Journal of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences
Year:2010 | Volume:12 | Issue:2|Papers Count:18

Background and aim: Several studies indicate that there might be relations between the serum levels of chromium and risk factors of diabetes. However, in the majority of these studies the interaction between the serum levels of chromium and the status of body antioxidants has been neglected and the focus has just been given to the role of chromium in the prevention of insulin resistance. The present study has been designed with the purpose of investigating the relation between the serum levels of chromium and the serum malondialdehyde in patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods: The subjects under investigation consisted of 30 patients (15 females, 15 males) aged 30-60, with type 2 diabetes and a control group of 30 non-diabetic people (15 female, 15 male). They were matched for age, gender and BMI. Blood sampling was taken from each participant to measure the blood levels of MDA and chromium and the relation between them was assessed by the Pearson correlation test.Results: Mean serum chromium in diabetic group was found 0.80±0.28mgr/dl, but it was 1.19±0.33mgr/dl in control group (P<0.001). Moreover, serum level of MDA was significantly higher in diabetic group compared to the control group (2.02±0.88mmol/lit versus 1.13±0.64mmol/lit, P<0.001). The correlation test indicated that there was no significant association between serum levels of chromium with the serum level of MDA in these patients (P>0.05).Conclusion: Findings of this study do not show any relation between the serum levels of chromium and malondialdehyde, in spite of a decreased serum concentration of chromium and an increased level in serum MDA in diabetic patients.

Background and aim: Vitamin A is involved in vertebrate morphogenesis, growth, cellular differentiation, and tissue homeostasis. Vitamin A and its metabolites are essential for adequate embryo development. Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have been used effectively to treat some diseases, such as certain musculoskeletal and chondrogenic disorders. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of EMFs and Vitamin A on limb bud development in Balb/C mice in vivo. Methods: The Balb/C mice were used as experimental model. After mating, the pregnant mice were divided randomly into 3 groups as control, sham and experimental groups. Control and experimental groups received a single dose injection of Vitamin A (15000IU/Kg) on 10.5th gestational day, interaperitonealy. In addition, animals in experimental group were exposed to EMFs (50 Hz /100 gauss, for 4 h during three days). The animals were killed on the 15.5th day of gestation and were submitted to caesarian section. The obtained fetuses were examined externally with an analyzed under a stereoscopic microscope and were photographed. Data were analyzed statistically by t-test and ANOVA and Ktuskal- Wallis. Results: Morphological and histological examinations showed significant changes in limb buds as compared with sham exposed and control groups. In both fore and hind limb buds significant decrease obtained in proximo-distal (P-D) and anterior posterior (A-P) axes (P<0.05). Chondrocytes counts revealed a significant delay in the development of chondrocytes in experimental groups as compared with sham exposed and control groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Synergistic effects of vitamin A and extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (50Hz) cause delay in development.

Background and aim: Many researches have shown a relationship between levels of bHCG in pregnancy and preeclampsia, which can be used as a method for early diagnosis. The aim of this study was to determine relationship between levels of HCG in second trimester of pregnancy and preeclampsia.Methods: This study was conducted as a Nested case control study. Blood samples were taken from 1200 pregnant women who were in their second trimester of pregnancy and were admitted for prenatal care in Arak prenatal clinics. After isolation of serums, blood samples were stored in -20°C until delivery time. Finally serum HCG levels, blood pressure, proteinurea, edema, seizure and neonate statue were analyzed in 50 preeclamptic women (case group) and were compared with 50 normotensive women (control group).Results: All women were complicated with mild preeclampsia. The mean of the bHCG in preeclamptic women was 43.08±32.56 Iu/ml and means of HCG in normotensive women was 27.48±25.97 mu/ml (P<0.05), the mean of systolic blood pressure in case and control groups were 144.09±11.30 mmHg and 110.26±8.13 mmHg, respectively (P<0.001). The mean of diastolic blood pressure in preeclamptic women was higher than normotensive women (90.45±4.34 mm/hg and 70±9.80 mm/hg) (P<0.001).Conclusion: Our data showed a significant relationship between mean levels of HCG preeclampsia in second trimester. Therefore, screening of high risk group with HCG hormone and careful prenatal care should be considered during pregnancy.

