Journal of Inflammatory Diseases
Year:2010 | Volume:13 | Issue:4 (53)|Papers Count:14

Background: Anthracyclines are the most frequent cause of treatment-induced cardiotoxicity and can cause severe morbidity and mortality during the life.Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the validity and efficacy of cardiac biomarkers such as serum troponin I and creatine phosphokinase MB versus the standard echocardiography for early diagnosis of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.Methods: This was an analytical study in which 46 cancer patients who received anthracyclines-containing chemotherapy were investigated during 2007 to 2008.patients were selected based on obtaining a convenience sample using a consecutive sampling method. The serum levels of CKMB and cTnI were measured before treatment, after the third cycle of therapy, and following the completion of chemotherapy. Echocardiography was performed a year later for monitoring the cardiac function. Data were analyzed using chi square, Fisher’s Exact and ANOVA tests.Findings: Our results showed that among three diagnostic methods (serum cTnI, CKMB measurements, and echocardiography) to diagnose anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, the echocardiography was found to be of higher value compared to other two laboratory tests measured (p<0.000).Conclusion: Considering the high diagnostic value of echocardiography in monitoring the cardiac function during anthracycline containing chemotherapy and also high cost of laboratory testing of  CKMB, cTnI, it recommended  that  the ECG to remain as a valuable and cost-effective technique in monitoring the cardiac function.

Background: Helicobacter pylori is the etiological agent in peptic ulcers and gastric carcinoma. The growing problem of antibiotic resistance by this organism demands the search for novel compounds from plant based sources.Objective: Tea is amongst the most popular beverages in Iran. There is no investigation regarding the inhibitory effects of tea extracts on Helicobacter pylori growth or its urease production and function. This study was conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effects of tea ethyl acetate extracts on Helicobacter pylori growth and its urease.Methods: This was an experimental study (2008, Science and Research campus) in which the extraction of samples was performed by Soxhelet extractor in methanol/water (1:1) mixture as a solution followed by final re-extraction with ethyl acetate. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of black and green tea extracts were assessed by broth dilution method and examination of urease function performed by Mc Laren method. The urease production was detected on 12% SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.Findings: Both extracts showed inhibitory effects on H. pylori growth, urease function and its production. Urease production was completely inhibited by both black and green tea extracts at concentrations of 3.5mg/ml and 2.5mg/ml, respectively. Also, the growth of H. pylori was inhibited by black tea extract at concentration of 4.5mg/ml and at 3.5mg/ml of green tea extract.Conclusion: Based on inhibitory effects of tea extracts on H. pylori shown in the present study, it seems that both tea extracts in particular the green tea have the potential to reduce the H. pylori population and possibly prevent from chronic gastritis and peptic ulceration.

Background: study conducted by the Iran and the world show that the domestic violence against women while increasing the amount, caused damage of social and psychological many for its victims.Objective: study in order to determine the kinds of symptoms and the domestic violence against women, its side effects and the amount of influence communication skills training, solve the problem and deal with psychological pressure to reduce women in it.Methods: This study on the interference of 301 women 20 to 50-year-old resident in Minoodar & Kosar regions of Qazvin in the 2007-2008. Study population included the mothers of pupils from selected primary schools chosen through a multi-staged random sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of 3 sections including a section on demographic characteristics of both wife and husband, another section containing 60 questions based on Likert scales over different patterns of violence against women, and lastly, a section on complications of victims of domestic violence. Data were recorded both at the beginning and a year later post-intervention and further processed and analyzed using t-test for dependent samples.  Findings: after the intervention, the average violence against women by their husbands had reduced 11.5% to 8.54%, yet the difference between mean values was shown to be insignificant, statistically. However, when assessing every single example of violence separately, some patterns of violence were found to be significantly decreased (p<0.05). The most common types of complications among victims of violence were psychoneurotic disorder (11%), abortion (4%), some bruising around eyes (2.66%). Additionally, the most and the least common types of violent behaviors against women were verbal abuse and tying up by 41.2% and 0.07%, respectively.Conclusion: The research showed that women to escape the violence in the domestic skills to many, especially his skills in connection with his wife and relations between the individual. In addition, for the reduction in this kind of violence is necessary to men as agents violence connection between the individual skill to learn.

