Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
Year:2016 | Volume:25 | Issue:133|Papers Count:45

 Background and purpose: Flow- mediated dilatation (FMD) measurement in brachial artery (BA) is a method of assessing endothelial cell function and predicting atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. We investigated the predictive value of FMD for the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in a low-risk group of patients.Materials and methods: A prospective study was performed in 397 patients (mean age 53.2±9 years including 194 men) with chest pain who were admitted for coronary angiography. FMD was measured in the BA before coronary angiography using two-D high-resolution ultrasound. SPSS V.17 was used for data analysis.Results: Coronary angiography was normal in 151 patients but single vessel coronary artery disease (SVD) and multi-vessel coronary artery disease (MVD) were found in 149 and 97, respectively. FMD was significantly higher in individuals with normal coronary arteries compared to those with coronary artery disease (11.1±2.5% vs. 6.8±3.1%; P<0.001). Patients with MVD showed lower FMD than those with SVD (4.2±2.2% vs. 8.6±2.2%; P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that impaired FMD was independently associated with the presence of CAD (R= 0.74; P<0.001). The area under curve for FMD was 0.86 (95% CI 0.83-0.9; P<0.001).Conclusion: Endothelial cell produces nitric oxide (NO) which plays a major role in vascular physiology. Measurement of NO is not possible, therefore, endothelial cell function is measured indirectly using FMD. According to this study FMD is suggested as an acceptable diagnostic tool to predict arteriosclerosis in low risk patients particularly when screening is conducted among this population.

Background and purpose: Non- alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver dysfunction worldwide. Genetic factors are believed to affect the development of NAFLD. This study was conducted to evaluate the interaction of weight loss and MTHFR polymorphism on NAFLD characteristics.Materials and methods: A single-arm trial was performed in 50 patients. They received a weight loss diet for 6 months. Anthropometric parameters, liver enzymes, dietary intakes, and physical activity were measured at first, and the end of months 3 and 6. Lipid profile, homocysteine, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-6, and cytokeratin 18 were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. C677T and A1298C MTHFR gene polymorphisms were assessed in all patients using PCR-RFLP and Tetra-ARMS methods, respectively.Results: Forty four patients completed the study protocol. According to MTHFR polymorphism the patients were classified as (CC) and (AC) group (n=35), and (CT+TT) and (AC) group (n=9). After 3 and 6 months, weight loss occurred equally in both groups. In CC genotype, fasting blood glucose (P=0.012), total cholesterol (P=0.001), and LDL (P=0.004) decreased significantly after 6 months. In those with CT+TT genotype, after 6 months, 6.6% weight loss occurred but it could not significantly reduce liver enzymes and the patients’ homocysteine levels were higher than normal range.Conclusion: In this study, no significant reduction in liver enzymes was observed in the CT+TT sub group, therefore, MTHFR gene polymorphisms should be considered in NAFLD management.

Background and purpose: The type of diets and fat consumption are amongst the major factors in determining the amount of body fat in different tissues. The current trial assessed the effects of omega-3 fatty acids with or without vitamin E on the amount of adipose tissue and lean body mass in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).Materials and methods: A randomized, double- blind, placebo controlled trial was conducted in 67 male patients with CAD. The participants were divided into three groups to receive omega-3 (O), omega-3 plus vitamin E (OE) or both omega-3 and vitamin E placebos (PP) for eight weeks. Dietary intakes, anthropometric and body composition parameters were measured by BIA technique at the beginning and end of week eight. Twenty-four hour diet recalls were done at the beginning and the end of the intervention. Nutritionist IV and SPSS version 16 software were used to analyze dietary data and statistical analyses, respectively.Results: Combination therapy with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E could not affect the amount and percentage of adipose tissue and lean body mass (assessed by BIA) in men with CAD, even by removing the confounding factors.Conclusion: According to the beneficial effects of this supplement in body composition, it seems, techniques BIA, is not a perfect tool for body composition in short- term studies.

 Background and purpose: Articular cartilage disease is prevalent in all societies and in most cases the damaged cartilage would not repair. Conservative treatments are associated with many problems. So cell therapy is needed as a definite treatment. One of the best and most accessible sources of cells for this purpose is stem cells derived from adipose tissue which can be differentiated into chondrocytes by tissue engineering techniques. Cell culture method has a key role in chondrogenic differentiation. In this study, two different culture methods (monolayer and micromass) were compared.Materials and methods: In this descriptive study, stem cells were isolated from subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were cultured by micromass and monolayer culture methods in chondrogenic differentiation medium for 14 days. The morphology of cells was observed using an inverted microscope. Chondrogenic differentiation was evaluated by histology and immunocytochemistry methods.Results: The results revealed that micromass culture system increased the protein synthesis of collagen II and deposition of glycosaminoglycan in extracellular matrix.Conclusion: This study suggests that the micromass culture system is a suitable condition for chondrogenic differentiation compared to monolayer cell culture.

