JOURNAL OF MAZANDARAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
Year:2019 | Volume:29 | Issue:175|Papers Count:20

Background and purpose: This study was designed to determine the protective effect of flower and leaf ethyl acetate extract of Viola odorata L. against ethanol induced chronic nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Materials and methods: Ethyl acetate extracts of flower and leaf of V. odorata were prepared. Then, Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of extracts were determined. Animals were randomally assigned into follwing groups: control (normal saline), ethanol (10 mg/kg, IP), ethanol with oral doses (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) of flower and leaf ethyl acetate extracts and Vit E (positive control). After 28 days, animals were anesthetized, kidneys were removed and level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl, and antioxidant content (glutathione) were evaluated. In addition, histopathological changes as well as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), BUN and Cr in serum were evaluated. Results: Ethanol promoted significant increase in ROS, LPO, and P. C levels in kidney while it reduced GSH storage. We found that ethanol treatment led to significant histologic changes and also elevation of BUN and Cr. Furthermore, TAC decreased in the plasma of ethanol-treated rats. Administration of both extracts markedly inhibited renal oxidative stress and reduced BUN and Cr levels in the plasma. Furthoremore, plasma TAC and pathological lesions were improved after treatment with both extracts. Conclusion: Viola odorata showed protective effects against ethanol-induced nephrotoxicity, which may be attributed to its antioxidant activity. So, it can be considered effective against oxidative stress induced by chronic ethanol exposure in kidney tissue.

Background and purpose: Sleep and stress are linked in a bidirectional manner. Immobilization stress is a simple model that could be used easily in animal studies for understanding the neurobiology of stress-sleep relationship. Cinnamaldehyde as a herbal medicine with antioxidant activities could be investigated in modulating sleep-stress interaction. Materials and methods: In the present study, we examined the effects of immobilization stress combined with physical stress on sleep stages in male Wistar rats. Sleep stages were evaluated through EEG and EMG signals before and after stress induction during three consecutive days. The rats received Cinnamaldehyde orally by gavage at the dose level of 20 mg/kg/day. The treatment was started one week before surgery and lasted for 18 days. Results: Findings showed that immobilization stress decreased the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (P= 0. 01). In the stress exposed group treated with Cinnamaldehyde not only there were no decrease in REM sleep but also there were increase in REM and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Conclusion: Cinnamaldehyde could improve sleep and repair REM sleep disturbance induced by stress.

Background and purpose: Some native species of medicinal plants are abundantly found in Iran. High incidence of ulcers in diabetic patients necessitates research on herbal medicines with fewer side effects. This study was conducted to evaluate the histological variables of the Fumaria parviflora extract on the repair of ulcers in diabetic rats. Materials and methods: The study was carried out in 48 adult male Wistar rats at 14-15 weeks of age, weighing 200 ± 10 gr. Diabetes was induced by injection of alloxan. The animals were randomly divided into 4 groups (n= 12), including negative control group (healthy without any treatment), positive control group (diabetic with no treatment), experimental group I (diabetic treated by eucerin cream), and experimental group II (diabetic treated by a cream containing 3% F. parviflora). Histopathological examination was done at the end of days 3, 7, 14, and 21. The size of the scars and tissue indices were measured in these groups. Results: There was a significant difference between the experimental group II and other groups in the rate of recovery (P <0. 001). Compared to experimental group I, the scores for some microscopic parameters were higher in experimental group II. Conclusion: According to current study, topical use of F. parviflora could diminish inflammation and accelerate wound healing. It was also found to be highly efficient in accelerating the transition from inflammatory to fibroblast hyperplasia phase. Therefore, F. parviflora as an efficient low-cost herbal medicine could be used in accelerating wound healing.

Background and purpose: According to some evidence, psychological factors play an important role in the development and progression of cardiac diseases. But there are contradictions about the independent relationship between psychological distress and coronary heart disease. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between mental health and non-fatal coronary heart disease (CHD). Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in 5042 people in Amol, Iran. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to measure mental health. The participants were followed up for about seven years based on history and hospital records of coronary heart disease. Data analysis was done applying independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, logistic regression, and survival analysis. Results: The highest rates of mental health problems were seen in women younger than 40 years of age living in urban areas. The prevalence of mental health problems and incidence of CHD were 21. 9% and 4. 5%, respectively. The hazard ratio for non-fatal CHD was 1. 009 (0. 709-1. 435, CI= 95%, P=0. 960). Conclusion: This study showed no significant correlation between mental health and CHD. But, current findings should be interpreted carefully on the basis of social factors and methodological constraints.

