SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF KURDISTAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
Year:2020 | Volume:25 | Issue:4 (108)|Papers Count:12

Background and Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of probiotic and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplements, on appetite in overweight people. Materials and Methods: This study included two phases of weight loss (8 weeks) and weight maintenance (16 weeks). Eighty-eight overweight people were randomly divided into 4 groups: Isocaloric diet with probiotic (500mg), isocaloric diet with ALA (600mg) and probiotic, isocaloric diet with ALA and isocaloric diet with placebo groups. In the second phase, the participants received normal diet with the above-mentioned supplements. At the beginning and end of the first phase and at the end of the second phase, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), body fat percentage, Creactive protein (CRP), and appetite were evalauted. We used SPSS software for statistical analysis. Independent sample t-test and ANOVA were used to compare the alterations in the mean values among the groups. Results: At the end of the first phase, the level of anthropometric changes, inflammatory factor and appetite were significant in the intervention groups, but these changes were higher in the probiotic + ALA group than in the other groups (P <0. 05). At the end of the second phase we found significant changes only in the probiotic + ALA group (P<0. 05). Conclusion: Addition of probiotic and ALA supplements to the normal diet can be effective in appetite and weight management and also maintainance of weight loss which may be due to decreased inflammation.

Background and Aim: There is no consensus in the literature on the relationship between blood groups and risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). The present study was conducted to evaluated the relationship of blood groups with UTI and determine the most common bacterial cause of UTI in different blood groups. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical (cross sectional) study was conducted from 2016 to 2018 in different wards of BouAli Sina Hospital. we used convenience sequential sampling method. Characteristics and blood groups of UTI cases, and blood group of all blood donors in Qazvin Province in 2018 were recorded. Using SPSS software 25, data were analyzed by chi-square test. P<0. 05 was considered significant. Results: Of 244 patients, 57% were female and the mean age of the patients was 70. 83± 14. 98. No significant difference was observed between UTI patients and healthy population in regard to the distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups (P>0. 05). There was not a significant relationship between ABO and Rh groups and type of organism (P>0. 05). The most common organism responsible for UTI was E. coli in the participants with different types of blood groups. The lowest rate of UTI due to E. coli (52%) belonged to O group and the highest rate (71%) was associated with AB group. Conclusion: In comparison with the healthy population, rate of UTI was not different among the subjects with different blood groups. It seems that these antigens play a minor role in the pathogenesis of UTI. E. coli was the most common organism responsible for UTI in the participants with all blood subgroups.

Background and Aim: Menstrual disorders are one of the most common complaints of women, they have a wide range including delayed periods to painful periods. They are common and benign and can lead to decreased quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of menstrual disorders and its related factors in the students of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. Material and Method: This was a descriptive-analytical study. The statistical population included students of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. We used cluster sampling and selected 300 students. Research tools included a questionnaire consisted of 10 demographic questions, 26 main questions and a chart for measurement of the amount of menstrual bleeding in a period. Data were introduced into STATA 12 and SPSS 22 softwares and analyzed by independent t-test, χ 2 and Fisher's test. Results: The prevalence of menstrual disorders in the study population was 15. 3%. The most and least common disorders were dysmenorrhea and hypomenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea had significant relationships with, body mass index (P = 0. 044) and age (P = 0. 021). There was also a significant relationship between marital status and mastalgia (P = 0. 015). We found a significant relationship between menorrhagia and age (P = 0. 026), and also between hypermenorrhea and age (P = 0. 045). Conclusion: The results of this study showed presence of at least one type of menstrual disorder among the students of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences as an example of society, which is a threat to the individual and social life of women and girls.

