Journal of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences
Year:2013 | Volume:15 | Issue:1|Papers Count:17

Background and aims: Studies both in vivo and in vitro shows anti-cancer effects of saffron.Angiogenesis is required for many physiological and pathological conditions such as tumor growth. On the other hand, many processes are affected by electromagnetic fields. In this study the synergic effects of saffron aqua extract and low-frequency electromagnetic field on angiogenesis were investigated.Methods: In this laboratory experimental study, ross fertilized eggs were divided in 9 groups, including: control, first and second sham-exposed groups.1, 2 and 3 experimental groups (treated by the saffron extract concentrations, 100, 400 and 800 mg/ml) and experimental groups, 4, 5 and 6 (synergic treatment with the saffron with same concentrations which exposed on 400 gauss intensity electromagnetic field). In the second day of incubation, the window was open on eggs in sterile conditions on the eighth day, 10 ml of Saffron extract was injected. In the tenth day in sham- exposed 2 groups and 4, 5 and 6 experimental groups eggs exposed on electromagnetic field for 4 hours. At last in the twelfth day all cases were photographed by photo stereomicroscope and both numbers and lengths of vessels around the sponges were measured by Image J software, data were analyzed with SPSS and by statistic test such as tukey & ANOVA.Result: Data analysis, shows that average length of blood vessels in the experimental group 1, compared with the control group showed no significant decrease (P>0.05), while in experimental group 2 and 3 it was significantly increased (P<0.001). The average number of blood vessels in the experimental group 1, 2 and 3 decline noticeably in compare with the control group (P<0.05). Comparing of branches in blood vessels in second sham-exposed with the control group shows dramatically reduction (P<0.001). Analysis the data reveals that the number of blood vessels and length of branches in the experimental 4 group significantly decreased, P<0.05, while this reduction in the fifth and sixth one were significant (P<0.001).Conclusion: The aqueous extract of saffron has dose dependently inhibitory effects on angiogenesis which influenced by low-frequency electromagnetic field with 400 Gauss intensity significantly.

Background and aims: Attention to self-advocacy and self-determination skills is essential for student’s to be succssful in life and be preparae for decision making. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of school-based assertiveness program on self-advocacy and self-determination skills in high school students Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 140 students (70 in each group) from Isfahan high schools were randomly selected. Demographic, Gambrill & Richey, self advocacy and self determination in scientific and occupation field’s questionnaires were applied in 8 sessious. Data were analyzed using independent t test, Anova repeated measurement and chi-square.Results: Chi-square test showed no significant differences in demographic variables between two groups (P<0.05). Repeated measurement test showed no significant differences in mean score of assertiveness before, after and 2 months after interention in control group (P>0.05), where as this test showed significant differences in trial group (P=0.002). Also the same test showed no significant differences in mean score of students self-advocacy and self determination skills in control group (P>0.05), where as this test showed significant differences in trial group (P<0.05). Independent sample T test showed no significant differences in mean score of student self-advocacy and self-determination concerning the occupatianial and scientific field in parents and teachers point of view 2 months after intervention, this differences was significant in trial group (P=0.012).Conclusion: Application of assertiveness program for high school students lead to promote students self-advocacy and self-determination skills. According to safety, inexpensive.Effectiveness and efficiency of theses programs, application of them are suggested for promoting students self-advocacy and self-determination skills of high school students.

