Journal of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
Year:2008 | Volume:12 | Issue:3 (38)|Papers Count:15

Introduction: Sperm Cryopreservation is widely used as a way of preserving the male sperm used in future artificial insemination and fertilization. Despite all the recent advances in Cryopreservation technology, sperm motility is negatively affected by freezing and the thawing afterwards. Yet hyaluronic acid is believed to improve the vitality and motility of the sperm, enhancing the physiological functions of spermatozoa for the conception. This study investigates the effects of hyaluronan (HA) supplementation on characteristics of morphology, motility and vitality of mice sperm before the freezing and after the thawing.Materials and Methods: 6 male mice were randomly selected for the purpose of this study. Semen samples were removed from the animals and then were divided into four groups. The first was control group without freezing. The second was the frozen control group. For the third, hyaluronan was added before the freezing, while it was used after the thawing for the last one. Semen was frozen in 1.8 ml cryotubes with %18 raffinose and % 3 skim milk. Sperm morphology was examined through Papa Nicolao staining. Eosin B was used to analyses viability. Motility parameters were assessed through observation under inverted microscope. Data were analyzed using the T- test.Results: Based on the results of the study, HA supplementation (750 mg/ml) improved the motility and vitality parameters (P<0.05) when it was added after the thawing, while no effect was observed when it was added before the freezing. HA did not change the sperm morphology when it was added either before the freezing or after the thawing.Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, HA supplementation (750 mg/ml) after the thawing of the frozen sperm improves the motility and the vitality of the sperms.

Introduction: Among infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit, excessive noise is correlated with increases in heart rate, increase in respiratory rate, decrease in oxygen saturation as well as sleep disturbances. Apart from overcoming the noise in the environment, music is believed to enhance the infant’s general well-being, reduce its stress and unpleasant symptoms. This study examines the effects of music on the heart and respiratory rate of the premature infants in NICU.Materials and Methods: This study was a controlled trial, with two groups (control group & music group) and two response variables (HR, RR). The sample included 44 premature infants hospitalizrd in NICU of Imam Reza and Ghaem hospitals in Mashhad in 2005. They were randomly assigned to two groups - the control group. The control group did not receive any intervention whatsoever. However, a 20- minute lullaby was played for the music group each day. Each group was observed for a period of 8 days. The observation took 40 minutes each day during which the heart rate was recorded every one minute using pulse oximeter and the respiratory rate was counted every 5 minutes for the two groups.Using the data, mean of variations was calculated for each group on a daily basis. Data were then analyzed using SPSS soft ware version 11.5.Results: The mean of birth weight for the music group was 1278.63gr and in control group it was 1298.18 gr. Gestational age for the music group was 30.5 weeks with 30.45 for the control group. Our results showed that the mean of respiratory rate changes increased significantly in music group (p=0.017). Yet no difference was observed in the mean of the heart rate change between the two groups (p=0.24).Conclusion: Music which is a predictable stable source of stimulation has the power to overcome the noise in the environment. Music reduces the stress experienced by the infant which in turn will have an effect on the physiological responses including heart and respiratory rate.

Introduction: The Escherichia coli O157:H7 is considered an agent responsible for the outbreak of hemorrhagic colitis and the hemolytic uremic Syndrome (HUS). This serotype belongs to the subspecies of enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). The EHEC O157:H7 produces intimin, Shiga toxins (Stx1, Stx2 or both). This study investigates the effect of thyme alcoholic extract on the growth and production of verotoxin of Escherichia coli o157:h7. We also examine cytotoxicity on the vero cell line Materials and Methods: Extraction was performed using ethanol 85o the extract was then concentrated. For initial screening agar well diffusion assay was used. Dried extract powder was used for determination of Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) & Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) through tube dilution method in broth media. Verotoxin was produced in inhibitory concentration using VTEC-RPLA kit (Reverse Passive latex Agglutination). Cytotoxicity on the vero cell line was performed and the result was examined using a converted microscope and was compared to the result of VTEC-RPLA kit. The procedure was repeated three times.Results: The dried herb mean weight was 50 mg/ml and MIC&MBC was 1.64=780 mg/ml and SIC: 1.128=390 mg/ml and SIC: 1.256=195 mg/ml. Inhibitory zone of MIC was 13 mm. Verotoxin production in inhibitory concentration of less than 390μg/ml was totally controlled. The results of VTEC-RPLA kit and Vero cell Cytotoxicity were similar.Conclusion: Our result indicates that thyme, as an ingredient added to the food, can affect the growth of Entrohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. This means that it could be used as a natural preservative replacing the chemical ones. Although some of the concentrations of the thyme alcoholic extract showed pronounced antibacterial activity, the introduction of it as an antibacterial compound requires further investigation.

