Internal Medicine Today
Year:2010 | Volume:16 | Issue:4 (46)|Papers Count:12

Background and Aim: Complications due to chemical usage and the artificial preservatives of food stuffs, an increase in microbial infections resistant to antibiotics, consideration of Aspergillosis and Mycotoxicosis as important fungal diseases, and also mold decay of agricultural products, on the one hand, and the great potential essences against microorganisms, on the other hand, have led us to carry out this study. The aim of the study is to survey the effects of Cuminum cyminum, Ziziphora clinopodioiedes and Nigella sativa which grow in Khorasan Razavi Province on the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, herbal substances which include Cuminum cyminum, Ziziphora clinopodioiedes and Nigella sativa were selected and collected during the year 2008. Then, their essential oils (essences) were extracted by hydro-distillation procedure. By applying Broth Macro Dilution technique and four times of repetition, the mean of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC90) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of the above-mentioned essences was certified against Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus in concentrations of 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, 0.5 and 0.25 mg /ml. The testing fungi were observed from growth level point of view after being cultured in 28 degrees centigrade in Yeast Extract Sucrose (YES) broth media for 48, 72 and 96 hours in order. Then, their MIC and MFC were determined by being sub-cultured in Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA).Results: In general, after repeating the test 4 times, the mean of MIC90 and MFC of the abovementioned essences against both types of fungi was determined from a low of 0.25 to a high of 1.75 and a low of 0.5 to a high of 2.5 mg/ml, respectively. According to the results of this study, the essential oils of Cuminum cyminum and Ziziphora clinopodioiedes showed the best and most tonic activity against both types of fungi (0.25 £ MIC90 £ 0.43) while Nigella sativa showed a fairly moderate activity against them (1.25 £ MIC90 £ 1.75).Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that Cminum cyminum, Ziziphora clinopodioiedes and Nigella sativa have fungicidal and anti-fungal functions against Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. Therefore, they can be used in medical pharmacology, veterinary, food industries, aromatherapy and health affairs as drugs and anti-fungal elements.

Background and Aim: There is some concern that drugs abuse treatment may actually pose a risk toward unhealthy eating and weight gain. Dysfunctional eating patterns and excessive weight gains have been observed during recovery from drug and alcohol addictions. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a selected physical activity on some anthropometric variables (weight, BMI, and WHR), blood lipids, lipoproteins and Vo2max of subjects who have quitted abusing drugs after one year.Materials and Methods: The population of this study was the former addicted persons who had oneyear quitting history in Chahar Mahal Bakhtiari province. 37 subjects who were 23-49 years old and voluntarily participated in this study were assumed as samples. The subjects were randomized at approximately 1:1 ratio under the supervision of a project investigator (case group 18 persons and control group 19 persons), but 31 individuals completed the entire study; 16 persons were in case group and 15 persons were in control group. Exercise consisted primarily of some plays such as badminton playing, walking, and so on. Exercise duration ranged from 20 minutes at the baseline to 45 minutes at the end of 12 weeks; and intensity of exercise ranged from 50% of heart rate reserve of baseline to 70 % during 12 weeks. Body composition was assessed using the sum of three skin-fold measurement specific for males (chest, abdomen, and thigh) (ACSM 2000). Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) were measured enzymatically using diagnostic kits. Results: There was a significant decrease in weight (p=0.002), BMI (p=0.001), WHR (p=0.004), Ch (p=0.009), HDL (p=0.045) and LDL (p=0.002) in the case group but no significant decrease was found in VLDL (p=0.09) and TG (p=0.544).Conclusion: One of the reasons for weight gain is because of the fact that nicotine and drugs speed up body metabolism. It is postulated that for these measurements, weight increase is inevitable. Exercise without changes in diet produced significant reduction in weight gain and an increase in BMI (p<0.01). It appears that physical activity and exercise can prevent or manage overweight after quitting drugs and smoking.

