Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
Year:2016 | Volume:26 | Issue:135|Papers Count:25

Background and purpose: The importance of adequate dietary carbohydrate for optimal physical performance has long been recognized, but changes in glycemic index and glycemic load of pre-exercise meal might also influence physical exercise and the pattern of substrate utilization during exercise. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two meals with high or low glycemic load 3 hour preexercise on exercise performance and glycemic response in female athletes.Materials and methods: Thirty six non-professional female athletes, aged 19-24 years old were enrolled in a cross-over double-blind randomized clinical trial. Participants in each group received breakfast meal with high or low glycemic load, and 7-day wash out period was determined. Serum glucose and insulin measurements were performed before and after each phase of the intervention. Three hours after ingestion of meal, the subjects ran up to exhaustion in a 20-m shuttle run pacer. 7-days wash out period was determined and then changed the two groups.Results: The ingestion of a high or low glycemic load meal three hours before exercise did not lead to significant difference in exercise performance. But mean changes in serum glucose and insulin in the group who had a meal with high glycemic load was higher than those who had had meals with low glycemic load.Conclusion: Consumption of a meal with high glycemic load, three hours before a 20-m shuttle run pacer, increased serum glucose and insulin levels during exercise compared to a meal with low glycemic load.

Background and purpose: Embryo quality and endometrial receptivity are two parameters that determine the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) results. This study aimed at investigating the relationship between endometrial and sub endometrial blood flow with prognosis of IVF treatment cycles.Materials and methods: An analytical historical cohort study was conducted in which women undergoing IVF cycles were recruited. Doppler ultrasound for endometrial and sub endometrial arteries were performed three times in each treatment cycle. Then, the participants were divided into fertile and infertile groups according to treatment results.Results: Significant relation was found in endometrial and sub endometrial blood flow between the two groups (P=0.012). In initiation of treatment and HCG administration there were significant differences in mean PI values between the fertile group and infertile group (P=0.001 and P=0.006, respectively). On the day of HCG administration, significant differences were observed in mean SD index between the two groups (P=0.032).Conclusion: In this study absence of endometrial and sub endometrial blood flow was found to be correlated with infertility. Lower PI values in initiation of treatment and time of HCG administration and lower SD values on HCG administration are correlated with successful pregnancy.

Background and purpose: Dirofilaria immitis is one of the most important pathogenic Nematoda for humans and carnivores, especially dogs. It causes a zoonotic disease, namely dirofilariasis in hosts with a wide variety of manifestations. The detection of infection is commonly carried out by different microscopic and serologic methods and recently by molecular techniques. This aim of this research was to provide an accurate assessment of the D. immitis infection rates in dogs in Tabriz and its suburbs using molecular technique and determination of the influence of epidemiological factors on infection rates.Materials and methods: A descriptive study was performed in which a total of 121 dogs including sheepdogs, house dogs, guard dogs, commercial dogs and stray dogs (aged <2, 2-4 and 4< years old) were randomly selected from different areas in Tabriz, Iran. Blood samples were taken from the cephalic vein. To detect and assess the infection rates, after DNA extraction, a fragment of 432bp related to 18srRNA region was selected and amplified using specific primers.Results: Fourteen blood samples (11.6%, mainly of sheepdogs) were found to be positive for D. immitis. The prevalence rates of infection showed significant differences between geographical areas (P=0.36).Conclusion: Despite great progress in prevention and control of parasitic diseases, dirofilariasis still occurs in canine community in East Azarbaijan province. Dog owners and veterinary services are recommended to pay ample attention to protect dogs against D. immitis infection and prevent subsequent transmission of infection to humans.

