ARAK MEDICAL UNIVERSITY JOURNAL (AMUJ)
Year:2011 | Volume:13 | Issue:4 (53)|Papers Count:22

Background: Due to problems caused by traditional dressings, scientists have long been in search for producing alternative cellulose. Unique characteristics of bacterial cellulose synthesized by acetobacter xylinum, due to its nanostructure cellulose, resulted in attempts to devise an ideal dressing with this cellulose. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of impregnated bacterial cellulose on staphylococcus aureus culture.Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, cellulose disks synthesized by bacterial cellulose and cellulose blank disks (without antibiotic) were placed in 3.3% ciprofloxacin hydrochloride. These disks were, then, together with ciprofloxacin standard, control cellulose, and cellulose blank disks, placed on the cultured media of staphylococcus aureus. After 24 hours, the results were obtained through the measurement of growth inhibition zone. Determining the amount of antibiotic absorbed into bacterial cellulose can be done through the comparison of the effects of cellulose disks containing different concentrations of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride and ciprofloxacin standard disks. Results: Both cellulose and blank disks created a growth inhibition zone in staphylococcus aureus media, whereas the growth inhibition zone of cellulose and cellulose blank disks (negative control) were insignificant.Conclusion: Noticing the unique characteristics of bacterial cellulose as a dressing and its proven ability in absorption and release of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, the prospects are seen for production of antibiotics containing dressings of this microbial product in future.

Background: Nowadays, the use of inflammatory biomarkers in the diagnosis of appendicitis is on the rise. On the other hand, the role of oxygen free radicals in various inflammatory states has been verified. Noticing the high prevalence of negative appendectomy (9.3-22.2%), the aim of this study was to investigate the level of blood total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as a biomarker for early diagnosis of acute appendicitis.Materials and Methods: In this prospective analytical trial, over a one-year period, 407 patients, with preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis who had undergone operation, were studied. After measuring the TAC level, data were analyzed through the analytic ROC curve and parametric mean comparison tests. Results: Of all the patients, 298 were identified with appendicitis. TAC levels in adult female and male groups were respectively 663.9±164.75 and 752.58±167.37mm/L which revealed a significant difference (p<0.0001). Also, in children, the mean of TAC level in perforated appendicitis sub-group was significantly greater than those in gangrenous and suppurative groups.Conclusion: TAC level can be used as a predictive factor for the diagnosis of perforated appendicitis in children; however, it cannot be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of appendicitis. Because of the significant difference existing between the level of TAC in male and female patients, further studies are suggested to investigate the level of inflammatory biomarkers with respect to menstrual cycle in women.

Background: Candida species are among the most important factors in development of fungal infection in human beings and animals. Noticing the daily increase of drug resistance, attempts should be made for providing anti-fungal and anti-microbial drugs. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the in-vitro effects of Scrophularia deserti ethanolic extract and amphotricin B on Candida albicans.Materials and Methods: In an experimental trial, anti-Candida effects of Scrophularia deserti ethanolic extract and amphotricin B on Candida albicans were evaluated using serial dilution method. Data analysis was done using SPSS, through paired and independent t-tests.Results: Minimum inhibition capacity (MIC) of Scrophularia deserti extract on Candida albicans in the first and second trials were OD600=1.56(59%) and OD600=1.68(59%), respectively, whereas this value for amphotricin B was 59%. The difference between minimum growth inhibition capacity of Scrophularia deserti and amphotricin B was not significant.Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that ethanolic extract of Scrophularia deserti has anti-fungal properties comparable to amphotricin B.

