JOURNAL OF ILAM UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
Year:2021 | Volume:28 | Issue:6|Papers Count:11

Introduction: Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) is a plant that is used widely across the world. This study investigated the effect of ginger (Zingiber Officinale) extract on the levels of liver enzymes, biochemical parameters, and histological changes among Wistar rats in the presence of chitosan and isoniazid. Materials & Methods: The extract of the ginger plant and ginger treated with chitosan was taken after being dried. Subsequently, the ethanol solvent was removed from the extract using rotary equipment. In total, 60 adult males white Wistar rats were utilized in this study. Oral extract of ginger and ginger treated with chitosan was used as gavage for the induction of oxidative effect. The DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method was also used to compare the antioxidant effects of ginger and ginger treated with chitosan. Findings: The serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP enzymes, cholesterol, glucose, and triglyceride increased significantly in the experimental groups of 4 (received 200mg/dl isoniazid) and 5 (received 200mg/dl isoniazid and ginger), compared to the control group. On the other hand, the levels of these parameters decreased significantly in the experimental groups of 2 (received 200mg/dl ginger) and 3 (received 200mg/dl gingers treated by chitosan). Furthermore, the levels of these parameters decreased in the experimental groups of 6 (received 200mg/dl isoniazid and gingers treated by chitosan); however, it was not statistically significant. Discussions & Conclusions: According to the findings, ginger and ginger treated with chitosan can reduce blood glucose and improves hepatic lipid profile. Moreover, the antioxidant effects of ginger extract treated with chitosan were more effective, compared to the ginger, which indicates a positive effect of chitosan treatment on the amountnumber of ginger antioxidants.

Introduction: The identification of the factors affecting the physical performance and development of children's motor skills can be of great importance in participating in physical activities, preventing overweight and obesity, as well as identifying and guiding the top talented children in sport. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of different ACE (I/D) and ACTN-3 (R/X) genotypes on some factors of physical fitness and motor skill performance in children. Materials & Methods: The statistical population of this study included 6-8-yearold school children in Tehran, Iran. In total, 50 cases were selected randomly using the cluster-sampling method. The data were collected using the Physical Fitness Test, Test of Gross Motor Development-Third Edition (TGMD-3), and PCR for the determination of ACE and ACTN-3 polymorphism. Furthermore, a one-way analysis of variance and independent t-test were used to analyze the study data. A pvalue less than 0. 05 was considered statistically significant. Findings: The results showed that children carrying allele D of ACE gene, (DD or ID genotype), compared to those with II genotype (P<0. 05), and the cases carrying the allele R of ACTN-3 gene (RR or RX genotype), compared to those with XX genotype (P<0. 05) had more muscular strength in hand and foot, as well as higher levels of locomotor skills. However, no significant difference was observed regarding the performance of ball motor skills (P>0. 05). Discussions & Conclusions: According to the results of the study, it can be said that the children carrying DD or ID genotype of ACE and RR or RX genotype of ACTN-3 had a higher level of physical development and consequently higher levels of locomotor skill performance. Therefore, if they are provided with desirable environmental conditions, they will be able to do sport skills accompanied by higher levels of performance.

Introduction: Physical activity increases serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS); however, the effect of learning a skill using mental imagery in the PETTLEP model and comparing its effectiveness with physical activity in the levels of this factor has not been investigated so far. This study aimed to compare the learning of a skill through PETTLEP imagery and physical training. Moreover, it was attempted to investigate the effect of the combination of these two methods on BDNF levels and memory function in MS patients. Materials & Methods: In total, 30 women with MS and a mean age of 37. 5± 3. 02 years Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)=0-2 were included in this study. Based on Kim Karad visual memory test scores, they were divided into three homogeneous groups of 10 subjects per group. The groups included PETTLEP imagery, physical activity, and combined physical training and PETTLEP imagery. Before the intervention, visual memory was assessed using the Kim Karad visual memory test, and BDNF serum concentration by blood sampling method. The groups were subjected to three 30-min sessions weekly (for six weeks). After the intervention, the research variables were reevaluated at the posttest stage. Findings: The result of one-way ANOVA showed that the combination of PETTLEP imagery exercises and physical training, compared to physical training and imagery alone, increased BDNF levels (P=0. 026 and P≤ 0. 0005, respectively). However, imagery training improved memory performance in the short term and long-term memory, compared to physical training (P=0. 009 and P=0. 034) or combined exercise (P≥ 0. 05). Discussions & Conclusions: Combination of physical training and imagery is effective in the rehabilitation of MS patients, and it can be used as a non-pharmacological method in this regard.

