the health centers of Tabriz between October 2017 and October 2018. We estimated the participants' protein intakes using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Western Ontario and McMaster Index (WOMAC) was used to measure the functional status. We used the Visual Analogue Scale to measure pain severity. A bioelectric impedance device measured the patients’ body composition.
Results: Total dietary protein intake was 55.36±24.14 grams per day. Higher dietary total and animal-based protein intakes were associated with lower pain severity. There were reverse correlations between dietary protein intakes (total and animal-based) with the physical disability according to WOMAC total, WOMAC pain, and WOMAC stiffness scores in the subset of patients who didn’t meet the 75 percent of recommended dietary allowance. In these patients, higher total, plant-based, and animal-based protein intakes correlated with WOMAC functional scores. Higher total and animal-based protein intakes were associated with higher soft lean and lean body mass in women.
Conclusion: Dietary protein intake needs to improve in knee OA patients, and dietary protein intake might be an intermediation objective in these patients.
Keywords: Body composition, Dietary protein, Functional status, Knee osteoarthritis, Pain
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 220 OA patients, staged I to Ⅲon Kellgren and Lawrence scale. Patients were selected randomly via cluster sampling method from the health centers of Tabriz between October 2017 and October 2018. We estimated the participants' protein intakes using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Western Ontario and McMaster Index (WOMAC) was used to measure the functional status. We used the Visual Analogue Scale to measure pain severity. A bioelectric impedance device measured the patients’ body composition.
Results: Total dietary protein intake was 55.36±24.14 grams per day. Higher dietary total and animal-based protein intakes were associated with lower pain severity. There were reverse correlations between dietary protein intakes (total and animal-based) with the physical disability according to WOMAC total, WOMAC pain, and WOMAC stiffness scores in the subset of patients who didn’t meet the 75 percent of recommended dietary allowance. In these patients, higher total, plant-based, and animal-based protein intakes correlated with WOMAC functional scores. Higher total and animal-based protein intakes were associated with higher soft lean and lean body mass in women.
Conclusion: Dietary protein intake needs to improve in knee OA patients, and dietary protein intake might be an intermediation objective in these patients.
Keywords: Body composition, Dietary protein, Functional status, Knee osteoarthritis, Pain
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Febrile seizures are one of the most common neurological disorders in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of abnormal EEG reports and its association with other risk factors of febrile... more
Background and Objective: Febrile seizures are one of the most common neurological disorders in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of abnormal EEG reports and its association with other risk factors of febrile seizures.
Materials and Methods: In this prospective observational study, all patients with febrile seizure admitted into Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan, Iran, from April 2015 to March 2016 were enrolled. EEG was carried out for all patients and the clinical data were recorded in the prepared questionnaire .The statistical analysis was performed by using spss.16 software.
Results: One hundred seventy patients, 92 (54.1%) male and 78 (45.9%) female with the mean age of 28.57 months were evaluated. The EEG reports were normal in140 (82.4%) cases and 30 (17.6%) cases had abnormal reports including 8 cases(26.6%) of spike & sharp electric discharge, 2 cases (6.6%)of slow activity and 20 cases(66.6%) of nonspecific changes. EEG abnormalities were significantly related with male sex (P = 0.020), history of previous febrile convulsion (p< 0.001), positive family history of epilepsy and febrile seizures (p< 0.001) and complex type of febrile convulsion (p< 0.001). Longer duration of seizure (p< 0.001) and older age of patients (p< 0.033) had significant relation with abnormal EEG.
Conclusion: Although EEG is not routinely performed in all patients with febrile seizure, it is recommended for male gender, age over 3 years, complex febrile seizure, previous history of seizure and family history of epilepsy or febrile seizures.
Keywords: Electroencephalography (EEG), Simple febrile convulsion, Complex Febrile seizure, Febrile convulsion (FC)
Materials and Methods: In this prospective observational study, all patients with febrile seizure admitted into Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan, Iran, from April 2015 to March 2016 were enrolled. EEG was carried out for all patients and the clinical data were recorded in the prepared questionnaire .The statistical analysis was performed by using spss.16 software.
Results: One hundred seventy patients, 92 (54.1%) male and 78 (45.9%) female with the mean age of 28.57 months were evaluated. The EEG reports were normal in140 (82.4%) cases and 30 (17.6%) cases had abnormal reports including 8 cases(26.6%) of spike & sharp electric discharge, 2 cases (6.6%)of slow activity and 20 cases(66.6%) of nonspecific changes. EEG abnormalities were significantly related with male sex (P = 0.020), history of previous febrile convulsion (p< 0.001), positive family history of epilepsy and febrile seizures (p< 0.001) and complex type of febrile convulsion (p< 0.001). Longer duration of seizure (p< 0.001) and older age of patients (p< 0.033) had significant relation with abnormal EEG.
Conclusion: Although EEG is not routinely performed in all patients with febrile seizure, it is recommended for male gender, age over 3 years, complex febrile seizure, previous history of seizure and family history of epilepsy or febrile seizures.
Keywords: Electroencephalography (EEG), Simple febrile convulsion, Complex Febrile seizure, Febrile convulsion (FC)
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Due to the overall wide range of oral manifestations and the lack of comprehensively categorized information in Iran, this study was performed to investigate the prevalence of different oral manifestations and... more
Background and Objective: Due to the overall wide range of oral manifestations and the lack of comprehensively categorized information in Iran, this study was performed to investigate the prevalence of different oral manifestations and report their possible associated factors in patients with SLE.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 96 SLE patients referred to two rheumatology clinics in Yazd, Iran, from September 2020 to February 2021. SLE patients were diagnosed based on the last revision of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria in 1997. A questionnaire was created to collect demographic information and oral health status. Data were analyzed using SPSS v20.0 and p-values of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: This study included 13 men (13.5%) and 83 women (86.5%), with an average age of 31.9 ±11.35 years. Oral lesions were diagnosed in 64.4% of patients, with white and red lesions being the most frequent (58%), and the most common region involved was buccal mucosa (25.8%). 97.1% of participants had caries and 86.5% had periodontal diseases. There was a significant association between the presence of oral lesions and female gender, longer duration and higher activity level of the disease and simultaneous presence of periodontal disease and missing or filled teeth. (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Given the frequency of oral lesions in more than 60% of patients, as well as the high incidence of caries and periodontal disorders, regular oral examinations in these patients appear to be particularly important.
Keywords: Oral health, Oral lesions, Lupus Erythematosus
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 96 SLE patients referred to two rheumatology clinics in Yazd, Iran, from September 2020 to February 2021. SLE patients were diagnosed based on the last revision of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria in 1997. A questionnaire was created to collect demographic information and oral health status. Data were analyzed using SPSS v20.0 and p-values of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: This study included 13 men (13.5%) and 83 women (86.5%), with an average age of 31.9 ±11.35 years. Oral lesions were diagnosed in 64.4% of patients, with white and red lesions being the most frequent (58%), and the most common region involved was buccal mucosa (25.8%). 97.1% of participants had caries and 86.5% had periodontal diseases. There was a significant association between the presence of oral lesions and female gender, longer duration and higher activity level of the disease and simultaneous presence of periodontal disease and missing or filled teeth. (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Given the frequency of oral lesions in more than 60% of patients, as well as the high incidence of caries and periodontal disorders, regular oral examinations in these patients appear to be particularly important.
Keywords: Oral health, Oral lesions, Lupus Erythematosus
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Better individualized treatment needs novel prognostic predictors. X-ray repair cross complementing XRCC5 and XRCC6 are coding genes of... more
Background and Objective: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Better individualized treatment needs novel prognostic predictors. X-ray repair cross complementing XRCC5 and XRCC6 are coding genes of the Ku protein complex (key components of the non-homologous end-joining [NHEJ] pathway), which could serve as prognostic factors in breast cancer. Hence, in this study, the association of XRCC5 (coding the Ku70 subunit) and XRCC6 (coding the Ku80 subunit) single polymorphisms with the risk of metastatic breast cancer was assessed.
Materials and Methods: This study included 30 breast cancer patients and 30 age-matched healthy women. Tetra-Arms polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and high-resolution melt (HRM) real-time PCR were performed to determine XRCC5 (variable number tandem repeat [VNTR] polymorphism, rs6147172) and XRCC6 (rs132793) polymorphisms, respectively. Demographical and clinical tumor status was recorded for all women. Allele frequencies and related genotypes were identified.
Results: Our results indicated that 34% of patients receiving chemotherapy had metastases in other organs, mostly in the lung. The frequencies of 0R/0R, 1R/1R, 2R/2R, and 1R/R genotypes in the XRCC5 gene were 6.6%, 63.3%, 6.6%, and 23.3%, respectively. No significant association was found between XRCC5 and metastatic breast cancer (P = 0.426). In addition, the XRCC5 polymorphism was associated with progesterone (P = 0.068), as well as the time interval between chemotherapy and relapse (P = 0.069). The frequency of AA, GG, and AG genotypes in XRCC6 were 0%, 33.3%, and 66.7%, respectively. The XRCC6 polymorphism was associated with cancer metastasis. There was a significant relationship between age (P = 0.048) and family history (P = 0.020) with cancer incidence. A significant association was observed between the XRCC6 polymorphism with human epithelial receptor 2 (HER2; P = 0.070) and radiotherapy sessions (P = 0.007).
Conclusion: We speculate that the genetic variation of the XRCC6 gene (rs132793 SNP) might be considered a diagnostic biomarker in breast cancer, but further studies are necessary to confirm the results. This study could suggest a more detailed and larger study to prove this hypothesis.
Keywords: Breast cancer, Metastasis, Polymorphism, XRCC5, XRCC6
Materials and Methods: This study included 30 breast cancer patients and 30 age-matched healthy women. Tetra-Arms polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and high-resolution melt (HRM) real-time PCR were performed to determine XRCC5 (variable number tandem repeat [VNTR] polymorphism, rs6147172) and XRCC6 (rs132793) polymorphisms, respectively. Demographical and clinical tumor status was recorded for all women. Allele frequencies and related genotypes were identified.
Results: Our results indicated that 34% of patients receiving chemotherapy had metastases in other organs, mostly in the lung. The frequencies of 0R/0R, 1R/1R, 2R/2R, and 1R/R genotypes in the XRCC5 gene were 6.6%, 63.3%, 6.6%, and 23.3%, respectively. No significant association was found between XRCC5 and metastatic breast cancer (P = 0.426). In addition, the XRCC5 polymorphism was associated with progesterone (P = 0.068), as well as the time interval between chemotherapy and relapse (P = 0.069). The frequency of AA, GG, and AG genotypes in XRCC6 were 0%, 33.3%, and 66.7%, respectively. The XRCC6 polymorphism was associated with cancer metastasis. There was a significant relationship between age (P = 0.048) and family history (P = 0.020) with cancer incidence. A significant association was observed between the XRCC6 polymorphism with human epithelial receptor 2 (HER2; P = 0.070) and radiotherapy sessions (P = 0.007).
Conclusion: We speculate that the genetic variation of the XRCC6 gene (rs132793 SNP) might be considered a diagnostic biomarker in breast cancer, but further studies are necessary to confirm the results. This study could suggest a more detailed and larger study to prove this hypothesis.
