QOM UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES JOURNAL
Year:2016 | Volume:10 | Issue:5|Papers Count:16

Background and Objectives: Various diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson, Alzheimer, and dementia lead to impairment in learning and memory. Several studies have been performed to investigate the effects of medicinalal plants on improvement of learning and memory and prevention of these disorders. In the present study, the effect of alcoholic extract of Morus Alba leaves was investigated on learning and spatial memory in male rats.Methods: This study was performed on 32 male Wistar rats. Animals were assigned to four groups, including control group and 3 groups receiving alcoholic extract of Morus Alba leaves at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. This extract was daily administered by gavage. After one month, learning and spatial memory were evaluated by Morris water maze.Results: Administration of alcoholic extract of Morus Alba at all doses led to improvement of learning process in rats. Also, this extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg improved spatial memory in rats.Conclusion: The results of this study showed that administration of alcoholic extract of Morus Alba leads to increases in learning and consolidation of spatial memory in healthy rats.

Background and Objectives: The pulmonary arterial hypertension is a narrow vessel disease, which is associated with hypertension and arterial stenosis and, finally, disorder of the right ventricle. This study was conducted with the purpose of finding new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in pulmonary arterial hypertension using different systems biology and bioinformatics methods.Methods: In this study, microarray data of two groups (normal group as the control and pulmonary arterial hypertension as the treatment group), were compared using GEO2R software. Also, Protein kinase analysis, transcription factor analysis, protein-protein interactions, microRNA, and pharmaceutical analyzes, were performed on two sets of differential genes using KEA, ChEA, Genes2 Networks, Target Scan microRNAs, and Connectivity Map (CMAP) databases. software respectively. Finally, the protein network of differential genes of pulmonary arterial hypertension was mapped using the obtained date.Results: SUZ12 and SP1 transcription factors and MYC transcription factor were, respectively, predicted and reported as the important transcription factors of up-regulated and down-regulated genes. Moreover, PAK3 and IRAK3 were reported as the kinases of up-regulated genes and down-regulated genes, respectively, and PAK3 as a rapid diagnosis and therapeutic candidate. Briefly, Prostaglandin J2 (PGJ2) at a dose of 0.00001 M every 6 hours, and microRNAs miR-144 and miR-501 were predicted as suppressor of up-regulated genes of pulmonary arterial hypertension and reported as a therapeutic candidate.Conclusion: Application of systems biology methods could show a path towards diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension using PAK3 marker, miR-144, and miR-501, and Prostaglandin J2 drug.

Background and Objectives: Nigella Sativa with a rich medical and religious history, has useful chemical compounds that have beneficial effects on human health. In this research, the effect of alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa on blood parameters were investigated.Methods: This experimental study was carried out on 28 mature female Wistar rats (weight, 160-200 g) in 4 groups (7 mice/group). The first group (control group) received no drug, the second (N. Sativa) and third (N. Sativa+immobilization stress) groups received alcoholic extract of N. Sativa at a dose of 400 mg/kg for 21 days through gavage. It should be noted that the third group underwent immobilization stress in addition to gavage treatment; the fourth group only received immobilization stress. Blood samples were taken from the heart ventricle and then blood factors were measured using Melet. Ms. Cell Counter device. The results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and the level of significance was considered at p<0.05.Results: In the experimental group (N. Sativa+Stress), white blood cells and platelets percentage significantly increased, compared to the control and stress groups, respectively (p<0.05). Red blood cells, hematocrit, and hemoglobin in the groups received N. Sativa showed no significant difference compared to the control group, but a significant difference was observed in the group received N. Sativa+stress compared to the stress group (p<0.05).Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the effect of alcoholic extract of N. Sativa on blood factor increase immunity of the body and reduce and eliminate the negative effects of stress on the blood factors.

Background and Objectives: Botulism syndrome is caused by Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin. This neurotoxin has 7 serotypes, from A to G. The best way to prevent botulism syndrome caused by BoNT/B is immunization with recombinant binding domains of BoNT/B (due to containing sufficient epitopes to stimulate the immune system). In this study, the expression of the BoNT/B binding domain as a candidate vaccine, was investigated.Methods: At first, the sequence of the BoNT/B binding domain gene was obtained from NCBI website with accession number of EF028399.1. After codon optimization, the gene was synthesized in pUC18 vector. Then, the gene was subcloned in pET32a (+) expression vector that carries an ampicillin selection marker. PCR, enzymatic digestion, and sequencing were used to confirm subcloning accuracy, and E. coli BL21 (DE3) was used for the expression analysis. The accuracy of protein expression was evaluated by electrophoresis and western blotting.Results: PCR reaction, enzymatic digestion, and sequencing confirmed that the gene of interest has been subcloned appropriately in the vector. The expression analysis by SDS-PAGE and subsequently western blotting, showed that the protein of interest is not expressed in the mentioned expression strain.Conclusion: Although the gene was successfully subcloned in pET32a (+) vector, no significant expression of the gene was observed.

