Journal of Ilam University of Medical Sciences
Year:2024 | Volume:32 | Issue:3|Papers Count:10

Introduction: Asymmetrical gait mechanics after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are associated with the development of post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis. Current measures of gait mechanics have focused on peak magnitudes of knee kinematics, kinetics, and joint contact forces,nonetheless, they have seldom considered the plantar pressure and muscular frequency content in individuals with ACLR and pronate feet (PF). The present study aimed to compare ACLR and PF with healthy controls during walking. Material & Methods: The present study was conducted based on a quasi-experimental and laboratory design. The sample of this study comprised 13 people with ACLR and PF and 13 subjects from the healthy group. The mean age scores of patients in the two groups of healthy and sick participants were 22. 9±4. 1 and 23. 2±4. 5 years, respectively. During the test, subjects walked barefoot on an 18-m runway. Peak plantar pressure variables in both groups were recorded by a foot scan system (sampling rate: 300 Hz). The electromyography activity of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius medialis, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and gluteus medius were recorded during walking. Results: The results demonstrated that the peak midfoot region plantar pressure values (P=0. 018) were higher in the ACLR/PF group than in the healthy group during walking. In addition, the results highlighted a significant difference in the muscle frequency content of the rectus femoris (P=0. 012, d=0. 68) and vastus latelarlis (P=0. 042) during the loading response and push-off phase in the ACLR/PF group compared to the healthy group during walking. Discussion & Conclusion: Peak plantar pressure values at the midfoot region and rectus femoris and vastus lateralis muscular frequency content in the ACLR/PF group differed from that of the healthy group during walking.

ntroduction: Oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. It seems that the intake of exogenous antioxidants may be effective in preventing, treating, and reducing the complications of these diseases. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, protecting the nervous system. The present study aimed to assess the effect of astaxanthin on the amount of malondialdehyde and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) after oxidative stress with hydrogen peroxide in the human neuroblastoma cell line BE (2)-C. Material & Methods: Human neuroblastoma cells were treated in this study with different concentrations of astaxanthin (25, 50, and 100 μM) or 50 μM ascorbic acid (positive control) for 24 h. To induce oxidative stress, they were exposed to hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 400 μM for 2 h. There was also a control group without treatment and without inducing oxidative stress. The amount of malondialdehyde as an index of oxidative stress and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were measured using calorimetric methods. Results: The obtained results demonstrated that the malondialdehyde concentration was significantly reduced in the groups treated with different concentrations of astaxanthin and ascorbic acid compared to the hydrogen peroxide group (P<0. 05). The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase also increased significantly in these groups compared to the group with oxygenated water (P<0. 05). Discussion & Conclusion: Astaxanthin appears to counteract the oxidative stress caused by hydrogen peroxide by lowering malondialdehyde levels and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes in BE (2) C cells, thereby protecting the cells from the impact of oxidative stress

Introduction: The use of functionalized metal nanoparticles against cancer cells has gained assiduous attention. This study aimed to assess the inhibitory activity of iron oxide nanoparticles coated with glucose and conjugated with coumarin (Fe3O4@Glu-Coumarin) on breast cancer cell line, as well as the expression of the caspase-8 and caspase-9 genes. Material & Methods: The physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles were evaluated using FT-IR, XRD, EDS-map, and electron microscope imaging. The toxicity of the synthesized nanoparticles was determined using the MTT assay, and the 50% inhibitory dose (IC50) was calculated. Moreover, the effect of nanoparticles on apoptosis induction was investigated by measuring the expression level of the caspase 8 and 9 genes and flow cytometry analysis. Statistical analyses were performed in SPSS software. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to assess significant differences between nanoparticle-treated and control groups. A p-value of less than 0. 05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: The synthesis of Fe3O4@Glu-Coumarin nanoparticles was confirmed by physicochemical tests, including FT-IR, XRD, EDS-mapping, and electron microscope imaging. The nanoparticles had dimensions of 25 to 50 nm and contained Fe, O, and C elements. The treatment of MCF-7 cells with nanoparticles caused a significant decrease in the survival of cancer cells, and the IC50 was 93μg/ml. The exposure of cells to the nanoparticles caused a marked increase in the expression of caspases 8 and 9 by 2. 6 and 2. 9 folds, respectively, compared to the control group. In addition, the frequency of apoptotic cells after treatment with the nanoparticles increased from 2. 21% to 84%. Discussion & Conclusion: The results of this study pointed out that Fe3O4@Glu-Coumarin increased the expression of the caspases 8 and 9 genes in breast cancer cells and, as a result, can activate the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells.