Background: Correct use of cuminum cyminum and finding its different applications in medicine and industry necessitates a more clear understanding of this medicinal plant. This study deals with identifying the effects of the essential oil of this herbal plant on macrophages and tumor cell lines.Materials and Methods:Cuminum cyminum essential oil was extracted from its fruit, and its effects on peritoneal macrophages and LPS stimulated macrophages were examined. MTT assay was done for evaluation of macrophages viability and the amount of nitric oxide (NO) in culture supernant was measured by Griess Reagent. WEHI-164 mice fibrosarcoma cell line was cultured with different concentrations of cuminum cyminum and cytotoxicity level was evaluated by MTT assay.Results: The viability of macrophages and also, the amount of NO production in 50 and 500 mg/ml cuminum cyminum essential oil was lower than that of the control group (p<0.001). MTT assay showed that cuminum cyminum essential oil in 50 and 500 mg/ml concentrations significantly inhibits tumor cells growth (p<0.001).Conclusion: Cuminum cyminum essential oil by having immune-modulatory properties can be used in treatment of many inflammatory and immunologic disorders. Also, it can be used as a therapeutic or complementary agent in tumor therapy.

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a disorder with autosomal dominant pattern caused mainly by mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and apolipoprotein B-100. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and type of LDLR gene mutations in an Iranian population of patients with high blood cholesterol.Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-lab based study, a total of 50 non-related possible FH subjects from Cheharmahal Bakhtiari were studied. All subjects were tested for presence of LDLR gene mutations in 9 exons of the LDLR gene including 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 14. The shifted bands were detected on electrophoresis gels and confirmed by subsequent DNA sequencing method. Results: Overall, four different polymorphisms were identified in 18% of the patients. We found 1413G>A, 1725C>T and 1773C>T, 2140+5G>A in 2,23,2 and 2 subjects respectively from which 1413G >A and 1773C>T were detected in both alleles of the gene.Conclusion: The results did not indicate the involvement of LDLR gene mutations of FH in the samples studied.

Background: Postoperative ileus after appendectomy causes gas storage, distention, nausea, vomiting, and even pain. Gum chewing is one of the ways that can reduce the duration of temporary ileus. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of gum chewing on bowel movements following appendectomy. Materials and Methods: This randomized double-blind clinical trial was done on 46 patients undergoing appendectomy that were divided into equal treatment and control groups. The treatment group chewed gum three times, each time for 20 minutes, 4, 10 , and 18 hours after recovery from anesthesia. The control group, however, did not receive any special treatments. The bowel sounds were monitored every two hours using stethoscope. Also, through running interviews with two hour intervals, data were collected regarding the first passage of flatus and defecation. Data were analyzed through SPSS and t-test.Results: On average, the first bowel sounds in treatment and control groups were, respectively, heard at 2.08±0.41 and 3.13±1.45 hours, whereas gas passage in treatment and control groups was reported at 26.8±14.59 and 50.08±13.92 hours, respectively. Also, the first defecation in the treatment group occurred at 18.91±10.77 hour but in the control group this happened at 29.21±12.11 hour. Based on these observations, a significant difference was seen between the two groups in terms of the test results (p=0.002).Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that chewing gum can help bowel movements after appendectomy.

Background: Aflatoxins, especially aflatoxin B1, have lethal effects on human and animal health. This study is intended to present a specific, sensitive, and relatively fast method for measurement, detection, and isolation of aflatoxin-albumin (Af-Alb) adducts in serum.Materials and Methods: In this experimental-trial, three groups of rats were selected and used as positive control (treated with aflatoxin B1), negative control (without treatment) and standard (treated with radioactive aflatoxin B1). After drawing blood samples from the rats, blood serum and then, serum albumin were isolated. Albumin was hydrolyzed by pronase and eventually, was injected into HPLC system. The sample was then identified and measured by fluorescence detector.Results: Electrophoresis on PAGE revealed albumin isolated from serum to be perfectly pure. In HPLC method, detection limit for the measurement of Af-Alb adduct was determined to be 60 pg/ml. The mean of aflatoxin positive control rats serum was 19.2 ng/mg albumin. In inter- and intragroup experiments, a remarkable level of reproducibility was seen for this method.Conclusion: The amount of Af-Alb adduct is proportionate to the amount of aflatoxin received. This project was conducted with rat serum sample, but since albumin is hydrolyzed and can be isolated from aflatoxin, this method is applicable to the measurement of Af-Alb adducts in human serum samples.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of central nervous system which has different clinical manifestations. Noticing the role of vitamin B12 in synthesis of myelin tissue and the existence of different views about its pathogenesis and causes, we decided to evaluate B12 serum levels in MS patients.Materials and Methods: In a case-control study, 40 patients with definite clinical diagnosis of MS and 80 traumatic patients hospitalized in the emergency ward of Vali-asr Hospital of Arak (the control group) were chosen. The level of blood vitamin B12 was measured for all the subjects through the same type of kit and clinical checklist. Data were analyzed through t-test.Results: The mean vitamin B12 serum level in case and control groups were, respectively, 295±133.3 pg/dl and 257.73±91.3 pg/dl which did not indicate a significant difference(p> 0.05).However, in terms of the type of clinical manifestations, the mean vitamin B12 serum level in MS patients showed at least one sensory, motor, or sphinctery symptom lower than the control group. This difference turned out to be significant (p< 0.05). In terms of MRI findings, patients with brainstem and vertebra plucks respectively had the maximum and minimum vitamin B12 serum levels.Conclusion: Although a significant difference was not observed between the mean vitamin B12 serum levels, based on the significant decreases in the serum levels of this vitamin in some of the patients with subtypes of MS, further studies with larger sample sizes and over longer periods of time are suggested.

