Medical Sciences Journal of Islamic Azad University,Tehran Medical Branch
Year:2010 | Volume:20 | Issue:3|Papers Count:15

Background: Doxepin is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Considering the importance of this drug in treating some nervous diseases, its side effects seem to be important on the endocrine axis. In this study, the effects of doxepin on the concentration of testosterone, FSH and LH level and spermatogenesis were studied.Materials and methods: This experimental study was done on 40 male Wistar rats that were divided into 5 groups of 8. The control group received nothing. The sham group was given distilled water as a solvent. The experimental groups were injected 35, 70 and 140 mg/kg of the drug orally for 21 days, respectively. The blood samples were taken at 22th day and the concentration of testosterone, FSH and LH were measured by RIA method. In addition, at the 22th day, the testes were separated and histological changes were studied among experimental, sham and control groups. The results were evaluated by using ANOVA and Duncan tests.Results: The results showed that 140 mg/kg of doxepin reduced serum testosterone level, while it increased FSH and LH levels (p<0.05). Histological investigations of the testes showed a decline on spermatogenesis chain in dose of 140 mg/kg of the drug.Conclusion: This study showed that doxepin decreases the concentration of testosterone level and the number of spermatogenic cells and increases FSH and LH levels at high doses. Therefore, it may weaken the function of reproductive activity.

Background: Finasteride, a 4-azasteroid compound, is a specific inhibitor of type P 5α-reductase that converts testosterone into 5α-dihydrotestosterone. In the present study, the effects of human dose of finasteride on the number of spermatogenic cells, seminiferous, prostatic and epididymal tubules diameter and thickness of mature NMRI mouse were investigated, both in in vivo and in vitro conditions.Material and methods: In this experimental study, in in vivo condition, 18 mature NMRI mice were divided into 3 groups of 6: control (without treatment), sham (treatment whit physiologic serum) and experimental (treatment with drug). Experimental group was received intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg/day finasteride for 7 days. In in vitro condition, testes, prostates and epididyms of 18 mature NMRI mice were divided into 3 groups of 6: control (fixation with bouin without treatment), sham (treatment with physiologic serum) and experimental (treatment with 5 mg/kg/day of finasteride in culture media for 3 days). Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA and Tukey test by SPSS software. P- value< 0.05 was considered significant.Results: In in vivo condition, treatment with finasteride did not cause significant reduction in the number of spermatogenic cells, seminiferous tubules diameter compared with control group. But, in in vitro condition, significant decrease was observed. In both conditions, the drug could cause significant decrease in prostatic tubules diameter and thickness compared with control group. Diameter and thickness of epididymis tubules were decreased just in in vitro condition.Conclusion: Finasteride can act in long-term treatment, high doses and in in vitro condition better than other conditions.

Background: S-layer is the outer protein layer in the most archaea and bacteria. S-layer protects bacteria against phagocytosis and prohibits entry of some biomolecules and some antibiotics and adhesion to matrix proteins. S-layer is a virulence agent in bacteria. b–lactamase can inactive b-lactame antibiotics. According to role of b-lactame antibiotics in the treatment of infectious diseases with Bacillus spp., increasing frequency of S-layer and b–lactamase producer Bacillus cereus strains in hospitals lead to increase antibiotic resistant nosocomial infections. Materials and methods: In this basic study, 274 samples were evaluated with laboratory methods in Alzahra hospital and Isfahan University between 2004 and 2006. Bacterial identification was performed with microbiological methods, such as staining, chemical test, use of differential and selective Bacillus cereus selective agar media. Bacteria cultured in TSA for 16h, and then separated surface proteins, and finally electrophoresis was performed. S-layer in Bacillus cereus has 97KD molecular weight. Production of b-lactamase was evaluated by acidometric method.Results: Of 247 isolated bacteria, frequency of Bacillus cereus strains, S-layer and b–lactamase in S-layer producer Bacillus cereus strains were 9.49%, 46.20% and 100%, respectively.Conclusion: Results showed high prevalence of nano structure S-layer and b-lactamase producer Bacillus cereus strains in hospital. We recommend controlling bacterial population in crowded places and health and therapeutic centers to decrease producing antibiotic resistance bacteria.

