Journal of Inflammatory Diseases (The Journal of Qazvin University of Medical Science)
Year:2012 | Volume:16 | Issue:3 (64)|Papers Count:19

Background: Osteoporosis is the commonest systemic disease leading to increased bone fragility and fracture. Vitamin D receptor Polymorphism is thought to have the most genetic influence on BMD.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between vitamin D receptor Apa1 and Taq1 genes polymorphism and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.Methods: This was a case/control study in which 80 patients with osteoporosis (case group), referred to rheumatology ward at Boalisina Hospital during 2010 were investigated. The control group included an equal number of patients who visited other wards of the hospital for a variety of reasons. We obtained the bone mass densitometry (grams per centimeter square) results of case and control groups at the lumbar spine, wrist and hip by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The distribution of Apa1 and Taq1 polymorphism in the VDR gene was determined by PCR-RFLP. Data were statistically analyzed by SPSS software using chi-square and ANOVA tests.Findings: There was no relationship between the Apa1, Taq1 VDR polymorphism and BMD results. We found that patients with Taq1 genotype (tt) had lower bone mass in the femur and wrist compared with Tt.Conclusion: Based on our findings, a relationship between the VDR polymorphism and osteoporosis remains unclear requiring further in-depth studies. Our results showed that other secondary factors may influence the bone mass density.

Background: Streptokinase A is an antigenic protein secreted by Streptococcus pyogenes. This protein can be used to liquefy pus in pneumonia and the purulent joint swelling and also as an antigen for detection of group A streptococcal infections.Objective: The purpose of this study was expression and production of recombinant streptokinase A of group A streptococci in Escherichia coli in line with diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.Methods: Streptokinase A gene was initially amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and sub-cloned into prokaryotic expression vector pET32a. Later, the pET32a vector was transformed into Escherichia coli BL21-DE3-plySs. Gene expression product, induced by IPTG, was purified by Ni-NTA purification kit, and measured by Bradford method. Recombinant SKA was further analyzed by Western Blot. Gene was amplified and sequenced using the Sanger method and the amplified gene in plasmid pTZ57R /T were identical to Recorded sequence in gene bank for streptokinase gene A.Findings: The nucleotide sequence of the gene amplified by PCR was determined by Sanger method. Sequencing results showed similarity in nucleotide sequence of the cloned gene in E. coli with that of group A streptococci available in GeneBank database. The amount of protein product obtained by Bradford method was 3 mg/ml. Recombinant streptokinase protein reacted with mouse sera containing anti-streptokinase A.Conclusion: Our data showed that expression of recombinant SKA protein is possible in Escherichia coli host. The protein product had an approximate molecular weight of 67 kDa with its antigenic properties unchanged. Thus, it can be substituted for ASO and SLO tests used in diagnosis of patients with group A streptococcal infections.

Background: The presence of large number of tonsillectomy surgeries and also the possibility of tonsillar colonization by Helicobacter pylori as the causative agent of tonsillar hypertrophy make it necessary to investigate any possible correlation between the presence of this bacterium and the occurrence of tonsillar hypertrophy.Objective: To investigate the frequency of Helicobacter pylori in chronic tonsillitis patients.Methods: Scorpion real-time PCR was performed on 103 archived paraffin-embedded tonsillar samples collected from patients with tonsillar hypertrophy following tonsillectomy operation at ENT ward of Qods Hospital (Qazvin University of Medical Sciences), Qazvin (Iran) during 2008-2009.Findings: H. pylori DNA was present in 21.35% of total specimens.Conclusion: Although the existence of H. pylori in tonsillar tissue samples of patients with tonsillar hypertrophy is controversial however, it seems that the method by which the laboratory investigation is made may influence the results as the more sensitive and specific scorpion real-time PCR assay showed the tonsils could be considered as important reservoir of H. pylori.

Background: Regarding the increasing number of acanthamoebiasis cases in recent decades, investigating the environmental pollution of this amoeba is now a focus of more attention. Surface stagnant water is considered as one of the important sources of human infections.Objective: The aim of this study was isolation and molecular identification of Acanthamoeba spp in surface stagnant waters of Qazvin.Methods: This was a descriptive study carried out in the autumn of 2010. A total of 40 samples of surface stagnant waters from the city parks and squares in Qazvin were collected. Samples were initially filtered using 0.45 m nitrocellulose membrane filters and later the residual components left on filter membrane cultured on non-nutrient agar. The cultures media were microscopically examined for the presence of trophozoites and cysts of free-living amoebae. Positive cultures for amoebae were examined by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method using specific primers for the genus of Acanthamoeba.Findings: Free-living amoebae were identified in 32 (80%) samples by culture method. In addition, Acanthamoeba was identified by PCR method in 14 (43.8%) cases of positive cultures showing a nearly 500bp band.Conclusion: considering the prevalent of Acanthamoeba in surface stagnant waters of Qazvin, more attention to the potential role of such waters in transmission of infection by the regional clinicians and health practitioners is necessary.

