Feyz Medical Sciences Journal
Year:2013 | Volume:17 | Issue:5|Papers Count:17

Background: Colon cancer is the most common digestive cancer and also the fourth cause of cancer death around the world. On the other hand, many processes can be affected by electromagnetic fields and such fields may have different effects on cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of low-frequency electromagnetic field on HT-29 cancer cell line.Materials and Methods: HT-29 and L929 cell lines were cultured in RPMI medium containing fetal bovine serum and antibiotics. Cells were exposed to 50 Hz electromagnetic field with intensities of 50, 200 and 400 gauss for 3 hours. Growth, proliferation and morphological changes were photographed using an inverted microscope. MTT assay was used to quantify cell viability.Results: Viability percent of HT-29 (81.097±2.703) and L929 (89.375±3.672) cell lines in the vicinity of electromagnetic field with intensity of 50 gauss was not significantly decreased compared to the control group. Viability percent of HT-29 (30.807±4.479) and L929 (35.179±4.137) cell lines in the vicinity of electromagnetic field with intensity of 200 gauss was significantly decreased compared to the control group. Moreover, viability percent of HT-29 (18.391±3.091) and L929 (23.046±3.513) cell lines in the vicinity of electromagnetic field with intensity of 400 gauss was significantly decreased compared to the control group.Conclusion: Electromagnetic field with frequency of 50 Hz and intensities of 200 and 400 gauss has an inhibitory effect on the growth and proliferation as well as a cytotoxic effect on HT-29 and L929 cell lines.

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in some parts of Iran. The use of pentavalent antimony compounds as first therapeutic choice is associated with limitations and several adverse effects and complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aloe-emodin on Leishmania major promastigote growth in vitro conditions and also the effect of aloe-emodin on induction of apoptosis in Leishmania major promastigotes.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, different concentrations (40, 80, 120 and 160 mg/ml) of aloe-emodin were tested in three different times (24, 48 and 72h) on Leishmania promastigotes and the IC50 was calculated by counting the number of parasites.The MTT (3- [4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl] -2, 5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay was used to determine the percentage of live promastigotes after adding aloe-emodin. Apoptosis at three different concentrations (40, 80 and 120 mg/ml) was evaluated by flowcytometry and also the percentages of early and late apoptosis and necrosis were determined.Results: Result showed that aloe-emodin has an inhibitory effect on the growth of Leishmania promastigotes. The IC50 value was 52.79μg/ml. Moreover, the results of flowcytometry showed that aloe-emodin induced the early and late apoptosis in Leishmania promastigotes.Conclusion: Aloe-emodin shows an antileishmanial effects in vitro condition and regarding its herbal origin, it can be tested as the new drug in vivo studies.

Background: Nitric oxide and mecamylamine have an important role in anxiety-like behavior. Determining the site of action in the brain and interaction between these agents need to be investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possible interaction between mecamylamine and nitric oxide in dorsal hippocampus using the elevated plusmaze test of anxiety.Materials and Methods: This experimental study was performed on 180 male NMRI mice.Mice were anaesthetized with ketamine and xylazine and two cannuale were inserted stereotaxically into the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus. All animals were allowed to recover for 1 week before the beginning of the behavioral testing. The elevated plus-maze was used to test the anxiety-like behavior.Results: Bilateral intra-dorsal hippocampal injections of mecamylamine, L-arginine or LNAME induced the anxiogenic effects. Intra-dorsal hippocampal injection of ineffective dose of mecamylamine before different doses of L-arginine or L-NAME potentiated the anxiogenic effects of L-arginine or L-NAME.Conclusion: Results reveal that both nitric oxide and mecamylamine not only play a part in the modulation of anxiety in the dorsal hippocampus of mouse but also have demonstrated a complex interaction as well.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of pumpkin extract regimen on testicular structure and serum biochemical parameters in cyclophosphamide (CP)-treated adult rats.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were allocated into 4 groups (n=10). The first group (control) received a single-dose of saline (1 ml); the second group a single dose of CP (100 mg/kg body weight); the third and fourth group pumpkin extract (300 and 600 mg orally, respectively) for 6-week after CP. Histological and morphological structures of the testis, malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), the antioxidant and testosterone levels in serum were evaluated in different groups.Results: Findings of this study showed that the number of germ cells and epithelium thickness in seminiferous tubules were decreased in the CP group compared to the control (P<0.001). These variables increased in the pumpkin extract group compared to the CP group (P<0.001). Pumpkin extract (300 and 600 mg/kg) increased the antioxidant and ROS levels in serum compared to the control and CP groups, respectively (P<0.05).Conclusion: Pumpkin extract (300 mg/kg) has an antioxidant activity and thus can reduce the adverse effects of CP in testis.