Background: The coagulation factor XIII is a pro-transglutaminase enzyme with tetrameric structure. An exchange of G for A in exon 2 of A subunit results in replacement of valine with leucine in amino acid 34. As a result of this substitution mutation, the clots produced are fragile and loose therefore it seems that FXIII Val34Leu polymorphism acts as a factor for individual protection against thrombosis.Objectives: To determine the prevalence and role of FXIIIA Val34Leu polymorphism against deep vein thrombosis.Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study performed on 116 patients with DVT who were referred to Thrombosis and Homeostasis Laboratory affiliated to Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization. Also, 100 healthy individuals (blood donors) were recruited as control. Following DNA extraction and application of PCR and RFLP techniques in presence of restriction enzyme Cfo1, the genotypes of FXIII Val34Leu polymorphism were identified. The data were analyzed using chi square test as well as calculation of OD ratio and 95% confidence interval.  Findings: The prevalence of FXIII Val34Leu polymorphism among the case and control groups was 22.4% and 37.4%, respectively. While the allele frequency of leucine in case group was 14.7% it was 20.2 % in control group. No significant correlation between polymorphism and sex was established. Conclusion: According to our data, no association between the FXIII Val34Leu polymorphism and protection against deep vein thrombosis was demonstrated. Therefore, it seems that this polymorphism occurs as a natural phenomenon and unaffected by gender.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common clinical problems with a high economic burden. Among the causes of LBP unresponsive to conservative management, is the lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) that makes the lumbar spinal surgery inevitable.Objective: To determine the demographic findings in patients with low back pain caused by lumbar spinal stenosis based on their MRI performed in Imam Khomeini Hospital of Tehran University from June 2003 to September 2004.Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study in which 200 patients with low back pain referred to imaging center of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran were consecutively investigated from June 2003 to September 2004. The MRI system used was a 1.5T (General Electric) instrument and the images were interpreted by an expert radiologist.Findings: We had 200 patients (mean age: 41.29).There was a high incidence of lumbar canal stenosis (26.5%); 34% of whom were women and 66 % men (p> 0.005). Among the patients, 38.5% were with degenerative disc disorders and 26% with lumbar stenosis. Canal stenosis was found to be higher at lower ages in Iran.  Furthermore, 49 % of patients with spinal stenosis weighed 75 kg or more, 62.3 % with a height less than 170 cm, and 58.5 % with occupations involved in lumbar spinal overuse. Mean age of patients with canal stenosis was 41 years old. Conclusion: There was no significant relationship between lumbar stenosis and obesity, short or tall stature, and occupation. Normal or slight bulging disc was more frequent in patients with no stenosis (66% to 49%) and the frequency of disc herniation in the stenotic group was higher than that of non-stenotic group (51% to 34%). Further investigations using large scale sampling are recommended.

Background: Inattention to ergonomic factors will influence the students’ health and cause discomfort during their adulthood.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between ergonomic and environmental conditions of classrooms and pain sensation in students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 442 elementary students of Zahedan city in 2007. The type, weight and carrying method of satchel, body weight, sitting position and the pain sensation in different organs of body were assessed and registered in questionnaire. These variables were evaluated by using tape measure, scale and questionnaire. The data were analyzed by using descriptive and analytical (K2 test) statistics.Findings: This study showed that 30.68% of satchels' weight was greater than 10% of the students' weight. Among the students 59.3% were carrying their satchels on their back, 83.5% of students were using Backpacks. Pain sensation in different parts of body was described as shoulder pain (36.9%), knee pain (26.7%), and backache (20.8%). There was no statistically significant relationship between the style of carrying satchel and the shoulder pain, wrist pain, and backache (p<0.05). But there was a significant relationship between the type of satchel and wrist pain (p=0.039). Conclusion: The training and considering to the ergonomic principals regarding the proper designing of classrooms, the type and weight of satchels are necessary.

