Internal Medicine Today
Year:2020 | Volume:26 | Issue:2|Papers Count:8

Aims This study compared relative contrast values in three-dimensional Double Echo Steady State (DESS) sequences with two flip angles of 40 and 90 degrees and other routine sequences. The obtained data could help to prove the effects of this sequence, compared to the other routine sequences; accordingly, it could be applied for better detection of lesions resulting from cartilage abnormalities. Methods & Materials Total, 15 patients, including 9 men (14-56 y) and 6 women (36-65 y) with knee pain symptoms were referred to us by an orthopedic physician. All of the investigated patients underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) using DESS sequences with two flip angles of 40 and 90 degrees, as well as STIR, PD, T2, and 3D FLASH. We analyzed the acquired images using the Radiant DICOM Viewer4. 6. 9 software. We calculated relative contrast values for the selected SAGITAL images per sequence for each patient. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS. Findings Friedman and Wilcoxon statistical tests data revealed significant P values (<0. 05) for all the sequences examined in this study. The DESS sequence with a flip angle of 90° presented the most relative contrast value with the average score of 77. 2667. The FLASH sequence provided the worst result of 3. 733 for the relative contrast value. Conclusion The DESS sequence with 90° flip angle indicated the best relative contrast values and provided the best possible signal from the synovial fluid and the cartilage; therefore, it leads to the better examination of articular cartilage in terms of lesion. Accordingly, the DESS sequence with a flip angle of 90° was the optimal sequence to evaluate cartilage abnormalities among the examined sequences in this study.

Aims In chronic and incurable illnesses, the quality of life and its related factors are of significant importance. We aimed to investigate the predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive individuals. Methods & Materials Our sample included 90 HIV-infected individuals who were under Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in Imam Khomeini Hospital of Tehran, Iran, in 2016-2017. The HRQoL questionnaire, Prospective-Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) interview, and flowcytometry test to assess CD4 count were used for data gathering. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency and standard deviation and inferential statistics, including correlation and stepwise regression analyses. SPSS was used for data analysis, as well. Findings The present study data revealed that prospective/retrospective memory complaint and daily living functioning were predictors HRQoL in individuals with HIV (P<0. 001, F2, 85=22. 70, R2 adj=0. 55). The collected data also suggested that CD4 count, viral load, gender, age, and education did not predict HRQoL in the explored HIV-positive individuals (P>0. 05). Conclusion Prospective and retrospective memory and daily living functioning were the major predictors of HRQoL among the investigated HIV-infected individuals.

Aims Preoperative anxiety could increase postoperative pain, the need for analgesics, and the patient's hospital stay. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of aromatherapy with rose on preoperative anxiety before abdominal operation. Methods & Materials This clinical trial was performed on 90 patients undergoing abdominal operation at 15Khordad Hospital, in 2017. The study patients were assigned to the intervention and control groups by permuted block randomization method (n=45/group). The study instrument was the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The STAI was completed before and after conducting the intervention in both study groups. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS using descriptive statistics, Student’ s t-test, Paired Samples t-test, and Chi-squared test at a significance level of P<0. 05. Findings The mean± SD age of the investigated patients in the intervention and control groups were 37. 13± 31. 35 and 44. 15± 51. 65 years, respectively. Most frequent operation type was inguinal hernia in both study groups. Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of anxiety (P>0. 05); however, after the intervention, there was a significant difference between the study groups in terms of apparent and total anxiety (P<0. 05). Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the study groups, in terms of latent anxiety (P>0. 05). Conclusion Aromatherapy with rose is effective in decreasing the apparent anxiety of patients before surgery. Thus, it is recommended to be used as a complementary, inexpensive, and non-invasive treatment at healthcare centers.

Aims Niosomes have been considered as carriers for targeted delivery of drugs in modern drug delivery systems. The Iranian Nepta (Nepta genus) has unique biological properties; thus, this plant was used in this study to prepare the optimized formulation of niosomes containing extract, and to evaluate its cytotoxicity. Methods & Materials Initially, the extract of Iranian Nepta (N. persica) was prepared. Then, the nanoniosomal system, containing the extract was designed and synthesized using cholesterol and Span-60. The physicochemical properties of the system were evaluated by FTIR and SEM. MTT assay [3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] was used to determine the toxicity of the Nepta extract and nano-system containing it against bone cancer cells (MG63). Findings An optimized formulation was obtained using cholesterol and Span-60 with a ratio of 80: 20. The amount of extract release from this formulation continued with a steady slope over a long period of time. The survival rate of MG63 cells against 100 μ g/mL of the free form of N. persica extract and its niosomal form were 22% and 8. 88%, respectively. Conclusion The present research results suggested that N. persica extract exert anti-cancer effects and niosome could improve its anti-cancer efficiency. Therefore, it could be used as a proper carrier to deliver the extract to the target tissue.