Background and purpose: Vitamin D is a steroid hormone which plays an important role inbone metabolism and neuromuscular function. It is mainly supplied by exposure to sunlight on the skinwith conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to cholecalciferol. This study aimed to compare the serum levelsof 25-hydroxyvitamin D after taking parenteral and oral vitamin D in patients with vitamin Dinsufficiency.Materials and methods: This historical cohort study was done among data of 400 patients withvitamin D insufficiency. They were treated by oral vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 50,000 IU weekly for 12weeks or intramuscular injection (IM) 300000 units weekly for two weeks. Statistical analysis wasperformed by independent and paired t-test for comparing the levels of vitamin D changes before andafter the treatment and between the groups.Results: The patients were 333 females (83%) and 67 males (17%). Two hundred forty twopatients received IM and 158 received oral vitamin D3. The mean serum levels of 25 (OH) D before andafter the intervention in oral group were 17.16±0.39 and 43.02±0.48 ng/ml (P<0.010) and in IM groupwere 17.71±0.32 and 41.72±1.20 ng/ml, respectively (P<0.001). The mean serum levels of 25 (OH) Dbefore and after the intervention were not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.48).Conclusion: Both oral and IM vitamin D increased 25 (OH) D levels adequately. Based onpatient’s needs and priorities, either oral or IM forms can be administered for prevention or treatment ofvitamin D insufficiency.

Background and purpose: Gentiana olivieri Griseb is a famous species in Gentianaceae family. G. olivieri is native to Iran, and grows mainly in the western regions of the Zagros Mountains. Thinking over the importance of proper nutrition in child’s growth and lack of proper appetizer in pharmaceutical market, preparing an effective herbal product was considered to increase appetite in children suffering from growth failure and malnutrition.Materials and methods: A case control study was performed in which the plant’s root extract was used to prepare hydroalcoholic product (2.5%) and its appetizing effect was evaluated in children. Fifty children with anorexia were randomly divided into two groups to receive either the hydroalcoholic extract of the Gentiana olivieri or a placbo at the dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day for two months. Variables such as weight, height, waist, consumed calories, and hunger VAS score, liver enzymes fluctuations and some blood biochemistry tests were also monitored.Results: The average age of cases and controls was 56.12 and 56.64 months, respectively. Before treatment, the mean weight in both case and control groups was 13.130±1.56 kg and 13.010±1.27 kg, respectively that changed to 14.275±1.69 kg and 12.962±1.16 kg after a month and 14.550±1.54 kg and 12.814±1.22 kg, respectively two months after the intervention. Significant effects were seen on received calories and VAS score.Conclusion: The product was found to have significant effect on weight, food intake and VAS score compared with placebo.

 Background and purpose: Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) is a scoring system that describes and predicts the severity of acute illness in patients admitted in intensive care units. Its application is helpful in therapeutic monitoring methods, comparing the effectiveness of treatments and the decision to change the treatment, and comparing the performance and quality of services provided. The aim of this study was to compare the probable mortality rate predicted by APACHE II and the actual mortality rate.Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study was performed in …….. The patients (over 16 years old) were selected from Emergency Department in Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital with indications for admissions to intensive care unit. The predicted risk of death was calculated for each patient using the APACHE II and compared with the actual rate of death.Results: In this study, 82 patients enrolled including 54 males (65.9%) and 28 females (34.1%). The APACHE II average score was 19.69± 8.91 and the percentage of mortality rate was 38.43±27.62 while the actual mortality rate was 48%. The accuracy of APACHE II scale in predicting the mortality rate was 63.4%.Conclusion: The APACHE II scoring system can provide an acceptable estimate of mortality. In calibration of the system it was found with the discontinuity especially in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 and 0.5 to 0.7 scores.

Background and purpose: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a chemotherapy drug extensively used as an antineoplastic agent in treatment of various cancers. However, it is known to cause several adverse effects including reproductive toxicity. Achillea millefolium (AM) is a medicinal plant with potential antioxidant properties. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of different doses of AM extract on body weight, sperm parameters, and apoptotic changes in CP treated mice.Materials and methods: Sixty four male NMRI mice were arranged into 8 groups. Group1 received normal saline, and groups 2, 3 and 4 received AM extract in low, medium and high doses, respectively. Group 5 received CP and groups 6, 7 and 8 had low, medium and high doses of Achillea millefolium extract, respectively plus CP. Treatments were continued for 35 days. Afterwards, the animals’ weight, sperm quality and apoptosis rate were evaluated.Results: CP decreased body weight and testicular weight, imposed negative effects on sperm parameters and increased sperm apoptosis compared to the control group. The high- dose of AM produced deleterious effects. Medium doses of the extract did not show any significant effect, but low dose of the extract was able to compensate the toxic effects of CP.Conclusion: In this study, AM had dose-dependent manner. In other words, at low dose it prevented CP toxicity, in medium dose it had no effect, but in high dose it improved CP toxicity.

Background and purpose: Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with decreased immune status. Aspergillus flavus is the second most common species causing invasive aspergillosis after A. fumigatus. According to limited information on the antifungal susceptibility test against A. flavus in Iran, in this study we aimed at evaluating the antifungal susceptibility of two antifungal agents including itraconazole and voriconazole against clinical and environmental isolates of A. flavus.Materials and methods: Four hundred clinical and environmental samples were collected from Mazandaran, Tehran and Khorasan Razavi provinces. The identification of A. flavus isolates were confirmed by sequencing of b-tubulin gene. The MICs of itraconazole and voriconazole for all isolates of A. flavus were determined by the guidelines proposed by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M38-A2 for filamentous fungi.Results: Ninety isolates of A. flavus were identified from clinical (n=30) and environmental (n=60) samples. MIC results of all A. flavus isolates showed susceptibility to antifungal agents, except for two environmental isolates that demonstrated MIC=2mg/ml for itraconazole. MIC50, MIC90 and Geometric mean of itraconazole for A. flavus isolates were 0.25, 0.5, and 0.21mg/ml, respectively. The MIC50, MIC90 and Geometric mean of voriconazole were 0.25, 0.5 and 0.27mg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: In comparison to determined epidemiological cutoff value of A. flavus, our data have shown a probable resistance in two isolates of A. flavus against itraconazole which draws attention on emergence of full resistance A. flavus isolates from Iran.

