Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal
Year:2022 | Volume:16 | Issue:9|Papers Count:7

Background and Objectives: Vaspin is a novel adipocytokine. Various studies have shown that vaspin is associated with many types of cancer. This study aims to determine the association of vaspin rs2236242 gene polymorphism with vaspin level in women with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and Multinodular goiter (MNG). Methods In this case-control study participants were 134 women. They were divided into three groups,PTC (n=49), MNG (n=30) and control (n=55). Ten milliliter peripheral blood samples were taken from participants, 5 ml was used for DNA extraction and 5 ml for preparation of serum. The vaspin level was measured by Sandwich ELISA kit. The genotype determination of vaspin rs2236242 polymorphism was done using the tetra primer-amplification refractory mutation system/polymerase chain reaction method. Results There were no significant difference in serum vaspin level among the three groups. There was no significant association between genotypes of vaspin rs2236242 polymorphism and serum vaspin level in any groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that the difference in the frequency of the genotypes of rs2236242 polymorphism in the MNG group was significant compared to the control group. The TA genotype showed a protective effect against PTC and MNG (P<0. 05). Conclusion There is no significant difference in vaspin level between PTC, MNG and control groups. There is no association between rs2236242 gene polymorphism and serum vaspin level. The TA genotype of rs2236242 has a protective effect against MNG.

Background and Objectives: The carotid artery calcification (CAC) can be seen in panoramic radiographs that are usually used in dentistry. This study aims to determine the prevalence of CAC in Qom, Iran using panoramic radiographs, and find its related factors. Methods This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Panoramic radiographs of 417 patients aged ≥, 40 years referred to a specialized oral and maxillofacial radiology center in Qom city in 2021 were examined for the presence of CAC and a questionnaire was used to find the related risk factors. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software, vertion 22 using Chi-square test and t-test. Results Of 417 participants, 141 (33. 8%) were male and 276 (66. 2%) were female. The prevalence of CAC was 1. 4%. There was a significant association between CAC and history of cardiovascular diseases (P=0. 03), but the incidence of CAC had no association with the history of diabetes, smoking, hypertension, cerebrovascular accident, and myocardial infarction (P>0. 05). Conclusion The incidence of CAC is associated with the history of cardiovascular diseases. Further prospective studies with larger sample sizes are recommended.

Background and Objectives: In recent years, obesity has been increased in developing countries, especially among adolescents. Various measures have not been successful to prevent it. The present study aims to investigate the factors related to obesity prevention behaviors in female high school student in Qom, Iran based on the social cognitive theory (SCT). Methods This descriptive study was conducted on 104 high school girls who were randomly selected from two schools in Qom city. To collect data, a demographic form, the questionnaire based on the SCT constructs, fast food consumption questionnaire, unhealthy snack consumption questionnaire, food frequency questionnaire, and the international physical activity questionnaire-short form were used. Data analysis was done using analysis of variance and Pearson correlation test. Results In terms of the SCT constructs, the mean score of awareness was 13. 98 out of 24,the mean score of outcome expectations was 13. 05 out of 20 (65. 25%),the mean score of outcome evaluation was 47. 27 out of 30 (91. 56%),the mean score of observational learning was 26. 08 out of 30 (55%),the mean score of reinforcement was 3. 23 out of 25 (56. 96%),the mean score of self-efficacy was 18. 52 out of 25 (74. 08%),and the mean score of self-control was 13. 05 out of 25 (52. 2%). The scores of the SCT constructs had a significant relationship with nutritional behaviors and physical activity. The results of analysis of variance showed that the mean scores of the constructs of outcome expectations, selfefficacy, and self-control were significantly related to the physical activity of students. Conclusion The SCT constructs can be good predictors for obesity prevention behaviors in female high school students. Planning and implementing interventions based on these constructs can be effective in improving their lifestyle and nutritional patterns.

