Journal of Arak University Medical Sciences
Year:2021 | Volume:24 | Issue:1 (149)|Papers Count:12

Background and Aim Concerns are increasingly raised about the impact of social media use on depression in adolescents. This article aimed to summarize and synthesize quantitative studies addressing the association between social media and depression in adolescents. Methods & Materials This systematic review and meta-analysis included studies on the impact of the internet and social media use on depression in adolescents using Persian and English databases. In total, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Ethical Considerations All ethical principles are considered in this article. Results The obtained data revealed a slight (0. 18) statistically significant correlation (P<0. 000) between social media use and depression in adolescents. However, this relationship was complex and associated with multiple psychosocial, behavioral, and individual factors, necessitating further investigation of mediating and moderating variables. Notably, most explored studies were cross-sectional; thus, they failed to infer the causal relationship between social media use and depression. In Iran, research has only investigated internet dependence. Further research is required in this area. Conclusion Overall, the mechanism of the impact of social media on depression should be further investigated through qualitative and longitudinal studies.

Background and Aim There exists increased demineralization risk of enamel adjacent to fixed orthodontic attachments by cariogenic bacterias (e. g., Streptpcoccus mutans, Streptpcoccus sobrinus) and inadequate data about commonly used orthodontic cements. Thus, we evaluated the antibacterial effects of three common domestic and foreign orthodontic cements (Glass ionomer, Zinc phosphate, & polycarboxylate) on two cariogenic pathogens (S. mutans & S. sobrinus). Methods & Materials In this laboratory study, after culturing two standard strains of Streptococcus mutans and Subrinus bacteria and concentrating and diluting them, a direct contact test was used to evaluate the antibacterial properties of types of cement. The study groups (n=5) included the following: three types of glass ionomer resilience cement, Hoffman’ s zinc phosphate and Hoffman’ s polycarboxylate, and three glass ionomer cement, zinc phosphate, and carboxylate from Aria Dent factory in Iran. The acquired data were analyzed using SPSS v. 17. Ethical Considerations The present study was approved by Ethics Committee of Babol University of Medical Sciences (Code: MUBABOL. REC. 1391. 7). Results In both types of culture media, containing Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus subrinus bacteria, there was a significant difference between culture media containing 3 groups of cements respecting bacterial growth inhibition zone (P<0. 001). In general, The mean diameter of the inhibition zone was greater in Iranian polycarboxylate, compared to its foreign counterpart (P<0. 001). Conclusion Glass ionomer cement demonstrated better antibacterial effect compared to zinc phosphate and polycarboxylate cements. There was also greater antibacterial effect of three tested cements on S. sobrinus than S. mutans. Iranian polycarboxylate showed stronger inhibition on both mentioned bacterias compared to the foreign one.

Background and Aim Diabetes is a well-known disease with such complications, as retinopathy, nephropathy, and gastropathy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of thiamine and lead acetate on the colon of induced-alloxan diabetic rats; the effects of which become obvious in the treatment or reduction of tissue complications caused by diabetes. Methods & Materials In this study, 63 rats weighing 200 g were divided into 9 groups, as follows: 1) Group of diabetes+pb acetate 200 ppm; 2) Group of thiamin+pb acetate 200 ppm; 3) Group of thiamine+pb acetate 1000 ppm; 4) Group of diabetes+thiamine+Pb acetate 1000 ppm; 5) Diabetes group; 6) Group of diabetes+thiamine; 7) Group of diabetes+thiamine+acetate 200 ppm; 8) Group of diabetes+pb acetate 1000 ppm, and 9) the control group. After 20 days, the study samples were removed from the abdominal cavity and the slides were prepared by routine tissue method. Then, the slides were evaluated for stereological and histomorphometric studies. Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University (Code: GRN1M1903). Moreover, all methods used in the present study, including facilitation, were conducted per the ethical principles of animal restraint. Results The mean thickness of mucosa-sub-mucosa suggested significant differences in groups 6 and 7, compared to other treatment groups. There was a significant difference in the thickness of the muscle layer between the control and all treatment groups except for groups 2, 6, and 7. There was no significant difference in the mean thickness of advantia layer in groups 1, 7, and 8, and the control group. The obtained results also indicated a significant difference concerning different layers of colon tissue between group 1 and controls. Conclusion Based on the present research results, thiamine presented enhancing effects on muscle layer thickness and adventitia layer thickness. Furthermore, the area of the mucosal layer was not affected by the improving effects of thiamine.