Background: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is one of the procedures which need a clear surgical field. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of propofol and isoflurane on depth of anaesthesia and blood loss during ESS.Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 52 (36 males and 16 females) ESS candidates referred to the Shafa hospital in Kerman. One group received propofol and another group isoflurane. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), depth of anaesthesia (DA) and total blood loss were recorded for patients in both groups.Results: DA was decreased in both groups, but no significant correlation was observed between the two groups in DA, MAP and blood loss. Moreover, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in total blood loss. Blood pressure was decreased in both groups during surgery.Conclusion: There is no significant difference between propofol and isoflurane in DA and decreasing blood loss during ESS. Therefore, we suggest the use of hypotensive anaesthetic agents during ESS.

Background: Falling is a common serious medical condition that affects the health of elderly persons and increases the health care costs. It also can lead to physical, psychological, social, and economic outcomes and even death. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the effect of Pilates training on psychological and social factors related to falling in elderly women in Shahrekord during 2011-2012.Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 30 elderly women (age range, 70.23±5.9) referred to Farhikhtegan rehabilitation center in Shahrekord were randomly allocated into the experimental and control groups. To evaluate the psychological and social factors, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and WHOQOL-BREF (WB) questionnaire were used, respectively. Then the experimental group received a 12-week Pilates training exercise.Results: Results showed a significant difference between the two groups regarding the depression (P=0.007) and quality of life in both the physical (P=0.0001) and environmental (P=0.017) dimensions.Conclusion: Pilates training sessions can reduce the depression level and improve the quality of life in the elderly. It can therefore help them play a more significant role in the society and be more interactive in terms of social and cultural aspects.

Background: Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder which despite treatment its clinical manifestations affect the patients' quality of life. Therefore, psychological support and rehabilitation programs are needed to improve the quality of life in such patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an 8-week walking program on quality of life in patients with thalassemia major.Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 61 patients with thalassemia major (18 years and older) were randomly divided into the experimental and control groups.Patients in the experimental group performed an 8-week walking program. Quality of life was assessed using the SF36 questionnaire before and after the intervention in both groups.Results: Results showed significant improvements in quality of life in the experimental group compared with the control group after an 8-week regular walking program (P<0.05).Conclusion: An 8-week walking program has a positive effect on the quality of life in thalassemia major patients and a walking program designed for such patients is recommended to enhance their quality of life.

Background: Cognitive structures organize the thought and behavior of the person. When the deepest cognitive schemas are activated, people experience the high levels of emotions.It has been proved that emotion regulation plays an important role in adaptation to the stressful life events. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the early maladaptive schemas and cognitive emotion regulation strategies in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients and healthy people.Materials and Methods: In this causal-comparative (ex-post facto) study, 60 OCD patients and 60 healthy people were selected by purposive sampling.Results: Results showed no significant difference between the early maladaptive schemas and cognitive emotion regulation strategies in OCD patients and healthy people; OCD patients received the higher scores in early maladaptive schemas. Moreover, results indicated that OCD patients facing the negative life events use the cognitive emotion of regulation negative strategies, but healthy people use the cognitive emotion regulation positive strategies. No significant difference was seen between the males and females in using the early maladaptive schemas and cognitive emotion regulation strategies.Conclusion: OCD patients have higher levels of early maladaptive schemas; in facing the negative life events, they use the cognitive emotion regulation maladaptive and negative strategies.

Background: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are the important nosocomial pathogens worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of VRE strains in fecal samples isolated from ICU patients and the associated risk factors.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 156 fecal samples were collected from three sectors of ICU at Kashan Shahid-Beheshti hospital from November 2011 to April 2012. Enterococci were detected in samples using the Gram stain and biochemical tests such as catalase reaction, pyrro- lidonyl arylamidase (PYR) and hydrolyze bile esculin. Antibiotic sensitivity test was done by Kirby-Bauer method for the detection of phenotypic resistance.Results: Fifty-eight out of 135 (43%) patients were colonized with VRE. Van A, B and C phenotypes were 79.3%, 17.2% and 3.5%, respectively. Ninety-four percent of VRE-positive patients had used antibiotics (P=0.037). VRE colonization was associated with the use of 3-4 types of antibiotics (59.2%) and 1-2 types of antibiotics (35.4%; P=0.009) and also with prolonged hospitalization. Moreover, no significant association was seen between VRE colonization and the use of corticosteroids, diabetes, history of hospitalization and the type of diseases.Conclusion: The risk factors for VRE colonization were the use of antibiotics, especially using 3-4 types of antibiotics and prolonged hospitalization.