Background & Aim: Breast cancer is one of the female’s general cancers and one reason of mortality among them. Regarding the Cyclooxygenase role (COX) and the production of prostaglandinE2 in causing tumor damages in mammary glands, it can be effective to apply components as COX inhibitor to prevent gland cancer. Thus, the present study was carried out to evaluate flunixin as unselected Cyclooxygenase inhibitor enzymes to reveal mammary gland cancer in female Wistar rat. Materials & Methods: The research was conducted to evaluate the role of flunixin as selective preventative of cyclooxygenase in the emergence of breast glands cancer in mice (Wistar race). The experiment groups included a negative control group (for which salin was injected on the breast glands with sesame oil) and a positive control group (to which we injected different values of flunixin). The sample included six rats. In order to inoculate the cancer, we used a compound called DMBA. This compound was injected into the breast glands directly. Then, the entire animal breast was studied in respect to the appearance of cancer damages (weight and diameter) in breast glands and the appearance of clinical symptoms. At the end of the research, we analyzed autopsy findings and microscopy sections of tumor damages in the samples of all groups.Results: In this study, tumor’s weight and thickness decreased in medicine receiving groups, (p£0.05), and microscopic slice of mammary tissue confirmed the microscopic findings. Conclusion: This study confirms the positive effect of the drug in treating and preventing the mammary cancer in such a way that the microscopically slices provided from breast tissues in the experimental groups (drug receiving groups) indicate that cell cancers are decreasing so that the cells tend to gain their own normal order again.

Background and Aim: Physiotherapy is the main part of rehabilitation program after mastectomy and is used to decrease some side effects of surgery and to improve the function of the affected limb. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of electrical and mechanical modalities on pain intensity, lymph edema and shoulder range of motion in the affected limb after mastectomy in females’ breast cancer.Materials and Methods: This is a nonrandom quasi-experimental study. 27 mastectomy patients who referred to Shiraz Namazi hospital during autumn 1387 were selected. The sample underwent structured physiotherapy program using Faradic and TENS currents, shoulder mobilization, effleurage massage and exercise. The intervention was done during 12 sessions and each session lasted 90 minutes. Pain, range of motion, and lymph edema were assessed using paired t-test; pain intensity, range of motion and lymph edema were compared before and after the intervention. Results: According to the results, pain intensity significantly decreased (from 7.7±1.68 to 3.66±1.88; p=0.000). Range of motion also increased (in flexion from 132.59 ± 23.46 to 146.66± 17.7, in abduction from 102.40± 27.42 to 132.96 ± 16.36 and in external rotation from 67.4±21.67 to 79.62±11.67). Lymph edema significantly decreased after intervention. The reduction was observed in olecranon (from 3.83±2.22cm to 1.61±1.12cm), in upper arm (from 3.68±2.54cm to 1.56±1.5cm) and in lower arm (from 2.87±2.37cm to 1.16±1.45cm) (p=0.000). Conclusion: Using electrical and mechanical modalities probably decreases pain and lymph edema but increases range of motion of the affected limb considerably in mastectomy patients. This improvement finally resulted in the promotion of function in the affected limb.

Background and Aim: There are so many events and physiologic phenomena in human life that are very natural such as birth and death. But these natural phenomena can be affected by pathologic processes for the control of which health and treatment cares will be necessary. This study is intended in comprehension of labored women’s experience in natural cares possibilities for this physiologic phenomenon.Materials and Methods: In this study, the phenomenology method was used. The participants were selected from the first labored women who had vaginal labor without any complication in 22 Bahman Hospital, Gonabad, Iran. Sampling was done based on the research aim and the data were collected by semi-structured and open interviews with the participants who were 10 women based on data saturation. Colaizz3i seven–step stage analysis method was used to analyze the data. Results: The interview transcripts of the participants were analyzed and the significant codes were derived from them, then the codes were classified into three main themes and sub-themes groups that are: 1. Environment (noise, patient’s privacy, and environment color), 2. Assuring the labor (from laborer support and midwife skills), and 3. Routine techniques (serum therapy, bed rest, vaginal examinations, amniotomy, and fasting).Conclusion: Today, we should not only concentrate on the patients’ interests, pains, difficulties and health instead of modern tools and techniques and the affairs such as economy, efficiency and cost reduction but also regard women’s real experience for creating new methods of maternal health cares. According to the research findings, it seems necessary to consider and prepare both privacy and a safe and proper environment for labor. The women should be supported by midwifery personnel and their labor should be explained in a simple way and in a real form to them. Some unnecessary interventions such as complete bed rest, IV line, frequent vaginal examinations, early amniotomy and NPO should be avoided. It is hoped that labor experience change into a fantastic and positive experience for the mothers since this will lead to a decrease both in caesarian and its complications and will also lead to successful breastfeeding.

