JOURNAL OF BABOL UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES (JBUMS)
Year:2013 | Volume:15 | Issue:5|Papers Count:20

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Glucocorticoids as powerful agents that effect on cell growth, differentiation and cell death are in throughout life. Morphine at low concentration stimulates process elongation in neurons. In this study we examined the effects of low concentrations of morphine on dexamethasone induced-cell death in differentiated PC12 cells.METHODS: PC12 cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 culture medium containing 1% FBS, 2 mm L-glutamin, 1% NEAA and 1% antibiotic penicillin/stereptomycine. Cells were treated with different concentrations of dexamethasone in the presence of 214 nM staurosporine as neuronal differentiated agent. PC12 cells were divided into two groups, group I, treatment with different concentrations of dexamethasone without morphine and group II, treatment with different concentrations of dexamethasone together with morphine (10-10 M). There were six treatments in each group: treatment 1 without (0 nM) dexamethasone and treatments 2 to 6 with adding 1 nM, 10 nM, 100 nM, 1mM and 10 mM dexamethasone in culture medium, respectively.FINDINGS: Our results showed that the cell viability was increased in group I, treatments 2, 3 and 4 and was decreased in treatments 1 and 5 and 6 (p<0.05). Cell viability was increased in group II, treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4, and was decreased in treatments 5 and 6 (p<0.05). Total neurite length in group I treatments 1-6 was decreased (148.70±2.37, 85.06±1.61, 88.38±1.58, 91.05±1.66, 72.82±1.32 and 69.18±1.18 mm) respectively (p<0.05). In group I treatments 1 and 6 had highest and lowest total neurite length, respectively (p<0.05). Total neurite length in group II treatments 1-6 were 164.22±4.45, 105.19±2.84, 108.33±3.09, 149.46±4.04, 117.60±3.08 and 115.24±2.73 mm, respectively. In group II treatment 1 had highest and treatments 2 and 3 had lowest total neurite length (p<0.05).CONCLUSION: It is concluded that low concentrations morphine enhances neurite elongation and viability in PC12 cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder that is associated with thrombosis in both arteries and veins as well as pregnancy-related complications. The aim of this study was to compare the relative efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) with unfractionated heparin (UFH) in the treatment of pregnant women with a history of recurrent abortion secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).METHODS: In this prospective study, 83 women with a history of 3 or more consecutive spontaneous abortions before 10th weeks of pregnancy and positive antiphospholipid antibodies were received either UFH (5000 units, twice daily), or LMWH (enoxaparin 40 mg, once daily) as soon as pregnancy was diagnosed. Information regarding these women was obtained from comprehensive medical records system of Social Security Corporation, Qom, Iran. Then pregnancy outcome was compared in two groups.FINDINGS: Forty-two women in the LMWH group (95.5%) and 34 women in the UFH group (87.2%) delivered a viable infant (p>0.05). There were no significant differences in age and birth weight between the two groups. The mean±SD of apgar score in LMWH was 8.4±1.2 and in UFH was 7.7±1.2. Apgar score was higher in LMWH group (p<0.05) that was statistically significant.CONCLUSION: Both UFH and LMWH were effective in the treatment of pregnant women with a history of recurrent abortion secondary to APS. UFH was successfully used as an alternative to LMWH in the treatment of recurrent abortion secondary to APS.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have shown that high consumption of sprouted potatoes can cause acute toxicities, coma, and death in human. These effects are attributed to glycoalkaloids such as alpha-solanine which is naturally found in potatoes and cereals. It is also frequently appeared during inappropriate transfer and storage after harvesting. The present study is designed to assess the acute and chronic toxicity effects of alpha-solanine in mice.METHODS: In this experimental study, 90 BALB/c male mice were equally divided into acute and chronic groups (n=45). Each group then equally subdivided into control, and 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg groups of alpha-solanine (n=9). Animals were euthanized after 24 hours and 7 days of solanine injection (i.p) in the acute and chronic groups, respectively. Blood samples were taken for hematology and chemical tests.FINDINGS: Alpha-solanine did not significantly effects on hematological and chemical parameters in the acute groups. Red blood cell count was significantly increased (6.1±0.3 to 8.8±0.8, p=0.02), but plasma alkaline phosphatase level was statistically reduced (764±50 to 452±33, p=0.01) in 40 mg/kg chronic groups compared to control. Significant increase was observed in blood levels of sodium (149.4±2.1 to 155.5±1.3, p=0.03), glucose (181±59 to 322±64, p=0.025) and creatinine (0.34±0.008 to 1.07±0.25, p=0.02) in 40 mg/kg chronic groups compared to control.CONCLUSION: The results showed that long-term use of high solanine can dramatically induce hematological and chemical changes in a dose-dependent manner.