Journal of Birjand University of Medical Sciences
Year:2012 | Volume:18 | Issue:4 (49)|Papers Count:17

Background and Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Garlic extract on cortical spreading depression (CSD) specifications as underlying mechanism of aura and subsequent pain in migraine in rats' neocortical slices.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, CSD was induced in rats' somatosensory cortical slices using two models as follows: first, after KCl microinjection, and washing in CSF with low concentration of NaCl the slices were washed for 60 minutes with garlic extract in different conce ntrations (1, 10, 50, and 100 mmol/L), second, the slices were ex posed to 50 mmol/L garlic extract for 60 minutes. In both methods, induced CSD slices were washed in CSF containing alcohol low concentration. Using extracellular potentials recording, the frequency, amplitude, duration, and propagation velocity of CSD were measured. All data was statistically analyzed.Results: In KCl induced CSF model, the amplitude and after/before ratio (P=0.006) of CSD significantly decreased after superfusion of garlic extract at all concentrations with dose-dependent route. Nonetheless, addition of garlic extract non significantly reduced the duration (P=0.08) and propagation velocity (P=0.4) of CSD. In CSD induction with low NaCl concentration CSF model, addition of garlic extract to the washing solution caused reduction of frequency (P=0.006) and amplitude (P=0.03) of CSD. However, the duration of CSD in this model showed no significant difference after using garlic.Conclusion: Regarding to our results, Garlic is able to suppress CSD phenomenon.

Background and Aim: There are many controversial reports about the toxic effects of Amygdalin as an anticancer drug. The aim of the present study was to investigate the histological effects of Amygdalin on the mouse liver.Materials and Methods: Thirty two adult male mice were selected and divided into 4 equal groups control, 10 mg/kg A mygdalin group, 25 mg/kg A mygdalin group, and 50 mg/kg Amygdalin group; all Amygdalin groups injected intraperitoneally. The experimental groups were injected with the specified doses of A mygdalin for 30 days, while the control ones were injected with normal saline. Three days after the last injection, all animals were anaesthetized and their livers weighed. Then, microscopic slides from their livers were prepared. Their Kupffer, necrotic, and multinucleated hepatic cells were counted. The collected data was analyzed statistically using Kruskal- Wallis test and SPSS software (version 16).Results: There was no significant changes in the number of necrotic cells and mean weight of the liver in the study groups while the number of kupffer cells in A mygdalin 25 and 50 mg/kg groups significantly increased compared to A mygdalin 10 and the control (P=0.001).Moreover, mean number of multinucleated cells in A mygdalin 50 showed a statistically significant difference compared to the control (P=0.04).Conclusion: The present study showed that Amygdalin injection can dose-dependently cause an increase in the number of kupffer and multinucleated hepatic cells in the mouse.

Background and Aim: Using various ways to decrease drug adverse pain during labor pain is accompanied by weakening of the pulmonary system of the mature fetus, and maternal mortality.The present study aimed at evaluating injection of distilled water in decreasing back pain during the active phase of labor.Materials and Methods: In this double blind clinical trial study, 160 primigravidas -applying sequential sampling- were randomly divided into two groups; cases and controls. In the cases distilled water was subcutaneously injected in the Sacrum while normal saline was used for the controls. Then, pain degree was measured using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before injection and 40, 60 a nd 90 minutes after injection.The obtained data was analyzed by means of SPSS software (version 15); Mann Whitney, Freedman, Wilcoxon, and Chi-square tests.Results: In both groups, mean pain intensity decreased in all of the recording time (40, 60 and 90 minutes after injection), at 60 and 90 minutes to 40, and at 90 minutes to 60; which was statistically significant. Mean variation of pain intensity at 40, 60 and 90 minutes after injection was not significant in both groups.32.4% of the cases and 27.5% of the controls demanded analgesics in order to decrease pain. Inclination to use this method again was not different in both groups.Conclusion: Regarding the effect of subcutaneously injection of distilled water injection on decreasing the growing intensity of pain during the active phase of labor, applying this technique is recommended.

Background and Aim: Anxiety is one of the most common but treatable mental disorders. Lead (Pb) seems to be involved in the etiology of some psychological disorders including anxiety. This study investigated the effects of chronic Pb exposure on anxiety during different stages of rat's development.Materials and Methods: In order to conduct this study, Wistar rats were exposed to 500 ppm of lead (Pb) in their drinking water in the three stages: embryonic, pre-weaning, and post-weaning stages. The first group received Pb since the the beginning of their embryonic stage until the end of this period through addition to the drinking-water of their mothers. The second group received it from their birth until weaning, and the third group from weaning until 42nd day after birth. By using elevated plus-maze anxiety level in the male rats, each weighing 250-300 g, was studied. For data analysis, variance analysis followed by Tukey test was used.Results: Exposure to Pb can decrease the entrance into and staying at open arm s exploration (from 41% to 23%), and staying time (from 119 to 60 S). This change in the embryonic group was greater than the other groups (P<0.01) Conclusion: It was found that Pb exposure during developmental stage has an anxiogenic effect on rats during their first developmental stage. The present study supports the hypothesis that animals are sensitive to neurotoxic effects of Pb exposure in the early stages of developmental period of the central nervous system.