Background: Influenza is a contagious respiratory infectious disease out breaking in cold seasons of the year. The outbreak of the new influenza A (H1N1) virus in 2009 involved large populations of the world with considerable mortality. Hemagglutinin (HA) molecule, the main surface glycoprotein of the influenza virus, is one of the key factors for serological diagnostic kits and vaccine development. Thus establishment of HA gene bank of the circulating influenza viruses is essential in gaining quick access to large amounts of protein.Materials and Methods: The first step in providing such a bank is detection and isolation of HA full genome and its subunits by using specific primers and cloning them in proper vectors. For this purpose, using standard virus genome (A/New Caledonia/20/99(H1N1)) cultured on MDCK cell, HA coding gene was proliferated by RT-PCR using specific primers.Results: Isolation and cloning of the HA gene was verified by RT-PCR, enzyme digestion and determining nucleotide synonymy. Through the use of specific cloning primers, different HA gene constructs were propagated for expression of the gene in insect cells and E.coli bacteria.Conclusion: The results indicated the complete compatibility of the extracted HA gene with the influenza (A/New Caledonia/20/99(H1N1)) hemagglutinin. It makes it possible to use the gene as a source of cloning in a variety of eukaryotic and prokaryotic expression systems.

Background: High blood pressure (HBP) is one of the effective risk factors for many diseases.Hence, a variety of studies have been done for identifying its risk factors which have led to the diagnosis of different factors, among which working on shift work (WSW) can be mentioned. In this longitudinal study, we deal with the effect of WSW on BP by controlling the confounding factors through GEE regression which is a powerful tool for correlational and longitudinal data analysis.Materials and Methods:In this retrospective cohort study, data collection was done through annual observations of health and safety executive (HSE) center of Mobarakeh Steel Company (MSCO) of Isfahan on the workers in 2007-2009. For data analysis, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were regarded as dependent variables, whereas body mass index (BMI), age, education level (EL), and shift work were considered independent variables. SPSS version 15 was used to apply GEE regression to the assessment of parameters corresponding to the factors causing change in SBP and DBP.Results: Of the independent variables, BMI and age had a significant relationship with SBP and DBP; however, the results did not indicate any significant relationships between BP and WSW and EL. Conclusion: In this study, there was not a significant relationship between shift work and BP.This can be attributed to the likelihood of SWS being healthier, as well as the flexibility of work hours, income, and more intervals for shift workers in comparison to day workers.