Background: High tibial osteotomy is an accepted procedure to reduce the progress of osteoarthritis of medial compartment of the knee and also to decline the patient’s complaints such as pain or limitation of physical activities. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare two methods of lateral closed wedge and medial open wedge in osteoarthritis of medial compartment of the knee. Methods: This study was a prospective clinical trial, performed on 59 patients (37 females and 22 males) at Rasul-e-Akram Hospital in Tehran during 2006 and 2008. The mean follow-up time of the patients after surgery was 27±6 months. Femorotibial angle, pain, joint’s function as well as limitation of motion, total score of Lysholm criteria, and stability of the medial collateral ligament were assessed and recorded before and after surgery. Data were analyzed statistically using Chi-square test, t-test, and Mann-Whitney test. Findings: The angles of correction were 9.8 and 9.6 in closed and open wedge, respectively. Seven cases (24.1%) of post-surgery complications were seen in closed wedge and 8 cases (21.1%) in open one among those 4 cases in closed and only 1 case in open wedge needed reoperation. The mean times of the healing process were 3.1±1.7 and 2.8±1.2 months after closed and open wedge osteotomy, respectively. There was no significant difference between two methods. Both methods resulted in remarkable decrease in pain along with increased function and Lysholm score after surgery yet no significant distinction was demonstrated between two techniques. In addition, while the stability of medial collateral ligament considerably increased in open wedge method, it slightly decreased in closed wedge technique following surgery.Conclusion: Considering the increased stability of medial collateral ligament by open wedge method and slight instability after closed wedge method, it seems that the instability of the medial collateral ligament before surgery to be one of the most noteworthy indications of medial open wedge osteotomy.

Background: Cricoid pressure (Sellick’s maneuver) may alter the laryngoscopic view during tracheal intubation in parturients. Objective: This study was performed to compare the different techniques of Sellick’s maneuver  on laryngoscopic view in cesarean section.Methods: This was a clinical-trial performed on 142 parturients, aged 18-45 years of ASA I, and II undergoing elective cesarean section. Patients were randomly divided into 4 groups based on type of CP.1) In this group the cricoid pressure was performed using the index finger over the cricoid cartilage while the thumb and middle finger either side, in group  2) with the index and middle fingers over the cricoid cartilage while the palm of hand over sternum, in group3) with one hand behind the neck while the index finger over the cricoid cartilage and the thumb and middle fingers either side, and in group4) similar to the technique used for group C as well as using a pillow behind the head. Laryngoscopic view was determined following induction, laryngoscopy and CP. Data was analysed with spirmann, ANOVA, krusskal wallis, and X2 tests.Findings: A better laryngoscopic view was found in group 1 followed by 3, 4, and 2, respectively. There was significant differences between 4 groups based on laryngoscopic view changes (p=0.02). No intubation failure in patients was observed during Sellicks’s maneuver.Conclusions: The view at laryngoscopy during cricoid pressure was better than the view without cricoid pressure. The Sellick’s maneuver in which downward pressure was applied with the left index finger over the cricoid cartilage and the thumb and middle fingers either side could produce the best laryngoscopic view in parturients undergoing cesarean section.

Background: The existence of an organization depends on communications and this is an area that managers spend most of their time on. Recognition of communication skills accompanied with its implementation is among the essential parameters of successful management in any organization.Objective: To determine the correlation between emotional intelligence and communicational skills among managers of educational hospitals in Qazvin.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed on 78 managers of educational hospitals in Qazvin in 2008. Data were gathered by completing the Shearing’s Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (EIQ), Berton’s Communicational Skills Questionnaire, and the demographic characteristics questionnaire using Likert’s scale for scoring the questions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical indexes, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, independent t-test and one way ANOVA.Findings: Our findings showed that there was a significant positive correlation (r=0.026) between the managers’ EI and feedback skills. No significant relationship was found between the EI and speaking-listening communicational skills. Also, based on data obtained in our study, there was no significant relationship between the managers’ EI and their demographic traits including age, gender, job experience, management experience, and educational level.Conclusion: Managers’ EI could be considered as an important factor in improvement and development of communicational skills in any organization.

Background: Bedsore is a serious complication and if not treated properly it can cause permanent problems for patients.Objective: To determine the affects of topical high pressure oxygen therapy on healing of bedsore in patients hospitalized at different medical centers in Qazvin.Methods: Through a randomized single blind clinical trial, 100 patients were selected and randomly divided into 2 equal control and experimental groups. The experiments were carried out at ICUs, Neurology wards, and Orthopedic Units of different hospitals. While the control group was only given routine wound care, the members of the experimental group received topical high pressure oxygen (10 L/m) for 20 mins, 3 times a day as well as the routine wound care. Bedsore size was measured pre-treatment and remeasured every 48 post-treatment in both groups. Data were analyzed using indipendent t-test and discriptive statistics.Findings: The majority of patients were females (51%) with an average age of 70.02±13.81 years old. The average size of bedsore in control and experimental groups before treatment was 31.809 cm2 and 28.724 cm2, respectively. The average size of bedsore after treatment was 30.02 cm2 in control group and 13.37 cm2 in experimental group. There was a significant difference between two groups (p<0.05).Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, the topical high pressure oxygen therapy was found to be highly effective in healing of bedsore. Hence, the application of topical high pressure oxygen therapy as an auxiliary method of treatment is recommended.