Background and Aim: Today, oxidative stress and free radicals are known as important factors of pathogenesis caused by diabetes. In the present study the effect of aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon rhizome on lipid peroxidations in plasma and nephropathy induced by diabetes has been studied.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 adult male Wistar rats where randomly divided into 5 six member groups. The control group rats were injected with physiological serum. Group II rats, contracted diabetes through being injected 70 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneally.For 4 weeks, the rats of the third, fourth and fifth groups, were fed aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon rhizome, 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg respectively. After the end of treatment, blood from the heart of rats was obtained and after opening the abdominal cavity their kidneys were removed and put in 10% buffered formalin solution.Malondialdehyde (MDA) of plasma was measured as an indicator for lipid peroxidations. After preparing kidney sections and painting them, they were studied in terms of changes in glomerular and tubular structures.Results: Plasma MDA levels in diabetic rats, treated with 500 mg/kg extract, decreased significantly compared to untreated diabetic group (P<0.01). In untreated diabetic rats basement membrane thickening, dilatation of the urinary space, and the hyalinized artery walls, were observed.Conclusion: This study showed that aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon rhizome reduces lipid peroxidation and decreases diabetic nephropathy.

Background and Aim: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress play important roles in the development of diabetic complications. Regarding the importance of medicinal herbs, the effect of Sumac extract on lipid peroxidation and diabetic nephropathy was explored in this study.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 adult male Wistar rats were divided into 5 six member groups. Control rats were injected with the necessary volume of physiological serum. Group II contracted diabetes by being intraperitoneally injected 120 mg/kg Alloxan. The rats of the third, fourth, and fifth group, in addition to the same treatment, were fed 50, 100 and 250 mg/kg of aqueous extract of Rhuscoriaria L.respectively for 4 weeks. After 28 days of treatment, blood samples were collected from the heart.Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, as an end product of lipid peroxidation, was determined. In addition, kidney tissues were removed and prepared for histological analysis. The obtained data was analyzed by means of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey statistical test Results: Treatment with the extract of Sumac caused a significant reduction in MDA level in diabetic groups treated, compared with the control and diabetic groups (P<0.05). Moreover, treatment with the extract led also to a significant improvement of side-effects of diabetes mellitus on the distal arterioles of renal tissues in diabetic rats.Conclusion: It was found that sumac decreases lipid peroxidation and kidney damage in diabetic rats.

Background and Aim: Ghrelin, a 28-amino acid peptide, plays an important role in weight regulation and energy homeostasis. In this study, a Ghrelin response to a long-term aerobic exercise in obese men was studied.Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, thirty adult obese males were randomly divided into a physically active (experimental) or a physically inactive (control) groups. Serum Ghrelin, lipid profile (TG, TC, LDL, HDL) and anthropometrical indexes were measured respectively before and after a 12 week aerobic exercise and detraining in the experimental and control groups. Blood samples were taken from all participants after an overnight fasting (12 hours). Statistical analysis was performed by means of SPSS software (version 15) using T-test method.Results: Aerobic exercise led to a significant decrease in serum Ghrelin and all anthropometrical indexes in the experimental group (P <0.05). In addition, TG concentration and ratio of TG to HDL decreased after aerobic exercise in the experimental group (P <0.05). All variables remained constant in the control group after detraining.Conclusion: The findings of the present study show that an exercise program, while significantly decreasing serum Ghrelin level, can be followed by weight loss and a decrease in fat tissues in obese men.

Background and Aim: Studies indicate that novel biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases have more sensitivity than traditional ones in anticipating cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to reveal the effects of continuous aerobic exercise on the new and traditional predicting indexes of cardiovascular diseases.Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study conducted on twenty- four non-exerciser male students of the Islamic Azad University of Birjand the were randomly divided into two equal groups; i.e. the experimental group and the control group. The type of exercise was running on a treadmill three times a week for eight weeks with maximum heart rate intensity of 65-80% and for a definite duration of 16- 30 minutes each time.Blood samples were taken from both groups after a period of 12 hours fasting in two stages: 1- before doing exercise 2- after eight weeks of exercise. Then, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), C-reactive protein (CRP), triglyceride (TG), interleukin 6 (IL 6), LDL-C, HDL-C, and total cholesterol of serum were measured. The obtained data was analyzed by means of dependent and independent T-test at the significant level a≤0.05.Results: It was found tha t mean BMI and age was the same in both groups. After the end of the exercise program the obtained values of ICAM- 1, CRP, TG and IL6 (P=.90) showed no significant difference. Y et, LDL-C (P=0. 006), CHOL (P= 0.009) and HDL-C (P=0.02) indicated a significant decline.Conclusion: It seems that the best prognosis indexes regarding cardiovascular diseases after performing continual aerobic exercises are traditional indicates; i.e. LDL.C and HDL.C.

