Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
Year:2009 | Volume:18 | Issue:68|Papers Count:17

Background and purpose: In Iran, Organ phosphorus pesticides such as chloropyrifos and diazinon are widely used in agriculture. These compounds inhibit activity of cholinesterase in nearly irreversible manner resulting in malfunction of nerve impulse transmission. This result in humans can produce illness or even death.Therefore, the present study aims to isolate various bacterial strains in specified contaminated regions. We selected one of the isolates that contain the highest OP-hydrolyzing capability for using such strain, in decontaminating environmentally harmful OP residues.Materials and methods: In this study, vast waters from chemical factories and contaminated agricultural soil samples were used for isolation of several bacterial strains that contain OPAA enzyme are capable of utilizing chloropyrifos and diazinon as a source of carbon and phosphorus by selective enrichment on mineral salt medium (MSM), which contains chloropyrifos or diazinon. One strain was selected for analysis of degradation ability with growth studies and HPLC technique and characterization by Bergey, s manual.Results: From vast water and soil, ten bacterial strains were isolated using chloropyrifos and diazinon as source of carbon and phosphorus. One of them named IHU strain4; grows most rapidly and luxuriously and displays the highest organophosphate-hydrolyzing capability. On the basis of morphological and biochemical characteristics, the bacterial isolate was identified as a member of the genus pseudomonas.Conclusion: From these findings, it can be concluded that the isolated bacterial strain is able to utilize Organ phosphorus pesticides as a source of carbon and phosphorus. Utilization of these compounds by soil microorganisms is a crucial phenomenon by which these compounds are removed from the environment, thus, preventing environmental pollution.Results from the present study suggest that the isolated bacterial strain may be used for remediation of pesticide-contamination.

Background and purpose: Preliminary studies have been established to examine the cardiotonic effect of Citrus bigaradia extract, by implenenting various mechanisms. The functional protective role of this plant against supraventricular tachyarrhythmia remains to be determined. The present study is designed to assess the role of hydroalcoholic extract of Citrus bigaradia by modifying the electrophysiological properties of atrioventricular node, during simulated experimental atrial fibrillation in rabbits and also, to determine the role of adrenoceptores regarding effects of Citrus bigaradia on the AV node.Materials and methods: In this present study, Newsland male rabbits (1.5-2kg) were used. Programmed stimulation protocols (Recovery, Wenckbach, Atrial fibrilation and Zone of concealment) were applied in two groups (N=23) to assess electrophysiological properties of isolated rabbit AV node. In the first group (N=10), different concentrations of hydroalcoholic extract of Citrus bigaradia were added to thyrods to detect nodal concealed conduction. In the second group (N=13), the effects of extracts (54-108mg/L) were analysied in the presence of b-adereceptor blocker (Nadolol 2mm). AF protocol was simulated by high-rate atrial pacing with random coupling intervals (range 75-125ms). All data have been shown as Mean ± SE. Results: Citrus bigaradia, had biphasic concentration-effect pattern, such as in low and intermediate concentrations (0.8-3.2mg/L), shortened nodal functional refractory period and Wenckebach. We observed a non-significant decrease in the average H-H intervals and numbers of concealed beats in all concentrations of Citrus bigaradia. Zone of concealment was shortened by this plant. Nadolol (2mm) prevented the whole effects of Citrus bigaradia on the nodal conduction time, refractoriness and concealed conduction.Conclusion: The above results indicate the potential pro-arrhythmic effects of Citrus bigaradia in worsing supraventricular tachyarrhythmia. The effects of plant to decrease the AV-nodal refractory period and concealment zone may be considered the major mechanism of this plant. At least some parts of effects of Citrus is mediated through b-adrenoceptores.