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pre-eclampsia is one of the most important complications in pregnancy. Early detection of pre-eclampsia in prenatal care is important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of increased levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit in first and second trimesters of pregnancy in predicting pre-eclampsia.METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 140 pregnant women referred for delivery to Ayatollah Roohani hospital of Babol, Iran. Women with no signs of chronic hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, smoking and using drugs that affect blood parameters were chosen. Data about pregnant hospitalized women, 70 ones diagnosed with pre-eclampsia (case group) and 70 ones from healthy pregnant women (control group) was filled in special forms and compared.FINDINGS: The mean age of patients was 27.21±5.7. The mean and standard deviation of hemoglobin in first trimester in case and control groups was 12.82±1.10 and 12.30±1.39, respectively (p=0.016). The mean and standard deviation of hemoglobin in second trimester in case and control groups was 11.90±1.39 and 11.46±1.37 respectively (p=0.011).CONCLUSION: This study showed that the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in first and second trimesters of pregnancy is associated with preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is recognized as one of the most common oral mucosal diseases without known pathogenesis. Free radicals can play an important role in the pathogenesis of RAS. The aim of this study was investigation of salivary oxidative stress and antioxidant system of patients with oral aphthae in compared to healthy individuals.METHODS: In this case-control study, 20 patients with RAS (case group) and 20 age and gender-matched healthy subjects (control group) were selected. Unstimulated saliva of the RAS patients in ulcerative stage and healthy subjects was collected. Salivary TAC (total antioxidant capacity) and MDA (malondialdehyde) of two groups were investigated and compared using FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) methods respectively.FINDINGS: The mean and standard deviation of salivary MDA in case group was 0.526±0.092 mM and in control group was 0.232±0.061 mM (p<0.0001). The mean and standard deviation of salivary TAC in case group was 542.60±113.509 mM and in control group was 619.30±131.303 mM. No significant difference in the level of TAC was found between the two groups. TAC was reduced in case and control groups in line with increase in the level of MDA (p=0.022, r=-0.36).CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that oxidant level increases and TAC does not change in RAS patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Nursing is considered as one of the most stressful professions. Working in night shifts, long shifts and unpredictable type of activities increased the likelihood of fatigue. This situation reduces physical performance and capacity of nurses and their accuracy and increases the likelihood of errors. Considering calming essence can reduce anxiety and warring, this study examines the effect of lavendula essence oil on the accuracy of intensive care nurses.METHODS: In this semi experimental study, 32 female nurses who working in intensive care unit in hospitals of Semnan were selected by convenience method. Subjects completed Bonardel accuracy questionnaire before intervention and then were given inhalation lavendula or placebo randomly for one hour. After intervention, subjects completed Bonardel accuracy questionnaire again and the results compared. (IRCT: 201104306342N1) FINDINGS: Based on the results, 81.3% of nurses (n=26) were married, 56.3% (n=18) had less than five years of work experience and 62.5% (n=20) of them were aged 20-29 years. The mean and standard deviation of accuracy changes before and after the intervention in lavendula was 13.81±4.97 and in placebo was 1.07±1.80 that there was a significant difference between them (p<0.001).CONCLUSION: The results showed that lavender essence can promote of intensive care nurse's accuracy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It is necessary to study the effect of obesity on children's dental maturity. Accelerated dental development in obese children can effect on pediatric dentistry and orthodontic treatment planning. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between dental development and BMI in 7-15 year old children of Babol in 2011.METHODS: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 168 subjects aged 7-15 years were studied. Dental age of subjects was determined using the Demirjian method. Weight and height of the subjects was measured and BMI status was determined for each subject. Chronological age was calculated by subtracting the birth date from the date on which the radiographs were done for every individual. The difference between chronological and dental age was measured and analyzed regarding BMI and gender.FINDINGS: In this survey168 subjects including 84 females and 84 males were studied. Mean of dental and chronological age was 11.44±2.85 and 11.06±2.29 years, respectively. Mean of dental age was measured 0.38±1.24 year more than chronological age. There was no a significant relationship between chronological age and dental age, and their difference based on gender and BMI. But the difference between the dental age and chronological age only in boys showed a significant difference (p<0.05).CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, in the difference between the dental age and chronological age for boys, considering the BMI can influence the timing of intervention.