Journal of Inflammatory Diseases (The Journal of Qazvin University of Medical Science)
Year:2009 | Volume:13 | Issue:1 (50)|Papers Count:14

Background: Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is an endogenous phenomenon that can induce ischemic tolerance (IT) in a variety of organs such as brain. Objective: To investigate the intermittent and prolonged dose of normobaric hyperoxia (HO) on neurologic deficit scores, infarct volume, and glutathione reductase activity.Methods: this was an experimental study carried out in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran. A total of 80 rats were initially divided into four main groups. The first two groups were exposed to HO in prolonged (24h; PrHO; 95% O2) and intermittent (4h×6days; InHO; 95% O2) groups and the second two groups served as controls and exposed to 21% oxygen in the same chamber (room air, RA) continuously (24h; PrRA) and discontinuously (4h×6days; InRA). Each group was further subdivided into three subgroups. After 24 h, the first subgroup was subjected to 60 minutes middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by 24h of reperfusion. Later, the IT induced by InHO and PrHO, were measured by neurologic deficit scores and infarct volume. The second and third subgroups were marked as sham-operated and intact subgroups for assessing the effect of HO on glutathione reductase activity.Findings: Our findings indicated that the InHO and PrHO are involved in induction of IT. Pre-treatment with InHO and PrHO reduced the neurologic deficit scores and infarct volume, significantly. The InHO and PrHO caused a significant increase in glutathione reductase activity. The catalase activity of prolonged HO groups was significantly higher than that of intermittent HO groups.Conclusion: Although further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms of ischemic tolerance, the InHO and PrHO seem to partly exert their effects via increased glutathione reductase activity.

Background: Launaea acanthodes gum (LAG) contains flavonoids with benzodiazepine-like activity and so it may be helpful in treatment of epilepsy.Objective: To determine the effects of ethanolic extract (EE) and aqueous fraction (AF) of LAG on convulsion induced by pentylentetrazole (PTZ) in mice.Methods: This experimental study was carried out at the Department of Biology, Science and Research Division, Azad University, Tehran (Iran) in 2005. Lethal doses (LD50) of EE and AF were determined by acute toxicity test. The effect of AF on activity of brain was investigated by using open filed test and the signs (rearing, locomotion) were compared with control group. Later, the animals in experimental groups (10 mice) received different doses of EE (100, 200, 300 mg/kg) and AF (200, 300,400 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal injections 30 min prior to PTZ injection. The members of control group received saline and those in positive control group were given diazepam (10 mg/kg). Then the epileptiform behaviors were investigated following the subcutaneous injection of PTZ (85 mg/kg) for 30 minutes.Findings: In the open filed test, a single dose of AF exhibited a significant decrease in rearing with no such effect on locomotion activity. Also, different doses of EE and AF inhibited convulsions through an increase in latency to the onset of forelimb clonus and tonic-clonic seizures.Conclusion: According to our data, the LAG extracts have anticonvulsant and anxiolytic activities with no obvious sing of depression.

Background: Recent studies indicate that the glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems are involved in morphine withdrawal syndrome. Ascorbic acid (ascorbate) is an antioxidant vitamin released from glutamatergic neurons and modulates the synaptic action of dopamine and glutamate in the locus ceruleus, ventral tegmental area and   PGi as well as behavior.Objective: To determine the effects of ascorbic acid injection into locus ceruleus, ventral tegmental area and PGi on morphine withdrawal signs in rats (MWS).Methods: This was an experimental study in which a total of 80 male rats (250-300gr) divided into two were tested. The first group marked as control received 3% sucrose in tap water (n=10) and the second group (dependent group) received morphine and 3% sucrose in tap water (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4mg/ml each for 48h, and 0.4mg/ml for the remaining days up to day 21). The latter was further divided into 7 subgroups as follows: (1) morphine group; [2, 3, and 4] sham operated groups which were surgically implanted with cannula at the locus ceruleus (LC), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and PGi; [5, 6, 7] morphine-ascorbic acid groups injected with AA (8 µg/µl) into LC, VTA, and PGi at day 21 and 5 min before naloxone administration. At the end of the training day, all groups received naloxone (2mg/kg I.P) and MWS was studied for 30 minute.Findings: Our results showed that the injection of ascorbate into LC and PGi caused a higher decrease in morphine withdrawal syndrome signs compared to VTA.Conclusion: Glutamatergic system is more effective than dopaminergic system in attenuation of MWS by acute injection of ascorbate.

