Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Year:2014 | Volume:21 | Issue:5|Papers Count:12

Background & Aim: Q fever is an important zoonotic disease caused by infection with Coxiella burnetii, a Gram negative, obligate intracellular bacterium classified within the order Legionellales. Farmers, veterinarians, abattoir workers and laboratory personnel are among persons at risk of Q fever. The aim of this study was to determine frequency of IgM anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies in slaughterhouse workers in Kerman city/ Iran.Method: In this survey, 64 sera samples were gathered during May - June 2011 from slaughterhouse workers to evaluate the presence of phase II IgM antibodies against Q fever, using a commercial indirect ELISA test (Virion/Sermon, Germany).Results: Among all sera samples tested, only 5 samples (7.8%) were positive for the presence of IgM antibodies.Conclusion: Since chronic Q fever leads to more complex conditions like endocarditics, chronic fatigue syndrome and recurrent abortion, preventive measures like using mask or available vaccines are recommended. Moreover, early diagnosis of Q fever followed by appropriate treatment is necessary.

Background & Aims: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the nervous system, the cause of which remains unknown. Its prevalence rate has been estimated at 2.5 million individuals across the globe, and 31.5 individuals per 100,000 in Kerman province, Iran. Although different studies have reported disparate results, there are many authentic reports claiming that seasonal changes affect MS prevalence in certain months. The present study investigated the rate of MS seizures in terms of different seasons.Methods: Patients referring to the Neurology Ward of Shafa medical center, affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran, were examined in a 5 year period from 2007 to 2011. A specially developed form, containing demographic and background information, and results of examinations, was filled out for each and every patient. A neurology faculty member approved MS seizures or otherwise rejected irrelevant observations. Findings were analyzed through SPSS20 software.Results: In the present study, 802 attacks of MS were detected; 187 cases in men (23.32%) and 615 cases in women (76.68%). The mean age of the participants was 32.69 years. The highest rate of hospitalization occurred in winter and spring. This finding is mostly related to MS attacks in women, but in men the rate of attacks are equal in different seasons.Conclusion: During the past 5 years, 802 acute cases of multiple were registered (187 cases (23.3%) in men and 615 cases (76.68%) in women). Most cases occurred in winter and spring, which may be due to seasonal infections or other factors triggered by certain climatic conditions specific to these periods.

Background & Aims: Atherosclerosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Adiponectin reduces the risk of heart disease, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is involved in the formation and development of atherosclerotic plaque. The aim of this study was the investigation of the effect of adiponectin on MMP-9 gene expression. It seems this hormone can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by MMP-9 gene expression reduction.Methods: Human aorta smooth muscle cells were cultured in F12K media in appropriate environment and conditions, then, the cells were treated with 5 mg/ml adiponectin. After 24 and 48 hour, total RNA was extracted and corresponding cDNA was made. After drawing standard curve and determining the efficiency of the reaction, MMP-9 gene expression was measured by the SYBR Green kit and real time PCR method. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene was the reference gene. The amount of MMP-9 protein, compared to the b-actin protein as reference protein, was estimated with Western blot method.Results: adiponectin did not cause a ch ange in gene expression of MMP-9 in 24 hours, but in 48 hours reduced gene expression (-1.1, and -5.5, respectively). As a result of MMP-9 gene expression reduction, protein also reduced after 48 hours compared to b-actin protein.Conclusion: Through the reduction of MMP-9 protein and gene expression, adiponectin changes extra cellular matrix which may reduce the risk and complications of atherosclerosis.

Background & Aims: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common pathogens in nosocomial infections. Vancomycin is the most important therapeutic drug of choice for treatment of infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. Therefore, vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) or vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) strains are warnings for the medical community. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of vancomycin resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the nose of patients hospitalized in Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah, Iran.Methods: In the present study, 85 strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from patients in Imam Reza Hospital and evaluated for vancomycin resistance with microdilution test, Epsilometer test (E-test), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results: None of the strains were completely resistant to vancomycin; however, 39 strains (45.9%) were diagnosed as hetero-VRSA (hVISA) strains.Conclusion: VISA and VRSA strains were not observed in this study which is a promising finding in the treatment of clinical infections due to Staphylococcus aureus in our society. However, in our study, the prevalence of hVISA strain was 45.9%, which is perhaps a sign of the appearance of more resistant strains (VISA and VRSA) in our country in the future.

