JOURNAL OF BABOL UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES (JBUMS)
Year:2010 | Volume:12 | Issue:1 (54)|Papers Count:16

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Organophosphorus (OP) compounds are highly toxic and are widely used as an insecticide in agriculture and domestic consumptions. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition is the primary mechanism of acute in vivo toxicity of organophosphorus compounds. In the present study we evaluated inhibition and recovery of the plasma, cerebral cortex and hippocampus AChE activity and their correlations following systemic administration of three doses of paraoxon in three different time points in rat.METHODS: Eighty four male Wistar rats (200-270 g) were used in this study and divided into groups of seven. Animals were given a single intraperitoneal injection of corn oil (vehicle group) or one of the doses of paraoxon (0.1, 0.3, or 0.7 mg/kg) and AChE activity in the plasma, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus was measured at 30 min, 4 h, and 18 h after exposure using the modified method of Ellman.FINDINGS: Plasma and brain AChE activity was inhibited in a dose dependent manner by paraoxon. After 18 h, plasma AChE activity was recovered 32, and 42 percent (p<0.001) in animals exposed to 0.3, and 0.7 mg/kg paraoxon, respectively. 18 h after 0.7 mg/kg paraoxon, AChE activity was significantly recovered (p<0.001) in both brain areas (about 20%). Plasma AChE activity correlated significantly with both cerebral cortex and hippocampus AChE activity in rats treated with paraoxon (0.3 and 0.7 mg/kg).CONCLUSION: In both brain areas, paraoxon (only 0.7 mg/kg) inhibited AChE activity to induce seizure activity after 30 min Inhibition of the plasma AChE activity can use as a marker of exposure only in severe toxicities with OP compounds.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus is one the most important risk factors for some disorders. Reduction of serum glucose and lipid levels in diabetic patients due to medicinal plants is clinically important. The aim of this study was to evaluate time-dependent anti-diabetic effect of Allium ascalonicum L. (AA) feeding. METHODS: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats (250-350 g) were divided into 4 groups, i.e. control, AA-treated control, diabetic, and AA-treated diabetic groups. The treatment groups received oral administration of plant-mixed pelleted food for 8 weeks. Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) was used for diabetes induction. Serum glucose and lipids levels were determined before the study, and at 4th and 8th weeks after the study using routine enzymatic methods.FINDINGS: Serum glucose was significantly lower (29.8% and 56.2%) in AA-treated diabetic rats at 4th and 8th week as compared to untreated diabetics (p<0.01& p<0.005). In addition, serum total cholesterol showed a significant reduction (38.3% and 47.1%) at 4th and 8th weeks in AA-treated diabetic rats as compared to untreated diabetics (p<0.01). There was also a significant lower level of triglyceride (30.9%) in AA-treated diabetic rats (p<0.05) only at 8th week. On the other hand, although AA treatment did not cause a significant improvement in HDL-cholesterol level in treated diabetic group as compared to untreated diabetic group, but a significant lower level of LDL-cholesterol at 4th and 8th weeks (39.1% and 42.5%) was observed in AA-treated diabetics (p<0.01) relative to untreated diabetics.CONCLUSION: Oral administration of AA time-dependently has a significant hypoglycemic effect and improves lipid profile except for HDL-cholesterol.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world and it is the fourth most common cancer that is a leading cause of cancer deaths. Polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene may influence colorectal cancer risk. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a crucial mediator for the cellular effects of vitamin D and additionally interacts with other cell-signaling pathways that influence cancer development. The purpose of this study was to investigate single nucleotide polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor gene and its possible relationship with colorectal cancer (CRC) in an Iranian population.METHODS: This investigation was a case control study. The samples were including 130 CRC patients and 130 controls referred to Taleghani hospital, Tehran. These individuals considering their pathological results are divided into two groups. Due to genotyping of vitamin D receptor (VDR) genotypes polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR- FLP) was performed and restriction enzyme, Apa1, was used.FINDINGS: The frequencies of the GG, TG, and TT genotypes were 10%, 43.8% and 46% in healthy controls and 21.5%, 44.6% and 33.8% in colorectal cancer patients, respectively. Furthermore, frequency of T allele was 68%, 44%, and the C allele was 32% and 56% in the control group and colorectal cancer patients respectively. CONCLUSION: According to our finding, interestingly we could detect a reverse association between genotype 61888G>T and colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Apolipoprotein A5 gene plays an important role in plasma lipid regulation. Protein deficiency of apolipoprotein A5 gene causes an increase in plasma triglyceride. The aim of this study was to assay the effect of apolipoprotein A5-1131T>C polymorphism associated with lipid profile in Babol population. METHODS: This case-control study was performed on 199 