Background and Aim: Saffron flower picking due to its position on the ground not only causes awkward body postures such as bending, kneeling and crawling but also is a routine job full of physical stress which inevitably leads to muscular and skeletal deformities in farmers’ body. We decided to do posture assessment in these persons while working to determine the posture hazard level and later recommend suitable correcting actions regarding MSDs control and prevention. Materials and Methods: 150 saffron pickers were selected for this descriptive and analytic study in farms in Gonabad. Sampling method was quotal and nonprobable. The instruments were a digital camera and a REBA posture assessment chart. We took photographs of all parts of body that were marked in REBA chart of all saffron pickers. Then, we coded all of the parts of body (trunk, neck, arm, forearm, foot, and wrist) based on their positions and according to REBA method. Later, REBA scores (A, B and Ground scores) were calculated from A, B, and C tables. Afterwards, these calculated data were analyzed using SPSS software.Results: The results showed that A score were 6 in 9.3% of the cases, 7 in 50%, 8 in 38% and 9 in 2.7%. B score were 2 in 0.7%, 3 in 2%, 4 in 10%, 5 in 50.7%, 6 in 26%, 7 in 8.7% and 8 in 2%. Grand score were 8 in 0.7%, 9 in 3.3%, 10 in 11.3%, 11 in 49.3% and 12 in 35.3%. Conclusion: According to the findings, Grand score is over 11 in 84.6% of the cases whose hazard levels were very high and their scale is 4 for the purpose of correcting action priority. This means that it is necessary to take immediate action for the proper posture. Also, MSDs risks were very high. Grand score is 8-10 in 49.3% of the cases. This indicates that their hazard levels were high and it is necessary to take immediate action. If the person sits on an object while working, this action can decrease the angles of trunk (it is between 20-30 degrees), knee (it is more than 60 degrees) and neck (it is more than 20 degrees) until Grand score and risk level decreases. Moreover, it is necessary to teach appropriate body postures to the farmers. Consequently, these actions can prevent the MSDs risk.

Background and Aim: The scorpion stinging is one of the most important health problems in the world and poisoning by scorpion’s poison is considered a matter of some medical urgency. Therefore, it is necessary to become acquainted with the ecology and biology of scorpion’s species in any area. Few studies have been carried out regarding the scorpion’s biology; and laboratory studies are not comparable with the natural condition of this arthropod. The purpose of the present study is to determine the scorpions’ biology and ecology in Gonabad city in order to present some preventive health and medical strategies against scorpion stinging. Material and Methods: This study is a kind of descriptive and applied one which was conducted based on random cluster sampling method in Gonabad, Iran. In so doing, 218 scorpions caught from April to August (2008) were grouped based on the hunting area and then transferred to the laboratory in separate bottles containing alcohol 70%. And finally, they were identified using the identification guide for Iranian scorpions.Results: In general, 218 scorpion samples were caught from different zoogeographical areas in Gonabad. They were three species of Odontobuthus dorie, Androctonus crassicaud, Mesobothus eupeus from Buthidae family. The greatest number of the collected scorpions was from the desert areas with clay and sand and they belonged to Odontobuthus dorie (61%); and the fewest number belonged to Androctonus crassicauda (10%). However, the most abundant scorpions in both urban and rural areas belonged to Mesobothus eupeus (29%) and they had their most period of activity in June. Conclusion: Considering the different species of the hunted scorpions, it is necessary not only to inform the public but also to educate them on how to take preventive actions against scorpion stinging.