Background: Rupture of Achilles tendon is a disabling condition and accounts for approximately 11-18% percent of all tendon ruptures.Objective: The goal of this study was to compare the functional brace with and without patellar tendon bearing in patients with Achilles tendon rupture.Methods: This was a semi-experimental study initially carried out on 17 patients with Achilles tendon rupture although 3 patients failed to complete the follow-up course and were removed from the study. The remaining 14 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. The calf circumference and the power of plantar flexion were measured and also the degree of satisfaction in patients evaluated. The data were analyzed using independent t-test, Kolomogrov-Smironov test, and the mean difference by SPSS13.Findings: There was a significant difference between the pre- and post-intervention regarding the calf circumference and also the power of plantar flexion in each group. However, no significant difference between two groups following intervention was found when all 3 variables taken into account (p>0.05).Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, both kinds of orthoses used were effective on improving the plantar flexion power and reducing the calf circumference but no significant difference between the effects of both groups of orthoses on all variables after intervention was established.

Background: Considering the concept of strategic planning, the survival and success of an organization is in close connection with application of a strategic plan as it is primarily not only a future-oriented plan predicting the future changes with the capacity to regulate proper actions but it is also considered as an environment-oriented scheme and while tightly associated with the surroundings it has the potential of having immediate communication with the environment and  rapid response to changes if required.     Objective: To compare the progress of the strategic plan of Qazvin University of Medical Science in 2008 with that of the year 2007.Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical study performed within the different divisions affiliated to Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. The evaluation method and the progress reporting forms were formulated through team discussions and participation of the stakeholders. It took several sessions for the strategic committee to analyze the information on forms completed by the divisions. Findings: At the end of the year 2008, only 53% of the University’s goals were completely achieved, while 32% were met by 50-90% and 11% by less than 50%. Totally, 4% of the goals were shown to have been unattained during the same time course. By the end of 2007, from the total defined goals of the University, only 49% were achieved by 100%. Budget deficiency was proved to be the most important obstacle in achieving the full defined goals in 2007 and 2008. Conclusion: Considering an achievement level of higher than 50% of the goals in 2008, it could be concluded that the development process of the University’s strategic plan was promoted, however, the problems and obstacles such as shortages in human resources and budget & credit deficiencies prevailing the year 2007, were demonstrated to have played a hindering role against achieving the goals of 2008.

In this study, the degree of mental health among students whoes parents have been the war sacrifices and martyrs in Qazvin, Zanjan and Arak Universities of Medical Sciences was evaluated. The present work was a cross-sectional study performed on all registered students of war sacrifices and martyrs. The GHQ-28 questionnaire was used and a score of 23 considered as cut off point for general scale. The data showed that 28.6% of students under the study were suspected of having mental disorder. When the data were calculated for individual universities, the rates obtained for Zanjan, Arak and Qazvin universities were 40.7%, 26.8% and 25.6% respectively. The undergraduate students need more attention than the others do. Additionally, a combination of questionnaire methods and clinical protocols are also suggested.

This was a cross-sectional case-control study in which the effect of night-time ambient light on prevalence of myopia in patients with a history of exposure to night-time light during sleep throughout the first three years of their lives was investigated in 2008. Two hundred children aged 3-15 years who were brought to our eye clinic at boo-Ali hospital for ophthalmic examination investigated as case group. Also, 200 sex and age matched children were randomly selected as control group. Following completion of questionnaire routine ophthalmic examinations including visual acuity test, refraction, ophthalmoscopy, IOP, slit lamp test, and keratometry were performed by an ophthalmologist and an optometrist. Data were analyzed using SPSS and t-test. There were 126 (63%) females and 74 (37%) males in each group. The results of this study showed that of 200 children with the history night-time ambient light exposure during sleep throughout the first three years of their lives, 196 (98%) were with myopia (-0.25 to -4D), three with hyperopia and one with normal sight. Among control group, 154 (77%) were myopic (-0.25 to -1.25D) and 46 (23%) hyperopic. Our data indicated that exposure to night-time light during sleep within the first three years of life increase the risk of early myopia by 1.6 times higher than those in control group with no exposure to night-time light during sleep within the first three years of life (p<0.05).