SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF KURDISTAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
Year:2020 | Volume:25 | Issue:5 (109)|Papers Count:12

Background and Aim: Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression are among the most common psychiatric disorders worldwide. Existing drug therapies have various side effects on the central nervous system. Cinnamomum zeylanicum is a dietary additive and studies have shown that it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective effects. Also, in traditional medicine, the sedative properties of cinnamon against anxiety and obsession have been mentioned. Therefore in this study, we investigated the effect of cinnamomum zeylanicum on the mood in mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 144 mice weighing 32± 4g were divided into anxiety and depression protocols. Anxiety protocol consisted of five groups (control, diazepam 2 mg/kg, and three groups of cinnamomum hydroalcoholic extract 100, 200, 400 mg/kg, in each test of the elevated plus-maze and Vogel's conflict tests) and depression protocol included four groups (control group and three groups of cinnamon hydroalcoholic extract 100, 200, 400 mg/kg, in each test of forced swimming and tail suspension). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’ s post-hoc test. P<0. 05 was considered significant. Results: In the anxiety protocol, the results of the elevated plus-maze test showed that the cinnamomum hydroalcoholic extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly (P<0. 01, P<0. 001) reduced anxiety. In the depression protocol, the results of the forced swimming test and tail suspension test showed significant increased swimming time and mobility in the group that had received 400 mg/kg cinnamon hydroalcoholic extract (P <0. 05) compared to those in the control group. Conclusion: The results of this study showed use of cinnamon hydroalcoholic extract led to reduced anxiety, increased mobility, and elevated mood in the mice.

Background and Aim: Statins are among extensively used medications in diabetic patients. This study was designed to assess the outcome of atorvastatin pretreatment in renal ischemiareperfusion in diabetic rats. Material and Methods: Wistar male rats (180-230 gr) were divided into 5 groups: normal control (CN), atorvastatin control (5 mg/kg) (CA), diabetic control (CD), diabetic group receiving atorvastatin 0. 5 mg/kg (DA/a), diabetic group receiving atorvastatin 5 mg/kg (DA/b). Affter induction of type II diabetes by injection of nicotinamide and streptozotocin, the rats received daily atorvastatin or normal saline gavage for 2 months. Then, under anesthesia ischemia was induced for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 24 h. Blood and urine samples were collected for the measurement of lipid profile and renal function indices. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey post-hoc test. Results: Total cholesterol and LDL were reduced in the group receiving atorvastatin (5 mg/kg) (P<0. 05). Serum urea levels were higher in the diabetic groups especially in DA/b group compared to those in the non diabetic groups (P<0. 001). Serum creatinine levels were also higher in DA/b group than those in the control groups (P<0. 05 and P<0. 001). Conclusion: Atorvastatin pretreatment slightly worsened ischemia-reperfusion injury. It seems that low dosage and short duration of the treatment in this study had not resulted in serious effects on the kidneys.

Background and Aim: Colored wastewater discharged from industries can contaminate surface and groundwater. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of synthetic graphene oxide (GO) in the removal of industrial dyes. Materials and Methods: Graphene oxide was synthesized by use of hydrothermal method and its physical and chemical properties were investigated. The parameters studied were initial dye concentration, pH, adsorbent dose, and contact time. Results: TEM and SEM analysis of adsorbents showed that GO was formed separately and with a nanostructured layer. The results revealed that the efficiency decreased by increasing the concentration of pollutants, and increased by increasing the adsorbent dose. The highest efficiency (>0. 92%) was obtained at acidic pH after 120 minutes. The results also showed that the adsorption process follows the Langmuir isotherm model (R2> 0. 99), and the reaction kinetic fitted with pseudo-second order kinetic. Conclusion: The use of GO for the removal of dyes in aqueous solutions was an applicable and suitable method. We recommend this method for removal of dye pollutants which are dangerous for the environment and human life.

Background and Aim: Tremor is one of the most debilitating common symptoms in the patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Tremor can reduce patients' life quality and limit their daily activities. Considering the beneficial effects of lavandula on several neurologic disorders which have been confirmed in many studies, we decided to evaluate the effects of Iranian lavandula on tremor in MS patients. Materials and Methods: This was a randomized double-blind clinical trial which included 30 patients with MS in Khuzestan Province from April 2017 to December 2018. The patients were divided randomly into intervention and control groups. Using goal positioning system (individual’ s hands), all the movements of hands and fingers were investigated during rest, posture 1, posture 2 and movement toward a specific target (kinetic) in the zero, 4th, and 8th weeks. Data collection tools were a questionnaire on tremor extracted from MDS_UPDRS questionnaire which is a comprehensive self-assessment questionnaire, a specific form of assessing EDSS, and a motion capture system. Data were converted into quantitative data by Matlab software and then analyzed. Results: The Wilcoxon test demonstrated a significant difference among the three variables of POSTURE1, POSTURE 2, and kinetic in the group receiving the drug (P <0. 05). There has been no significant difference between the mean values for the rest position in the eighth week and before the treatment (p=0. 063). In the placebo group, we detected a significant difference in the kinetic variable (p<0. 05). Considering the POSTURE1 variable, the intensity of tremor after 8 weeks reduced more in the group receiving the drug than in the placebo group. No significant difference was detected among the other variables in regard to the reduction of the tremor intensity. Conclusion: Data Analysis in the present study demonstrated that Iranian lavandula extract with the minimum dosage of 80 milligrams is effective in reducing the tremor in patients with MS and can be used alone or as an adjunct drug.

