JOURNAL OF RAFSANJAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES AND HEALTH SERVICES
Year:2018 | Volume:17 | Issue:7 |Papers Count:10

Background and Objectives: Since intra-paragigantocellularis lateralis (LPGi) injection of 17β-estradiol induces strong analgesia in male rats which might be mediated via estrogen receptors, this study investigated the role of estrogen receptors of LPGi nucleus in the modulation of formalin-induced pain (while being stimulated by 17β-estradiol) during estrus phase in female rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 48 female Wistar rats (200-270 gr) were randomly divided into 8 groups including control, sham, normal saline (17β-estradiol solvent), DMSO (ICI182, 780 solvent), 17β-estradiol, estrogen receptor antagonist (ICI182, 780; 15&50 nmol) and ICI182, 780/17β-estradiol. After entrance into the estrus phase, drugs were injected into the LPGi nucleus; 15 minutes later, formalin injection (5%, 50 μ l) was done into the left rat's hind paw and formalin-induced paw jerking behavior was recorded for 1 hr. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA analysis followed by Tukey multiple comparison test. Results: The results of this research showed that during estrus phase, the treatment of LPGi nucleus with 17β-estradiol significantly attenuated paw jerking behavior in the both phases of formalin test (p<0. 001). Pretreatment of the LPGi nucleus with ICI182, 780 prevented the 17β-estradiol-induced antinociception (p<0. 001). Conclusion: Based on these results, it can be suggested that intra-LPGi injection of 17β-estradiol induces robust analgesia during the estrus phase in female rats; and this effect may be mediated via estrogen receptors.

Background and Objectives: Physical activity with the effect on the irisin hormone alters the structure of the white adipose tissue and turns it into brown fat that can reduce obesity related complications. This study aimed at determining the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) and vitamin E consumption on levels of irisin and gene expression of FNDC5 (fibronectin type III domain containing 5) in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 32 male Wistar rats (150-200 grams) were randomly divided into four groups: control, supplement, training, training + supplement. Training program was planned for 8 weeks, 5 sessions per week, each session 15 minutes: 5 minutes warm up, 4 minutes intensive interval training, 2 minutes recycling, and 3 minutes cooling down. The amount of 100 mg/kg vitamin E was administered intraperitoneally in the supplement groups for 8 weeks and three times per week. Blood samples were taken 48 hours after the last training session and the levels of irisin were measured by using ELISA and FNDC5 gene expression by RT-PCR method. One-way and two-way analysis of variance were used for data analysis. Results: The results showed that in comparison with the control group, eight weeks of HIIT with vitamin E consumption caused a significant increase in the levels of irisin and FNDC5 (p<0.001). Conclusions: HIIT with vitamin E consumption through secretion of myokins like irisin may affect white adipose tissue.

Background and Objectives: Due to the unique physicochemical properties of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs), identification of microbial strains capable to biosynthesize Se NPs has recently attracted attention. The current study aimed at introducing Se NPs producing actinomycete strain, characterizing Se NPs as well as evaluating its cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Materials and Methods: In the present laboratory investigation, first, the Se NPs producing strain was isolated from soil samples. The selected isolate was then identified using morphological and biochemical examinations as well as 16S rDNA sequencing protocol. The UV-visible spectrum, particle-size distribution (PSD) pattern, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) profiles of the nanostructures as well as transmission electron microscope (TEM) image of Se NPs were determined. In order to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the Se NPs, the MTT (Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) based colorimetric protocol was applied where the viability percent was firstly determined and then the related IC50 (Half inhibitory concentration) was calculated. Results: The selected bacterial isolate was identified as Streptomyces lavendulae FSHJ9. TEM micrographs of the biogenic Se NPs exhibited spherical nanostructures with the size range of 28– 123 nm. The FTIR pattern showed no functional group present on the surface of Se NPs. The obtained results of cytotoxicity revealed that IC50 of Se NPs (77. 1± 42. 23 μ g/mL) was more than IC50 of sodium selenite (3. 0± 41. 53 μ g/mL). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that Streptomyces lavendulae FSHJ9 was able to produce Se NPs. The produced biogenic Se NPs, after performing complementary studies, might be applied as supplement in human food and animal feeding.

Background and Objectives: Nowadays, the use of ketamine has spread as a recreational drug. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate the effects of long-term administration of ketamine on some hematological and biochemical parameters and tissue changes in rats. Material and Methods: in this experimental study, forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into two control (sham) (n=20) and experimental (n=20) groups. The animals in the sham group received saline solution and the experimental group received ketamine (15 mg/kg) as intraperitoneal injection. At the days of 0, 20, 40, and 60 post injection, five rats from each group were euthanized and anatomized. Some biochemical parameters of the serum were measured and the livers and kidneys tissues underwent microscopic examination. The ANOVA, Tukey post hoc test, and non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test were used for data analysis. Results: The results indicated that ketamine caused an increase in the number of White Blood Cells and liver enzymes levels, the creatinine, urea, cortisol, and glucose concentrations and a decrease in the total protein and globulin in serum of ketamine group as compared to the control group. In examining the liver, vacuolar degeneration, congestion and dilation of sinusoids, infiltration of mononuclear cells around the portal area, and parenchymal necrosis were observed, and tubular epithelial cell degeneration and necrosis, tubular and glomerular atrophy, and infiltration of mononuclear cells were observed in the kidney. Conclusion: The results indicated that ketamine causes kidney and liver tissues damages in rats. However more comprehensive studies are needed to determine the mechanism of ketamine’ s action in long-term use.