Keywords: Breast cancer, Metastasis, Polymorphism, XRCC5, XRCC6
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Oxidative stress (OS) associated with estrogen deficiency in menopause has been implicated in various complications of menopause. Some indices of OS, bone metabolism and uric acid (UA) in postmenopausal women... more
Background and Objective: Oxidative stress (OS) associated with estrogen deficiency in menopause has been implicated in various complications of menopause. Some indices of OS, bone metabolism and uric acid (UA) in postmenopausal women were assessed as possible predictors of gouty osteoarthritis.
Materials and Methods: This case-control study enrolled 40 postmenopausal women and 60 premenopausal women as participants. The levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), total plasma peroxides (TPP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), inorganic phosphate (Pi), total calcium (tCa) and UA were estimated by colorimetry, estradiol (E2) by ELISA and oxidative stress index (OSI) by calculation. Data were analyzed using t-test, correlation and regression at P<0.05.
Results: Postmenopausal women had higher UA, OSI and lipid peroxidation (higher MDA, TPP) with lower E2, tCa and antioxidants (reduced GSH, NO, TAC) compared to premenopausal women (P<0.05). Aging correlated negatively with E2 (r=-0.273, P=0.006), TAC (r=-0.484, P=<0.001), GSH (r=-0.306, P=0.002), NO (r=-0.337, P=0.001), tCa (r=-0.571, P=<0.001) and positively with TPP (r=0.445, P=<0.001), OSI (r=0.454, P=<0.001), MDA (r=0.505, P=<0.001) and UA (r=0.441, P=<0.001) in all women studied irrespective of menopause status. There were no associations between UA, tCa, Pi, E2 and indices of oxidative stress (TPP, TAC, OSI, MDA, GSH, NO) with menopause (R2 =0.216, P=0.728).
Conclusion: Elevated UA, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress and reduced tCa, E2 and antioxidants observed in postmenopausal women may be associated with aging and not the menopausal status suggesting that their assessment may be utilized in predicting women at increased risk of gouty osteoarthritis.
Keywords: Menopause, Lipid peroxidation, Oxidative stress, Bone metabolism
Materials and Methods: This case-control study enrolled 40 postmenopausal women and 60 premenopausal women as participants. The levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), total plasma peroxides (TPP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), inorganic phosphate (Pi), total calcium (tCa) and UA were estimated by colorimetry, estradiol (E2) by ELISA and oxidative stress index (OSI) by calculation. Data were analyzed using t-test, correlation and regression at P<0.05.
Results: Postmenopausal women had higher UA, OSI and lipid peroxidation (higher MDA, TPP) with lower E2, tCa and antioxidants (reduced GSH, NO, TAC) compared to premenopausal women (P<0.05). Aging correlated negatively with E2 (r=-0.273, P=0.006), TAC (r=-0.484, P=<0.001), GSH (r=-0.306, P=0.002), NO (r=-0.337, P=0.001), tCa (r=-0.571, P=<0.001) and positively with TPP (r=0.445, P=<0.001), OSI (r=0.454, P=<0.001), MDA (r=0.505, P=<0.001) and UA (r=0.441, P=<0.001) in all women studied irrespective of menopause status. There were no associations between UA, tCa, Pi, E2 and indices of oxidative stress (TPP, TAC, OSI, MDA, GSH, NO) with menopause (R2 =0.216, P=0.728).
Conclusion: Elevated UA, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress and reduced tCa, E2 and antioxidants observed in postmenopausal women may be associated with aging and not the menopausal status suggesting that their assessment may be utilized in predicting women at increased risk of gouty osteoarthritis.
Keywords: Menopause, Lipid peroxidation, Oxidative stress, Bone metabolism
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Genetic modifications in the adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) gene can affect phenotypes associated with insulin resistance and diabetes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible role of genetic... more
Background and Objective: Genetic modifications in the adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) gene can affect phenotypes associated with insulin resistance and diabetes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible role of genetic modifications in the AdipoR2 gene, to determine the frequency of genotypes and polymorphism alleles of this gene at rs11061971 (+219 A>T), and to investigate its correlation with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its related metabolic profile.
Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of AdipoR2 in 116 T2D patients and 102 controls was evaluated using RFLP PCR and FOK 1 enzyme. Fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, triglyceride, insulin, HDL-C, LDL-C and HbA1c were also measured and their correlation with the studied genetic modifications was assessed. The collected data were analyzed using Chi-square test and Hardy-Weinberg equation.
Results: There was a significant association in AT and TT genotypes in rs11061971 (+219 A>T) with T2D. However, no significant difference was observed in the frequency of alleles between the case and control groups. In addition, in LDL-C and total cholesterol in the control group, there was a significant difference between AA and TT genotypes as well as with AA and AT genotypes. However, no correlation was found between the other studied serum parameters and the genotype of individuals in the rs1106197171 polymorphism.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that rs11061971 (+219 A>T) polymorphism is associated with T2D incidence. The findings suggest that AT and TT genotypes in this gene compared to AA genotype increase the risk of diabetes.
Keywords: Polymorphism, Adiponectin receptor, Diabetes, Glucose, Lipid, Insulin
Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of AdipoR2 in 116 T2D patients and 102 controls was evaluated using RFLP PCR and FOK 1 enzyme. Fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, triglyceride, insulin, HDL-C, LDL-C and HbA1c were also measured and their correlation with the studied genetic modifications was assessed. The collected data were analyzed using Chi-square test and Hardy-Weinberg equation.
Results: There was a significant association in AT and TT genotypes in rs11061971 (+219 A>T) with T2D. However, no significant difference was observed in the frequency of alleles between the case and control groups. In addition, in LDL-C and total cholesterol in the control group, there was a significant difference between AA and TT genotypes as well as with AA and AT genotypes. However, no correlation was found between the other studied serum parameters and the genotype of individuals in the rs1106197171 polymorphism.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that rs11061971 (+219 A>T) polymorphism is associated with T2D incidence. The findings suggest that AT and TT genotypes in this gene compared to AA genotype increase the risk of diabetes.
Keywords: Polymorphism, Adiponectin receptor, Diabetes, Glucose, Lipid, Insulin
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Vascular stenosis is one of the causes of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Implementing appropriate therapeutic measures for CVDs requires preventing the progression of stenosis. The purpose of this study was to... more
Background and Objective: Vascular stenosis is one of the causes of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Implementing appropriate therapeutic measures for CVDs requires preventing the progression of stenosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on the levels of alpha and beta apolipoproteins using systematic review and meta-analysis.
Materials and Methods: This review was performed based on the PRISMA protocol. The ISI, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases were independently searched by two researchers. MeSH keywords were used to recruit related articles published between 2005 and 2018. Meta-analysis was conducted in STATA 11.1software.
Results: A total of 65 articles were found. Out of these, nine studies were ultimately included in meta-analysis. The findings showed that alpha lipoprotein level increased by 4.24 mg/dl (95% CI: -0.03; -8.45) and 8.71 mg/dl (95% CI: -1.95; -15.48) in patients treated with atorvastatin and rosuvastatin, respectively. Also, patients treated with either atorvastatin or rosuvastatin showed 40.55mg/dl (95% CI: 32.16; 45.93) and 44.78 g/dl (95% CI: 34.16; 55.39) decreases in beta-lipoprotein levels, respectively.
Conclusion: According to the results, rosuvastatin is more effective than atorvastatin in reducing alpha apolipoprotein and increasing beta apolipoprotein levels within a short period of time.
Keywords: Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin, Alphaapolipoprotein, Beta apolipoprotein, Systematic review, Meta-analysis
Materials and Methods: This review was performed based on the PRISMA protocol. The ISI, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases were independently searched by two researchers. MeSH keywords were used to recruit related articles published between 2005 and 2018. Meta-analysis was conducted in STATA 11.1software.
Results: A total of 65 articles were found. Out of these, nine studies were ultimately included in meta-analysis. The findings showed that alpha lipoprotein level increased by 4.24 mg/dl (95% CI: -0.03; -8.45) and 8.71 mg/dl (95% CI: -1.95; -15.48) in patients treated with atorvastatin and rosuvastatin, respectively. Also, patients treated with either atorvastatin or rosuvastatin showed 40.55mg/dl (95% CI: 32.16; 45.93) and 44.78 g/dl (95% CI: 34.16; 55.39) decreases in beta-lipoprotein levels, respectively.
Conclusion: According to the results, rosuvastatin is more effective than atorvastatin in reducing alpha apolipoprotein and increasing beta apolipoprotein levels within a short period of time.
Keywords: Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin, Alphaapolipoprotein, Beta apolipoprotein, Systematic review, Meta-analysis
Research Interests:
All age groups are at risk of contracting and dying of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, older people and those with underlying conditions, comorbidities and disability levels are at higher risk of developing a serious illness,... more
All age groups are at risk of contracting and dying of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, older people and those with underlying conditions, comorbidities and disability levels are at higher risk of developing a serious illness, especially those living in enclosed spaces such as nursing homes and care centers, are more vulnerable to getting this disease, which can become fatal during this pandemic. Other reasons that make them more susceptible include population density, sharing equipment, poor public health measurements and infection controlling and close contact with roommates, which may all these factors increase the transmission rate and risk of infection. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the outbreak of COVID-19 in a chronic psychiatric rehabilitation center called Behboud center in Hamadan, west of Iran. It is a rehabilitation center with 85 women clients and 16 staff.
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Pregnancy is a unique immunological condition in which the immune system is affected and therefore there is a greater risk of severe disease and mortality from COVID-19 disease. The present study aimed to... more
Background and Objective: Pregnancy is a unique immunological condition in which the immune system is affected and therefore there is a greater risk of severe disease and mortality from COVID-19 disease. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical manifestation, laboratory findings, and adverse outcomes among a population of pregnant women confirmed with COVID 19 infection.
Materials and Methods: In present cross-sectional study, all pregnant women with COVID-19 referred to Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan City from February 2020 to August 2021 including 232 patients were examined. We used a researcher-made checklist to extract the required information, including socio-demographic data, potential risk factors, clinical manifestations, laboratory parameters, and fetal, and neonatal outcomes of the patients. Comparison of laboratory parameters in women with COVID-19 according to ICU admission was made using independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test.
Results: 47.4%, of women were 30 to 40 years old, 45.7% were illiterate. Weakness, myalgia, dry cough, and fatigue were the most common clinical symptoms (>90%). Patients had abnormal levels of ALT and AST, whereas the means of other laboratory parameters were in the normal range. Forty- one (17.6%) of patients were admitted to the ICU. The means of C - reactive protein (46.58 vs. 25.87), lactate dehydrogenase (586.31 vs. 480.97), Blood urea nitrogen (9.43 vs. 8.26), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (62.40 vs. 46.11) were statistically higher in patients admitted to ICU than those who were not in the ICU (P <0.05). Mortality rates among women who had a vaginal delivery and C-section were 3% and 6.1%, respectively.