Background and purpose: Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is defined as a form of hepatitis B that despite absence of detectable HBsAg, HBV-DNA is present in patient’s peripheral blood. Genetic and immunological differences appear to play important roles in producing OBI. Therefore, this project was aimed to examine the expression of a chemokine receptor (CCR5) on CD8+ T cells of OBI patients.Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 3,700 HBsAg- plasma samples were collected. Samples were tested for anti-HBc antibody and all of HBsAg-/anti-HBc+ samples were screened for HBV-DNA by PCR. HBV-DNA positive samples were assigned as OBI cases. Also, flow cytometry analysis was performed to examine the expression of CCR5 on CD8+ T cells of OBI patients.Results: Results of current study showed that 352 (9.5%) cases of samples were positive for anti-HBc+. Examination of HBsAg-/anti-HBc+ samples for HBV-DNA by PCR showed that 57 (16.1%) cases had HBV-DNA. Flow cytometric studies indicated lymphocytosis in these patients; however, the number of cells which expressed CD8+ and CCR5 is decreased significantly in patients, compared to healthy control. In addition to CD8+ T cells, the expression of CCR5 is also decreased on all immune cells.Conclusion: One of the chemokine receptors which are expressed by CD8+ T cells is CCR5 and these cells are recruited to infected tissues, including liver by CCR5. Therefore, based on results of this investigation, one may conclude that due to the decreased expression of CCR5, the CD8+ T cells are unable to respond to the chemokines (CCR5 ligands) and, hence, cannot immigrate to the infected liver and incorporate in clearance of hepatitis B virus.

Background and purpose: Many studies have determined desirable outcomes of elective episiotomy. However, the clinical practice is not based on results in many hospitals. For this reason, the present study assessed the view of practitioners regarding routine episiotomy.Materials and methods: This qualitative study was done by content analysis. A through semi-structured interview was done with obstetricians, midwives and midwifery trainers. After gathering information, common points of interviews were coded and stratified. Continuous comparison was done to obtain confidence of internal constancy in coding. For validity and reliability, three members of group coded the interviews independently, followed by defining the final theme. Themes were then returned to participants for confidence of their accuracy.Results: Twenty-four participants were assessed. Factors that influence the usage of routine episiotomy included 5 total concepts. Also, some partial concepts appeared as subcategory of total concepts. They were: 1. delivery agent (personal experience, skill, deficit of agents, fatigue and impatience, low knowledge, ability of communication with mother, and agent's role); 2. Mother (prevention and decline of injuries, anatomical differences, culture, not cooperating and, diseases); 3. Fetus (prevention and decline of trauma, conditions); 4. Legal problems (mother's complaints, remonstrance by seniors). 5. Method of management (non availibity of advanced technology, non usage of new methods for delivery, Mothers not being prepared).Conclusion: In a prolonged clinical practice, such as routine episiotomy, change is difficult. As studies recommend the limited use of episiotomy, intervention is necessary for changing practitioners' attitude and practice. Training of delivery agents, students and pregnant women are basic.

Background and purpose: The rate of carbohydrate absorption after a meal, as quantified by glycemic index, has an effect on postprandial hormonal and metabolic response.The aim of the present study is to determine the effects of low-glycemic index diet, versus low-fat diet on the body weight, BMI, WHR (waist/hip ratio) and plasma lipid profile of obese patients.Materials and methods: A randomized controlled trial compared the effect of two dietary treatments (low glycemic index & low fat) in 46 adults, ages 18 to 55 years old, BMI >27, who proceeded to Motahary Clinic in Shiraz, Iran. Body weight, BMI, WHR (waist/hip ratio), fast and post-prandial Plasma lipid profile (Triacylglycerol, total Cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C concentration) level of obese women were measured at the beginning and end of 6 weeks.Results: Changes in Body weight, BMI, WHR (waist/hip ratio) and Plasma lipid profile (Triacylglycerol, total Cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C concentration) were significant in both dietary groups. But no significant differences were observed in any parameter measured between two groups, except for the post-prandial HDL-C in which significant difference were observed.Conclusion: From these findings, it can be concluded that the isolated bacterial strain can utilize Organ phosphorus pesticides as a source of carbon and phosphorus. Utilization of these compounds by soil microorganisms is a crucial phenomenon by which these compounds are removed from the environment, thus, preventing environmental pollution.Both diets can equally be effective in decreasing the body weight and Plasma lipid profile.

