Scientific Journal of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences
Year:2022 | Volume:27 | Issue:3 (120)|Papers Count:12

Background and Aim: Although the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy are still unclear, the role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their associated receptors (AGER) in initiating the inflammatory process in this disease has attracted attention. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between rs1800624 polymorphism of AGER gene with risk of diabetic nephropathy in Iranian population. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, patients were divided into two groups, group1 without diabetic nephropathy (n = 71) and group2 with diabetic nephropathy (n = 79). TETRA-Primer ARMS-PCR technique was used to determine the frequency of genotype and allele of rs1800624 polymorphism in the promoter region of AGER gene. Using standard methods, biochemical tests including measurement of glucose, creatinine, glycosylated hemoglobin and blood urea nitrogen and calculation of eGFR were performed. We used SPSS and FAMHAP softwares for data analysis. Results: The results showed that AA genotype rs1800624 polymorphism in the promoter region of the AGER gene may be associated with an increased risk of diabetic nephropathy. Allele analysis also showed that allele A of the polymorphism may be associated with an increased risk of developing nephropathy, although the results were not statistically significant between the two groups in relation to rs1800624 polymorphism. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that there was no statistically significant relationship between rs1800624 polymorphism in AGER gene with diabetic nephropathy in the Iranian population, but increase in sample size may result in a tendency to develop diabetic nephropathy.

Background and Aim: Pistachio nut and hull have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pistachio hull hydroalcoholic extract ointment on wound healing process. Materials and methods: For wound planimetric assessment, 20 healthy rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 4, including control group (open wound without any intervention and treatment), positive control group (open wound with basic ointment without extract), and the 3 other groups receiving 1%, 2% and 4% ointments respectively. On the 7th and 14th days, biopsies from wound tissues were taken and after Mason Trichrome staining we evaluated collagen. H&E staining was done for histopathological assessments. Results: The results showed that wound treatment with pistachio hull ointment in the experimental groups showed a significant increase (P<0. 05) in the percentage of wound healing rate. Also, there was a significant difference in the thickness of skin and collagen diameter, and reduction of edema between experimental and control groups (P<0. 05). Also we found significant decrease in inflammatory cell count on the 14th day in the groups treated with pistachio hull extract compared to those in the control group (P<0. 05), which was indicative of accelerated wound healing in the experimental groups. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, pistachio hull hydroalcoholic extract ointment potentially possesses healing effects on the wound created in the skin of the rat.

Background and Aim: Chemotherapy is one of the most common methods available for the treatment of cancer. Resistance to anticancer drugs can result in failures in chemotherapy of cancers. Therefore, investigation is necessary for the discovery of new drugs. Homoisoflavonoids are well-known natural products that possess a wide range of pharmacological activities. Hence, synthesis and assessment of cytotoxicity of homoisoflavonoids containing morpholinoethoxy moiety and their molecular docking simulation were taken into consideration. Materials and Methods: Two 7-morpholinoethoxyhomoisoflavonoids synthesized via three steps including SN2 reaction of 7-hydroxychromanine with morpholino ethyl chloride hydrochloride in the basic media under reflux condition to produce intermediate 3. The second step included aldol condensation of the intermediate with suitable aldehydes in the presence of gaseous HCl in ethanol, and finally neutralization with NaOH 5%. The structures of the products were confirmed using IR, 13CNMR, and 1HNMR techniques. Cytotoxic effects of final products on HT-29 and 3T3 cell lines were assessed. To evaluate the binding mode of compounds with tubulin protein, docking simulation was performed by using MOE. Results: Two morpholinoethoxy homoisiflavonoids were prepared with moderate to good production yield. Cytotoxic evaluation of these compounds showed satisfactory results. The results of molecular docking simulation showed an acceptable binding energy of the interaction between the ligands with the tubulin protein binding site: (E)-7-(2-morpholinoethoxy)-3-(3, 4, 5-trimethoxybenzylidene) chroman-4-one=-7. 3727 Kcal/mol and (E)-3-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-7-(2-morpholinoethoxy) chroman-4-one released-7. 6838 Kcal/mol per mole of energy. Conclusion: The results showed that compound (E)-3-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-7-(2-morpholinoethoxy) chroman-4-one has higher cytotoxicity than (E)-7-(2-morpholinoethoxy)-3-(3, 4, 5-trimethoxybenzylidene) chroman-4-one against HT-29 and 3T3 cell lines. The in-silico results confirmed the results obtained from in vitro experiments and showed three interactions between ligand (E)-3-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-7-(2-morpholinoethoxy)chroman-4-one and α, Thr179, α, Thr145, and α, Tyr224 amino acids in tubulin active site.

