Medical Sciences Journal of Islamic Azad University,Tehran Medical Branch
Year:2020 | Volume:30 | Issue:3|Papers Count:12

Background: The separation of drug enantiomers in the pharmaceutical industry is of great importance since most organic compounds are chiral. The main purpose of this study was to calculate the binding energy of ibuprofen isomers interacting with the CNT, according to various adsorption configurations. Moreover, we have evaluated the performance of (16. 4) chiral carbon nanotube for separation of ibuprofen enantiomers. Also, the interaction between R-and S-isomers of ibuprofen with the outer surface and internal sidewall of chiral CNT was investigated. Materials and methods: The performance of (16. 4) carbon nanotube has been evaluated for separation of ibuprofen enantiomers using molecular dynamics simulation. Quantum computations were also utilized, optimizing the molecular structure of the drug and the amount of charge of each atom in the ibuprofen enantiomers. Results: The energy difference between the left and right-handed enantiomers inside the (16. 4) carbon nanotube was equal to 0. 5 eV (11. 5 kcal/mol), while the adsorbed enantiomers on the outer surface of nanotube did not differ in energy. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that there was a sufficient difference between the adsorption energy of the enantiomers adsorbed inside the (16. 4) chiral carbon nanotube; therefore we can anticipate this nanotube will work effectively in the process of separating drug enantiomers.

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis, as a prevalent vaginitis, is developed by Candida albicans. Regarding to the high incidence of this fungal infection and the antifungal activities of Cuminum cyminum, the preparation of vaginal suppositories containing its essential oil, has been considered as the main goal of the present investigation. Materials and methods: The constituents of C. cyminum essential oil were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the essential oil and the related formulation were determined by the cup plate method. Results: Vaginal suppositories containing 0. 1 ml of C. cyminum essential oil per suppository base (2 gr) (Polyethylene glycol) were prepared and their appearance, mass uniformity, hardness, disintegration time, content and uniformity were evaluated. The stability of suppositories containing C. cyminum essential oil stored at 4, 25 and 40° C was investigated after 1, 2, and 6 months. It was found that storage at lower temperatures (4 and 25° C) did not cause any damages to the formulation. Conclusion: Due to the high quality of the formulated suppositories, it would be suggested as a successful replacement in the treatment of vaginitis caused by Candida albicans, after approving its efficacy in future clinical studies.

Background: Prenatal Restraint stress (PRS) leads to cognitive-behavioral disorders and neuro-pathological deficits in children. The present study evaluated the effect of trichostatin A (TSA) on hippocampal level of pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines in rat model of prenatal restraint stress. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 20 pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, including control, PRS+NS, PRS+TSA5, and PRS+TSA10. PRS was induced from 13 embryonic day, one hour per day during seven days. Two hours before PRS, administration of TSA was intraperitoneally performed. At the end of one month, the hippocampal levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukine-1β (IL-1β ), interleukine-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α ) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukine-10; IL-10) were measured by ELISA technique. Statistical differences between groups were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test and p˂ 0. 05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A significant increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines content and decrease level of IL-10 in hippocampus were observed in PRS+NS group compared to the control (p˂ 0. 05). However, TSA treatment was significantly decreased IL-1β , IL-6 and TNF-α and increased IL-10 compared to the PRS+NS group in dose manner (p˂ 0. 05). Conclusion: It seems that TSA with anti-inflammatory effects leads to the modification of hippocampal inflammatory cytokines and reduces inflammation in offspring’ s hippocampus who exposed to stress in the prenatal period.

Background: Fatty liver disease is a type of fat aggregation in the liver cells. The Portulaca oleracea plant has hypolipidemic property. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of Portulaca oleracea supplementation with a combination training program on the levels of some blood factors and health indicators of obese females with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Materials and methods: 40 obese women were randomly selected and divided into four groups, including training group (n=10), training + supplement group (n=10), placebo group (n=10), and supplement group (n=10). The plasma levels of cardiovascular risk factors and health factors were measured before and after the twelve week intervention. The paired samples t-test and ANOVA was used to analyze data. Results: Portulaca oleracea supplementation with a combination training program significantly reduced cholesterol (P=0. 001), triglycerides (P<0. 0001), LDL (P<0. 0001), fat percentage (P<0. 0001), and waist to hip ratio (P<0. 0001) and a significant increase in serum level of HDL (P<0. 0001), Body fat percentage (P<0. 0001), waist-to-hip ratio (P=0. 03), and BMI (P=0. 01) in exercise + supplement group, exercise group, and supplement group (P <0. 05). Conclusion: Portulaca oleracea supplementation with a combination training program can be effective in reducing some blood and health indicators in obese women with non-alcoholic fatty liver.

