Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
Year:2023 | Volume: | Issue: |Papers Count:21

Background and purpose: Toluene, is usually present in gasoline, thinner, and other petroleum products and is one of the volatile organic compounds that causes air pollution and adverse health effects. The aim of this study was to determine the kinetics of toluene removal from the air by photocatalytic method using foam glass coated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, a glass chamber was used as a closed space. A quartz tube filled by glass foam coated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles was used as air filter. The air filter was placed inside the chamber and an air suction pump was connected to it and a UV lamp was installed next to the air filter. Toluene was injected into the chamber. The contaminated air was passed through the filter and circulated in the chamber. Air samples were taken from the chamber and concentration of toluene was analyzed by Gas Chromatograph. Results: Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis showed that the average diameter of pores in glass foam was 6 nm and the specific surface area of foam glass was 36 m 2 /g. The SEM images confirmed coating of titanium dioxide on the surface of glass foam. Toluene removal without UV irradiation was 46%, 40%, and 37%, for 18. 5, 37, and 55. 5 mg/m 3, respectively in 2 hour contact time, but in the presence of UV radiation the toluene removal was 100%, 95%, and 90%, respectively in contact time of 80 min. The kinetics of toluene decomposition was pseudo first order. Conclusion: Glass foam can be used as a photocatalyst stabilization base to remove BTEX from the air. This is a suitable method in removing volatile organic compounds from the air in closed spaces.

Background and purpose: Hypoxia or lack of oxygen in tissues can cause death or serious injury. Betaine is a natural product that is beneficial in some diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’, s disease. It is found in spinach, shrimp, beets, and grains. This research was conducted to investigate the anti-hypoxic activities of betaine in three experimental models of hypoxia in mice. Materials and methods: Protective effects of betaine at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i. p. against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice were evaluated in three experimental models of hypoxia,asphyctic, haemic, and circulatory. Analysis of variance was performed followed by Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons to determine the differences in means. Results: In circulatory model, betaine at 50 mg/kg, significantly prolonged mice survival time and showed similar activity to propranolol 30 mg/kg which was used as positive control (P>0. 05). At 100 mg/kg, it was more effective than propranolol (P<0. 0001). In haemic antihypoxic model, betaine 25 mg/kg, significantly increased survival time and showed the same activity as propranolol 20 mg/kg (P>0. 05), while at 100 mg/kg, it was more effective than propranolol (P<0. 05). In asphyctic model, betaine 12. 5 mg/kg significantly prolonged survival time compared to the control group (P<0. 05). Conclusion: Betaine showed good protective effects against hypoxia in circulatory and heamic models where the drug at 100 mg/kg, was more effective than propranolol at 30 mg/kg.

Background and purpose: Disturbance in the immune system is one of the main causes of endometriosis. Previous studies have shown the role of physical activity and antioxidant supplements on regulating the expression of genes related to improving the immune system, and reducing inflammation and infection. The present study examines the effect of swimming and vitamin E supplementation on the expression of NFKβ, 1 and P65 genes in endometriosis model rats. Materials and methods: Thirty female rats were divided into six groups (n=5 per group),healthy, endometriosis, without exercise-saline-endometriosis, exercise-saline-endometriosis, without exercise supplement-endometriosis, and exercise-supplement-endometriosis. Endometriosis was surgically induced. Physical activity included swimming for eight weeks, five sessions/week and 30 minutes/session, and supplement was provided by daily gavage of 200 mg of vitamin E/kg for eight weeks. Twenty four hours after the last swimming session, the animals were sacrificed and the endometriosis tissue was removed. Relative expression levels of NFKB1 and P65 genes were measured using Real-Time PCR. Data were analyzed using one-way and two-way ANOVA. Results: Induction of endometriosis caused a significant increase in the expression of genes studied (P<0. 05). Exercise and vitamin E independently caused a significant decrease in the genes expression in rats (P<0. 05). No synergistic effect was observed regarding the effect of exercise and vitamin E on the dependent variables (P>0. 05). Conclusion: According to this study, swimming and vitamin E supplement can be considered in improving endometriosis.