Background and Aim: Spinal manipulation is a treatment modality in the management of patients with pain in the neck, low back or pelvic disorders. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of sacroiliac joint manipulation on selected electrophysiological parameters including pressure pain thresholds (PPT) and Tibial nerve Hoffmann's reflex (H-reflex) amplitude.Materials and Methods: In this quasiexperimental study between 2009 and 2010, 20 healthy young female volunteers of Shiraz University Of Medical Sciences participated. Pressure pain threshold was measured from the posterior superior iliac spine and H.reflex recorded from the Tibial nerve of the same side were evaluated before and after sacroiliac joint manipulation. Hreflex for 20 and PPT for 15 minutes were recorded after manipulation. Data analysis was don e by means of SPSS (version 18), repeated measure analysis, and post-hoc Bonferroni.Results: Sacroiliac joint manipulation attenuated alpha motor neuronal activity significantly for 20 seconds (Mean±SD, 16±0.16) compared to before the technique (Mean=035±0.15), P =0.005. PPT values reduced in post manipulation versus pre manipulation; although there were statistically no significant differences in PPT based on recursive measuring test.Conclusion: Sacroiliac joint manipulation procedure produces a transient attenuation of alpha motor neuronal excitability. Probably, applying this technique cannot change pressure pain threshold. Manipulation can have a muscle tone reduction effect.

Background and Aim: Clinical education is an integrated component of medical education program.Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) is one of the best educational evaluations of clinical competence. The present study was designed to determine the reliability and validity of OSCE in evaluating clinical skills of emergency medical students.Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study, twelve skills were evaluated by means of a checkli st.39 students performed these skills in 12 OSCE stations. In each station, an experienced inspector evaluated the skills matching them to the checklist. Validity was measured according to the correlation coefficient between OSCE scores and the theoretical and clinical performance scores of students, and reliability based on the correlation coefficient between scores reported by inspectors in two stations. The obtained data was analyzed by means of SPSS (version 15) at the significant level P <0.05.Results: The correlation coefficient of OSCE scores and mean theoretical and clinical performance scores and total average scores were 0.46 (P =0.003), 0.61, and 0.56 (P <0.001), respectively. The highest and lowest correlation coefficient was 0.54, and 0.08 respectively in the two stations; i.e. log roll maneuver and hemorrhage control. Correlation coefficient between scores of those two inspectors at shock evaluation and respiratory resuscitation stations were 0.97 and 0.68 (P <0.001), respectively.Conclusion: OSCE is suggested as a reliable and valid method to evaluate the clinical skills of medical emergency students in all wards.

Background and Aim: The elderly are one of the increasing social groups in the present communities which has gained a growing importance with respect to the age pyramid of our country. In order to make decisions and plan for this group, we must know their problems exactly on the basis of objective and scientific observation. The objective of this study was to determine factors affecting the quality of life of the aged in the capital and their relationship with demographic variables.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the quality of life of 130 elderly people in the residential homes of Tehran was surveyed through random sampling. Necessary data was obtained by means of the standard questionnaire WHOQOL-BREF covering four domains, i.e. physical, psychological, social and environmental aspects; and through live interview. In order to analyze the obtained data descriptive statistics, T-test, ANOVA and SPSS (version 17) were used.Results: 85 women and 45 men, whose mean age was 73 years, took part in the study. The study indicated that only in physical domain women had lower QOL scores than men (P<0.001). Surveying the relationship between QOL and variables such as age, marital status and educational level showed that only in physical domain the difference was significant (P<0.001). There was a difference between QOL scores and age, marriage, education in physical domain too. QOL of people, who had a history of falling down, was significantly lower than the others.Conclusion: Men, those with higher education, and singles with no history of falling down have a better quality of life compared to others. As far as falling down is concerned, more attention to applying strategies to decrease falling of the elderly is necessitated.

Sometimes, because of lack of proper coverage of distal fractured legs, these fractures cause loss of the skin and expose the distal Tibial bones on the medial sides. In such situations, there are two ways for the soft tissue reconstruction: 1. Cross leg flaps and 2. Using free flap with microvascular anastomosis.In the present article a case of free Gracilis flap transfer for reconstruction of the soft tissue defect due to the use of heavy plate in distal Tibial fracture is reported.This procedure was performed for a 40 year old man with the soft tissue defect in distal of Tibia by a single team of surgery and after two months it proved successful.Reviewing the articles about free flap operation has proved its success in more than 90% of cases and, as a result, Gracilis free flap suggests an appropriate option for soft tissue reconstruction.