Background: Cabergoline is a strong dopaminergic agonist that is derived from Ergot fungus. Although, this drug can be so important in treating many disorders such as hyperprolactinemia, but its side effects are considerable on the endocrinal axis. The purpose of this study was to determine effects of cabergoline on serum levels of TSH, T4 and T3 hormones in adult male rats.Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male wistar rats were used in five groups of eight. The drug was subcutaneously injected for a period of 14 days. The experimental groups received 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg, respectively. The control group received no drug. The sham group received only distilled water. At the end of 14th day, blood samples were taken and the concentration of TSH, T4 and T3 were measured by RIA. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and TUKEY test between the control and experimental group. Results: Serum levels of TSH and T4 hormones in the experimental groups with doses of 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg showed statistically significant decrease compared with control group (p<0.05). Concentration of T3 hormone showed significant increase in the experimental group with 0.1 mg/kg in comparison with control group (p<0.05).Conclusion: Cabergoline probably decreases the release of TSH and T4 by stimulating the D2-dopaminergic receptor existing in thyrotrophic cells. According to the increase of T3 concentration with low dose of drug, cabergoline may have different physiological effects in different amounts, and alter the function of pituitary –thyroid axis.

Background: Dysmenorrhoea is the most common gynaecological disorder among adolescents. Acupuncture is a treatment that has been shown to be effective for pain relief in a variety of conditions. We evaluated the effect of acupuncture in control of primary dysmenorrhea related pain.Materials and methods: In a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial study, 100 patients with primary dysmenorrhea were randomized to acupuncture (9 sessions over 3 months) or control group (placebo acupuncture). All subjects were allowed to receive usual medical care. Pain was rated on a Numerical Pain Score (0–10) at three months. Patients’ data were analyzed by t- test using SPSS software.Results: This study showed significant effectiveness of acupuncture in control of primary dysmenorrhea pain after 3 months (p<0.0001). No complications or side effects were reported due to acupuncture. Conclusion: Acupuncture was associated with relief of pain in patients with primary dysmenorrheal, and it is a safe and effective method in reduction of primary dysmenorrhea related pain.

Background: Aromatherapy, as an alternative medicine, is using of volatile oils for inducing psychological and physical well- being. In this study, the effects of inhalation aromatherapy in reducing anxiety and depression in female students of dormitory of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were investigated in 2008-2009.Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 260 female students living in dormitory were selected and assigned randomly in 4 groups of 65 people as case and control according to two variables of anxiety and depression. The scales used in this study were Spillberger Anxiety Test and Beck Depression Inventory. At first, pre-test were taken. A mixture of essential oils of Lavender and Rose was inhaled for four weeks, half an hour for each night by the case groups (anxious and depressed). For control group, only sesame oil inhalation was used. At the end of the second week, post-test1 and at the end of fourth week, post-test2 were taken.Results: Students who received inhalation aromatherapy had significant improvement in anxiety and depression symptoms compared with pre-test and control group (p≤0.001 for both).Conclusion: This study confirmed the efficacy of inhalation aromatherapy (the mixture of essential oils of Lavender and Rose) in reducing the female students’ anxiety and depression symptoms who settled in dormitory.

Background: Early separation of mother and newborn has adverse effects on various aspect of infants growth, development and breastfeeding. Regarding the long- term separation of mothers from infants in cesarean section (C/S), some strategies, such as Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is very important. So, this study was conducted to determine the effects of KMC on infant feeding pattern in hospital and exclusive breastfeeding up to six- month.Material and methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 160 mother-infant dyads were recruited in KMC and routine care (RC) (80 mother-infant dyads in each group). In KMC group, 2 hours after C/S, skin to skin contact was provided with special cover. KMC was done three 60 min/day for 2 consecutive days. With taking of special cover to the KMC group and continuing this care at home, exclusive breastfeeding up to 6- month was compared between two groups.Results: Both groups were similar regarding all background and demographic variables. In KMC group, number of feeding in hospital (p<0.05) and exclusive breastfeeding up to 6- month (p<0.05) were greater than RC, but there was no statistically difference in the time between birth and the first feeding between two groups. In KMC group, number of severe crying in hospital was lower than RC group (5.6 vs. 12.3, p<0.001).Conclusion: Regarding the positive effects of KMC on breastfeeding, especially on exclusive breastfeeding up to 6- month, skin to skin contact and KMC are recommended in delivery and C/S units, and then it’s continuing at home.