Background and purpose: Avicennia marina (family Acanthaceae) has been used as traditional medicine in Iran to treat some diseases such as ulcers, rheumatism and burns. The present study investigated the in silico and in vitro mutagenicity of the fruit, leaf, seed and stem extracts of Avicennia marina and their effects on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) proliferation.Materials and methods: In this experimental study, air dried and powdered plant materials were extracted by methanol using maceration. The extracts were evaporated to dryness by rotary evaporator at 40oC and were diluted using different PBS concentrations (50, 100, 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/ml). The effect of the methanol extract of this plant on lymphocyte proliferation was measured using MTT assay. The mutagenicity of these extracts was also investigated using Ames test. In silico analysis of 15 dominant compounds of the plant was performed by Toxtree 2.6.6 software.Results: The methanol extracts of the leaf and root had the highest and lowest inducing effect on lymphocyte proliferation, respectively. Leaf and stem extracts of Avicennia marina did not show any mutagenicity on this strain. In silico analysis demonstrated that among 15 compounds, four triterpenoids (Taraxerol, Betulin, Lupeol, and Gossypol) had weak mutagenicity.Conclusion: Avicennia marina showed positive effects on proliferation of lymphocytes and their mutagenicity, therefore, it could be considered as a good candidate in treatment of immunodeficiency diseases.

Background and purpose: Malignant breast cancer is the second cause of death in women in the world. Studies revealed different controversial results regarding the carcinogenesis role of allelic polymorphism of codon V57I of AURKA gene. The present study aimed to determine the genotypic polymorphisms in codon V57I of AURKA gene in women with invasive carcinoma compared to those in healthy controls in Sabzevar, Iran.Materials and methods: A case-control study was conducted in 200 individuals with invasive breast carcinoma (n=100) and healthy women (n=100). DNA samples were extracted and the codon V57I of AURKA gene was amplified by PCR. The different genotypes were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) using BstUI enzyme. Data was analyzed in SPSS V.16, applying Hardy-Weinberg and chi-squares test.Results: The frequencies of the homozygote valine/valine (Val/Val) in patients and controls were 76(38%) and 68(30%), respectively. The heterozygote valine/isoleucine (Val/Ile) frequencies were 17(8.5%) and 30(15%) in patients and controls, respectively. The frequency of homozygote isoleucine/isoleucine (Ile/ Ile) was 7(3.5%) in patients and 2(1%) in healthy samples. A significant difference was found between patients with malignancy and healthy controls (P<0.03).Conclusion: The homozygote forms of codon V57I in AURKA gene were more prevalent compared to heterozygote genotypes. Therefore, identification of genotypes and polymorphisms in AURKA gene could be of great benefit in prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Background and purpose: Glial cells seem to play role in synaptic plasticity because they have the ability to release trophic factors and gliotransmitters and respond to neurotransmitters. They also play important role in synaptic space homeostasis. In this study, the role of hippocampal glial cells in baseline synaptic response and short term synaptic plasticity were investigated.Materials and methods: In this experimental study, flourocitrate, glia inhibitor (1nmol/0.5μl), was microinjected intrahippcampally for inhibition of hippocampal glial cells. Baseline synaptic response and short term synaptic plasticity were evaluated by field potential recording. fEPSP was recorded from CA1 following Schaffer collaterals stimulation. After Input/Output curve construction, short term synaptic plasticity was induced by paired pulse stimulations.Results: Inhibition of glial cells by flourocitrate microinjection in CA1 did not have any effect on baseline synaptic response (P>0.05). Flourocitrate increased paired pulse index (PPI, control: 62.80%±5.48; flourocitrate treated: 87.19%±12.11) at 20 ms inter pulse interval (P<0.05). But it did not affect PPI at 80 and 200 ms IPI (P>0.05).Conclusion: The results suggest that hippocampal glial cells functions did not influence the baseline synaptic response but affected short term synaptic plasticity in CA1 area of the hippocampus.