people in Babol. They were divided into two groups under supervision of the specialist and with regard to their medical history and files: low triglyceride group (99 persons with triglyceride< 103 mg/dl) and high triglyceride group (100 persons with triglyceride> 150 mg/dl) and their biochemistry and anthropometric parameter were measured. The apolipoprotein A5 gene was amplified by PCR method and polymorphism was revealed by the use of MseI enzyme with RFLP method and then compared. FINDINDS: Allele C frequency in people with high triglyceride was 0.21 and in people with low triglyceride was 0.11 that these differences were statistically significant (p=0.02). Also, significant association was found between serum triglyceride (p=0.016) and C allele in low and high triglyceride groups. Being carrier allele C versus TT genotype increased the chance of high triglyceride OR=1.97 times (95% CI=1.35-3.68).CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the association of the APOA5 -1131T>C polymorphism with triglyceride levels in humans. Therefore, genetically evaluation of subjects with high triglyceride recommends to determine allele and diagnosis of cardiovascular patient.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Exercise during pregnancy is interested for pregnant women, because of the positive effects on cardiovascular status, decrease of risk of obesity and low back pain, but there is worry about fetal outcomes. Since there are controversies in various studies about this effect, making a conclusion is difficult. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a planned aerobic exercise program on the pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: This study was a randomized clinical performed on 44 pregnant woman with 24 to 32 weeks gestational age were divided in case (n=20) and control group (n=24). Two groups were matched for mother age, BMI, Para, gestational age and socioeconomic status. Included criteria were single pregnancy with intact fetal membrane and excluded criteria were contraindications of exercise in pregnancy. Exercise program training includes stretching and flexibility exercise for 15 minutes and then aerobic exercise includes constant walking for 5 to 15 minutes. Pregnancy outcomes were assessed included: delivery mood, cause of cesarean section, increase of mother and fetus weight and duration of pregnancy and compared in two groups.FINDINGS: The increase of mother weight was lower in case group after two months (4.34kg VS 5kg), but the difference was not significant. The mood of delivery was not significantly different between two groups, although the rate of cesarean section and cesarean section for prolonged labor was higher in control group. There was no case of preterm or postterm delivery. No significant difference was seen between two groups about duration of pregnancy. After two months the increase of fetal weight was higher in case group (426.25gr VS 369.05gr) but showed no significant difference. Partial difference of increase in fetal weight was not significant between two groups during study.CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that not only doing or continue the exercise has no negative effect on mother and fetus but also it has positive effect on pregnancy outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Nowadays, the influence of the stressors on the incidence of the psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been revealed. The war and the military disputes are known as one of the most important stressors. Chemical weapons not only have destructive and chronic corporal effects but also psychological disorders should be expected in injured people who have experienced the hardship. The purpose of this research was to study the long-lasting effects of exposure to chemical agents on psychological health of the chemical victims in Sardasht, Iran which was bombarded with four 250 kg sulfur mustard bombs in Iran-Iraq war.METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, all records related to 1336 registered chemical attack victims in Sardasht city were reviewed. In this study, 306 subjects in two categories were enrolled: (1) 150 chemical attacks survivors, exclude chronic disease (COPD) as case group, (2) 156 unexposed civilians from Sardasht, with their age matched with that of cases sampling by systematic random as the control group. The symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress disorders in both groups were assessed by applying DASS 42-query questionnaire and then compared. FINDINGS: The depression score in chemical victims was 37.14±10.96. The anxiety and stress scores were 41.91±8.6 and 45.72±8.5. These scores in ordinary people were 19.5±7.85, 21.26±7.6 and 26.72±10.66. All above scores in victims group were significantly higher than ordinary people. (p<0.001).CONCLUSION: The results necessitate paying enough attention to diagnosis, follow up and treatment of the people involved exposure to chemical agents may result in severe and long-lasting consequences in the chemical victims.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Moderate exercise training improves immune system function, but intensive and prolonged bouts of endurance training weaken immune function. Some athletes reduce their training load for 6- 21 days before the major competitions. