Scientific Journal of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences
Year:2023 | Volume:27 | Issue:7 (123)|Papers Count:12

Background and Aim: Hypoxia occurs especially in ischemia and heart attack, and finally causing death because of oxidative stress involving production of reactive oxygen species. Compounds with antioxidant activity can exhibit antihypoxic property. Kojic acid has good antioxidant activities. To the best of our knowledge, nothing is known about protective effect of this compound against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice. Materials and Methods: Protective effects of kojic acid against hypoxia-induced lethality in 80 mice were evaluated by three experimental models of hypoxia including asphyctic, haemic and circulatory. Results: Antihypoxic activity was pronounced in asphyctic model for kojic acid where at 125 mg/kg, it prolonged survival time respect to control group (P<0. 01). At this dose, it showed higher activity than phenytoin which used as positive control (P<0. 01). Kojic acid showed marked protective activities in circulatory model. At 62. 5 mg/kg, it prolonged survival time which was significantly higher than control groups (P<0. 01). In haemic model, it significantly prolonged survival times only at 125 mg/kg (P<0. 01). Conclusion: Kojic acid showed significant protective effects against hypoxia in some animal models. Antioxidant activity of this compound may be a proposal mechanism for its antihypoxic activities.

Background and Aim: Caspase-9 is a key enzyme in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis that its activity is regulated by various mechanisms such as phosphorylation. It has been reported that murine caspase-9 phosphorylation in serine 310 prevents enzyme processing. The role of this residue in human caspase-9 activity in not clear. In this study the effect of negative charge on serine 310 in caspase-9 activity was investigated. Materials and Methods: Given that phosphorylation leads to negative charge on caspase-9, the codon of serine 310 in human capsase-9 was mutated to aspartate via Quick change sitedirected mutagenesis. Recombinant wild type and mutant caspase-9 were expressed in BL21(DE3) and purified by affinity chromatography. The temperature profile and activity of the mutant caspase-9 in comparison with wild type were assessed by chromogenic substrate of Ac-LEHD-pNA in vitro. Statistical analysis of data was performed using Student’, s t test. Results: Results showed that kinetics parameters of S310D mutant and wild type caspase-9 were similar, but their temperature profiles were different. S310D mutant enzyme had higher activity at 37 oC and lower activity at 4, 15, 45 and 60 oC in comparison with wild type caspase-9. Conclusion: The negative charge on serine 310 in caspase-9 leads to change in profile temperature of the enzyme with no effect on kinetic parameters.

Background and Aim: Evaluating the alkaline phosphatase expression is known as one of the diagnostic markers to confirm the stem cells' differentiation into osteoblasts. Several methods, including immunocytochemistry, are used to measure alkaline phosphatase in research. Due to some limitations of using this method, this study aimed to optimize the calorimetric method as an alternative, low cost and efficient method for quantitative assessment of alkaline phosphatase. Materials and Methods: Mesenchymal stem cells derived from human adipose tissue were used. Cells were differentiated into osteoblasts using an induction medium. Alkaline phosphatase levels were assessed on days 0 and 21 of differentiation using both immunocytochemistry and calorimetric methods. Results: Immunocytochemistry findings demonstrated a significant increase (approximately 5-fold) in alkaline phosphatase expression level on the 21st day of differentiation compared to day 0 (p <0. 0001). Also, the results of statistical analysis of the calorimetric test showed a significant increase (approximately 9-fold) in alkaline phosphatase expression level on the 21st day of differentiation compared to day 0 (p<0. 0001). Conclusion: The comparative data of both calorimetric and immunocytochemistry showed similar results. These findings suggest the use of colorimetric assay as an alternative, quantitative, fast, and low cost for determining the levels of alkaline phosphatase in osteoblasts differentiated from mesenchymal stem cells.