Background and Objectives: Vaspin is a molecule belonging to the adipokine family. hs-CRP is the most sensitive predictive inflammatory marker for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present research was to determine the effect of 8 weeks of resistance training on the plasma level of vaspin, hs-CRP, and some anthropometric variables in overweight and obese young women.Methods: In this quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test design, 22 inactive students with body mass index (BMI)>25Kg/m2 were purposefully selected and randomly divided into two groups: 1) Resistance training group (N=12); 2) Control of (N=10). Blood samples were taken before and after the training, after 12 hours of overnight fasting, 24 hours before the start of training, and 48 hours after the last training session. The experimental group performed an 8-week training in 8 stations, with 65-80% of one repetition maximum, 4 sessions of 45 min per week. Data were analyzed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov, dependent t-, and independent t-tests (for comparison between the groups). The significance level was considered to be α<0.05.Results: In the experimental group, 8 weeks of resistance training in the in intragroup comparison, significant changes was observed in Vaspin, hs-CRP, and all anthropometric indicators (p<0.05). Also, in the intergroup changes, a significant change was observed in VO2max level (p<0.05).Conclusion: The results of this study showed that 8 weeks of resistance training can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in overweight and obese girles thorough decrease in vaspin and hs-CRP.

Background and Objectives: Education is one of the fundamental pillars of development of capabilities, skills, and competencies in different sectors of society. Application of modern education methods seems to be necessary due to rapid changes of social requirements. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of scenario and lecture-based education methods on knowledge and attitude of emergency medical technicians towards patients with chest trauma.Methods: A total of 160 emergency medical technicians were participated in this quasi-experimental research. The participants were divided into two groups of scenario- and lecture-based education. Required information were collected by knowledge and attitude questionnaire before and after the intervention. Data were then analyzed by paired t- and chi-square tests.Results: The mean of knowledge (p<0.001) and attitude (p<0.001) scores significantly increased in the scenario-based education group.Conclusion: Considering the effect of scenario-based education and its role in utilization of learner’s intellectual capability and creativity, it seems that scenario-based education is an appropriate alternative for traditional education methods.

Background and Objectives: In recent years, in order to prevent excessive use of antibiotics, disinfectant agents have gained particular significance. There are several reports on the antimicrobial effect of ZnO on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. In this study, the antibacterial effects of ZnO nanoparticles on Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli (because of importance of human health) and Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus iniae (because of high pathogenicity in fishes), have been investigated.Methods: In this study, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of this substance were determined using standard liquid dilution and disk diffusion methods for Gram-positive strain (S. iniae) and Gram-negative strain (E. coli) have calculated according to. Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Duncan tests at the level of p<0.05.Results: According to the results of this study, MBC values of ZnO nanoparticle for S. iniae and E. coli bacteria were calculated to be 0.095 and 0.6 mg/ml, respectively, and MIC values for S. iniae and E. coli were calculated 0.015, 0.095 mg/ml, respectively.Conclusion: The Results of this study showed that ZnO nanoparticle has acceptable antibacterial and bactericidal effects on S. iniae and E. coli bacteria, and can be used as an antibacterial agent in aqueous environments.

Background and Objectives: Given the increasing prevalence of use of urinary catheter, nurses as one of the largest and the most important health care provider groups, should have extensive knowledge and skills in order to provide standard health care. This study was conducted to determine the conformity rate of the principles of catheterization nursing care in women with the standards in selected Hospital of Qom University of Medical Sciences, 2015.Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 195 cases of catheterization nursing care in women, were investigated using event sampling in one of the hospitals affiliated to Qom University of Medical Sciences, in 2015. Data were gathered through Nurses' Demographic Information Questionnaire and checklist of catheterization nursing care in women.Results: In this study, the conformity rate of catheterization nursing care with the standards was 70.8% (moderate); 29.2% of the care was desirable; and 0% was poor.Conclusion: According to the results, nurses’ performance in the catheterization nursing care in women was in moderate level compared to the standards. In order to improve the quality of cares, implementation of nursing clinical guidelines for women catheterization, and clinical supervision by nurse managers, are suggested.