Background and purpose: Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is the major neuropathologic form of brain injury in premature infants. This study aimed at evaluating the use of pons volume and corpus callosum length measurements in predicting the severity of motor impairment in affected children.Materials and methods: Using MR imaging, we examined 91 children (57 boys and 34 girls) with PVL and 91 age-matched control children (50 boys and 41 girls), 2013-2014. Affected children with PVL were stratified according to the severity of motor impairment based on Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). The pons volume and the corpus callosum length were measured using the images and different parameters were compared between both groups.Results: Mean pons volumes were significantly smaller in the PVL group than that in the control group (3837.93±1769.71 vs. 4350.70±1593.48 mm3, P=.041). A significant correlation was observed between pons volumes and corpus callosum length in the PVL group (r=0.49, P=0.001) and the control group (r=0.60, P=0.001). Significant differences were seen in reduction of the size of pons between level I motor impairment and levels III, IV, and V motor impairment. Also, a similar pattern was observed between patients at level V motor impairment and the control group.Conclusion: In this study, for the first time, pons volume and length of the corpus callosum biomarkers were found to be associated with the severity of motor impairment caused by PVL.

Background and purpose: Cytokines are a group of endogenous proteins which play an influential role in regulating the inflammatory responses and defeating infectious diseases. Elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines and their receptors are usually observed in association with immune responses against viral infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. IL 12 and its receptor play an important role in the clearance of viral infections, especially HBV. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between interleukin 12 receptor B1 gene single nucleotide polymorphism (rs3746190 A/G) and chronic HBV infection susceptibility.Materials and methods: In a case control study, genomic DNA of 150 chronic HBV infected patients and 150 healthy controls was extracted by salting out method and single nucleotide polymorphism (rs3746190 A/G) was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).Results: A total of 300 individuals were studied. The frequency of rs3746190 A/G gene for CC, CT, TT genotypes was 40.7%, 46%, and 13.3% in chronic patients and 38%, 49.3%, and 12.7% in control group, respectively. After genotyping and statistical analysis, no significant difference was seen between the cases and controls (P=0.845).Conclusion: This study did not find any significant association between rs3746190 A/G single nucleotide polymorphism of the IL12RB1 gene and susceptibility to chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Therefore, polymorphism in gene IL12RB1 is not an effective factor for susceptibility to chronic HBV.

Background and purpose: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition with non-articular origin that is defined by generalized pain, fatigue and sleep disturbance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of Persian version of Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) in Iranian patients with FM.Materials and methods: The FIQR was translated into Persian and administered to 44 female patients with primary FM. All patients filled out the questionnaire along with the Persian version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and short form-36 (SF-36). One week later, FM patients filled out the FIQR at their second visit. Reliability was analyzed by internal consistency Cronbach’s α coefficient and intra-class correlation coefficient. Construct validity was evaluated by Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS ver. 19.Results: From 69 female patients with primary FM who had HADS score less than 15, 44 were selected. The total scores of the FIQR in first and second visits were 52.85±20.2 and 53.62±18.3, respectively. Evaluation of construct validity with SF-36 and HADS showed a significant correlation at the 0.01 level. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was CI95%=0.929 (0.896-0.956) and Cronbach’s α was 0.93 for FIQR in the first visit. The correlation between first and second total scores was 0.82 (P=0.001).Conclusion: The Persian version of FIQR showed adequate reliability and validity.

Background and purpose: Dexamethasone is one of the most commonly used Glucocorticoids (antibiotics) in medical centers. Conventional treatment methods for removal of Glucocorticoids from wastewaters are not highly efficient, therefore, more effective methods are needed to reduce the entry of these compounds into the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of Clinoptilolite zeolite (Cp) in removal of dexamethasone from aqueous solutions, and introducing a suitable isotherm for modeling of the adsorption process.Materials and methods: In this study, the effect of some parameters including pH of the solution (4, 7 and 9), adsorbent dose (0.2, 0.6 and 1 gr), and contact time (15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min) were studied on adsorption capacity of Cp. The initial concentration of 5 mgr/l was considered. The isotherm of adsorption process was studied using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The concentration of dexamethasone was measured by UV-visible spectrophotometer. SEM photographs were taken from adsorbent before and after the adsorption process.Results: The results showed that the maximum adsorption capacity was 1.13 mg/g which was obtained in pH=4, using 0.2 gr adsorbent during 90 min. By increasing the amount of adsorbent, the removal efficiency increased, but adsorption capacity decreased. The specific surface and pores volume of zeolite were 43.91cm2/gr and 0.1717cm3/gr, respectively. The Langmuir model fitted well to the experimental data (R2=0.99).Conclusion: In this study, Clinoptilolite zeolite was found to be very suitable in removal of dexamethasone from aqueous solutions.

Background and purpose: 2, 4-dinitrophenol (DNP) are carcinogenic and non-biodegradable pollutants that exist at high concentration in wastewater of chemical industries. In this study, treatment and removal of organic materials (COD) in wastewater was carried out by catalytic ozonation process (COP) using carbon Nano-composite catalysts.Materials and methods: This study was conducted in cylindrical 250 mL semi-continuous reactor and the effects of several parameters including pH of the solution (4-10), the amount of catalyst concentrations (0 to 4 g/L), reaction time (0 to 60 min), and saturated catalyst was studied on treatment of high concentration of DNP and the COD removal efficiency. Also, the kinetics were compared with single ozonation (SOP).Results: Removal efficiency of high concentrations of DNP (1500 mg/L) and kinetics of the COP process catalyst concentration of 4 g/L was 83% (0.0241 min-1) while the results in SOP were 50% (0.0108 min-1). The optimum pH was 6 with the reaction time of 60 min. However, the removal efficiency of COD at initial concentration of 610 mg/L in the SOP process was 61% which increased to 92% after addition of the catalyst. The main mechanism of process was chemical oxidation and a small share (3%) was due to adsorption.Conclusion: The results showed that COP and this new catalyst effectively and quickly removed high concentrations of DNP and COD. This method is believed to be economic due to the short time of ozonation, recovery and reuse of the catalyst.