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. This study was designed to compare demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms and endoscopy findings in patients diagnosed as gastric ulcer versus gastric cancer.METHODS: This cross sectional study was carried out on all patients underwent upper endoscopy in Shahid Beheshti hospital of Babol, Iran during the years 2005-2010. Demographic characteristics, BMI, smoking, opium addiction, H. pylori status, clinical symptoms like: dysphasia, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, dyspepsia, anemia, upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding, and anatomic location of lesion in different parts of the stomach were main variables for comparison.FINDINGS: Of these 961 patients, 601 (62.5%) were men and 359 (37.4%) were women. The mean age of the patients with gastric ulcer was 53.9±17.1 years old and in patients with gastric cancer was 66.0±14.3 years old (p<0.001). The BMI of the patients with gastric ulcer was 24.97±4.58 kg/m2 and in patients with gastric cancer was 23.21±4.10 kg/m2 (p<0.001). The most common symptoms in patients with gastric cancer were epigastric pain (44.8%), nausea and vomiting (15.2%), dysphagia (8.7%), weight loss (8.8%) and upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding (23.1%).CONCLUSION: Clinical findings are not specific for the diagnosis of patients with cancer. Adoption of procedures for screening people in areas with high prevalence of gastric cancer should be a priority for future research.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: One third of hemophilia cases occur without family history due to spontaneous gene mutation and it could cause a delay in diagnosis at birth. Since fingerprint is a unique identifier to an individual, the aim of this study was to compare the fingerprint of hemophilic patients and normal population.METHODS: This case control study was conducted on 62 hemophilia patients who had referred to the Arak Hemophilia Center (case group) and 62 normal persons (control group). The type of fingerprint of each finger was determined by an expert forensic scientist using advanced Henry method. According to this method, the fingerprint types are classified to arch, loop, whorl and others and the two groups were compared.FINDINGS: The loop type was the commonest fingerprint in control group (65%) and the whorl type was the most common type in hemophilic patients (34%) (p<0.001). In all fingers, the average number of loop type was significantly higher in control group than other group (6.5±2.6 vs.2.9±1.6, p<0.001, respectively) and the average number of whorl and other types (rare or unknown) was significantly lower in control group than hemophilic patients (whorl: 2.3±2.5 vs.3.4±2.1, p=0.010, respectively; other types: 0.6±1 vs.3.3±2.4, p<0.001, respectively). There were significant differences of fingerprints of each finger between two groups, too. In addition, the average number of arch fingerprint in hemophilic patients with mild level of disease was significantly lower than patients with more severe disease (0.2±0.4 vs.0.6±0.6), p<0.001, respectively) while the average number of whorl type was greater in patients with mild disease than other group (5±1.2 vs.1.8±1.6, p<0.001, respectively).CONCLUSION: Findings of this study show that the number of loop fingerprints in all fingers of hemophilic patients is lower and the numbers of whorl and unknown types in all fingers are higher than normal persons. So, it can be applicable as an easy, inexpensive and correct screening method for diagnosis of hemophilic patients particularly patients with spontaneous gene mutation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Neuroectodermal diseases are rare disorders which their main characteristic is cutaneous and neurologic symptoms but other organs may also be involved according the type of disease. One of the common neurologic problems of these diseases is seizure, which is the main leading factor for hospitalization. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and main clinical manifestation of the tuberous sclerosis complex, sturge-weber syndrome and neurofibromatosis.METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on the hospital dossier of the patients admitted in clinic and ward of neurology of Amirkola children hospital of Babol between years of 2001-2007. After achieving of the number of total admitted patients, we studied patient's hospital dossier and registered their information in a data sheet.FINDINGS: Of 2564 admitted patients, 23 patients (0.9%) had TSC disease. The age of these patients was between 1-17 years old and all of them suffer from seizure and also had hypopigmented patch in their skin, 3 patients (13.4%) had heart disease, 6 patients (26.8%) had kidney disease and 8 patients (34.8%) had retinal involvement. Of 2564 admitted patients, 11 patients (0.4%) had SWS disease. All of them suffer from seizure and also had Port Wine Stain nevus in the distribution of frontal branch of fifth cerebral nerve. Eye disease was seen in 4 patients (36.4%). From all admitted patients, 6 patients (0.23%) had NF disease. One of them suffers from seizure and all of them had Cafe-au-Iait spots in their skin. Two patients had lisch nodule in their iris and one patient had retinal hamartoma.CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that one of the most common clinical manifestations of these diseases was seizure. Consequently the 100% prevalence of seizure can be due to a systematic error such as selection bias.