Background and purpose: Aging is associated with changes in body composition which could lead to malnutrition and disability in elderly people. Physical activity is one of the most important factors that can affect changes in body composition in this population. The purpose of this study was to investigate body composition in elderly and its relationship with pattern of objectively measured physical activity.Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 368 elderly in Tehran, 2014. Body composition was measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, and the ActiGraph was used to assess physical activity patterns.Results: Among the participants 41% were overweight and 19.3% were obese. Abdominal obesity (associated with waist circumference) was seen in 62.22%. The prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity were higher in women (P<0.001). Fat mass index was high in 59.4% (FMI for men: 5.2-8.2, for women: 8.2-11.7), and very high in 18.8% (FMI for men: ≥8.3, for women: ≥11.8). Body fat percentage had direct significant correlation with age (P<0.001), while BMI and waist circumference were found to have significant inverse association with age (P<0.001). The level of physical activity had a significant negative correlation with the percentage of body fat (P<0.001), body fat mass index (P=0.004) and BMI (P=0.03).Conclusion: Body fat percentage and prevalence of overweight and obesity was high in elderly. The significant association between physical activity and BMI, waist circumference and body fat percentage calls for more attention to adequate levels of physical activity in elderly.

Background and purpose: The effect of action observation on symmetry of weight distribution and stability indices in semi-dynamic stability in healthy older people is not identified yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of action observation on the symmetry of weight distribution in lower limbs and stability indices in semi-dynamic stability among healthy non-athlete older people.Materials and methods: An experimental study was performed in 72 healthy male and female volunteers aged 55 to 75 years old. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups of functional film observation and symbols. Demographic, clinical and laboratory information of the groups (lower extremity muscle strength, the vision, symmetry weight distribution, and dynamic stability indices) were collected and measured. Data was analyzed in SPSS V.16.Results: Percentage of weight distribution showed no significant difference between the two groups. The comparison of changes between the two groups showed that observation of the film significantly improved total index (P=0.004), antero-posterior index (P=0.015), and medio-latral index (P=0.023) in stability of level 5. There was a significant improvement between the females of both groups in total, antero-posterior, and medio-latral balance index in stability of level 5 (P=0.001). The percentage changes of balance indices showed no significant differences among males.Conclusion: The results showed that the action observation could have a positive effect on improvement of balance in healthy older people (especially in unstable levels). Significant improvement of stability indices in women after watching the film, may suggest greater sensitivity of women's mirror neurons.

Background and purpose: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulty in social functioning, communication, and the presence of stereotypic and repetitive behaviors. Due to various problems of these children, their families, especially their mothers experience extreme stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy on mental health and irrational beliefs of mothers with autistic children.Materials and methods: In this study a quasi-experimental design including pre-test, post-test and control group was used. First, a sample size of 30 women with autistic children were selected and tested. In pre-test, the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and Jones Irrational Beliefs Test (IBT) were administered individually to experimental group (n=15) and control group (n=15). Then, cognitive behavioral therapy (consisting of ten weekly 75-minute sessions) was conducted in experimental group whereas no intervention was done in control group. After the intervention, the general health and irrational beliefs were measured again.Results: The MANCOVA analysis showed that cognitive behavioral therapy was effective in reducing irrational beliefs in experimental group (179.45±20.64) (P<0.0001). Also, the intervention improved the scores for general health among experimental group (36.06±10.92) (P<0.0001).Conclusion: Cognitive behavioral therapy as a useful therapeutic intervention could be of benefit in improving mental health and irrational beliefs in mothers with autistic children.

Background and purpose: Deep lumbar muscles have a major role in lumbar stabilization and evidence suggests that these muscles especially multifidus muscle becomes dysfunctional in the presence of low back pain. Therefore, measurement of these muscles in healthy subjects and patients may be of great value to understand the stabilization function of the muscles. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of lumbar multifidus muscle size measurement using ultrasonography (US) in healthy adolescent males.Materials and methods: This methodological research was performed in 20 healthy boys (15-17 years of age). Lumbar multifidus muscle size was measured at the level of L5 using a real time US device. Two images were taken on the same day with an hour interval to assess the within- day reliability and the third image was taken one week later to determine between- days reliability. Cross sectional area (CSA), anterior posterior dimension (APD), and lateral dimension (LD) were measured in each image.Results: The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient for within day and between days reliability in healthy adolescents varied, ranging between 0.72 to 0.76 for CSA, 0.79 to 0.89 for APD, and 0.79 to 0.84 for LD.Conclusion: The results indicated that US could be considered as a reliable tool to measure the muscle thickness in children. Therefore, this non-invasive method can be used in the assessment of lumbar multifidus muscle and also to monitor the effect of different interventions in this population.