Background and aims: Stroke is the third most common cause of death in most industrialized countries after cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The aim of this study was assessment of relationship between the effect of virgin olive oil and brain lipid levels and infarct volume in rat stroke model.Methods: Five groups, each consisting of 12 male Wistar rats, were studied. The groups consisting of control, sham and three treatment group received oral virgin olive oil (VOO) for 30 days (0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 ml/kg/day, respectively), control and sham groups received distilled water. Two hours after the last dose for rats, each main group was divided to 2 subgroups middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) -operated for assessment of infarct volume and "brain lipids level". The lipids (cerebroside, ceramide, phosphatidylcholine) and infract volume were compared using One way ANOVA (post hoc LSD). The assessment of relationship between brain lipids and infarct volume was done with correlation Pearson.Results: VOO increased the brain phosphatidylcholine level in doses of 0.5 and 0.75 ml/kg/day. VOO in dose of 0.75 ml/kg/day increased the brain cerebroside level. Pretreatment with VOO decreased the brain ceramide levels in doses of 0.5 and 0.75 ml/kg/day (P<0.05). Oral administration of VOO reduced infarct volume after transient MCAO in rats. There was significant relationship between increase of brain phosphatidylcholine level and decrease of infarct volume (P=0.000, r2=0.45). There was significant relationship between increased brain cerebroside levels and decrease of infarct volume (P=0.018, r2=0.28). There was significant relationship between decrease brain ceramide levels and infarct volume (P=0.000, r2=0.62).Conclusion: VOO partly is associated with change in brain lipids levels and decrease in infarct volume or neuroprotection in rat.

Background and aims: Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most common diseases in neonatal period and the early diagnos of that is important to prevent complications. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between umbilical cord alpha fetoprotein and hyperbilirubinemia in the third day of birth.Methods: In this descreptive cross-sectional study 120 neonates were entered in the study through random sampling, after the birth, blood samples of umbilical cord were collected. Serum Alpha-fetoprotein levels were measured by ELISA techniques. On the third day of the birth 1.5CC were taken to determine the baby's bilirubin level. Laboratory values were recorded in the form and demographic data were completed in the questionnaire for collecting the data. The data were analyzed using software SPSS and Spearman test, t-test.Results: The results showed average weight of neonatal 3048.75 ± 356.23 gram, average amount of alpha-fetoprotein were 70.63 ± 14.20mg /l and mean bilirubin amount of were 10.21 ± 3.37 mgdl. There was no significant correlation between the weight and the amount of alpha-fetoprotein (P>0.05). But between weight and amount of bilirubin in the third day after the birth there was a significant inverse relationship (P<0.05, r=-0.28), Significant direct relationship was found between bilirubin and Alpha-fetoprotein (P<0.05, r=0.15).Conclusion: This study shows a statiscal relationship between alphafetoprotein and bilirubin, so, with further studies in this field, finding strong correlation between alpha-fetoprotein cord and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, the samples from the umbilical cord can be used in screening for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice.

Background and aims: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disease in which IgE and T cells have an important role. This study aimed at comparing the frequency of peripheral T cell sublype in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and in healthy people.Methods: In this experimental case-control study, a total of 30 patients with allergic rhinitis and 30 healthy controls were evaluated for immunologic parameters. The students of Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, residented in Golestan dormitory were participated in this casecontrol study. The mean of age ranges of students were 22.5 ± 3.3 years. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the students and stained with appropriate monoclonal antibodies.Percentage CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells and the proportion of CD4/CD8 were determined using flow cytometriy technique. In this study haematological methods including standard CBC test were also performed on all blood samples. The data were analyzed and compared statistically in two groups using SPSS software and t test.Results: Mean percentage of CD4+T lymphocytes increased significantly in case group in comparison with healthy control group (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was seen in two groups for mean percentage of CD8+T cells and CD4/CD8 ratio (P>0.05). The results of CBC test showed the percentage of eosinophils and monocytes were significantly different among two groups (P<0.05).Conclusion: This study provides evidence that a higher frequency of CD4+T cells is present in the peripheral blood of AR patients and it has probably a role in pathogenesis of the disease.Further investigations require to elucidate the role of CD4+T cells in pathogenesis and treatment of AR.