Background: Quinolone-resistance in Escherichia coli is ordinarily associated with mutations in the gyrA and parC genes. Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) was increasingly identified in Enterobacteriaceae family worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of qnrA gene among quinolone-resistant E. coli isolates in Khorram Abad, Iran.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, one-hundred forty E. coli isolates were collected from urine samples of the patients. Isolates were screened for ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid resistance using disk diffusion method according to clinical and laboratory standards institute (CLSI) guidelines. Moreover, PCR was used to evaluate the presence of qnrA gene in quinolone-resistant isolates.Results: One-hundred sixteen (82.8%) and 63 (43%) out of 140 E. coli isolates showed resistance to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin, respectively. The results showed that 14 (12.1%) nalidixic acid-resistant and 9 (14.3%) ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates were positive for qnrA gene.Conclusion: The identification of qnrA gene among quinolone-resistant E. coli isolates shows that the emergence of PMQR in this region requires serious preventive measures.

Background: Foreign body aspiration (FBA), as a life-threatening emergency, is a common problem in children especially in 1-3 year old age group. FBA is one of the leading causes of death in the 7% of children under 4 years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic findings of foreign body aspiration in children admitted to 17-Shahrivar hospital in Rash.Materials and Methods: In this study, the required data were collected from the medical records of all children with FBA hospitalized in 17- Shahrivar hospital (Rasht, Iran).Results: Fifty-one percent of the children were 1-3 years and the most common complaints of patients were cough (34%) and respiratory distress (34%). In patients' history records, initial suspicion to aspiration was 78%, respiratory distress, 65% and choking, 63%.Common physical examination findings were unilateral decreased pulmonary sound (65%) and rales (45%). The most common findings in CXR were consolidation (34%) and unilateral air trapping (32%).The most frequent foreign body was sunflower seed (34.5%).The ratio of foreign body in the right and left bronchi was equal in children under 1 year old (40%) and was more in right bronchi in older children.Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of aspiration and choking, initial suspicion to them and history records can be helpful in diagnosis.

Background: Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in Iran. However, its epidemiology has not been completely reviewed and limited research has been undertaken in this area. This study aimed to review the skin cancer epidemiology and changes in its trends in Iran over the last decade.Materials and Methods: In this study, articles from national and international scientific databases published during 2000-2011 on epidemiology and risk factors of skin cancer were systematically reviewed. In total, 15 articles from national databases and five articles from other databases were selected; reports from the national cancer registry were also reviewed.Results: According to the national cancer registry reports since 2003 to 2008, age standardized incidence rate for skin cancer increased significantly; the highest and lowest age-standardized incidence rates were observed in the 80-84 and 0-4 age groups, respectively. Although the percentage of cases with skin cancer to all cancers declined from 15.8% to 13.1% over the period, skin cancer still has the highest prevalence among all cancers in Iran. The most common morphologic form of skin cancer in Iran is basal cell carcinoma; its incidence rates in women and men decreased from 75.9% to 65.9% and 69% to 59.1%, respectively. Face, head and neck were the most common sites for skin cancer in 92% of the cases.Conclusion: Considering the increasing incidence of skin cancer and limited research done in this area in Iran, further studies are needed to investigate the risk factors, prevention strategies and survival for this cancer.

Background: Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases caused by the intracellular protozoa of the genus Leishmania which are transmitted by sand flies. Visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) is usually caused by Leishmania infantum and Leishmania tropica in children less than 5 years of age living in large areas of the Mediterranean basin, including Iran. Such disease accompanied by significant morbidity and mortality; if not treated it would have a mortality of 85-90%.Case Report: The patient is an 18-month-old boy from the Nashalj village in Kashan, Iran, who suffered from occasional fevers of unknown origin, associated with pallor and decreased appetite since 2 months before admission. One week before the admission, he had persistent fever which was associated with splenomegaly and finally during the disease follow-up and after the two hospitalizations, the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis was established and he was fully recovered.Conclusion: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (salak) is considered to be an endemic disease in Kashan, but so far no cases of visceral leishmaniasis have been reported in this city. This case is the first case of the disease in the region and considering the serious complications and mortality of the visceral form of the disease, careful follow-up is needed to detect the contaminated people or resources and to properly treat them.