Background and purpose: Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is used in treatment of Gram-negative infections. However, its usefulness is restricted by its nephrotoxicity. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effects of mummy and Vit E against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 36 adult albino Wistar rats were divided into six groups: Group 1 received 1 ml normal saline intra-peritoneal once daily. Group 2 was treated with gentamicin 100mg/kg daily IP and served as experimental group. Group 3 received Vit E 250 mg/kg/day IM and gentamicin 100 mg/kg/day IP. Groups 4, 5 and 6 were treated with gentamicin 100 mg/kg and mummy at daily dosages of 1000, 500 and 250 mg/kg orally, respectively. All groups had daily treatments for 28 days. At the end of treatment, blood samples were taken for measurement of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin, electrolytes, malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) using standard methods. Also, right kidneys were removed for histological evaluation.Results: Mummy at 1000 and 500 mg/kg and Vit E (250 mg/kg) significantly reduced gentamicin-induced increases in BUN, MDA and histological changes. Furthermore, mummy at 1000 mg/kg increased FRAP compared to other concentrations.Conclusion: Our results suggest that mummy and Vit E therapy improved gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity via inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

Background and purpose: 2, 4 dinitrophenol is the most important nitrophenol compound that is widely used in paints, adhesives, wood preservatives, solvents, pesticides, and explosive materials. Because of the high toxicity and non-biodegradability of 2, 4 DNP, must be prevented from entering the water body. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of ordered mesoporous carbon CMK-3 in adsorption of 2, 4 dinitrophenol from aqueous solutions and the effect of various parameters on the performance of this process.Materials and methods: In this experimental study, mesoporous carbon, CMK-3 was prepared using hexagonal SBA-15 mesoporous silica in a batch reactor. The synthesized materials were characterized by XRD, BET and TEM. After Synthesis of CMK-3, the effect of different parameters were investigated on adsorption process including pH (3-11), contact time (20-180 min) initial concentration of 2, 4 dinitrophenol (10-500mg/L), and adsorbent dose (0.2-1.2 gr/L).Results: Removal efficiency increased when pH and initial concentration of 2, 4-dinitrophenol decreased and contact time and adsorbant doze increased. The optimum pH was 5 and the equilibrium time was 100 minutes. The optimal dose of CMK-3 was 0.4 g/L and the adsorption capacity of 2, 4 dinitrophenol by CMK-3 was 194 mg/g.Conclusion: In general, mesoporous carbon CMK-3 showed high capacity in removal of 2,4 dinitrophenol from aqueous solutions. Therefore, it can be used in the treatment of wastewater containing 2,4 dinitrophenol.

Background and purpose: Municipal wastewater treatment plant effluents are amongst the main available water sources. Reuse of these effluents requires further standards beyond secondary standards. Therefore, removal of organic pollutants and some compounds such as nitrate and phosphate from effluents should be done at a greater extent. In this study, removal of these compounds from secondary effluent was examined using an absorbent of iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs Fe3O4).Materials and methods: The research was carried out using actual effluent of urban wastewater treatment plant in laboratory scale. The iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs Fe3O4) was used for removal of target pollutants by investigating different parameters such as pH, initial concentration, contact time, and adsorbent dosage using optimization of one factor at a time. Afterwards, the optimum condition was determined by adsorption and kinetic isotherms.Results: The average BOD5, COD, nitrogen, and phosphorus in wastewater treatment plant effluent were found to be 25, 43, 63 and 8.6 mg /L, respectively. The optimum conditions for adsorption of these pollutants by Fe3O4MNPs were obtained at pH 3, 15 min contact time and absorbent dosage of 1 g/l. Removal of PO43-, NO-3, BOD5 and COD in the optimum condition was obtained to be 54, 11.5, 56, and 75%, respectively, and the maximum adsorption capacities for target pollutants were 4.7, 1.6, 14, and 32 mg/g. The results showed the adsorption by Fe3O4 followed the Freundlich model and pseudo first-order kinetic for COD and PO43- and pseudo second-order kinetic for BOD5 and NO-3 removal.Conclusion: Iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs Fe3O4) is suitable for removal of some pollutants (COD, BOD5 and PO43-) from the secondary effluent, but this absorbent is not effective for nitrate removal.