Background and Aim: Today, research in the field of tissue engineering has increased widely. Scaffold production is important according to the morphology of the tissues. The purpose of producing this scaffold is to make a uterine endometrial scaffold, . So, the fibers with different diameters and morphology were synthesized to select the optimal scaffold. Materials and Methods: In this study, electrospun hybrid fiber scaffolds made of polycaprolactone (PCL), gelatin (G) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with different optimal ratios and different morphologies were produced by the electrospinning collector changing for tissue engineering applications. Physicochemical properties of fabricated scaffolds were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, the immersion of scaffold samples, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared and tensile strength analysis. Cytotoxicity analyses of scaffolds and human foreskin fibroblasts on the scaffolds were assessed by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazoyl-2-yl) 2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Attachment to the scaffolds and morphology of fibroblasts on them were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results: Layer-by-layer scaffold, cotton-like scaffold, mixed cell scaffold, flat scaffold and control sample were reduced in terms of cell growth and proliferation, respectively. Therefore, layer-by-layer scaffold and cotton-like scaffolds are the best options for cell growth and proliferation. Also, the mechanical properties of layer-by-layer scaffold and cotton-like scaffolds are better than other scaffolds. The porosity of cotton-like scaffold is better than other scaffolds and is suitable for cell penetration into the scaffold. Although layer-by-layer and cell-mixed scaffolds perform well due to the cell's location between the fibers. Conclusion: The morphology and characteristics of the PCL / G / PDMS hybrid scaffolds are adjustable by the electrospinning collector changing. The PCL/ G/ PDMS hybrid scaffolds characteristics show that these scaffolds are suitable for tissue engineering applications especially engineering of elastic tissues.

Background and Aim: Cystic fibrosis as a rare genetic disease that causes widespread inflammation in the body and is diagnosed with a poor prognosis due to various complications, especially respiratory system involvement. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of cystic fibrosis and determine its epidemiological, clini, cal and paraclinical features in Kurdistan province, Iran, between 2010-2020. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on cystic fibrosis patients who were admitted to Besat Hospital in Sanandaj (as the only referral specialized center for pediatric diseases in Kurdistan province) from 2010-to 2011. Epidemiological, clini, cal and paraclinical data of patients were collected using a checklist and analyzed in SPSS software version 22 using the Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: During the years under study, 19 patients were definitively diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, of which 14 (73. 7%) were male. The mean and standard deviation of their age was 11. 10 ±,9. 7. Based on the data of the province's births in the period under review, the incidence of cystic fibrosis in Kurdistan province is estimated at about one in every 15, 000 live births per year. In 4 patients (21. 1%), there was a positive family history. The main symptoms of these patients were steatorrhea (94. 7%), cough (89. 5%), dyspnea (78. 9%), growth disorder (73. 7%), heart disorders (63. 2%), jaundice (57. 9%) and finger clubbing (36. 8%). Conclusion: Although cystic fibrosis is not very common in this province but identifying at-risk parents and early identification of these patients can be helpful in increasing life expectancy and quality of life and reducing health costs.

Background and Aim: In luting cements, the compressive strength characteristics are important. Sufficient radio opacity for luting cements is helpful in detecting recurrent caries, open gingival margins and residual luting materials. The aim of the present study was to compare the compressive strength and radio opacity of Fuji I glass ionomer cement (GC, Japan) and the Iranian glass ionomer cement produced by Qazvin Ava Tajhiz Co. Materials and methods: In this study, 20 samples were prepared for each cement group. The specimens were prepared with a powder to liquid ratio (1. 8/1) and after mixing were poured in mold with a height of 6 mm and a diameter of 4 mm then strength of the specimens was evaluated. In the radio opacity study, the cement mixture was poured into mold with 15 mm in diameter and 1 mm in thickness. Then the specimens were tested using a digital radio graphy apparatus and the samples were calculated using Digora for Windows software. Results: The compressive strength of Fuji I (59. 48 MPa) was not significantly different from Iranian cement (58. 92 MPa) (P=0. 89). radio opacity of Fuji I (2. 4mmAl) was significantly higher than Iranian cement (1. 85mmAL) (P =0. 003) Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the both properties, compressive strength and radio opacity of the cements were investigated within the range of ISO 9917-2: 2010. As a result, if other properties are suitable, Iranian cement can be considered as an alternative to Fuji I glass ionomer cement.