Background and Objectives: Post-dental treatment pain is one of the main challenges of dentists. This issue is especially more important in endodontic treatments. This research aimed to determine analgesic prescription pattern by general dental practitioners of Qom city before, during, and after endodontic treatments.Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, analgesic prescription pattern by all general dental practitioners of Qom city, was investigated in 2015. The research tool was a questionnaire consisting of demographic information and questions related to pain management in three phases of before the start, during, and after the end of endodontic treatment. Data were analyzed using chi-square test. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.Results: The most commonly prescribed medicines were novafen, dexamethasone, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid, and codeine, respectively. Only 0.7% of dentists always and 89.3% sometimes prescribed analgesics before the start of the treatment as prophylaxis; 89.3% of the dentists only sometimes used intracanal drugs during treatment sessions. There was a significant relationship between working years and prescription of novafen and dexamethasone.Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that teaching clinical pharmacology courses for dental students during the academic period and post-graduation information update, particularly in regard to premedication and use of intracanal drugs, seem to be necessary.

Background and Objectives: Coping with stress is an important issue, especially in regard to source of stress and perceived stress in adolescence period. In this research, the correlation among stress sources, perceived stress, and coping styles was investigated in high school students.Methods: The present research was a descriptive correlational study. The research sample consisted of 575 high school students from the families of personnel of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences in education year 2014-15 who were selected by multistage cluster sampling method. Stress source scale, perceived stress scale and Tehran coping styles scale, were used for data collection. The data were analyzed using statistical methods, including Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate regression analysis.Results: In this study, 50% of students had perceived stress higher than cut-off point. Stress sources of students were related to school and maturity. There was a positive correlation between problem-oriented coping style and perceived stress, and there was a negative and inverse correlation between problem-oriented coping style and stress related to school and maturity. There was a positive correlation between positive emotion-oriented coping style and perceived stress, but there was a negative and inverse correlation between problem-oriented coping style and stress related to school and maturity. There was no significant correlation between emotion-oriented coping style and stress related to school, maturity, family, and peers. There was a positive correlation between negative emotion-oriented coping style and stress related to school, maturity, and peers.Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the level of correlation was not significant and no significant relationship could be found between the variables with this level of correlation. Therefore, it is suggested that more extensive researches be conducted on the relationship between these variables.

Background and Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders and injuries are known as a global occupational challenge. These injuries are more are concentrated in the upper limb. There are several methods to assess this kind of disorders, each of which have different efficiencies for various jobs based on their strengths and weaknesses. This study aimed to assess the validity of LUBA method in order to evaluate risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in a printing industry in Qom province, 2014.Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, all operational workers (n=94) were investigated in 2014. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to collect data on musculoskeletal disorders. We also used LUBA method to analyze postures in four different parts of the body (neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist). The obtained data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal Wallis, and Kappa agreement tests.Results: Lumbar region of back with 35.1% prevalence had the most problems. The results of LUBA method showed that most postures were located at the second corrective action level, and need further studies. Agreement between assessment of shoulder posture and its disorders was significant (p<0.05), but, agreement for other parts of the body was not significant (p>0.05).Conclusion: According to the results of this study on reliability and predictive validity of the LUBA method in printing industry, it can be concluded that this method is not a reliable method for posture assessment; however, further and more comprehensive studies are recommended.

Background and Objectives: The major role of various types of DNA polymerases is genome replication. However, DNA polymerases are also necessary to establish the accuracy, efficiency of replication, repairing process, and consequently decrease in mutations induced by DNA-damaging agents. Cancer initiation is usually associated with induction of mutations in specific oncogenes or tumour suppressor genes by endogenous or exogenous genotoxic agents. Various point mutations occurring in cancer cells arise from error-generating activities of DNA polymerases. Published data show that decrease in the accuracy of DNA polymerases, without affecting their activity, could be the causative agents of tumors. It has also been reported in literature that the expression of DNA polymerases is altered in human cancers compared to normal tissue. In this review, we discuss some evidences of the role of various DNA polymerases in cancer development. The results of this study showed that lack of proper activity of DNA polymerases causes tumors through increase in the number of generated mutations in the genome. Attitude towards the function of these enzymes can result in new achievements for cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.