Journal of Inflammatory Diseases
Year:2014 | Volume:18 | Issue:1 (72)|Papers Count:12

Background: With regard to wide spectrum application of microwave in human life, its biological effects on tissues are still under debate.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 950 MHz microwave radiation on morphometric changes of prostate in rabbit.Methods: In this experimental study, 18 New Zealand male rabbits (11-13 weeks old) were randomly divided into control, 3 W and 6 W groups in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2012. The rabbits in the experimental groups were exposed to simulated 950 MHz and 3 or 6 W microwave radiation 2 hours a day for 2 weeks. After one week rest, the rabbits were sacrificed using anesthetic drugs and the prostate tissue samples were prepared. After preparing microscopic slides, villous height, villous thickness and muscle layer thickness were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test.Findings: The villous height was significantly decreased in the 3 W group compared to the control and 6 W groups while it was significantly increased in the 6 W group compared to the control group. The villous thickness was increased in both experimental groups compared to the control group but the difference was statistically significant for 6 W group. Increased villous thickness was not different between the experimental groups. The muscle layer thickness was significantly increased in both experimental groups compared to the control group.Conclusion: With regards to the results, it seems that the microwave radiation with 950 MHz frequency has negative effects on morphometric changes of prostate in rabbit.

Background: Selenium is essential for the normal function of sperm cells and spermatogenesis. This element as an antioxidant cofactor reduces oxygen free radicals, and is expected to be effective for increasing fertility.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of selenium on motility, morphology and viability of sperm cells after freezing and thawing procedure.Methods: This experimental study was performed on semen samples from 42 males with normal semen parameters referred to Shariati infertility center in Tehran during February and March 2013. Each sample was divided into four equal parts (two parts were washed and the other two parts were remained unwashed). 5 mg/l selenium was added to one of the washed and one of the unwashed sperm parts. Two other parts were remained untreated as control groups. Every four parts were freezed for two weeks, and subsequently they were thawed and motility, morphology, and viability of sperm cells were assessed. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA.Findings: After defreezing, motility, morphology, and viability of sperm cells in selenium groups were significantly different from control groups.Conclusion: With regards to the results, 5 mg/l selenium can be used in infertility clinics in order to increase sperm quality after freezing and thawing procedure.

Background: Chronic diabetes mellitus affects the hippocampus via various pathways including augmented oxidative stress, and leads to learning and memory impairment. It is indicated that berberine has anti-diabetic, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of berberine hydrochloride on short-term spatial memory and passive avoidance learning and memory in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, berberine-treated control (100 mg/kg), diabetic and berberine-treated diabetic (50, 100 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. One week after streptozotocin injection, rats were treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg/day berberine orally, for 7 weeks. 1, 3, 5, 7 weeks after streptozotocin injection, blood samples were taken from the tail vein to measure blood glucose levels. In order to investigate the effects of berberine on passive avoidance learning and memory, Initial Latency (IL) and Step-Through Latency (STL) were measured by shuttle box. Short-term spatial memory was assessed by percentage of alternation behavior in the Y maze. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann Whitney U test.Findings: Alternation percentage in the diabetic group was significantly lower than the control group, and was increased significantly in the berberine-treated (100 mg/kg) diabetic group compared to the diabetic group. STL was significantly decreased in the diabetic group compared to the control group and was significantly increased in the berberine-treated (100 mg/kg) diabetic group compared to the diabetic group. The STL difference between the control group and the berberine-treated control group was not statistically significant.Conclusion: With regards to the results, 7 weeks treatment with berberine improves short-term spatial memory and passive avoidance learning and memory in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the major nosocomial pathogens. Clindamycin is the treatment of choice for staphylococcus aureus infections specially skin and soft tissue infections. Inducible resistance to clindamycin leads to treatment failure.Objective: The aim of this study was to detect the cMLSb, iMLSb and MS phenotypes and inducible clindamycin resistance in staphylococcus aureus isolates from hospitalized patients in Qazvin and Tehran teaching hospitals.Methods: In this descriptive molecular epidemiologic study, a total of 230 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were collected from hospitalized patients in Qazvin and Tehran teaching hospitals during 2012 and were identified by the standard laboratory methods. Then, detection of the femA gene was used to confirm identification of the isolates. Inducible resistance to clindamycin was tested using D-test. All procedures were performed in the microbiology laboratory and Cellular and Molecular Research Center affiliated to Qazvin University of Medical Sciences.Findings: All isolates were positive to the femA gene. 85 isolates (37%) were resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin (the cMLSb phenotype), 15 isolates (6.5%) showed inducible resistance (the iMLSb phenotype), 103 isolates (44.7%) were sensitive to erythromycin and clindamycin, 24 isolates (10.4%) showed intermediate resistance to erythromycin, 10 isolates (4.3%) showed intermediate resistance to clindamycin and 3 isolates (1.3%) were resistant to erythromycin and susceptible to clindamycin (the MS phenotype).Conclusion: With regards to the results, using D-test method with simultaneous disk diffusion method is recommended in hospital laboratories.