Background and purpose: Today, the use of natural preservatives in increasing meat products shelf life has gained much attention. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the effects of eucalyptus and cuminum essential oils on microbial quality of Oncorhynchus mykiss.Materials and methods: In an experimental study the eucalyptus and cuminum essential oils were prepared and their antibacterial activities were evaluated against Shigella dysenteriae, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Salmonella typhi by micro dilution method. Then, the effects of eucalyptus and cuminum essential oils were examined on microbial quality of Oncorhynchus mykiss at 8±1oC in zero, 3 and 6 days in different forms and concentrations (alone: eucalyptus 0.25% and cuminum 0.5%, combined: 0.5%+0.5%, and also incorporated with chitosan: 0.25% and 0.5%). Data analysis was performed in SPSS ver.16 applying ANOVA and Duncan test.Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for the essential oils ranged between 0.351 and 11.25, and 1.406 and 11.25 mg/ml, respectively. Eucalyptus essential oil at 0.5% concentration was found to have the best effect on decreasing the total count of bacteria, enterobacteriaceae and psychrotrophic bacteria in fish. Also, combination of chitosan and the essential oils decreased the total count of bacteria, enterobacteriaceae and psychrotrophic bacteria (P<0.05). The antibacterial effects of essential oils (alone) were lower compared to synergistic antibacterial activities of essential oils with chitosan (P<0.05).Conclusion: Eucalyptus and cuminum essential oils could be used as alternative for chemical preservatives and also in active packaging in meat industry.

Background and purpose: The use of nanotechnology is increasing in different fields of medical sciences including diagnosis and treatment. Metal nanoparticles such as Iron nanoparticles are proposed as novel radiation-sensitizing agents in enhancing the efficiency of radiotherapy because they have a large number of atoms. This study aimed at investigating the radiosensitivity effect of dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles on irradiated cervical cancerous HeLa cell line using 6MV photon beams.Materials and methods: In this experimental study, the cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles on the HeLa cells was measured using MTT assay. To investigate the radiosensitivity effect of the nanoparticles, the cells were incubated with these nanoparticles at 20 and 50mg/ml concentrations and irradiated with different doses of 6MVphoton beams.Results: The incubation times of 6, 12 and 24 hours at concentrations of 20 and 50mg/ml of nanoparticles on the cells did not show significant cytotoxicity. According to the results, dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles showed more radiosensitivity effect at 50μg/ml concentration compared to 20mg/ml. The mean values of dose enhancement factors using 6MV photon beams were 1.19±0.15 and 1.49±0.11, at 20 and 50mg/ml concentrations, respectively.Conclusion: Dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles can significantly enhance the radiation absorbed dose and consequently increase radiotherapy efficiency in cervical cancer cells irradiated with mega voltage photon beam and this could be considered in treatment of cancer.

Background and purpose: High rate of mothers and infants’ death and preterm birth are amongst major public health problems worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify, evaluate and rank the factors responsible for low birth weight using data mining techniques and also investigating the impact of predictor variables and developing a decision support system which could help physicians to make better treatment decisions at the birth of low weight infants.Materials and methods: Relevant information was collected from Imam Ali Hospital affiliated with Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in 2013 including smoking, the age of mothers, etc. Different data mining algorithms were applied for modeling. Data analysis was performed in Clementine software.Results: The variables that were very influential in predicting the low weight of infants at birth were mother’s weight (100%), mother’s age (98%), the number of doctor visits in the first trimester of pregnancy (45.86%), and previous preterm delivery (43.11%). Other variables poorly influenced the prediction.Conclusion: The findings revealed some relationships between the low weight of infants at birth and mother’s weight, mother’s age, number of doctor visits in the first trimester of pregnancy, previous preterm delivery, high blood pressure, race, uterine irritability, and smoking. The accuracy of prediction improved via data mining techniques compared to logistic regression. Classification tree could determine the low weight of infants at birth well and random forest technique had an important role in making the diagnosis.

Background and purpose: Stress is one of the decisive factors in infertility, which can interfere with spermatogenesis and reduce spermatozoa. Considering the immobilization stress-induced infertility disorders, this study aimed at examining the protective effect of selenium yeast cell wall (as an antioxidant) on in vitro fertilizing ability following immobilization stress in adult male rats.Materials and methods: In an experimental study, 32 male adult rats were divided into 4 groups (n=8 per group) including controls, stress, stress+cell wall of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) enriched with selenium (SECW) and a SECW group without inducing stress. To induce stress, the rats were immobilized in restraint device for 42 days 2hrs per day. The SECW (5×108 CFU/ml) +268mg/gr SE were orally administrated for 42 days. Afterwards, the sperm samples were collected for in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in testicular tissue was assessed in all groups.Results: Immobilization stress significantly reduced the percentage of zygote, two-cell embryos, blastocyst, hatched embryos and increased MDA levels compared to the control group (P<0.05). In the SECW+stress all parameters of fertilization and embryos development increased significantly (P<0.05) except the percentage of zygote compared to the stress group. Administration of SECW+stress, significantly decreased the level of MDA tissue compared to the stress group (P<0.05).Conclusion: Immobilization stress was proved to have harmful effects on fertility, therefore, SECW that has antioxidant compounds could inhibit oxygen free radicals thereby, increasing fertilization and fertility potential.