Background: Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms cause functional differences in immunomodulatory action of vitamin D. An association between VDR gene BSMI polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been documented. Objective: To compare the VDR gene BSMI polymorphisms in patients with SLE and healthy controls.Methods: This was a case-control study conducted in the city of Mashhad (Iran). Sixty patients with lupus from two outpatient rheumatology clinics and 45 non-relative healthy controls of the same sex were selected using the census procedure. VDR gene typing was performed based on polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The results were analyzed using chi square test while a p<0.05 was considered as significant.Findings: The distribution of VDR genotyping of BSMI polymorphisms in patients with SLE were 23.3% for BB, 60% for Bb and 16.7% for bb. Similarly, the values found for healthy group were 33.3%, 46.7%, and 20% for BB, Bb, and bb, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups. Conclusion: No significant difference in relative frequency of VDR gene BSMI polymorphisms in SLE patients and healthy individuals was established.

Background: Fatigue is one of the most common and disturbing complications of cancer and the cancer-associated therapies that can influence various aspects of patients’ life leading to appearance of many problems. The quality of life is among the topics that could be affected by fatigue.Objective: The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between anemia-related fatigue and quality of life in cancer patients.  Methods: This was a descriptive study of correlation type performed on all cancer patients (No. 84) whose hemoglobin contents were less than 12g/dI hemoglobin. The measuring tools were the FACT-AN to assess the impact of anemia-related fatigue and the FACT-G to evaluate the quality of life. The data were analyzed by chi-square and ANOVA tests.  Findings: The majority of patients (67.8%) suffered a medium level of fatigue and 46.5% with a relatively good quality of life. There was a statistical correlation between the anemia-related fatigue and the quality of life (p<0.024).Conclusion: Regarding our findings, it is recommended that the members of health team, in particular the nurses, to be alert to recognition of anemia and fatigue as a major sign of anemia in cancer patients. Special care to reduce the degree of fatigue in such patients could improve the quality of life as an important index of general health.

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most important gynecologic diseases. Making the determination of prevalence rate of this clinical condition a prime priority.Objective: To determine the prevalence of pre-invasive and invasive cervical lesions in the city of Kermanshah and also the effective age for Pap smear testing.Methods: A descriptive, cross sectional study was performed between March 2004- March 2007 and all Pap smears (n=148472) were analyzed according to Bethesda II system. The data were analyzed using SPSS and mean and standard deviation tables. Effectiveness was estimated as ratio of number of high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and invasive carcinoma detected to all Pap smears.Findings: Of total smears, 99.7% were negative and only 0.3% showed cytological abnormalities. The presence of ASCUS, LSIL, HSIL, and carcinoma was calculated at 205.4, 73.4, 21.6 and 5.4 per 100.000 Pap smears, respectively. The incidence of HSIL was 4 times higher than that of carcinoma. Collectively, the incidence of HSIL and carcinoma was 26.9 per 100.000 smears. No HSIL or carcinoma was observed before the age 35. Highest incidence of invasive cervical carcinoma was seen in ages 45-49.Conclusions: There was no HSIL or carcinoma before age 35 hence; the starting time for performance of Pap smear among women in Kermanshah is suggested to be around 30 to diagnosis LSIL or ASCUS before changing toward HSIL or carcinoma. Pap smear test is not recommended before the age 30 as it is not cost effective in this age group.