Conclusion: The most common laboratory findings in COVID-19- infected mothers were lymphopenia and elevated CRP, ALT, D-Dimer, and LDH. An increased hospitalization in ICU and higher rates of mother and fetal death were complications of pregnancy and childbirth in COVID-19- infected women.
Materials and Methods: In present cross-sectional study, all pregnant women with COVID-19 referred to Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan City from February 2020 to August 2021 including 232 patients were examined. We used a researcher-made checklist to extract the required information, including socio-demographic data, potential risk factors, clinical manifestations, laboratory parameters, and fetal, and neonatal outcomes of the patients. Comparison of laboratory parameters in women with COVID-19 according to ICU admission was made using independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test.
Results: 47.4%, of women were 30 to 40 years old, 45.7% were illiterate. Weakness, myalgia, dry cough, and fatigue were the most common clinical symptoms (>90%). Patients had abnormal levels of ALT and AST, whereas the means of other laboratory parameters were in the normal range. Forty- one (17.6%) of patients were admitted to the ICU. The means of C - reactive protein (46.58 vs. 25.87), lactate dehydrogenase (586.31 vs. 480.97), Blood urea nitrogen (9.43 vs. 8.26), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (62.40 vs. 46.11) were statistically higher in patients admitted to ICU than those who were not in the ICU (P <0.05). Mortality rates among women who had a vaginal delivery and C-section were 3% and 6.1%, respectively.
Conclusion: The most common laboratory findings in COVID-19- infected mothers were lymphopenia and elevated CRP, ALT, D-Dimer, and LDH. An increased hospitalization in ICU and higher rates of mother and fetal death were complications of pregnancy and childbirth in COVID-19- infected women.
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Among facial plastic surgical procedures, septorhinoplasty is deemed the most complex. A critical stage in this process is the effective handling of variations in the septum and turbinate. This research aimed to... more
Background and Objective: Among facial plastic surgical procedures, septorhinoplasty is deemed the most complex. A critical stage in this process is the effective handling of variations in the septum and turbinate. This research aimed to assess the differences and pathological irregularities in the septum and lateral nasal wall of patients scheduled for septorhinoplasty at a university-based hospital in northern Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study focused on all septorhinoplasty candidates aged between 18-60 years. Observations during surgery, such as the location and category of septal abnormalities, and the location and type of lateral nasal wall abnormalities (including lower and middle turbinate hypertrophy, concha bullosa, and paradoxical turbinate) were meticulously documented and analyzed.
Results: Of the 672 participants, 469 patients (69.8%) presented with septum abnormalities, while 143 patients (21.3%) demonstrated disorders of the lateral nasal wall. The most frequent findings were spurred vomer (24.6%) and lower turbinate hypertrophy (46.9%).
Conclusion: Given the broad range and high incidence of disorders in the septum and lateral nasal wall, it is reasonable to routinely incorporate radiological investigations into the preoperative assessment of surgical candidates. This approach can potentially identify pathological findings, minimize postoperative complications, and optimize the surgical outcomes.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study focused on all septorhinoplasty candidates aged between 18-60 years. Observations during surgery, such as the location and category of septal abnormalities, and the location and type of lateral nasal wall abnormalities (including lower and middle turbinate hypertrophy, concha bullosa, and paradoxical turbinate) were meticulously documented and analyzed.
Results: Of the 672 participants, 469 patients (69.8%) presented with septum abnormalities, while 143 patients (21.3%) demonstrated disorders of the lateral nasal wall. The most frequent findings were spurred vomer (24.6%) and lower turbinate hypertrophy (46.9%).
Conclusion: Given the broad range and high incidence of disorders in the septum and lateral nasal wall, it is reasonable to routinely incorporate radiological investigations into the preoperative assessment of surgical candidates. This approach can potentially identify pathological findings, minimize postoperative complications, and optimize the surgical outcomes.
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: A variety of synthetic and chemical drugs have been established for the treatment of candidiasis, but each has some limitations and its probable side effects. This study attempts to touch upon the antifungal... more
Background and Objective: A variety of synthetic and chemical drugs have been established for the treatment of candidiasis, but each has some limitations and its probable side effects. This study attempts to touch upon the antifungal activity of different concentrations of hydroalcoholic extracts of Aloe vera against Candida albicans in in vitro conditions.
Materials and Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract from Aloe vera leaves was tested for anti-fungal activity via an in vitro study. Anti-fungal activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were determined by the disk diffusion method. Aloe vera hydroalcoholic extracts (75%, 50%, 25%, and 12.5%) were used as test groups. The data were analyzed by ANOVA using SPSS 23 software. The level of statistical significance was set at p≤ 0.05.
Results: The results revealed that Aloe vera contained substantial anti-fungal activity. There was a significant discrepancy in the mean diameter of the inhibition zone of C. albicans growth among different concentrations of Aloe vera (p-value=0.001). Also, there was a statistically significant difference between the average diameter of the inhibition zone of C. albicans growth at a concentration of 12.5% of Aloe vera extract compared to concentrations of 25%, 50%, and 75% Aloe vera, and concentration of 50% with 25% and 75% extracts. Aloe vera extract at 75% concentration effectively inhibited the growth of C. albicans compared with the positive control-nystatin. In this study, Aloe vera concentration of 20% was determined as the MIC for C. albicans.
Conclusion: In adherence to the present results, it seems that Aloe vera extract, which is inexpensive and has no side effects, could be introduced as an alternative to nystatin.
Materials and Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract from Aloe vera leaves was tested for anti-fungal activity via an in vitro study. Anti-fungal activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were determined by the disk diffusion method. Aloe vera hydroalcoholic extracts (75%, 50%, 25%, and 12.5%) were used as test groups. The data were analyzed by ANOVA using SPSS 23 software. The level of statistical significance was set at p≤ 0.05.
Results: The results revealed that Aloe vera contained substantial anti-fungal activity. There was a significant discrepancy in the mean diameter of the inhibition zone of C. albicans growth among different concentrations of Aloe vera (p-value=0.001). Also, there was a statistically significant difference between the average diameter of the inhibition zone of C. albicans growth at a concentration of 12.5% of Aloe vera extract compared to concentrations of 25%, 50%, and 75% Aloe vera, and concentration of 50% with 25% and 75% extracts. Aloe vera extract at 75% concentration effectively inhibited the growth of C. albicans compared with the positive control-nystatin. In this study, Aloe vera concentration of 20% was determined as the MIC for C. albicans.
Conclusion: In adherence to the present results, it seems that Aloe vera extract, which is inexpensive and has no side effects, could be introduced as an alternative to nystatin.
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Due to the importance of the rapid diagnosis of SARS-COV-2, many studies have been performed on various diagnostic methods. In this vein, the aim of this study is to compare the diagnostic value of chest CT with... more
Background and Objective: Due to the importance of the rapid diagnosis of SARS-COV-2, many studies have been performed on various diagnostic methods. In this vein, the aim of this study is to compare the diagnostic value of chest CT with RT-PCR in patients with suspected COVID-19.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional research was conducted at Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd. A total of 531 patients were randomly referred to the CT scan department for chest imaging (spiral or HRCT).Based on the PCR findings, they were divided into: positive and negative PCR groups. The CT scan findings were then recorded in a data collection form. Finally, the CT scan results of the two groups were compared.
Results: In this study, 531 patients (306 males and 225 females with the mean age of 55.14 ± 19.7) were examined. The findings of reverse hallo (P = 0.000) and strict consolidation (P= 0.001) in CT scan were significantly different for the positive and negative PCR groups. Through the comparative analysis of the results, the sensitivity of CT scan and PCR findings emerged to be 97.42 and 55.75, respectively. However, the specificity of both diagnostic methods was 100%.
Conclusion: The results of this study show that, owing to the higher sensitivity of chest CT for the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia, performing CT scan for quick diagnosis is recommended for COVID suspected people with negative RT-PCR test results.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional research was conducted at Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd. A total of 531 patients were randomly referred to the CT scan department for chest imaging (spiral or HRCT).Based on the PCR findings, they were divided into: positive and negative PCR groups. The CT scan findings were then recorded in a data collection form. Finally, the CT scan results of the two groups were compared.
Results: In this study, 531 patients (306 males and 225 females with the mean age of 55.14 ± 19.7) were examined. The findings of reverse hallo (P = 0.000) and strict consolidation (P= 0.001) in CT scan were significantly different for the positive and negative PCR groups. Through the comparative analysis of the results, the sensitivity of CT scan and PCR findings emerged to be 97.42 and 55.75, respectively. However, the specificity of both diagnostic methods was 100%.
Conclusion: The results of this study show that, owing to the higher sensitivity of chest CT for the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia, performing CT scan for quick diagnosis is recommended for COVID suspected people with negative RT-PCR test results.
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer mortality among women in different countries around the world, including India. Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) have emerged as a promising targeted treatment for... more
Background and Objective: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer mortality among women in different countries around the world, including India. Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) have emerged as a promising targeted treatment for BC, improving the survival rate of these patients with minimum adverse effects. This study aimed to investigate the severity of the adverse effects of MoAbs in an Indian population.
Materials and Methods: This longitudinal descriptive study was conducted on 120 BC patients over six months in a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore, India, in 2020. A data collection form was used to gather relevant data. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS Version 21, using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Among 97 patients evaluated in this study (including 29 patients in the non-exposed group), the adverse effects of BC were observed in all age groups. Most adverse effects were attributed to trastuzumab (37.50%; CI: 31.6-44) and bevacizumab (26.78%; CI: 20.9-31.8). The MoAbs were well tolerated by the patients, causing minimum adverse effects that were manageable by supportive therapy. Anemia was the most prevalent adverse effect. Evaluation of the null hypothesis indicated that the adverse effects of MoAbs depended on their amount and composition. The results of analysis using the Naranjo scale revealed that most of the adverse effects were probable (67%) and possible (32%), respectively. Also, according to the WHO scale, most of the adverse effects were under the categories of probable (61.20%) and possible (38.14%), respectively.
Conclusion: Based on the present results, the adverse effects of MoAbs were manageable by supportive care. Anemia was found to be the most prevalent adverse effect. Meanwhile, no potential adverse cardiovascular event was observed in patients on trastuzumab, except one case of dilated cardiomyopathy.
Materials and Methods: This longitudinal descriptive study was conducted on 120 BC patients over six months in a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore, India, in 2020. A data collection form was used to gather relevant data. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS Version 21, using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Among 97 patients evaluated in this study (including 29 patients in the non-exposed group), the adverse effects of BC were observed in all age groups. Most adverse effects were attributed to trastuzumab (37.50%; CI: 31.6-44) and bevacizumab (26.78%; CI: 20.9-31.8). The MoAbs were well tolerated by the patients, causing minimum adverse effects that were manageable by supportive therapy. Anemia was the most prevalent adverse effect. Evaluation of the null hypothesis indicated that the adverse effects of MoAbs depended on their amount and composition. The results of analysis using the Naranjo scale revealed that most of the adverse effects were probable (67%) and possible (32%), respectively. Also, according to the WHO scale, most of the adverse effects were under the categories of probable (61.20%) and possible (38.14%), respectively.
