MEDICAL JOURNAL OF TABRIZ UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
Year:2012 | Volume:33 | Issue:5|Papers Count:26

Background and Objectives: Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a plant from umbellifera. In this research, the protective effect of dill extract on injured pancreatic tissue in diabetic rats was investigated. Materials and Methods: Fifteen adult male rats, weighing 200-250 gr, were used in three groups of five each. Rats in the control group, received physiological serum equal to the injecting material volume. Rats in the second group (diabetic) were induced diabetes with 120 mg/kgbw dose of alloxan monohydrate. Third group (diabetic+dill) received 300 mg/kgbw dose of dill hydroalchoholic extract.Results: The average size and number of pancreatic islets in the diabetic group was significantly less than the control group (P<0.05). Also in the pancreatic sections of the treated group with dill extract, most of the islets significantly increased in diameter and they had cell number more than the diabetic and control groups (P<0.05).Conclusion: The dill extract could be effective on regeneration of the injured pancreatic islets in the diabetic rats, probably due to antioxidant compounds in the extract. The extract of dill increases the rate of cell proliferation. It seems that increase in islet size and cell number is a result of remainder cells proliferation in the islets.

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular mortality and morbidity is prevalent among the chronic kidney disease patients. Despite the importance of atherosclerosis in illiofemoral area it is a neglected subject. In this study we evaluated the atherosclerotic changes of this area in a group of patient treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD). Materials and Methods: In this prospective study patients who received (PD) were studied by Doppler ultrasound for evaluation of Atherosclerotic plagues, stenosis and blood flow velocity in aorta, common iliac and femoral arteries in both sides.Results: Mild stenosis was detected in right and left iliac arteries in 34 patients (%97.1), and moderate stenosis was detected only in 1 patient (%2.9).29 patients (89.9%) had mild stenosis and 5 patients (17.2%) had moderate stenosis in right femoral arteries.31 patients (88.6%) had mild stenosis and 4 patients (%11.4) had moderate stenosis in left femoral arteries. Mild stenosis and moderate stenosis of abdominal aorta were detected in 32 (%91.4) and 3 patients (11.4%) succeedingly.Conclusion: The result of this study showed the frequency of atherosclerotic changes in illiofemoral arteries in a group of patients treated with (PD).

Background and Objectives: Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) can be defined as a cognitive bias that affects how a person perceives, interprets, and responds to uncertain situations on a cognitive, emotional, and behavioral level. The aim of this study was to compare IU among major depression disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and healthy groups. Materials and Methods: Forty eight patients with MDD and forty six patients with OCD were non-randomly selected from those attended to psychiatric and psychological clinics of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. The control group of 50 people was selected from students and staff of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. All patients were asked to complete the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Maudsley obsessive-compulsive Inventory (MOCI) and Intolerance of uncertainty Questionnaire.Results: There was a significant difference between OCD with healthy groups in IU total score and in all subscales (P<0.001). Also there was a significant difference between the MDD and healthy groups in IU total score, inability to act, and uncertainty about the future (P<0.001). There was a significant difference between the OCD and MDD groups in IU total score and all subscales (P<0/001), except for the uncertainty about the future.Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study indicate that IU is one of the characteristic of OCD. Also some of its dimensions are associated with depression.

Background and Objectives: Single-port transumblical cholecystectomy is a rapidly evolving field as a bridge between traditional laparoscopic surgery and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. Single-port surgery has emerged to further enhance cosmetic benefits and to reduce pain and morbidity of minimally invasive surgery. Since the first umbilical single access procedure, there has been an evolution in single trocars development accommodating all instruments in a single incision. Materials and Methods: We report the first clinical experience of single-port laparoscopic technique via innovative port, the glove-port.Results: In our survey there were 10 women with the mean age of 41.7±12.9 years (21-64). All procedures were completed successfully by single-port surgery, without any postoperative complications.The mean operation time was 68±11.5 minutes.Conclusion: The single-port cholecystectomy is feasible and it could be as an alternative method to the traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy in selected patients.

