Journal of Gorgan University of Medical Sciences
Year:2020 | Volume:22 | Issue:2 (74)|Papers Count:16

Background and Objective: One of the most common malalignments of the knee joint is valgus. This study was done to determine the effect of using graded knee brace at two angles of 60 and 30 degrees on the ground reaction force components in males with genu valgus during landing. Methods: This clinical trial study was done on twenty males with genu valgus with age range of 21. 70± 2. 12 years. The graded knee brace was used in two flexion angles of 60 and 30 degrees. Landing from a platform with 40 cm height on a force plate was done during three conditions including without brace, with a brace at flexion angles of 30 and 60 degrees. Results: A significant reduction was observed in the vertical force during contact phase while landing with brace at a 60-degree angle compared with landing without brace by 15. 21% (P<0. 05). Also, the peak of medio-lateral force during the heel contact phase while landing with knee brace at 30 degree was significantly greater than that landing with knee brace at 60 degree by 27. 18 % (P<0. 05). Conclusion: By reducing the knee flexion angle, the forces of the lower extremities increase and this issue could possibly increase the risk of injury in the knee joint. Therefore, the use of this type of brace is recommended for individuals with genu valgum at a 60 degrees limiting angle.

Background and Objective: Acute ischemic preconditioning improves exercise performance. This study was done to determine the effect of four weeks of ischemic preconditioning on vascular grow factor (VEGF), lactate metabolism and fatigue indices. Methods: In this clinical trial study, twenty inactive young men were randomly divided experimental (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. Subjects in experimental group perceived ischemic preconditioning (consisted of four 5-minute cycles of ischemia, followed by five minutes of reperfusion) for four weeks prior training. Blood samples were taken in the rest in order to measuring of VEGF. 48 hours prior and after the last intervention session, subjects performed an anaerobic Wingate test and rating the perceived exertion immediately and blood lactate were measured before, immediately, 5, 10 and 15 min after of Wingate test. Results: 4-week IPC treatment significantly increased VEGF in compared to control group (138. 2± 8. 2 vs 160. 1± 10. 3) (P<0. 05). Rating of perceived exertion (6. 4± 0. 5 vs 6± 0. 1) and lactate accumulation in 15 min after exercise was significantly lower in experimental group in compare to controls (4. 1± 0. 8 vs 5. 6± 1. 2) (P<0. 05). There was no significant difference between groups for power output (745. 2± 131. 6 vs 769. 7± 148. 6) and fatigue index (50. 58± 7. 2 vs 46. 2± 11. 8). Conclusion: Four weeks of ischemic preconditioning increase VEGF and reduce rating the perceived exertion and blood lactate after intensive exercise in inactive young men.

Background and Objective: Copper oxide nanoparticles, in addition to useful applications, may have adverse effects on the organisms. This study was done to determine the effect of copper oxide nanoparticles on liver toxicity, enzymes changes and liver histological structure of rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 Wistar male rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups. During 10 days, five times (one day interval), 3 groups of rats were received 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg of copper oxide nanoparticles with a diameter of less than 50 nm and purity of 99% and a surface of 80 m2/g intraperitoneally, respectively. One group was considered as the control group. Activity of Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzymes were tested in two stages (one day and 15 days after treatment). Also, liver tissue sections were prepared and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Results: No significant alterations of AST enzyme activity were not seen between different groups in two stages. The activity of ALT, ALP, and LDH enzymes in the first stage showed a significant increase in all treatment groups compared to control and returned to normal after 15 days. Rat's weight changes were not statistically significant between different groups. Histological studies revealed multiple tissue injuries in dose-dependent in treatment groups which included mild and severe hyperemia, hepatocytes degeneration, hyperplasia and inflammation. Conclusion: Injection of low doses of copper oxide nanoparticles, after 15 days, although changes in enzyme activity return to normal, but significant disturbances observes in the structure of the liver tissue.