Background: Carbon nanotubes have been considered as dye adsorbent. The colored wastewater must be treated to reduce the environmental risks.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of multi-walled carbon nanotubes for removal of 2-naphthol orange dye from aqueous solutions.Methods: This experimental study was conducted at school of public health affiliated to Yazd University of medical sciences during 2012. The effects of different parameters including detention time, PH value, mixing intensity, the initial concentration of dye, and carbon nanotubes dosage were studied for removal of dye. All experiments were repeated twice and then adsorption isotherms and kinetics of different models were analyzed by comparing the coefficient of determination.Findings: The maximum dye adsorption occurred during the first 30 minutes. The sorption capacity for adsorption of the dye was found to be 2.76 mg/gr. The dye removal efficiency was increased from 87% to 97.2% by decreasing the initial concentration of dye from 100 to 25 mg/l. By increasing the adsorbent dose from 0.05 to 0.4 g/l, the dye removal efficiency was increased from 70.7% to 94.8%. The general order kinetic model provided the best fit to the pseudo-second order kinetic adsorption model and the equilibrium data were best fitted to the Freundlich isotherm model. The maximum efficiency was found to be 97.2%.Conclusion: Multi-walled carbon nanotubes can be effective for removal of 2-naphthol orange dye.

Background: Use of food products of animal origin containing antibiotics residues has led to much concern in consumers.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotic residues in raw cow milk in Qazvin province.Methods: In this cross sectional study, 200 raw cow milk samples were randomly collected from industrial dairy farms in Qazvin province during the warm and the cold seasons in 2012. All samples were examined by Delvo test and specific ELISA kits for enrofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline, tylosin, chloramphenicol and sulfonamides residues. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test.Finding: 86 milk samples (43%) were positive for antibiotic residues to Delvo test. The highest mean values were related to sulfonamides (20.40±12.99 ng/ml) and gentamicin (20.06±14.92 ng/ml) and the lowest mean value was related to chloramphenicol (0.13±0.07 ng/ml) by specific ELISA kits. The mean values of antibiotic residues were significantly higher during the warm season compared to the cold season. Chloramphenicol residues were above the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) (0 mg/l) in all positive samples. Sulfonamides residues were above the MRL (25mg/l) in 25.39% of milk samples.Conclusion: With regards to the results, extensive and careful monitoring of the production and supply of food products of animal origin, especially milk and evaluation of drug residues are essential.