Background and Objectives: Stress of vigorous exercise may cause disorders in body immune system and appearance of acute and chronic inflammation. Caffeine supplementation prior to exercise can be effective on body immune response. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term caffeine supplementation on some immune and stress index responses in non-active men after an exhaustive aerobic exercise.Materials and Methods: Twenty non-active male students were randomly divided into supplementation and placebo groups. Exercise test was an exhaustive treadmill test (Bruce test). In a double-blind study one hour prior to the main test, the supplementation group received caffeine (6 mg/BW) and the control group received placebo at the same time. The serum cortisol, leukocyte and eHsp72 levels were measured before and immediately after the exercise test.Results: Data analysis showed that significant increments in lymphocyte, cortisol and Hsp72 concentrations in placebo group was higher than the supplementation group (P<0.05). Moreover, the mean alterations in these variables in the placebo group was significantly greater than the supplementation group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The caffeine supplementation prior to the short-term exhaustive aerobic exercise may have positive effect on the immune system.

Background and Objectives: Influenza type A (H1N1) causes epidemic disease resulting in thousands of deaths throughout the world. In this study, we aimed at comparing the virus isolation method and Real-time PCR to detect the Influenza A virus in clinical specimens. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study between March 2008 and March 2009, 100 throat swabs from patients with suspected influenza virus infection were collected in viral transport medium and were tested by using MDCK cells and Real-time PCR in virology lab of faculty of medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.Results: The Real-time PCR method detected 19 cases of influenza A (H1N1) compared to 5 cases by virus isolation methods.Conclusion: The Real time PCR can detect very small amount of virus genome. This technique is a more sensitive and more specific method compared to the virus isolation.

Background and Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the common autoimmune diseases with unknown etiology. It has been suggested that serum antioxidant levels is reduced and lipid peroxidation is increased due to oxidative stress. According to recent studies, antioxidant supplements may play an important role in controlling the oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of combined antioxidant supplement on serum arylesterase enzyme (ARE) and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Materials and Methods: A 3-month pre-post study was conducted on 40 female rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving one Selenplus capsule daily (selenium 50mcg, zinc 8mg, vitamin A 400mcg, vitamin C 125mg and vitamin E 40mg). Serum levels of ARE and MDA were measured spectrophotometrically in all participants.Results: In comparison with the baseline, we found significant differences between serum ARE and MDA values before and after intervention. The 3-month supplementation resulted in increasing the ARE activity (P<0.001) and reduction of the MDA levels (P<0.001).Conclusion: The combined antioxidant supplements for 3 months resulted in significant improvement in ARE activity and reduction of lipid peroxidation marker and may be helpful in rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Background and Objectives: Several studies have described the effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) during tissue injury or inflammation. BDNF expression levels in the nervous system are altered in a number of pain models including peripheral inflammation, injury and neuropathic pain paradigms. Immune cell are considered as the source of circulating BDNF. Opioid receptors participate in the function of immune cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the alteration of BDNF during carrageenan-induced inflammation and morphine anti-inflammatory effects. Materials and Methods: Inflammation was induced by 0.05 ml of 3% W/V solution of lambda carrageenan in saline injected into the plantar surface of the right hind paw. Edema of the injected paw was measured during the 6 h period after the carrageenan injection. Moreover, to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of morphine, morphine hydrochloride (7mg/kg) was injected 30 minutes prior to the carrageenan. BDNF levels in serum were determined by ELISA.Results: Four hours after the injection of carrageenan, the volume of the paw was significantly higher than the non-inflamed paw.Pretreatment with morphine, produced a significant decrease in the carrageenan-induced swelling. Naloxone evoked development of the carrageenan inflammation at 2 hours. Administration of carrageenan elicited a significant increase in BDNF serum levels.Conclusion: It seems that the inflammatory effects of the carrageenan are mediated in part by BDNF. Such association is not attributable to the anti-inflammatory effects of morphine.