Introduction: Nanoparticles accumulate easily in the organs of the body due to their small size. Therefore, an increase in the use of nanoparticles leads to more concerns about their side effects. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise on the renal Apelin and Nitric Oxide (NO) levels in male rats exposed to zinc oxide nanoparticles. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 35 male Wistar rats with a weight range of 150-170 g were randomly divided into five groups of seven animals per group. The groups included control, salin, zinc oxide nano, exercise, and exercise+zinc oxide nano. The zinc oxide nano (1mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 5 times/week to the exercise and exercise+zinc oxide nano groups. The exercise program consisted of progressive running on a treadmill (speed from 15 to 18 m/min, 25 to 44 min/day, five times per week for four weeks). The rats were euthanized two days after the last intervention. The kidney tissues were removed and homogenized to measure the levels of Apelin, NO, and Malondialdehyde (MDA). The data were analyzed through a one-way ANOVA test (P<0. 05). Findings: The results indicated that the zinc oxide nano administration significantly increased renal MDA as well as NO and significantly decreased Apelin, compared to the control group. Moreover, the 4-week exercise training was associated with a significant decrease in the renal MDA in exercise and exercise+zinc oxide nano groups and a significant increase in Apelin levels in the exercise group. Exercise also induced a significant increase in the tissue NO levels in the healthy rats; however, it reduced NO level in the kidney of rats exposed to zinc oxide nano. Discussions & Conclusions: It seems that regular exercise can exert its protective role against zinc oxide nanoparticle-induced renal injury by reducing oxidative stress, increasing Apelin, and modifying NO levels in the kidney tissue.

Introduction: Uteroplacental Insufficiency (UPI) is one of the main causes of Intra Uterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) that causes neurodevelopmental disorders in neonates. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Cinnamic Acid (CIN) on cognitive impairments and the levels of peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in UPI rats. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 30 pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of control, UPI+NS, UPI+CIN25 mg/kg, UPI+CIN50 mg/kg, and UPI+CIN100 mg/kg. On the 18th day of pregnancy, anterior uterine artery occlusion surgery was performed to induce UPI. From the 12th to the 18th day of pregnancy, the rats received CIN based on the identified doses by gavage. Working memory, avoidance learning, and anxiety-like behaviors were analyzed using the Y-maze, shuttle box, and elevated plus maze when the neonates were 1 month old, respectively. Moreover, the catalase enzyme (CAT) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and serum content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in this study. Findings: There was a significant decrease in avoidance memory, as well as CAT and TAC along with an increase in anxiety levels and MDA in the UPI+NS, group, compared to the control group (P<0. 05). On the other hand, the treatment groups revealed a significant increase in avoidance memory, as well as TAC and CAT levels along with a decrease in the MDA, compared to the UPI+NS group (P<0. 05). Discussions & Conclusions: The UPI decreased antioxidant enzymes and increased MDA. On the other hand, the CIN increased antioxidant enzymes and decreased lipid peroxidation. Moreover, the CIN prevented cognitive impairment due to UPI in rats.

Introduction: Management and control of reportable diseases are challenging because these diseases include a large spectrum of infectious conditions that need accurate, precise, and timely reporting. To deal with this problem, an integrated surveillance system using the set of core data architecture principles is crucial to ensure the effective management of data. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the core data architecture requirements for effective management of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), followed by designing a data architecture model. Materials & Methods: This systematic review was conducted in 2020 through searching five databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus M, as well as Google scholar search engine to identify metrics for COVID-19 data architecture designing. Moreover, the search formula definition, implication of inclusion and exclusion criteria, search filtering adjustment, and related study identification were performed in this study. Subsequently, the cases identifying the architecture data of the COVID-19 component were systematically extracted and categorized in suitable classes. Finally, the management system of the architecture model of the patient was visualized in this study. Findings: Out of 398 identified studies, 27 articles met the inclusion criteria. The obtained data were categorized into five classes, including organizations involved in data management (data producer, data users, and decision-makers), data sources, information requirements (11 information classes and 77 data elements), standards (semantic and syntactic), and control quality criteria of the data. Discussions & Conclusions: Implementation of customized data architecture for COVID-19 can increase the potential of the health care systems to prevent the high prevalence of this disease and improve the quality of care through timely and effective health monitoring, accurate epidemiological investigations, clinical decision supports, and health-care policymaking.

Introduction: Bipolar disorder is a type biphasic disorder of energy availability that indicates increased mitochondrial respiration in episodes of mania, compared to decreased mitochondrial function in the depressive phase of the illness. Mitochondrial dysfunction may lead to an excessive increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). The UCP-2 proteins act as regulators of ROS in the cell. This study aimed to investigate the association of UCP-2 45bp ins/del genetic variant with susceptibility to bipolar disorder. Materials & Methods: This case-control study was performed on 205 subjects with bipolar disorder and 200 healthy subjects as a control group. After extraction of DNA from peripheral blood samples, genotype determination was performed using the PCR method. Moreover, the logistic regression analysis was used for the comparison of genotypes and allele frequencies between case and control groups. Findings: There was a significant association between ID (OR=0. 42; 95% CI= 0. 27-0. 64; P<0. 001) and II (OR=0. 39; 95% CI=0. 20-0. 77; P=0. 006) genotypes with bipolar disorder. Data analysis showed I allele had a protective effect on susceptibility to bipolar disorder (OR=0. 56; 95% CI=0. 42-0. 75; P<0. 001). Discussions & Conclusions: This study investigated, for the first time, the association between UCP-2 45bp ins/del genetic variant and bipolar disorder. The results showed UCP-2 45bp ins/del genetic variant was associated with bipolar disorder; however, more studies are required to be conducted in different ethnicities to confirm these results.