Background and purpose: Postpartum depression is a health problem and its prevalence is higher in women with unwanted pregnancy. This condition causes many psychological problems. The present study aimed at investigating the effect of counseling based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on postpartum depression in unwanted pregnancies. Materials and methods: A clinical trial with pre-test, post-test control group design and twomonth follow-up was performed. The participants (n=52) were randomly selected from comprehensive health centers in Arak, Iran with a median depression score and unwanted pregnancy in delayed postpartum period (2-6 months). They were assigned into either a control group (n=26) or an intervention group (n=26). Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and unwanted pregnancy. Beck Depression Inventory was completed before, immediately, and two months after the intervention by both groups. The intervention group attended eight weekly ACT sessions (90 min). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics applying Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: Depression scores in intervention group and control group were 17. 3± 4. 2 and 26. 5± 3. 1, respectively, immediately after the intervention. Following two months intervention, the depression scores were significantly different between the controls and intervention group (25. 61± 3. 4 vs. 12. 4± 3. 8, P<0. 05). Conclusion: In contrast to expensive and long-term treatments, ACT could be used as an effective intervention in treatment of postpartum depression.

Background and purpose: Preterm birth is the one that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) is one of the main elements in screening test for Down syndrome, carried out at 11-14 weeks of gestational age. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between low PAPP-A levels and preterm delivery. Materials and methods: A descriptive-analytic cohort study was performed in 994 women of singleton pregnancy aged 18-35 years old attending Qazvin Kowsar Hospital before week 14 gestational age in 2016. The first trimester screening test was performed in all participants. Results of the tests, maternal demographic data, and gestational age at the end of pregnancy were recorded. SPSS was used to analyze the data. Results: Preterm birth happened in 77 (7. 74%) cases. The mean PAPP-A level was 1. 1 ± 0. 69 MOM. PAPP-A level was found to have a significant relationship with preterm delivery (P<0. 001). The sensitivity and specificity of PAPP-A levels were 0. 674 and 0. 675, respectively in predicting preterm delivery. The positive and negative predictive values of the test were 84. 92% and 95. 88%, respectively. Conclusion: Lower PAPP-A levels were found to be associated with risk of preterm birth, so, this screening test is helpful in determining the probability of preterm birth.

Background and purpose: Breast‑ conserving surgery followed by radiation therapy to the whole breast is now recognized as a standard strategy in patients with breast cancer. Recommended technique for radiotherapy is whole breast irradiation followed by boost to the tumor bed. This study aimed to compare the dosimetric parameters of electron and photon beams for boosting irradiation in post‑ lumpectomy patients of breast cancer. Materials and methods: This analytical study included 50 patients of post-lumpectomy breast cancer. Treatment Planning System (TPS) was used to compare the plans for electron beam and photon beam boost irradiation. The organs at risk (OAR) consist of heart, ipsilateral lung, and skin. Targetvolume coverage, Conformity Index (CI), Homogeneity Index (HI), and doses to OAR were compared. Results: Photon plans represented a considerably better CI and HI for the planning target volumes (PTV), compared to the electron beam plans. Regarding OAR sparing, the V1Gy and Dmean in heart and ipsilateral lung with photon beam were significantly higher than electron beam (P<0. 05). Conclusion: Dosimetric analysis revealed that CI index, HI index, and PTV coverage were significantly better in photon boost plans, while OAR dosimetry conveyed a significant reduction in ipsilateral lung and heart doses with electron beam plans.

Background and purpose: Delay in diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) patients with positive sputum is a main reason for spread of the disease. The present study aimed at investigating delayed diagnosis and treatment of patients with positive tuberculosis in Sistan, Iran. Materials and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 384 patients with positive smear tuberculosis in 2016-2017. The information was collected from the Health Department of Zabol University of Medical Sciences. Results: The mean days for diagnostic delay and treatment delay were 31 days and zero day, respectively. Treatment delay among patients with previous history of TB treatment was higher than that of new cases (P= 0. 004). Higher degrees of smear positivity led to greater delay in diagnosis (P= 0. 003). Other factors, including age (P= 0. 361), gender (P= 0. 70), nationality (P= 0. 29), place of residence (P= 0. 90), job (P= 0. 154), and educational background (P= 0. 298) had no significant effect on the delay in diagnosis. But, job status was found to have a significant effect on the delay in treatment of TB patients (P= 0. 015). Conclusion: In this study, most of the patients with smear positive pulmonary TB were diagnosed more than one month after the onset of symptoms. But the treatment in most cases was on time. The type of TB and the degree of smear positivity could play a role in diagnostic delay.