Background and Aim Non-syndromic hearing loss is a genetically heterogeneous disorder. Mutation in the GJB2 gene is a major cause of non-syndromic hearing loss in numerous countries. This study aimed to evaluate GJB2 mutations in 31 individuals with non-syndromic hearing loss Methods & Materials In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the required blood samples were collected from 31 individuals with non-syndromic hearing loss in Rasht and Bandar Anzali Cities, Gilan Province, Iran. After DNA isolation, the GJB2 gene was amplified by the PCR method and underwent sequencing. Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch (Code: IR. IAU. MSHD. REC. 1398. 027). Results In this study, 3 mutations were determined in 18 individuals with hearing loss. Accordingly, 35delG mutation had the highest frequency (48. 38%) in individuals with hearing loss as homozygote (n=14) and heterozygote (n=2). A patient with heterozygosity in V153I mutation and a patient with compound heterozygosity in 35delG/G200R mutation was determined. Conclusion It appears that 35delG mutation is a common mutation in the GJB2 gene in individuals with non-syndromic hearing loss in Guilan Province.

Background and Aim Angiogenesis is the process of forming new blood vessels from the old ones; it plays an important role in physiological conditions, such as growth, wound healing, and reproduction. This process also plays a vital role in pathological phenomena and the occurrence of various diseases, especially tumor growth and metastasis. The present study evaluated the anti-angiogenic effects of nanoemulsion synthesized from Anethum graveolens essential oil using the CAM method. Methods & Materials To investigate the anti-angiogenic effects on the second day of incubation, a window was opened on the eggs. Subsequently, on the eighth day, a gelatin sponge with nanoemulsion with different doses (12. 5, 25, and 50 μ g/mL) was inserted on the chorioallantoic membrane. On the 12th day of incubation, a research stereomicroscope was used to evaluate the rate of angiogenesis and imaging of the treated area. Vascular factors were examined by Image J software. Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University (Code: IR. IAU. MSHD. REC. 1398. 027). Results The obtained results concerning the effect of nanoemulsion on the rate of angiogenesis in the CAM test indicated a decrease in the length and number of vessels of the chorioallantoic membrane in the treated samples, compared to the controls. Moreover, there was a reduction in the height and weight of treated fetuses, compared to the untreated fetuses (P<0. 05). Conclusion The anti-angiogenic activity of nanoemulsion synthesized from Anethum graveolens essential oil indicated the possible use of this substance for diseases, like cancer, in which the formation of blood vessels is inhibited. Therefore, Anethum graveolens nanoemulsion can be suggested as an agent for further cancer studies.

Background and Aim It is almost impossible to imagine life without electromagnetic waves. Such waves play a key role in the function of melatonin and create numerous diseases. Methods & Materials This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 230 kV substations in Golestan Province, Iran in 2016. In total, 44 workers of electrical substations (the case group) and 23 workers of healthcare centers (the control group) with 24-hour shift works were enrolled in this study. Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shahid Beheshti University Medical Sciences (Code: IR. SBMU. THNS. REC. 1395. 9). Results The obtained data suggested that 100% of the electric field intensity and the magnetic flux density measured at the substations were within the permissible range of occupational exposure. The mean level of melatonin in the case group was lower than that in the control group; however, no significant difference was observed in this regard (P=0. 761). Additionally, there was no significant difference between melatonin level and age (P=0. 381), work experience (P=0. 213), job groups (P=0. 515), and employee activity area (P=0. 482). Conclusion According to this study, no significant relationship was observed between electromagnetic waves and melatonin levels. Moreover, electromagnetic waves were within the permissible exposure. Thus, electromagnetic waves did not affect the level of melatonin hormone in male employees of 230 kV substations in Golestan Province. However, there was a decrease in the case group, compared to the controls. Therefore, definite comments require further investigation.

