Jundishapur Scientific Medical Journal
Year:2022 | Volume:21 | Issue:1|Papers Count:12

Background and Objectives Due to the high rate of inhalers’,incorrect use by the elderly, this study aims to evaluate the effect of teaching the use of inhalers to a family caregiver on its correct use by the elderly patients. Subjects and Methods This is a parallel-group randomized clinical trial on 80 older people with a lung disease aged >60 years who use the inhaler incorrectly and their family caregivers. Participants were randomly assigned to group A (education) and group B (control) using a block randomization method (4×4 blocks). In group A, teaching of the correct use of inhaler was provided to the caregivers of the elderly orally and practically in one session, while in group B, training was provided only to the elderly. Three weeks later, the two groups were evaluated using a researcher-made inhaler use checklist. Results There was no significant difference in the use of inhaler before and after the intervention in group A (2. 58±, 1. 26) and B (2. 55±, 1. 22) (P<0. 05). Pearson correlation test results showed a significant decrease in the correct use of inhaler with the increase of patients’,age (r=-0. 24). Conclusion Further studies on the use of family members in elderly patients care, various educational programs by health care providers, and periodic evaluation of the performance of the elderly regarding the use of inhalers are recommended.

Background and Objectives Primary immunodeficiency (PI) diseases are those occur because of a primary disorder in the immune system. Subjects and Methods This retrospective study was conducted on 70 children with PI diseases referred to the allergy and immunology department of Abuzar Children Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran from 2015 to 2018. Results The most common PI diseases in the majority of male children (56. 92%) were severe combined immunodeficiency disease (21. 42%) and chronic granulomatous disease (8. 57%). Parents in most of patients (83%) were blood relatives. About 66. 67% of all death cases (9. 23%) was due to severe combined immunodeficiency disease,hypogammaglobulinemia and Griscelli syndrome accounted for about 16. 67% of deaths. The most common manifestations were pneumonia, fever, diarrhea, and sepsis. Based on the family history, 33 children had allergies, 9 had malignancy, one had autoimmune disease, and 39 had mothers with a history of abortion. Most of children were under treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and prophylactic antibiotics, (99. 88% and 88. 99%, respectively), while 2. 81% were under interferon-gamma therapy and transplantation, and 1. 40% were receiving corticosteroids and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor therapy. Conclusion The severe combined immunodeficiency disease, chronic granulomatous disease, and Bruton disease are the most common PI diseases in children living in Ahvaz.

Background and Objectives Due to the improvement of living conditions in recent decades, there is an important issue called quality of life (QoL). One of the important factors that affect the QoL is the ability to communicate with others. Everyday communication is usually interfered by noise. Consonants play an important role in understanding the meaning of words. Since stop consonants are dependent on the following vowels, they are more vulnerable to the masking effects of noise. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of age, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and concurrent vowels on the recognition of stop consonants in Persian. Subjects and Methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 adults with normal hearing in two age groups of 30-39 and 40-49 years. After the auditory and speech assessments, the recognition of stop consonants in the form of consonant-vowel-consonant syllables and in the presence of babble noise at three SNRs was compared between two age groups. Results The difference in the recognition score of stop consonants was significant between two age groups at the SNRs of 0,-5, and-10. There was also a significant difference between the two age groups regarding the recognition of stop consonants in the presence of some vowels at three SNRs. Conclusion With increasing age, the recognition ability of stop consonants in the presence of babble noises decreases. Increasing noise also reduces the recognition of stop consonants, especially those with some vowels.

Background and Objectives Herbal medicines have fewer side effects than chemical drugs. In this regard, researchers are looking to find herbal ingredients to heal diabetic wounds. Saffron is a powerful antioxidant that can be effective in treating diabetic wounds. This study aims to evaluate the effect of saffron’, s main ingredients (crocin and safranal) on skin wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Subjects and Methods In this experimental study, 30 rats were divided into six groups. One control group, one diabetic group, two diabetic groups treated with crocin (300 and 600 mg/kg body weight), and two diabetic groups treated with safranal (300 and 600 mg/kg body weight). The diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg body weight). Sampling was performed for histological studies to measure the number of neutrophils, macrophages, blood vessels, and epithelium thickness on days 3, 7, 15 and 20 after wound creation. Results The collected data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and the least significant difference test, considering the significance level of P<0. 05. Conclusion Crocin and safranal components of saffron can accelerate the wound healing process in diabetic rats by affecting the number of neutrophils, macrophages, blood vessels, and epithelial thickness.