Background and purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of drawing on children's anxiety before surgery Isfahan Alzahra Hospital, Iran 2017. Materials and methods: A controlled clinical trial was conducted and all children undergoing surgery were included. Based on the sample size formula, 70 children aged 3 to 7 years old were randomly divided into experimental (n=35) and control groups (n=35). The intervention group did drawing activities in the preoperative area and their anxiety level was measured before and after the activities. The control group received no intervention. Data were collected using modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) and paired t-test and Fisher's exact test were applied for statistical analysis. Results: Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the intervention group and the control group in indicators of anxiety (activity, speaking, expressing emotions, emotions, reliance on parental supports) (P>0. 05). Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significantly better results after the intervention (P>0. 05). The experimental group were also found with significant improvements in emotional expression and reliance on parental supports (P>0. 05), but, other indicators were not significantly different before and after the intervention (P> 0. 05). Conclusion: Current study showed that drawing activities could reduce anxiety in children in preoperative area. Therefore, these activities are suggested before performing anesthesia in children.

Background and purpose: Malocclusion is the most common developmental disorder. Many people undergo orthodontic treatment for cosmetic reasons. Knowledge about the need for orthodontic treatment in different population groups could help in having an appropriate perspective towards providing orthodontic treatments and planning for reasonable services in the community at macro level. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge of students in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences about orthodontic treatments. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed by Pourkhameneh et al. consisting of three sections, including demographic questions, general questions, and questions about the knowledge levels of participants. Data analysis was carried out in SPSS V24. Results: A total of 353 subjects participated in this study. The total mean scores for knowledge in pharmacy and dentistry students were 5. 59 and 5. 25, respectively. The mean levels of knowledge were not significantly different between senior medical students (5. 54), senior students in basic sciences (5. 12) and bachelor degree programs (4. 54) (P>0. 05). Females’ knowledge (5. 28± 1. 50) about orthodontics was significantly greater than that of males (4. 95± 1. 44) (P= 0. 024). Conclusion: The students participated in this study showed medium levels of knowledge about orthodontic treatment. Today, social media are highly used by people, therefore, they could be of great benefit in informing them about orthodontic treatment.

Background and purpose: Drug and tobacco addiction is one of the major threats to adolescents and educating this group could be of great benefit in preventing the problem. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of media intervention on students' attitude towards drug and tobacco use. Materials and methods: In this quasi-experimental research a male high school was randomly selected. The subjects were assigned into either an experimental group (n= 30) or a control group (n= 30). Attitude questionnaire was performed in both groups. Pre-test was conducted in the groups. Then, the experimental group received audio and visual messages derived from 12 educational sessions. Data at pre-test and post-test were compared to investigate the efficacy of the intervention. Data analysis was done applying independent t-test and analysis of covariance. Results: The findings showed that education through audio and visual messages had a significant effect on changing students' attitude in the subscale of interest in consumption (Eta1= 0. 29 and Eta2= 0. 19), physiologic (Eta1 and Eta2= 0. 12), mental health (Eta1= 0. 1 and Eta2= 0. 16), and social (Eta1= 0. 09 and Eta2= 0. 21) effects. These messages also significantly changed the total score for attitude toward drugs (Eta1=0. 06 and Eta2= 0. 09) (P= 0. 001). Indeed, the average negative attitudes towards drugs and tobacco and their subscales increased after receiving the educational messages. Conclusion: Both methods of education (visual and audio messages) were found to be effective on the students 'attitude towards drug abuse, tobacco and addiction, and strengthened the students' negative attitude. But, visual messages were more effective and authorities should pay more attention on this.