Introduction: Trichomonas Vaginalis is the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection in the world. Moreover, it is an important source of reproductive complications and increased risk of HIV transmission, Therefore, it is considered a public health issue. This study aimed to determine the molecular and phylogenetic characteristics of Trichomonas Vaginalis among women in Alborz Province, Iran. Materials & Methods: In this study, 50 positive samples of Trichomonas Vaginalis were collected from vaginal discharge, and after isolating the parasite using the culture medium and extracting DNA, the PCR was performed on the ITS1/5. 8S/ITS2 gene. Out of the isolated positive cases, 10 samples were sent for sequencing. Findings: All 50 samples were positive using the wet spread method, culture medium, and PCR. Based on the observed results, the size of the proliferative product of this gene was 372 base pairs. The results of this study were analyzed using phylogenetic tree and neighbor-joining. Furthermore, the possible mutations were investigated in this study. Discussions & Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the ITS1/5. 8S/ITS2 gene isolated from these samples was more than 99% similar to the sequences in the gene bank. The sequence of the 5/8SrRNA gene and its surrounding areas of ITS1 and ITS2 showed the low polymorphism of this gene.

Introduction: Coronaviruses are animalderived enveloped viruses that in addition to respiratory and digestive diseases have also been found in neurological diseases, some of which have caused nephritis or have been observed in patients with Multiple Sclerosis and mouse hepatitis. However, in general, the most important effect of coronaviruses is on the respiratory and digestive systems. This study aimed to compare the genome of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-28) with that of other viruses of the coronavirus family. Moreover, it was attempted to investigate the possibility of its falsification and finally evaluate the effect of linalool and thymol on the inactivity of the orf1ab protein of SARSCoV-2. Materials & Methods: The Coronaviridae family virus genome sequence was obtained from the NCBI database. After alignment, the number of mutations, nucleotide diversity, number of sites in which the same substitution occurred, clustering, similarity and genetic distance, as well as dN/dS index were evaluated in this study. The three-dimensional structure of the orf1ab protein prediction and the accuracy of the predicted model was also investigated. Furthermore, this study examined the motif and the domains conserved for the orf1ab gene in all viruses of the Coronaviridae family, as well as the membrane, cytoplasm, and kinase domains in the orf1ab virus of SARS-CoV-2. Regarding the molecular docking, linalool (the most important thirst-suppressing substance of Scrophularia striata) of the model plant (i. e., araboidopsis) and thymol (the most important ingredient of Trachyspermum ammi L. ) were used to prevent the inactivation of the orf1ab protein of SARSCoV-2. Findings: The SARS-CoV-2 virus has 11 conserved domains and 11 genes. The presence of the NSP13 superfamily and SUD-M superfamily in the SARS-CoV-2 virus genome indicate the ability and effort of this virus to be more stable in the environment. Based on the numerical value of dN/dS (1. 036) and Tajima´ s D (4. 39) for orf1ab, the slope of the changes during evolution for the orf1ab gene is very slow, and there is no choice of direction in virus changes. Based on the highest interaction between linalool protein and orf1ab protein (-41. 0), the highest accuracy (0. 172), lowest energy level (Δ G=-6. 23Kcal/mol), and the best combination (Full Fitness=-1340. 18 Kcal/mol) between thymol phytochemical and orf1ab protein, molecular docking results showed that both linalool protein and thymol substance bound to orf1ab protein and inhibited its activity. Discussions & Conclusions: Linalol and thymol affected the inactivity of the orf1ab protein in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, clinical trials on linalool and thymol should be performed to confirm these hypotheses. If the hypothesis approves, it is suggested to use them in this regard. In addition, by examining the dN/dS indices, as well as evaluating the singletons, domains, and conserved areas of all viruses, it was found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus could not be purposefully manipulated.

Introduction: Drug and psychotropic use have undesirable and devastating effects on the human body and soul that lead to an increase in family and social insecurity. Due to the difficulty of treatment, addiction prevention is always emphasized in the studies. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of educational intervention based on the theory of planning behavior on the prevention of psychotropic abuse among female high school students in Ilam, Iran, during 2018. Materials & Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 120 students who were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups in the academic year of 2018-19. The data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior, which was used after the confirmation of validity and reliability at pretest and posttest. The educational content was designed based on the theory of planned behavior, and the outcome of the preliminary data was analyzed and administered in five sessions of intervention. The posttest was performed one month after the training, and the data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22) through the Shapiro-Wilk test, independent t-test, and paired t-test. Findings: The results of covariance analysis and paired t-test showed the significance of the educational intervention in raising the awareness about the behavior of students in Ilam regarding the prevention of psychotropic abuse at an error level of less than 1%. Moreover, the educational intervention was effective in promoting abstract norms and the behavioral intention of students in Ilam, Iran, regarding the prevention of psychotropic abuse at an error level of less than 1%. Discussions & Conclusions: Educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior has effects on the prevention of psychoactive substance abuse in the intervention group. Therefore, it is recommended that education officials and other relevant institutions make use of educational techniques based on the behavior change patterns, life skills training, and student empowerment in order to prevent addiction.