Conclusion: Based on the present results, the adverse effects of MoAbs were manageable by supportive care. Anemia was found to be the most prevalent adverse effect. Meanwhile, no potential adverse cardiovascular event was observed in patients on trastuzumab, except one case of dilated cardiomyopathy.
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Given the importance of the benefits of natural childbirth and the complications of recurrent cesarean section, we have conducted the present study to determine the maternal and neonatal complications of natural... more
Background and Objective: Given the importance of the benefits of natural childbirth and the complications of recurrent cesarean section, we have conducted the present study to determine the maternal and neonatal complications of natural childbirth after cesarean section.
Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, the obstetric complications of 84 women who had undergone a previous cesarean delivery referred to Baqiyatallah Hospital in 2018 for vaginal delivery after cesarean section (VBAC) delivery compared with 84 women with a previous vaginal delivery, who intended to give birth vaginally for the second delivery. Demographic, anthropometric, obstetric, and perinatal data of them were collected and registered in a researcher-developed form. Two groups were compared using the t-test and chi-square test.
Results: The mean age in VBAC and control group was 30.49±6.83 and 32.08±7.28 years, respectively (P=0.15). There were not any occurrence of urinary rupture, bladder rupture, stool control disorder, uterine rupture, nephrotic infection, and ICU hospitalization of the mothers in the two groups. Regarding puerperal infection (3.57% in the VBAC group and 4.76% in the control group, P=0.69) and hospitalization of neonates in ICU (9.52% in the VBAC group and 5.95% in the control group, p=0.39), there was no significant difference between the two groups.
Conclusion: It seems that the overall incidence of obstetric complications in women attempting vaginal birth after cesarean delivery is low and not higher than those with prior vaginal delivery. Therefore, for the achievement of benefits of natural childbirth for both the mother and the fetus, women with a prior cesarean should be offered VBAC.
Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, the obstetric complications of 84 women who had undergone a previous cesarean delivery referred to Baqiyatallah Hospital in 2018 for vaginal delivery after cesarean section (VBAC) delivery compared with 84 women with a previous vaginal delivery, who intended to give birth vaginally for the second delivery. Demographic, anthropometric, obstetric, and perinatal data of them were collected and registered in a researcher-developed form. Two groups were compared using the t-test and chi-square test.
Results: The mean age in VBAC and control group was 30.49±6.83 and 32.08±7.28 years, respectively (P=0.15). There were not any occurrence of urinary rupture, bladder rupture, stool control disorder, uterine rupture, nephrotic infection, and ICU hospitalization of the mothers in the two groups. Regarding puerperal infection (3.57% in the VBAC group and 4.76% in the control group, P=0.69) and hospitalization of neonates in ICU (9.52% in the VBAC group and 5.95% in the control group, p=0.39), there was no significant difference between the two groups.
Conclusion: It seems that the overall incidence of obstetric complications in women attempting vaginal birth after cesarean delivery is low and not higher than those with prior vaginal delivery. Therefore, for the achievement of benefits of natural childbirth for both the mother and the fetus, women with a prior cesarean should be offered VBAC.
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder caused by an aberrant BCR-ABL fusion protein. Imatinib mesylate (IM) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that induces clinical remissions in... more
Background and Objective: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder caused by an aberrant BCR-ABL fusion protein. Imatinib mesylate (IM) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that induces clinical remissions in chronic-phase CML patients. The T315I mutation at the gatekeeper residues of BCR-ABL confers resistance to both IM and second-generation TKIs, including dasatinib and nilotinib. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of T315I mutation between two groups of CML patients before and during Imatinib treatment in North-East of Iran.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 100 newly diagnosed cases of CML (before commencing IM treatment) and 25 IM-resistant CML patients. PCR-RFLP, ASO-PCR, and direct sequencing were performed to detect T315I mutations.
Results: The median age of newly-diagnosed and IM-resistant patients was 48±14 and 50±12.3 years, respectively. Males/Females ratio was 1 and 1.08 for newly diagnosed and IM-resistant patients, respectively. There was no significant difference regarding the age and sex between the two groups. During the study, T315I mutational analysis was performed for all 125 patients. The prevalence of T315I mutation was 0% and 4% for newly-diagnosed and IM-resistant patients, respectively. T315I mutation was not detected before IM administration, although it was detected in 1 (4%) among resistant patients who were at least 6-months on IM treatment.
Conclusion: These observations suggest that T315I mutation may be categorized as secondary resistance and induce clonal expansion due to BCR/ABL instability. Hence, BCR-ABL mutations are less likely to appear before the onset of treatment, as presented in our study.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 100 newly diagnosed cases of CML (before commencing IM treatment) and 25 IM-resistant CML patients. PCR-RFLP, ASO-PCR, and direct sequencing were performed to detect T315I mutations.
Results: The median age of newly-diagnosed and IM-resistant patients was 48±14 and 50±12.3 years, respectively. Males/Females ratio was 1 and 1.08 for newly diagnosed and IM-resistant patients, respectively. There was no significant difference regarding the age and sex between the two groups. During the study, T315I mutational analysis was performed for all 125 patients. The prevalence of T315I mutation was 0% and 4% for newly-diagnosed and IM-resistant patients, respectively. T315I mutation was not detected before IM administration, although it was detected in 1 (4%) among resistant patients who were at least 6-months on IM treatment.
Conclusion: These observations suggest that T315I mutation may be categorized as secondary resistance and induce clonal expansion due to BCR/ABL instability. Hence, BCR-ABL mutations are less likely to appear before the onset of treatment, as presented in our study.
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: Chronic inflammation, dyspnea and activity limitation are common phenomena in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. Clinical studies suggest that Ubiquinone has anti-inflammatory and energetic... more
Background and Objective: Chronic inflammation, dyspnea and activity limitation are common phenomena in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. Clinical studies suggest that Ubiquinone has anti-inflammatory and energetic properties. Here the beneficial effect of CoQ10 in patients with COPD will be studied.
Materials and Methods: Baesd on the census method, 90 patients with moderate to severe COPD were divided into two identical placebo and CoQ10 groups. High sensitive-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second, numerical rating breathlessness scale and "the time to get exhausted" were evaluated and recorded at baseline and the end of the study. The CoQ10 group received 120 mg of CoQ10 supplement per day versus the placebo group who also received a placebo (identical in look, size and taste to pharmaceutical sample) and were followed for 6 weeks. Data were analyzed using t-test, and nonparametric statistical tests. Qualitative variables were assessed by chi-square or Fisher exact tests.
Results: The study included 49(53.6%) women and 41(46.4%) men, collectively 90 patients with moderate to severe COPD. The mean age was 66.97±12.59 years in the placebo and 64.21±11.78 years in the CoQ10 group (p=0.30). Breathlessness scale was improved in CoQ10 group (p<0.001). hs-CRP significantly declined after intervention in the CoQ10 compared to the placebo group (p<0.001).No serious side effects were observed as a result of CoQ10 consumption.
Conclusion: Daily administration of CoQ10 in COPD patients increases hs-CRP and improves dyspnea and "the time to get exhausted” without side effect.
Materials and Methods: Baesd on the census method, 90 patients with moderate to severe COPD were divided into two identical placebo and CoQ10 groups. High sensitive-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second, numerical rating breathlessness scale and "the time to get exhausted" were evaluated and recorded at baseline and the end of the study. The CoQ10 group received 120 mg of CoQ10 supplement per day versus the placebo group who also received a placebo (identical in look, size and taste to pharmaceutical sample) and were followed for 6 weeks. Data were analyzed using t-test, and nonparametric statistical tests. Qualitative variables were assessed by chi-square or Fisher exact tests.
Results: The study included 49(53.6%) women and 41(46.4%) men, collectively 90 patients with moderate to severe COPD. The mean age was 66.97±12.59 years in the placebo and 64.21±11.78 years in the CoQ10 group (p=0.30). Breathlessness scale was improved in CoQ10 group (p<0.001). hs-CRP significantly declined after intervention in the CoQ10 compared to the placebo group (p<0.001).No serious side effects were observed as a result of CoQ10 consumption.
Conclusion: Daily administration of CoQ10 in COPD patients increases hs-CRP and improves dyspnea and "the time to get exhausted” without side effect.
Research Interests:
Background and Objective: The platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) signaling pathway has a vital function as a regulator of glioma development. PDGFRA alterations have been observed in a variety of cancers and have been... more
Background and Objective: The platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) signaling pathway has a vital function as a regulator of glioma development. PDGFRA alterations have been observed in a variety of cancers and have been important clinical targets for tyrosine kinase inhibitors like Imatinib. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of PDGFRA and PDGFA in the pathogenesis of GBM and to determine whether the constitutive activation of PDGFRA is driven by gene mutations or protein expression.
Materials and Methods: PDGFRA-activating gene mutations (exons 12, 18) were assessed in a subset of 75 samples, of which 65 were GBM and 10 were pilocytic astrocytoma, using PCR followed by direct sequencing. PDGFA expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in a series of 20 cases including 15 cases of glioblastoma multiforme and 5 cases of pilocytic astrocytoma.
Results: No PDGFRA-activating mutations were found by Sanger sequencing. In addition, this study found polymorphism in PDGFRA exon 12, c.1701A> G, which was a silent mutation. Immunohistochemical analysis showed elevated PDGFA expression in 25% (5 out of 20) of glioma cases. PDGFA expression was not detected in any pilocytic astrocytoma; however, 33.33% (5 out of 15) of GBM samples showed increased PDGFA expression.
Conclusion: Consistent with previous studies, the findings of the present study underline the importance of PDGFA and PDGFRA alterations as a possible potential predictive biomarker and a therapeutic target in GBM. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying genetic mechanisms driving abnormal PDGFRA activity in gliomas.
Keywords: Glioblastoma, Imatinib, Mutations, PDGFRA, PDGFA, Receptor Tyrosine Kinase
Materials and Methods: PDGFRA-activating gene mutations (exons 12, 18) were assessed in a subset of 75 samples, of which 65 were GBM and 10 were pilocytic astrocytoma, using PCR followed by direct sequencing. PDGFA expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in a series of 20 cases including 15 cases of glioblastoma multiforme and 5 cases of pilocytic astrocytoma.
Results: No PDGFRA-activating mutations were found by Sanger sequencing. In addition, this study found polymorphism in PDGFRA exon 12, c.1701A> G, which was a silent mutation. Immunohistochemical analysis showed elevated PDGFA expression in 25% (5 out of 20) of glioma cases. PDGFA expression was not detected in any pilocytic astrocytoma; however, 33.33% (5 out of 15) of GBM samples showed increased PDGFA expression.
Conclusion: Consistent with previous studies, the findings of the present study underline the importance of PDGFA and PDGFRA alterations as a possible potential predictive biomarker and a therapeutic target in GBM. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying genetic mechanisms driving abnormal PDGFRA activity in gliomas.