Background and Aim: Mycoplasma hominis is one of the smallest bacteria isolated from a natural source and is sometime as pathologic flora in plants, animals, and humans. Some of these bacteria are normal flora of the respiratory and genital systems. The aim of the study was molecular identification of M. hominis in a vaginal sample of women referred to the infertility center of Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan. Materials and Methods: In this Cross-sectional study, vaginal swab samples were collected from symptomatic females and M. hominis was identified by PCR and Real-Time PCR. DNA was extracted using an extraction kit. M. hominis strains were identified using 16 S rRNA gene. Finally, Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21 software. Results: A total of 234 vaginal samples were studied in women with a mean age of 39. 8years. The results showed that M. hominis was identified by PCR (13%) and Real-time PCR (15%) methods, respectively. There was a significant relationship between PCR and Real-Time PCR methods (P≤, 0. 05). Conclusions: Real-time PCR assay was successfully used for rapid and accurate diagnosis of M. hominis. This method has significant potential for rapid, accurate, and is highly sensitive molecular detection of M. hominis compared to the PCR technic.

Background and Aim: Antibiotic resistance of pathogens responsible for nosocomial infections, has been a growing concern for healthcare system in recent decades. The aim of the current study was to identify the strains responsible for nosocomial infections and determine their frequency rates and antimicrobial resistance profiles in the patients admitted to intensive care units of Hazrat-e Rasool General Hospital in Tehran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study we collected 936 blood, urine and sputum samples from the patients who had been admitted to the intensive care units of Hazrate Rasool General Hospital in Tehran between March 2020 and March 2021. Determination of strains and frequency rates of pathogens were carried out using multiple specific differential cultures. Then, we detected antibiotic resistance profile of each pathogen by using disc diffusion method. Results: Acinetobacter (22. 5%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (18. 7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13. 6%), Candida albicans (11. 2%) and Escherichia coli (7. 2%) were the most common pathogens involved in nosocomial infections in this study. Acinetobacter isolates showed the highest sensitivity to clostin (100%) and cefotaxime (97. 2%), respectively, and the highest resistant rate to ampicillin sulbactam (38. 9%). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that in addition to the diversity of different pathogens in causing nosocomial infections in intensive care units, antibiotic resistance of these pathogens which is on the rise should be regarded important. Results of the current study and other similar periodic studies can provide valuable information for monitoring and management of emerging drug resistant infections.

Background and Aim: Jaw and facial fractures are an important health problem worldwide and in addition to the harmful effects they have on the beauty and performance of individuals, they also cause psychological and economic complications. The prevalence and causes of maxillofacial fractures vary from country to country and change from year to year. The purpose of this study is proper planning and appropriate public education to prevent and reduce the incidence of injury. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 300 cases of patients with maxillofacial fractures referred to the maxillofacial surgery department of Toohid Hospital in Sanandaj from 2011 to 2016 were reviewed. The collected data were analyzed using chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and SPSS16 software. Results: Out of 300 cases reviewed, the mean age of participants was 27. 03 and the highest number of fractures was in the age range of 16-30 years. The highest number occurred in males (72%). The most common cause of fractures is related to vehicle accidents (57%). Out of 387 fractures studied, the highest number was related to mandibular bone (38. 76%). Among them, the highest number of fractures was related to the angle area (19. 91%) and also the most common treatment method used was closed implantation method and it was 61%. Conclusion: According to the results, the most common cause of jaw and face fractures in Sanandaj is traffic accidents, so strict observance of traffic rules, mandatory seat belts and helmets, increasing road safety and public education is essential.