Background and Aim: All studies on mammals and rodents have revealed the presence of protamine 1 (P1) and protamine 2 (P2) in the sperm which is indicative of the expression of these two genes at different molecular levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of protamine and its disorders on male fertility potential. Materials and Methods: Using keywords of sperm, protamine, male infertility, and chromatin we searched PubMed and Google Scholar databases between 1980 and 2020. Results: Sperm concentration, motility, and morphology in the patients with variable P1/P2 ratios were significantly reduced compared to those in the individuals with normal P1/P2 ratios which were directly associated with reduced fertility rate. The most common protamine abnormality in the infertile men was increased P1/P2 ratio which was frequently associated with a decreased level of P2 and increased level of P2 precursors. Increased levels of histone B2 (H2B) in sperm and lower levels of protamine have been reported. Any disturbances in the histone expression process cause inconvenient early chromatin condensation, transcription arrest, as well as spermatogenesis failures. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the protamine transcripts ratio can be used as a marker for male fertility. Histones/protamines mRNAs ratios are important for sperm quality and therefore can be used as predictors for male infertility. Altered levels of protamines may result in an increased susceptibility to injury in the sperm DNA causing infertility or poor outcome in assisted reproduction.

Background and Aim: Pregnancy is a critical period for the offspring’ s metabolic development. Nutrition during pregnancy due to its role in the development of mental and physical abilities in infants is important. The current study aimed to determine the relationship between maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and its outcomes in infants in Urmia city. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 410 pregnant women referred to health centers in Uremia were selected by cluster random sampling. Food information was collected using the validated 147-items Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The demographic information of mothers was collected by interview. Factor analysis was used to identify the major dietary patterns. Results: In this study, three main dietary patterns were identified and named the first, second, and third groups. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the Low Birth Weight (LBW) and Preterm Birth (PTB) increased with adherence to the first dietary pattern (LBW: OR = 1. 15, PTB: OR=1. 05), while the risk of Small for Gestational Age (SGA), (OR=0. 89), and Large for Gestational Age (LGA), (OR = 0. 8) decreased in this pattern. The second dietary pattern was inversely associated with LBW (OR = 0. 73) and LGA (OR = 0. 83), While it was positively associated with PTB (OR = 1. 26) and SGA (OR = 1. 04). The third dietary pattern was inversely associated with all the above outcomes and this difference was significant for LGA (OR=0. 68). Conclusion: The present study showed a relationship between LBW, SGA, PTB, LGA indices, and maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy. Prospective studies have been suggested to confirm these findings.

Background and Aim: Evaluation of root and canal morphology and anatomy of the teeth is essential for successful root treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the morphology and anatomy of the root canal of maxillary second premolars using the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) technique in a radiology center. Material and Methods: We used CBCT images of a specialized radiology center archived in 2014 in Qazvin and evaluated them by use of Remexis software. Evaluation of the images was carried out by a radiologist and an endodontist. The number of roots and their morphology, number of canals, the direction of root curvature, and canals in buccolingual and mesiodistal directions were assessed using the chi-square test in two genders. The significance level was considered 5%. Results: A total number of 106 CBCT involving 117-second premolar teeth were evaluated. 93. 2 % of the teeth had one root and 6. 8 % had two roots. There was no significant difference in the number of roots between the two sexes (Pv=0. 164). According to Vertucci classification for single-rooted teeth, 59. 6 % were of type I, 20. 2 % of type II, 9. 2 % of type III, 0. 9 % of type IV, 6. 4 % of type V, 1. 8 % of type VI, and 1. 8 % of type VII. Among two rooted second premolar teeth, 87. 5 % were of type I and 12. 5 % of type III. Conclusion: In maxillary second premolars, the majority of teeth had one root with type I and type II canals. During root treatment, these anatomical variations should be considered.