Background and Objectives: Evaluating knowledge and attitude towards healthy behaviors can help develop educational programs and identify the weakness of people in the field of health information in emergency situations. This study aims to determine the knowledge and attitude of students in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (RUMS) regarding health measures in emergency situations. Methods This descriptive study was conducted on 425 students of RUMS who were selected using stratified quota sampling method in 2021. The data collection tool was a questionnaire adapted from the study by Vosoughi Nayyeri et al. (2013). After collecting the data, they were analyzed in SPSS software, vertion 18 using independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’, s correlation test. The significance level was set at 0. 05. Results The mean scores of knowledge and attitude was 5. 2±, 1. 6 (out of 10) and 34. 9±, 2. 9 (out of 50), respectively. There was a significant correlation between students’,knowledge and age (r=0. 114, P<0. 01) and between their attitude and age (r=0. 146, P<0. 01) such that, with the increase of age, their knowledge and attitude increased. Conclusion The RUMS students’,knowledge and attitude about health measures in emergency situations are at a moderate level. To improve their knowledge and attitude, educational courses can be held in this regard.

Background and Objectives: The stability of blood pressure and maintaining the cerebral perfusion pressure are of particular importance in anesthesia of the elderly. There is scant clinical trials on the advantages of the steep Trendelenburg position in prostatectomy. This study aims to evaluate the effect of surgery in the steep Trendelenburg position on blood pressure stability of the elderly candidate for open radical prostatectomy surgery. Methods This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Hamadan, Iran, in 2022. Sixty older adults candidates for elective open radical prostatectomy were selected by a convenience sampling method and randomly allocated to the steep Trendelenburg position and supine position groups. Patients in the first group were in a 15°,steep Trendelenburg position before surgery. Patients in the second position group remained in the supine position during surgery. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were assessed after anesthesia, after positioning, and during surgery at 30-min intervals. The data were analyzed in SPSS software, vertion 22 using independent t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. Results The mean age of the patients was 60. 9±, 4. 2 years, and their mean body mass index was 24. 7±, 3. 5 kg/m2. There was no significant difference in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures between the two groups (P>0. 05). The results of repeated measures ANOVA showed that the differences in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were statistically significant among the evaluation times (P<0. 001). Conclusion The steep Trendelenburg position maintains the blood pressure of the elderly under open radical prostatectomy.

Background and Objectives: Statins, which are primarily used for controlling blood cholesterol levels, have a well-known role in inhibiting the inflammatory process and reducing mortality rate of infectious diseases. This study aims to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin along with standard treatment protocol in hospitalized adults with COVID-19. Methods This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on adults hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Qom, Iran from April to September 2020. They were randomly divided into groups of treatment (n=37, receiving atorvastatin 40 mg daily for 30 days plus standard treatment protocol) and control (n=37, receiving standard treatment protocol alone). The data were analyzed in SPSS v. 22 software using chi-square, paired t-test, and ANOVA. P<0. 05 was statistically significant. Results The CRP level in the atorvastatin-treated group decreased significantly such that there was a significant difference between the two groups after 30 days (P=0. 01). There was no significant difference in Spo2 level on the discharge day. The length of hospitalization in the atorvastatin-treated group was significantly reduced compared to the control group (P<0. 05). Conclusion The use of atorvastatin as an adjunctive treatment method, can significantly reduce the length of hospitalization and CRP level after 30 days in hospitalized patients.

Background and Objectives: The ability of ovarian stem cells (OSCs) to differentiate into oocyte-like and theca cells may lead to major advances in infertility treatment. However, little is known about the function, growth and differentiation potentials of these cells. In this study, we aim to examine the characteristics of OSCs obtained from newborn rats and assess their ability to differentiate into osteocyte-like and adipocyte-like cells. Methods In this study, OSCs were isolated from newborn Syrian rats and were then cultured. After the third passage, using the PCR method, the expression of stem cell markers (Sox2, Pou5f, and Nanog) was examined. Their potential to differentiate into osteocyte-like and adipocyte-like cells was examined by Alizarin red and Oil red staining, respectively. Results The isolated OSCs were adherent and morphologically similar to fibroblast cells, and had the power to multiply. They expressed stem cells markers. In addition, they were able to differentiate into adipocyte-like and osteocyte-like cells 21 days after being placed in the differentiation medium. In the osteocyte-like cells, fat droplets were observed after oil red staining. Conclusion The OSCs include multipotent stem cells that are able to express markers related to stem cells and can differentiate into osteocyte-like and adipocyte-like cells.