Background and purpose: Gallstones are caused by the accumulation and high density of fat-soluble substances inside the gallbladder. Cichorium intybus and Artemisia absinthium have phenol and flavonoid compounds and are believed to have a potential effect on solubility of gallstones. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of the extracts of Cichorium intybus root and Artemisia absinthium aerial part in solubility of gallstones. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, gallstones were collected from Sari Shafa Hospital and the stone compounds were identified by UV and DSC. The gallstones were then cut into equal size and weight (200 mg). Acidic, alkaline, and distilled water media were prepared as control groups along with the experimental groups which contained Cichorium and Artemisia extracts at 1 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml, 500 mg/ml, respectively. A gallstone sample was placed in each media and the dissolution rate of the stone compounds was measured by an auto-analyzer after 24 and 48 hours. Results: The UV spectrum showed the presence of bilirubin in the gallstones and the DSC thermogram showed the presence of cholesterol in the stones. Examination of isolated gallstone compounds showed that Cichorium extract at 500 mg could dissolve 75% of triglycerides (P<0. 001) and the Artemisia extract at 500 mg could dissolve 63% of cholesterol which were significantly different compared to control groups (P<0. 01). Conclusion: According to current study, Cichorium and Artemisia have a significant effect on the dissolution of gallstones.

Background and purpose: Understanding consumer behavior has a crucial role in marketing process. Successful pharmaceutical marketing affects consumer behavior. In this study we aimed to identify the effect of social media purchasing behavior of patients in pharmacies in Sari, Mazandaran province, Iran. Materials and methods: This descriptive study was carried out in 427 people attending private pharmacies in three regions in Sari, September 2019. We collected data using a researcher-made questionnaire. In order to achieve a proper framework for designing the questionnaire, 16 articles were systematically reviewed. They were selected from 15855 articlrs published until Septemer 2020. Finally a questionnaire consisting of 20 multiple choice questions and an evaluation table was created. Results: Among the participants, 31. 4% attended the pharmacies to purchase physicians’,prescription, mainly to buy cold medicines (20. 6%) and vitamins and supplements (12. 2%). Meanwhile, 58. 5% of these people reported efficacy of drugs as the main reason for buying medicine from pharmacies. The most used social media was the internet (51. 3%) and 28. 2% of the participants believed that online advertising was the best marketing strategy that attracted them to buy high quality and low cost health products. Conclusion: Current study showed the influence of social media on consumer behavior. So, pharmaceutical companies are able to use these results for effective marketing and branding.

Background and purpose: Cryotherapy, which causes inflammation, is one of the methods used in treatment of warts. Including a topical steroid in a regular wound care regimen slows the course of damage and promotes re-epithelialization. The purpose of this study was to assess the therapeutic efficacy of topical betamethasone valerate on inflammation after cryotherapy in patients with warts compared to placebo. Materials and methods: Twenty people were included in a double blind clinical trial. Cryotherapy was used on both sides of the body to treat the lesions. Following cryotherapy, topical betamethasone was applied to the lesions on one side, while placebo ointment was applied to the lesions on the opposite side. The patient's symptoms were documented during four visits. To assess pain intensity, the visual pain scale (VAS) was used. Finally, treatment evaluation was scored during these four sessions. SPSS V16 was used to analyze the data. Results: None of the samples at the end of the study had hypertrophic or atrophic scars and depigmentation, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation lesions. Mean erythema, pain, frequency of blistering and frequency of edema during 14 days of follow-up were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0. 05). Conclusion: During the 14-day follow-up period after therapy, topical betamethasone had no effect on the incidence of blisters and edema, as well as the average score of pain and erythema. As a result, this treatment modality cannot be used to relieve inflammation following cryotherapy in patients with warts.

Background and purpose: In detection of precancerous lesions of the cervix, HPV testing is more sensitive than cytology alone. This study aimed at investigating PCR HPV in Pap smear specimens in women in Sari, Iran. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed to investigate the prevalence of HPV in Pap smear samples of women attending dermatology, infectious diseases, or women centers in Sari Touba Clinic due to cutaneous warts. Two samples were taken from 50 patients by brush or spatula,one sample for Pap smear and cell cytopathic effects and the second sample was used for HPV PCR. Data were analyzed using SPSS V22. Results: There were three (6%) HPV-positive samples. Ten patients (20%) had a history of sexual contact with a person with warts. Findings showed significant relationships between HPV infection and history of contact with a person with warts and a history of recurrent vaginal infections (P<0. 01). Conclusion: In this study, the majority of Pap smear results showed mild or moderate inflammation. Also, there was a significant relationship only between HPV infection and history of contact with a person with warts and history of recurrent vaginal infections. Accurate and timely diagnosis of HPV can facilitate early detection and prevent cervical cancer in Iranian women.