Background and Aim: Spousal abuse in pregnancy leads to adverse consequences in mother and neonate and its prevalence is far higher than other dangerous complications during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of spousal abuse during pregnancy and its related factors in Guilan Province. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical study included 1541 parous women referring to 160 selected health care delivery units for their babies' two-month vaccination in 2019. We used random multi-stage cluster sampling for sample collection. Data were collected using a valid and reliable self-administered questionnaire consisted of demographic variables and spouse abuse questionnaire during pregnancy. Using SPSS-26 software, data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical tests such as mean, chi-square and binary logistic regression. α,<0. 05 was considered significant. Results: The mean (SD) age of the women participating in the study was 29. 2±, 5. 6 years. The overall prevalence rate of spousal abuse in pregnancy was 71. 3% and women had been abused by their spouses at least once during pregnancy with frequency of "sometimes" to "always". The prevalence rates of emotional (the most common), physical and sexual violence were 69. 5%, 32. 2% and 15. 1% respectively. Husbands' substance abuse (Odd Ratio-OR= 2. 38, 95% CI: 1. 7, 3. 34), couples' dissatisfaction of the gender of the fetus (OR= 1. 91, 95% CI: 1. 09, 3. 35), lack of family support for mothers (OR = 1. 63, 95% CI: 1. 03, 2. 57) and extended family (OR = 1. 38, 95% CI: 1. 03, 1. 84) were found to be positively and significantly associated with spousal abuse during pregnancy. Conclusion: Use of effective strategies in order to reduce the factors associated with spousal abuse can be effective in preventing and decreasing the rate of this social problem and its negative consequences.

Background and Aim: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an important health problem in Iran and one of the world ̛, s neglected diseases which is caused by Leishmania spp. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis and its associated risk factors in an endemic center in Golestan Province. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included patients with suspected CL who had been referring to the health centers of Gonbad–, e Qabus town, between 2018 and 2020. Demographic and epidemiological data of CL patients were recorded and diagnosis of Leishmania spp. was made by Giemsa staining of direct smear. PCR was also used to determine and confirm the parasite species. Results: From 1979 suspected CL lesions, 1704(87. 4%) had positive smears. 898 (52. 7%) patients were male and 806 (47. 3%) were female. The highest incidence rate was observed in the patients of less than 5 (25. 93%) and those between 25 and 45 years of age (25. 41%). In all samples in this study, Leishmania major was the only Leishmania spp detected by ITS-PCR. Also, Critidia fasciulata was identified in three patients. Conclusion: The study provided valuable data concerning the epidemiologic aspects of the CL in an old endemic focus in north of Iran, which can be used as the basis for planning future control strategies.

Background and Aim: Self-care behaviors and commitment to health responsibility are regarded as measures against Covid-19 disease when there is no widespread access to vaccination. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between health responsibility and self-care behaviors related to Covid-19 in Kurdistan citizens. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 in Kurdistan province and included 1008 participants above 15 years of age. Using convenient sampling method, people referring to health centers were entered into the study. Online data collection was performed via Whats App or Telegram using Covid-19 Self-Care Behavior and Health Responsibility Questionnaires. Using SPSS software version 22, data analysis was performed by Spearman correlation and chi-square test. Results: The study included 642 women (63. 7%) and 366 men (36. 3%), with mean age of 38. 6 ±,11. 63 years. The correlation between health responsibility and self-care behaviors was positive and significant (p <0. 001, r = 0. 33). Self-care behaviors and health responsibility were not significantly different in terms of age, occupation, marital status, and city of residence (p > 0. 05). A higher proportion of women compared to men were in the category of good health responsibility (60. 8% vs. 39. 2) and self-care behaviors (67. 8% vs. 32. 2) (p <0. 001). Conclusion: In the epidemics of diseases such as Covid-19, and especially in the absence of widespread vaccination and effective treatment, emphasis on the importance of commitment to health responsibility in order to perform self-care behaviors is the most important measure for prevention and control of diseases.

