QOM UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES JOURNAL
Year:2016 | Volume:10 | Issue:4|Papers Count:13

Background and Objectives: Myocardial infarction is one the major causes of mortality in the world. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of moderate-intensity interval training on the level of resistance to induced cardiac ischemia in male adult rats.Methods: In this study, 16 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups of 8 mice: Control and moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT). At the end of 16th week of the training, all rats intraperitoneally received isoproterenol (dose, 85mg/kg) for 2 consecutive days, then cardiac function parameters [heart rate, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), left ventricular±dp/dt max], Biochemical indicators of tissue damage (heart tissue CTnI and TNF-a) were measured; also, the extent of heart tissue damage was evaluated by histopathological examination. The data were analyzed using nonparametric Mann-Whitney test and independent t-test. The significance level was considered as p≤0.05.Results: No significant differences were seen between the groups in any of the cardiac function parameters [HR (p<0.130), SBP (p<0.48) and DBP (p<0.72)]. However, other cardiac function parameters including left ventricular±dp/dt max in the exercise group was significantly different from the control group (p<0.01). The heart tissue CTnI in the exercise group was significantly higher than the control group (p<0.009). The heart tissue TNF-a in the exercise group was significantly lower than the control group (p<0.029). Histopathological examinations showed the positive effect of exercise protocol on the reduction of tissue damage in ischemic (p<0.003).Conclusion: The results showed that moderate-intensity interval training has protective effects against cardiac damage caused by injection of isoproterenol.

Background and Objectives: Hippocampus is the most important part of learning and memory in the brain. Melissa officinalis naturally affects the nervous system and induces calmness. Lorazepam is also used in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. In this study, the effect of Lorazepam and aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis (AEMO) was investigated on hippocampus tissue and spatial memory in male rats using radial maze method.Methods: In this experimental study, 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. Control group received normal diet and water, the second group received lorazepam (dose.10 mg/kg), and two other groups received AEMO (at doses of 10 and 100mg/kg) by gavage for 18 days. Then, their spatial memory were tested in an 8 arm radial maze (RAM). The level of lipid peroxidation of homogenized brain tissue was assessed, and hippocampal tissue sections were prepared and after H& E staining, DG area was investigated under a microscope. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.Results: There was no significant difference in learning level between animals received lorazepam and control group. The results of the experiments showed the positive effect of low dose of AEMO (10 mg/kg) on spatial memory, while high dose of Melissa officinalis (100 mg/kg) prevented memory formation.Conclusion: The results of this research showed that AEMO can increase short-term memory at low dose (10mg/kg), but it may prevent spatial memory formation at high doses.

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of death in developed and Third World countries. According to the statement of the World Health Organization, it is predicted that death due to heart disease will rise to 23 million by 2030. According to the latest statistics reported by Iran’s Minister of health, 3.39% of all deaths are attributed to cardiovascular diseases and 19.5% are related to myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to predict coronary artery disease using data mining algorithms.Methods: In this study, various bioinformatics algorithms, such as decision trees, neural networks, support vector machines, clustering, etc., were used to predict coronary heart disease. The data used in this study was taken from several valid databases (including 14 data).Results: In this research, data mining techniques can be effectively used to diagnose different diseases, including coronary artery disease. Also, for the first time, a prediction system based on support vector machine with the best possible accuracy was introduced.Conclusion: The results showed that among the features, thallium scan variable is the most important feature in the diagnosis of heart disease. Designation of machine prediction models, such as support vector machine learning algorithm can differentiate between sick and healthy individuals with 100% accuracy.

Background and Objectives: Epilepsy is one of the central nervous system disorders, which can increase reactive oxygen species and superoxide production. In this research, the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of ginger were evaluated on the reproductive system of epileptic female rats treated with lamotrigine.Methods: In this research, 36 female Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups of 6 mice each. The first control group was treated with normal saline and the second control group with lamotrigine (10mg/kg) for 4 consecutive weeks. The experiment was continued with epilepsy induction through intraperitoneal injection of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) (40 mg/kg). The first epileptic group received normal saline. The other epileptic group was treated with lamotrigine (10 mg/kg). The third epileptic group received ginger at a dose of. The fourth epileptic group simultaneously received ginger and lamotrigine at the same doze. At the end of 28 days, the rats were sacrificed and their blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, and their reproductive organs were removed. Then, after H& E staining, the numbers of growing, atretic, and cystic follicles were counted by light microscopy.Results: In epileptic rats, the level of progestron hormone, number of growing follicles and endometrial thickness and glands significantly decreased. Furthermore, the level of estrogene hormone and the number of atretic and cystic follicles significantly increased (p<0.05). While, these parameters were improved in rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract of ginger.Conclusion: According to the results of this research, hydroalcoholic extract of ginger can have positive effect on the reproductive system in epileptic female rats treated with lamotrigine.