Background and aim: Carbon dioxide (Co2) is used during laparoscopy for producing pneumoperttoneum. Combination of this gas with irrigation fluid in the abdomen produces carbonic acid which creates two kinds of abdominal and referred pain to right shoulder. In the present research, we have studied the effect of oral acetazolamide in reducing postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods: This clinical trial was performed in 88 patients with cholelithiasis without any complication that were candidate for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patients devided randomly and equally mg 250 (The experimental group received Acetazolamide. in two groups and control group received) hours 8 every, hours before surgery24, orallyplacebo. Abdominal and shoulder pain measured using McGill pain score by a person who was blind for both groups. Pain measurement was performed in four different times, before and after the surgery, discharge from recovery and 24 hours after surgery. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software.Results: We observed that mean pain scores was significantly higher in acetazolamide group compared to the placebo group, 24 hours after the operation (P<0.05). However; no significant changes were observed between groups in other times (P>0.05).Conclusion: Although acetazolamide can reduce abdominal pain referred to right shoulder by reducing acidity in peritoneal irrigation fluid, but this drug can increase abdominal pain in the site of surgery with damaged tissues by producing tissue acidosis (as a side effect of drug).

Background and aim: According to controversial results between migraine headaches and binocular vision anomalies, this study was designed to investigate the relationship between some parameters of binocular vision refractive errors and migraine headache.Methods: In this case-control study, 30 patients with neurologically diagnosed migraine who had inclusion criteria were selected as case group and 30 persons with no migraine headache were selected as control group. First, patients were screened by standard headache questionnaire and diagnosis refined by neurologist. The Refractive errors were determined by retinoscopy and were corrected. Then near point of convergence, jump convergence, stereopsis, fusional reserves and far and near deviation were determined. Data were analyzed by SPSS.15 software, using Man-Withney U test and multiple logistic regressions.Results: The mean of near phoria, stereopsis, far positive fusional reserve, far negative fusional reserve, near positive fusional reserve, near negative fusional reserve in case and control groups were 6.5±2.85, 8.3±6.72 pd, 49.0±26.11, 154.17±333.82 sec/arc, 10.7±2.76, 6.07±5.07, 18.2±4.7, 11.0±7.37, 16.5±4.49, 13.97±8.72, 22.7±5.22 and 14.67±9.25 pd, respectively. The means of above parameters and jump convergence was significantly different between two groups (P<0.05). However; no significant difference was observed between two groups for other variables (P>0.05). In multiple logistic regression only jump convergence, far positive fusional reserve and near positive fusional reserve stayed in model (P<0.05).Conclusions: This study showed higher rates of binocular vision anomalies (abnormal jump convergence, higher amounts of near deviation, abnormal positive and negative fusional convergence and reduced stereopsis) in migraine group than control. Hence, people who experience migraine headaches should be referred to their optometrist regularly to evaluate their binocular vision statuses.

Background and aim: Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays pivotal role in HDL metabolism and in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) pathway. CETP gene variants such as -629C/A that affect HDL cholesterol directly, modulates CETP gene transcriptional activity. This study was aimed to determine influence of -629C/A polymorphism of CETP in statin effects with regard to plasma HDL cholesterol levels.Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 196 adult patients with LDL-C more than 120mg/dL were divided into two group’s base on lovastatin and atorvastatin using. Lipid profile was measured in all subjects before and after treatment and -629C/A polymorphism of CETP promoter was studied using polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Data were compared with paired t-test and ANOVA in SPSS software.Results: Cholesterol was decreased and HDL was increased in AA genotype more than other genotypes by lovastatin, but ApoA1 was increased in CC genotype. ApoA1 also was increased in CC genotype more than AA or AC genotypes by atorvastatin.Conclusion: In CC genotype, lovastatin and specially atorvastatin increased ApoA1 in HDL particles more than other genotypes. Therefore, treatment with lovastatin and atorvastatin is more effective in patients with CC genotype for raising HDL particles activity.