Background and Aim: Couvade syndrome is a syndrome that the father, like the mother, during pregnancy shows some of the changes and symptoms associated with pregnancy. The aim of this study was to estimate the rate of this syndrome in Iranian expectant fathers. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 372 husbands whose wives were receiving prenatal care in the hospitals of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran from January 2018 to December 2018. Using a researcher-made questionnaire the participants were evaluated for the signs and symptoms of couvade syndrome. All the women were in the third trimester of pregnancy. Results: On average, every participant experienced % 3. 12 ± 3. 61 of the common symptoms of pregnancy during his wife's pregnancy. The most common symptoms in the fathers were stress and anxiety, decreased concentration, fatigue, sleep disorders, headache, and digestive problems such as increased appetite, heartburn, abdominal distension, and alterations in weight. In most cases, these problems occurred in the third trimester. Conclusion: In the present study, it has been shown that men also encounter certain changes and problems during the pregnancy of their wives. Therefore, it seems necessary to pay attention to the fathers and their needs in order to help them to prepare for parenthood.

Background and Aim: One of the problems of the researchers at the start of the research is estimation of sample size and selection of appropriate sample of the population. A small sample size can damage research credibility and lead to loss of money and waste of time. In contrast, a large sample size can lead to increased workload, cost, and lack of proper feedback. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sample size in various medical studies. Materials and Methods: In this study, after determining the types of studies, various sources (books, journals, articles, etc. ) were searched and different sampling methods based on the type of variable, were determined and classified on the basis of the corresponding formulas. Among the different methods we extracted the best formulas and methods on the basis of the type of study and other important and confounding factors. Result: Various studies have shown that several factors affect sample size including effect size, power of the test, significance level, maximum error of measurement, ratio, and variation of the trait. In this study, it was shown that in regression models, the effect of the correlation coefficient between variables should be controlled and the sample size should be estimated by considering and balancing the generated dispersion amount. Also, the size of the effect of the most important indicator and the test power is strongly influenced by the sample size. Conclusion: In most similar studies, it has been shown that for estimation of the effective and valid sample size, the error rate should be low and the test power should be high, and also the effect values, level of significance and dispersion, and the correlation between the variables should be controlled.

Background and Aim: Violence in the hospital is a common phenomenon. Among the hospital staff, nurses are at greater risk of exposure to violence. The purpose of this study was to investigate the exposure to workplace violence in nurses and its related factors. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study included 309 nurses working in the teaching hospitals affiliated with Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences in 2016. We collected data using a modified workplace violence questionnaire. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used for data analysis. A P-value of less than 5% was considered significant. Results: The results showed that the most a frequent type of violence was verbal (79%). Also exposure to physical violence had statistically significant relationships with age, sex, marital status, work experience and working hours (P<0. 05). There was also a statistically significant relationship between age and inpatient ward with verbal violence and also between age, sex, work experience, and inpatient ward with bullying (P<0. 05). Conclusion: The results showed that nurses' exposure to workplace violence was high and the risk of exposure to violence decreased with age and higher work experience. Therefore, measures such as training courses on proper communication with patients and colleagues and improvement of coping skills for stressful and violent situations are recommended.

Background and Aim: According to statistics, the world is rapidly moving towards aging. The aim of this study was to compare United States of America, Sweden and Iran in regard to population aging status, types of aged care services and types of aged care service providers. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using a descriptive-comparative approach in 2019. Data were collected by reviewing the texts in the libraries and the websites of the relevant organizations of the selected countries. The references used were in Persian and English languages between 2000 and 2019. Results: The results showed that Sweden and the United States have faced the population aging phenomenon earlier (than Iran) and have more diverse services in regard to the various aspects of life for old people and also a wider population coverage. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, we recommend the use of the experiences of successful countries that have faced the elderly crisis before Iran. Some of the issues that should be considered include: public coverage of social and health insurance for the old people, use of volunteers and private sector capacity, integrated care using an interdisciplinary team, use of modern technologies such as smart alarms and Eldercare Locator Software, needs assessment and capacity building for human resource training, and considering financial and non-financial support for the families which take care of their elderly members.

Background and Aim: Necrotizing pneumonia is an uncommon disorder with a high mortality rate. Different factors are involved in the incidence of this disease. Case: A 73 years old man was admitted to the hospital with a chief complaint of dyspnea and productive cough. Chest x-ray showed a consolidation in the lower lobe of the left lung and a CT-scan revealed a cavity in the lingula. Bronchoscopy was performed and examination of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was positive for acid-fast bacilli. Anti-tuberculosis drugs were started for the patient. Conclusion: Our case demonstrates a rare manifestation of tuberculosis associated with lung necrosis and cavitation, which emphasizes the necessity of examination and work-ups for mycobacterium TB in patients with drug resistant chronic pulmonary disease.