Background and Aim: Although COVID-19 patients typically present with respiratory symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and bilateral pulmonary infiltration, there have been numerous reports of gastrointestinal manifestations such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and abdominal pain in these patients. The aim of this study was to review the gastrointestinal manifestations in COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, we searched the key-words in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2019, and July 22, 2020. We selected the studies on epidemiological and clinical manifestations of COVID-19 including gastrointestinal symptoms, and excluded, duplicate publications, review articles, meta-analysis, guidelines, comment or editorials, case reports, studies with unavailable data, and studies in children. Finally, 35 articles were selected for our systematic review. Results: In our study, 6119 COVID-19 patients were evaluated for gastrointestinal manifestations. Four studies showed COVID-19 patients can merely present with gastrointestinal symptoms (highly variable, ranging from 10. 1 to 100 percent). In these patients, the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms included anorexia (91. 3%), nausea or/and vomiting (79. 13%), diarrhea (41. 73%), and abdominal pain (18. 89%), respectively. Among 6119 patients, the most common gastrointestinal symptoms were nausea or/and vomiting (12. 45%), diarrhea (11. 47%), anorexia (9. 56%), and abdominal pain (2. 25%). Conclusion: This review study showed that despite the preliminary opinions, SARS-CoV-2 does not always present with respiratory symptoms. Knowledge of pathophysiology, type, and prevalence of gastrointestinal manifestations can lead to early diagnosis (considering fecal viral RNA testing for diagnosis), timely treatment, and hence better prognosis for the patients. On the other hand, gastrointestinal manifestations can raise the possibility of oral-fecal transmission, which requires necessary recommendations to reduce the risk of transmission.

Background and Aim: Length of delivery is among the factors affecting maternal and neonatal delivery outcomes. The effect of acupressure on decreasing the length of delivery stages has been recently evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of acupressure on gallbladder (GB21) acupoints on the duration of delivery. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial included 174 nulliparous women hospitalized in Mofateh Maternity Hospital in Varamin City who were eligible to enter the study. The women were randomly placed into three groups: pressure on GB21, pressure on inappropriate point (sham) and control groups. Intervention was applied during 3stages: at 3-5cm, 6-7cm, and 8-10cm dilatations at the first stage of labor and the lengths of delivery stages were measured. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis, Tukey, Bonfferoni and chi-square. Results: Mean values for duration of the first stage of delivery in GB21, sham and control groups were 257. 67± 72. 86, 289. 31± 118. 72, and 245. 09± 80. 82 min (P<0. 05) and for the lengths of the second stage of labor were 71. 98± 39. 89, 64. 31± 22. 91 and 71. 50± 32. 02 min respectively (P>0. 05). Mean values for the lengths of the third stage in the GB21, sham and control groups were 5. 17± 0. 9, 5. 43± 1. 4, and 6. 29± 2. 2 min respectively (P>0. 05). There was no significant differences among the 3 groups in regard to Apgar Scores (p<0. 05). But the required dose of oxytocin and the mean value for the duration of oxytocin administration were higher in the sham and control groups than that in the GB21 acupressure group (P<0. 003). Conclusion: No statistically significant difference was found in the duration of labor in the three groups, but the required dose and duration of oxytocin administration in the acupressure group were much less in the GB21 acupressure group than in the other two groups.

Background and Aim: Nowadays, patient safety culture is recognized as an important issue in providing high quality services for the patients around the world. Unsafe care and services can lead to mortality, disability, prolonged hospitalization and increased costs of treatment. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the errors associated with the labels of pathology samples in Qazvin hospitals. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was performed on the basis of a census sampling and included samples obtained from the operating rooms of five educational hospitals in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2018. A standard checklist was used to collect information. Our professors and pathologists determined validity and reliability of the checklist by Cronbach's alpha of 0. 89. Using SPSS 21 the results were analyzed by statistical indices. Results: Among 1164 biopsy samples, 6425 errors were detected. The highest error rates were related to lack of registration of the patient's age (564 cases; 48. 4%), lack of registration of the name of the of the patients' fathers (562 cases; 48. 2%), and lack of recording the number of biopsies (558; 47. 9%) and the lowest rates of errors included empty container (10 cases; 0. 86%), lack of recording the number of specimens (14 cases; 1. 2%) and lack of using appropriate fixative (16; 1. 37 %) respectively. Conclusion: Regarding the frequency of labeling errors in the pre-analytical phase in the pathology ward, use of bar code imprinted in the sample containers, lack of using paper applications, use of radio frequency chip technology, use of a re-checking system and improvement of communication in the operating rooms can result in reducing these errors.