Aims Resistin is secreted by adipose tissue and could be the link between diabetes and infertility. This study aimed to investigate the alteration of resistin following aerobic exercise training in diabetic rats and its possible interaction with sperm parameters. Methods & Materials In this experimental study, 30 male Wistar rats (age: 56 days, weight: 200-250g) were randomly divided equally into three groups of healthy control, diabetic control, and diabetic aerobic exercises. Diabetes was induced with a unique intraperitoneal injection (65 mg/kg body weight) of streptozotocin. Seven days after the injection and after 12 hours of fasting, the animals with blood glucose levels of ≥ 250 mg/dL were considered diabetic. Seven days after the induction of diabetes, the animals in the exercise group were subjected to progressive aerobic training (treadmill running for 1 h, 27 m/min, 5 d/wk). After 10 weeks of exercise, the sperm quality and resistin concentrations were measured. The obtained data were compared using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (P<0. 05). Findings The induction of diabetes significantly decreased sperm count (P=0. 001), motility (P=0. 001), viability (P=0. 001), and morphology (P=0. 01). The sperm parameters, such as count (P=0. 03) and viability (P=0. 002) were significantly higher in the diabetic exercise group, compared to the diabetic sedentary group. No significant changes were found in resistin levels between diabetic exercise and diabetic sedentary groups (P=0. 40). Conclusion The collected results indicated that the 10-week aerobic training regimen improved sperm quality, independent of changes in resistin levels, in type 2 diabetes mellitus rat models.

Aims Breast cancer is among the most prevalent cancers in women and has mental and emotional effects, leading to declined quality of life. The current this study aimed to determine the prevalence rate of depression in Iranian women with breast cancer. Methods & Materials This study was conducted using a meta-analysis method at Zabol University of Medical Science in March 2019. Six electronic databases were searched and evaluated for original research papers published on the prevalence of depression in Iranian women with breast cancer. Finally, 15 articles were selected and analysed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Findings Overall, the prevalence rate of depression in Iranian women with breast cancer was 18. 5% (95% CI: 14. 2%-23. 7%). The highest reported prevalence of depression in Iranian women with breast cancer was 35% in Babol City, in 2013, (95% CI: 27. 8%-43%); the lowest prevalence of depression in this population was measured as 3. 4% in Qom City, in 2017 (95% CI: 1. 2%-9%). A significant correlation was observed between the prevalence rate of depression, and sample size, year, and mean age (P<0. 05). Conclusion Depression affects approximately one-fifth of women with breast cancer. Therefore, it is essential for the healthcare staff to treat the physical conditions and psychological disorders associated with breast cancer.

Aims Morquio syndrome is a mucopolysaccharidosis (type 4) that has autosomal recessive inheritance. Moreover, it is caused by defects in the two genes; GALNS (Murcio A) and GLB1 (Murcio B). The prevalence rate of this condition is estimated to be about 1 per 200000 live births globally. Besides, Middle Eastern cases shape the greatest ratio, due to higher rates of consanguineous marriages. The most frequent clinical manifestations of the disease include skeletal abnormalities, hearing and vision problems, decreased physical growth, and cardiac malformations. Methods & Materials This study investigated the pathogenic mutations in two Iranian individuals. Both cases were the result of consanguineous marriages with mucopolysaccharidosis type 4 (A or B types, each). Following of genomic DNA extraction, Whole Exome Sequencing was conducted for the study patients. Then, for the validation of observed pathogenic mutations, sanger sequencing was performed for the patients. Findings Two explored patients demonstrated homozygote mutations. Mutation analysis of the GLB1 gene revealed c. 443G>A mutation in one patient and GALNS gene c. 313A>G in the other. Conclusion Two pathogenic mutations in GLB1 and GALNS gene were found in 2 Iranian patients in this study. The NGS was a desirable and reliable technique for detecting these two mutations. The c. 313A> G mutation in the GALNS gene was novel and had not been reported in the world.

Aims Tuberculous pericarditis is present in only one to two percent of the tuberculosis cases, i. e. considered rare. The disease is responsible for 4% and 7% of acute pericarditis and cardiac tamponade cases, respectively. Moreover, these conditions are associated with hazardous side effects. Thus, timely and precise diagnosis of the disease could prevent such complications. Case report We reported an 85-year-old male case who was referred with clinical signs of breath shortness, cardiac murmur, and swollen jugular veins. Besides, the relevant laboratory findings indicated elevated white blood cell counts (11. 6). In addition, other diagnostic measures, such as thoracic radiography and echocardiography were performed on the patient. Then, the diagnosis indicated a 28mm diameter of pericardial fluid; accordingly, the patient was selected as a candidate for emergency pericardiotomy. The fluid was drained, and therapeutic medication, as well as antibiotics were administered for the patient. Finally, the patient was discharged with an appropriate general condition. Conclusion A sample of pericardial fluid was tested using polymerase chain reaction)method for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, which provided a positive result. Considering the dangerous complications of this disease, it is recommended for all patients who could suction severe pericardial effusion to be tested for this disease.