Background and purpose: Literature review indicates that antibiotic resistance of bacteria may be associated with the resistance to host natural immunity.  In the previous study we found that: all meningococcal isolates of meningitis cases are less sensitive to typical anti-meningococcal antibiotics. In present study, the association of the above characters was analyzed in an ex-vivo “case-control” study.Materials and methods: A randomized controlled trial compared effect two dietary treatments (low glycemic index & low fat) in 46 adults, ages 18-55 years old, BMI >27,who proceed to motahary clinic in shiraz, Iran. Body weight, BMI, WHR (waist/hip ratio), fast and post-prandial Plasma lipid profile (Triacylglycerol, total Cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C concentration) level of obese women measured at the beginning and at the end 6 weeks.Results: The resistance of both groups against selected sera were similar in the ratio 1:2- by SIC and SBC methods. The growth of “test” and “control” groups in the pooled sera were stopped at the ratios 1:512 and 1:1024 respectively. In SBA the population of “test” and “control” groups decreased in parallel to each other. However, the invasive (test) meningococcal strains established slower reduction in WBA.Conclusion: Studies on the correlation between antibiotic resistance of bacteria and the resistance to the natural immunity have ended with different results. According to our experience, it seems that for ex- vivo investigation of natural immunity against meningococci the WBA is more reliable.

Background and purpose: The most common treatment used for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is hemodialysis. Although, this treatment caused may promote longevity, however, many complications may occur, such as nausea & vomiting. Body position during hemodialysis has an effect on nausea & vomiting episodes, patients who may lay in Semi fowler position  during hemodialysis are able to communicate with circumstances comfortably, furthermore, with inner organ self arrangement into body in a semi-fowler position, the stomach discharges quickly. In this study, we assessed nausea & vomiting during hemodialysis, in two supine and semi fowler position.Materials and methods: In this quasi-experimental study, one group (pre -post test),45 patients under hemodialysis in Zabol City, were placed in two positions and in each position, which took two sessions, controlled indexes for nausea and vomiting within each half hour and if changes occurred, in that moment controlled appeared.Results: Nausea incidence, during hemodialysis did not have a significant difference within the two positions. Vilkaksons test showed significant difference (P<0/05) in frequency, duration and severity of nausea incidences in two positions, while these indexes in semi- fowler position were reduced. With Vilkaksion and Mac Nemar test, any significant difference between frequency, duration and severity of vomiting incidences did not exist.Conclusion: Regarding the finding that showed majority of nausea & vomiting indexes occurrences was similar in both positions, the other index was reduced in semi- fowler position. Furthermore, since this position has been more comfortable for patients, we would suggest using semi- fowler position with hemodialysis.

Background and purpose: Prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing in the world. Those over weight are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases than other individual's. Studies indicate that body fat distribution has a determining role in the identification of risk factors. Also, the relation between BMI, cardiac ischemic pains and exercise test condition in such patients, is in need further investigation. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between BMI with exercise tolerance test in patients with cardiac ischemic pains, who were referred to the Cardiac Center of Mazandaran Province, in Sari Township.Materials and methods: In this case control study considering the BMI in ischemic patients, 65 were selected as case and 65 persons as control using Tread mill and according to Bruce Protocol, results and tolerance test time was recorded. Independent T test was used for comparison of quantitative indexes mean, while x2 test using SPSS soft ware was used for comparison of the ratio of persons with the qualitative features.Results: Data indicated mean weight of 57.1 kg and height of 1.64m in the case group. Also, 58.5% had history of hyperlipidemia (Cholesterol higher than 200mg/dl) and 78.8% with history of blood sugar (higher than 120mg/dl (P<0.001). Even 63.6% had hypertension of 140/9o mm Hg. Our findings showed that BMI in the case and control groups were (26.95±3.94) and (25.95±3.49) respectively. Moreover, a significant relationship between high BMI with cardiac ischemic pains and exercise tolerance test (P<0.001) were demonstrated.Conclusion: Cardiac ischemic pains in individuals with high BMI is common. Exercise tolerance test as one of the non invasive and less expensive procedures, can be an indicator of cardiac ischemic disease.