Background and Aim Despite the anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties of licorice extract and lavender essential oil, some factors, such as low bioavailability and biodegradable, limit their therapeutic use. Using nanoparticles is a method to overcome these restrictions. This study aimed to investigate the antiproliferative effects of nanoemulsion containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil on cancer cells; we also evaluated its antimicrobial properties in vitro. Methods & Materials In this experimental study, nanoemulsions, containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil were developed by the spontaneous emulsion method. The anti-proliferative effect of nanoemulsion was investigated using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric method on two cell lines HepG2 and SK-MEL-3. To measure the antimicrobial effect of 4 standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) method was used. Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Kashan University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR. KAUMS. MEDNT. REC. 1396. 106). Results The results of MTT test on HepG2 cells indicated that the concentrations of 630, 1250, and 2500 μ g/mL nanoemulsions caused toxicity to the cell and led to the death of >50% of the cells (IC50=401μ g/ mL; P<0. 05). Evaluating SK-MEL3 cells revealed that except for 75 μ g of nanoemulsion, other concentrations induced death in >50% of the cells (IC50 = 82 μ g/mL; P<0. 05). In addition, nanoemulsions, with antimicrobial properties, were studied in 4 strains of bacteria; the highest antimicrobial properties were observed in Staphylococcus epidermidis. Conclusion Nanoemulsion containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil presents antimicrobial and antiproliferative effects on the two cell lines studied. The current study results indicated that the nano emulsification of lavender essential oil and licorice extract can enhance their biological impact; thus, they can be used as a drug formulation.

Background and Aim Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the most common mental health condition, with a severe decline in performance, disability, and a 15% risk of suicide. Allopurinol increases the level of tryptophan in the body by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, and by elevating the level of tryptophan, i. e., a precursor to serotonin. Accordingly, it can improve the symptoms of depression. This study aimed to investigate the impact of allopurinol on MDD. Methods & Materials In this double-blind clinical trial, 70 patients with MDD, diagnosed based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition-Third Edition (DSM IV-TR) were randomly (paired & individual patient records) divided into two equal groups. Both research groups received 40 mg of citalopram daily for 6 weeks. In addition to citalopram, the intervention group received 300 mg allopurinol daily and the control group received a placebo. At the end of the third and sixth weeks, the examined patients were tested for Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR. ARAKMU. REC. 1394. 68). Also, it was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (Code: IRCT201508277373n6). Results The Mean± SD HDRS’ s score, after 3 weeks of treatment, in the control and allopurinol groups was measured as 28. 42± 3. 1 and 23. 02± 3. 4, respectively. After 6 weeks after treatment, the Mean± SD depression score in the control and allopurinol groups was equal to 23. 28± 4. 1 and 20. 4± 1. 2, in sequence. A significant difference was observed between the research groups; thus, the intervention group obtained a lower mean score in the HDRS than the controls. Conclusion Allopurinol can improve the symptoms of depression and can also be used as an adjunct in the treatment of depression.

Background and Aim Breast cancer is among the most prevalent cancers in women with extensive associated biopsychological problems. The present study aimed to determine the effects of holographic reprocessing therapy on cognitive flexibility and posttraumatic growth in women with breast cancer. Methods & Materials This was a quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest and a control group design. The statistical population included all patients with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy and who were being treated in the chemotherapy ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ardabil City, Iran, in 2020. By convenience sampling method, 30 women with breast cancer were selected and randomly divided into the experimental and control groups (n=15/group). The experimental group, while receiving pharmacotherapy, collectively underwent holographic reprocessing therapy in 9 one-hour sessions (two sessions per week) for 5 weeks; however, the control group received only pharmacotherapy. Both research groups were assessed in pretest and posttest phases by the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (Dennis & Vander Wal, 2010) and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996). Finally, the obtained data were analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) in SPSS v. 23. Ethical Considerations All study subjects provided a signed written informed consent form. The Research Ethics Committee of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences approved this study (Code: IR. ARUMS. REC. 1399. 393). Results The current study results indicated that holographic reprocessing therapy was effective on cognitive flexibility (F= 42. 319, P<0. 01) and posttraumatic growth (F= 18. 300, P<0. 01) in women with breast cancer; this method also increased their cognitive flexibility and posttraumatic growth. Conclusion Considering psychological factors and information processing methods in patients with cancer is highly important. Thus, counselors and psychotherapists are advised to use holographic reprocessing therapy as a complementary treatment without adverse effects along with medical treatments to reduce the psychosocial problems caused by the disease.

