Journal of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences
Year:2011 | Volume:13 | Issue:4|Papers Count:16

Background and aims: Lead is one of the environmental contaminants. In this study we examined the effects of lead on motility, viability and DNA denaturation of mouse spermatozoa. The aim of the study was to find the effects of lead on the above parameters and to see whether these effects are reversible or not.Methods: Twenty four male mice were considered as case group and 24 mice as control group. The case group was injected by 200 mg/kg of lead acetate and control group was injected only by distilled water. Each group (case and control groups) was divided into three subgroups and the members of each subgroup were killed after 1, 2 and 3 weeks and their epididymides were removed. Motility, viability and DNA denaturation of caudal epididymal spermatozoa were examined in all groups. Data were analyzed using MannWitny U and Kruskal-Wallis tests.Results: Lead reduce the motility and viability of spermatozoa one week after the injection. These effects of lead were disappeared three weeks after injection. In contrast to the effect of lead on motility and viability, it did not affect on DNA denaturation.Conclusion: Contamination with lead can reduce motility and viability of sperms but these effects will be disappeared by time. Lead can not create any changes on DNA denaturation of spermatozoa.

Background and aim: Excessive usage of pesticides in agricultural products is considered as risk factors for human health and environmental pollution. This study was designed to determine the residues of Oxydimeton methyl in cucumbers and tomatoes in greenhouses of Chaharmahal va Bachtiari province (Iran).Methods: In this descriptive -analytical study 60 cucumbers and tomatoes were randomly selected to evaluate their residual toxin. Samples were washed and then cut to pieces and were extracted with ethyl acetate, n- Hexane. The solvent was evaporated and the toxin was measured by HPLC. Data were then analyzed using Wilcoxon signed ranks and Friedman tests.Results: In addition, the average residues values in samples of non-washed, washed and peeled cucumber, were 0.23±0.17, 0.15±0.6 and 0.08±0.5 (mg/kg), respectively (P<0.001). The average residues values in samples of non-washed and washed tomato were 1.61±0.8 and 0.67±0.04 (mg/kg), respectively (P<0.001). The results showed that 100 percent of cucumber and tomato samples had poison residues of Oxydimeton methyl which was higher than standard level.Conclusion: Oxydimeton methyl residues in the cucumber and tomato samples exceeded the recommended standard of FAO / Codex and WHO. Therefore, consumers are recommended to eel and wash the cucumber and tomato to reduce the amount of toxin residues.

Background and aims: In modeling process, correlation between covariates causes multicolinearity that may reduce efficiency of the model. This study was aimed to use principal component analysis to eliminate the effect of multicolinearity in logistic regression and neural network models, and to determine its effect on the accuracy of predicting metabolic syndrome in a sample of individuals participating in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study.Methods: A total of 347 participants from the Cohort section of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) were evaluated. The subjects were free of metabolic syndrome, according to the ATPIII criteria, at the beginning. Logistic regression, logistic regression with principal components, neural network and neural network with principal components models were fitted to the data. The ability of the models in predicting metabolic syndrome was compared using ROC analysis and kappa statistics.Results: The area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for logistic regression, logistic regression with principal components, neural network and neural network with principal component were estimated as 0.749, 0.790, 0.890 and 0.927 respectively. Sensitivity of the models was calculated as 0.483, 0.435, 0.836 and 0.919 and their specificity as 0.857, 0.919, 0.892 and 0.964 respectively. The kappa statistic for these models was 0.322, 0.386, 0.712 and 0.886 respectively.Conclusion: the study shows that the prediction accuracy of models based on principal components is better than that of models based on primary covariates, so in the presence of multicolinearity, models based on principal components are efficient for predicting metabolic syndrome.

Background and aims: Regarding the rapid development of technology and increasing competition, only the organizations will survive that consider efficiency promotion using personnel creativity. This research was performed to study the role of organizational culture in the promotion of personnel's creativity in the ministry of health and medical education.Methods: In this descriptive analytical study, 437 personnel of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education were selected randomly. Data were collected using round step creativity and Jafarinia's organizational culture questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using independent sample t-test and correlation coefficient test.Results: There was a significant positive correlation between organizational culture and personnel’s creativity, with no correlation between creativity and gender. There was also a positive correlation between creativity and educational level, but career background was not an important factor for creativity.Conclusion: The result showed that organizations can increase their staff's creativity with an agreement on the existing organizational culture and values, adapting to the changes and modifying the personal and organizational goals. We understood that programmers can not make decisions to increase the creativity without paying attention to organizational culture.