Background and Objective: Sodium levothyroxine is one of the common medicines used for treatment of hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer. The study was done to determine the effect of sodium levothyroxine on knee articular cartilage tidemark integrity, plateau tibia cartilage thickness (calcified and non-calcified) and liver enzymes in induced hypothyroidism rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 50 adult female BALB/c mice, weighting 25-30 grams were randomly allocated into one control and four experimental groups. Animals in control did not receive any medicine. Animals in the second group were received different increasing doses of sodium levothyroxine daily for 8 weeks. Animals in the third group were received constantly high dose of levothyroxine daily for 8 weeks. In the fourth group, the animals became hypothyroid with propylthiouracil (PTU). In the fifth group, animals with hypothyroidism were received sodium levothyroxine by gavage same as group 2. After 8 weeks serum samples were taken to determine ALT, AST and ALP. The plateau tibia cartilage stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Histologic changes evaluated by light microscopy. Using a light microscope equipped with camera, the samples were photographed and using a computer equipped with axiovision software. Cartilage (calcified and non-calcified) thickness measured in micrometer. The integrity of tidemark line on hematoxylin-eosin staining also evaluated. Results: The results of the present study showed separation, disruption and destruction in tidemark line in group 3 (the group with high dosage of sodium levothyroxine from the beginning of the treatment). The total cartilage and non-calcified part thickness in groups 3, 4, 5 were reduced and in group 3 showed significant reduction (P<0. 05). Calcified cartilage thickness in all groups were reduced and in group 3 showed significant reduction (P<0. 05). ALT level decreased in all groups compared to control group but only in the second and third groups, the decrease of ALT was significant (P<0. 05). AST serum level in all groups significantly increased in compared to control group (P<0. 05). ALP serum level in all groups increased compared to the control group, but this increase was significant only in the groups 4, 5. Conclusion: Consumption of sodium levothyroxine with constantly high dose can cause severe alteration in knee joint cartilage in hypothyroidism rats.

Background and Objective: Lead is one of the most toxic environmental pollutants, which is very dangerous for living creatures, including humans. Therefore, the use of various compounds such as nanochitin to remove lead from aquatic environments has been considered in recent years. This study was performed to determine the effect of nanochitin on the Tissue absorption rate of lead acetate in the liver of rats. Methods: This experimental study was performed on 15 Wistar rats with a weight of 150-180 grams and an age of 8-10 weeks. The animals were allocated into three groups including control group, the lead group, and the nanochitin and lead simultaneously group. Animals were received lead and nanochitin by gavage for six weeks. Then liver tissue was removed and lead concentration was measured with an atomic absorption device. Liver tissue was prepared for hematoxylin-eosin staining and then examined under an optical microscope. Results: The mean lead concentration in the liver tissue of the control, lead and the nanochitin and lead simultaneously groups were 8. 1± 0. 45, 45. 41± 4. 73, and 17. 06± 0. 83 mic/g, respectively. The concentration of lead in the lead group increased significantly compared to the control group (P<0. 05). Also, the hepatic concentration of lead in the nanochitin and lead simultaneously group significantly reduced in compared to lead group (P<0. 05). Histopathological studies showed a reduction in tissue lesions including degeneration and necrosis of liver hepatocytes, hypertension, and severe congestion in liver tissue in the nanochitin and lead simultaneously group in compared to lead group. Conclusion: Nanochitin without adverse effects on liver tissue can increase the removal and inhibit the absorption of lead in rats liver tissue.

Background and Objective: Physical exercise and nutrition supplements are recommended interventions to reduce cachexia. This study was conducted to determine the effect of resistance training and resveratrol supplementation on muscle regeneration indices of MyoD (myoblast determination protein) and eMHC (embryonic Myosin Heavy Chain) in CT-26 colon cancer mice. Methods: This experimental study was performed on 20 six-week-old BALB/c mice to which CT-26 tumor was implanted. The mice were divided into four groups of resistance training, resveratrol, combination of resveratrol with resistance training, and control. The resistance training group performed six weeks of progressive resistance training. The resveratrol group received 100 mg/kg resveratrol per day, and the control and resistance training group received the solution of Methyl cellulose through gavage. In gastrocnemius muscle MyoD protein and eMHC level were measured using western blot and ELISA methods, respectively. Results: eMHC protein in combination of resveratrol with exercise group (4. 66± 0. 25) increased significantly compared to the exercise group (3. 46± 0. 64) (P<0. 05). Body weight of mice without tumor (21. 50± 1. 30) in the resistance training group increased significantly compared to other groups (P<0. 05). There was no significant difference in the tumor weight of mice and MyoD protein in expermental groups. Conclusion: Regarding the increasing effect of combination of resveratrol with exercise group compared to resistance training group on eMHC, resveratrol supplementation at higher doses may be recommended along with resistance training to improve muscle regeneration.