Background and purpose: The most common weakness caused by a neurological disease is MS, in which the Milin membrane is decimalized, which brings a reduction in the neural message transfer. The neural message transfer stops, which causes an increased lack of sensitivity (non-stimulus) physical disorders and central neural system involvement. This also causes various physical, psychological, relationship disorders, in addition to negative social and family behaviors for those who are needy. Due to the lack of research in the Mazandaran Province regarding psychological health of MS patients, there exist discrepancies resulting from research on the given subject around the world. This study, aims at determining the psychological health of the MS patients and its relationship to the field variables in the Mazandran Province.Materials and methods: The present study is of descriptive type and samples were MS patients who were members of the MS association from Mazandran Province. The sample consisted of 134 MS patients, who were under our study and had documented cases of MS, and were chosen among 700 MS patients randomly. The data gathering tool was a questionnaire, which consisted of field information and a standard questionnaire of GHQ, with 28 questions which were completed by patients.Results: The research showed that 17/9% had severe physical problems, 38/8% had severe social problems, 11/2% had high depression, and 14/9% with high anxiety. Based on the results of this study, statistical test showed a significant relationship between psychological health and educational levels (f=6/63, and critical f=2/68). However, the analysis of variance showed no relationship between MS and income levels. It should be noted, that our research findings showed a significant relationship (based on the independent t statistical test), between psychological health in 4 aspects with MS (t=5/06, p=0/05, df=132 and critical t=1/96).Conclusion: Regarding disorders in MS patient’s psychological, physical, social, anxiety and depression in some patients, it is suggested that we utilize counseling and psychologically stimulating programs in working with these patients.

Background and purpose: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution that is endemic in Iran. Worldwide, brucellosis remains a major cause of morbidity in humans and domesticated animals. The disease has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestation and can affect a variety of organs and systems. This study focused on blood culture of serologic diagnosed brucellosis and antimicrobial susceptibility test.Materials and methods: In this cross sectional study, microbiologic survey was done on a total of 30 serum samples with STA titer of 1:160 or greater and 2ME titer of 1:40 or greater, which were presumptive for brucellosis. Blood cultures were done by lysis centrifugation and antimicrobial susceptibility test, against 9 antimicrobial agents by disk method. The data was analyzed by stata V8.0 software.Results: At the end this study, the blood culture isolation rate was 23.3 %( 7 cases out of 30 patients) and all of the isolates were brucella melitensis. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests showed high in vitro activity of ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and doxycycline and also, low in vitro activity of streptomycin and cotrimoxazole.Conclusion: Brucellosis is endemic in Iran. Brucella melitensis was the most common strain of brucella in our patients. Except cotrimoxazole and streptomycin, high in vitro activity was found with other antibrucella agents, especially with ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and doxycycline.

Stent thrombosis as a complication of percutaneous coronary intervention frequently is associated with deadly events such as myocardial infarction and sudden death. Definitions of stent thrombosis have not been in a uniform manner in different clinical studies.Two episodes of acute ST elevation myocardial infarction nearly two years after implanting a drug – eluting stent in a 58-year-old male patient is reported here. he presence of stent thrombosis was confirmed by coronary angiography.

Kimura is a rare disease that its etiology is not defined exactly. Immunologic and allergic responses are the probable cause of disease. Kimura is most often reported mostly in Asian men. Kimura is presented by subcutaneous nodule or multiple nodules in head and neck region. This Disease is benign. The kimura disease is rare and until 1994 about 120 were reported. In our literature research one documented case was reported in Iran. Treatment of disease includes surgery, corticosteroid and cyclosporine. The presented case was a 36 years old man with right parotid gland and submentum lymph nodes enlargement. Excision of mass was done and kimura was documented by pathological examination. Recurrence of disease was happened and treatment was done by cyclosporine, prednisolon and cetirizine.kimura is a very rare disease that may be mistaken with malignancy. Therapy includes surgical excision and medical treatment. Correct diagnosis of disease can prevent radical surgery.