Journal of Inflammatory Diseases (The Journal of Qazvin University of Medical Science)
Year:2008 | Volume:11 | Issue:4 (45)|Papers Count:19

Background: Coral from different areas has been used for bone graft substitute yet the assessment of the Persian Gulf coral is left unnoticed.Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Persian Gulf coral as a bone graft substitution in repairing bone defects.Methods: Unilateral drill hole defect) 4 mm X 1.5 cm) was created in greater trochanter of femur in 12 rabbits and implanted with coral in experimental group. The drill hole remained empty in control group. Radiographs were obtained immediately after surgery and at 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9 weeks post-implantation. Later, the rabbits were sacrificed at the end of 9th week for histopathological studies.Findings: Radiographs taken at 9th week showed that the implants were being resorbed and the empty spaces were reduced in size by new bone formation. Histopathological studies on samples collected from the site of implantation were indicative of enormous multinuclear giant cells infiltration at 9th week while progressive degeneration of coral and regeneration of new bone at the site of defect was obvious, simultaneously. New bone replacement almost covered 40% of the areas at the site of artificial defect. Conclusion: There was no rejection of implants among the experimental group. Our data showed that processed coral has the potential to be regarded as a bone substitute for reconstructive bone surgery and could be used as a suitable scaffolding material.

Background: Nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) are occasionally observed in blood of newborns and some recent studies have reported of a relationship between NRBC count and fetal distress and hypoxia.Objective: To investigate the correlation between NRBC count and fetal distress.Methods: This was a case-control study conducted at Kosar medical centre in Qazvin, Iran. During a 6-month period in 2005, fifty women of unifetal pregnancy at third trimester of their gestation were chosen and the NRBC counts of their newborns who suffered fetal distress (case group) were evaluated. The control group composed of 100 women at their third trimester of pregnancy whose fetuses showed no sign of any distress. Data were analyzed using X2 and t test. Findings: The mean NRBC count in fetal distress group was 2406.6±2470.7 and in control group 673.43±709.9. Statistically, increased NRBC count in fetal distress group was found to be significant (p=0.000).Conclusion: NRBC count in fetal distress group was significantly increased hence it could be used as a marker to evaluate the fetal distress and hypoxia in infants.

Background: Natural head position (NHP) is a standard and reproducible position and its short term reproducibility has been reported to be much lower than standard deviation of extra-cranial lines. Objectives: Due to racial and ethnical differences in cephalometric measurements this study was carried out to compare the variations of extra-cranial reference lines to true vertical line among Iranian people while registration was in NHP.Methods: This was a diagnostic study conducted on 60 dentistry students aged between 19-29 years (females: 22.50±2.76; males: 23.45±2.94; 30 each). The exclusion criteria were heriditary and acquired dentofacial disorders, facial malformations, history of orthodontic treatment, orthognathic surgery, TMD and neck musculopathies. All types of occlusions were included. Lateral cephalograms were taken from each individual in NHP by means of a mirror in the same device and by one single operator. Also, a photograph by the same device was taken to register soft tissue Frankfurt. The angles between the SN, BaNa, and soft and hard tissue FH to true horizontal were measured. Mean SD and SE of each angle, their correlation, and also determination coefficient regarding each line were calculated. The differences between the paired angles were evaluated by paired t test.     Findings: The lowest SD and SE was associated with SN (SE: 0.051, SD: 3.86) and the highest related to BaNa (SE: 0.51, SD: 4.53). The lowest correlation coefficient was associated with the soft and hard tissue Frankfort plane compared to horizontal line (r2=0.39, p<0.003, r=0.015). The highest correlation was observed between BaNa and SN compared to true horizontal line (r=0.086, p<0.000, r=0.079).Conclusion: Diagnosis of dentofacial disorders using extra-cranial reference lines will be more reliable if NHP is registered accurately.

Background: Environmental factors such as electromagnetic fields influence the pain sensation.Objective: To investigate the possible analgesic effect of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) exposure and possible interaction between ELF-EMFs and opioid, alpha and beta adrenergic systems.Methods: This was an experimental study in which the effect of 60 Hz magnetic field (100mT) on the pain threshold of 80 male albino mice was investigated. Pain threshold was assessed by the tail immersion technique using water with a temperature of 520C.Findings: The mean pain threshold was significantly increased in case group (5.85±0.69 sec) compared to control group (3.77±0.55 sec) following ELF-EMF exposure (p<0.0001). Pretreatment of animals with naloxane (2 mg/kg) and phentolamine (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced the effect to (3.97 ± 0.7 sec and 4.01 ±0.49 sec), respectively (p<0.0001). There was no change in the value of mean pain threshold (5.77±0.68 sec) when propranolol (10 mg/kg) was administered (p<0.0001).Conclusion: Based on our data, exposure to ELF-EMFs could induce analgesic behavior in mice and the associated effect is related to opioid and alpha-adrenergic systems.