Background and aims: Antibiotic resistance has paved the way for replacing conventional medications with herbal therapies that supposedly have less side- effects. The present study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effect of Nerium oleander on strains of Staphylococcus aureusand Staphylococcus epidermis.Methods: In this experimental study, the aqueous extract effect of Nerium oleander's leaf and flower on Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis was independently investigated through boiling at three 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/ml concentrations, in 20, 40 and 80ml by well diffusion and disk methods. Antibiogram test was performed on these two strains with three antibiotics, namely, oxitetracycline, erythromycin and penicillin. The diameter zone of inhibition was measured and the effect of extract was evaluated.Results: According to antibiogram test Staphylococcus aureus was sensitive to erythromycin, but resistant to oxitetracycline and penicillin.Staphylococcus epidermis was relatively resistant to erythromycin, but resistant to oxitetracycline and penicillin. Staphylococcus aureus was sensitive to 40 and 80 ml in 25 mg/ml concentration and all amounts of leaf extract in 50 mg/ml concentration. Butstaphylococcuy epiderm is showed no sensitirity to the mentioned concentrations. In all concentration adding the amount of extract from 20 to 80 ml, mean of diameter zone was increased. Leaf extract has more inhibitoty effect compare to flower extract.Conclusion: Regarding the fact that antibiotic resistance is growing, the extract of Nerium oleandercould be used as an antibacterial compound for external application on wounds and removal of epidermal infections.

Background and aims: The prevalence of Type D personality is 21% in general population, it is an emerging risk factor in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This study investigated some CVD risk factors in type D personality.Methods: In this descipitive analytical study, 27 male and female with type D personality and 27 male and female ones with non- type D personality (healthy adults), referred to Almahdi clinical laboratory in Shahrekord, were randomly divided into 2 group's based on DS14 scale. Data were collected via the beck depression inventory, spielberger’s anxiety and anger scales. The cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL biochemical was also evaluated. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests.Results: The results demonstrated a strong association between type D personality and anxiety, depression, LDL and anger (P<0.05). The HDL level was slightly lower in type D personalitly (P=0.052). No significant relation was obtained between type D personality and cholesterol and triglyceride (P>0.05).Concolusion: Based on the results of this study type D personality in comparison to healthy adult might be associated with increased risk factors of CVD, because they are exposed to anxiety, depression, anger and alteration of blood lipoproteins.

Background and aims: Striae gravidarum (SG) is one of the most common connective tissue changes during pregnancy that may cause some concerns. The purpose of this study was to determine the severity of SG and its possible associations with the characteristics of mothers and their newborns.Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study that was carried out among 182 primiparous women in Kosar hospital (Qazvin, Iran) in 2012. Sampling was done using convenience sampling method. The data were collected through a questionnaire and physical examination.Severity of striae was evaluated by Davey’s score. Data were analyzed using independed t-test, Chi square and Pearson correlation.Results: The mean score of striae sverity in breast, abdomen and thigh was respectively 1.08 ± 1.55, 4.31 ± 2.2 and 1.76 ± 2.02. The severity of striae gravidarum had a reverse correlation with maternal age, body mass index and age of striae onset, and a direct correlation with weight gain during pregnancy.Conclusion: Although there are some non-modifiable factors such as family history striae, birth weight and gestational age at delivery; but adjusting other factors such as body mass index before pregnancy, weight gain during pregnancy and increased fluid intake are modifiable factors.

ackground and aims: Cystatin B gene encodes a protein that inhibits proteolytic activity of cathepsin enzymes. Mutation in this gene has been stated as one of the causes of idiopathic generalized epilepsy. This study aimed at screening the cstB gene mutations in 35 patients affected by idiopathic generalized epilepsy in the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province.Methods: In this descriptive-lab study, the researchers examined mutations in exons 1 to 3 and uncovered the cstB gene promoter region in 35 patients with Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy. Using standard phenol-chloroform procedure. The researchers extracted DNA and then they utilized PCR-SSCP analysis for screening mutations in this gene. Finally suspected cases were sequenced.Results: In one of the samples, point mutation c.48C>T was found which was unknown. Investigating the bioinformatic examinations on this sample, it can be concluded that this shift has been occurred in the cstB gene intronic region.Conclusion: The results obtained from the samples of this study reveales that there is a slight relationship between idiopathic generalized epilepsy and the cstB gene mutations.