Background: The goal of nonsurgical retreatment is the removal of all filling materials to completely disinfect the whole root canal space. Recently Resilon obturating system has been introduced as a root canal filling material.Objective: To compare Gutta-percha and Resilon removal, using ProTaper rotary files with chloroform or heat in endodontic retreatment.Methods: This experimental study was performed on sixty-four human single-canal lower jaw extracted premolars at Dental School, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences during 2010. Following separating teeth crowns from the cementoenamel junction, canals were instrumented using step-back technique with k-files. Later, the extracted teeth were randomly divided into four groups of 16 teeth. Canals were obturated with either gutta-percha/AH26 (groups 1, 2) or Resilon/Epiphany (groups 3, 4). Retreatment for groups 1 and 3 was performed with ProTaper system and heat and for groups 2 and 4 with ProTaper system and chloroform using crown-down technique. Once the retreatment procedure was completed and justified, roots were sectioned longitudinally and examined under stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using T-test, Kruskal- Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests.Findings: In all groups, some filling materials (core material and sealer) were seen on the canal walls. Although, amount of Gutta-Percha/AH26 and Resilon/Epiphany system residue were similar, the amount of residual materials in group 4 was significantly more than other groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, the amount of residual materials in group 3 was more than group 1 in the coronal third of canals (P<0.05). The time required to remove filling material in group 2 was significantly higher than those of other groups (P<0.05).Conclusion: According to our findings, Resilon, like Gutta-percha, is re-treatable. However, none of these two materials could be completely removed from root canal walls.

Background: At present, although more than 90% of renal stones are treated at a success rate of 68-86% with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), complications such as the possible occurrence of hypertension are attributed to application of this technique.Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation of ESWL with the mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate.Methods: This analytical study was performed on 75 patients with kidney stones in Mashhad using non-probability and purposeful sampling. Blood pressure was measured at three stages before, during, and after lithotripsy in the supine position. The relationship between ESWL- related hypertension and autonomic neural activity was also evaluated by heart rate spectral analysis. Data was analyzed with t-test and one-way analysis of variance.Findings: The mean arterial blood pressure increased from 93.30±9.73 to 98.30±12.63 in men and from 87.82±11.08 to 96.08±14.51 mmHg in women during lithotripsy and the difference was found to significant, statistically (P<0.001). The incidence of diastolic pressure³100 mmHg in patients with diastolic pressure less than 90 mmHg prior to lithotripsy was 7.5%.Conclusion: These results indicate the risk of hypertension during lithotripsy however, the possible occurrence of hypertension following lithotripsy needs more prospective studies.

Background: Aging is an inevitable phenomenon that the human societies are facing with. Health and life style of elderly in nursing homes are challenging thus, achieving appropriate measures to improve the quality of life seems to be necessary.Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of education and social support on quality of life among elderly living in nursing homes in Qazvin, Iran.Methods: This was an interventional study performed on all old people (37) who were living in nursing homes in Qazvin, Iran. Quality of life was assessed before and 1 month after intervention using SF36 questionnaire. Intervention included education, monthly physical exam, city tours, visiting places of public worship, field trip to recreation sites, and weekly visits. Data were analyzed using paired t-test.Findings: Of total 37 participants [female=17 (45.9%); male=20 (54.1%)] with an average age of 66 years, 86% and 62.2% were illiterate and married, respectively. The average score for quality of life were increased in all areas following intervention (P<0.005).Conclusion: Based on the results, it seems necessary to plan and arrange suitable programs to improve the quality of life in elderly living in nursing homes.

Background: Given the importance of behavioral disorders in adolescents as a substantial public health problem in our country, understanding the prevalence of these disorders among adolescents is an essential component of health policies for provision of mental health and other services.Objective: This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of emotional and behavioral disorders among high school adolescents of Zanjan province.Methods: This prevalence study was conducted in (2009-2010) on 750 high school adolescents of Zanjan province with a mean age of 15.36±0.5 years. Data was collected from teachers in the end of the school year using the standardized Teacher's Report Form (TRF) with a 95.5% response rate.Findings: The total prevalence of behavioral symptoms was 27.8%, with 27.3% for girls and 28.3% for boys. The difference between the two sexes was not significant. Nevertheless, the prevalence rate of "Anxious/Depressed" syndrome was higher in girls than boys (P<0.05), and that of "Rule-Breaking Behavior" higher in boys than girls (P<0.01). In addition, the "Anxious/Depressed" and "Attention Problems" were found to have the highest and lowest prevalence rates among girls while the "Rule-Breaking Behavior" and "Attention Problems" had the highest and lowest prevalence rates among boys, respectively.Conclusion: Given the findings of present study, the prevalence rate of behavior disorders among adolescents of Zanjan province was high and this makes it necessary to pay special attention to the problem areas covered by TRF in the mental health care programs of adolescents.