Background: Exercise improves functional capacity by improving endothelial function and musculoskeletal aerobic metabolism, but its effects on hemodynamic control are not well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic and resistance trainings on structural changes and blood pressure in patients with heart failure. Materials and methods: 76 patients aged 65 to 79 years with EF≤ 40% were divided into two groups of training and control. The training group exercised endurance and resistance training for 8 weeks, three times a week for 45-60 minutes in hospital and had walking program for 4 days a week at home. Echocardiography and blood pressure indicators were measured before and after exercise. Data analysis were done using SPSS software at a significant level of 0. 05. Results: Intra-group analysis of the experimental group by paired t-test and Wilcoxon tests showed a significant increase in LV ejection fraction and decreased end systolic and diastolic volume, diastolic interventricular septum and end diastolic and systolic diameters (p<0. 05), and no changes in posterior wall thickness, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p>0. 05). There were no significant changes in the control group in all the variables (p> 0. 05). Conclusion: According to the results, it seems that concurrent endurance and resistance training improves the structure and function of the heart in patients with chronic heart failure.

Background: One of the bitter experiences is acute postoperative pain. The severity of this pain has been reported as moderate to severe in 21% of patients. Materials and methods: In this controlled randomized clinical trial, 106 consecutive patients under elective abdominal surgery in Bouali Hospital were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive alprazolam or placebo the night before surgery. The pain severity was determined by visual analog scale (VAS) and compared between the groups at three intervals, including recovery time, and 4 hours and 24 hours after surgery. Results: The mean age (P=0. 55) and gender (P=0. 78) of patients were similar between the two groups. 24-hour analgesic dose (meperidine) was significantly lower in patients that received alprazolam (25± 0 mg) compared to placebo group (35. 53± 12. 68) (P=0. 002). The pain severity in VAS was 7. 70± 1. 84, 4. 96± 1. 56 and 3. 06± 1. 35 cm in alprazolam group, and 7. 55± 1. 44, 5. 70 ± 1. 19 and 3. 94 ± 1. 13 cm in the placebo group, in recovery time, and 4 hours and 24 hours after surgery respectively. The results in this study revealed that there was statistically significant difference at first 24 hours after surgery (P=0. 038) but were no statistically significant differences between two groups for the postoperative pain in recovery and in first 4 hours (P > 0. 05). Also Conclusion: The results in this study revealed that there was statistically significant difference at the first 24 hours after surgery (P=0. 038), but were no statistically significant differences between two groups for the postoperative pain in recovery and in first 4 hours (P>0. 05). Also 24-hour analgesic dose (meperidine) was significantly lower in patients that received alprazolam (P=0. 002).

Background: Due to the high rate of Helicobacter pylori infection in our country and its treatment failure, and also because of the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance of this bacterium, evaluating causes of Helicobacter pylori resistance to metronidazole and its effect on the therapeutic course is necessary. Materials and methods: A biopsy sample was obtained from 275 suspected patients referred to Imam Reza Hospital in Tabriz. After identification of Helicobacter pylori, bacterial suspension (4 McFarland Standard) was poured onto plates and then antibiotic discs of metronidazole and E-test were placed on it. Metronidazole-resistant strains were detected and mutations in the frxA gene were detected by PCR. Results: Of 112 isolated strains, 85 resistant strains were identified. Resistance to metronidazole was more prevalent in women (50%) than males (35%). Of 85 resistant strains, 70 strains (82. 35%) had MIC≥ 8 in the E-test; while in the DDA, 88 strains were resistant. Of the 20 randomly selected metronidazole-resistant strains, mutation was proved in the frxA gene in 4 strains, but mutagenesis was not proved in susceptible strains. Conclusion: Helicobacter pylori resistance to metronidazole is high in this area and the frequency of this resistance is higher in women than in men. One of the mechanism of resistance of Helicobacter pylori to metronidazole is the occurrence of a mutation in the frxA gene, but this mutation is not the only factor in developing resistance to metronidazole and the evaluation of other molecular mechanisms of resistance to metronidazole seems to be necessary.