Background and purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of chitosan/polyethylene oxide (Cs/PEO) scaffold and human mesenchymal stem cells derived from Wharton’s jelly (WJ-hMSCs) on regeneration of the sciatic nerve injury in rats.Materials and methods: In this research, 42 adult male rats were divided into six groups. 1-Normal (intact) group: healthy rats without any nerve transection; 2- Control group: sciatic nerve was cut and sutured; 3- Sham group: culture medium was injected; 4- Cs/PEO group: scaffold with a thin Cs/PEO was used around the injury site; 5- WJ-hMSC group: WJ-hMSCs injected around the site of injury, and 6- WJ-hMSCs-Cs/PEO group: WJ-hMSCs were seeded on Cs/PEO membrane and used around the injury site. Behavioral assessments were done at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks following the surgery. Histological evaluation was performed at the end of the study.Results: Our results showed that behavioral values in experimental groups significantly increased when compared to intact group (P<0.05). These values in WJ-hMSC-Cs/PEO group significantly improved compared to the control and sham groups (P<0.05). In addition, histological findings revealed significant increase in the number of nerve fibers in experimental groups compared to intact group (P<0.05). Histological results revealed improvements in groups 4, 5 and 6, however, there was no significant difference between these groups and sham or control group.Conclusion: This study showed the positive effects of chitosan/polyethylene oxide scaffold and human mesenchymal stem cells derived from Wharton’s jelly on nerve regeneration of transected sciatic nerve in rat model.

Background and purpose: Optic neuritis is one of the appearances of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Progesterone has a protective effect in central nervous system, so, in this study we aimed at investigating the effect of progesterone on myelin repair of the optic chiasm in male rats by studying the genes expression of Olig 2 (marker of oligodendrocyte precursor cells), GFAP (marker of astrocyte) and NogoA (axon growth inhibitor) following ethidium bromide-induced demyelination.Materials and methods: An experimental study was performed in which gonadectomy was conducted to remove endogenous sex hormones. Demyelination was induced by injection of 1 microliter of ethidium bromide during stereotactic surgery in the optic chiasm of rats. Then, the animals received 1mM progesterone (ICV) for 3 and 21 days. On days 3 and 21 the Olig 2, GFAP and Nogo genes expression were evaluated by RT-PCR molecular study.Results: RT-PCR analysis indicated that ethidium bromide injection increased expressions of Olig2, GFAP and Nogo-A genes especially on day 21 post demyelination induction. Progesterone treatment decreased Olig2 and GFAP genes expression (P<0.001) and Nogo-A gene expression (P<0.01) compared to the ethidium bromide group on day 21 post lesion.Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that progesterone can cause myelin repair and axon growth by decreasing the expression of inhibitory genes such as Nogo-A and GFAP and enhancing differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells to oligodendrocyte. Therefore, progesterone may exert neuroprotection effect on various neurological disorders including MS.

Background and purpose: Mitomycin C (MMC) is used as an antiproliferative agent for feeder cells in cell culture. It may induce destructive effects on these cells and eventually on oocytes maturation. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of MMC and co-culturing with fibroblast and cumulus cells on in vitro maturation (IVM) of mouse immature oocytes.Materials and methods: In this experimental study, germinal vesicle oocytes (GV) obtained from NMRI mature female mice were cultured in αMEM supplemented by FSH, hCG, fetal bovine serum (FBS), penicillin and streptomycin, at 37oC and 5% CO2 in following groups: a control group and four experimental groups; 1- co-cultured with cumulus cells, 2- co-cultured with mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells, 3- co-cultured with cumulus cells treated with MMC, and 4- co-cultured with MEF treated with MMC. After 24 hours, number of GV, GVBD, MII and degenerated oocytes were determined using invert microscope. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with Tukey test.Results: The percentages of GV (24±2.75) and MII (51±2.28) oocytes in control group were significantly higher (8±2.25, 10±2.29, 10±2.28, 11±1.19) and lower (64±2.34, 63±2.62, 62±2.86, 62±2.47) than those in all experimental groups, respectively. Nevertheless, no significant difference was observed between experimental groups.Conclusion: Co-culturing with fibroblast and cumulus cells promoted in vitro maturation of immature oocytes. There was no significant difference among experimental groups, therefore, removal of monolayer inactivation step by MMC from such protocols can be proposed.

Background and purpose: Petrochemical industries and refineries are regarded as important emission sources of inorganic and organic pollutants. The aim of this study was to survey TVOCs and BTEX in the air of South Pars Special Economic Energy Zone in 2014. Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional study sampling and analysis was done by NIOSH 1501 method. The study was carried out in 336 activated carbon tubes and personal sampling pump in 6 sampling stations during one year. The compounds were extracted by solvent carbon disulfide and analyzed using Gas Chromatography- Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). Data analysis was performed in SPSS Ver.18 applying Kruskal-Wallis, Fligner test and ANOVA. Results: The mean concentrations of TVOCs and TBTEX were 229.34 and 31.23 mg/m3 in cold season and 212.19 and 29.89 mg/m3 in warm season, respectively. The mean concentrations of Benzene in all stations were 11.72 mg/m3 which were higher than the threshold levels recommended by Iranian Clean Air Act and US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The ANOVA results showed a significant difference between the concentration of pollutants and hour, month and sampling stations (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between the concentration of pollutants and seasons (P>0.05). Conclusion: The concentrations of measured pollutants in cold season were higher than those in warm season. High concentrations of Benzene in cold and warm seasons were used to identify areas of high exposure risk.