Background and Objective: Patellofemoral pain is the most common and controversial musculoskeletal problem. Several studies have focused on its causes, prevention, and treatment strategies. This study was done to determine the effect of eight weeks of standard and functional stabilization training on pain and functional movement of women with patellofemoral pain. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 45 non-athletic women with patellofemoral pain syndrome aged 18-35 years. Subjects were divided into three standard, functional stabilization training and the control group and followed for 8 weeks. Pain was measured by visual analogue scale and functional movement was measured by the KUJALA (Anterior knee Pain Scale). Results: Severity of pain significantly reduced in the two interventional groups (standard and functional stabilization training) in comparison with control group (P<0. 05). Functional movement significantly increased in the two interventional groups in comparison with control group (P<0. 05). Severity of pain and functional movement had no significant difference between the two intervention groups. Conclusion: Performing each of the exercises, standard or functional stabilization training, for eight weeks, had beneficial effect on reducing pain and improving functional movement in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Background and Objective: Children with ADHD suffer from motor impairment in addition to behavioral problems (hyperactivity/impulsivity, attention deficit). The cerebellum receives data from visual, vestibular and somato-sensory systems. This study was done to determine the correlation between kinetic parameters of balance performance and behavioral symptoms in children with attentiondeficit/ hyperactivity disorder. Methods: This case-control study was performed on 15 children with ADHD (9. 21± 0. 69 year) and 15 healthy children (9. 27± 0. 75 year). Kinetic parameter of balance evaluated using sensory organization test (SOT) in different sensory conditions including visual, somatosensory and vestibular by Neurocom. Conner’ s questionnaire used to assess hyperactivity and attention deficit in addition to a psychologist. Results: Dynamic balance score in ADHD children was significantly lower in compare to controls (p<0. 05). Children with ADHD had kinetic parameters of balance performance abnormality in compare to controls. There was a significant correlation between sensory contribution and hyperactivity in children with ADHD (P<0. 05). Conclusion: Children with ADHD suffer from balance dysfunction which is a result of sensory integration and attention deficit. The sensory systems analysis showed that vestibular system, partially somatosensory dysfunction is the most important factor in balance disorder in children with ADHD.

Background and Objective: Ovarian cancer, also known as “ The Silent Killer, ” is one of the most dangerous cancers for women, which often diagnosed late and incurable. On the other hand, conventional therapies currently have limitations, failures and various side effects. This study was performed to determine the effect of pomegranate peel extract on the expression of angiogenesis stimulating gene (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor: VEGF) by culturing A2780 cell line of ovarian cancer. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, pomegranate peel extract was prepared and then ovarian cancer cells (A2780 cell line) were exposed to different concentrations of pomegranate peel extract (500, 250, 100, 75, 50, 25 and 10 μ g/ml) for 48, 24 and 72 hours. Also, the survival rate of the cells was tested by MTT assay and VEGF gene expression was evaluated using RT-PCR. Results: Pomegranate peel extract concentration of 500 μ g/ml reduced the survival rate to 18% in 72 hours (P<0. 05). At concentrations of 200, 100 and 50 μ g/ml of pomegranate peel extract, the expression of VEGF reduced by 7%, 16% and 19%, respectively, which was significant compared to the control group (P<0. 05). Conclusion: Pomegranate peel extract, due to its numerous compounds and significant antioxidant properties, is likely to reduce metastasis and malignant manifestations by reducing the expression of the angiogenesis agent.

Background and Objective: Prisoners are among the high risk population for contagious infections such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), TB (Tuberculosis), and other dangerous diseases. In spite of other countries in the world, data about the prevalence and risk factors for infectious diseases among prisoners are spars in Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV, HCV and TB coinfections among male prisoners suffering from HIV. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 100 HIV patients were selected. Microscopic examination (acid fast staining) was applied on sputum specimens and serological (HBsAg, anti-HCV) and molecular (Real time PCR and DNA sequencing) investigations carried out on patient’ s sera. Results: Among 100 prisoners affected with HIV, the prevalence of HCV, HBV and TB infections were 45%, 3%, and 9%, respectively. All HBV positive cases were genotype D, subgenotype ayw2. Among the HCV positive subjects, 34 (75. 5%) and 11 (24. 5%) were genotype 1a and genotype 3a, respectively. There was no significant relation between age, CD4 and transmission route of HCV in male prisoners affected with HIV. Drug injection was the main route for the acquisition of HCV, HBV infections. Conclusion: This study showed that a high prevalence of HCV and TB infections among male prisoners affected with HIV.

Background and Objective: The emergence of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria resistant to antibiotics is a crisis worldwide. In this study, the antibacterial effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles was evaluated on standard and food isolated strains of Salmonella enteritidis and Bacillus cereus. Methods: This descriptive laboratory study, zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared on zeolite materials, and zinc level was determined using XRF. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of ZnO nanoparticles were determined using disc diffusion method. Results: MIC value for all tested bacteria was 4 mg/ml and MBC values of standard and isolated strains of Salmonella enteritidis were 16 and 8 mg/ml, respectively, and for standard and isolated strains of Bacillus cereus was calculated in the range of 16 mg/ml. Conclusion: Zinc oxide nanoparticles can inhibit Salmonella enteritidis and Bacillus cereus strains and may have a potential for its replacement with current preservatives to prevent food spoilage in industry.