Background and Aim: Amniotic fluid is an effective indicator for placental function and fetal development. Evaluating amniotic fluid volume is one of the main ways to assess fetal health. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the amniotic fluid index on pregnancy outcomes in Sabzevar County. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was performed on 240 pregnant women referring to Shahidan Mobini Hospital located in Sabzevar. Based on the amniotic fluid index, the women were divided into three groups: normal amniotic fluid, borderline index and less than 5 cm. All maternal and neonatal outcomes were examined in three groups. The Chi-square and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis in SPSS-ver. 20 software. Results: There was a significant difference between the three groups in terms of cesarean, meconium excretion, and neonatal hospitalization rate in newborn intensive care unit, and in the Oligohydramnios group,these three variables were higher than the other two groups (p<0. 05). Apgar scores of 1 and 5 minutes, oxytocin consumption in the first and second stages of labor and neonatal weight were not significantly different (p>0. 05). There was no neonatal death in the three groups. Conclusion: The results showed that oligohydramnios is one of the important factors affecting pregnancy outcome and there is no significant difference in adverse pregnancy outcomes between pregnancies with borderline and normal amniotic fluid index, and the present study does not support the benefits of intensive care in evaluating the prenatal fetus in pregnancy with interstitial amniotic fluid.

Background and Aim: Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal protozoan that infected humans and a wide range of animals such as mammals, birds, reptiles, and arthropods can be infected with this parasite. The prevalence of Blastocystis species is relatively high in developing countries and has been reported as the most common parasites in Iran. In recent years, various studies have shown the importance of its pathogenicity in humans. Blastocystis sp. infection is associated with a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and skin lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in children with cancer in Sananadaj city by PCR. Materials and Methods: Based on the census method, all fecal samples from available cancer patients were collected from hospitals in Sananadaj city. To understand the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in children with cancer in Sananadaj city, 93 stool samples were collected from 2019 to 2021. from the whole province. All collected samples were analyzed by molecular method (PCR) using primers in the barcoding region of 18 rRNA gene for Blastocystis sp. amplification. Results: PCR results of all samples showed that 15 cases (16. 1%) had 600 bp fragment for Blastocystis sp. Statistical analysis shows that there are no significant correlation between Blastocystis sp. infection and location (Pvalue = 0. 48), age (Pvalue = 0. 88) and contact to animals (Pvalue =0. 83). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in people with cancer in Sananadaj city. These data can play an important role in the development of studies and research on Blastocystis sp. infections in cancer patients. In general, determining the rate of infection and identifying different types of Blastocystis sp. in children with cancer and presenting it to regional and national health officials can be necessary to adopt a more appropriate treatment strategy and provide health strategies for control.

Background andAim: Neuropathic diseases are neurodegenerative conditions and a wide and difficult group of peripheral nerve diseases in humans. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on pain coping strategies and pain self-efficacy in chronic neuropathic pain patients Materials and Methods: This study was a semi-experimental study of pre-test, post-test and follow-up type with a control group. The statistical population of study, included all of chronic neuropathic pain patients who referred to Rohani hospital and personal office of neurologist in the city of Babol in 2022, 30 patients were selected by purposive sampling method and randomly divided into two experimental (15 persons) and control (15 persons) groups. Both groups completed the pain coping strategies and pain self-efficacy questionnaire in the pre-test. Acceptance and commitment therapy was performed for the experimental group in 8 sessions, each week 1 session of 120 minutes, while control group did not receive any treatment. After completion of the treatment period for both groups, the post-test and 2 months after the post-test, the follow-up test was performed. The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance with SPSS-18 software. Results: The results showed that in the post-test there was a significant difference between the two experimental and control groups in the score of pain coping strategies subscales in diverting attention, reinterpretation of pain, catastrophizing, ignore of pain, prayer-hope, selfstatement, increasing of pain behaviour and pain self-efficacy (P<0. 01). The treatment results were maintained in the follow-up stage. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that acceptance and commitment therapy can be effective in improving pain coping strategies and increasing pain self-efficacy of people with chronic neuropathic pain.