Background: Nowadays, elderly has a high prevalence and older people face psychological problems. Educational interventions of nursing homes` staff can affect their satisfaction and performance. In this study, the effect of employees' humorous intervention on depression, anxiety and stress among elderly residents in selected nursing homes in Tehran was investigated in 2018. Materials and methods: This randomized clinical trial study was performed on two groups of 30 elderly people in Tohid (intervention) and Farzanegan (control) nursing homes. The staff of the Tohid center received the training of humor in 7 sessions of 90 minutes. Demographic questionnaire and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Questionnaire (DASS-21) were used for data gathering. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-v23. Results: The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of demographic variables and depression, anxiety, and stress in the pretest stage (p>0. 05). In the intervention group, there was a significant decrease in anxiety and stress in the elderly (p<0. 05). The results of covariance analysis indicated the efficacy of intervention in reducing anxiety and stress, so that 43% of variation of anxiety and 25% of variation of stress were due to independent variable. Conclusion: According to our findings, staff humor training is effective in reducing the anxiety and stress of the elderly. Because of its low cost, its capability and safety, it is recommended that the conditions for using this intervention are provided in the nursing homes.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate effectiveness of virtual reality therapy and mindfulness-acceptance therapy on attention focus and social anxiety symptoms among social anxiety patients who referred to counseling centers of Tehran City. Materials and methods: This semi-experimental study with pretest-posttest design was done on social anxiety patients. The sample consisted of 30 social anxiety patients who referred to counseling centers of Tehran City in summer and autumn 2018. Diagnosis of social anxiety disorder was based on clinical interview and social phobia inventory (SPIN). They and were selected through available sampling and then randomly assigned to two experimental groups (each 15 patients). Attention focus questionnaire and social phobia inventory (SPIN) was used for data gathering in the pre-and post-test. Two groups received either experience virtual reality therapy (8 sessions 20 minutes) or mindfulness-acceptance therapy (8 sessions 45 minutes). Results: Both virtual reality therapy and mindfulness-acceptance therapy were effective on attention focus and social anxiety symptoms. Effectiveness of virtual reality therapy and mindfulness-acceptance therapy were significantly different in attention focus. In internal attention focus, virtual reality exposure therapy and in external attention focus, mindfulness-acceptance therapy were more effective. In social anxiety symptoms, two therapies were not different. Conclusion: So according to our results, virtual reality therapy and mindfulness-acceptance therapy could use for improving attention focus and treating social anxiety symptoms.

Background: Due to the role of the markers of the first trimester of pregnancy in the adverse pregnancy outcomes and the inadequacy of studies conducted in Iran, in this study the frequency and relationship between adverse pregnancy outcomes in mothers with abnormal PAPP-A and free β HCG values were investigated. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 501 pregnant women referred to Nasl-Omid Laboratory in Tehran between 2012 and 2016 were studied. Demographic data, medical history and serum values of PAPP-A and free ß-HCG of pregnant women were collected from their medical record or via telephone interview. Cut-off of the markers was considered as 0. 4 MOM. Results: A total of 501 pregnant women with a mean age of 29. 14± 24. 4 years and a gestational age of 37. 8± 1. 67 weeks were studied. 37. 9% of pregnant women had abnormal levels of markers. In NT sonography report, subchorionic hematomas were reported in 17. 2% of subjects. A significant relationship was found between maternal diabetes and hypertension and preterm delivery with PAPP-A (p<0. 001 and p=0. 02, respectively). There was also a significant relationship between subchorionic hematoma, preterm delivery and fetal death with free β HCG (p= 0. 02, p=0. 02 and p=0. 009, respectively). Conclusion: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and preterm labor are related to PAPP-A, and subchorionic hematoma, preterm labor, and fetal death are associated with free ß-HCG.

Background: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of self-differentiation training on intimacy, compatibility and assertiveness of married women. Materials and methods: The research method was semi-experimental using a pre-test, post-test and follow up with the control group. The research population was all married women whose terms of marriage were under 5 years and their age were between 20 and 40 years in Tabriz City. A sample of 30 married women was selected via available method and they randomly were assigned for two groups, including intervention and control. For pre-test, both groups took the dyadic compatibility scale (DAS), Bagarozzi marital intimacy need Questionnaire (MINQ), and Gambrill & Richey assertiveness scale. Then the experimental group was trained with self-differentiation for 18 hours over 12 weeks. Then, for post-test the two groups took the same questionnaires again. The data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: There was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in intimacy, compatibility and assertiveness (p<0. 005). In other words, the difference between the scores of the two groups represents that self-differentiation is effective on the intimacy, compatibility and assertiveness of married women. Conclusion: It is concluded that self-differentiation training is highly effective in reducing married women problems. This demonstrates the importance of using this approach in therapeutic planning and clinical interventions regarding couple issues.

Background: Clinical competence in nursing profession has a unique position. The quality of care in the psychiatric wards, which include patients with special conditions, is important. Hence, nurses of these departments must have high clinical competency. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical competency of nurses working in psychiatric wards. Materials and methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 210 nurses working in psychiatric wards of selected hospitals of the University of Behzisti and Tavanbakhshi Sciences were selected by simple random sampling. After completing the demographic questionnaire, clinical function of nurses was assessed by a checklist of clinical competence scale in CCMHN psychiatric nurses. For data analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were used in SPSS 21 software. Results: Clinical competence was in a good level among 70. 9% of clinical nurses. There was a significant association between work experience and clinical competency, work shift, and clinical competency, and overtime and clinical competence (p<0. 05). Conclusion: The results showed that the clinical competence of the nurses is desirable and there is a need for planning for its development. However, the need to plan work hours and avoid overtime in nurses, as well as the appropriate distribution of personnel based on work experience and constant staff shift can help to balance and improve the clinical competence of nurses.