Background: Drug abuse during pregnancy is a growing problem in all developed countries worldwide. Maternal drug abuse affects the developing systems and the associated long-term effects can persist untill adulthood, decreasing the rate of their maturation.Objective: To determine the effects of prenatal morphine exposure on spatial learning.Methods: Eighteen pregnant rats were divided into morphine, saline, and control groups. Morphine or saline was administrated (S.C) to female rats twice a day (at 12-hr intervals) during the days 11-18 of their gestational period (5 mg/kg morphine for the first 3 days and 10 mg/kg for further 5 days). Pups (P90, n=6) were trained in an 8-arm radial maze apparatus. The data were analyzed statistically using Chi-square test. Findings: The results indicated that prenatal morphine exposure causes a reduction in the time needed to learn these trials however, they needed more time to complete regular trials.Conclusion: Prenatal morphine exposure impairs normal spatial learning.

Background: Dental operatory surfaces are in continuous contact with microbial agents however, conventional techniques are unable to effectively disinfect these surfaces, thus efforts in achieving a new approach to successfully eliminate microorganisms from these surfaces are of prime importance. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of three different disinfectants on different surfaces of dental operatory.Methods: This was an experimental study in which 167 samples from different operatory surfaces were investigated. The samples included dental chairs (n=54), cabinets (n=54), and the control buttons (n=54) which were experimentally contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (81 each). Three surfaces were left intact as negative control groups and 2 samples contaminated but not disinfected were regarded as positive control groups. All contaminated surfaces were brought into contact with disinfectant solutions for time intervals of 1, 3, and 5 minutes followed by sampling and cultured on blood agar. Colony counts (CFU/ml) were performed following 24-hour incubation time. The data were further analyzed using SPSS. Findings: In all specimens including those disinfected with Micro 10 and Deconex and negative control groups, no bacterial growth were seen whereas in positive control groups and all surfaces contaminated with staphylococcus and disinfected with Sanosil for 1 and 3 minutes, colony formation were detected. Among the specimens contaminated with Pseudomonas and staphylococcus and disinfected with Sanosil for 5 minutes, no detectable bacterial growth were observed.Conclusion: Deconex and Micro10 at 1 min and Sanosil at 5 min intervals were capable of inhibiting the growth of two kinds of oral microorganisms. The choice and the proper use of disinfectants are of prime importance and should be steadily under strict monitoring as disinfection of operatory is among the simplest ways in preventing transmission of diseases through dental practice.

Background: Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile disease and mostly common in children less than 5 years old with systemic vasculitis. The complications could be prevented if rapid diagnosis and proper treatment with I.V.I.G. is established.Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the signs, symptoms diagnosis, and treatment to prevent the complication of Kawasaki disease.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which 45 patients with Kawasaki disease were followed up for 5 years (1995- 1999) at Alzahra teaching hospital in Isfahan, Iran.Finding: The analysis of data showed that male to female ratio was 1.8:1 and the incidence was highest in children 1 to 2 years old. The prevalence of clinical manifestations including fever, nonpurulant bilateral conjunctivitis, lips and oral changes, polymorphous rash, changes of extremities, and cervical lymphadenopathy were 100, 97.8, 95.6, 95.6, 97.8, and 62.2%, respectively. The prevalence of different laboratory findings was calculated for elevated ESR (93.3%), positive CRP (77.5%), leukocytosis (53.3%), thrombosytosis (74.3%), proteinuria (34.2%), and sterile pyuria (53.7%). Considering the complications, pleural effusion was seen in 2.2%, gall bladder hydrops 11.1%, encephalopathy 2.2%, pericardial effusion 11.1%, mitral valve disease 13.3%, and coronary artery aneurysm 22.2% of patients.Conclusion: Based on data found in our study, the very low frequency of disease in children less than one year old and also the lower efficacy of I.V.I.G. used in our study compared to those of other surveys, necessitates future large-scale studies. The complications could be reduced if a rapid diagnosis attached to proper treatment with I.V.I.G. is set up during the first 10 days following the onset of disease. 