Background and aims: Anxiety is one of the most common disorders and may be influenced by environmental factors, such as diet. This study was caried out to determine the prevalence of anxiety and it's relationship with consumption of snacks in high school students in Shiraz.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 480 students through cluster sampling from grade 3 in high school and pre-university level were selected from 4 districts in Shiraz. Considering the diffusion and matching 411 students participated in the study. Data was collected using a questionnaire containing 4 sections: demographic data, anthropometric parts, Beck anxiety questionnaire and food frequency questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS, t-test and Chisquare.Results: The rate of anxiety was 54.5% in total, 50% and 59% respectively for grade 3 in high school and pre-university students. Anxiety prevalence was significantly higher in girls than in boys (64.5% and 44.7% for girls and boy respectively, P<0.001). There was a significant invers relationship between anxiety and body weight (P=0.013). Dairy consumption in anxious preuniversity students (P=0.014) and nuts consumption in anxious students (P=0.025) were significantly lower than their non-anxious counterparts.Conclusions: Considering the anxiety prevalence and low consumption of snacks, it is recommended to do some actions in reducing the anxiety and improving the snacks consumtion.

Background and aims: Understanding b-cell function at the molecular level will likely facilitate the development of b-cells manufacture techniques. The aim of the present study was to investigate the pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (pdx-1) gene expression into DTZ stained cellular clusters originating from emberyonal carcinoma cells.Methods: This implemental -fundamental study was accomplished on differentiation of stem cells into insulin producing cells (IPCs). The conditioned medium of cultured pancreas from one-week newborn mouse was used for differentiation of P19. EBs formed by a 24h suspension culture of P19 EC cells. In order to induce the difrentiation,, different concentrations of conditioned medium (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) were added to culture medium. Dithizone staininig was used for detecting the differentiated cells derived from EB sin vitro. Insulinproinsulin production and insulin receptor beta were determined by immunofluorescence. The expression of pdx-1 gene was also analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA and Dunkana test.Results: Differentiated cell clusters appeared after approximately 7 days induction. The peak response of differentiation was at the concentration of 50% conditioned medium. Expression of pdx-1gene was observed in the differentiated cell clusters. Expression of insulin-proinsulin and insulin receptor beta markers in the differentiated cells was confirmed by immunofluorescence.Conclusion: The pancreas conditioned medium could influence P19 cells differentiation into insulin producing cells. So findings of this study could facilitate producing the b-cells.

Background and aim: Garlic (Allium sativum) is among the oldest cultivated plants, which has been used as a medical agent for thousands of years. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the chronic effects of garlic aqueous extract intake on some hematological parameters, serum and tissue changes.Methods: Eighteen male wistar rats were assigned into three groups, 6 in each group. Control group was treated with distilled water and groups two and three were treated with garlic aqueous extract (500, 1000 mg/kg respectively) by gavage for fourthy consecutive days. At the end of the study, rats were victimized and hematological, biochemical parameters and histopathological changes were investigated. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA and Dunkann tests.Results: The fidings revealed that garlic extract doesn’t change the values of AST, ALT, ALP, and CPK compare to control group (P>0.05). Also, no significant changes were found in serum urea, creatinine, LDH and hematological indicators in garlic treated groups compare to control group (P>0.05). Microscopic findings in group treated with garlic extract (1000 mg/kg) showed glomeruli destruction, loss of brush border of proximal convoluted tubules, degeneration with necrosis of hepatocytes, and infiltration of mononuclear cell to portal space.Conclusion: This study showed that garlic consumption with high dose might cause morphological change in the red blood cell, biochemical parameters and might cause renal and hepatic lesions. Therefore, the use of pilot study for determining the optimal dose of the garlic is necessary for research designs.