Medical Sciences Journal of Islamic Azad University,Tehran Medical Branch
Year:2021 | Volume:31 | Issue:2|Papers Count:12

Background: Irisin is a myokine that secrets from muscle during and after the exercise and induces nonshivering thermogenesis after stimulation of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) gene expression and elevation of number and size of mitochondria. Therefore, irisin activity is effective in reduction of fat percent that lead to treatment of obesity. The aim of this review study was to investigate the effect of various sports activities on irisin levels in healthy adults. Materials and methods: In this systematic review, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were used for articles searching. Keywords include training, exercise, physical activity, irisin and brown adipose tissue. Among 154 articles published between 2010 and 2020, 53 articles were selected. Used parts of selected articles were those related to abstract, biology of irisin, mechanisms of effects of irisin on chronic diseases and mechanisms of effects of exercise on irisin. Results: Elevation of irisin levels was reported in the most articles (90%) about acute effects of different types of physical activity on Irisin, also irisin levels were consistent after long term exercise in the most related articles (66%). Conclusion: Results showed that higher exercise intensities were more effective for irisin secretion than lower exercise intensities. Overall, one session exercise increases irisin, while irisin levels remains constant after regular exercise. Also, higher exercise intensity and more muscle bulk usage is more effective for production and secretion of irisin from skeletal muscle that is effective in prevention of diseases such as atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer, cancer and diabetes.

Background: Staphylococcal aureus is a gram positive cocci and opportunistic pathogen. Due to the spread of this bacterium to antibiotics resistance, one of the most important ways of prevention is the use of vaccines. In this respect, autolysin protein as one of the adhesion molecule of bacteria plays an important role for binding bacteria to the host cells and cell division. Herein, the role of autolysin protein was evaluated as a vaccine candidate. Materials and methods: Following preparation of recombinant autolysin, Balb/c mice were injected subcutaneously with 20μ g of r-autolysin formulated in Montanide ISA-266 and Alum adjuvants three times with two week intervals with proper control group. Total, specific isotype antibodies, IFN-γ and IL-4 cytokine were evaluated on sera by ELISA. Experimental mice were challenged with a sub-lethal dose of staphylococcus strains (1. 5 ×108 CFU) and following that, the number of bacteria from internal organs were determined. Survival rate was recorded for 30 days. Results: Significant increase of antibody with high level of IgG1 and IgG2a isotypes was demonstrated in vaccinated mice versus the control group. Also, IFN-γ and IL-4 cytokines showed significant differences in all of the experimental vaccine groups compared to control group. The bacterial load in the internal organs from immunized mice was 1000 times less than control groups. Finally, the life span of immunized mice after bacterial challenge was extended versus control mice. Conclusion: These results may indicate the capacity of autolysin as candidate vaccine to control the staphylococcus infections.

Background: Cholestasis occurs as a result of malfunction or secretion of bile; and complications of this disease include apoptosis (planned death). Curcumin is an effective extract of turmeric rhizome that has antiapoptosis properties. Thus in this study, we investigated the expression of BAX and BCL2 genes following cholestasis and curcumin in the frontal region of male rats. Materials and methods: This study was performed on 16 male rats weighing 220-240 gram in which they were divided into 4 groups, including control group, sham-curcumin, BDL group and BDL-curcumin. Then peripheral region of rats was collected and after extraction of RNA and cDNA synthesis, expression of genes in different groups was evaluated by Real Time PCR technique. Results: BCL2 gene expression decreased in the BDL group compared to the control group(p<0. 05), and BAX gene expression increased in the BDL group compared to the control group as a result, the cell progresses to apoptosis. However, with the injection of curcumin, the expression of BCL2 gene in the BDL-Curcumin group increased compared the BDL group and BAX gene expression decreased in the BDL-Curcumin compared to the BDL group. Conclusion: Curcumin can increase the expression of BCL2 gene and decrease the expression of BAX gene in the frontal region, reduce the negative effects of cholestasis including apoptosis.

Background: Beta-hydroxy beta-methyl butyrate (HMB) is one of the dietary supplements that has been used in recent years to modulate homeostasis and increase lipolysis and lean mass in athletes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of resistance training with HMB supplementation on lipid profile and some indicators of physical fitness of beginner bodybuilders. Materials and methods: In the present study, 40 male bodybuilders aged 19-29 years with a mean age of 22. 95± 3. 03 years voluntarily participated and were randomly divided into two groups: HMB and placebo. The HMB group and the placebo group took the HMB supplement and the polydextrose capsule for 14 days, respectively. The training program for both groups included resistance exercises with a dual pyramid pattern for 8 weeks and 3 sessions per week. Blood samples were measured in the pre-and post-test phase two days before and after the intervention. Results: The results of analysis of covariance showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups of HMB and placebo in the triglyceride variable due to the intervention (p <0. 05). But for the other variables, including LDL, HDL, LDL / HDL, and cholesterol, this difference was not significant (p>0. 05). There was also a significant difference between HMB and placebo groups in the variables of chest and leg press due to intervention (p<0. 05). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that eight weeks of resistance training with a double pyramid pattern with HMB supplementation increased strength and decreased triglycerides in beginner bodybuilders.