Background: Numerous studies have shown that abuse is prevalent among married couples, while the number of studies conducted on this issue among the college students who are involved in personal relationships, is low. Furthermore, the majority of these studies have paid little attention to the personality characteristics of victims.Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the personality correlates of emotionally abused students.Methods: This was a correlational study conducted in 2010. Participants were 424 students of Islamic Azad university of Abhar selected randomly. Data were collected using Neo personality test and Ginny NiCarty questionnaire of emotional abuse. Statistical tests including multivariate regression and Anova were used for analysis of data.Findings: Of 424 participants, 189 were females and 235 males with a mean age of 23.7±5 years. Abusive relationship was observed in 42% of cases. Extroversion was a stronger variable in prediction of being abused (r=0.78, P<0.0001), openness to experience, neuroticism, and agreeableness were in the next ranks, respectively. Results of 2 way Anova (F=50.80, P<0.000) indicated that the independent effects of sex and violence were significant although the interaction between these factors found to be insignificant.Conclusion: Based on our data, the extrovert students experienced more abusive relationships while the individuals with more agreeableness reported less abuse.

Background: One of the personnel’s protection and control measures against injurious noise effects at work environment is the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs).Objective: This study was performed to determine the factors affecting the use of HPDs.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 353 randomly selected industrial workers in Sistan and Baluchestan province who were exposed to more than 85 dB noise in 2009. Data were collected by using a validated questionnaire obtained from British Health and Safety Executive and analyzed by chi-square test.Findings: The mean employment history of participants was 9±5.8 years. Based on our data, 28.3% of industrial workers never used HPDs during their daily activities. The most common cause of failure (29.5%) to wear protection devices was associated with experiencing discomfort while using HPDs. There was a significant association between the workers’ risk perception (P=0.05) and their knowledge (P=0.01) over the use of hearing protectors.Conclusion: According to our findings, it seems that promoting the workers’ knowledge on risk perception associated with hearing loss and also improving the design of existing devices can lead to increased use of HPDs.

Background: The city of Jahrom is one of the phenomenal zones of the country and therefore, the city hospitals must have the potential to act in emergency situations.Objective: This research was intended to determine the degree of disaster preparedness in the hospitals affiliated to the Jahrom University of Medical science.Methods: The descriptive study carried out in 2 teaching general hospitals of Jahrom University of Medical Science, Jahrom (Iran) in 2010. Data collection was performed using a researcher-made checklist questionnaire composed of 230 questions. For every 10 variables, a collection of 5 domains including the equipments, logistic, personnel, place, and work process was considered. Checklist validity was accepted by face and content validity and its reliability calculated by test retest method and Speaman’s test (r=0.88).Findings: The hospitals’ preparedness was found to be very week in transfer and evacuation; weak in admission, communication, and management; moderate in emergency, traffic, personnel, security, and logistic; and very good in education. The overall preparedness was at moderate level.Conclusion: Improving the disaster preparedness requires the hospitals to follow programs mostly focused on transfer and evacuation, admission, communication, and management.

Background: Breast milk is the best food for infants because it provides the baby with basic nutritional needs.Objective: To determine the factors affecting the use of artificial milk in children under one year referred to artificial milk commissions.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed on 186 infants under one year who were referred to artificial milk committee in Aran-Bidgol County (Kashan, Iran) in 2009. Data were collected using a questionnaire with 43 questions over demographic information associated with mother and infant, start of feeding, infant’s health and behavior, type of pregnancy and birth, mother’s condition and family planning, start of feeding, and history of previous lactation. Data were analyzed by chi square test.Findings: The most frequent causes for use of artificial milk were slow growth (51.1%), multiple birth (14.5%), doctor’s recommendation (10.8%), infant’s inability to breastfeed (10.2%), infant’s illness (5.9%), mother’s illness (4.8%), adoption (2.2%), and parents’ separation (0.5%). There was a statistically significant relationship between lactation and type of delivery, mother’s motivation, need for after-delivery care, baby-friendly maternity unit, and use of pacifier (P<0.05). No significant relationship between breastfeeding and mother’s drug use, infant’s illness, mother’s employment, mother’s education, and mother’s breast condition was found.Conclusion: According to our findings, it seems that training and encouraging pregnant mothers for natural delivery and breastfeeding, and also establishing higher numbers of baby-friendly maternity hospitals can lead to considerable decrease in use of artificial milk.

Recognition of reasons for hospitalization of children can to great extent decrease the number of deaths through health and educational planning and preventive measures. The aim of the present descriptive study was to determine the causes of hospitalization among 0-12 Ys children referred to Qods pediatric hospital of Qazvin. Data were extracted from the medical records of 750 hospitalized children selected based on classified random sampling method during 2007. The most common groups of diseases were infectious and parasitic diseases (25.3%), respiratory diseases (20.8%), and prenatal disorders (15.2%) and the most frequent diseases were gastroenteritis (22.9%) and pneumonia (14.4%). According to our findings, conducting epidemiological studies and presenting health-educational program seem to be necessary to prevent and decrease the frequency of infectious and parasitic diseases, respiratory diseases, and prenatal disorders.

This was a cross-sectional study to evaluate the degree of awareness and practice of oral medicine by all final-year medical students of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences (69 cases) in 2010. The data was analyzed by chi-square test and T test. According to our findings, the level of knowledge and practice were found to be insufficient in 58 and 55.1% of medical interns, respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between the level of awareness and practice (P=0.04). Re-evaluation of medical curriculum regarding the oral medicine seems to be necessary for medical students.