JOURNAL OF RAFSANJAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES AND HEALTH SERVICES
Year:2018 | Volume:16 | Issue:10 |Papers Count:11

Background and Objectives: Adipokines as lipid-secreted proteins play an important role in controlling the metabolism of the body. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ERRa (Estrogen-related receptor alpha) inhibition on the serum levels of Chemerin, Nesfatin-1, and Apelin after 4 weeks of endurance training in male Wistar rats.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 32 adult male Wistar rats were used. The animals were randomly divided into four equal groups including the control, control+XCT790, endurance training, and endurance training+XCT790. XCT790, as an ERRa inhibitor, was intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 0.48 mg /kg of body weight. The training groups performed running endurance training for four weeks (five sessions per week). At the start of the training, the speed was 15 meters per minute and the time was 20 minutes, and gradually increased to 27 meters per minute for 50 minutes. The ELIZA technique was utilized for measuring the serum levels of Apelin, Chemerin, and Nesfatin-1. One-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey post hoc test was used for between groups comparisons.Results: Serum levels of Apelin (P=0.168) and Chemerin (P=0.397) in the endurance training group had no significant difference compared to the control group. Serum levels of Nesfatin-1 in the endurance training group showed a significant increase compared to the control group (P=0.001). Also, Apelin serum levels (P=0.033) in the control+XCT790 group significantly decreased compared to the control group, but the serum levels of Nesfatin-1 showed a significant increase (P=0.001), while there was no significant difference in the serum levels of Chemerin compared to the control group (P= 0.718).Conclusion: The results suggest that Nesfatin-1is a factor that can be changed by the endurance training, and it can probably play a compensatory role in energy homeostasis disorders, but Chemerin does not change with ERRa inhibition.

Background and Objectives: Access to virtual social networks is a growing phenomenon and an increasing number of adolescents join these networks everyday. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between students' personality dimensions and the use of virtual social networks.Materials and Methods: The research design of this study was a correlation method. The population of this study were secondary high school students in the Shiraz 4th District Education Department. 62 students were selected by simple random sampling. A shortened version of the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and a virtual social network questionnaire developed by the researchers were implemented. For statistical analysis, the correlation coefficient and multiple regressions were used by stepwise method.Results: The findings of this study showed that students with a neuroticism personality experience greater dependence to the use of virtual social networks. This relationship was significant at the level of 0.01 and with a correlation coefficient of 0.361. Also, students who have an agreeableness personality showed greater dependence to the use of virtual social networks. This relationship was significant at the level of 0.05 and with a correlation coefficient of 0.260. Neuroticism dimension explained 0.13 variances related to the quality of using virtual social networking.Conclusion: The results of this study show that, from different dimensions of personality, only personality characteristics of neuroticism can predict the quality of using virtual social networks.

Background and Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized clinically by progressive memory loss and subsequent dementia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the synergist effect of folic acid and vitamin B12 on spatial memory in adult male rat Alzheimer's disease.Material and methods: In this experimental study, 49 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 7 groups: (7 rats in each group): control (intact), NBM lesion group, which received electrically- induced lesion (0.5 m A, 3s) in NBM, sham group ( the electrode was impaled in to the NBM with no lesion), NBM lesion + folic acid 5mg/kg, NBM lesion+ vitamin B12 5mg/kg, NBM lesion+ folic acid- vitamin B12, NBM lesion + saline. Acquisition and retention testing was done by using an eight-radial arm maze, in which the patterns of arm entries were recorded in each group for calculating working memory errors, reference memory error, and latency. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test.Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the control and lesion groups in the parameters of the reference memory error, working memory error, and elapsed time (P˂0.05). The administration of folic acid and vitamin B12alone did not have any significant effect on spatial memory parameters compared with the lesion group. Co-administration folic acid- vitamin B12 resulted in a reduction in the reference and working memory errors and the time spent in the eight-arm radial laser maze.Conclusion: According to the results, the NMB lesion resulted in a reduction in spatial memory and coadministration of folic acid and vitamin B12 resulted in improved spatial memory.

Background and Objectives: Water and wastewater resources contamination, caused by the wastewater discharged from industries, is considered a major threat to human and environment health. Catechol is one of the usual phenolic compounds in wastewater of various industries such as oil and petrochemicals, plastics, resins, and etc, which is highly toxic and resistant to degradation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the intermediate compounds and mineralization of catechol in oxidation process with ozone. Material and Methods: This study was a laboratory research which investigated the effect of variables such as solution pH (2-10), reaction time (0-60 min), initial concentration of catechol (50-1000 mg/l), and radical scavenger on the efficiency of ozonation process. The residual concentration of catechol was measured by HPLC at 275 nm. Also mineralization and degradation of catechol were determined by TOC (Total Organic Carbon) and COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) tests. Intermediate compounds of ozonation process were measured by GC/MS and were presented as tables and graphs.Results: Optimum pH for ozonation process was 10. The maximum process efficiency at pH 10 and the contact time of 60 min was 96.20%. Kinetics of catechol degradation followed the first order model. The TOC and COD removal after the contact time of 60 minutes were determined about 78% and 84.4%, respectively. Radical scavenger of tert-butanol (1gr) and sulfate (1gr) reduced the removal efficiency of catechol 12.61% and 0.13%, respectively.Conclusion: The results showed that the removal of catechol in the optimum condition such as alkaline pH has better efficiency due to the production of hydroxyl radicals. As a result, it seems ozonation process is an effective method for degradation and mineralization of catechol from industrial wastewater.