Background and purpose: Appendicitis is one of the reasons for abdominal pain and the most common cause of referral to pediatric emergency departments. There are different results on the frequency and complications of appendicitis during COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to compare the frequency and complications of acute appendicitis in children who underwent laparotomy before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Babol Children's Hospital, north of Iran. Materials and methods: This retrospective study was conducted in 172 children with acute appendicitis who underwent laparotomy. Children were divided into two groups according to the time of referral,before the COVID-19 pandemic (between December 2018 and November 2019) and during the pandemic (between March 2019 and February 2020). Surgeon’, s observations in laparotomy and also the complications (perforation, abscess, gangrene, and peritonitis) were recorded. Data analysis was carried out using Chi-score and paired t-test. Results: The children studied included 94 before the COVID-19 pandemic and 78 during the pandemic. The average age was 7. 76±, 2. 89 years. Findings showed that 165 (95. 9%) and 7 (4. 1%) children had confirmed and unconfirmed appendicitis, respectively, indicating no significant difference between the two groups (P=0. 45). The complications of appendicitis (perforation, gangrene, abscess, and peritonitis) were 8. 25% before the pandemic and 34. 2% during the pandemic (P=0. 24). There was no significant difference between the two groups in average time interval between the onset of pain and attending the hospital (P=0. 38). Conclusion: In this study, the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect the frequency of acute appendicitis in children. These results probably indicate the proper performance of the treatment staff and the parents' rapid response to their child’, s acute abdominal symptoms during the pandemic.

Background and purpose: Palate and lip cleft are prevalent congenital deformities in children that have a multi-factorial etiology involving both genetic and environmental factors. The present study assessed the orthodontic-related quality of life in children with palate and lip cleft. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 83 people with palate and lip cleft attending private dental clinics in Sari, Iran. They were selected via convenience sampling. Orthognathic quality of life questionnaire was completed by patients. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire is confirmed. The quality of life of the participants was determined from different dimensions, including social aspects, dental-facial beauty, oral function, and awareness of dental-facial beauty. One-way analysis of variance, t-test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data. Results: The study included 41 girls and 42 boys with mean age of 12. 46 years (8-18 years of age). The frequency of cleft lip and palate, cleft lip, and cleft palate were 49. 4%, 22. 9%, and 27. 7%, respectively. The study showed no significant difference between patients with different types of cleft lip and palate in terms of the total score for quality of life and its dimensions (P=0. 02). We found no significant relationship between age and dimensions of quality of life (P<0. 05). Age was found to be weakly correlated with the scores of the awareness domain (r=0. 24, P=0. 02). Conclusion: The quality of life was found to be at an average level in the population studied. The quality of life was not different between patients with cleft lip or palate.

Background and purpose: Condensing osteitis is the local reaction of bone to a pulp inflammatory stimulus with low intensity and long duration and is the most common radiopaque pathogen lesion in the jaw. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of condensing osteitis in apex of teeth with deep caries and restorations in panoramic radiographs. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated panoramic radiographs of 2039 patients attending Sari Dental School clinic for dental treatments during 2018-19. Demographic information, including age and sex were recorded. All panoramic radiographs were taken with Cranex D (soredex, Finland) panoramic device and Ortho CP-G Plus films. Lesions in the area of teeth with extensive restoration or deep caries (condensing osteitis) were examined in both jaws. Data were analyzed in SPSS V21 using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Fisher's exact test and Chi-square. Results: According to findings, 364 panoramic radiographs had condensing osteitis. The frequency of radiopacity at the apex of teeth with condensing osteitis was significantly higher in women than men (P=0. 042). But there was no significant association between condensing osteitis and border, shape, jaw type, tooth type, and age (P<0. 05). Conclusion: This study showed a relatively high prevalence of condensing osteitis in our patients in dental clinic at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Current findings support the theory that condensing osteitis lesions may form a reaction associated with severely decayed, restored, or pulpitized teeth.

Congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract account for about 30% of malformations diagnosed in children. These malformations may have derived from cellular and molecular deterioration. Some of these abnormalities, including accessory renal arteries, ureter duplication, and lobulated kidneys require early diagnosis before kidney transplantation and pelvic surgeries. During the routine dissection of an about 60-year-old man cadaver at Arak University of Medical Sciences, some congenital anomalies of the urinary system, including bilateral ureter on the left side and lobulated of both kidneys were observed. In this case, also an accessory renal artery was originated from the abdominal aorta and entered the lower pole of the left kidney hilum. Immediate identification of accessory renal arteries and duplicated ureters are necessary for kidney transplantation and prevention of vesicoureteral reflux. Early diagnosis of these problems through clinical symptoms and radiographic images before surgery is important as it reduces the possibility of errors or surgery compilations.