Keywords: Glioblastoma, Imatinib, Mutations, PDGFRA, PDGFA, Receptor Tyrosine Kinase
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Background and Objective: Although the pain severity following laparoscopic cholecystectomy is generally lower compared to the open method, but some patients may still experience abdominal and shoulder pain for several days after the... more
Background and Objective: Although the pain severity following laparoscopic cholecystectomy is generally lower compared to the open method, but some patients may still experience abdominal and shoulder pain for several days after the laparoscopic procedure. Based on recent evidences, pneumoperitoneum using low-pressure carbon dioxide gas can reduce the pain. This study evaluated the feedback on shoulder pain severity from laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients experiencing CO2-pneumoperitoneum.
Materials and Methods: 80 laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases were allocated for intervention (n = 40) and control groups (n = 40) randomly. Pneumoperitoneum was done by a direct trocar. Patients’ pain feedback was assessed using the visual pain scale after the surgery. SPSS 21 was used to analyze the collected data.
Results: Shoulder pain frequency significantly differed between the two groups at 12 hours (P = 0.048) and 24 hours (P = 0.001) after the surgery. Regarding average shoulder pain severity, the groups showed significant differences after 2, 6, and 24 hours of surgery (P < 0.05). Moreover, pneumoperitoneum duration was different in the groups (P = 0.001).
Conclusion: Based on these findings, low pressure of pneumoperitoneum with active evacuation compared to the standard pressure, efficiently reduced shoulder pain intensity. Thus, using low-pressure pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended to relieve postoperative pain.
Keywords: Shoulder Pain, Pneumoperitoneum, Laparoscopy, Cholecystectomy, Evacuation
Materials and Methods: 80 laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases were allocated for intervention (n = 40) and control groups (n = 40) randomly. Pneumoperitoneum was done by a direct trocar. Patients’ pain feedback was assessed using the visual pain scale after the surgery. SPSS 21 was used to analyze the collected data.
Results: Shoulder pain frequency significantly differed between the two groups at 12 hours (P = 0.048) and 24 hours (P = 0.001) after the surgery. Regarding average shoulder pain severity, the groups showed significant differences after 2, 6, and 24 hours of surgery (P < 0.05). Moreover, pneumoperitoneum duration was different in the groups (P = 0.001).
Conclusion: Based on these findings, low pressure of pneumoperitoneum with active evacuation compared to the standard pressure, efficiently reduced shoulder pain intensity. Thus, using low-pressure pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended to relieve postoperative pain.
Keywords: Shoulder Pain, Pneumoperitoneum, Laparoscopy, Cholecystectomy, Evacuation
Research Interests:
10.30699/jambs.31.146.210 Background & Objective: Machine learning and artificial intelligence are useful tools to analyze data with multiple variables. It has been shown that the prediction models obtained by Machine learning have better... more
10.30699/jambs.31.146.210 Background & Objective: Machine learning and artificial intelligence are useful tools to analyze data with multiple variables. It has been shown that the prediction models obtained by Machine learning have better performance than the conventional statistical methods. This study was aimed to assess the risk factors and determine the best machine learning prediction model/s for in-hospital mortality among patients who underwent prosthetic valve replacement surgery. Materials & Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, patient's preoperative, intra-operative and post-operative data underwent univariate analysis. Feature importance determination was carried out using algorithms including principal component analysis (PCA), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF) model-based, and recursive feature elimination (RFE). Then, 13 machine learning classifiers were implemented for in-hospital prediction model. Results: The In-hospital mortality rate was 6.36%. Data from 2455 patients underwent final analysis. The machine learning results revealed that among preoperative features, Adaptive boost (AB) and RF classifiers (AUC: 0.82±0.033; 0.78±0.028, respectively); among intra-operative features, AB and K-nearest neighbors (KNN) classifiers (AUC: 0.68±0.014); among postoperative features, AB and RF classifiers (AUC: 0.9±0.1; 0.88±0.095, respectively); and among all features, AB and LR classifiers (AUC: 0.93±0.049; 0.93±0.055, respectively) had the best performance in prediction of in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: The AB classifier was determined as the best model in prediction of in-hospital mortality in all 4 datasets.
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10.30699/jambs.31.147.407 Background & Objective: Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the highest leading causes of death worldwide. Many biomarkers are universally accepted in clinical practice as crucial diagnostic biomarkers in acute... more
10.30699/jambs.31.147.407 Background & Objective: Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the highest leading causes of death worldwide. Many biomarkers are universally accepted in clinical practice as crucial diagnostic biomarkers in acute MI. The current study aims to introduce new sensitivity biomarkers to aid the diagnosis and to facilitate faster decision-making in the emergency department. Materials & Methods: A total of 50 patients, diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction, in Nasiriyah Heart Center, and 30 age-matched healthy individuals were studied. Serum Cardiac Troponin I (cTnI), Myoglobin (MYO), Creatine kinase (CK-MB), Procalcitonin (PCT), Heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP), Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), High sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP), were determined by electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay. Blood sugar and serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, and HDL were determined by using Cobas C311 photometric assays. Serum IL-6 was assayed by electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay, while, IL-9, IL-1β, and TNF-α were assayed by ELISA. Results: In comparison with healthy control, patients with acute MI showed significant elevation of the serum levels of cTnI, CK-MB, MYO, CRP, H-FABP, PCT, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-9, and IL-6. Conclusion: The present study suggests that, in addition to cTnI, CK-MB, and MYO, many other mediators such as CRP, H-FABP, PCT, and cytokines are sensitive to the diagnosis of MI. Furthermore, using human monoclonal antibodies that selectively neutralize cytokines may provide additional insight into cytokinestargeted therapies.
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10.30699/jambs.31.147.398 Background & Objective: Cisplatin as a chemotherapy drug causes liver damage by increasing inflammation. Hepatoprotective agents with antioxidant properties can be useful for preventing this complication.... more
10.30699/jambs.31.147.398 Background & Objective: Cisplatin as a chemotherapy drug causes liver damage by increasing inflammation. Hepatoprotective agents with antioxidant properties can be useful for preventing this complication. Capparis spinosa, as a natural antioxidant source, can help to eliminate these productions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of two different doses of hydroalcoholic extract of Capparis seed on cisplatin-induced liver damages in rats. Materials & Methods: Forty male rats were divided into five groups (the control group, Cis (cisplatin) group, 200 C/S (Capparis spinosa), Cis + 50 C/S, and Cis + 100 C/S). Biochemical and histopathological evaluations were made. At the end of the study, all animals were euthanized with a CO2 gradient. Statistical analyses were performed through Graph Pad Prism Statistics software 9.1.2. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Liver function tests, antioxidant and inflammatory markers and histopathological changes were evaluated. Significant changes in the pathology results were noticeable. Central vein, portal vein and bile duct diameter, thickness of the hepatic artery wall, and hepatic sinusoids were significantly increased in the Cis and 200 C/S-fed groups, compared to the controls, and also changes in favor of improvement were evident in the treatment groups, especially in the Cis + 100 C/S group compared to the Cis and 200 C/S groups. Conclusion: Based on pathology results, treatment with C. spinosa seed extract may be helpful in preventing cisplatin hepatotoxicity.
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10.30699/jambs.31.147.391 Background & Objective: Obesity is a major public health problem whose prevalence has constantly increased worldwide. Obesity is a risk factor for several diseases such as type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease,... more
10.30699/jambs.31.147.391 Background & Objective: Obesity is a major public health problem whose prevalence has constantly increased worldwide. Obesity is a risk factor for several diseases such as type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, all of which reduce the quality of life and life expectancy. This study investigated anti-adipogenic effects of Eryngium billardierei (Ery) extract. Materials & Methods: The nontoxic concentration of Ery extract was estimated via the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazoliu bromide (MTT) assay. The differentiation of mouse-derived 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into mature adipocytes was induced in the presence or absence of Ery extract. Then, the accumulation of lipid droplets was identified by Oil Red O staining. Triacylglycerol level and glycerol-3phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity were also measured. Results: The MTT assay showed that 3 mg/mL of the Ery extract can be a nontoxic dose for other analyses. Oil Red O staining demonstrated a reduction of lipid droplets in the extract-treated adipocyte 3T3-L1 compared to the non-treated group. A significant decrease of triacylglycerol level in the treated 3T3-L1 adipocyte (0.32±0.03 mgTG/mg protein) compared with the nontreated group (0.78±0.05 mgTG/mg protein) (P<0.01), and a significant decrease of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity in the 3T3-L1adipocyte treated (15.3±2.1 U/ml) compared to the non-treated group (30.2±3.9 U/ml) (P<0.05) confirmed the inhibitory action of Ery extract on adipocyte differentiation. Conclusion: Ery extract, as a safe herbal extract, has anti-adipogenic activity and merits more investigation as a candidate for developing an anti-obesity drug or supplement.
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10.30699/jambs.31.147.381 Background & Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that causes joint deterioration. Over the past decade, the primary approach to treat RA has relied on biological medications.... more
10.30699/jambs.31.147.381 Background & Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that causes joint deterioration. Over the past decade, the primary approach to treat RA has relied on biological medications. Despite confirming the effectiveness of this therapy, patients have shown significant diversity in their clinical responses to treatment. This variability can be attributed to various genetic polymorphisms that influence the response to biological drugs. This study was conducted to investigate whether TNFRSF1B (rs1061622), PADI4 (rs1748033), and miRNA 499 (rs3746444) gene polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility and responsiveness to TNF-α inhibitors in RA patients. Materials & Methods: 100 RA patients (50 responders and 50 non-responders) and 100 apparently healthy subjects as the control group were studied. Genotyping of the polymorphisms was carried out using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Results: The frequency of TG (P0.039) and GG genotypes of TNFRSF1B (rs1061622) were higher in RA patients than in the control group. At the alleles level the mutant G allele was significantly more frequent among patients than control group (P=0.018). For PADI4 (rs1748033), the mutant C allele was more frequent among patients than controls (P=0.041). Subdividing of patients into responders and nonresponders revealed that the mutant homozygous CC genotype of PADI4 (rs1748033) was significantly more frequent in non-responders than responders patients (P=0.046). AG genotype (P=0.016) and G allele (P=0.036) of miRNA 499a (rs3746444) were more frequent in non-responders than responders. Conclusion: Variant genotypes of TNFRII (Rs1061622) and PADI4 (rs1748033), may be associated with an increased risk of RA while PADI4 (rs1748033) and miRNA-499a (rs3746444) polymorphism may be associated with non-response to infliximab.
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10.30699/jambs.31.147.372 Background & Objective: Trace element levels are important for sperm function. On the other hand, oxidative stress is one of the most important causes of DNA damage. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship... more
10.30699/jambs.31.147.372 Background & Objective: Trace element levels are important for sperm function. On the other hand, oxidative stress is one of the most important causes of DNA damage. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and manganese (Mn) trace elements and also oxidative stress in infertile men. Materials & Methods: This case-control study was carried out on 50 oligozoospermic, 50 asthenozoospermic, and 50 normozoospermic men. All individuals were subjected to semen analysis. Cadmium, nickel, manganese, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS) were detected using the manual assays. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were analyzed using the ELISA. Results: The findings revealed that there was a significant increase in TOS index in the patient groups compared to the normozoospermic group (p = 0.045, p = 0.038 respectively); however, these changes were downward for the TAC factor. The levels of SOD and GPx activities were significantly reduced in the patient groups compared to the normozoospermic group (p = 0.015, p = 0.020 respectively). Also, Cd and Ni levels were significantly elevated and had a negative association with TAC in the patient groups compared to the normozoospermic group. However, the results of Mn level showed a significantly lower value and a positive association with the TAC index. Conclusion: Mn as a component of SOD enzyme is necessary for normal sperm functions. In contrast, high levels of Cd and Ni are toxic for human sperm and negatively correlated with TAC and sperm parameters.