Background: Chemical weapons are among the most non-humanistic types of man-made weapons. These gases can cause problems like breathing disorders and other serious illnesses, such that nearly 80 percent of wounded people in Iran have signs of coughing, exuding, and asthma. The aim of this study is to use the results of spirometry tests that are cheap in calculating the probability of illnesses in those exposed.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional-analytic study, data related to 1865 individuals wounded by chemical weapons in Sardasht who had been exposed to sulfur mustard were extracted from the existing medical files in Bonyad Janbazan Office. Data analysis was done through the logistic regression method while for evaluating the validity of this model, COX- SNEL was utilized. The spirometry device used in this study was Chest HI801 which was made in Japan.Results: Women formed %23.6 of the population and the rest %76.4 were men. Also, %48.7of the participants were under 40 and %51.3 were 40 and above. Mean age of men was 45.2 (11.27) while this was 48.53 (14.43) for women. Totally, %48.6 of participants was ill while %51.4 were reported to be healthy. Mean of FEV1 was measured to be 81.78 (21.81) and regression model parameters were as follows: constant =0.465, sex=-0.478, age=0/29, and FEV1=-0/128.Conclusion: Through the obtained model, the probability of disease incidence in those exposed to sulfur mustard can be computed in a more economic way which can compete with the more expensive, invasive methods.

Background: Nowadays, many Iranian families, depending on the family members’ level of interest, tend to keep pet animals. Psychological studies have rarely dealt with the impact of pets on family performance and individuals’ mental health. The purpose of this study was to compare family performance and mental health in individuals who own pets and those who do not.Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 152 participants (80 pet keeping and 72 non-pet keeping) living in Isfahan were selected through stratified random sampling and completed Family Assessment Device (FAD), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and a demographic questionnaire. Data analysis was done through multivariate regression and covariance analysis.Results: The results indicated significant differences between the pet keeping and non-pet keeping groups in terms of anxiety, sleep disorders, relationships, and emotional involvement; therefore, it can be concluded that non-pet keeping individuals have more anxiety and sleep disorder symptoms, whereas pet keeping individuals present more problems in terms of emotional involvement and their relationships(p<0.05).Conclusion: According to the results, it is suggested that in keeping pets, greater attention should be to cultural factors. Also, in some circumstances keeping pets should be recommended for reduction of anxiety and elevation of sense of security and relaxation.

Background: Based on the severity and prognostic condition of respective cancers caused by them, papilloma viruses are classified into high, medium, and low risk groups using E6 and E7 viral proteins. Nowadays, different methods of modeling in clinical medicine are used for diagnosis of diseases and evaluation of their molecular characteristics. Among the new methods of modeling, fuzzy systems are of particular importance in various fields of science. The aim of this study was to use a new intelligent Adaptive Nero Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) for predicting human papilloma virus oncogenicity based on a number of biochemical properties of E7 protein.Materials and Methods: In this study, using ANFIS model, a new model was developed for predicting oncogenicity of papilloma virus isolated from patients. The process of training and testing was performed using a set of available published filed data and several statistical and graphical criteria. Accordingly, through provision of needed biochemical and biophysical data on E7 gens from the existing data, this model was developed. The results of this model were, then, validated by the authentic published data.Results: Based on the results, the developed model is capable of predicting papilloma virus oncogenicity efficiently. R2 and RMSE values in training stage were 0.99 and 101.18, respectively. In the testing stage, however, they stood at 0.94 and 173.8, respectively.Conclusion: Based on the findings, the use of ANFIS model significantly improves the accuracy of estimating virus oncogenicity phenomenon. The methodology presented in this study is a new approach in estimating viral oncogenicity and can successfully be combined with other mathematical models for model updating in real conditions.

Background: Lead (Pb) brings about a variety of cognitive, mental, renal, and blood system disorders by inducing oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to compare blood and urine parameters in the workers exposed to Pb and zinc (Zn) with those in the control group.Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with a total number of 134 subjects. The case group included 67 male workers with the age range of 22-65 who had at least worked a minimum of one work shift for two years in the Zn-Pb mine located in the southwest of Arak, Iran. Control subjects consisted of 67 farmers of a village near the mine who had no history of occupational exposure to Pb, Zn, and other metals. Mental disorders were evaluated through the standard Scl-90-R while cognitive disorders were evaluated via the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE).Results: The mean level of blood and urine parameters did not reveal significant differences between the two groups. The mean scores of physical complaints, anxiety, and aggression scales were significantly higher in the case group than the control (p<0.05), whereas the mean scores on MMSE did not reveal a significant difference between the two groups.Conclusion: The oxidative stress of Pb led to mental disorders; as a result, the mine workers suffered from more psycho- pathology and are in need of greater care. Due to the impacts of Pb and Zn, the proper use of safety equipments and taking daily showers can reduce the risk of absorption of toxic agents and their subsequent hazards for workers.