Background and aims: The main objective of immunization by hepatitis B vaccine is to generate adequate concentration of anti hepatitis B antibody (HBsAB) in the serum. This study was aimed to determine the effectiveness of hepatitis B vaccination campaign in 18 years old students in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province.Methods: In a cross- sectional study, 360 students with 18 years old (born in 1989) and have taken 3 doses of hepatitis vaccine in national vaccination campaign in 2007, were selected by cluster sampling. This study was performed in 2008 in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province in the central of I.R of Iran. The level of hepatitis B antibody was detected by quantitative ELIZA method using Dialab Kit. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 16.0 software by X2 and t-test.Results: Of 360 students, 164 (45%) cases were male and 174 (48/3%) cases were from urban areas. Just 349 students (96/95%) have acceptable immunization responses, (In those anti hepatitis B antibodies were more than 20 IU/ml). There was no significant relationship between the level of antibody and variables such as: sex, born places, smoking, contact history, previous disease and Hejamat (P>0.05).Conclusion: Considering the results of the present study and previous researches from others countries, we can emphasize that the mass vaccination has been effective in those 18 years old students and we can be sure that the vaccination has been performed perfectly in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province.

Background and aims: This study aimed to investigate the effect of 7 weeks corrective exercise on kyphosis angle and the changes of the kyphosis angle after a 4 months period in the hyper-kyphotic male students.Methods: in this clinical trial, 25 volunteers with hyper kyphosis were selected in a proposed manner and randomly divided into two groups: experimental (12 persons) and control (13 persons). Experimental group trained for 7 weeks, 3 times/week, 30-45 min/session. Kyphosis angle values were measured before, after and then 4 months post training period by spinal mouse device. Data were analyzed by SPSS.15 using the Varience analysis with Repeated Measure and Independent and Dependent t-tests.Results: There were significant differences between the means of kyphosis angle in pre-test (57.0±4.7) and the first post-test (43.3±4.7) and also 4 months ofter stopping the exersice (P<0.001) in experimental group, but no significant differences were seen between pre-test and 4 months after stopping the exercises (P=0.718) means. There were no significant differences between means of kyphosis in these time points in control group (P=0.572).Conclusion: A 7 week corrective exercise period can be resulted in reduction of kyphosis angle in hyper-kyphotic male students. But by stopping the exercises completely, the kyphosis angle may increase again. It's recommended that these patients continue their exercises after treatment periods.

Background and aims: Melissa officinalis is one of the most consumed plants in the world which has many different therapeutic effects such as: sedative, antioxidative and antispasmodic effects. Nowadays, it is mostly used for its calmness effect and for improvement of quality of sleep. In this study we tried to evaluate the eventual effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis on learning and spatial memory in mice using Morris watermaze task.Methods: In this experimental study, 32 Balb/c mice were randomly divided into one control and three experimental groups. Control group received normal saline and experimental groups received hydro-alcoholic extracts of Melissa officinalis (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) for 7 days, and then spatial learning was evaluated for 5 consecutive days. For evaluating short-term and long-term memory, probe-trial experiments were performed in the day 5, 7 and 9. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests.Results: No significant difference was found between control group and experimental groups in learning (P>0.05). The first probe-trial experiment showed a positive effect of lower dose of Melissa officinalis (25 mg/kg) on short-term memory (P<0.05); while control animals were succeeded in making short-term memory in the second probe trial experiment. Performing the third probe trial experiment in the day 9, we demonstrated that higher dose of Melissa officinalis (100 mg/kg) prevents from making short-term memory.Conclusion: Hydro-alcoholic extracts of Melissa officinalis have no significant effect on learning in watermaze task. Melissa officinalis increases short-term memory in lower dose; however, it may have prevention effect on making short-term memory in higher dose.

Background and aim: SCN1A gene encodes for neuronal voltage-gated sodium-channel α-subunit. Mutations in this gene are the major cause of severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (Dravet syndrome) and generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+). GEFS+ is a heritable benign type of epilepsy associated with febrile seizures which belongs to Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies with a marked clinical and genetic heterogeneity. The main objective of this research is screening of mutations in scn1a gene in patients affected by GEFS+ and Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy (IGE).Methods: Genetic counseling was carried out with 30 patients and their family. Peripheral blood samples were collected from patients and DNA was extracted using salting out method. Standard PCR on 16th-26th exons of scn1a gene was optimized by employment of specific primers. PCR products were analyzed by SSCP in denaturant condition and sequenced in the next step.Results: Results showed a 4289c>g missense mutation in one patient affected by idiopathic generalized epilepsy. This mutation changes the alanine residue in 1430 position to glycine (A1430G).Conclusion: More studies are needed to identify the direct role of this mutation in pathogenesis, however, heterozygotic genotype of this mutation is consistent with dominant feature of inheritance of Epilepsy.