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10.30699/jambs.31.147.364 Background & Objective: Regarding the high prevalence of sepsis, it is important to discover methods to control this condition. Valuable effect of vitamin C in vasopressin synthesis is demonstrated, moreover, its... more
10.30699/jambs.31.147.364 Background & Objective: Regarding the high prevalence of sepsis, it is important to discover methods to control this condition. Valuable effect of vitamin C in vasopressin synthesis is demonstrated, moreover, its antioxidant effect reduces vascular infiltration. Therefore, the beneficial effects of vitamin C in prognosis of the patients who have been admitted to Vali-e-Asr hospital in Zanjan, Iran with the diagnosis of sepsis have been evaluated. Materials & Methods: This cross sectional study was planned on patients with sepsis who have been admitted to the infectious ward of Vali-e-Asr hospital in Zanjan. Patients with sepsis above 18 years old from June to March 2020 have been included in this study. Data of patients whom have received intravenous vitamin C, 25 mg/kg/24h for 4 days, and patients without reception vitamin C was collected from their files. Their demographic, clinical and para clinical information were collected, then the information was analyzed. Results: 54 patients (26 received vitamin C and 28 did not receive vitamin C) were enrolled in this study. Considering that the two groups were matched from the beginning of the study, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups of patients in demographic characteristics. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the sepsis induced complications, e.g. laboratory findings, mean days of hospitalization in ICU and SOFA score. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that no clear statistically significant difference was found between the two groups of control and vitamin C received groups; nonetheless for precise conclusion more studies with larger groups are required.
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10.30699/jambs.31.147.358 Background & Objective: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, can lead to a wide range of clinical severities in infected individuals. Among the observed manifestations, pulmonary fibrosis stands out, characterized by... more
10.30699/jambs.31.147.358 Background & Objective: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, can lead to a wide range of clinical severities in infected individuals. Among the observed manifestations, pulmonary fibrosis stands out, characterized by chronic inflammation and collagen buildup in the interalveolar space. Numerous studies have indicated that proinflammatory cytokines may contribute to this condition. The cytokine storm, a critical phase in the deterioration of COVID-19 patients, plays a significant role in this process. The main objective of this study was to determine the levels of IL-10, IL-20, and MMP7 in COVID-19-infected people. Materials & Methods: During the period between November-2022 to March-2023, a case-control study with 200 participants was carried out at Al-Ramadi Hospitals in Anbar province, Iraq. A total of 100 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 and 100 healthy controls (HCs) took part in the study. Serum concentrations of interleukins, including IL-10, IL-20, and MMP7, were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Results: The current study revealed significant differences in IL-10 and IL-20 concentrations among the groups being compared with a P-value of <0.01. Notably, the COVID-19 group had significantly more MMP7 than the control group or the group of individuals who had recovered from the disease. This outcome raises the possibility that MMP7 could act as an independent indicator of COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19 disease had IL-10, IL-20, and MMP-7 levels that were noticeably higher than those found in healthy controls.
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10.30699/jambs.31.147.348 Background & Objective: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disorder that its symptoms could affect all aspects of a patient's quality of life (QoL).This study aimed to assess the... more
10.30699/jambs.31.147.348 Background & Objective: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disorder that its symptoms could affect all aspects of a patient's quality of life (QoL).This study aimed to assess the quality of life of SLE patients and compare them with those of healthy individuals. It also attempted to compare the QoL of SLE patients suffering from minor and major organ involvement to that of healthy individuals. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad, Iran, from 2018 to 2019. A total of 280 participants were selected and divided into two groups of patients with SLE (n=139, one of whom was excluded from the case group due to the lack of information.) and healthy controls (n=140). After obtaining the demographic characteristics of the general health, the groups were compared using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Results: The mean QoL score was significantly lower in SLE patients, compared to the healthy controls (P<0.001). The total score of QoL was also lower in patients with lung involvement, compared to the healthy controls (P<0.05). Moreover, according to the WHOQOL-BREF, environmental health was lower in patients with lung and skin involvement, compared to the healthy controls (P=0.01). According to the results obtained from the SF-36 questionnaire, the total QoL status was lower in patients with both minor and major organ involvement, compared to the healthy controls (P<0.05). There was also a significant difference between patients with joint involvement and the healthy controls regarding QoL (P=0.02). Conclusion: According to the obtained results, SLE can negatively alter QoL. The severity and activity of the disease in some major organs, including the lung and joints, were associated with reduced QoL.
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10.30699/jambs.31.147.342 Background & Objective: The diameter of the internal jugular vein changes with variations in intrathoracic pressure during inhalation and exhalation and this difference increases during hypovolemia. One of the... more
10.30699/jambs.31.147.342 Background & Objective: The diameter of the internal jugular vein changes with variations in intrathoracic pressure during inhalation and exhalation and this difference increases during hypovolemia. One of the causes of increased intrathoracic pressure in patients under mechanical ventilation is the tidal volume, which can affect the diameter of the internal jugular vein. On this basis, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of tidal volume on the internal jugular collapsibility index. Materials & Methods: In this clinical trial, 30 hypovolemic patients under mechanical ventilation were studied and three tidal volumes of 8, 10, and 12 cc/kg were applied to the patients. Subsequently, patients received fluid therapy and the measurements were repeated. Finally, the internal jugular vein diameters and the indices before and after the fluid therapy were measured in the three mentioned tidal volumes. A repeated measures t-test was used to compare the data. Results: The means of the internal jugular collapsibility index in the three tidal volumes of 8, 10, and 12 cc/kg were 27.78 ±8.87, 28.11±10.24, and 29.67±11.72(p=0.577) respectively before fluid therapy. These values were 27.78±8.87, 28.11±10.24, and 29.67±11.72 (p= 0.288) respectively, after fluid therapy. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the internal jugular collapsibility index does not correlate with the tidal volume in hypovolemic patients and after fluid therapy.
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10.30699/jambs.31.147.330 Background & Objective: Blood markers and CT-scan results can be useful to the prognosis outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aims to evaluate and compare markers and CT-scans during... more
10.30699/jambs.31.147.330 Background & Objective: Blood markers and CT-scan results can be useful to the prognosis outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aims to evaluate and compare markers and CT-scans during hospitalization regarding death and recovery as the outcomes. Materials & Methods: This longitudinal-observational retrospective study was performed on 133 patients with comatose caused by head trauma from admission to death/discharge in Shohada-E-Tajrish Hospital in Tehran during 2018-2020. The follow-up period lasted 15 days. The patients' demographic and CT-scans were measured on admission. Blood markers were measured daily. Vital signs and GCS were collected every six hours. These variables were compared in survivor and nonsurvivor groups. Results: Death occurred for 78 patients (58.64%). Tachycardia (OR=60.1, P=0.003), SDH (OR=39.3, P<0.001), ICH (OR=9.91, P<0.001), SAH (OR=13.6, P<0.001) had a significant relationship to death on multivariate logistic regression. The mean TT, PT, INR, GCS, PR, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure at the beginning of hospitalization were significantly different in the surviving and non-surviving groups. GCS, Cr, BUN, PTT, PT, INR, FBS, and PH had separate lines with spacing without overlap in the two groups in the graphs during hospitalization. Conclusion: Based on the results, the factors such as age, tachycardia, and some CT-scan findings (SAH, ICH, and SDH), as well as high coagulation profile (INR, PTT) and low GCS on admission, were important variables to the prognosis of TBI patients. During hospitalization, high values of BUN, PR, Cr, FBS, PT, and INR and low values of GCS, RR, and PH were associated with a worthwhile outcome. In addition, high changes in BUN, GCS, RR, PR, and BP during hospitalization should be considered a worthwhile prognosis.
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Background & Objective: In-toeing is the most common gait pattern in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Kinesio Taping (KT) has been suggested to improve the function and posture of children with CP. No study has yet... more
Background & Objective: In-toeing is the most common gait pattern in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Kinesio Taping (KT) has been suggested to improve the function and posture of children with CP. No study has yet evaluated the effects of spiral KT on this gait pattern. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether spiral KT could improve in-toeing in children with spastic diplegic CP. Materials & Methods: This pre-post designed experimental study was performed on 14 patients with spastic diplegic CP aged between 6 and 10 years at the first level of the Gross Motor Function Classification System. KT was applied spirally with 100% of available tension. Hip, knee, and ankle joint angles in the transverse plane and spatio-temporal parameters including velocity and duration of stride were measured before and immediately after the intervention. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in hip (p=0.04) and knee (p<0.001) internal rotation, foot adduction, and abduction (p<0.001) in the transverse plane after using KT. Also, significant differences were found for spatio-temporal indices including velocity (p<0.001) and duration of stride (p<0.001). Conclusion: Spiral KT with 100% of available tension immediately improved the spatio-temporal indices of in-toeing gait pattern in children with spastic diplegic CP. Hence, clinicians can use the applied method to improve the gait pattern in this group of CP children.
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10.30699/jambs.31.147.316 Background & Objective: Diabetic neuropathy pain is a common pain condition that has a major negative impact on health-related quality of life. However, despite many studies, it remains difficult to treat... more
10.30699/jambs.31.147.316 Background & Objective: Diabetic neuropathy pain is a common pain condition that has a major negative impact on health-related quality of life. However, despite many studies, it remains difficult to treat neuropathic pain. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of duloxetine with high tone power therapy (HTPT) in diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Materials & Methods: The study is a single-centre, phase III clinical trial comparing the effect of HTPT versus treatment with duloxetine in diagnosed diabetic neuropathy patients between October 2019 to December 2020. In the case group, the HTPT was used with a four-second duration for 30 minutes daily. This treatment was continued twice a week for 10 sessions. The control group received duloxetine (30 mg/m2 once a day). The treatment response was assessed based on the VAS score. Results: The results showed that in both groups, there was a significant reduction in pain severity. In HTPT group, the average pain decreased from 7.36 to 4.6 and in duloxetine group from 7.7 to 4.8. During 8 measurements after the intervention; decrease in VAS score was higher in HTPT group (5.6) than in duloxetine group (6.5) in the first and fourth times after the intervention (P-Value=0.01). Further analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between pain severity and age so that, the pain also increases with advancing age. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that both duloxetine and high tone therapies are safe and effective methods for neuropathic pain relief.