Background and purpose: Water microelements can influence the growth and colonization of Legionella and infections associated with these bacteria. This research investigated Legionella contamination of water regarding microelements, alkalinity and hardness in selected hospitals of Tehran.Materials and methods: Hundred-fifty samples with 4 L volume were collected from cold and warm water system in three selected hospitals in Tehran. After determining the residual chlorine, pH and temperature, the samples were transferred to laboratory for filtration. Legionella culture was performed in supplemented BCYEa (approved as a gold standard technique for environmental samples). Legionella colonies were identified using biochemical and morphological tests. Microelements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Alk, and hardness) were determined by photometric method. Data was analyzed applying Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-withny, Spearman’s rank correlations, univariate and multiple logistic regression tests in SPSS V.15.Results: Significant differences were seen in mean concentrations of all the microelements in positive and negative test of Legionella (P<0.05) except Cu (P>0.05). Spearman correlation implied a significant positive correlation between Fe, Mn, Zn, Alk, and hardness concentrations and Legionella density (P<0.05). Logistic regressions revealed that Mn concentration had the highest influence on Legionella occurrence (OR: 3.3).Conclusion: Chemical quality of water influences its rate of Legionella contamination. Due to high densities of contamination, routine examination for Legionella detection and specific internal disinfection system in hospitals are advised to eradicate these bacteria.

Background and purpose: Aloe vera is an anti-diabetic herb in traditional medicine. In the present study, the protective effect of aloe vera gel was studied on function of thyroid gland in diabetic rats.Materials and methods: Fifty healthy male Wistar rats weighing 200-250g were randomized into 5 groups (n=10 per group). The animals in a control group were kept in normal conditions. In second group diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ). In another group the streptozotocin induced diabetic rats received 400 mg/kg aloe vera gel once a day for 15 and 30 days. The next group included STZ-induced diabetic rats that received 10-15 units insulin once a day for 15 and 30 days. The Sham group included healthy normal rats that received 400 mg/kg aloe vera gel once a day for 15 and 30 days. By the end of days 15 and 30, the blood samples were taken. Then the animals were euthanized and the thyroid gland was removed and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. The semi-thin sections were prepared and stained using haematoxylin and eosin, and were observed under light microscope.Results: Mean number and size of follicles significantly decreased in diabetic group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Histomorphometrical findings showed significant increase in mean number and size of follicles in the group receiving aloe vera gel compared to the diabetic group (P<0.05). There were significant decreases in concentrations of T3 and T4 hormones in diabetic group compared to those of the control group (P<0.05). Aloe vera treated animals showed significant increase in concentrations of T3 and T4 hormones compared to those of the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion: Aloe vera gel could improve regeneration of damaged thyroid gland tissue in diabetic rats.

Background and purpose: Platelets communicate with different immune cells and can activate B-lymphocytes and induce the production of antibodies from these cells. Platelet microparticles (MPs) originate from platelets and express the surface markers of platelets. This study aimed at investigating the ability of these microvesicles on production of antibodies from B-lymphocytes.Materials and methods: In this experimental study, platelet MPs were isolated from platelet concentrates and B cells were isolated from human whole blood. Then MPs were co-cultured with B-lymphocytes. In different days of culture, the production of IgG antibodies was studied in the supernatants of culture medium using ELISA method. The results were analyzed by paired-samples t-test. P- value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Platelet MPs stimulate the production of antibodies by B-lymphocytes. During 5-day co-culture, significant increase was observed in the production of IgG antibodies in the test samples (B cells+MPs) compared to the control (B cells in the absence of MPs) (P- value<0.05).Conclusion: Platelet MPs can induce IgG production from B cells during in vitro co-culture.  

Background and purpose: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a side effect of anesthesia. Without prophylactic intervention, it occurs in about one-third of patients (10 to 60%) under general anesthesia. PONV could be more uncomfortable than postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of ondansetron and dexamethasone in reducing nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Materials and methods: A randomized double blind clinical trial was performed and 90 patients (in Imam Khomeini Hospital in 2011) undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated into three groups (n=30 per group) and received continuous intravenous anesthesia. Before induction of anesthesia the patients in first group (D) had 8mg dexamethasone injection, the second group (O) had 4 mg intravenous ondansetron and the control group (P) received 2 cc injection of normal saline. Anesthesia complications and PONV were recorded in recovery room at 6 and 24 hours following the surgery. Data was analyzed in SPSS applying Chi-square test and analysis of variance (ANOVA).Results: The incidence of nausea in groups P, D, and O was 66.7%, 33.3% and 33.3%, respectively. A significant difference was seen between the control group and intervention groups (P=0.01) but the difference was not significant between groups D and O. The incidence of vomiting in control group was 56.7%, and in groups D and O were 23.3% and 26.7%, respectively indicating a significant difference between the controls and intervention groups. But, no significant difference was observed between the intervention groups (group O: P=0.01 and group D: P=1).Conclusion: In preventing nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, dexamethasone and ondansetron were found to be similarly effective.