Background and Aim: Beetroot is a rich source of antioxidants and rich in nitrates. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of beetroot consumption on blood pressure, heart rate, perceived Exertion, and the speed of running in young female athletes. Material and Method: For this purpose, 10 young female athletes participated in this crossover double blind study. Subjects were randomly placed into placebo (n=5) or beetroot (200 g containing 500 mg Nitrate; n=5) groups. They ran 5 Km on treadmill. The wash-out period for them was one week. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured before and 3 hours after beetroot consumption and after the 5 Kilometer run. Heart rate, perceived exertion, and the speed of running at the distances of 1. 6 and 3. 2 kilometers were recorded. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and independent t-test were used for data analysis. Results: The results showed that beetroot consumption significantly reduced systolic blood pressure before and after the exercise, and reduced diastolic blood pressure before the exercise. Heart rate was significantly decreased in beetroot group after 1. 6 and 3. 2 kilometers run, but no significant difference was found between beetroot and placebo groups at the end of 5 kilometer run. Perceived exertion was significantly reduced at the end of 1. 6 kilometer run but not after 3. 2 and 5 kilometer run in the beetroot group. The alterations in the speed of running at 1. 6, 3. 2 and 5 kilometers were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, in addition to the health benefits of vegetables, nitrate-rich vegetables can improve performance of training.

Background and Aim: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Iran and around the world. It has been recognized as the most significant cause of cancer deaths in developing countries such as Iran. Considering the necessity of accurate and timely diagnosis of this disease, the aim of this research was to design and validate an information management software for the treatment of breast cancer. Materials and Methods: After reviewing related medical studies and reviewing similar softwares, basic information was collected, classified and processed. In the next step, the initial patterns were designed and the final design of the software was selected from data base applications. Infopath program (a subset of Microsoft Office) was our final choice. After preliminary design, the diagnostic and therapeutic steps of breast cancer were determined on the basis of the existing protocols and the necessary information extracted from Schwartz's Principles of Surgery, was entered into the software. After the preliminary tests, validation steps, adjustment, distribution and analysis of the questionnaire were performed. Results: Based on the responses recorded by the participants, the majority of the participants (52% with 91. 23%) believed that "Breast Cancer Management Software" was a suitable software for management of patient information. 54 (94. 74%) participants stated that they were confident of having access to the correct information by using the software and 55 (96. 49%) believed that the "Breast Cancer Management Software" can be used as an educational aid. Conclusion: Apparently, artificial intelligence and computers cannot take the place of physicians. However, they have the potential to help physicians in order to make faster and more precise diagnosis. Moreover, use of artificial intelligence can result in decreased human errors during times of fatigue and stress. The Breast Cancer Management Software can be used as an aid in medical education and information management and ultimately in the management and treatment of breast cancer.

Background and Aim: A review of the quality of the studies for the purpose of improvement of the future studies is one of the most important ways to achieve sustainable development and expand the knowledge in medical sciences. Considering the importance of medical students' education and their academic failure, the present study aimed at criticizing and representing the existing probelms in the elements of the methods of the articles in the field of academic failure published in medical journals. Materials and Methods: The present study was a meta-method study and included all the the studies published in the Magiran, SID and Noormags databases. On the basis of our inclusion criteria we selected articles dealing with factors associated with academic failure in medical students published between 2000 and 2016 in valid internal journals. The exclusion criteria included different dates of publication, articles unrelated to academic failure and the studies on non-medical students. We found 346 articles. After exclusion of irrelevant studies, 22 articles were selected. In order to analyze the findings, a first-order check list including elements of research method and approach, study population, study sample, sampling method, determination of sample size, hypothesis, assessment tools, reliability and validity was made. Results: This study showed that the reviewed studies had problems in relation to sampling, data collection and research methods. And underestimation of these problems can raise challenges to the future studies. Conclusion: It seems that, extreme attention to the content and lack of attention to the delicacies in the methodology section can lead to a decline in the quality of the researches. Using the results of these studies can be accompanied by fundamental problems and cannot always be cited.