Introduction: Hydrogen fluoride is one of the materials which is widely used in making glass, cleaning silicon, manufacturing florescent lamps, ceramics and also in separating uranium isotopes. On the other hand, exposure to this substance could cause health problems including eye, nose, throat and mucus membranes irritation. This study examines the relationship between fluoride (F) in the urine of the exposed and unexposed workers and the concentration of hydrofluoric acid (HF) in work environment. The other was to compare this amount to standard.Material and methods: This is a historical cohort study. 22 air samples were obtained from worker’s breathing zones using NIOSH 7902 method. Implementing NIOSH 8308, urine sample of 22 exposed and 22 unexposed workers were collected twice-before they went on duty and after they went off duty (total of 88 urine samples). Air samples were interpreted using ion specific electrode method .The relationship between fluoride (F) in the urine and air were then determined with Pearson correlation test.Results: The mean fluoride concentration in the breathing zone was 0.172±0.252 ppm. The mean fluoride concentration in post shift urine sample of the exposed and unexposed workers was 1.132±0.691 and 0.726±0.394 mg/g creatinine respectively. When compared to the standard levels (3 ppm for air and 7 mg/g creatinine for urine), a significant difference was revealed (p<0.001).Conclusion: The results of this study showed that mean of fluoride concentration in air samples of workers’ breathing zone and urine samples were significantly less than the standard level proposed by NIOSH (p<0.001). This confirms the fact that the appropriate preventing measures were present in the workplace. The weak correlation obtained between fluoride in the breathing zone and fluoride in the urine samples was explained by individual protective equipments and good ventilation.

Introduction: Hemophilia is a hereditary disease with intraarticular hemorrhage as the most common manifestation of it. Having taken into consideration the progressive articular degeneration, individual dysfunction, need for medical and surgical treatment, great cost to the patients, and also legal problems brought about by hemophilia patients’ dysfunction, this study examines the relationship between clinical dysfunction and radiologic signs in hemophilic patients.Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study included 236 hemophilic patients admitted to Seyed Al Shohada hospital in Isfahan during 2001. They were all examined clinically by an orthopaedic and rediologically by a radiologists. Articular symptoms, radiologic signs, age and level of hemophilic factor were assessed. Data were then analyzed using Kruskil - Walis and Chi-square tests.Results: %45 of the patients did not show any radiologic signs. In terms of articular involvement, 6% were in stage I and %8.5 were in stage II. While the figure for stage III was %11.8, stage IV and V had 22% and 6.7% of the patients respectively. Clinical dysfunction was mild in 54.6%, moderate in 32.6% and severe in.8% of the patients. The least severity of radiologic involvement was seen in patients under 3 years of age with the highest in patients more than 16 years old. The most common joints involved were knee 37%, elbow 25%, ankle 22%, wrist 7.4%, shoulder 6.2%, and hip 2.4% respectively. In addition, the lower level of factor VIII, was associated with higher severity of articular involvement (P<0.001).Conclusion: This study shows that about 72% of hemophilic patients were radiologically normal or had reversible problems. The articular lesions could be prevented by immediate injection of coagulation factors and keeping the level of factor VIII at normal range. The lower level of factor VIII was associated with rebleeding and higher severity of articular involvement. It was demonstrated that articular involvement becomes more severe with aging. However, in severe cases, there was no statistical relationship between severity of radiologic articular involvement and individual dysfunction (rate of articular dysfunction). This means that hemophilic dysfunction cannot be prevented through radiology. Therefore radiology is not a useful method for screening patients with dysfunction.

Introduction: Motorcyclists play an important part in increasing the death toll form road accidents in study is designed to identify the risky behaviors experienced by the motorcyclists which is believed to help promote the safety of them and other members of the community.Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative study and we selected a sample of motorcyclists from different parts of Tehran. The data was collected through in-depth interviews with participants. All interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed consecutively.Results: Analysis of the data revealed two behavioral themes describing risk riding in Iranian motorcyclists: 1) unintentional behaviors due to inability for riding, less control of motorcycle and low mood or lack of concentration while riding; 2) intentional behaviors such as riding an inappropriate or defective motorcycle; unallowable use of motorcycle; showing off; and breaking traffic laws.Conclusion: Even though, a great number of the risky behaviors identified are similar to those reported in previous studies, some differences were observed. This might be explained by a number of psychological and social factors that having a role t in the risky behaviors of the motorcyclists.

Introduction: The resistance of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics has now raised an issue worldwide. As the E.coli is the most common cause of urinary tract and nosocomial infections, the present study was designed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of E.coli in the urine culture of patients admitted to Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah.Material and Methods: For this descriptive study, a total of 10492 urine samples were examined during a 12-month period. They were all cultured in EMB, BA, and differential madia, and then examined for E.coli. Antibiogram profile of the bacteria was determined by disk-diffusion test (Kirby-Bauer) according to NCCLS standards.Results: From 1815 positive samples, 824 came out positive for E.coli. Based on the result of antimicrobial testing resistance to Ampicillin, Co-trimoxazol, Cefixime, Gentamicin, Ceftazidine & Nalidixic acid were 91.4%, 61.1%, 46.8%, 43.3%, 38.8% & 38.5%, respectively. Furthermore Ciprofluxacin, Cefotaxim, Ceftriaxone and Nitrofurantoin had the highest sensitivity at 66.7%, 62.2%, 62.2% &48.8% respectively.Conclusion: Highest sensitivity was to Ciprofluxacin in this study. Also in clinical practice, it is the first antibiotic prescribed to treat urinary tract infection. In pediatric surgery, Ceftriaxone is a common treatment for which a high sensitivity was observed in this study. The highest resistance belongs to Amplicillin which explains why this drug is not recommended to treat urinary tract infections.