Background: There is no general agreement on appropriate fluid resuscitation in patients undergoing   liposuction.Objective: To determine the volume of intravenous fluid replacements in tumescent liposuction.  Methods: This was a clinical trial in which 50 healthy patients undergoing liposuction by tumescent technique at Imam Musa Kazem Hospital. in Isfahan (Iran) were investigated during the period between 2001and 2006. The guidelines used for fluid resuscitation were the “4, 2, 1 rule” for group 1 with volume aspiration £ 4 liters, and “4, 2, 1 rule” plus 0.25 ml iv crystalloid per cc of aspirate larger than 4 liters for group 2 with volume aspiration >4 liters. All patients were fully monitored for arterial blood pressure, pulse rates, respiratory rates, and Sa O2. Later, the data were statistically analyzed by SPSS using t-student and c2 tests.Findings: Mean absolute value of pulse rates 6 hours postoperatively were significantly lower than those obtained preoperatively. The mean absolute value of Sa O2 during operation was significantly higher than that of preoperation period. The mean variations of respiratory rates in patients who underwent volume aspiration £ 4 liters during and after operation were significantly higher than those with aspiratory volume >4 liters. Conclusion: Tumescent liposuction surgery using large volumes of subcutaneous infusion could be regarded as a safe and effective technique if the fluid replacement, bleeding, perioperative complications, and postoperative infection are properly controlled.

Background: Beta-thalassemia major presents with a severe anemia and various complications. Thalassemia is a common disease in Iran and according to reports there are more than 25000 thalassemic patients throughout the country. Regular and multiple transfusions put these patients at increased risk of HCV infection and the majority of patients are prone to develop advanced form of chronic liver disease.Objective: To determine the prevalence of HCV infection among thalassemic patients of Qazvin in 2005 and also assessing the possible risk factor for HCV infection amongst these patients.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study performed on 207 multi-transfused patients with beta-thalassemia major in Qazvin. Initially, the data associated with possible risk factor was collected for each patient followed by testing blood samples for presence of Anti-HCV Ab, Anti-HBC Ab, and other serologic tests.Findings: Anti-HCV Ab was found in 54 patients (26.1%) by ELISA. Confirmation of positive samples were carried out using RIBA and 92% produced similar results and only  4 samples positive by ELISA (1.9%) turned to be negative by RIBA. Duration of disease, poor education, positive history of major surgery, history of transfusion after 1997, frequent transfusion, ageing, and high family member were found to be significantly associated with higher prevalence of HCV infection in thalassemic patients.Conclusion: Among thalassemic patients in Qazvin, 24.01% were infected with HCV. Considering the infection rate in 2002, no significant difference was found between the present and the previous infection rates, statistically. Regarding the current practice of safe blood-transfusion program in our country, it is concluded that eliminating of risk factors and the use of screening tests with higher sensitivity could be among the key elements in controlling the prevalence of HCV infection among thalassemic patients.

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the most important causes of mortality in newborns, therefore identifying the associated risk factors is of crucial necessity.Objective: To investigate the risk factors among women during the pregnancy leading to delivery of a LBW infants. Methods: This was a case-control study in which the data from 191 infants characteristic of LBW as cases (chosen out of a total of 203) and 199 normal infants as controls were compared. Controls were intentionally chosen to be the next live birth to the LBW infant. Statistical univariate analyses were performed using t-test and c2 test. Also, Multiple Logistic Regression was employed to identify the risk factors associated with LBW.Findings: Univariate analysis showed that LBW was related to gestational age (p<0.001), mother's weight (p=0.004), mother's height (p=0.001), mother's age (p=0.040), history of chronic disease in mother (p=0.026), bleeding during pregnancy (p=0.007), mother's education level (p =0.003), and birth order (p=0.047). Logistic Regression (multivariable analysis) revealed that, in presence of all factors, LBW was only associated with gestational age, mother's height, bleeding during pregnancy, and the history of chronic disease in mother with odd ratios of 1.77, 1.90, 0.60, 0.66, respectively.Conclusion: Increased gestational age, appropriate management of bleeding during pregnancy and also of mothers' chronic disease could reduce the chance of LBW.