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of 7 and 21 days tapering period length on the concentrations of some plasma immunological factors and performance time in endurance male runners.METHODS: This semi experimental study was performed on 22 well trained male runners with aged 24.5 ±2.6 years. Before the beginning of exercise trainings, the subjects were randomly divided into two groups (control and taper). The blood samples were taken 1 and 3 days before the beginning of training and after 4, 8, 9, and 11 weeks training, immediately after 10 km treadmill test. IL-1b  and IL-6 levels were assayed by using a validated commercial ELISA (Quantikine; Minneapolis, MN) and compared together.FINDINGS: With comparison IL-1b  and IL-6 concentrations and performance time between groups, after 11 weeks training, there were significant decreases in IL-1b  and IL-6 concentrations and performance time in the taper group in comparison with control group (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001).CONCLUSION: According to the research results, during three week taper period, decreasing of training volume of the taper group in proportion to control group one can reduce IL-1b  and IL-6 concentrations without having disorder on performance time. It is likely because of the muscle myocyte injury decrease in athlete's body. Therefore coaches regarding caution can use 2 to 3 week taper period for improving of athletic performance.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Activation of the behavioral inhibition system plays central role in appearance of emotional and affective experiments and cause anxiety personality traits and high sensitive on the threatening stimulus. Also, it coincides with the feelings of anxiety, worries and rumination. On the other hand, it is not collected information about relationship between behavioral activation and inhibition systems with pathological and non-pathological worry. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between behavioral activation and inhibition systems with pathological and non-pathological worry.METHODS: This cross sectional study was performed on 220 students (120 females, 100 males) of Tabriz University dormitories. Students were selected by random cluster sampling. Behavioral Activation/Inhibition Systems Scale, Worry Domains questionnaire and Penn State Worry Questionnaire were used for data collection. Variables were measured by 5-point Likert-scale and then analyzed.FINDINGS: The mean age of participants was 22±1.74 years. The mean of inhibition system, pathological worry and non-pathological worry were 19.79±2.59, 43.89±11.94 and 49.80±22.27, respectively. Relationship between inhibition system with pathological and non-pathological worry was significant (p<0.01). Inhibition system had positive and significant effect on the pathological and non-pathological worry. In other word, inhibition system account for variance in the pathological and non-pathological worry and can predict worry. Moreover, relationship between inhibition system with worry for relationships, work and financial was significant (p<0.01) and also inhibition system had positive and significant effect on them. On the other hand, relationship between activation system with worries was not significant (p>0.01) and activation system had not positive and significant effect on worries. CONCLUSION: Results of this study endorse the relationship between inhibition system with worry. Moreover, it showed that inhibition system is one of effective factors on experiment and intensity worry. In addition, inhibition system can predict worry.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chronic diseases such as ostreoarthritis by the reason of successive progressing are frequently disabling and effect on quality of life of patients. The aim of this study was to assign the impact of self care education on quality of life of those clients suffering from ostreoarthritis in rehabilitation centers of Shiraz University of Medical Science.METHODS: This pseudo research was done on 110 patients suffering from osteoarthritis by easy sampling and random counting in two multitudes of case and control (55 patients in each group). A medias including 36 short choices questionnaires includes 8 domains and scoring between 0-100 which are completed for both groups in two steps. Case group in time distance between two levels of measuring quality of life received principled education via face to face and educational notebook. Ultimately, alterations in the quality of life in two groups were evaluated and compared. FINDINGS: In both groups of case and control, among 110 patients that have been under study, 101 women, with average age of 56±7.2 who were illiterate and under educated, married, housewife and with average income had their both knee joints involved and the difference was not significant between two groups. There was a meaningful relationship between age, affection period and amount of incoming with the quality of life (p=0.01) so that by increasing age and the affection period of osteoarthritis and amount of incoming, the quality of life has been decreased and by increasing the level of education, the quality of life has been increased. The average change of the quality of life was 280.4±87.5 in case group and 52.8±11.2 in control group that showed a statistical meaningful difference (p=0.001).CONCLUSION: According to the results of the study and positive impact of self care education on quality of life of those clients suffering from osteoarthritis, the method of modifying and conformity toward the disease can be provided effectively and play a significant role in recovering the quality of life of the patient and the health level of society.

