Razi Journal of Medical Sciences
Year:2019 | Volume:26 | Issue:8|Papers Count:9

Background: Diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic illnesses that is closely associated with some psychological problems, particularly stress. In this case, psychological interventions can be useful. The aim of this study was to investigate effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on self-care activities and life expectancy in patient with type 2 diabetes. Methods: In this study, semi-experimental design (pretest-post-test) and a one year follow up period with control group was used. Population of the study included patients with type 2 diabetes that were members of Iranian Diabetes Society of Tehran. For sampling, 60 patients were selected by available sampling method. Finally, 15 patients were randomly assigned to either experimental and control groups. Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities Questionnaire (SDSCA) and Snyder’ s life expectancy Questionnaire were used. The obtained data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The results showed that MBSR significantly affected on self-care activities and this effect was stable after one year follow up period (p=0. 037). Also, the results showed that MBSR only with regard to pretest, post-test and follow up periods and its interaction with the group could have a significant effect on life expectancy and this effect was stable after one year follow up period (p=0. 004). Conclusion: Findings revealed that MBSR can be effective on increasing self-care activities and life expectancy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended to integrate such interventions into comprehensive treatment of diabetes.

Background: Today, the application of artificial intelligence in the field of health systems has been expanded. Machine learning as one of the sub-branches of artificial intelligence has many applications in the field of medical diagnosis. Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common kidney diseases around the world, which facilitation and acceleration in its diagnosis will have a very favorable outcome for its future treatment. The purpose of this study is to provide an intelligent model based on machine learning techniques for diagnosis of kidney diseases. Methods: The data used in this study was extracted from 400 patients and nonpatients in India. These data were pre-processed in the Python environment and cleared from noisy and outlying observations. Then support vector machine, multilayer perceptron, and decision tree were used for data classification. Accuracy, Recall and Precision evaluation metrics were calculated for performance evaluation of these classifiers. Results: For the support vector machine algorithm, the Accuracy, Recall and Precision metrics were calculated to be 0. 97, 0. 961, and 0. 986, respectively. The findings indicated that the support vector machine algorithm performs better in terms of Accuracy. In terms of Recall, the decision tree algorithm with the value of 0. 963 had the best performance, and in terms of Precision, multi-layer perceptron algorithm with 0. 994 had the best performance in data classification. Conclusion: The results showed that machine learning techniques could be effective in the diagnosis of kidney disease. The use of these techniques can facilitate and expedite the diagnosis and treatment of these patients and increase the likelihood of recovery. The results also showed that the model presented on the basis of machine learning techniques is more accurate, simpler and less expensive than other techniques.

Background: The enterotoxin (cpe) gene in C. perfringensis is responsible for food poisoning and gastroenteritis. The dried vegetables are suitable environment for spore forming bacteria such C. perfringensis, because of spore resistance against harsh environments such as temperature, dehydrate etc. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify cpe-positive C. perfringens in dried vegetable. Methods: In a descriptive study, 140 samples including 70 bulk and 70 packed dried vegetables collected from various part of Tehran were tested. At first samples were inoculated in thioglycolate as enrichment medium, and then cultured into sulfite polymyxin sulfadiazine (SPS). The colonies were identified by phenotypic and biochemical tests and Duplex PCR was carried out for detection of alpha toxin (cpa) and enterotoxin (cpe) genes. Results: Out of 140 tested samples 13 samples (9. 3%) were identified as C. perfringens in which all of them were positive for cpa but negative for cpe gene. The rate of contamination of packed vegetables was 12. 8% whereas 5. 7% for bulk. Conclusion: The result of this study showed that C. perfringens contaminations in dried packed vegetables is possible, and that might happen during drying and packaging possess.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease, and one of the most common endocrine diseases and one of the biggest health problems in all countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks aerobic exercise with dairy consumption (low milk and yogurt) on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 48 subjects randomly divided into four groups of 12: (1) supplementation (low fat milk and yogurt), (2) aerobic training, (3) supplementation + aerobic training, and (4) Control group. The training group performed three 60-minute weekly moderate exercise and supplementation group received 200 grams of yogurt and 250 milliliters of low-fat milk every day for 12 weeks. 48 hours before and after the last intervention session, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, base blood glucose (fasting glucose, glucose 2 hours post-meal, HbA1c), triglyceride and total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, and frequent lipoprotein was measured. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 at a significance level of less than 5. Results: The results of this study showed that 12 weeks of aerobic training and dairy supplementation did not have a significant effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressure. But significant effect was seen in case of the body mass index (p = 0. 001) and the waist to hip ratio (p = 0. 001), blood glucose (p= 0. 001), (p = 0. 001) HbA1c and high density lipoprotein (p=0. 001), low density lipoprotein (p= 0. 122), total cholesterol (p = 0. 007) and triglyceride (p = 0. 006). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, a regular aerobic exercise program with a precise degree of severity and low-fat dairy consumption can be used to control and reduce cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients, which can be recommended in community health centers.