Background and Aim: Considering the high incidence and the harmful effects of obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD) on the performance of individuals, this study aimed to investigate the frequency of OCD symptoms and its related dimensions in medical and dental students of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences (KUMS) in 2018. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional (descriptive-analytic) study included all medical and dental students of KUMS in 2018. Sampling method was randomized stratified technique. Maudsley Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) was used for data collection. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22. We used chi-square test or Fisher’ s exact test to analyze the hypothesis. Results: The study included 250 students of KUMS (186 medical and 64 dental students). The mean age of the participants was 22. 71± 2. 5 years. 127 subjects were men and 123 were women. The overall incidence of OCD was 54. 4%. The highest incidence rate belonged to "doubting" (44. 8%), and the lowest for "slowness and checking" (11. 8%). The overall incidence of OCD had no statistically significant relationship with age, sex, educational level, and marital status. Both the overall incidence of OCD and the slowness and checking OCD were significantly higher in the students living with their families and lower in those living in dormitories (p < 0. 01). Subjects with cleaning OCD had a lower mean age (P=0. 030) and the incidence of this dimension was higher in externs (P=0. 023). Washing and checking were the most common obsessive dimensions in women and men respectively. Conclusion: In our study, obsessive-compulsive disorder had a high prevalence rate among medical and dental students; therefore, in order to reduce the complications, authorities should consider necessary measures for prevention, early diagnosis, and timely treatment of the disorder.

Background and Aim: Antibacterial effects of Artemisia plant and algae have been confirmed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of antibiotics, Spirulina blue-green algae and Artemisa aucheri leaf extracts on multidrug resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae. Materials and Methods: Disk and well diffusion method, the growth minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) were used to evaluate antibacterial effects. Using SPPS 16 soaftware, data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures and Bonferroni test (p≤ 0. 001). Results: The MIC and MBC for amikacin, colicitin, ceftazidime were 4 and for gentamicin and nalidixic acid were 2 and 1 μ g/μ l, respectively. In disk and well diffusion methods, the highest growth inhibition zones belonged to ethanolic extracts (0. 25 mg/ml) of Artemisia and algae. The best MIC and MBC for growth were related to ethanolic extracts of A. aucheri at the concentration of 0. 15 mg/ml. The diameter of growth inhibition zone around the bacterium was directly related to the concentrations of Artemisia and Algae extracts (p = 0. 000). Conclusion: Considering the beneficial antibacterial effects of Spirulina blue-green algae and A. aucheri which were confirmed in this study, extraction of the active ingredients of medicinal plants is recommended for the mass production of herbal medicines.

Background and Aim: Epistaxis is one of the most common symptoms referring to emergency department, which suitable and effective treatment needs in short term. Therefore the purpose of the present study was to compare the outcome of topical tranexamic acid (TA) with nasal tampon in management of epistaxis. Materials and Methods: The present clinical trial study was performed on 150 patients with epistaxis in three groups. The patients of the first group were treated as a control group with a tampon that was lubricated with tetracycline ointment. The second group (TA group) received 15 cm gauze coated with TA and put in the nasal cavity. The third group received 15 cm gauze coated with TA and then nasal tampon coated with lubricant and tetracycline ointment. Then bleeding and nausea were assessed and recorded in the first 24 hours and the first week after intervention. Finally, statistical analysis was performed with SPSS software and Chi-square and one-way analysis of variance tests were used. Results: The time of bleeding cessation was significantly more in control groups as compared to intervention groups(P=0. 04). The incidence of complications such as nausea and vomiting was much lower in the TA group than in the control group (P<0. 05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed the beneficial effects of TA in reducing the time of nasal bleeding with lower side effects, which could be prescribed as a treatment in addition to standard therapy and significantly lead to better control of nasal bleeding in the short term.