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10.30699/jambs.31.147.294 Background & Objective: Very often the patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery suffer from shoulder pain (SP). As a result, different studies have been conducted to mitigate shoulder pain following laparoscopic... more
10.30699/jambs.31.147.294 Background & Objective: Very often the patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery suffer from shoulder pain (SP). As a result, different studies have been conducted to mitigate shoulder pain following laparoscopic surgery. This systematic review aims to investigate the efficacy of different interventions in mitigating laparoscopy-induced SP. Materials & Methods: In this systematic review, relevant articles were included using ISI, PubMed, MEDLINE, etc., from 2009 to 2020. Medical Subject Headings (Mesh) of Laparoscopic Surgical Procedures, Surgery Laparoscopic, Laparoscopic Assisted, Shoulder Pain, randomized controlled trial, and clinical trial were searched for eligible studies. Random effect model and standardized mean difference (SMD) index were applied to combine the studies and perform a meta-analysis. Results: A total sample of 11,024 was obtained for 10 selected studies. Results from intraoperative intervention demonstrate that the mean VAS (visual analog scale) scores were 1.46(CI 95%:-0.32, 3.24) and 1.87(CI 95%:0.79, 2.94) in the intervention and control groups, respectively six hours after surgery. The mean VAS scores were 2.06(CI 95%: 0.91, 3.20) and 2.35 (CI 95%: 0.57, 4.13) in the intervention and control groups, respectively, twelve hours after surgery. 24 hours following surgery; the mean VAS scores were 0.96(CI 95%:-0.21, 2.13) and 1.27(CI 95%: 0.33, 2.21) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate that intraoperative interventions, such as Peritoneal Suction Drainage, injection of Intraperitoneal Hydrocortisone with Bupivacaine, and warm and humidified insufflation carbon dioxide, can reduce the severity of SP in patients with LS. In addition, clinical trials with different interventions are needed to compare the efficacy and find effective interventions for SP management in patients with LS.
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Some evidence has shown that emerging COVID-19 can be the origin of several serious health problems, including the increased possibility of multiple microvascular thrombotic events (1). COVID-19associated coagulopathy (CAC) may occur due... more
Some evidence has shown that emerging COVID-19 can be the origin of several serious health problems, including the increased possibility of multiple microvascular thrombotic events (1). COVID-19associated coagulopathy (CAC) may occur due to endotheliopathy, endothelial cell infection, and endotheliitis induced by COVID-19 after inflammatory cell infiltration and endothelial cell apoptosis (1).
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The association between recurrent acute pancreatitis and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is uncommon. We report the case of a 45-year-old woman who presented with recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis. After the second episode of... more
The association between recurrent acute pancreatitis and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is uncommon. We report the case of a 45-year-old woman who presented with recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis. After the second episode of pancreatitis, she was diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism. Interestingly, she had no additional risk factors for pancreatitis. However, a year after successful parathyroid surgery, she showed no symptoms of pancreatitis and her serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium remained within normal ranges. Primary hyperparathyroidism can manifest as acute pancreatitis due to hypercalcemia. Therefore, we recommend monitoring the serum calcium levels in patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. Appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions should be undertaken for primary hyperparathyroidism to prevent the recurrence of pancreatitis and hypercalcemia.
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Background and Objective: Algae phenolic extracts have received special attention because of their effective and efficient antioxidant properties and their obvious effects in inhibiting various diseases related to oxidative stress, such... more
Background and Objective: Algae phenolic extracts have received special attention because of their effective and efficient antioxidant properties and their obvious effects in inhibiting various diseases related to oxidative stress, such as cancer. This study aimed to document the phenolic extract of Spirulina platensis against cancer cell line SK-GT-4 and regular cell line HBL100.
Materials and Methods: Phenolic compounds were extracted from S. platensis, and the extract was checked for its anticancer activity by MTT. The constituents of phenolic extract were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Results: The results showed that the half maximal inhibitory concentration value for Phenolic extract was 36.52 µg/mL for 50% of cell death. HPLC analysis revealed that the compounds with possible therapeutic effects are gallic acid, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid, syringic acid, and vanillic acid, which have anticancer activity.
Conclusion: The results of this study point out that the S. platensis phenolic extract has anticancer potential, and the phytoconstituents contributed to the anticancer effects.
Materials and Methods: Phenolic compounds were extracted from S. platensis, and the extract was checked for its anticancer activity by MTT. The constituents of phenolic extract were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Results: The results showed that the half maximal inhibitory concentration value for Phenolic extract was 36.52 µg/mL for 50% of cell death. HPLC analysis revealed that the compounds with possible therapeutic effects are gallic acid, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid, syringic acid, and vanillic acid, which have anticancer activity.
Conclusion: The results of this study point out that the S. platensis phenolic extract has anticancer potential, and the phytoconstituents contributed to the anticancer effects.
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Background and Objective: Insufficient mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells and delayed engraftment are reported in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). The aim if this study was to identify and introduce... more
Background and Objective: Insufficient mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells and delayed engraftment are reported in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). The aim if this study was to identify and introduce predictive factors for mobilization and engraftment.
Materials and Methods: The participants include AHSCT candidates. Pre-apheresis CD34+ cells and CD34+ count per kilogram (CD34+ CPK) in the apheresis products were assessed by flow cytometry. There were other parameters connected to platelet and neutrophil engraftment as well as mobilization by granulocyte-stimulating growth factor (G-CSF). Univariate, multivariate, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used in the statistical study.
Results: The predictive value of CD34+ CPK for platelet engraftment was fair (AUC: 76.9%) with the cut-off of 3.5×106, while it was poor for neutrophil engraftment (AUC: 64.4%) with the cut-off of 3.4×106. The multiple-variate analysis demonstrated that age and CD34+ CPK were positively correlated with platelet engraftment (p-values less than 0.01 and 0.005, respectively), while CD34+ CPK and total dose of infused G-CSF (TDIG) were associated with neutrophil engraftment (p-values: 0.03). In high rates, the TDIG correlated negatively with CD34+ CPK, CD34+ cell counts in pre-apheresis peripheral blood samples, and total engraftment, indicating negative effects of high and long-term doses of G-CSF on mobilization and engraftment.
Conclusion: The management of AHSCT will be more efficient by considering the age, CD34+ CPK, and TDIG. For enhanced engraftment, adjusting the G-CSF injection days for <4 days and total dose of G-CSF on <4000 micrograms are suggested.
Materials and Methods: The participants include AHSCT candidates. Pre-apheresis CD34+ cells and CD34+ count per kilogram (CD34+ CPK) in the apheresis products were assessed by flow cytometry. There were other parameters connected to platelet and neutrophil engraftment as well as mobilization by granulocyte-stimulating growth factor (G-CSF). Univariate, multivariate, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used in the statistical study.
Results: The predictive value of CD34+ CPK for platelet engraftment was fair (AUC: 76.9%) with the cut-off of 3.5×106, while it was poor for neutrophil engraftment (AUC: 64.4%) with the cut-off of 3.4×106. The multiple-variate analysis demonstrated that age and CD34+ CPK were positively correlated with platelet engraftment (p-values less than 0.01 and 0.005, respectively), while CD34+ CPK and total dose of infused G-CSF (TDIG) were associated with neutrophil engraftment (p-values: 0.03). In high rates, the TDIG correlated negatively with CD34+ CPK, CD34+ cell counts in pre-apheresis peripheral blood samples, and total engraftment, indicating negative effects of high and long-term doses of G-CSF on mobilization and engraftment.
Conclusion: The management of AHSCT will be more efficient by considering the age, CD34+ CPK, and TDIG. For enhanced engraftment, adjusting the G-CSF injection days for <4 days and total dose of G-CSF on <4000 micrograms are suggested.
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10.30699/jambs.31.148.481 Background & Objective: Psoriasis is one of the most common skin disorders in humans and is believed to have genetic foundations. The aim of this study is to identify potential genetic biomarkers for psoriasis... more
10.30699/jambs.31.148.481 Background & Objective: Psoriasis is one of the most common skin disorders in humans and is believed to have genetic foundations. The aim of this study is to identify potential genetic biomarkers for psoriasis using penalized methods. Materials & Methods: The gene chip GSE55201, which included 74 individuals (34 patients with psoriasis and 30 healthy individuals), was obtained from GEO. Three penalized approaches were used in logistic regression, including Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection Operator, Minimax Concave Penalty, and Smoothing Clipped Absolute Deviation, to identify the most important genes associated with psoriasis. To validate the results, Random Forest was used to assess the predictive power of the selected genes in a validation dataset. Results: The analysis identified ADORA3 and C16orf72 as two genes that were commonly associated with psoriasis. The independent samples t-test revealed significantly higher expression of ADORA3 and C16orf72 among psoriasis cases (p<0.001). The area under the ROC curve for predicting psoriasis was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.80-0.96) for ADORA3 and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.75-0.94) for C16orf72. The Random Forest analysis showed that the model using these genes had a prediction probability of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.53-0.83). Conclusion: Among all the methods used, MCP outperformed other penalties, selecting a smaller subset with compatible performance. Two key genes, ADORA3 and C16orf72, were found to be associated with psoriasis and were identified for further study. These genes may serve as genetic biomarkers for predicting psoriasis.
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Background and Objective: Microsatellites are ideal markers for detecting population differences in humans and considered as potentially a useful tool and biomarkers in forensic medicine. This study aimed to examine and compare the... more
Background and Objective: Microsatellites are ideal markers for detecting population differences in humans and considered as potentially a useful tool and biomarkers in forensic medicine. This study aimed to examine and compare the diagnostic value of three Y-STRs loci in racial studies by HRM method.
Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood samples of 200 Iranian Kurdish men living in western cities of Iran (Kermanshah, Sanandaj, Sardasht, and Ilam) were collected and analyzed for allele and haplotype frequencies using HRM technique during 2017 to 2019.
Results: Most allelic replications in the AC004617 (І), AC004617 (ІІ) and AC022486 loci were related to alleles 13, 29 and 30, and 12, respectively. Also, the AC022486 locus was potentially more beneficial as a population differentiation marker than the other three studied loci.
Conclusion: The HRM technique was an accurate and inexpensive method for investigating the genetic differences between the four studied populations.
Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood samples of 200 Iranian Kurdish men living in western cities of Iran (Kermanshah, Sanandaj, Sardasht, and Ilam) were collected and analyzed for allele and haplotype frequencies using HRM technique during 2017 to 2019.
Results: Most allelic replications in the AC004617 (І), AC004617 (ІІ) and AC022486 loci were related to alleles 13, 29 and 30, and 12, respectively. Also, the AC022486 locus was potentially more beneficial as a population differentiation marker than the other three studied loci.
Conclusion: The HRM technique was an accurate and inexpensive method for investigating the genetic differences between the four studied populations.