Background and Aim: Gram-negative bacilli with multidrug resistance are important pathogens in hospitals and cause high mortality. The main purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Gram-negative bacilli with multidrug resistance isolated from clinical specimens of neonates and pediatrics referred to Besat hospital of Sanandaj city in 2018. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study 10, 000 clinical specimens were studied, including,blood, urine, wounds, respiratory secretions and body fluids during 2018. Gram-negative bacteria were identified by standard microbiological methods, then susceptibility testing to common antibiotics was performed using disk diffusion method to determine strains with multidrug resistance. Results: In this study, from 10000 clinical specimens, 652 Gram-negative bacilli with positive cultures included urine 523 (80%), blood 78(12%), respiratory secretions 26(4%), wounds 15(2. 5%) and body fluids 10(1. 5%) were obtained from hospitalized and outpatients. Gram-negative bacilli isolated from these samples include Escherichia coli (65. 7%), Enterobacter spp (10. 4%), Citrobacter spp (8. 9%), Acinetobacter spp (7. 2%), Klebsiella spp (3. 5%), Pseudomonas spp (2. 6%), Proteus spp (0. 92%) and Serratia spp (0. 78%). Most of Gram-negative bacilli with multidrug resistance were isolated from NICU (neonate intensive care unit) and PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) wards. The highest and lowest antibiotic resistance was shown respectively, to ampicillin (84. 5%) and meropenem (9. 9%). The average multidrug resistance (MDR) was 68. 9%, ranging from 55. 9% in Enterobacter spp. to 83% in Acinetobacter spp. Conclusion: Multidrug resistance was high among the microorganisms of this center, so it is recommended to avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics and perform periodic interactions and monitoring of the pathogen resistance pattern to select appropriate experimental and specific treatment.

Background and Aim: Burn injuries are usually defined as skin lesions caused by heat, temperature, electricity, chemicals, and radiation. Burn mortality is high in low income countries. The Typha is considered as a traditional medicine for a wound healing in Iran. This study aimed to investigate the molecular effects of aquatic and alcoholic extracts of Thyfa pollen on wound healing in Full-thickness (Third-degree burns) burns in rats. Material and Methods. The burn was induced by boiling water at 100°,and a metallic ring in Sprague Dawley rats and then 5% ointment is prepared from aquatic and alcoholic extracts of Thyfa pollen. The extracts were applied to the damaged areas for 21 days after burn induction. Then, the expression of the mRNA of the TNF-α, , TGFβ, , Col-1, and VEGF genes were assessed by Real time-PCR technique. Results: Aquatic and alcoholic extracts of Thyfa pollen were identified to mainly contain Vitamin C and Catechin using HPLC method. Macroscopic studies and wound size analysis showed a reduction in wound size after 21 days (P<0. 05). In addition, a significant increase in mRNA expression of TGFβ, , Col-1 and VEGF genes was observed in the treated groups compared to the control group(P<0. 001). Also, a significant reduction in mRNA expression of the TNF-α,was indicated in the treated groups compared to the control group(P<0. 001) Conclusion: The results of this study, indicated the aquatic and alcoholic extracts of Thyfa pollen have a potent wound-healing effect against burn injury in rats, therefore aquatic and, alcoholic extracts of Thyfa pollen can be noticed as a potential therapeutic in the future research of Third-degree burns.

Background and Aim: Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a podocytopathy characterized histologically by uniform thickening of the glomerular basement membrane due to the presence of subepithelial immune deposition. This disease can occur in a transplanted kidney as a recurrence of primary (Recurrent Membranous Nephropathy, RMN) or de novo disease. Case report: A 40-year-old non-smoker man with a history of membranous nephropathy and kidney failure due to it, underwent a kidney biopsy 9 months after transplantation because of proteinuria of 4000 mg/day, and with the diagnosis of recurrence of membranous nephropathy in the transplanted kidney, he was given two doses of Rituximab 1000 mg with 15 days’,interval. Gradually, the amount of proteinuria decreased and reached 188 mg/day after 4 months, and his kidney function remained stable (creatinine 0. 8 mg/dl) during the treatment. Conclusion: Membranous nephropathy can recur after kidney transplantation, in cases of proteinuria more than one gram per day, Rituximab can be used.