Background and purpose: Speech sound disorders are the most common speech disorders in children which are associated with other problems and can lead to social problems, attention deficit and academic skills challenges. The aim of this study was to investigate articulation characteristics, phonological awareness and language skills in children with speech sound disorders.Materials and methods: In a descriptive analytical study 24 children with speech sound disorder and 16 normal children were participated. The patients were selected from speech therapy clinics and the controls were chosen from nurseries based on convenience sampling. Speech production, oromotor and language skills were assessed by P-DEAP, TOLD-P3 and Phonological Awareness Test, respectively. Data was analyzed in SPSS ver. 20 using independent-samples t-test.Results: There were significant differences between the two groups in phonological awareness skills (except blending phonemes (P=0.2)), syntax (P=0.002), semantic (P=0.009), spoken language (P=0.003), listening (P=0.002), organizing (P=0.004), and speaking (P=0.02).Conclusion: Children with speech sound disorders had atypical errors demonstrating weaker performance in language skills such as syntax, semantic, and phonological awareness compared to normal children. According to this study despite evaluating speech production it is necessary to assess language skills and phonological awareness in children with speech sound disorders.

Background and purpose: Exposure to heavy metals can cause neurological, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, imbalance of hormones, hair loss, infertility, and abortion. Kohl containing heavy metals can lead to such complications due to long-term contact with the lining of the eye. The aim of this study was to investigate the contamination level of Kohl by heavy metals (cadmium, zinc, nickel, chrome, lead, and copper) used in some Iranian cities.Materials and methods: Thirty samples of Kohl were prepared from 10 brands available in Iran’s market. The samples were digested by perchloric and nitric acid. Concentration of heavy metals were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer.Results: The highest concentrations measured in samples from Kohl with mean±SD included: cadmium 2350±20, chrome 2270±240, lead 61900±1900, nickel 3380±210, zink 16190±120, copper 36240±250 (ng per gram) in Kohl samples. The lowest concentrations were observed with cadmium (2±0.002), chrome (2±0.002), lead (341±0.8), nickel (3±0.4), zink (1100±40), and copper (9±0.8 ng per gram) in all samples. The concentrations of cadmium, zinc, nickel, chrome, lead, and copper in all samples were within the range suggested by WHO.Conclusion: High levels of heavy metals in noncertified Kohl are a warning. Therefore, constant vigilance is needed to ensure that allowable level of heavy metals is used in this product. Therefore, heavy metals concentration in Kohl should be determined before entering the market.

Background and purpose: Drug interaction (DI) decreases the success rate of treatments and lead to longer hospitalization and increased treatment cost. Also, it can seriously endanger patient's lives or cause many complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and management of drug interactions in neonatal intensive critical care unit (NICU) in a teaching hospital.Materials and methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in 50 neonates admitted to Sari Bu-Ali Sina NICU, 2013-2014. Patients’ data and parameters related to drugs were recorded.Results: Drug interactions were observed in 21 patients. From 1131 prescriptions DIs appeared in 386 cases. The mean number of DIs in each neonate was 3.5±1.6 and most of them occurred in patients concurrently receiving 5 to 10 drugs per day.Conclusion: The majority of neonates in NICU have critical conditions and need multiple therapies so it is necessary to conduct some interventions such as determination of serum concentration, dose adjustment and laboratory parameters monitoring.

Background and purpose: In this study, we investigated the ethion insecticide residues in greenhouse cucumber and the effects of some procedures in reducing its amount before consumption in Hamadan, 2015.Materials and methods: Five greenhouses were randomly selected and in spring a total of 90 samples was analyzed for the effects of treatments including washing for 2 min and different storage times on ethion residuals. HPLC method was used to measure the residual concentrations.Results: The results showed that the maximum and minimum ethion residuals after one hour spraying were 1.63 and 1.31 mg/kg, respectively which were higher than the maximum permissible limit of 0.5 mg/kg (MRL). Storage for 24 hours and washing (2 mins) reduced the initial amount of pesticide residues by 43.2% and 52.7%, respectively.Conclusion: In case of inappropriate management programs in using pesticides, not considering the preharvest interval (PHI), and lack of proper washing, the remaining amount of pesticides can exceed the permissible limits which would pose a serious threat to the health of consumers in long time.

Background and purpose: Hydatid cyst is a zoonotic world-wide infection, caused by larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Its mean infection rate in Iran is 1.2 surgical case per 100,000. Hydatidosis is of great economic and medical importance. So, this study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of human hydatidosis using ELISA.Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 536 blood samples were collected from Shahrebabak residents in 2014. Random cluster sampling was applied to select the participants. Demographic information including age, sex, job, history of contact with dog, and place of residence (city or village) were collected using a questionnaire. The samples were transferred to laboratory and investigated by ELISA. Data was analyzed in SPSS applying and Chi-square test.Results: Only one male (0.18%) was found to be positive (23 years of age) who was living in city, self-employed and had no history of contact with dog.Conclusion: According to this study, the prevalence of human hydatid cyst was lower than other regions in Iran.

Background and purpose: Toxicity, high levels and complex nature of petroleum hydrocarbons in drill cutting can endanger human health since many of these compounds are among carcinogenic hazardous waste components. This study aimed at comparing the effect of compost and vermincompost processes in removing petroleum hydrocarbons from drill cutting located in Ahvaz oil field with sewage sludge.Materials and methods: An experimental study was performed in which the effect of a 1:1 mixture of biological sludge with drill cutting contaminated with TPH, along with sawdust and horticultural waste was examined for composting and vermicomposting. The degradation time was about 60 days in pilot chamber. The TPH, carbon to nitrogen ratio, pH, EC, volatile solids, and temperature levels were measured. To ensure the integrity and accuracy of measurements testing was done in 3 iterations.Results: The mean TPH level in the drill cutting in Ahvaz oil field was 42.004 g/kg that reduced to 11.31 and 18.77 g/kg during two months treatment by vermicomposting and composting with biological sludge, respectively. The removal efficiency of TPH in drill cutting in vermicompost pilot was 73.06% while it was 55.30%. in compost pilot.Conclusion: In this study, vermicompost process to be highly capable of removing TPH from oil-based drill cutting.