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compressive neuropathy. Although unprincipled and incorrect use of hands and non compliance with safety issues are underlying factors of CTS, but studies have shown that diabetes can predispose patients to CTS.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic maneuvers of carpal tunnel syndrome in diabetic patients and to compare with non diabetic patients.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 115 hands that were selected by census method in Milad hospital, Tehran during 2012. Demographic data were collected by a questionnaire and physical examination was performed for patients. The patients were divided into six groups based on electrodiagnosis response: normal, paresthesia without CTS, CTS, symptomatic diabetes without CTS, diabetes & CTS, diabetes & CTS & peripheral neuropathy. The sensitivity and specificity of Tinel's Sign, Phalen's Test, reverse Phalen's Test, Tourniquet Test, difference between two sharp points, Compression Test, and Flick Signal were determined in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test.Findings: The mean age of the patients was 55±13.25 and the mean duration of symptoms was 19 months. The prevalence of moderate CTS was higher than mild and severe CTS. Of 115 studied hands, there were 25 hands with CTS, 20 hands with diabetes & CTS hands, 23 hands with diabetes & CTS & peripheral neuropathy hands, 14 hands with paresthesia without CTS, 19 hands with symptomatic diabetes without CTS and 14 normal hands. In non-diabetic with CTS group, the Flick Signal and the reverse Phalen's test were the most sensitive tests, respectively while the Tinel's sign and the Phalen's test were the most specific tests (95%). In diabetic group with CTS, reverse Phalen's test was the most sensitive test (56%) and the Tinel's sign was the most specific test (77%). In diabetic group with peripheral neuropathy & CTS, the Phalen's test and Compression test were the most sensitive tests (59%), and the Tinel's sign was the most specific test (77%). Overall the Compression test was the most sensitive test (51%) and the Tinel's sign was the most specific test (77%) in the diabetic group.Conclusion: With regards to the results, using the Phalen's test, the reverse Phalen's test and the compression test in diabetic patients with CTS is suggested.

Background: Epidemiological studies suggest that calcium intake is associated with obesity.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the association between calcium intake and body mass index (BMI) in adolescent girls.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 863 middle and high school students that were selected by multistage cluster sampling method in Zanjan, 2008. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Food Frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and the General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ). Calcium intake was calculated using EPI6 software. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis.Findings: Calcium intake was inadequate in 73.8% of the students and the mean BMI was 20.1±3.5 linear regression analysis showed that calcium intake did not predict body mass index.Conclusion: With regards to the results and since the lack of calcium intake as a valuable nutrient in the female students could put them at risk of diseases such as osteoporosis, educating adolescents and families in order to change their life style is suggested.

Background: The emotion regulation has a special role in human health. Studies have shown that emotion regulation problems may lead to physical and psychological problems.Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the amount of alexithymia and its aspects among patients with kidney diseases, nurses and students.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in Kermanshah, 2012. The study population included three samples of 110 patients with kidney diseases in Kermanshah, 110 students of Razi University and 110 nursing staff of Kermanshah hospitals that were selected by convenience sampling method. The measurement tool was alexithymia questionnaire (FTAS-20). Data were analyzed using multi-way Analysis of Variance (multi-way ANOVA) test and Scheffe test.Findings: There were significant differences among the three groups. The mean scores ofalexitymia were significantly higher in patients with kidney diseases (M=59.41) than nurses (M=58.95) and students (M=51.94), and the mean scores of alexitymia were significantly higher in nurses than students.Conclusion: With regard to the results, it is suggested that the role of emotion regulation as well as treatment should be considered in patients with kidney diseases. The role of emotion regulation should also be considered in nursing staff seriously.

Background: Governmental subsidy is one of the important tools to support of households that will increase their income.Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in essential goods consumption after targeted subsidies reform in Minoodar district of Qazvin, 2011.Methods: This analytical study was conducted on 100 households of Minoodar District of Qazvin during 2011 that were selected by cluster random sampling method. The measurement tool was a self-administered questionnaire and data were collected via interview. Data were analyzed using paired T-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient.Finding: The average household size was 4 people per household, the average household income was 9735500 Rials and the average household expenditure was 5529500 Rials. There was significant positive correlation between income and consumption of dairy products, fruits -vegetables and meat. The association of education level of household head and household size with consumption of essential goods was not statistically significant. After targeted subsidies reform, the maximum change in consumption was related to energy and the minimum change was related to detergents and disinfectants.Conclusion: Targeted subsidies reform has led to changes in essential goods consumption. With regards to the association of income and consumption, low-income households should be more considered.