Background: Sexual health is part of psychological health and the occurrence of any sexual health –associated disorder could have profound effect on physical health. More than half of the cases of sexual problems which can destroy the marital relationship and family life originate from lack of knowledge or insufficient awareness and incorrect attitude toward the sexual relationship.Objective: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and related factor of sexual dysfunction among married couples in Qazvin. Methods: This was a descriptive-analytic study performed on 350 men and women aged between 20-50 years in 2008.  The cases were selected through a clustered, random sampling.Findings: Based on our results, more women (93.1%) reported sexual dysfunction compared to men (80.6%). Among men, %43.4 suffered premature ejaculation. The most common type of sexual dysfunction in women was the lack of orgasm and 62.4% of women had poor sexual desire. There were factors that might have affected the men and women’s sexual response. The most common factors frequently found in men were the occurrence of stress and anxiety during sexual intercourse (%38.9), while in women it was dysparonia (35.7%) or experience of pain during intercourse as the most common cause of poor sexual response. Conclusion: Sexual health disturbances are common among many couples in Qazvin. The multifaceted character of sexual dysfunctions makes it an important topic for adult sexuality education and counseling. As the sexual dysfunction has intense negative effects on psychological health of the family, the health authorities are recommended to develop more educational programs toward improving the situations.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one the most common endocrinopathies with many oral manifestations. Diabetic people form a large group of patients visited by dentists.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the MRG and OLP in patients with diabetes  types 1 and 2.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out on a total of 428 patients including 148 cases with diabetes type 1, 124 with diabetes type 2 and 156 as control group in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2001-2002. The study population was selected according to the selection criteria followed by oral examinations and completion of a questionnaire. The data were analyzed by SPSS soft ware, chi square and Fisher’s exact tests. Findings: The prevalence of MRG in patients with diabetes types 1 and 2 and in control group was 4.2%, 3.2% and 1.2%, respectively (p<0.05). Also, the prevalence of OLP among the two diabetic groups and the control group was 4.7%, 4%, and 2%, respectively (p>0.05).Conclusion: Based on our results, there was a statistically significant difference between MRG and diabetes but no such relationship between OLP and diabetes was established.

Background: Hypodontia (Congenital tooth agenesis) is the most common developmental dental anomalies in children. As the lack of teeth can cause psychological, aesthetic, and functional problems, knowledge on prevalence of hypodontia could help in diagnosis and prevention of associated complications.  Objective: This study was performed to determine the prevalence of hypodontia among high school students in Qazvin.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out on 2619 high school students of both sexes in Qazvin during 2006-2007. The frequency of hypodontia without considering the third molars in high school children and also the association between the tooth type, sex, upper or lower arch, and the affected side were investigated using interviews, oral study, and cast and panoramic radiographic examinations.Findings: An overall hypodontia frequency of 7.4% was found for the total samples with 7.6% and 7.2% in males and females, respectively. The most frequent missing teeth were the maxillary lateral incisors, mandibular, and maxillary second premolars, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the sexes (p>0.05). A higher incidence of missing teeth was observed in maxillary arch compared to mandibular and on the left side rather than the right side (p<0.001).Conclusion: The prevalence of hypodontia regardless of third molars was 7.4% among the high school students in Qazvin, a finding consistent with those reported for European countries. The prevalence of this complication was found to be higher among girls yet the difference was insignificant, statistically.

Background: Recognition of elderly health status is the first step toward the prevention of chronic diseases and promotion of health level among aged people. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the elderly heath status in Qom province (Iran). The practical goal of the present work was to assess the health needs in elderly and prevention of common disease among the aged society.Methods: This was a descriptive analytical study in which 151 individuals aged 60 or more and living in the province of Qom were included. The sampling method used was the random simple method. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire. The data were further analyzed using descriptive statistics.Findings: Based on findings, 57.6% of older adults were at the risk of nutrition deficiency, 35.8% with normal nutrition and 6.6% with malnutrition. The GHQ scale revealed that 48.3% of elderly were with depression, 86.7% with anxiety, 8.6% with social dysfunctions, and 86.7% with physical signs. The risk of bed sore was 4.6%. The activities of daily living were found to be without any dependence in 97.2% of population and 9% with relative dependence and 1% with complete dependence.Conclusion: The high frequency of problems among the elderly of Qom province is indicating that the aged group of this community is in need of a rehabilitation and treatment program. The education priorities to be recommended for this age group include prevention of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular disease, bed sore, healthy nutrition and life style that can be presented through workshops, bulletins and educational pamphlets.