Background and purpose: This preliminary study was conducted for the adaptation and standardization of Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (ERQ-CA) in a sample of Iranian students. Materials and methods: The current psychometric study was carried out in male and female students in public elementary and secondary schools in Tehran, Iran during 2017-2018 academic year. The samples consisted of 412 participants, including 56. 8% females, who were selected using multi-stage clustering sampling. Data were collected using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (ERQ-CA), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule for Children (PANAS-C), Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), and Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS). Data analysis was performed in SPSS V20 applying descriptive and inferential statistics (factor analysis, principal component analysis, Cronbach's alpha, and Pearson correlation). Results: Factor analysis revealed that the ERQ-CA has two factors (reappraisal and suppression). Cronbach's alpha was 0. 81 for total items and 0. 79 and 0. 68 for reappraisal and suppression, respectively. Also, significant correlation coefficients were found for the relationship between reappraisal and suppression with positive and negative affect, anxiety (excluding obsessive-compulsive disorder), and depression subscales (P=0. 01, and P=0. 05, respectively). Conclusion: The Persian version of ERQ-CA showed reasonably good psychometric properties, therefore, it could be used in clinical and research evaluations of emotion regulation strategies in Iranian children and adolescents.

Background and purpose: Proper resonance is a major factor for the comprehension of speech in individuals with hearing loss. These people have low speech intelligibility caused by inappropriate resonance. Therefore, nasalance measurement is a principal aspect of the assessment of people with hearing loss. This study aimed at determining nasalance in children with hearing loss. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 63 children with moderate, severe, and profound hearing loss. The participants included 51 girls and 12 boys aging 8-13 years old. They were randomly selected from Tehran, Iran. The degree of hearing impairments was determined. Speech samples were obtained using Sentence Reading Test (14 sentences with oral consonants and 3 sentences with nasal consonants) and the nasalance was measured by Nasal View software. Then, data analysis was performed. Results: The mean nasalance in nasal sentences were found to be significantly higher than those of oral sentences between the groups studied. The mean values for nasalance in nasal sentences read by children with profound hearing loss were significantly higher than those read by children with severe and moderate hearing loss. Conclusion: In this study, the mean nasalance in children with moderate hearing loss was the lowest in reading sentences with oral consonants and nasal consonants. Also, it was found that hearing loss influenced the nasalance.

Background and purpose: Diabetes mellitus is a highly prevalent disease and there is a global interest in using traditional and herbal medicine in treatment of this disease and other diseases. This study aimed at comparing the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Perovskia abrotanoides and Glibenclamide on serum glucose, HDL, and cholesterol levels in diabetic rates. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 70 male Wistar Rats (250-300 g) were divided into seven groups (n=10) and kept under similar conditions. Group I was considered as healthy control and Strptozotosin was used to induce diabetes in groups II-VII. All groups were provided with regular food and water. Group II was considered as diabetic untreated control, Group III was treated by Glibenclamide and groups IV-VII were treated by P. abrotanoide extract at different concentrations. All parameters (serum glucose, cholesterol, and HDL levels) were measured before the study, and at weeks one and four after the study. Results: In groups IV-VII, P. abrotanoid extract significantly decreased serum glucose levels (P<0. 05) and cholesterol (P<0. 01) and increased HDL-C (P<0. 05). Conclusion: This study showed that P. abrotanoid extract has strong antidiabetic and antilipidemic effects and could be used an effective drug in lowering glucose and lipid levels in Streptozocin-induced diabetic rats.

Background and purpose: Imbalance between low oxygen supply and oxygen demands determines organ hypoxia causing oxidative stress and finally lead to cell death. Compounds with antioxidant activity are able to exhibit antihypoxic property. Allium sativum has distinctive antioxidant activities, but to the best of our knowledge, there is no reports on the protective effect of flower of this plant against hypoxia. In this study, antihypoxic activities of this plant were evaluated. Materials and methods: Protective effects of A. sativum flower methanolic extract against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice were evaluated by three experimental models. Analysis of variance was performed followed by Newman-Keuls multiple comparison test. Results: Considerable protective activities were established in all models. Antihypoxic activity was pronounced in asphyctic model. A. sativum flower methanolic extract showed the same activity of the positive control; phenytoin, at 125 mg/kg (P>0. 05). At 250 mg/kg it was significantly higher than phenytoin (P<0. 001). Compared to control group, in haemic model, the extract significantly prolonged survival time in a dose dependent manner. At 125 mg/kg, the extract was capable of keeping the mice alive for 31. 20± 5. 68 min (P<0. 001). At 62. 5 mg/kg, it prolonged survival time (P<0. 05). In circulatory model, the extract at 125 mg/kg significantly prolonged survival time (P<0. 05) but was not found to be effective at 62. 5 mg/kg (P>0. 05). Conclusion: Methanolic extract of A. sativum flower demonstrated strong protective effects against hypoxia in all three models.