Background: Bacterial vaginosis alters normal vaginal flora and leads to gynecologic complications. Early diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis is so important, because of being asymptomatic of about fifty percent of patients. This study was conducted to study the diagnostic value of the Papanicolaou smear in the screening of bacterial vaginosis compared with vaginal Gram stain as a standard method.Materials and methods: This analytic cross- sectional study was conducted on 150 consecutive patients referred to a gynecologic clinic. Each patient had a standard Papanicolaou smear and Gram stain of vaginal discharge. Detection of clue cell in Pap smear, and fulfill of Nugent criteria in Gram stain of vaginal discharge was diagnosed as bacterial vaginosis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the Papanicolaou smear were calculated compared with the results of Gram stain as the standard method for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis.Results: In our study, Pap smear had sensitivity of 69.23%, specificity of 99.24%, positive predictive value of 94.73% and negative predictive value of 94.28% in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. Conclusion: This study showed that vaginal Pap smear is a valid and reliable method in detecting bacterial vaginosis.

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent diseases in all countries. A family having a patient with epilepsy subjects itself to self regulation in order to organize their roles and rules, and attempt to develop consistent patterns of interaction. This is necessary for epileptic patients and their families in promoting mental health and using effective interactive skills.Materials and methods: In this descriptive- correlation study, 150 families of epileptics referring to the Iranian association of epilepsy selected using a Systematic Sampling. For obtaining further information, a questionnaire was used. The first part indicated the demographic specifications of the patient’s family, the second part showed the general health questionnaire (GHQ) and the third part indicated stress coping strategies Carver-Sheier-Weinrub questionnaires.Results: The majority of the epileptic patients’ families (56.7%) were not in an appropriate mental health condition. The majority of epileptic patients’ families (92%) were employing stress coping strategies on a medium level, majority of epileptic patients’ families who had medium mental health (93.8%) were using stress coping strategies in a medium level (S=0.3, P<0.0001).Conclusion: The result may help promoting more mental health in the family of the epileptic patient and using of stress coping strategies in a more suitable level.

Background: Occupational diseases are certain sorts of diseases that have been caused by special jobs and subject to special circumstances. There are several factors that can intensify these diseases. Studies of various countries have indicated that they have played an effective role in decreasing exposures and its economic costs and attracting optimal resources through establishment of a comprehensive information system for occupational diseases. In this study the occupational disease Information system in selected countries are compared.Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study which was conducted in 2008, during which information systems in USA, Finland, France and Iran have been studied based on their objectives, structure, most important data base characteristics and active organizations. Main instrument of this research were articles, books, magazines and valid internet sites in English language.Results: All the three selected countries had an electronic information system and database in the field of occupational disease. In Finland, occupational diseases data as well as their damages are kept in separate databases while USA lacks a comprehensive system. In France, supervision on laboratories is a priority. In Iran, there is no certain comprehensive system for registering diseases.Conclusion: Occupational diseases information system in Finland is more comprehensive. Iran lacks such a comprehensive system. So, it is recommended to use experiences of other countries and establish electronic comprehensive disease system.

Background: Avian influenza, a viral disease in poultry, is an important infectious disease among human beings, because of easy spreading, no immunity and antigenic shift of virus. It has been occurred outbreak of avian influenza in some neighbor countries of Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge of medical students toward avian influenza.Materials and methods: In this cross– sectional study, the knowledge of 403 medical students was gathered using a questionnaire in 2008. A pilot study verified the validity and reliability of questionnaire. The students completed the questionnaire, and then data were analyzed by SPSS software.Results: The mean age of the participants was 23.68±2.8 years. Male to female ratio was 208 to 194. Mean score of students knowledge was 39.33±7.4. There was significant relationship between educational level and knowledge score (p=0.001). However, no significant relationship was found between knowledge score and other variables (NS).Conclusion: This study suggests that educational programs can positively influence the knowledge about infectious diseases, especially avian influenza.

Background: Sustainable development necessitates scientific research in a wide area of subjects. As the results of research productions are usually reported in a wide range of publications, scientometric analysis has been considered as the main approach for measurement of scientific productivity. This research was conducted to assess the status of Iran’s medical subject areas by scientometric data derived from Web of Science (WOS).Materials and methods: In this descriptive-applied studythe bibliographic data were collected from the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) database. The advanced search was performed with the country tag for Iran for six 5-year time periods. The current research includes all the articles of medical subject areas indexed in SCIE database during 1978-2007. The data analyses were performed with HistCite, SPSS and Excel software.Results: Most articles from Iran universities were related to 2003-2007 time period. Most articles were observed in pharmacology field and lowest of them in geriatrics. The Tehran University of Medical Sciences identified as superior University in the 20 subject area. Scientific collaboration (22.5 percent) was mostly with USA scientific centers.Conclusion: Fields of pharmacology, microbiology and biochemistry have a more increasingly growing than other fields. Continuance of this increasingly trend depends on factors such as, giving research facilities and budgets for other universities and considering Tehran University of medical science as a national successful model.