Background: Nowadays, tea is the most popular and frequently consumed beverages in the world after water. There are some beneficial trace elements in tea such as fluoride, caffeine and essential minerals, although there may be heavy metals in tea leaves which threat seriously human health. Therefore, the main objective of current study was to determine and monitor lead content in imported black and green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis L) and time of infusion and to compare the release of Pb from them by the time factor. Materials and methods: The mean content of lead in 450 brewed samples of green and black tea were determined in three different duration time of infusion (5, 10, and 15 minutes) by graphic atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Samples were prepared by wet digestion method due to international protocols AOAC by concentrated nitric and hydrochloric acid. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to detect significances among samples from different time of infusion in samples. Results: The results showed that in the brew of dry black and green tea samples, the amount of lead was less than the allowable limit of the dry tea sample (1ppm). Also the amount in the brewed tea in 15 minutes was higher than 10 minutes and it was higher than 5 minutes. Conclusion: The amount of lead in the brewed tea was lower than in the dry samples. The best time to brew tea is 5 minutes, when the amount of lead is the lowest and the organoleptic properties have the best conditions in terms of flavor.

Background: There is concerns about exposure of pregnant women to formaldehyde. Curcumin is the effective agent in the turmeric. This study was taken to examine the effects of curcumin on the placenta in the formaldehyde treated rats. Materials and methods: For this study, a number of 40 pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided to 5 equal groups, including control, experiment I (the animals which received formaldehyde by intra peritoneal method at 10 mg/kg body weight during 4-17 gestational days), experiment II (animal which received formaldehyde with curcumin at 150 mg/kg body weight), experiment III (animals which received formaldehyde with curcumin at 300 mg/kg) and experiment IV (curcumin at 150 mg/kg body weight by gavage). On the 18th days of gestation, the animals were euthanized and after dissection, the placental specimens were taken and anatomical examinations were done. Then histological specimens were taken and the Hematoxylin-Eosin staining was performed. Then, the histometrical assay was carried out. The results were analyzed by SPSS software and P<0. 05 was considered as significant. Results: The results showed detrimental alterations in the placentas from formaldehyde treated group. Curcumin at 150 mg/kg body weight could not ameliorates the formaldehyde toxic effects. Curcumin at 300 mg/kg body weight had ameliorative effects on the gross and histological integrity of placenta. Conclusion: On the basis of the present results, treatment with curcumin at 300 mg/kg could effectively protect placenta during formaldehyde exposure. Therefore, curcumin may be recommended in pregnant women who are exposed to formaldehyde.

Background: Stress immunization training is a combination of the best cognitive-behavioral elements. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of stress-induced immunostimulatory training on psychophysiologic indices (salivary cortisol) and psychological indicators (anxiety, stress and depression) in patients with coronary artery bypass graft. Materials and methods: In this Semi-experimental study with control group and pre-test-post-test design, the statistical population included patients who had coronary artery bypass surgery and referred to the Rehab center of Tehran Heart Hospital. 30 subjects were selected by simple random sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The instrument of this study was the Kit cortisol and DASS-21 scale of depression, anxiety and stress. The experimental group was exposed to an independent variable (training for immunization against stress) for 10 sessions of 90 minutes. To analyze the data, multivariate covariance analysis, univariate analysis of covariance in Mancoe text and SPSS software were used. Results: Stress immunization training had an effect on salivary cortisol (p <0. 001), depression (p <0. 001), stress (p <0. 001) and anxiety (p <0. 001) in the experimental group. Conclusion: Reducing negative emotions following stress immunization training plays an important role in preventing the more severe complications of heart disease; so interventions based on the results of this study are recommended for patients with cardiac diseases.

Background: Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is the second most common retinal vascular disorder after diabetic retinopathy. In this study, we tried to examine the potentials of time-frequency methods for differentiating the eyes with CRVO. Materials and methods: Twenty patients with unilateral CRVO were included in this study. Their contralateral normal eyes were considered as the control group. Two methods of Short-time Fourier transform (STFT) and Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) were implemented to determine the frequency components of the electroretinogram (ERG) signals which were recorded based on light-adapted 3 ERG and light-adapted 30 Hz flicker ERG. Results: In the DWT method, the ERG response of light-adapted 3 ERG included three main components that corresponded to the advent of a, b, and i waves. Light-adapted 30 Hz flicker ERG included two main components that coincided with a and b waves. The first and second dominant frequencies of both ERGs in the CRVO and healthy groups showed a significant differentiation, and the time of the emerging frequency of the dominant frequency in the stimulation of irradiance increased by 3 cd. s. m-2. Conclusion: The DWT has shown the ability to distinguish between the frequencies of the eyes with CRVO and the healthy ones. The drop in frequency and latency of the predominant frequencies in light-adapted 3 cd. s. m-2 indicate a greater involvement of rod cells compared to the retinal cone cells.