Background and Aim: Thyroid cancer is the most common Endocrine malignancy and the seventh common cancer in women. Different biologic markers are used to determine the prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer. MDM2 is one of these markers. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of MDM2 expression in papillary thyroid cancer and its related factors. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross–sectional study with descriptive and analytic aspects. The study was performed on 73 samples from patients with papillary thyroid cancer who referred to Mostafa Khomeini Hospital in Tehran (2005-2008). After preparing the samples, a tissue section from each sample was obtained. One of the tumoral tissues and lymph nodes sections were stained with H&E method. MDM2 in other samples was assessed by an immunohistochemical method using a monoclonal antibody. We determined the size of tumor, lymph nodes involvement and the staining with MDM2. All of the samples were assessed by one pathologist. The data were analyzed through chi-square and Mann–Whitney tests using SPSS software version 11.5.Results: The mean age was 41.85 with a SD of 16.65 years. 31/5 % of samples were positive for MDM2 and 21.6 % had lymph nodes involvement. There is significantly a direct relationship between MDM2 expression and lymph nodes involvement and tumor size (p<0.05). Conclusion: Regarding the role of the MDM2 in patients’ prognosis, it seems that as MDM2 in tumor cells increases, the lymph nodes involvement increases, too.

Background and Aim: Infection with Hepatitis B and C viruses is common in Iran. Prevention is the most effective way to control these infections in our country. In order to determine the best way of prevention, the main modes of transmission must be understood.Materials and Methods: A case-control study was performed on 60 Anti-HCV positive and 340 HBsAg positive blood donor volunteers who came to Mashhad blood transfusion organization (BTO) and they were compared with 400 Anti-HCV and HBsAg negative hospitalized patients who were matched with the case group in regard to age and sex. The modes of transmission were investigated through a detailed questionnaire that focused on the common risk factors of HBV and HCV contagion. Univariate analysis and stepwise forward Logistic Regression analysis were used to compare the case and the control groups. Statistical analysis was carried out by SPSS software version 11.5. P value £ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The frequency of Anti-HCV and HBsAg positivity among blood donor volunteers in Mashhad was %0.10 and %1.17. In final multivariate analysis only needle stick was remained as a common risk factor for both Anti-HCV positive and HBS Ag positive cases. (OR: 16.94 and 7.12 respectively). History of jaundice (OR: 5.05), dental operation (OR: 4.50), and history of prison (OR: 8.08) were found to be independent risk factors for HCV infection. Tattoo and prison history were independent predictors for HBV infection. Conclusion: The modes of transmission of HBV and HCV in Mashhad do not greatly differ from those in other parts of Iran. This study may be interesting because of the sero-prevalence of hepatitis C and B and its relationship with religious beliefs of the index population. There are certain medical procedures, life style patterns, customs and cultural matters in Mashhad that predispose people to a number of HCV and HBV risk factors.

Background and Aim: Despite containing nutritive and useful elements, food wastes are disposed ecause of their biologically contaminative potentiality and aesthetic view. Their disposal imposes ost and needs both space and facilities. Also, there is neither recycling of materials nor energy nor is it at least easy to do so. Therefore, one of the suitable methods for disposal of food wastes is vermicomposting. The product is a useful fertilizer for plants. In addition, there are some by-products in this method, one of which is the worms. By culturing the worms, we can use them in a variety of products especially in the production of food for poultry and fish. Thus, determining the optimal condition for operating vermicompost of food wastes and worms' growth in these wastes is important. The purpose of this research was to determine the optimal temperature and moisture ranges for process progression in vermicompost production of food wastes.Materials and Methods: The preparation of food wastes was performed for 18 days. In this study, we used Eisenia Foetida worm species. The process was performed in pots with 15 cm (h) and 12 cm (d) during one month. Three ranges of temperature including 5-15, 15-25, 25-35°C, and three ranges of moisture including 55-65%, 65-75%, 75-85% were applied.Results: The results showed an aerobic progressing of process in preparation time, going over 55°C and reduction in C:N ratio. Multivariate analysis was applied to analyze the results which showed that the influence of temperature and moisture on C:N ratio is significant in vermicomposting process (p<0.05).Conclusion: The results showed that suitable condition for aerobic operation of process in these food wastes can be obtained by mechanical aeration during the preparation time. The temperature range of 15-25°C and moisture of 65-75% are more appropriate for process operating and worms' growth.