Background and Objectives: Most of the previous studies indicated that more than half of cancer patients suffer from one psychiatric disorder and depression is the second common psychiatric disorder among them. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of cognitive-behavior therapy on reducing the depression among women with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study a group of 60 women with breast cancer were randomly allocated into two experimental and control groups. In this study we used Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaires.Results: Results indicated that experimental group showed significant reduction in depression symptoms compared to the control group (P<0.01).Conclusion: Cognitive-behavior therapy is an effective method in reducing the depression symptoms in women with breast cancer.

Background and Objectives: Most cases of postoperative endophthalmitis are due to the conjunctival and pulpebral bactcrial flora, and therefore many of the prophylactic measures are aimed at decreasing the number of normal ocular bacterial flora. This study aimed at comparing the effect of single dose of ciprofloxacin 0.3% and povidone-iodine 5% on the conjunctival bacterial flora before the cataract surgery. Materials and Methods: A total of 130 eyes from 130 patients whom underwent cataract surgery were enrolled in this study. After cultures were taken from conjunctival fornix, these were randomly divided into three groups: one drop of ciprofloxacin 0.3%, povidone-iodine 5% and normal saline was applied in the eyes of groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Thereafter, the second culture was taken from all the eyes. For each group, the number of colony counts was compared between initial and the second cultures.Results: In the initial cultures, the most common isolated organism was coagulase negative staphylococci found in 51 cases (39%). The mean reduction in colony forming units (CFUs) by povidone iodine, ciprofloxacin and normal saline was 4.16±15.94, 6.66±17.78 and 5.34±16.25, respectively. There was no significant difference between the mean reduction in the three studied groups (P=0.13).Conclusion: Application of one drop of ciprofloxacin 0.3%, povidone-iodine 5% and normal saline as a placebo was similarly effective in reducing the conjunctival bacterial colonization. Therefore, these regimens may not be considered as a quick prophylaxis.

Background and Objectives: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality in pediatrics. Infection is the main cause of SIRS. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation between procalcitonin (PCT), CBC, ESR and C-reactive protein. Materials and Methods: Fifty children, aged 1-36 months, hospitalized in pediatric ward in Besat hospital, Sanansaj were studied. In all patients, PCT, CBC, ESR and CRP were measured. We used Pearson correlation coefficient to evaluate the correlation between CBC, ESR, CRP and PCT before and after treatment of SIRS.Results: In the first day (before treatment), the correlation between PCT and CRP was strong and between PCT and ESR was weak. But there was no correlation between PCT and WBC. In the third day of treatment, there was no correlation between PCT, WBC count, ESR, and CRP.Conclusion: To confirm the diagnosis of SIRS prior to the treatment, procalcitonin and CRP are of high importance.However, procalcitonin is a better marker in fallow up.

Background and Objectives: World Health Organization (WHO) determined life expectancy (LE) and disability adjusted life expectancy (DALE) as two main indicators of health status in 2000. LE consists of life years with various health states. DALE is a summary measure of the population health indicating mortality and disability outcomes of diseases in a number. This study was conducted to calculate the LE and DALE in East Azerbaijan. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed based on the population data of 2006 census and mortality data of 2007. The mortality data were derived from causal death registration system of East Azerbaijan. To estimate the LE, abridged period life table was used. DALE was calculated using Sullivan method and adjusted life tables.Results: LE at birth was 72.57 years in both genders; 70.43 years in male and 74.13 years in females. DALE at birth was 62.59 in both genders; 60.85 and 63.83 in males and females, respectively.Conclusion: LE and DALE are two main indicators of health status designed by WHO for health systems performance evaluation. Appropriate framework should be prepared to determine regional burden of diseases by establishment of mortality and morbidity registry system.