Background: The desire for beauty has long existed in human nature. Cosmetic surgery has been considered for creating beauty and an optimal mental image today. The purpose of present study was to explain the mediation role of rumination in the relationship between personality traits and perceived stress with body image concern. Materials and methods: The present research was a correlation type study in which 345 applicants for cosmetic surgery who referred to surgical centers in Northern Tehran in 2017 were voluntarily selected by convenient and purposive sampling method. They answered to the demographic questionnaires, perceived stress by Cohen et al. (1983), the personality by NEO (1985), body image concern by Littleton (2005) and ruminative responses by Nolen-Hoeksema and Morrow (1991). Data analysis was done at descriptive and inferential levels using normality tests, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling by SPSS-ver. 24, Amos software. Results: The results showed that the model for measuring the variables of research was valid and rumination had a mediation role in the relationship between personality traits and perceived stress with the body image concern in applicants for cosmetic surgery. Similarly, the structural model of body image concern based on personality traits and perceived stress had a favorable fit. Conclusion: Normalized scales need to be used to understand and evaluate psychology before cosmetic surgery, and this screening can reduce the number of unnecessary surgeries.

Background: Although nursing education in Iran has a positive growth and trend, but it faces challenges that the existence of these challenges makes it more important to pay attention to evaluation. The aim of this study was to provide a model for improving the evaluation of nursing education in nursing units of Islamic Azad University. Materials and methods: The present study was a qualitative study conducted using the Foundation's data method. Participants in this study were based on the rule and principle of theoretical saturation who were selected by targeted sampling. The data collection method was semi-structured interview. Data were analyzed using three-step coding and a comparative method of Strauss and Corbin. Results: The dimensions of the model of improving nursing education evaluation in Islamic Azad Universities were identified in 6 dimensions, including "central phenomenon", "causal conditions", "contextual conditions", "strategies", "intervening factors" and " outcomes". The tools and methods of evaluation were the central phenomenon. Faculty members, educational facilities, student conditions, and the university's organizational structure were the causal factors influencing the central phenomenon. The educational system, legal contexts, social factors and the labor market were considered as the contextual conditions. Interventional factors included organizational and motivation. Strategies included human resource development management and the application of successful assessment models, and the end result of the research was to improve the status of nursing education. Conclusion: There are countless requirements for the effectiveness of nursing assessment. Providing these conditions can improve the effectiveness of current assessment by policymakers.

Background: Nosocomial infections account for about one-third of all hospital deaths. These types of infections are becoming more and more important, and are a serious challenge for the health system of countries. Investigating and controlling nosocomial infections is now a worldwide priority. In this regard, this study was designed to evaluate the characteristics of patients with nosocomial infections at Amir al-Momenin Hospital. Materials and methods: 211 patients were studied in a cross-sectional study. Initial data were extracted from the forms available in Hospital Infection Control Committee, and additional information was collected from patients' records in the laboratory. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 23. Results: The prevalence of nosocomial infection was 2. 7%. Pneumonia was the most common nosocomial infection with 74. 4% incidence. Gram-negative bacilli with 87. 6% incidence were the most common pathogen. Among the isolates, Acinetobacter constituted 94 (51%) of all the negative cases. Carbapenem resistant microorganisms were significantly different in the other two groups at the age of 80. Resistance to carbapenems was significantly higher in hospitalized patients more than 30 days rather than under 30 days. Resistance to third generation cephalosporins in E. coli and resistance to fluoroquinolones in Pseudomonas were significantly higher in admission duration of more than one month. Conclusion: The most common nosocomial infection was pneumonia. Age and duration of admission in carbapenem-resistant microorganisms were effective factors in microbial resistance for nosocomial infections and these two correlations were statistically significant. Frequency of microbial resistance to Acinetobacter was the highest.

Background: Awareness of fetal gender at primary stages of pregnancy is very important. Fetal sex determination can reveal pressing information regarding fetal health. One of the methods of determining gender in the first trimester is according to the location of placenta. . This study investigated the accuracy and sensitivity of this method with trans-abdominal ultrasound in determining the sex of the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy. Materials and methods: In this analytic– cross sectional study, 192 pregnant women who were visited by obstetrical clinics in Rajaii hospital, Tonekabon, Iran in 2019 were chosen by convenient sampling method. Trans-abdominal ultrasound was performed among them. Inclusion criteria were pregnant women who were in their 7th-11th weeks of pregnancy and exclusion criteria were multiple pregnancies, abortion and reluctance to participate in the study. The fetal gender was predicted based on the location of the placenta (right, left, anterior, posterior). The results were compared with the actual sex of the fetus after birth. SPSSstatistical software version 21 was used for statistical analysis. P-value<0. 05 was considered as significant level. Results: Out of 192 studied fetuses, 90 were female infants (46. 9%) and 102 were male (53. 1%). In 72% of the cases with placenta located on the right side, the fetus was male and in 70% of the cases with placenta located on the left side, the fetus was female (P<0. 05). The gender determination method accuracy in this study was 71. 3% and the sensitivity for male and female sex determination was measured respectively 74. 5% and 67. 7%. Conclusion: According to the results, right and left positions of the placenta had significant relation with fetal gender. More conducted research with larger sample size as well as more detailed investigations about placental location is strongly urged.