Background and purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of routine and fun physical activities on degree of mobility and muscle strength in elderly residents in nursing homes in Mashhad.Materials and methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted (in 2013-2014) in which two groups of elderly living in nursing homes in Mashhad were recruited. Data was collected using Elderly Mobility Scale and Dynamometer (T.K.K.5401). The intervention group participated in fun physical activities while the control group had routine physical activity. Both types of exercises were conducted 20 minutes every other day for 8 weeks.Results: Significant differences were seen between the two groups in mean score of mobility and muscle strength after the intervention.Conclusion: Motivating elderly to begin fun exercise could increase their level of activity, thereby preventing movement disorders among this population.

Background and purpose: Nowadays, in developed countries, the economic profits of recycling and its role in waste reduction and disposal costs is well recognized. In this study, the economic aspects of dry solid waste recycling were evaluated in Shiraz, Iran.Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Shiraz in which data was collected through field observations, interviews with officials of municipal utilities and investigating the documents in the organization. Then, the economic benefits of different recycling rates including 15% (current), 50% and 80% were evaluated.Results: The recycling rate of waste paper, cardboard, glass, nylon and plastic carrier bags, disposable plastic containers, PET, other types of plastic, disposable metallic containers, and other types of metals were 23%, 12%, 8%, 2.5%, 8%, 13%, 13%, 11%, and 12%, respectively. The total economic benefits of recycling in terms of current recycling (15%), desirable recycling (50%) and ideal recycling (80%) rates were calculated as 11527, 39869, and 63791 million Rials per year, respectively.Conclusion: Only 15% of dry solid waste is recycled in Shiraz. The economic benefits from recycling could increase to 8-18 times of the current benefit with a 10 to 20 year proper planning and upgrading the current recycling program.

Background and purpose: Infertility is a major socio-medical challenge in Iran especially in rural areas. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of infertility and related factors in rural and urban areas.Materials and methods: In 2012, a cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in Babol. The samples (546 urban women and 535 rural women) were selected by cluster sampling aged 20-40 yeras. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect the data.Results: Urban subjects included 50.5% of the subjects. According to self-reports the prevalence of infertility was 15.5% in investigated population. The prevalence of infertility rates in rural and urban areas were 15% and 16.1%, respectively. Significant associations were observed between age at marriage, occupation, and educational level and being resident in city or village (P<0.05).Conclusion: This study showed that a high number of women have experienced infertility at some point in their lives. Also, the prevalence of infertility was found to be high among women living in urban areas.

Complement component 3 glomerulopathy (C3G) defines a group of newly classified disorders that is due to C3 deposition in glomeruli. Very few outbreaks of this disease have been reported in the world. In this study, a 56 year old woman is reported who had complaints of weakness, abdominal pain, and skin petechiae and purpura. Laboratory tests revealed mild anemia and high serum creatinine level. Complementary studies were performed and the patient was suspected of having some form of vasculitis, especially PAN and Henoch Schonlein. Negative differential diagnosis of the most common reviews were obtained and due to lack of response to conventional therapy including corticosteroids and endoksan, kidney biopsy was done to detect the diagnosis. The patient was diagnosed with C3G. She had loss of consciousness, severe anemia, and rectorhalgia and transferred to Intensive Care Unit but died despite therapeutic efforts.

The term amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) describes a diverse group of hereditary conditions primarily affecting the quality and/or quantity of dental enamel which are usually not associated with generalized findings. It affects all teeth in both the primary and permanent dentitions. The estimated frequency of AI is one in 14000. Disruptions occurring during histodifferentiation, apposition, and mineralization result in enamel hypoplasia or hypomineralization for AI. In this paper a 10-year-old male is presented who referred to a dental office in Sari with a chief complaint of generalized discolored teeth since childhood and sensitivity while having hot and cold foods. After clinical and radiographic examination the patient was diagnosed with AI (hypoplastic type). AI affects the psychology of patients negatively due to the aesthetic concerns, so, it should be identified promptly and involved patients must receive appropriate treatments.

Hypnotherapy is a valuable technique that aids in treatment of some patients. Adequate knowledge in this field could help dentists and specialists to profit from this treatment in very anxious patients. Current limitations of general anesthesia have led to restrictions in using this technique for treatment of dental patients. In recent years, hypnosis has gained much interest in medicine, psychology, and dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the theory and background of hypnosis and its clinical application in dentistry.

Cancer stem cells are believed to be responsible for the cancer-initiating step and resistance to chemotherapy drugs. Studies have shown that cancer stem cells are silent and have no metabolic activity. The main reasons behind tumors resistant to therapies are lack of activity of cancer stem cells and division of cancer cells. This cell population, like normal stem cells, is capable of self-renewing and responsible for survival of tumor and its genetic and metabolic differences. Cancer stem cells can undergo chemotherapy during the treatment, but, the incidence of secondary tumor occurs due to unequal division of cancer stem cells and new tumor cells grow that are multi resistant to chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, identifying and characterizing cancer stem cell will lead to a better understanding of its controlling pathways and developing better diagnostic and therapeutic methodologies in basic and clinical cancer researches. In this review the role of cancer stem cells in development of cancer and their heterogenic properties in gene expression and metabolism of the tumor has discussed. Finally, new therapeutic strategies that are often based on the use of nanocarriers are presented.