Background: The theory of mind acts as an umbrella which covers the perception of children of others’ mental conditions under its banner and paves the way for child’s social cognition. This study was designed to compare the effects of different variables such as intelligence quotient (IQ), sex, age, and mental maintenance on the theory of mind development levels in autistic and normal children.Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 19 autistic and 19 normal children were selected based on the in-reach sampling procedure and were also matched by age. The participants completed Wechksler intelligence scale for children, Stimman theory of mind task, and mental maintenance task.Results: In comparison to normal children, autistic children showed a clear deficiency in their theory of mind development levels; however, age did not have a significant effect in this regard.Conversely, IQ and sex had significant impacts on the development of theory of mind. In addition, mental maintenance, alone, had a significant effect on the theory of mind.Conclusion: Noticing the existence of some primary levels of theory of mind in autistic children, some aspects of theory of mind can be compensated for through the provision of basic instructions and guidelines for development of intellectual and cognitive abilities in early childhood and primary stages of diagnosis.

Background: Nutrition assessment is a routine method for determining the nutritional needs of individuals, especially for vulnerable groups (women, infants, and children). One of the important criteria for assessment of nutritional status is determining the concentration of a nutrient after its intake.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 80 lactating mothers were selected from private and public hospitals in Tabriz. Data gathered through the questionnaire included general information concerning lactating mothers and also their nutritional diet.Since vitamin A and beta-carotene were measured through Karr-Price method, vitamin A and beta carotene concentrations were measured at 620 nm wavelength.Results: There was a significant positive correlation between retinol intake and colostrums retinol of lactating mothers (p£0.01) (r=0.28). Also, retinol intake showed a positive and significant correlation with total vitamin A (retinol equivalent) in colostrum (p£0.002) (r=0.33).Conclusion: Daily retinol and beta-carotene intake affect retinol of colostrum which its proper concentration in mother’s milk can play an important role in better function of this vitamin for both mother and child.

Background: The consumption of hydrogenated vegetable oils, rich sources of both saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids, is one of the most important risk factors for cardio-vascular diseases (CVD). The aim of this randomized semi-experimental control study was to modify the consumption habits of vegetable oils among families under the cover of health centers of Khomeini city.Materials and Methods: 136 adult women living in Khomein and Mohallat were randomly allocated to case and control groups. Data gathering instrument was a questionnaire based on PRECEDE framework. The educational intervention was weekly conducted in three 60-90 minute sessions based on the PRECEDE framework constructs for two months.Results: Mean scores of predisposing (knowledge and attitude), reinforcing, and enabling factors showed a significant difference in the case group in comparison to the control group (p<0.05).Also, hydrogenated vegetable oils consumption in case group decreased from 72% to 63% , whereas liquid vegetable oils consumption increased from 28% to 37% (p<0.05).Conclusion: Planning and implementation of an educational intervention program based on PRECEDE framework can be effective in reduction of hydrogenated vegetable oils consumption.

Background: Spontaneous rupture of tendon is a rare disease that often occurs following an underlying disease or drug usage. However, the association of this condition with primary hyperparathyroidism has rarely been reported.Case: In a case-study, two cases of spontaneous tendon rupture associated with primary hyperparathyroidism are reviewed. The first one is a middle-aged woman that due to bilateral patellar tendon rupture is operated for secondary repair and augmentation of tendons. The second one is a middle-aged man with unilateral triceps brachii tendon rupture who has been operated for primary tendon repair. Conclusion: Since paramount force is needed for tendon rupture, in spontaneous tendon rupture cases, patient evaluation for detecting underlying diseases and drug usage is necessary. In cases that the history of an underlying disease is not indicated, evaluation of serum level concentrations of Ca, P, ALP, and PTH is recommended for contraindication of primary hyperparathyroidism.