Introduction: Protection motivation theory is one of the most effective theories in predicting preventive behaviors. It first emphasizes motivation and then the development of adaptive skills. This theory is used to understand and predict health intentions and behaviors that protect a person from traumatic events. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of group training based on protection motivation theory in the lifestyle, negative thoughts, and dysfunctional attitudes of depressed people. Material & Methods: In this study, we adopted a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design. The statistical population was all clients suffering from mild to moderate depression who visited the Ghaemshahr Help Center in the spring of 1402. Considering that 15-20 people are used in group training, a number of 40 people in two experimental groups and controls were selected by the available sampling method and answered the health-promoting lifestyle questionnaires of Walker and colleagues (1987), Weisman and Beck's dysfunctional attitudes by Wiseman and Beck (1978), and Kendall and Hollon's (1980) negative self-concepts. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, multivariate covariance analysis, and univariate covariance analysis. A p-value less than 0. 05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results of the analysis of covariance demonstrated that the mean scores of lifestyles, negative spontaneous thoughts, and ineffective attitudes in experimental and control groups had a statistically significant difference of less than 1% (P=0. 01). Moreover, the post-test mean scores of negative self-inflicted thoughts and ineffective attitudes of subjects in the experimental group under self-protection motivation training decreased compared to the control group who were not under training. Furthermore, the effect size for group membership for lifestyle was equal to (Eta=0. 83), for negative spontaneous thoughts, it was equal to (Eta=0. 69), and for ineffective attitudes, it was equal to (Eta=0. 62). Discussion & Conclusion: Self-protection motivation training is effective in improving lifestyle and reducing negative self-esteem and ineffective attitudes of depressed people. According to the nature of the protection motivation theory, it is suggested to be used to improve the lifestyle, negative thoughts, and ineffective attitude of depressed people.

Introduction: Opportunistic fungi create biofilm resistant to active antifungal drugs in immunocompromised people. The present study aimed to assess the expression of CDR1 and MDR1 genes in the stages of biofilm formation by candidate species isolated from clinical samples. Material & Methods: 100 oral, vaginal, and fecal swabs were sampled from people with immune and physiological defects and normal people. The isolates were identified by laboratory tests and specific Candida chrome agar culture medium, and the presence of resistance genes was proved by molecular method. The formation of biofilm in the presence and absence of amphotericin B-in the strains was investigated using the crystal violet test and scanning electron microscope photo. The expression level of CDR1 and MDR1 genes was determined using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Results: More than 50% of isolated strains were Candida albicans, and the frequency of other strains was 8. 33%. Among the 60 strains that were investigated in terms of genotype, only 48 Candida strains had both CDR1 and MDR1 genes. The statistical analysis of the results demonstrated that the amphotericin B-drug during 30 hours after biofilm formation significantly reduced the expression of resistance genes compared to the control group (P<0. 05). Discussion & Conclusion: The expression of resistance genes in Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis is effective in increasing biofilm formation and the occurrence of candidiasis. Simultaneous expression of resistance genes is effective in increasing Candida albicans pathogenicity. The sub-MIC concentration of amphotericin B significantly reduces the expression of resistance genes and biofilm formation in Candida strains.

Introduction: Endometriosis (EMS) is a female reproductive system disease in which uterine-like cells grow in other areas of the body and outside the uterus. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a major role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix and the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The present study is the first to investigate the possible association of MMP-2 (rs7201) and MMP-9 (rs17576) genetic variants with susceptibility to EMS in Iran. Material & Methods: This case-control study was performed on 100 healthy control women and 100 patients with EMS. The MMP-2 and MMP-9 genotypes were determined using the Tetra amplification-refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) Technique. Data were analyzed in SPSS software. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the distribution of MMP-9 AG (OR: 4. 11, 95% CI: 2. 13-7. 91, P<0. 001) and GG (OR: 11. 33, 95% CI: 4. 23-30. 3,P <0. 001) genotypes between the control and patient groups. The MMP-9 G allele was associated with an increased risk of endometriosis (P<0. 001). Moreover, a significant association was detected between MMP-2 rs7201 polymorphism and EMS. MMP-2 AC genotype had a protective effect on endometriosis (OR: 0. 27. 95% CI: 0. 15-49%,P<0. 001), and the MMP-2 A allele was associated with decreased risk of endometriosis (P<0. 001). Discussion & Conclusion: As evidenced by the results of this study, MMP-9 rs17576 and MMP-2 rs7201 polymorphisms were associated with EMS in the studied population in Iran. Further studies with larger samples of different ethnicities need to confirm these results

Introduction: Frozen shoulder syndrome is a pathological condition associated with pain and restricted glenohumeral joint movement. It is divided into two types: idiopathic and secondary. The present study aimed to compare pain, as well as the condition of the cervical and dorsal spine, in patients with idiopathic and secondary frozen shoulder syndrome. Material & Methods: This analytical observational study was conducted on 25 women with idiopathic frozen shoulder and 30 women with secondary frozen shoulder, referring to clinics of Tabriz, who were purposively selected. The pain level was measured using a visual analog scale, the posture of the cervical spine was measured using a photograph, and the posture of the thoracic spine was measured using a flexible ruler. An independent t-test was performed to compare the mean values of the variables. The data were analyzed using SPSS software at a significance level of 0. 05. Results: The obtained results demonstrated that there was a significant difference in the comparison of pain between patients with idiopathic and secondary frozen shoulder (P=0. 001). Nonetheless, the comparison of the posture of the cervical spine revealed no significant difference between the two groups (P=0. 057). However, the thoracic spine arch was significantly higher in patients with idiopathic frozen shoulders than in the secondary group (P=0. 002). Discussion & Conclusion: Pain and thoracic spine arch were more common in idiopathic frozen shoulder patients than in secondary patients. Although the difference in the condition of the cervical spine in the two groups was not significant, it is generally necessary to evaluate the posture of the spine to treat the pain of patients with frozen shoulders, especially idiopathic patients.