Background and Objectives: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common fatal disease; therefore, the accurate and prompt diagnosis is very important. The aim of this study was to evaluate lung perfusion-ventilation scan with radiodrugs including 99mTc-MAA and radio aerosols in diagnosis of the PE. Materials and Methods: In this study, 149 patients with respiratory problems referred to the nuclear medicine department of Tabriz Imam Hospital, from October 2005 to November 2006, were studied. The perfusion scans were performed after intravenous injection of 99mTc-MAA, and the ventilation scans after inhalation of 99mTc-DTPA aerosol on the routine views of lungs. The resulting images were evaluated regarding the probability of the PE. Association between gender, age, clinical presentations, risk factors, previous cardio-pulmonary disorders, chest X-rays, and probability of the PE were evaluated.Results: In the present study, the number of involved men with PE was higher than women (P<0.005).The highest incidence of PE was noted in patients>50 years old (P=0.005).There was a direct association between the probability of PE and the related clinical presentations (P=0.005). It was also apparent that the existence of cardio-pulmonary disorders, having an abnormal CXR and the lack of a risk factor, were all accompanied with low probability of PE, but the presence or absence of risk factors showed no meaningful difference for the high probability of PE (P=0.232).Conclusion: The lung perfusion-ventilation scan is recommended as an acceptable method in the early diagnosis of PE and also evaluation of prevalence and affecting factors of the disease.

Background and Objectives: Globally, stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability. The most common type is ischemic stroke. Despite all socioeconomic impacts, there is no efficacious treatment for this devastating disease. Due to limited time window and other obstacles only small numbers of patients are eligible for new treatment like intravenous thrombolytic treatment. Other type of interventions like intra-arterial thrombolysis, retrieval devices are useful in selected cases. In this study we presented ten different cases of acute ischemic stroke treated by intra-arterial thrombolysis and/or stenting.Materials and Methods: Ten consecutive patients presented with symptoms and signs of intracranial artery occlusion within 6 and 18 hours respectively for anterior and posterior circulation were treated with intra-arterial thrombolytic (10-20 mg tissue plasminogen activator or Tpa) and stenting. A neurologist obtained the national institutes of health stroke scale (NIHSS) at baseline, and 2 hours, 24 hours, 7 days and 3 months after treatment.Results: Ten patients (6 men and 4 women) aged 23 to 74 years were recruited.Eight patients presented with stroke in the anterior circulation territory and two with posterior one. We achieved complete recanalization in 7 patients (70%) and partial in one case (10%) and in two patients with T-type left internal carotid occlusion recanalization was unsuccessful (20%). Clinical improvement and neurological recovery in the patients with complete recanalization was excellent Conclusion: These results support the efficacy of intrarterial thrombolysis and stenting in the treatment of selected cases of acute stroke ischemic. In patients with T-type carotid occlusion, this type of treatment did not show significant clinical benefits.

Background and Objectives: GABAergic system in ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays critical role in opiate reinforcement. On the other hand, vitamin B6 has a role in formation of different neurotransmitters such as GABA. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intraperitoneal (ip) and intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of vitamin B6 on positive reinforcing effect of morphine in male rat. Materials and Methods: Ninety male rats were divided into treatment and control groups (15×6). This experimental study took place on six consecutive days, which consisted of three distinct phases: preconditioning, conditioning and postconditioning. For intracerebroventricular study, a sterile guide cannula was stereotaxically placed in left ventricle. After conditioning by morphine (5mg/kg, ip), on day 6 different doses of vitamin B6 were injected intrapertioneally (5, 15 and 40 mg/kg) and intracerebroventriculary (5 and 10µg/rat). Control groups received saline instead these drugs.Results: Intraperitoneal injection (ip) of different doses of morphine induced CPP (P<0.001). Intraperitoneal injection of different doses of vitamin B6 alone did not induce any significant CPP or CPA. But, co-administration of vitamin B6 and morphine, significantly induced CPA (P<0.05) and this effect potentiated in icv injection in dose dependent maneuver manner (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively).Conclusion: It seems that vitamin B6 reduce morphine reinforcement through affecting GABAergic VTA neurons and subsequent decrease in NAc dopamine release. Therefore, it can be candidate for control or treatment of morphine craving and relapse in their dependent subjects.