Background and Objectives: Considering the alarming spread of resistance to classic antimicrobial agents, innovative therapeutic approaches to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens, like the compounds derived from plants and nanoparticles, seems necessary. This study was conducted to investigate the antibacterial effect of biosynthetic silver nanoparticles using Glycyrrhiza glabra and Mentha piperata plants on some tooth decay bacteria.Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out in the Chemistry and Microbiology Laboratories of the Basic Sciences Faculty of Neishabour Islamic Azad University, in 2016. Silver nanoparticles were produced in biological method using aqueous extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Mentha piperata. Nanoparticles were studied by using spectrometry techniques and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). To predict the antibacterial effect of nanoparticles, from each of the extracts at 3.12, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/ml concentrations, 100 mL was used for broth micro dilution test . Comparison of the mean results of two types of nanoparticles was done using Oneway ANOVA statistical test.Results: UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis and the peak at 430 nm indicated the biosynthesis of the nanoparticles in the extract, and the photo of SEM determined the shape of the nanoparticles spherical and the average size was set at about 55 nm. In reviewing the antimicrobial effect of biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles, the nanoparticles had a good antibacterial activity against the bacteria under study. MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) values for biosynthetic nanoparticles with Glycyrrhiza glabra extract against Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces viscosus, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus were 1.6, 6.25, and 50 mg / ml (p≤0.05), and MIC for biosynthetic nanoparticles with Mentha piperata extract against these bacteria were determined to be 12.5, 12.5, and 200 mg / ml, respectively (p≤0.05).Conclusion: Due to their antioxidant properties and many secondary compounds, the plants extracts play the role of regeneration and stabilization of nanoparticles. In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized well with the aqueous extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Mentha piperata plants, and the synthesized nanoparticles showed a good antibacterial activity against the bacteria that contributed to the decay of the tooth.

Background and Objectives: The epidemic Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the most serious public health threat in the world now. HIV affects the human immune system and causes damage of catching opportunistic infections. The epidemic pattern of the disease is strongly dependent on high risk behaviors as a major factor in the community. The aim of this study was epidemiological investigation of HIV/AIDS patients in Bandar Abbas Behavioral Disorders Counseling Center during 2005-2015.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 on 426 HIV-positive patients aged 18 years old and older who were under the care of the Counseling Center for Behavioral Diseases in Bandar Abbas during 2005 to 2015. Demographic and clinical information were extracted from the patients’ records by the staff of the consulting center and was recorded in the researcher made checklist. Data were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.Results: The average and standard deviation of age of patients was 36.30±8.02 years, most of them were in the age group of 18-44 years old, and 73% (311 cases) were male. Twenty three percent (92 cases) of patients were in AIDS stage. Most of the patients were infected through drug injection abuse (62.4%) and sexual intercourse (42.5%).Conclusion: The results of the current study showed that most of the patients have been infected through injecting drug use. Therefore, desirable education and proper counseling are effective to prevent and control the risk factors and reduce the incidence of the disease in the community.

Background and Objectives: Dermatophytes are one of the most prevalent agent of superficial fungal infections. Dermatophytes species identification can help us to find prevention and treatment ways. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the species of dermatophytes by sequencing method in 2015-2016 in Ghayen.Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 156 dermatophytosis suspected patients, who referred to the laboratories and health centers in Ghayen. Patients were sampled after completing the questionnaire. Specimens were directly examined, and all samples were inoculated on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar with Chloramphenicol and Cycloheximide medium. The DNA of the obtained fungi was extracted by DNA extraction Kit. Then, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS-rDNA) gene was amplified and sequenced, and the dermatophytes species were expressed as numbers and percentages.Results: Of 156 samples, 32 samples (20.5%) were positive in the direct exam or culture. The types of Tinea in this study were respectively: Tinea corporis (72 %), tinea capitis (21.8 %), tinea manuum and tinea unguium (3.1%) each one. Dermatophytes species included Arterodermabenhamiae (25%), Trichophyton interdigitale (9.3%), T. violaceum and T. verrucosum (6.2%) each one, and T.erinacei (3.1%). The comparison of the sequence of the derived species with the sequence of reference dermatophytes in wester-dijkinstitute showed 98-100% similarity.Conclusion: According to this study, the incidence of dermatophytosis in Ghayen is 20.5% . The Trichophyton genus and zoophilic species are dominant in this area.

Background and Objectives: The culture of prescribing and taking medicine as a strategic commodity, which plays a fundamental role in the economy and health of the family and society, is an issue of great importance that needs to be considered by the policy makers in the medical system. The purpose of this study was to determine the prescription of drug items in the medical offices prescriptions for the persons insured by Iran Health Insurance Organization in Kerman Province during 2014-2015.Materials and Methods: This article was a descriptive study and the statistical population of the study included all drug prescriptions of insured persons in Health Insurance General Directorate of Kerman province in 2014-2015, who were sent to the General Directorate by the pharmacies. Available data in the database and health insurance processor were received from the province and analyzed by descriptive statistics using census method. Results: Metformin tablets 500 mg, Losartan 25 mg, ASA 80 mg, Atoroastatin 20 mg, Metoprolol 50 mg, Glibenclamide 5 mg, Amiludipine 5 mg, Nitroglycerin 2/6 mg, Metronidazole 250 mg, and Calcium D were the 10 common drug items of the Kerman province in both 2014 and 2015. Anti-hypertensive drug groups, analgesics, antidiabetic agents, antibiotics, vitamins, lipid lowering drugs, antidepressants, vasodilators, anticonvulsants ,and antacids were the 10 most common groups in Kerman province that, over the years 2014-2015, had more than 60% of the frequency of prescribed medications in the insured persons’ prescriptions.Conclusion: It seems that the control and supervision of prescribing these drugs and drug groups can have a major impact on the pharmaceutical market.