Background: The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is dramatically increasing worldwide. Iran and the other Middle East countries have also encountered this increasing pattern.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the educational needs of Bandar-Abbas people about HIV/AIDS.Methods: This descriptive analytical research was carried out on a sample population of 2123 persons who were randomly recruited for the study in 2003. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and the information resource for HIV/Aids were assessed through interviews.Findings: Our data showed that people had a good level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS, however no positive attitude toward this disease was observed. There was a relationship between age and the knowledge on transmission routes (P=0.03, r=0.65). Also, a significant correlation between education and the knowledge on different ways of transmission was demonstrated. No significant relationship between sex and the knowledge was established. Approximately, 40% of people were shown to have high level of self-efficacy in preventing the disease. Regarding the perceived severity, 48.7% believed that HIV/AIDS causes the patients to become weak and 34.7% thought that HIV/AIDS can expose people to other diseases. Most people described that their information on HIV/AIDS was obtained through mass media.Conclusion: Promoting the level of social health is in close association with publicizing the level of knowledge among people and correcting their attitudes toward the disease. This topic should be highlighted in health promoting educational programs.

Background: Flourishing capacity of information technologies for collecting, storage and transmission unheard of amount of information creates a great deal of concerns for patients. Patients are worried over the access of numerous people to their electronic health records.Objective:  To determine the security requirements of electronic health records for Iran.Methods: This descriptive study was carried out in 2007. Security requirements of electronic health records gathered from comparative study performed in Australia, Canada and England countries followed by designing the initial model. The final model was prepared through gathering the information by questionnaire and the use of Delphi Technique. The values under 50 percent were eliminated from the model and those equal or higher than 75 percent added to the model.Findings: The proposed model for Iran includes the requirements for organizing information, information classification, human resources, communication and operation management, and access control security.Conclusion: A comprehensive model of electronic health records security requirements was designed for Iran. The approval of this model by authorities for protecting the electronic health information security is recommended.

Background: Today, the information technology extension is among the inseparable parts of any economical, social, and cultural policies. Thus, every organization including the hospitals is forced to employ the most appropriate strategy and planning associated with application of information technology.Objective: The aim of the present work was to determine the rate of importance of IT in hospitals, planning for application of IT and also the most important cases of IT application in hospitals and the effect of hospital demographic specifications on IT importance.Methods: This was a descriptive study carried out in all educational and general hospitals of Iran University of Medical Sciences. A research questionnaire, assessed for validity and permanency, was the study tool completed by directors of medical documents or statistics and information office. The data were further analyzed by descriptive statistics and SPSS software.Findings: Our data indicated that the majority of people in charge of libraries or IT centers believe the importance of IT in managing hospital affairs (on the average 4.41 in educational hospitals and 4.52 in general hospitals). However, the managers were shown to have less support for allocating enough budgets to implement IT (on the average 3.30 in educational hospitals and 2.81 in general hospitals). In addition, it was shown that 44.44% of educational hospitals and 40% of general hospitals have no planning for application and extension of IT and it was the managerial affairs as an issue with higher priority to be dealt with.Conclusion: Considering the benefits associated with application of IT, it is necessary for hospitals to prepare a comprehensive program for exploitation and extension of IT through allocation of appropriate budget. Also, holding educational courses, proper control and supervision by the ministry of health and medical education is recommended.

This cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the awareness of women on taking folic acid and also assess the related factors. The study was performed on 500 women between 18-45 years old who visited obstetric clinics of Islamic Azad University and several private obstetric offices. Demographic and social status of the participants and their awareness about folic acid supplement were collected through questionnaire and further evaluated. The data were analyzed by SPSS via descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Of total cases, 77.6% were familiar with the name of folic acid from which 79.6% knew the role of this supplement in preventing congenital disorders and 33% aware of the proper time for the drug application. The results indicated that the degree of awareness among married women who had higher education with moderate to good economical standard of living and also those involved in jobs associated with different medical professions, were higher than those with less education and unrelated jobs. Also, the consumption of folic acid by pregnant women familiar with this supplement was higher than unfamiliar subjects. Meanwhile, it was revealed that the most important reason in failure to consume folic acid during pregnancy was due to lack of knowledge by women and also the negligence of physicians in prescribing the drug.