The avascular nature of cartilage tissue has posed a clinical challenge for replacement, repair, and reconstruction of damaged cartilage. Injuries to cartilage and osteochondral tissues can be due to osteoarthritis, sports, aggressive cancers, and repetitive stresses and inflammation on wearing tissue. Due to its limited capacity for regeneration or repair, there is a need for suitable material systems which can recapitulate the function of the native osteochondral tissue physically, mechanically, histologically, and biologically. One of the most important alternative methods introduced as an effective solution in this field is the Tissue Engineering (TE) strategy. The main goals of orthopedic tissue and medical engineering are the development of biological alternatives to repair, maintain or improve the damaged tissue and function of the cartilage organs. Three general components are involved in tissue engineering: (1) reparative cells that can form a functional matrix, (2) an appropriate biomaterial as scaffold for transplantation and support, and (3) growth factors, and cytokines that will support and choreograph formation of the desired tissue. TE scaffolds are designed to provide a 3D environment to support and direct cellular processes in their migration, proliferation, and differentiation toward functional tissue while promote angiogenesis in the in vivo implant of scaffold. The selection of bio-scaffolds for cartilage engineering requires excellent mechanical properties to support cellular functions, biocompatibility, capability of waste and nutrient transport, and sufficient structural integrity for joint reconstruction. Both natural and synthetic materials have been applied as cartilage tissue engineering biomaterial as scaffolds in a variety of forms, including fibrous structures, porous sponges, woven or non-woven meshes, and hydrogels. In recent decades, nanomaterial science has introduced new methods for improving and fortifying TE scaffolds, and lies on the forefront of cuttingedge TE strategies. These nanomaterials enable unique properties directly correlated to their sub-micron dimensionality including structural and cellular advantages. In this review article, it has been attempted to examine, in addition to a glimpse into cartilage tissue engineering, research studies and clinical trials in this area. This review article aims to provide a detailed overview of osteochondral regeneration and repair using TE strategies with a focus on research studies and clinical trials in this area.

Background: Treatment of Parkinson’ s Disease (PD) has an important aim for the physicians, patients and families, and for the society. The experimental research by cell therapy for PD has commonly used stem cells as the donor source. Human Endometrial Derived Stem Cells (HEDSCs), a readily obtainable type of mesenchymal stem-like cell was used to generate Dopaminergic (DA) neurons. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of intranasal administration of endometrial stem cells in mouse model of PD. Methods: In this investigation, for evaluation therapeutic efficacy of intranasal administration of HEDSCs in 6-OHDA induced mouse model of PD, 28 male mice weighting 25-30 gr were divided into 4 groups. On days 30, 60, 90, and 120 post stem cells administrated, the rotational behavior was measured. The animal received an intraperitoneal injection of apomorphine (0. 5 mg/kg), and was placed in an opaque cylinder. Also, to evaluate differentiation of HEDSCs in to the neural cells in mice brain, immunohistochemistry staining by using human neural Nesti was performed. Results: The result indicated that the intranasal administration of HEDSCs could decrease rotational behavioral compared with control group significantly post cell therapy in mouse model of PD. Besides, endometrial stem cells could differentiate into neural cells. Conclusion: We provide evidence that HEDSCs by opening a therapeutic way to PD treatment can improve rotational behavior in treated animals.