Background and Objectives Caffeine is a purine alkaloid with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aims to evaluate the effect of long-term caffeine consumption and aerobic exercise on serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) level and body composition in obese men. Subjects and Methods In this quasi-experimental study, 40 obese men (Mean age=32. 8±, 2. 74 years, body mass index=30. 98±, 1. 37 kg/m2) were randomly divided into four Group of 10 including placebo, supplementation, placebo + exercise, and supplementation + exercise. The aerobic exercise program included running for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week, each for 25-45 minutes with an intensity of 55-85% of the maximum heart rate. The supplementation group received 500 mg caffeine daily and the placebo group received 500 mg capsules of 2% maltodextrin. Blood samples were taken following 12 hours of fasting before and 48 hours after the last training session to measure IL-6 level. Data were analyzed using oneway ANOVA and Tukey’, s post hoc test. The significance level was set 0. 05. Results In the exercise+supplementation and placebo+exercise groups significant decreases were reported in the serum level of IL-6 compared to the supplementation and placebo groups in the post-test phase (P<0. 05). There was also a significant decrease in body composition of groups placebo+exercise, exercise+supplementation, and supplementation compared to placebo group in the post-test phase (P<0. 05). Conclusion Aerobic exercise alone and in combination with long-term caffeine consumption can reduce IL-6 level and improve body composition in obese people.

Background and Objectives Falafel is one of the most popular artisanal foods in Iran, especially in Khouzestan province. However, no comprehensive study has been performed to evaluate its microbiological and chemical properties. This study aims to evaluate microbiological and chemical properties of falafel samples collected from street food market in Ahvaz, Iran. Subjects and Methods Microbiological tests including total viable count (TVC), psychrophilic count, Escherichia coli test, staphylococcus aureus test, coliform count, bacillus cereus test, Salmonella test, and mold count were performed to evaluate microbiological properties of falafel samples (cooked and uncooked). The chemical properties were assessed by performing protein test, ash, carbohydrate, lipid, salt, peroxide, and acidity tests. All tests were done according to the methods described by the Institute of Standards & Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI). Results Microbiological tests revealed that TVC (108 cfu/g), coliform count (3. 7×103 cfu/g) and mold count (1. 3×103 cfu/g) were significantly higher than the amounts set by the ISIRI (P<0. 05), indicating high contamination of uncooked falafel samples. The major problems observed by chemical tests was the high content of lipid (20. 11%) and peroxide value (47. 85 meq/kg) which were significantly higher than the values set by the ISIRI (P<0. 05). Conclusion Microbiological and chemical properties of falafel are poor, indicating the poor hygienic conditions of its preparation in street food market. We recommend more attention to and supervision on the preparation of artisanal foods such as falafel in Iran.

Background and Objectives The aim of this study was to Acute changes in aldolase activity and some hematologic parameters compared to different recoveries. Subjects and Methods The research is of applied type and quasi-experimental research method which was conducted in field-laboratory form with pre-test-post-test design with control group on female semiprofessional athletes in athletics (runners) in Tehran. Sampling was done by simple random sampling, so that after informing and inviting interested people and passing the preliminary stages, 30 runners were selected as the research sample and randomly in 3 groups of 10 people (active recycling group (running), inactivated recycling group (sports massage) and inactive sitting). The main activity included a sports competition. Blood samples were taken from the samples in 3 stages (pre-test (fasting), post-race and post-recovery). In this study, one-way analysis of variance and SPSS statistical software v. 22 were used to examine the data at a significance level of P<0. 05. Results The results of this study showed that there is no significant difference between the three types of recycling methods in changing the amount of aldolase and erythrocyte factors (P>0. 05), but recycling by massage has an effect on reducing aldolase levels after strenuous exercise. There is a significant difference between the three types of recycling methods (passive, jogging, massage) in reducing the number of white blood cells and hemoglobin in favor of recovery by the massage group. Conclusion According to the results, it can be said that among the recovery methods, the use of massage was more effective in reducing the aldolase activity of female athletes after the run competition.

Background and Objectives This study aims to investigate the effect of detraining on the telomere length in skeletal muscles of male mice. Subjects and Methods The samples were 24 C57BL/6 male mice that were randomly divided into four groups: Base control (n=6), control (n=6), low-intensity training (n=6), and high-intensity training (n=6). The training program was performed for 8 weeks, 5 days per week following 4 weeks of detraining. The factors were measured after DNA and RNA extraction using real time polymerase chain reaction method. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. Results The main effects of muscle type (slow-twitch and fast-twitch) (P=0. 825) and detraining type (P=0. 062) and their interaction effect (P=0. 408) on the expression of TRF1 gene was not significant. The main effects of muscle type (P=0. 073) and detraining type (P=0. 309) and their interaction effect (P=0. 093) on the expression of TRF2 gene was not significant, either. The main effects of muscle type (P=0. 763) and detraining type (P=0. 053) and their interaction effect (P=0. 651) on the telomere length was not significant, either. Conclusion Detraining after high-intensity or low-intensity training affects the telomere length of slowtwitch and fast-twitch muscles equally. It seems that detraining in people with a history of exercise with different intensities has no different effect on skeletal muscles.