Background and purpose: Iodine is a trace element that has a major role in function of thyroid hormones. Disorders caused by iodine deficiency are the main preventable reasons for mental and physical problems. The purpose of this study was to determine the content of iodine in salt used in Kermanshah, Iran.Materials and methods: Three hundred samples from 39 food suppliers were collected in various stages of production. Also, 100 salt samples (30 gr) from kitchens were randomly obtained. Standard methods were used for measuring the iodine level. Data was then analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test.Results: The mean content of iodine in salt samples supplied in Kermanshah was 28.3±14.8 ppm, which was 50% less than the recommended level in Iran. The iodine level was within the standard range in only eight brands and 80% did not contain suggested level of iodine. Impurities were found in 3.1% of the samples. The iodine content reduced in salts as more time passed from production date (P=0.14).Conclusion: Most of the salts used in Kermanshah did not meet quality standards, therefore, continuous monitoring of iodine content in salt in production and distribution stages are recommended.

Background and purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between attachment styles and spiritual intelligence and marital satisfaction in married female teachers in government primary schools in Khorramabad, Iran.Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in all married female teachers in primary schools in 2014. Stratified random sampling was used and 260 individuals were selected. Data was collected using the Adult Attachment Scale, Spiritual Intelligence Self Report Inventory, and Marital Satisfaction Scale. Data analyses were done in SPSS V. 20 using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: Positive correlations were found between spiritual intelligence and marital satisfaction and secure attachment and marital satisfaction (P=0.001). According to regression analysis, attachment styles and spiritual intelligence explained 40% and 45% of the variance in satisfaction, respectively.Conclusion: This study indicates the need for improving marital satisfaction in teachers considering their attachment styles and spiritual intelligence.

Background and purpose: Salmonellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases with global distribution. Rural dogs may not show clinical signs of salmonella infection. But could remain the bacteria carrier for a long period. The aim of this study was to assess the potential role of rural dogs in epidemiology of salmonellosis in Golestan and Mazandaran provinces.Materials and methods: Rectal swabs of 210 asymptomatic rural dogs from Golestan and Mazandaran provinces (2013-2015) were cultured and evaluated by PCR using universal primers ST 11 and ST 15 at the genus level. Salmonella isolates were serotyped and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility applying standard methods.Results: Salmonella spp. were isolated from 40 (19.4%) samples. Three salmonella serotypes were observed including S. enteritidis (50%), S. typhymurium (35%), and S. dublin (15%). Salmonellosis was more prevalent in autumn (P<0.05). Highest antimicrobial resistance was found against streptomycin, ampicillin, and neomycin.Conclusion: Isolation of Salmonella spp. from asymptomatic dogs makes them dangerous source of Salmonella and a treat for human and animal health.

Background and purpose: Hysterosalpingography is a radiologic examination to visualize reproductive system using contrast media. This provides us with significant information of reproductive system and its anomalies. The aim of this study was to survey the hysterosalpingography findings in infertile women in Ahvaz, Iran.Materials and methods: A descriptive study was performed during 2009 to 2014 among 2025 infertile women attending selected radiologic clinics. The patients underwent hysterosalpingography examination during the day 6-12 of their menstrual cycle.Results: The results showed that 65% (n=1316) had primary infertility and 35% (n=708) had secondary infertility. Normal cases included 62% (n=1255) while 38% (n=769) were abnormal. Congenital uterus anomalies comprised 8% (n=62) of the causes of infertility. The prevalence of uterus didelphis which is the most sever uterus malformation was 2% (n=16). The most common uterus anomaly was uterus arcuatus 4% (n=32).Conclusion: In this study the most common causes of infertility were acquired causes rather than anatomical reasons. Secondary infertility in our study was greater than the value published by WHO for Asia.