Background and Objectives: The role of Mycoplasma is important as a causative agent of urogenital infection.Therefore, in this study we aimed at determining and comparing the prevalence of urogenital infections due to Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum with multiplex PCR and culture methods. Materials and Methods: In this study, the frequency of M. hominis and U. urealyticum in women with urogenital infections was determined by multiplex PCR and cultivation methods in 155 genital samples and 110 urine samples.Results: The isolation rate of Mycoplasma from 265 examined specimens (genital and urine samples) was 46 strains (17.3%) by multiplex PCR and 10 strains (3.7%) by culture method.Also, in multiplex PCR method, M. hominis and U. urealyticum were detected in 7.1 and 8.4 percent of women with genital infections (155 cases), respectively. In the culture method, M. hominis was detected in 3.2 percent of them and U. urealyticum in none of them. There was significant difference between patients with and without abortion history regarding the existence of M. hominis and U. urealyticum (P<0.001). Based on the Macnemar test, multiplex PCR showed more accuracy than the culture method.Conclusion: Since isolation of Mycoplasma by culture medium is difficult, time consuming and mostly unsuccessful, multiplex PCR could be substituted as a rapid, sensitive and trusty method.

Background and Objectives: Many employees spend half of their useful time in the office buildings. Moreover, large amount of pollution in working environment is due to the usage of machines such as computer, printer and etc. Accordingly, investigation of their health status is important. The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms and related factors among administrative employees in an organizational building in Mashhad.Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study on 107 administrative personnel of the organizational building in Mashhad in 2009, their complaints were collected through questionnaires. The frequency of SBS and related environmental and constructional factors were evaluated.Results: In total, 4 (3.7%) women and 103 men (96.3%), with the mean employment duration of 16.58±9.80 years in the buildings, were studied. Twenty six cases (24.3%) had the SBS symptoms; there was no significant difference between the woman and men in the frequency of these symptoms (P=0.329). Most people complaining of SBS symptoms were in the age group 51-60 years (6 persons, 26.1%). The most common group of symptoms was the nervous system symptoms 40 (37.4%), followed by mucosal irritant 26 (24.3%), respiratory symptoms 9 (8.4%), symptoms of skins 9 (8.4%) and sensory symptoms 4 (3.7%).Conclusion: The frequency of SBS symptoms was similar to that of the previous studies indicating the favorable results.

Torsion of the spermatic cord is a true surgical emergency of the highest order. We present our experience of two boys with testicular torsion to demonstrate that after re-approximation of the tunica albuginea in testes exposed to prolonged ischemia, the ischemic appearance returns. We can reduce intra-testicular pressure and save testicular pressure with using tunica vaginalis flap.

Ocular toxocariasis is an uncommon worldwide infection caused by the nematode larvae of T. canis. This infection usually seen in children following consumption of eggs of parasites from stool of infected animals. In this study, we present a case of ocular toxocariasis in an 11 year old girl. The girl admitted to our hospital with impairment of visual acuity; visual acuity of 3/10 in involved right eye and no light perception in the left eye. Slit lamp examination revealed 2 positive cataracts in the right eye and 2 positive vitreal inflammatory. On fundoscopy, a granulomatous lesion along with scar in supranasal peripheral retina area was observed. Serologic tests were positive for toxocariasis.Toxocariasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with cornea, strabismus and blurred vision both in children and adults.Serologic tests may often be useful in this regard.

Splenogonadal fusion is a rare and nonmalignant anomaly that has differential diagnosis with malignancies and often undergoes resection as malignant tumor. Although there are numerous reports of splenogonadal fusion in papers, no indication of this anomaly is seen in the reference books. Herein, we report a case of splenogonadal fusion.