Background & Aims: The Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) is a clinical scale for measuring the degree of muscle spasticity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of the MTS in measuring poststroke knee extensor spasticity.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed in 2012 at a university clinic of neurological physiotherapy in Tehran, Iran, with repeated measurements. In the present study, 15 poststroke patients with a mean age of 53.8 ± 14.0 years and mean time since stroke of 40.0 ± 32.2 months participated. The knee extensor muscle spasticity was assessed using the MTS to calculate the R2-R1 as the main clinical measure. To calculate the work, an isokinetic dynamometer was used to quantify torque-angle data during passive movements at 4 speeds (60o, 120o, 180o, and 240o/sec). The linear regression was used to calculate the slope for the work-velocity data [Joule/(degree/sec)].Results: There were significant differences between works done by the dynamometer at four speeds; as the speed increased the work decreased (P < 0.01). Mean (standard deviation) slope for the work-velocity data was -0.76 (0.78). There was no significant correlation between the dynamic component of MTS (R2-R1) and slope for the work-velocity data.Conclusion: The results indicate that the MTS might not be a valid measure for assessing knee extensor muscle spasticity in this sample of patients after stroke.

Background & Aims: Health beliefs play an important role in encouraging people to engage in behaviors related to health promotion. Thus, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of health beliefs in predicting barriers to cervical cancer screening among women in Bandar Abbas, Iran.Methods: Using convenience and random sampling, this cross-sectional study was conducted on 681 married women who referred to health centers of Bandar Abbas. The data collection tool was a questionnaire based on the health belief model. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and multivariate regression analysis.Results: The results showed that 50.23% of subjects had previously had a Pap smear test. The mean intensity score and perceived benefits were higher in subjects who had had Pap smear compared to those who had not. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that benefits and perceived vulnerabilities were predictors of barriers to the Pap smear screening test.Conclusion: The health belief model, accordingly, appears to be useful in predicting barriers to cervical cancer screening.

Background & Aims: Date palm fruit is one of the highly consumed foods with antioxidant compounds and high nutritive value in Iran. In this study, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of three varieties of date palm (Hajmohamadi, Kabkab, and Khasi) in three stages of ripening were investigated.Methods: This was a laboratory study. Palm fruits of Hajmohamadi, Kabkab, and Khasi varieties in three stages of Khalal, Rotab, and Tamar were collected of Behbahan, Khuzestan province, Iran, in November 2012. Hydroalcholic extracts were prepared by maceration method. Total phenolic content was measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging, and total antioxidant capacity tests were used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of extracts.Results: Phenolic compound content, ferric reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity increased in Hajmohamadi, Kabkab, and Khasi varieties during ripening. Increase in ferric reducing power was significant. The lowest DPPH test result (IC50), in all three varieties during ripening, was observed in the date stage.Conclusion: Ferric reducing power increases during ripening stages. Moreover, the DPPH radical scavenging capacity decreases in the three varieties of dates during ripening.

Background & Aims: Chondromalacia patella is one of the chronic dysfunctions of the patella femoral joint which is the most common anterior knee syndrome especially among the youth. Muscle weakness and proprioception deficit are the subsequent problems of this dysfunction. Thus, the aim of this study was the investigation and comparison of the effects of vibration training and resistive exercise on this disorder.Methods: In the present study, 35 men (mean ± standard deviation of: age = 22.6±2.9 years, height = 175.5±8.3 cm, and weight =77.6±9.3 kg) were selected via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups, including the vibration technique (n=12), resistive exercise (n=12), and control (n=11). The first two groups followed their own specific protocol 3 days per week for 8 weeks, and were forbidden from participating in any sport or physical activity. Pain intensity and active angle reproduction error (AARE) for 45o knee flexion were assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Biodex system.Results: The pain and AARE were decreased significantly in both experimental groups in comparison to the control group (P<0.001). However, in patients who performed vibration training, pain (P<0.001) and AARE (P£0.001) decreased more significantly than those treated with resistive exercise.Conclusion: It can be concluded that both therapeutic interventions can reduce pain and improve proprioception in patients with chondromalacia patella; however, the vibration technique has more suitable effects.

Background & Aims: Asthma is one of the most common diseases worldwilde that can be prevented with optimal access to medical care. Since there is no data about the prevalence of risk factors of death caused by asthma in our region, the present study was performed to determine the prevalence risk factors of fatal asthma in asthmatic patients.Methods: This study was done on 200 asthmatic patients who referred to Be’sat clinic in Kerman/Iran. Asthma diagnosis was made through physical examination or spirometery. A questionnaire consisting demographic features and related risk factors was filled by the physician for each patient. Then, data were analyzed using SPSS15 software.Results: Totally, 82% of the patients had at least one of the risk factors of death caused by asthma. The most common risk factors were being jobless (63%) and inability to pay for asthma medications (43%). More ever, 73% of patients had severe permanent asthma.Conclusion: Since most of the deaths from asthma are preventable and there are several efficient treatments for asthma, even small proportion of mortality related to asthma is unacceptable. Furthermore, because a majority of patients, in spite of the degree of their problem, had not been treated adequately, providing required education about asthma and its treatment for physicians, especially family physicians is necessary.