Introduction: Osteoporosis as a public health problem affects the quality of life of many postmenopausal women. A high concentration of Zinc is found in bones. It works as a cofactor of some key enzymes essential in bone synthesis and reconstruction. Having considered the importance of Zinc and Calcium for healthy bones and also the prevalence of Zinc deficiency, this study was designed to determine the nutritional and biochemical factors of zinc and calcium in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 62 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis aged between45 and 89, referred to Sheikhoraees Rheumatologic Clinic in Tabriz .Nutritional intake was determined using a 3-day food recall as well as a food frequency questionnaire.Personal and clinical information was also collected through a questionnaire. Weights and heights were measured using the scale. Serum zinc concentration was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer and serum calcium concentration was determined by spectrophotometer. Data were then analyzed using analytical and descriptive statistical methods.Results: The mean age of the sample was 58.85. The mean daily energy, zinc and calcium intake from the diet was 1876 kcal, 3.7 mg/day and 716.7 mg/day respectively. The average daily intake of RDA zinc from the diet was 47% and 59% for RDA calcium. The Mean zinc serum concentration was significantly less than the normal levels (67.69±3.46 mg/dl), but serum calcium concentration came out within the normal range (9.3±0.16 mg/dl).While there was no correlation between serum zinc and serum calcium, zinc intake was positively correlated with calcium intake.Conclusion: The results of the study showed a low nutritional and biochemical status of zinc and zinc serum concentration in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis which fell under the normal range.Calcium intake from diet was lower than the normal. Given the positive effect of zinc and calcium intake on maintaining healthy bones, we emphasize the role of education on the nutritional values of the food rich in zinc and calcium. This would help prevent decrease in bone density of women with osteoporosis.

Introduction: In line with the man’s access to new sources of energy and the development of highly sophisticated technology, human element is assigned a more critical role in operating and controlling the systems. Today in most work environments including nuclear, military and chemical industries a human error could result in a catastrophic event. It is for this reason that the identification of the human errors and prediction of necessary prevention strategies especially in highly sophisticated systems becomes a must-do. This qualitative study is aimed to identify and evaluate the human errors in control room of sulfide recovery unit of Tehran Oil Refinery.Materials and methods: We had 13 participants in this study. With the help of the supervisor of the unit and also through direct observation of the activities plus individual interviews, potentially dangerous jobs in terms of causing accidents were identified. The data were then analyzed by H.T.A and the results were presented in H.T.A charts. Types of possible human errors in stages of work were identified by HEIST and also considering the factors affecting the operator including the interaction with signals and controllers. Job organization and task complexity were identified. Deviation of each from normal situation was determined using clues. Information was then transferred to HEIST work sheet for the investigation of systematical and psychological causes of the human errors.Results: Based on the analysis of the HEIST work sheets, a total of 219 errors were identified.47 of the errors were the result of the wrong performance of the procedure plus performing a wrong procedure.32 errors were caused by not performing the method in due course, with 26 cases because of the interaction between the operator and the signals.Conclusion: Our results showed that the selected procedures to encounter incidents during emergencies either were not carried out properly or were wrong procedures. In some cases where the procedure was right in itself, it was not performed at the right time. Lack of access to instruction manuals, good education and the right timing resulted in the errors. Errors of the interactions with signals were caused when the signals were not in service or there was a technical problem.

Introduction: Kawasaki disease is a common vasculitis with the potential to debilitate all the organs. Yet, it commonly affects the heart, the skin,and the lymph nodes. Kidney complications resulted from this condition is not usually associated with any symptoms and can only be detected in the lab.Nevertheless, in some cases, severe kidney complications are apparent. This study reports a Kawasaki patient with acute renal failure.History: The patient was a seven-year-old girl hospitalized for acute renal failure. She was put on antibiotics with the diognosis of pyelonephritis ESR was over 100 mm. As no improvement was observed after antibiotics, the patient was diagnosed with Kawasaki and then was treated with IVIG.Through the process, serum creatinine increased over 3 mg/dl (3.2 mg/dl) and GFR was under 20 cc/1.73 m2). Having rejected other causes of acute renal failure, the condition was confirmed as Kawasaki.Improvement was observed within a few weeks using special treatments and finally kidney biopsy.Conclusion: Kawasaki condition is rarely associated with acute renal failure. In most cases, there is no need for special treatments and improvement is observed without any medication. However, early diagnosis of Kawasaki helps prevent acute renal failure in severe cases.