Background and Objective: Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive and foodborne pathogen that is psychrophilic and has the ability to tolerate a high percentage of salt by more than 10%. This bacterium grows in many food products that have a long shelf life. This study was performed to evaluate the expression of genes hly and inlA of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria in the viable but non-culturable (VBNC) condition in temperatures of 4 degrees Celsius. Methods: In this descriptive laboratory study, bacteria in 106 counts in mid log phase were inoculated into BHI Agar rich medium and It was investigated and stored at refrigerated temperature (4 degrees Celsius) until the cultivate was lost. At the end of the 16S rRNA gene, the hly and inlA genes were studied as pathogenic genes of this bacterium. The expression of these genes before and after entering to VBNC state was performed to compare their expression. Results: Listeria bacteria lost its cultivation ability after 5 months of storage at a refrigerated temperature. The results of the gene expression analysis showed that at the end of the period, the bacterium entered "Viable But non-Culturable" form; also the hly and inlA pathogenic genes were not expressed in riched medium. By adding blood to the rich culture medium of this bacterium, the hemolysin O pathogen gene was re-illuminated. Conclusion: The results of this study show that the possibility of bacterial entry into VBNC mode occurs at the refrigerator condition, and the expression of its pathogenic genes is affected. Blood and its agents can act as an agent for the induction and clarification of the hly gene. Therefore, it is necessary to review the microbial quality control of fishery products.

Background and Objective: Cryptosporidium is one of protozoan parasites. Cryptosporidium is important in human public health. This parasite has many species, some of which are common in animal and human hosts. One of the animal hosts of this parasite is pet bird. This parasite causes digestive and respiratory problems in pet birds. This study was performed for molecular identification of Cryptosporidium as a zoonotic pathogen of pet birds. Methods: In this descriptive laboratory study, fecal samples of 114 cages (50 Passeriformes and 64 Psittaciforms) from all over Isfahan city in Iran were collected by collecting history and after extracting the genome; the Cryptosporidium was detected by specific primers, based on ssrRNA gene. Results: In 16. 66% of the canaries with gastrointestinal symptoms and 4. 54% of apparently healthy canaries the ssrRNA gene of Cryptosporidium was detected. In addition, the gene was detected in 10% of cockatiel and 4. 16% of budgerigars and in other species of Psittaciforms was not detected. Conclusion: Pet birds in Isfahan can be considered as a source of Cryptosporidium infection.

Background and Objective: Candida species are the second most common cause of vaginitis in worldwide after bacterial agents. This study was performed to determine the etiological factors of Candida vulvovaginitis in pregnant women. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study, was performed on 100 pregnant women with vaginal discomfort that referring to gynecologic and obstetric clinics of the Sanandaj Social Security Hospital, Kurdistan province, Iran during 2016. After obtaining informed consent and collecting background information using a questionnaire, the patients were examined by a specialist physician and samples were collected. Identification of isolates was done based on colony color and also using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Results: Candida vulvovaginitis was seen in 29% of women. Candida albicans were the most common cause of the disease (86. 2%) followed by Candida paraposilosis (10. 43%) and Candida glabrat (45. 3%). There was no significant relationship between diabetes and candida vulvovaginitis. There was a significant relationship between the history of antibiotic usage, age over 35 and third trimester of pregnancy with Candida vulvaginitis (P<0. 05). Conclusion: The prevalence of Candida vulvovaginal candidiasis was 29% and Candida Albicans was the most common cause of the disease.

Osteoid osteoma is benign bone tumor, in which talus bone involvement is rare. This case was a 17 year old man with a right ankle pain and reduced range of motion since one year ago. Following clinical evaluation and radiological studies (X-ray, CT scan, and MRI), a bone tumor was detected in the talus with a possible diagnosis of Osteoid osteoma. The patient was operated with ankle anterior approach and the tumor was resected from the site. The patient was discharged after two days. The patient's pain was eliminated after surgery. Ankle movements are back after two months. Due to the rare nature of the disease and clinical diagnostic problems and its unusual radiographic manifestations, osteoid osteoma in chronic ankle pain in young patients, is included in the list of differential diagnosis.

In December 2019, the new acute respiratory disease spread in China presented with fever and dry cough known to be resulted from the new Corona Virus as the COVID-19. In Iran, the first case was reported on 20th of February 2020. Our management team in Golestan University of Medical Sciences held an immediate meeting to decide how to manage the cases suspected to the COVID-19. The two main hospitals had been selected as the Corona center in the Golestan province, northern Iran. Admitting patients other than COVID-19 has been stopped in these hospitals, and all patients had been transferred to the other hospital in Gorgan city and those in the recovery state had been transferred to a hotel prepared for this purpose. The capacity of Sayyad-e-Shirazi hospital was 300 bed for admission and 25 ICU beds that had been increased to 44 ICU beds (30 percent increases) to be prepared for COVID-19 admission. Clinical groups and specialists had been organized with special duty for each part. After 3 months of COVID-19 crisis, Sayyad-e-Shirazi hospital with 300 beds is in a good shape and admission of severe cases has been decreased.