Background: Falling is a serious and common problem among old people .Falls may lead to pain, slight or sever injuries, increased duration of hospital stay, and discomfort in patients, thus affecting the quality of life. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with falling among elderly at residential care facilities and also to determine the gait and balance statuses of old people living in such institutions.Methods: This was a descriptive analytical study in which one hundred adults aged 65 or higher with the ability to walk were investigated in 2005. Demographic variables, cognitive and functional status, previous and current medical history, and drug intake were investigated. Balance and gait statuses were evaluated by Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment Tool (POMA).Findings: The results showed that the total score for gait and balance tests on POMA were 19-24 among 31% of cases (high risk) and 25-28 in 37% of cases (low risk) whereas 32% of cases were not at risk of falling. The data demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between age and the scores obtained for balance and gait tests and also the sum of scores for both tests (p=0/002, g=0/303). Furthermore, significant correlations were found between the current physical and psychological diseases, pervious physical diseases, and use of aid devices with the scores obtained for balance and gait tests and also the sum of scores for both tests (p=0). Conclusion: Considering our data, it is obvious that the elderly who live in institutions are at risk of falling, hence, the application of standard assessment tool used in our study could be suggested as an easy and rapid technique in identifying the risk factors associated with falling at elderly residential care facilities through a targeted multiple intervention.

Background: Trauma to facial area often causes damage to soft tissues, teeth and bones including maxillae, mandible, naso-orbital-ethmoid complex, and supra orbital structures.Objectives: to determine the pattern of midfacial fractures referred to Qods and Rajaei hospitals in Qazvin (Iran) during 1995-2005.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which the demographic and other existing information including age, sex, job, site and cause of  fracture, place of living, season, fracture-associated signs and symptoms, type of radiography, and the treatment methods were collected and analyzed statistically using SPSS.Findings: The data obtained from 3257 cases showed that the prevalence of fracture in men was higher than that of females. Most fractures occurred in 10-19 year age group. The nasal bone was the most commonly fractured bone (97%) followed by zygomatic fracture (3%) and fractures of maxilla (2/4%) and orbital (2/1%). Fall (31/9%) and traffic accidents (23/3%) were found to be the two major causes of fractures. Regardless of nasal bone fractures, the most common cause of midfacial fractures was traffic accident (39/2%). The type of radiography requested was mostly lateral nasal. The majority of fractures (30/8%) occurred in summer and mostly (22/9%) among students. Pain, bleeding, tenderness, and swelling were demonstrated to be the most frequent signs and symptoms.Conclusion: High prevalence of nasal fracture could be due to the prominency of this bone compared with other midfacial bones. Our findings in consistent with similar studies, support the view that the pattern of midfacial fractures vary from one country to another. Strict following of traffic and safety rules by drivers is of prime essentiality in reduction of such events.

Background: Hospitals like other economic firms should practice the economic analysis scheme to improve their productivity and efficiency.Objective: To estimate the cost-function of hospitals affiliated to Qazvin University of Medical Sciences during the period of 2001-2005. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at 4 university hospitals. The data were initially collected through information forms followed by statistical analysis using SPSS.Findings: The cost elasticity of overall expense to labor price, capital rate and production was 0.56, 0.34 and 0.28, respectively. Out of the overall operatic costs, annual fixed cost was 78% and annual variable cost 22%. Personnel and non-personnel costs were 64% and 36% of overall operatic costs, respectively.Conclusion: In a cost-behavior approach, the hospitals under study were demonstrated to have increasing return to scale, yet the average and marginal costs of production could be decreased by developing production quantity and also selection of optimal capacity.

The association between chronic hepatitis C infection (HCV) and glomerular disease has been established. Three principal types of renal diseases including mixed cryoglobulinemia, memberanoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and membranous nephropathy are recognized. The majority of patients with HCV-associated renal complications have evidence of liver disease as reflected by elevated plasma aminotransferase concentration. There are some reports demonstrating a beneficial response to combination therapy with interferon and ribavirin in these patients. This report presents a HCV+ patient with chronic hepatitis and nephrotic syndrome. The patient was treated with antiviral drugs for 12 months. The response to therapy was accompanied with disappearance of HCV RNA from the plasma and proteinuria. 

Conjoined twins are among the most uncommon children abnormalities occurring at a prevalence of approximately 1 in 50/000-100/000 births. Omphalopagus is the second most common form of conjoined twining after thoracopagus and in such conditions the liver, pancreas and biliary tree, and intestine may be shared between twins. Precise pre-operative evaluations, proper surgical plan, availability of different experienced teams are necessary for successful operation. The present xipho-omphalopagus twins were delivered through C/S. This is a report on successful separation of xipho-omphalopagus conjoined twins.

This cross-sectional study was done with the purpose of determining the prevalence of nosocomial multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among the patients admitted to Baqiyatallah hospital in 2005. S. aureus was isolated with the frequency of 1.3%. The highest prevalence of nosocomial infection caused by this organism occurred in ICU (54%) and would samples were most frequently reported to be positive.