Background and Aim: Nosocomial infection is an infection that a patient develops 48 hours after hospitalization or up to 72 hours after discharge. The infection should not exist at the time of admission, and should not be in the latent stage. Nosocomial infections can lead to economic, social, and physiological problems for the patients and hospital staff. Since nurse aids and service staff have important roles in controlling nosocomial infections, this study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess their knowledge, attitude, and performance in regard to nosocomial infections. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed in 2019. Questionnaire items were extracted by searching SID, Magiran, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct databases using Google Scholar search engine. The questionnaire validity was assessed using the opinion of 10 nosocomial infection control specialists. In order to assess the reliability and face validity, the questionnaire was given to 135 nurse aids and service staff working in Tehran hospitals. Data were analyzed using SPSS18 software and LISREL8. 8. Results: The content validity index and content validity ratio for knowledge, attitude, and performance sections of the questionnaire were between 0. 8 and 1. The face validity of the questionnaire items ranged from 1. 6 to 5. In the knowledge section of the questionnaire, Kuder-Richardson reliability coefficient was 0. 7 and Cronbach's alpha for attitude and performance sections were 0. 76 and 0. 71, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient for knowledge, attitude, and performance were 0. 86, 0. 89, and 0. 93, respectively. Three-factor confirmatory analysis showed the questionnaire had a good fit The mean scores of employees’,knowledge, attitude, and performance in regard to nosocomial infections were 0. 44±, 0. 19 (intermediate), 0. 71±, 0. 18 (positive) and 0. 63±, 0. 16 (intermediate), respectively Conclusion: The questionnaire had good validity and reliability for assessment of nurse aids’,and service staffs’,knowledge, attitude and performance in relation to nosocomial infections. The levels of performance and knowledge of the nurse aids and service staff working at Tehran hospitals about nosocomial infections control were moderate and their attitude was neutral.

Background and Aim: Adolescents are vulnerable groups who comprise one-third of all new cases of abuse and experience higher rates of sexual abuse. Evidence on sexual abuse of adolescents has shown short-term and long-term effects on the psychological functions of the victims. The present study was performed to review the complications and rehabilitation of adolescent rape victims. Material and Methods: This study was conducted by searching Persian and English databases including Elsevier Proquest, UpToDate, Scopus, Magiran, Irandoc, SID, Iran medex, Sciencedirect, Ebsco, Pubmed, and Google Scholar. To extract related articles, the keywords of rape, adolescents, prevention, rehabilitation and their Latin equivalents were used. In this study, articles dealing with the effects of rape and rehabilitation of adolescent rape victims, published from January 2000 to December 2020 were included. This study included articles with correct study method written in Persian or English, dealing with rape in the adolescent age group and articles reporting complications and rehabilitation of adolescent rape victims. Results: Out of 59 related articles, 41 articles were excluded due to lack of reporting complications or rehabilitation of adolescent rape victims. Finally 18 studies were included in this review study. To collect information, the articles were carefully reviewed and the results were extracted. The topics covered in the study included sexually transmitted diseases, substance and alcohol abuse, unwanted pregnancies and abortions, psychological disorders, high-risk sexual behavior, treatment and rehabilitation of adolescents rape victims, and sex education for adolescents. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop plans to prevent rape in adolescents and provide appropriate measures for rehabilitation of sexual victims, including reproductive health education in schools, comprehensive community-based awareness, and open discussion about sex and reproductive health issues with adolescents at family and school level.

Background and Aim: Retroperitoneal liposarcoma (LS) is a rare neoplasm. Well-differentiated LS is a slow-growing subtype with a high rate of recurrence. Despite the high recurrence rate after complete surgical resection, tumor transformation to poorly-differentiated LS is very rare. Case: A 45-year-old man with a primary retroperitoneal tumor and the final pathology of welldifferentiated LS underwent tumor resection surgery. Local recurrence was detected nine months after surgery. Second surgical resection revealed a poorly-differentiated subtype of LS which was treated with adjuvant radiation therapy. No local recurrence and distant metastasis were detected in a three years follow-up period. Conclusion: Tumor transformation of well-differentiated retroperitoneal LS to poorly-differentiated subtype is extremely rare. Nevertheless, this rare case was successfully managed in a multidisciplinary setting using surgical resection and adjuvant radiation therapy.