Background and Objectives: One of the main aims in Health Care Reform Plan is improvement of justice in household’ s financial participation that its tool is reduction of out-of-pocket payment. This study was conducted to compare out-of-pocket payment for aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery before and after implementation of the Health Care Reform Plan in Shiraz Namazi Hospital in 2016. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 127 patients (50 patients before and 77 patients after the implementation of the plan) that underwent AVR surgery. The data were collected through the researcher’ s checklist and were analyzed using independent t-test and one-way ANOVA. Results: Total expenditure mean has increased significantly from 45, 695, 137. 06 to 156, 536, 031. 8 after the plan (p<0. 001). The ratio of patients’ payment to total expenditure decreased significantly from 17. 67% to 7. 64% after the plan (p<0. 001). The out-of-pocket payment reduced significantly after adding the plan’ s share in patient’ s billing (p<0. 001). Out-of-pocket payment on total expenditure ratio decreased for different insurances as 9% (p= 0. 003) for Remedial Services Insurance to 11% (p<0. 001) for Social Security Insurance. Conclusion: The amount of out-of-pocket payment percentage of patients has been reduced for AVR surgery after implementation of the Health Care Reform Plan, which can be an indication of the effectiveness of the out-of-pocket reduction instructions. However, the average of patients’ out-of-pocket payment has been increased.

Background and Objectives: Mental health plays an important role in ensuring the dynamism and efficiency of each community. Medical Students, while having problems like other students, have their own special problems including mental and emotional stresses in the hospital environment and dealing with problems of patients. For this reason, it seems that they are more at risk of losing mental health than other students. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the mental health status of medical students of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences in 2016. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 medical students of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences were randomly selected and the necessary data was collected by completing the SCL90 questionnaire and then analyzed by independent t-test and one-way analysis of varience. Results: In this study, the mean age of students was 22. 9 ± 1. 7 years. Of the samples, 102 (51%) were male and 97 (48. 5%) were female. Also, among the subjects, 165 (82. 9%) were single and 34 (17. 1%) were married. The average total score of mental health was 79. 97± 56. 34. Also, variables such as age, sex, and marital status had no significant effect on the students’ mental health score (p>0. 05). But, the mean of total mental Health score in students with financial problems or chang in sleep habits was significantly higher than those who did not have these items. (p<0. 05). Conclusion: Considering the the results, although the majority of students have no mental disorders, many stressors threaten their mental health. Accordingly, provision of counseling and changing conditions governing educational environments may play an important role in improving the mental health of medical students.

Background and Objectives: Currently, Escherichia coli is considered as one of the main causes of bacterial urinary tract infections. The aim of this study was evaluating the frequency of necrotizing factor type 1 (CNF1) and hemolysin (Hly) genes among E. coli strains isolated from hospitalized patients of Rouhani Hospital in Babol city. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, a total of 82 E. coli strains were evaluated. Thereafter, antibiogram test was performed and DNA of the bacteria was extracted and the frequency of CNF1 and Hly genes was determined by the help of polymerase chain reaction. Results: With antibiotic susceptibility testing, resistance to Erythromycin and Imipenem was reported 59 (71. 9%) and 0%, respectively. Also, the percentage of multi drug resistant strains was 31. 7%. The frequency of CNF1 and Hly genes was reported as 28% and 32. 9%, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results, the frequency of CNF1 and Hly genes among the studied strains was similar to some related studies.

Background and Objectives: The level of knowledge and attitude of students has an effective role in improving nutritional status and food security. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the knowledge and attitude of engineering and technical sciences students regarding health and safety of food. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed on 100 students of engineering and technical sciences in Babol. To collect data, a questionnaire including three sections of demographic information, knowledge and attitude regarding health and food safety was used. Data analysis was performed using chi-square statistical test. Results: In general, the results indicated that 27% of students had good knowledge, and 26% had a good attitude towards food safety and health. Conclusion: According to the results, the attitude of most students was weak and moderate. Therefore, it is suggested that workshops or food health curriculum to be held for engineering and technical sciences students.

Background and Objectives: The level of knowledge and attitude of students has an effective role in improving nutritional status and food security. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the knowledge and attitude of engineering and technical sciences students regarding health and safety of food. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed on 100 students of engineering and technical sciences in Babol. To collect data, a questionnaire including three sections of demographic information, knowledge and attitude regarding health and food safety was used. Data analysis was performed using chi-square statistical test. Results: In general, the results indicated that 27% of students had good knowledge, and 26% had a good attitude towards food safety and health. Conclusion: According to the results, the attitude of most students was weak and moderate. Therefore, it is suggested that workshops or food health curriculum to be held for engineering and technical sciences students.