Background and aim: Cryptosporidium, a zoonotic parasite with various hosts, is well recognized as pathogen in humans, particularly those with immune-suppression or immune-deficiency. The epidemiologic considerations for cryptosporidiosis emphasize on transmission of resistant oocystes via drinking water, vegetables, food, etc. The present study was undertaken to study the Cryptosporidium contamination in lettuce from different regions as a source of infection for human beings in Shiraz.Methods: In a descriptive–analytical study, the cryptosporidium contamination of 200 lettuce samples from four different rigions was investigated during spring and summer, 2006. All samples were processed and examined using modified Ziel-Neilsen staining and also by a quantitative method for counting oocystes per sample.Results: From a total of 200 samples, forty seven samples (23.5%) were positive. No significant difference was seen between contamination rate of lettuce and seasons, except for samples from Jahrom, where showed higher contamination rate in spring than summer. In addition, no significant difference was observed among oocytes count in different samples, except for lettuce from Ahwaz in summer with higher parasite intensity.Conclusions: Regarding to the high contamination of lettuce with Cryptosporidium, as well as to sanitary washing of vegetables before consumption, taking special procedures appear to be helpful for reducing the contamination rate at the farm level.

Background and aim: Different diagnostic factors of colon and rectal cancer (CRC) affect the survival of patients, prognosis and consequently treatment application. The rate of colorectal cancer is being increased in Iran, especially in younger ages, made it more valuable to study this type of cancer. However, evaluation of the risk factors of the cancer as a whole would not provide thorough understanding of the cancer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine specific risk factors affecting colon and rectum cancers.Methods: A total of 1219 patients with CRC diagnosis, according to the pathology report of cancer registry of RCGLD from 1 January 2002 to 1 October 2007, were entered into the study. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Accelerated Failure Time (AFT) parametric survival model with frailty, utilizing STATA statistical software.Results: Based on the results of this analysis, for colon cancer, females, patients without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), patients with poorly differentiated tumor grade and patients pathologic with stage of I had higher survival probability. For these patients, there was not any correlation between history of alchol consumption and the size tumor. In the rectal cancer, patients with surgery as the kind of first treatment used, had higher survival probability. For these patients personal history and pathologic stage weren't statistically significant. In addition, in both types of cancers, 25-29.9 and over than 30 categories of body mass index (BMI) had higher survival probability, respectively and patients with BMI less than 18.5 had lower survival probability. In general, the survival rate in rectal cancer patients was higher than those with colon cancer.Conclusions: Site-specific evaluation of colon and rectum can lead to a deeper understanding of factors affecting these cancers. It may help design the clinical trials, better diagnosis of diseases and optimal administration of specific treatments.

Background and aim: The incidence of prelingual hearing loss (HL) is about 1 in 1000 neonates of which, more than 60% of cases are inherited. Non-syndromic HL (NSHL) is extremely heterogeneous: more than 100 loci have been identified. The most common form of NSHL is the autosomal recessive form (ARNSHL). Here, we have investigated CX26 (GJB2) and CX30 (GJB6) gene mutation and linkage analysis of 3 known loci in Iranian families.Methods: A cohort of 36 big ARNSHL pedigrees from 7 provinces of Iran was investigated. All of the families were examined for the presence of GJB2 and GJB6 (del D13S1830 and del D13S1854) mutations using direct sequencing and multiplex PCR, respectively. The negative mutations pedigrees for the above- mentioned mutations, were then tested for the linkage to the 3 known loci, including DFNB3(MYO7A), DFNB4(SLC26A4) and DFNB7/11(TMC1), using STR markers and conventional PCR and PAGE.Results: Six families had GJB2 mutations. No GJB6 mutation was found. Totally, 3 families showed linkage to DFNB4 and 1 family was linked to DFNB7/11.Conclusion: DFNB1 (GJB2) and DFNB4 are the main causes of ARNSHL in our study samples and GJB6 mutations are apparently absent in the Iranian population.

Background and aim: Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a main problem in the treatment of infectious diseases. Thus, searching for alternative drug is essential in Iran and particularly Chaharmahal va bakhtiari province. People use medicinal smokes such as donkey dung and Peganum harmala seed smokes for treatment of infectious diseases. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial property of donkey dung and Peganum harmala seed smokes on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeroginosa.Methods: In this interventional and laboratory study, groups of Peganum harmala seed smoke and donkey dung were considered as case groups and antibiotic disks as positive control group. Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were cultured in suitable medium (Blood Agar, EMB and Mueller-Hinton agar). Antibiogram blank disks were fumigated separately with Peganum harmala seed and female donkey dung smoke then placed on microbial plate with sterile methods. Following 48 hours incubation at 37°C, the zone of growth inhibition evaluated by measuring the zone around the disks. Fumigation process was done in special chest that designed for this research. We repeated fumigation each 20 minutes for 24 times. Data about measuring the zone of growth inhibition were analyzed by using and mean statistic exam.Results: Staphylococcus aureus was sensitive to Peganum harmala seed, and fdonkey dung smokes and Pseudomonas aeroginosa was sensitive to female donkey dung smoke. Staphylococcus aureus was resistant to cloxacilllin and Pseudomonas aeroginosa was sensitive only to erythromycin and ciprofloxacin. The increasing time of fumigation in sensitive cases enhanced antimicrobial effects and the zone of growth inhibition.Conclusion: Antimicrobial effects of donkey dung smokes on resistance pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Staphylococcus aureus revealed the necessity of performing expanded research about composition and property of this smoke.