Introduction: Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder. Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent disease affecting these individuals from middle age onwards and leading to numerous problems for individuals, their families, and their caregivers. To develop Alzheimer's prevention strategies for Down syndrome, it is of utmost importance to understand the factors that contribute to its development, such as psychological foundations. The present study aimed to analyze personality and lifestyle in slow-paced adults with Down syndrome with and without Alzheimer's disease. Material & Methods: This qualitative research was conducted based on a descriptive phenomenological design. The research population consisted of adults with Down syndrome (60 cases without Alzheimer's and 10 subjects with Alzheimer's), their parents, and caregivers in Kermanshah province in 2023. In this regard, data collection was carried out through access to medical records of individuals in the Welfare Organization and also semi-structured interviews with these individuals who were purposefully selected until reaching the stage of theoretical saturation. Data analysis was performed using the Clausi method, and the main and sub-themes were identified. For final validation, the criteria of validity and reliability were used. Results: The findings from the data analysis resulted in the extraction of 3 main themes (social-psychotic-coping skills), 14 sub-themes in personality dimension, and 9 main themes (sleep-physical activity-occupation-physical health-weight control and nutrition-personal hygiene-smoking and alcohol consumption-leisure time-doing things independently) and 21 sub-themes in the lifestyle dimension. Discussion & Conclusion: The results of this study highlighted the role and importance of a healthy lifestyle and adaptive personality characteristics in preventing Alzheimer's disease in slow-paced adults with Down syndrome. Therefore, it is suggested that preventive and awareness-raising programs in these two dimensions be developed and implemented by experts and official centers.

Introduction: Nurses with intelligence and moral reasoning can perform well and be effective in their relationships with colleagues, patients, and companions. The clinical competence of nurses is the primary concern of healthcare systems. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between moral intelligence, moral reasoning, and clinical competence of nurses. Material & Methods: This descriptive-analytical correlational study was conducted on 110 nurses who were selected via convenience sampling in the teaching hospitals of Ilam in 2022. Data collection tools were demographic characteristics form, Link and Keel's moral ‎intelligence, the Nursing Clinical Competence Questionnaire by Liu et al., and the Nursing Dilemma Test by Chrisham. ‎Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16) using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The level of statistical significance was 0. 05. Results: The majority of subjects were women (54. 5%) with a bachelor's degree in nursing (87. 3%), official employment (61. 8%), with a work experience of 1-5 years (50%), and mean age of 30. 98±5. 83 years. The mean scores of moral intelligence, moral reasoning, and clinical competence were reported as 157. 59±26. 60, 36. 51±16. 17, and 136. 65±46. 08, respectively. There was a direct and significant correlation between moral intelligence and clinical competence (r=0. 517,P=0. 001), moral intelligence and moral reasoning (r=0. 444,P=0. 001), as well as moral reasoning and clinical competence (r=0. 802,P=0. 001). Discussion & Conclusion: Considering the direct and significant relationship between the variables, it is recommended that nurses' awareness of moral intelligence, moral reasoning, and clinical competency be raised through clinical training courses.

Introduction: Breast cancer, which is one of the most common cancers with high mortality in women, has always been the focus of researchers, and every day, scientists are trying to identify mechanisms, genes, and medicines related to this disease. Nowadays, bioinformatics methods are used to identify and repurpose drugs for the treatment of diseases, especially cancer. Material & Methods: In this study, bioinformatics and biological network analysis were used to identify candidate drugs for breast cancer treatment. In this regard, analysis of the protein interaction network and drug-gene network were employed. The needed data were collected from the GEO database with the access code GSE54002. For the selected data set, genes with significant expression changes between two groups of healthy people and people with breast cancer cases were selected and considered primary genes. Thereafter, the protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING database, and a significant gene module was obtained from the network. Following that, gene ontology studies and biological pathways were conducted. Next, the drug-gene network was constructed to identify drugs that target module genes and were introduced as essential drugs for the treatment of breast cancer. Cytoscape software and STRING and OncoDB databases were used to reconstruct and analyze the networks. Results: After analyzing the protein-protein interaction network and the drug-gene network, three important drugs that target the genes of the modules were identified and introduced as candidate drugs for the treatment of breast cancer. These drugs were RG-1530, R-406, and GW441756x. Discussion & Conclusion: The obtained results demonstrated that the introduced drugs (RG-1530, R-406, and GW441756x) can be effective in the treatment of breast cancer