Background and Objectives: Diabetes is one of the most common health problems with remarkable outcomes. Treatment and management of diabetes is mainly related to self-care status. This study aimed to analyzing self-care behaviors and its related factors in diabetic patients.Methods: In this descriptive study, 131 diabetic patients referred to the Tuyserkan Diabetes Clinic in 2014, were studied by census method. Self-care behaviors data were collected by self-care scale of Toobert and Glasgow. Background information of diabetic patients, were investigated using pre-designed checklists based on forms in patients` records. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient tests. The significance level was considered to be 5%.Results: Out of total 131 diabetic patients, 66 persons (50.4%) were male and 65 persons (49.6%) were female. Their mean age was 51.8 years. Eight patients had heart disease complications. The mean self-care scores of the patients was 25.6 and was indicative of average level of self-care. Self-care behaviors were significantly associated with education level, employment status, type of treatment, and body mass index. There was a significant relationship between self-care components (including diet, physical activity, blood glucose testing and foot care).Conclusion: Considering the self-care status of patients and the importance of self-care training for diabetics, more attention should be paid to self-care in diabetic patients in health education and health promotion programs.

Background and Objectives: Plantar foot is a very active part in leap activities, such as rope jumping and with its small surface playes an important role in balance control. In this research, the effect of 12 week rope jumping exercise was investigated on postural control and static and dynamic balance in 10-13 years old male students with cavus foot.Methods: This quasi-experimental study was done on 450 male students aged 13-10 years in Jarghouyeh sofla. After the initial evaluation by pedescope (qualitative) and then measurement by a foot scanner (quantitative) and Staheli index, 30 students were selected as samples and were divided into two groups (experimental and control, each 15 cases). To measure the postural control, a foot scanner device was used and changes in plantar center of pressure was recorded for 20 seconds. Static balance was evaluated with stork test and dynamic balance by Y balance test. The subjects of the experimental group participated in a rope jumping training protocol three 45-minute sessions per week for 12 weeks. In this period of time, the subjects of the control group did not participate in any regular physical activity program in this time. Data were analyzed using dependent and independent t-tests. The significance level was considered p<0.05.Results: A 12-week rope jumping exercise improved postural control and static and dynamic balance in patients with cavus foot, which this change was significant (p<0.001).Conclusion: According to the results of this study, rope jumping can be a useful exercise to improve static and dynamic balance and postural control in individuals with cavus foot.

Background and Objectives: Cigarette smoking is one of the important health problems in adolescents and one of the preventable causes of morbidity and mortality. The present study was carried out with the aim of determining the perceived threat about cigarette smoking among adolescents with emphasis on optimistic bias.Methods: The present study was carried out as a descriptive cross-sectional study on 2nd grade secondary school male students in Shiraz, Iran. A multi-step cluster sampling method was used in the present study. A questionnaire including questions about demographic characteristics, knowledge, and perceived threat, was used. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and its validity by a panel of experts. The data were analyzed using descriptive tests and Pearson correlation coefficient.Results: In the current study, the majority of students (3.3%) initiated cigarette smoking at the age of 13 years. Also, there was a significant relationship between perceived susceptibility and having smoker friends and offering cigarette by them. Also, the findings of this study showed that there was a negative correlation between perceived susceptibility and severity.Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, in spite of high perceived severity, the perceived susceptibility was low among the students. Also, optimistic bias in adolescents causes that although they believe in high severity of high-risk behaviors, they do not feel themselves exposed to the risk of morbidity due to health problems.