Background and Aim Breast cancer is the most common cancer type and the leading cause of cancerinduced deaths in women, worldwide. The Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that plays an essential role in the growth, invasion, movement, and angiogenesis of tumor cells. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms have been found in the intron 2 of the FGFR2 gene, i. e., associated with a high risk of breast cancer. Genetic variation in this receptor is a new risk factor for breast cancer. The current study aimed to evaluate the association of single-nucleotide polymorphism rs2981582C/T in women with breast cancer. Methods & Materials In total, 80 women with breast cancer and 80 healthy women (controls) were selected from Markazi Province, Iran to participate in this research. Polymorphism rs2981582 was analyzed to investigate its association with breast cancer. DNA extraction from blood samples was performed using a kit. The presence of these single-nucleotide polymorphisms was determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS using Chi-squared test at P≤ 0. 05. Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Arak University (Code: IR. ARAKMU. REC. 1395. 28). Results Significant differences were observed in the frequency of rs2981582 polymorphism in the FGFR2 gene between the control and patient groups (P=0. 000). In the patient group, the TT genotype was significantly associated with the risk of breast cancer (P=0. 001; OR=3. 566). On the other hand, allele C indicated a protective role against the disease (P=0. 000). Conclusion The obtained data revealed a significant relationship between rs2981582 C/T polymorphism and the risk of breast cancer; thus, this single-nucleotide polymorphism could be used as a biomarker to predict breast cancer.

Background and Aim Obesity is a clinical condition that affects the growth-related hormonal system, especially in adolescents. High-Intensity Intermittent Training (HIIT) might reduce such destructive effects. Methods & Materials In this quasi-experimental research, among adolescent boys [age: 13-18 years, height: 154± 8 cm, Body Mass Index (BMI): 27. 05± 1. 4 kg/m² ], 30 volunteer subjects were selected. The study participants were divided into 3 groups of short-term and long-term periodic exercises as well as controls. The short-term exercise group performed 9 bouts of 30 seconds with 150-second breaks between sessions; the long-term exercise group performed 4 bouts of 150 seconds with 240-second breaks between sessions 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Body composition and blood samples were obtained 48 hours before and after conducting the training protocol to measure the desired parameters. The changes of each index were analyzed by repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at the significant level of P<0. 05. Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tabriz University (Code: IR. TABRIZU. REC. 1398. 021). Results After 8 weeks of HIIT, growth hormone increased and thigh, arm circumference, and fat percentages decreased (P<0. 05). However, no changes were detected in the insulin-like growth factor I, BMI, and weight of the examined subjects (P>0. 05). Conclusion Short-and long-term HIIT have the potential to improve the growth hormone status and body composition of overweight adolescents.

Background and Aim The development of any society depends on the educational system of that society. The educational system can be efficient and successful when considering the academic performance of learners in different courses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of mental self-care education on students’ mental health and academic motivation. Methods & Materials This was a quasi-experimental study with unequal control and experimental groups. The statistical population of this study was students referring to school counseling centers; 40 of them (n=20/ group) were selected by random sampling method. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21), and Academic Performance Rating Scale were used to collect the necessary data. Psychological self-care training was presented to the experimental group in ten 2-hour sessions. Then, a posttest was conducted on the study groups. Data analysis was performed using Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA). Ethical Considerations This article was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Islamic Azad University, Khomeini Branch (Code: IR. IAU. ARAK. REC. 1399. 001). Results The obtained findings indicated that mental self-care education was effective on students’ mental health (P<0. 05). Furthermore, psychological self-care education was ineffective on students’ academic motivation. Conclusion Mental self-care education was used to improve mental health; however, this training did not affect academic motivation in the examined subjects.