Background and aim: Flavonoids constitute a large group of polyphenolic compounds that have antioxidant properties. Dorema aucheri plant has antioxidant materials and in this study we evaluated the effects of Dorema aucheri-hydroalcoholic extract on thyroids hormones in adult rats.Methods: In this experimental study, 50 wistar adult rats were divided into 5 groups of 10 animals as follow: first group was control; the second group, i.e. sham group, received distilled water and the other 3 groups received different doses of hydroalcoholic extracts of Dorema aucheri (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively). Thyroid hormones (TSH, T3 and T4) were determined after 3 weeks of extract consumption. Data were analyzed by useing of Kruscal Walis and Donn test,.Results: Following 3 weeks administration of Dorema Aucheri extracts on rats, we found a significant increase in TSH hormone levels in the lowest dose (P<0.05). No significant change was seen in other doses (P>0.05). In addition, the concentrations of T3 and T4 hormones were not changed (P<0.05).Conclusion: Dorema aucheri-hydroalcoholic extract may have beneficial role in thyroid function.

Background and aim: The aging of the society and the senility highlights the issues related to this period of life. Depression is a common problem in elderly period. This study aimed to investigate the level of depression among the elderly population.Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, all the residents of Shaystegan and Jahandidegan nursing homes, which were under the supervision of the State Welfare Organization in Shahrekord, were studied. The data was collected using the standard Beck questionnaire for depression and analyzed using Pearson correlation, Mann-Whitney and Cruscal-valis tests.Results: The average age of the study population was 68.7±16.1 year and the average depression scale was 23.11±9.2. Based on the results, 64.9% were slightly depressed, 15.8% were moderately depressed, 15.8% showed no sign of depression and only 3.5% were severely depressed. According to these findings, significant relationship was seen between age, marital status and the level of depression (P<0.05).Conclusion: Slight depression and depression with no medical symptoms are common problems among the elderly peoples. Therefore, primary preventative measures are necessary to take in consideration.

Background and aim: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common and serious clinical problem in newborns. Previous studies have suggested that jaundice may be one of the signs of a UTI in infants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, age presentation, severity of jaundice, signs and complications of UTI in newborns with asymptomatic, unexplained indirect hyperbilirubinemia in the first month of life.Methods: This case-control study was conducted at the Neonatal intensivecare unit, Ghaem Hospital, in Mashhad from May 2004 to April 2009. We evaluated asymptomatic, jaundiced infants for the evidence of having UTI. Some laboratory tests such as a serum fractionated bilirubin level, as well as urinanalysis and a urine culture were performed in all patients. Renal ultrasound was performed in almost all the cases with UTI. Detailed questionnaires, which were included demographic information, prenatal, intrapartum, postnatal events and risk factors were filled. The control group was jaundiced- infants with unknown etiology.Results: A total of 1487 patients were enrolled in this study. From these patients 1061 infants were evaluated for UTI. There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) between the two groups regarding age presentation, age admitted to hospital, age improved jaundice, serum bilirubin level and hospital stay. UTI was diagnosed in seventy four (6.97%). Renal ultrasound showed urinary tract abnormalities in thirty two (32%) patients. Six infants had unilateral grade 1-3 reflux in voiding cystourethrogram.Conclusion: In our study UTI was found in 7% of asymptomatic, jaundiced infants. Therefore, we recommend that a UTI test should be included in asymptomatic, jaundiced infants presenting after five day of life as part of their evaluation.These infants should be evaluated for urinary tract abnormalities by renal ultrasound and voiding cystourethrogram.