Background: Genetic studies have supported the role of PPARγ as an effective genetic component in the incidence and severity of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). The present study aimed to determine the effect of resistance training on PPARγ expression in subcutaneous fat tissue, insulin resistance, glucose and serum insulin in T2D rats. Methods: Fourteen males Wistar rats aged 10 weeks with T2D induced by high fat diet-STZ were randomly divided into exercise (n=7) and control (n=7) groups. Exercise group completed a six weeks resistance training including climbing on a stepladder (5 days/wk) and control group did not participate in any exercise intervention. Relative expression of PPARγ expression in subcutaneous fat tissue, fasting glucose and insulin resistance were measured 48 hours after the last exercise session of two groups. Independent T test was used to compare data. P values less than 0. 05 were considered significant. Results: Resistance training led to significant decrease in fasting glucose (p<0. 001) and insulin resistance (p<0. 001) in comparison to control group. Compared to control group, PPARγ increased in response to resistance training (p=0. 013). No significant difference was obsereved in serum insulin between the two groups (p=0. 0184). Conclusion: Based on existing evidence, reduced insulin resistance and fasting glucose can be attributed to increased PPARγ expression in subcutaneous fatty tissue of diabetic obese rats in response to resistance training.

Background: Hypertension is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease that is mostly associated with obesity and physical inactivity. The aim of present study was to identify the effect of eight weeks combined exercise training on the levels of adropin and VEGFR-2 in obese men with hypertension. Methods: The study was semi-experimental. 24 obese men with hypertension (systolic blood pressure more than 140 or diastolic blood pressure more than 90 mmHg) were assigned into two controls and combined training groups. Combined training program was conducted for eight weeks with three sessions per week. In each combined training session, initially circuit resistance training was performed which was then immediately followed by endurance training. 48 hours after last exercise session, blood samples were collected and adropin and VEGFR-2 levels were measured by ELISA method. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 24 and analysis of covariance test. Results: The results showed that adropin (p=0. 041) and VEGFR-2 (p>0. 001) significantly increased in combined exercise training group as compared to control group. Decrease in systolic blood pressure (p>0. 001) and lipid profile improvement (p<0. 05) were also significant in combined training group in comparison to control group. Conclusion: Although the information is limited about the effects of combined exercise training on hypertension, the present study results indicated that combined training had positive effects in controlling blood pressure in hypertensive patients which is partly related to up regulation of adropin and VEGFR-2 levels.

Background: Ascites is characterized by excess fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity. In assessing a patient with ascites, it is necessary to determine the cause due to the very different causes of ascites, the importance of knowing its causes and finally the unknown status of the disease in the area. In order to determine the causes ascites and the role of age, sex, and other causes we reviewed the causes and the reasons for the visit patients with ascites admitted to the emergency department of Rasoul Akram and Firoozgar Hospitals. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. In this study, the files of all patients referred to Firoozgar and Rasoul Akram hospitals during 5 years from 2010 to 2015 were evaluated. Data including demographic information, such as age, sex, etc., and clinical information such as cause, drug use, number of years of illness and etc were collected using a pre-designed checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software. Results: A total of 427 participants with ascites (48% male and 42% female) were enrolled. The most common cause of referral to hospital was abdominal pain (36. 8%) and then increased abdominal girth (20. 8%). The most common complication in hospitalized patients with ascites was SBP. Conclusion: Since SBP can be a life-threatening complication, early diagnosis and prompt treatment should be ensured. Further large-scale studies are suggested.