Complete duplication of the bladder and urethra is a very rare congenital anomaly which is diagnosed either shortly after birth or during early childhood. These rare malformations are usually seen by other concomitant anomalies, especially in the genital area, large intestine and skeletal system. Complete duplication often occurs in the coronal and sagittal planes and may emerge as complete or incomplete. We present a 6-year-old female patient who was admitted to Vasei Hospital in sabzevar, Iran (in 2015) with a urinary tract infectionin. Because of double urethra in the genital area, more diagnostic tests were conducted due to suspicion of congenital abnormalities of the urinary system. Sonography showed cystic mass on the left adjacent to the bladder. Computer scan with IV contrast showed duplication of the bladder connected to left ureter and the right ureter. To the best of our knowledge, so far, no female case is being reported with complete duplication of the bladder and urethra in Iran. The case of this patient is remarkable and unique both in terms of gender and complete bladder duplication.

Double-J (DJ) stent is placed temporarily in the ureter after urology surgery and is removed after 2-6 weeks. It is relatively rare for a patient to forget about the indwelling DJ ureteral stent. Major complications associated with such situation include DJ fracture, infection and encrustation. Increasing the thickness of the stent causes the adhesion of the urinary tract, therefore, the stent cannot be easily removed. This article reports a 75-years-old male patient with fever and anuria. Serum creatinine concentration was 4 mg/dL. Ultrasonography of the left kidney showed multiple stones and the right kidney was found to be smaller than normal size. Changes in parenchymal echo suggested a possible dysfunction of the right kidney. Ultrasound of the Kidneys, Ureters and Bladder (KUB) showed a ureteral stent in the left kidney which was placed after transurethral uretero-lithotomy (TUL) ten years ago. The patient also had a history of another forgotten DJ for 6 years. Due to the patient's age and general condition, we decided to use spinal anesthesia and removed the forgotten stent in three stages using ureteroscopy. After three months the creatinine level was 1.5 mg/dL and the patient was in good condition. Patients with history of forgotten DJ should be adequately trained so that further complications are avoided. In treatment of such patients ureteroscopy is believed to be better for removing the forgotten DJ because of dilatation ureter which makes large stone fragments to be removed easier.

Background and purpose: Increasing number of patients undergoing x-ray examinations has created a global concern due to the deleterious biological effects associated with x-ray exposure. Adherence to ionizing radiation protection principles could be of great benefit in decreasing these effects. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to survey radiation protection in diagnostic x-ray imaging in Iran using systematic review of published articles.Materials and methods: Without any time limitation, some databases including SID, Magiran, IranMedex, Irandoc, Google-Scholar, Medlin, Embase and PubMed were searched. A total of 122 articles was obtained during the primary research. After elimination of duplicate and irrelevant articles, 39 articles (published in 1997 to 2015) were selected for final review.Results: The researches were performed in conventional radiology centers (n=24), dental radiography (n=8), nuclear medicine (n=2), mammography (n=1), computed tomography (n=1), dental radiography and radiology (n=1), and total diagnostic X-ray departments (n=2). Totally, 874 diagnostic centers and 1677 radiographers were studied. These studies revealed undesirable level of radiation protection regarding the use of shielding tools for patients, radiation collimation, use of film bag in dental radiography, and quality control programs. But, environmental radiation doses and the use of film bag in radiology centers were found to be in appropriate level.Conclusion: Despite increasing application of x-ray in medical diagnosis, radiation protection did not considerably change in Iran. So a national strategic program on radiation protection seems to be necessary. Such programs must be developed by ministry of health and radiation protection affairs of national atomic energy organization and its administration must be monitored permanently.