Background and purpose: Inflammatory cells including mast cells, with the production of inflammatory mediators such as heparin and histamine participate in the process of inflammation and jaw resorption. Considering the increasing growth of cysts and the role of mast cells in the process of bone resorption, the role of mast cells might be considered in pathogenesis and growth of cysts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of mast cells in two most common odontogenic jaw cysts. Materials and methods: Tissue sections of 20 cases of radicular cyst and odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) were stained with Giemsa and observed under optical microscope in five randomized areas of the subepithelial and deep zones. Data analysis was done in SPSS 23 applying ANOVA test, multiple comparison test, and t-test. Results: The average number of mast cells in radicular cysts was higher than that in OKC. There was no significant difference in subepithelial zone of these cysts (P =0. 093), while a significant difference was observed in deep zone of wall of radicular cysts and OKC (P =0. 006). Conclusion: Mast cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of radicular cysts, but, they may not be directly involved in the growth and pathogenesis of OKC.

Background and purpose: Assessing and improving the quality and educational capability of faculty members in universities is to improve the quality of programs, making appropriate policies and performing better educational activities. Faculty member’ s evaluation by students is an important tool for both the lecturers and educational managers in educational planning. The aim of this study was to assess the trend of faculty member’ s evaluation scores by students in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 2012-2016. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in faculty members in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences selected via census sampling. We used the scores for faculty members using the electronic educational management system (SAMA). It allows all students to evaluate university lecturers before final exams in every semester using a checklist. Data analysis was done applying descriptive and inferential tests in SPSS V22. Results: The evaluation scores for faculty members (2012-2016) were evaluated. The scores ranged between 4. 25± 0. 4 and 4. 49± 0. 3. The mean evaluation scores showed significant changes whithin the years studied (P<0. 001). Conclusion: The average scores for evaluation of faculty members changed significantly during this period. Usually the accuracy of information collected from students is questioned, therefore, further studies with quantitative-qualitative approach are recommended.

Background and purpose: Epiglottitis is an uncommon life threatening pediatric disease. Evidence suggests some changes in etiology and incidence of this disease after vaccination against Hinfluenza type b. This Meta-analysis and systematic review aimed at investigating the etiology and incidence of acute epiglottitis in pre and post H-influenza vaccination era. Materials and methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, SID, and Magiran using the following keywords: acute epiglottitis, H-Influ vaccination, pre-vaccine era, and post-vaccine era. Relevant studies published in Persian and English, between 1975 and 2016 were investigated. Finally, 29 articles meeting the study inclusion criteria were selected. Three pediatric specialists independently screened the articles. Results: H-influenza was found as the main reason for acute epiglottitis. The rate of epiglottitis induced by H-influ in pre and post vaccination era was 27. 54% [(95% CI=23. 68-31. 39), P= 0. 000], and 18. 41% [(95% CI= 9. 29-46. 10), P= 0. 000], respectively. Conclusion: H-Influenza remains a common etiology of acute epiglottitis after H-Influ vaccination. But, this disease is predominantly seen in adults following the introduction of vaccination, and rarely other causative agents such as Staphylococcus aureus are identified to be associated with acute epiglottitis.

Apoptosis is a physiological cell death that occurs under normal conditions in major biological processes, including the removal of old, damaged, extra, or harmful cells. It plays an important role in natural evolution, tissue homeostasis, removal of cells damaged or infected by viruses, and removal of immune cells activated against self-antigens. The purpose of this review was to examine the role of apoptosis in parasites and helminths. In this study, four English databases and three Persian databases were used to investigate the articles published between 1999 and 2018. Findings showed that in the Leishmania parasites, Plasmodium and Toxoplasma gondii mimic apoptosis with the expression of phosphatidylserine on the surface of the infected macrophages and prevent the recognition of the infected cell by the host immune system. Also, excreted/secreted antigens in the helminths, including Echinococcus granulosus, Echinococcus multilocularis, and Schistosoma haematobium induce apoptosis in immune cells, especially in lymphocytes. Parasites follow different goals by inducing or preventing apoptosis and current article aimed at reviewing these aspects. Moreover, apoptotic blebs from parasiteinfected cell can potentially stimulate the host's immune system, therefore, they could be further investigated in vaccine-related studies.