Background and Objectives: Medicinal plants have been used since ancient times to treat obesity, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic diseases. In the present research, the effect of extract of aerial parts of Salvia hydrangea on changes in body weight and liver and kidney function tests, were evaluated in hypercholesterolemia rats.Methods: In this study, 40 male Wistar rats were assigned to 5 groups (n=8): Control group with normal diet, hyperlipidemia group with fatty diet, and hyperlipidemia experimental groups that, respectively, received, 100 mg/kg (minimum dose), 200 mg/kg (average dose), and 400 mg/kg (maximum dose) of ethanol extract of Salvia hydrangeas by gavage. At the end of this period (35 days), blood sampling was performed to measure the levels of cholesterol, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, bilirubin, albumin, total protein, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST (, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The data were analyzed using t-, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey tests. Level of significance was considered at p<0.05.Results: The levels of ALP, ALT, and cholesterol had a significant increase in the hypercholesterolemia group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Also, the levels of ALP, ALT, AST, and cholesterol decreased in the experimental group receiving extract, and the albumin level significantly increased (p<0.05).Conclusion: According to the results of this study, Salvia hydrangea extract can be effective in the improvement of fatty liver function by lowering the levels of cholesterol and liver enzymes. This role is likely due to antioxidant substances present in the extract, which inhibits the synthesis of cholesterol.

Background and Objectives: The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has been increasingly growing in many societies. The present study aimed to determine body mass index (BMI) in primary school boys and girls in Tabriz city.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 857 primary school students of Tabriz city in 2012-2013. First, BMI of each person was calculated, and according to the NCHS standard curves, the values below the 5th percentile were considered as malnutrition and underweight, between the 85th-95th percentiles as overweight, and equal to or above the 95th percentile as obesity. Data were analyzed by one-sample t-test and t-test. The significance level was considered to be p<0.05.Results: According to the BMI data, the frequency of underweight, overweight, and obesity in the male students, were 20.9, 5.5, and 3.1%, and in female students were 18.8, 9.7, 0.9%, and in the total number of students were 20.1, 7.4, and 2.1%, respectively. Compared to the 50th percentile, the mean BMI in male students in the age group of 9 years was higher (p<0.01) and in the age group of 6 years was lower (p<0.05). This comparison in the female students indicated higher mean BMI in the age groups of 7, 9, 10, and 11 years compared to the 50th percentile (p<0.05). The frequency of overweight among female students (9.7%) was higher than male students (5.5%). However, the frequency of obesity in the male students was approximately 3.5 times higher than female students (p<0.05).Conclusion: Given the existence of both malnutrition states of underweight and obesity in the students and also the significant effect of childhood body weight on chronic disorders in adulthood, proper nutrition planning is necessary at the school level.

Background and Objectives: Enterococci are Gram-positive cocci that are found in abundance in the environment. The ability of these bacteria for long-term survival in hospital environment, increases the chance of patients for infections caused by this bacterium. Therefore, identification of possible sources and reservoirs is helpful in identifying the potential sources in sudden outbreaks. The current study was conducted to determine the prevalence rate and antibiotic resistance pattern in environmental Enterococcus isolates collected from delivery room environment of Alzahra and Izadi university hospitals in Qom.Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, over a period of 3 month, sampling was performed using swabbing method from delivery rooms of alzahra and izadi hospitals in Qom, and were examined for the presence of Enterococci. After isolation, Enterococcus species were examined using different biochemical tests, and the antibiotic resistance pattern in the environmental was assessed according to disk-diffusion test according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standards. The data were described by frequency tables.Results: In this study, out of 216 obtained isolates, 7 (3.2%) belonged to Enterococcus genus.4 (57%) out of 7 Enterococcus strains isolated from surfaces of delivery room, had multiple resistances based on antibiotic sensitivity test using antiobiogram test.Conclusion: According to increasing growth of nosocomial infection caused by resistant strains of Enterococcus spp. and their spread in hospital environment, use of infection control measures are necessary to eliminate the potential sources and prevent the infection.

Background and Objectives: Religious and spiritual components play an important role in well-being and health of people, and their evaluation seems to be necessary. The present study was carried out to determine the correlation between different domains of religious-spiritual well-being and mental health in the students of Qom University of Medical Sciences as well as the predictive power of different domains of religion and spirituality for students’ health level.Methods: The present study was carried out as a descriptive-correlational study on 158 students of Qom University of Medical Sciences in 2014. Samples were selected using random sampling method. The research data were collected by Multidimensional Inventory for religious-spiritual well-being and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and regression analysis.Results: The means of religious-spiritual well-being and mental health variables in the students were 24.63±2.07 and 12.62±6.39. There was a significant correlation between religious-spiritual well-being and mental health (p<0.05). Among the variables entered in the regression model, hope for the future, religiosity, and age had significant effect on mental health.Conclusion: The findings indicated that hope for the future and religiosity were, respectively, the most important religious-spiritual components, helping to improve mental health in students.