Organophosphorus compounds are one of the important insecticides and pesticides that have been used in chemical warfare as nerve agents. They are a major global clinical problem, with thousands of deaths occurring every year. Organophosphorus compounds inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity cause to the accumulation of acetylcholine at many synapses in the brain and different parts of neuromuscular junctions. In the cases of intoxication to organophosphours poisons four clinical syndromes have been described; cholinergic crisis, intermediate syndrome, delayed neuropathy and chronic organophosphate inducted neuropsychiatric disorder. Whichever stages has special signs and symptoms. The determination of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity in whole blood and plasma, is a rapid, convenient and benefit screening method of poisoning due to organophosphorus compounds but without high sensitivity and specificity, also assess their degradation products in plasma and urine will be feasible but is expensive and is limited to specialized laboratories. The conventional and standard management of poisoned patients include supportive care, detoxification and treatment with antidote atropine sulfate alone or with an oxime. Some of other drugs have been suggested for treatment, e.g. glycopyrrolate, sodium bicarbonate and magnesium sulfate which may in some cases necessary. But still there are many unanswered questions and controversies in the management of organophosphorus poisoning. Patients with moderate to severe intoxication who receive first aid and emergency medical treatment may survive. However, the presence of either a cardiac arrhythmia or respiratory failure is associated with a poor prognosis. Finally, to reduce mortality rate, early diagnosis, precise monitoring and selection appropriate treatments are useful. This article presents a review of poisoning with organophosphorus compounds.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Globalization and planning for global thinking and institutions' activity that could work and act out of national limit are important actions which should be taken in Iran. Globalization is a progressive power in health index promotion. This aim of this study was to design a model for globalization of hospital services in Iran in order to promote the participation in patient attraction for diagnostic and medical services in hospitals from different countries in 2009. METHODS: This descriptive-comparative and cross sectional study was performed on some selected countries such as United States of America, England, India, Thailand and Malaysia. The hospital's information related to selected countries was marketing mechanism, equipment and hospital's facilities. The original model prepared based on data gathering form. This model was tested using Delphi technique and obtained data were analyzed and then the final model was introduced. FINDINGS: The results of studies in selected countries showed that developed countries like America and England have strong basis of management structure, knowledge, modern and complex technology. India, Thailand and Malaysia because of their success to present hospital services on the international level and successful marketing in this connection and arrived the developed countries technologies in previous decade have been able to have effective part presented international services. The designed model in this research, in attention to basis obtained has presented according to Iran qualifications.CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, with utilization of possibilities and capacities in Iran, the proposed model can greatly contribute to globalization of hospital services.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive (FOP) or myositis ossificans progressiva is a rare hereditary connective tissue disorder. Diagnosis can be made by the typical clinical features (congenital malformations of the great toes and hallux valgus deformity) and ectopic ossification. Early diagnosis can lead to avoidance of additional harmful diagnostic and treatment procedures (such as injection and biopsy) and trauma prevention. In this report we present 2 typical cases of FOP with early and delay diagnosis. CASE: The first case was an 11 year-old girl. The first symptom was painless nodule on the skull at 2.9 years old. She had congenital malformations of the great toe and hallux valgus deformity in both feet. According to clinical findings, the diagnosis was confirmed at 3 years. She was on etidronate and she had regular follow-up every 6 months. Now, she had no any disability. The second case was a 12 year-old boy. He had had a neck mass at 18 months and he was repeatedly visited by different physicians and some unnecessary tests and procedures were done for him, but the diagnosis had a delay until 8 years old, when he referred to our pediatric rheumatology clinic. He had hallux valgus deformity and congenital malformations of the great toe in both feet. Several ectopic ossifications had occurred in abdomen wall, upper and lower limbs. Now, he walks but he cannot sit. CONCLUSION: Because tissue damage serves as a focus for ossification, early diagnosis can protect the patient from trauma and avoidance of unnecessary procedures.