Background and Objectives Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disorder which is mostly caused by deficits in social interactions. Lack of physical activity and poor nutritional habits are common problems in these patients which may be exaggerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The study aims to assess the effect of functional training along with online nutrition education on inflammatory biomarkers in children with ASD. Subjects and Methods In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 80 children with ASD (age=9. 73±, 1. 29 years, weight=49. 94±, 2. 08 kg, height=146. 08±, 40 cm, body mass index=24. 71 ±, 1. 48 kg/m2) were randomly divided into four groups of training, education, training+ education, and control. The interventions lasted for 8 weeks. The inflammatory biomarkers including white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, neutrophil count, eosinophil count, and basophil count were assessed (using blood samples collected from antecubital vein) before and after the interventions. Results There was no significant difference between the groups before the interventions (P˃, 0. 05). After the intervention, the results showed a significant decrease in WBC (P˂, 0. 001), CRP (P=0. 001), neutrophils (sig. =0. 009), and eosinophil (P=0. 003) in all groups. Basophil count decreased in all groups (P=0. 01) except in the education group. Conclusion Functional training and online nutrition education are beneficial interventions for management of inflammatory biomarkers in children with ASD which can be used during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Background and Objectives In recent years the isolation of effective molecules from snake venom as drug to treatment of some incurable diseases is considered by many biological research centers. The aim of this investigation was to determine electrophorotic and chromatographic patterns of Pseudocerastes persicus venom and in-vitro study of bactericidal and anti-cancer properties of its fractions in human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2). Subjects and Methods The fractions of venom were isolated and collected using preparative RP-HPLC. The Bactericidal activity of fractions in 20μ, g/ml of protein concentration was investigated toward Gramnegative and Gram-positive bacteria using MTT and MIC assays. Then, the cytotoxic effects of fractions with higher antibacterial properties were measured by MTT reduction, neutral uptake and comet assays following exposure of HepG2 cancer cells to 20 and 40 μ, g/ml of protein concentration. Results SDS-PAGE pattern of the crude venom revealed 10 major bands with molecular weight ranging from 13. 2 to 99. 25 kDa and the separation of fractions from the venom by HPLC resulted in collection of 11 different fractions. The results of this study showed that two fractions (4 & 8) have a significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive as compared to Gram-negative bacteria. The study of the anti-cancer effect of these two fractions also showed that fraction 8 was more toxic in HepG2 cells. Conclusion We for the first time reported bactericidal and anti cancer effects of isolated fractions of Persian horned viper venom. These properties make components of these fractions a favorable source for isolation of molecule (s) with antibacterial and anti tumor activities.

Background and Objectives Uncontrolled stress affects hippocampal-dependent memory through altering the morphology and the proliferation rate of hippocampal progenitor cells. Subjects and Methods In this experimental study, neural stem cells (NSCs) were isolated from the hippocampus of newborn rats and cultivated in a serum-free medium to generate neurosphere. To confirm the induced NSCs, immunocytochemistry and antibody nestin were used. The rate of cell proliferation and cytotoxicity caused by norepinephrine were measured by the MTT assay. NSCs were assigned in the following groups: Control (untreated NSCs), norepinephrine (NSCs treated with norepinephrine), propranolol (NSCs treated with beta receptor blocker propranolol plus norepinephrine), prazosin (NSCs treated with Alfa receptor blocker prazosin plus norepinephrine), and propranolol/ prazosin (NSCs treated with both propranolol and prazosin plus norepinephrine). Real-time PCR was conducted to measure the expression levels of Stk4, Caspase-3 and Sox2 genes. Results The flow cytometry study revealed that NSCs were nestin positive. Real-time PCR results showed that the expression level of Sox2 gene increased by norepinephrine. In addition, the expression level of Stk4 and Caspase-3 genes increased in the groups treated with prazosin. Conclusion The effect of norepinephrine on hippocampus-derived NSCs is receptor-dependent. The increase of norepinephrine under chronic stress can lead to either cell proliferation or apoptosis in NSCs,it acts as a double-edged sword.

In this case report study, the patient was a 95-year-old woman who was referred to the health center due to inability to swallow liquids and solids for 6 months. After determining the cause of dysphagia due to a large Zenker’, s diverticulum in the initial part of the esophagus, and the inability of patient to tolerate surgery due to her age and general deterioration, she underwent the endoscopic diverticulectomy. Under a two-hour endoscopic surgery, the wall of the cricopharyngeal muscle was first identified and diverticulectomy was performed by cutting the muscle with an endoscopic needle knife, using the Olympus flexible endoscope and closing the surgery site with clips. There were no complications during or after the surgery. The patient was kept fasting for 48 hours. After that, liquid feeding was started,5 days later, the patient was discharged from the hospital with a good general condition and the ability to swallow food. This was the first case of endoscopic diverticulectomy in the southwest of Iran.