Background and aims: Icter is one of the most common problems found in a newborn baby. The risk of icter is related to the development of kernicterus. The neonatal icter is treated with photothrapy and exchange transfusion. In the Iranian traditional medicine shirekhesht from cotoneaster species plant is commonly used in the treatment of neonatal icter. This research aimed to investigate the effect of billineaster as an oral drop formulation on neonatal icterMethods: In this clinical trial 4 groups each with 30 members were compared after adjustment of age and billirubin level. The first group was treated with photothrapy and only their mothers received billinaster. The second group was treated with photothrapy and the mothers and neonates received billinaster. In the third group only neonates recived billinaster and photothrapy and the last group was treated with phothothrapy and placebo.Serum billirubin level was assayed 12 hr, 24 hr, 36, 48 and 72 hrs after treatment. Data were analyezed using Chi square, Variance analysis, Kruskal - Walis testsResults: The level of billirubin was significantly decreat in all t groups (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in the level of billirubin between the case and control groups (P<0.05) after 24 and 36 hrs, of treatment. The arerage time of hospitalization in the case groups was 35.3±15 and in the control group 70±2.21 (P<0.05).Conclusion: The result of this study showed that consumption of billinaster drop can cause a significant decrease in neonatal icter and also decrease in the hospitalization period. So, usage of the standard billinastar drop in order to cure the neonatal icter is suggested.

Background and aims: Life expectancy is one of the summarized measures for population health that its values and trends during the time is a result of health organization fuaction. This study aimed to estimate the life expectancy changes in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiyary province in Iran during 2005-2009.Methods: This descriptive epidemiologic study was done to estimate the life expectancy changes using demographic and mortality information considering the age and sex during 2005-2009 in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiyary province (Iran). Data were analyzed by statistical and demographic rframe and a lifetime table using excel and PAS (Population Analysis Spread sheets) according to the direction of WHO.Results: Life expectancles during 2005, 2006 and 2007 were 70.3 years (male: 68.7 female: 71.41), 71.88 years (male 70.3 female: 73.59) and 72.39 years (male: 70.97 female: 73.95) respectively. Life expectancy increased to 72.14 in 2009 in males and 75.38 in females; 73.7 in the whole population.Conclusion: Life expectancies in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiyary was more in females than males and had a trend to increase during the study period.

Background and aims: Temperament is an innate tendency in human which is the basic regulator for their behavior. This study was a med to slandardize the Middle Childhood Temperament Questionnaire (MLTQ) and to determine the relationship between childhood temperament and their age, gender, academic mean score and parental educational level and income in Iranian culture.Methods: This was a descreptine analytical study in which 1000 elementary school students (8-12 years old) from 5 areas of the city of Isfahan were randomly selected. Reliability, validity, MANOVA and Pearson's correlation tests were used for data analysis.Results: Findings showed that by eliminating two from nine factors of middle childhood temperament questionnaire, this questionnaire would be valuable for evaluating childhood temperament and had a satisfactory reliability and validity for 8 to 12 years old children. Finally the results delineated significant differencebetween the seven factors of temperament based on the children's age, gender, academic mean score and parental education level and income.Conclusion: Result showed a good fanction of Isfahanian children in the middle childhood temperament questionnaire, as a means of interpretation for temperament scores for other children in this city. Results also showed that different temperamental traits in different cultures make individuals talented to special demographic characteristics.

Background and aims: Chromium is considered as one of the important environmental pollutants. There is high concentration of chromium in the wastewater of electroplating industries. Magnetic iron nanoparticles are used to control and eliminate heavy metals from industrial effluents through the mechanisms of adsorption, ion exchange and electro-static forces. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of magnetic nanoparticles for removal of hexavalent chromium (VI) from simulated electroplating wastewater and the parameters that influence the removal.Methods: The magnetite nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel method through the addition of bivalent and trivalent iron chloride in the water environment under alkaline conditions. Then the factors influencing this process, including nanoparticle concentration, initial concentration of chromium, pH, mixing rate and retention time were studied. The taguchi method was used to determine sample size and data analysis. Sampling was performed based on sampling protocol.Results: Removal efficiency was increased with significant increasing the mixing speed (P<0.001). There was a significant reduction in the removal efficiency by increasing the pH and chromium concentration (P<0.001). The findings of this study showed that in pH 2, 10 mg/L initial chromium concentrationy a dose of 1 g/L synthesized magnetite nanoparticles, 5 minutes retention time and 250 rpm mixing rate, about 82 % of chromium (VI) was removed. In addition, characteristics of nanoparticles including: particles structure, composition, size and zeta potential were determined using analytical devices such as: XRD, XRF, Zeta potential and particle seizer.Conclusion: Magnetite nanoparticles have high competency for removal of chromium (VI) from simulated electroplating wastewater, and removal efficiency is reversely related to pH.

Background and aims: Barbers are public places and people with different economical, cultural, and health conditions are referred to these places and the public health care, could be very important. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the contamination level in equipments used in ladies and gentleman barbers by determining the fungal and Staphylococcus aurous infections.Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, data collection was done by completing the checklist. Microbial and fugal analysis were included the germ tube and Slide culture.Results: Staphylococcus aurous was the main bacterial contamination at the rate of 12.4%. The causes of fungal contamination included Dermatophyte (Microsporum nanum) 1%, Candida albicans 8.2%, Penicillium 11%, Rhizopus 3.3% and Scopulariopsis less than one percent.Conculsion: The results show that the infection ratio by the Staphylococcus aurous and Dermatophyte in the barber's equipments in Shahrekord is lower than the other reports.