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10.30699/jambs.31.148.464 Background & Objective: Bacteria play a major role in urinary tract infections (UTIs); therefore, it is necessary to be aware of their regional prevalence and the causative pathogens for better prognosis and... more
10.30699/jambs.31.148.464 Background & Objective: Bacteria play a major role in urinary tract infections (UTIs); therefore, it is necessary to be aware of their regional prevalence and the causative pathogens for better prognosis and rapid treatment in clinical settings. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of bacterial isolates involved in UTI samples and their antibiotics resistance pattern. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, bacterial infections from 4214 urine samples were analyzed from December 2016 to December 2018. After biochemical tests, disk diffusion susceptibility procedures were performed on all positive clinical cultures, according to CLSI guidelines. The obtained data were sorted and statistically analyzed by SPSS 26. Results: Out of 3582 suspected UTIs samples, 2006 (56%) were females and 1576 (44%) males in the 0-99 years old age range and mainly consisting of middle-aged and elderly patients (62.2%). Escherichia coli (53.43%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (15.99%) were the most frequent isolates. Among gram negative bacteria, nitrofurantoin and among gram-positive, vancomycin represented the lowest resistance rates at 25.27% and 26.74% respectively. Piperacillin showed the least efficacy with a resistance rate of 76.04%, followed by cefazolin with a 74.94% resistance rate. In gram positive bacteria, vancomycin and gentamicin showed more promise with respective resistance rates of 19.34% and 27.34%. The highest resistance was associated with ampicillin (68.61%) and Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (66.06%). Conclusion: Alarming resistance rates were observed in ampicillin and piperacillin, which should be taken into account in therapy guidelines in this area. Prevalence of resistant strains can be avoided by developing appropriate healthcare policies and community awareness.
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Background and Objective: Conventional treatment of Acanthamoeba typically involves a combination drug strategy, but its efficacy in clinical settings remains incomplete. Evaluating the therapeutic potential of existing drugs is a way... more
Background and Objective: Conventional treatment of Acanthamoeba typically involves a combination drug strategy, but its efficacy in clinical settings remains incomplete. Evaluating the therapeutic potential of existing drugs is a way used to introduce effective treatments for infectious agents. This study aimed to assess the in vitro anti-Acanthamoeba effect of valproate (VPA).
Materials and Methods: An experimental study was conducted using Acanthamoeba cysts belonging to the T4 and T5 genotypes. Cysts collected from the culture medium were exposed to gentamicin, polymyxin, and three different concentrations of VPA for varying durations (1, 4, 6, and 24 hours). The treated cysts were stained with trypan blue, and the percentage of growth inhibition was calculated. Additionally, the viability of treated cysts was assessed by culturing them on non-nutrient agar plates for one month.
Results: The Acanthamoeba cysts of T4 and T5 genotypes showed susceptibility to VPA. The minimal cysticidal concentration (MCC) of VPA for maximum growth inhibition in both single and combination drug assays were 100 and 3 mg/ml, for durations of 24 and 4 hours, respectively. The growth inhibition observed in the groups exposed to gentamicin and polymyxin differed significantly from the growth inhibition in the group treated with ≥100 mg/ml VPA (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: VPA enhances the effects of gentamicin and polymyxin on Acanthamoeba. Combining a low concentration of VPA (≥3 mg/ml) with gentamicin and polymyxin increases the potency and speed of action of these antibiotics.
Materials and Methods: An experimental study was conducted using Acanthamoeba cysts belonging to the T4 and T5 genotypes. Cysts collected from the culture medium were exposed to gentamicin, polymyxin, and three different concentrations of VPA for varying durations (1, 4, 6, and 24 hours). The treated cysts were stained with trypan blue, and the percentage of growth inhibition was calculated. Additionally, the viability of treated cysts was assessed by culturing them on non-nutrient agar plates for one month.
Results: The Acanthamoeba cysts of T4 and T5 genotypes showed susceptibility to VPA. The minimal cysticidal concentration (MCC) of VPA for maximum growth inhibition in both single and combination drug assays were 100 and 3 mg/ml, for durations of 24 and 4 hours, respectively. The growth inhibition observed in the groups exposed to gentamicin and polymyxin differed significantly from the growth inhibition in the group treated with ≥100 mg/ml VPA (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: VPA enhances the effects of gentamicin and polymyxin on Acanthamoeba. Combining a low concentration of VPA (≥3 mg/ml) with gentamicin and polymyxin increases the potency and speed of action of these antibiotics.
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Background and Objective: In the field of vascular surgery, the use of tissue-engineered vascular grafts is advancing and new synthetic tissues are being utilized to replace damaged blood vessels. These synthetic vessels, made through... more
Background and Objective: In the field of vascular surgery, the use of tissue-engineered vascular grafts is advancing and new synthetic tissues are being utilized to replace damaged blood vessels. These synthetic vessels, made through tissue engineering techniques, must mimic the shape and mechanical properties of native vessels. This study was performed to assess the function of an artificial vascular graft in an animal model.
Materials and Methods: The evaluation of artificial vessels was carried out on rat and sheep models. The artificial vascular scaffolds were made of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyurethane (PU), and Polycaprolactone (PCL) polymers. In the first phase, the fabricated scaffolds were implanted in rats and after 45 days, the grafts were removed and evaluated pathologically. In the second phase, the structures were implanted into the carotid arteries of sheep. Doppler ultrasound and angiography imaging were done to assess changes in carotid blood flow. Eleven months later, the artificial grafts and surrounding tissues were removed and evaluated pathologically.
Results: In the rat samples, no hypodermic infections, systemic inflammation, or fibrosis of adjacent tissues were observed. In the sheep samples, no local or systemic complications were reported one week after surgery. No complications were seen after 11 months in the two sheep that received PCL/PU grafts. In contrast, ultrasound evaluation showed thrombosis in the two other sheep that received PET/PU/PCL grafts.
Conclusion: This study shows that the implanted artificial vessel used in sheep carotid arteries has a favorable patency rate and satisfactory clinical results, and in terms of mechanical properties, it may be a good candidate for vascular replacement.
Materials and Methods: The evaluation of artificial vessels was carried out on rat and sheep models. The artificial vascular scaffolds were made of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyurethane (PU), and Polycaprolactone (PCL) polymers. In the first phase, the fabricated scaffolds were implanted in rats and after 45 days, the grafts were removed and evaluated pathologically. In the second phase, the structures were implanted into the carotid arteries of sheep. Doppler ultrasound and angiography imaging were done to assess changes in carotid blood flow. Eleven months later, the artificial grafts and surrounding tissues were removed and evaluated pathologically.
Results: In the rat samples, no hypodermic infections, systemic inflammation, or fibrosis of adjacent tissues were observed. In the sheep samples, no local or systemic complications were reported one week after surgery. No complications were seen after 11 months in the two sheep that received PCL/PU grafts. In contrast, ultrasound evaluation showed thrombosis in the two other sheep that received PET/PU/PCL grafts.
Conclusion: This study shows that the implanted artificial vessel used in sheep carotid arteries has a favorable patency rate and satisfactory clinical results, and in terms of mechanical properties, it may be a good candidate for vascular replacement.
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10.30699/jambs.31.148.441 Background & Objective: Based on literatures, the patients with essential tremor have a thinner Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) layer in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging, compared to the healthy... more
10.30699/jambs.31.148.441 Background & Objective: Based on literatures, the patients with essential tremor have a thinner Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) layer in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging, compared to the healthy population. Thus, we decided to examine the ocular-neural state of patients with essential tremor, by examining RNFL and Retinal Ganglion Cell Layer (RGCL) in the OCT reports of patients referred to Hazrat Rasool Akram Hospital in the years 2020 to 2022. Materials & Methods: This research was implemented in the form of case-control study.50 patients were recruited into each group of tremor, and healthy controls. OCT parameters, including thickness of RNFL and RGCL were evaluated and recorded. Results: The study findings revealed a significant difference in the mean superior, superior nasal, superior temporal sections of the right eye and superior temporal and inferior temporal regions of the left eye in RNFL between the control group and all patients (P < 0.01). Moreover, the results showed that there was a significant difference in the GCL in superior 6 mm of the right and left eye between the control group, and all patients (P <0.01). Conclusion: Regarding the results this study, it seems that patients with essential tremor have a significant decrease in some RNFL and GCL factors compared to healthy people. However, the majority of variables examined from RNFL and GCL in our study did not show significant differences. Moreover, this thinning could be associated with the neurodegenerative nature of the disease.
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Background and Objective: Incomprehensive studies have examined the therapeutic and side effects of curcumin on the treatment of debilitating diseases, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). This study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory... more
Background and Objective: Incomprehensive studies have examined the therapeutic and side effects of curcumin on the treatment of debilitating diseases, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). This study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin on RA.
Materials and Methods: This double-blind clinical trial was carried out on 64 RA patients with an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)-Disease Activity Score (DAS)-28>2.6. The patients were then randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control. In addition to the routine treatment, the intervention group was treated with 80-mg/day capsules of curcumin (nano-micelles). Further, the patients were followed up for three months, and clinical-laboratory examinations were recorded in this study.
Results: There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups regarding the trends of the disease activity indicators, including DAS-28, disability index, physician assessment, and the number of tender joints (P>0.05). Further, a significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of pain score changes and the number of swollen joints. Additionally, the curcumin-treated subjects obtained lower mean pain and fewer swollen joints, compared to those in the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The present study revealed that curcumin had no significant therapeutic effects on reducing the activity of RA; however, no significant side effects were observed on the patients, and it also showed its analgesic effect well.
Materials and Methods: This double-blind clinical trial was carried out on 64 RA patients with an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)-Disease Activity Score (DAS)-28>2.6. The patients were then randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control. In addition to the routine treatment, the intervention group was treated with 80-mg/day capsules of curcumin (nano-micelles). Further, the patients were followed up for three months, and clinical-laboratory examinations were recorded in this study.
Results: There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups regarding the trends of the disease activity indicators, including DAS-28, disability index, physician assessment, and the number of tender joints (P>0.05). Further, a significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of pain score changes and the number of swollen joints. Additionally, the curcumin-treated subjects obtained lower mean pain and fewer swollen joints, compared to those in the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The present study revealed that curcumin had no significant therapeutic effects on reducing the activity of RA; however, no significant side effects were observed on the patients, and it also showed its analgesic effect well.
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PNS (Peripheral nervous system) disease comprises a wide range of manifestations from acruable damage to nerve body degeneration. Finding proper imaging sequences of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to maximize the detection sensitivity... more
PNS (Peripheral nervous system) disease comprises a wide range of manifestations from acruable damage to nerve body degeneration. Finding proper imaging sequences of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to maximize the detection sensitivity and specificity of PNS injuries, is the purpose for which this study was conducted. In this regard, due to Wallerian degeneration, axonal degeneration and inflammation after nerve injury, were mentioned as the inseparable factors of nerve damage, and clues to be detected by the MRI. Gadofluorine M and USPIO nanoparticles are candidates which provide contrast in multiple aspects, such as diagnostic approaches and drug tracking. For instance, the P904 USPIO particle is proper for long-term monitoring, while the CS015 (PAA-coated USPIO), USPIO-PEG-tLyP-1, and USPIO nanovesicles are appropriate for drug delivery. Besides contrast agents, the implication of gradient echo or 3D DW-PSIF provides more precious data over conventional sequences, including T2-weighed on the physiological or pathological PNS status. Eventually, although the real-time imaging and simplified procedure of the ultrasound technique have advantages over MRI, the low-resolution disvalues its benefits. Alternatively, there is a growing trend in the application of Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to acquire a clear concept of disease diagnosis, along with Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to successfully monitor the rate of nerve regeneration that is applicable for therapeutic approaches.