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Obesity in children increases the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Since the prevalence of obesity is growing worldwide and in Iran, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of fatty liver disease in obese children who were referred to pediatric clinic of Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.METHODS: A cross-sectional study on 306 obese children aged 4 to 18 years was done. Demographic data, type of milk in infancy, weight, height, waist circumference and blood pressure were recorded. Liver ultrasonography for sonographic evidence of fatty liver disease was performed and laboratory measurement including fasting blood glucose, insulin, serum lipid profile and liver enzymes was done.FINDINGS: In this study, 306 obese children (178 girls and 128 boys) with a mean age of 9.55±3.2 year enrolled. Fatty liver was diagnosed by ultrasound in 163 (53.3%) of children (92.5% had grade1 and 7.5% grade 2 fatty liver). The average body mass index (BMI) was 24.6±3.3 in subjects without fatty liver and 27.6±4.6 in fatty liver grade1, and 29.6±4.4 in fatty liver grade 2 subjects. Children with fatty liver disease had higher level of insulin, triglycerides and SGPT and lower level of HDL.CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that over half of obese children had fatty liver disease. According to the high prevalence of obesity and fatty liver disease, it is appropriate to apply methods for change in lifestyle and diet and new studies should be designed for treatment of fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) is a new clinical test for measuring muscle spasticity, which is increasingly used in the clinic and research. Only one study has been performed on the validity of the MMAS. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the MMAS and electromyographic (EMG) parameters in assessing wrist flexor muscle spasticity.METHODS: In this concurrent criterion-related validity study, eleven women with first ever stroke resulted in hemiplegia with a mean age 51.82 years (range: 32-69) and mean time since stroke 17.82 months (range: 1-48) participated. Spasticity of wrist flexors using MMAS simultaneously with EMG recordings was assessed. Spearman's rho test was used to calculate the correlations between the MMAS grades and EMG parameters.FINDINGS: There were significant correlations between the MMAS and all EMG parameters including mean amplitude (r=0.64, p=0.02), peak amplitude (r=0.53, p=0.05), duration of activity (r=0.72, p=0.01), latency (r=-0.69, p=0.01), and rise time (r=0.56, p=0.04).CONCLUSION: The significant correlations between the MMAS and the EMG parameters indicate that the MMAS is a valid measure for assessing muscle spasticity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: After respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infection is the most common infectious disease in children that it causes renal scar and high blood pressure if timely treatment is not given. Knowledge of common pathogens and antibiotic resistance patterns for empirical treatment is necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of common uropathogens and their antibiotic resistance patterns in children hospitalized in Amirkola children hospital.METHODS: This cross sectional study was performed retrospectively on the medical records of all children hospitalized in Amirkola children hospital with UTI diagnosis from March 2010 to 2011. Information about age, sex, underlying disease, previous illness history, uropathogens and its antimicrobial resistance was recorded.FINDINGS: Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated pathogens (89%), and then klebsiella (3.1%) and pseudomonas aeruginosa (3.1%) were more common. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of isolated pathogens showed maximum resistance to ampicillin (88%) and cotrimoxazole (63%) and the least resistance to nitrofurantoin (9%) and amikacin (11%). The frequency of multidrug-resistant pathogens was 56.4%.CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that E. coli is the most common germ that causes urinary tract infection and drug resistance to ampicillin and cotrimoxazole is the greatest.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: More than one third of elderly people experience fall annually and 20 to 30 percent of it caused moderate to severe injury. Fall related injuries are the leading cause of injury death and disabilities among older adults and its health care cost is high. So the aim of this study was to survey the fall frequency at home and its related factors among the elderly in Babol city, Iran.METHODS: This cross sectional study was performed on 350 elderly residents in Babol city from December 2009 to May 2010. By Strata sampling (according to socio economic status) the elderly people were entered in the study according to their population in each strata by randomization. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire including demographic characteristics, fall-related characteristics and program for fall prevention at home (good, moderate and weak).FINDINGS: The fall incidence rate at home was 35.1%. In 62.2% of homes, program for fall prevention was good and in 37.8% was moderate or inadequate. There was a significant correlation between program for fall prevention and fall incidence (p=0.000). Most falls occurred on the stairs (24.9%). In this study, there was a significant correlation between fall incidence and age over 75 (OR=2.51, CI95%: 1.26±5.06), history of disease (OR=4.55, CI95%: 2.14- 9.71), balance disorders (OR=2.37, CI95%: 1.12-5) and consumption of hypnotic drugs (OR=6.48, CI95%: 3.48-12.06).CONCLUSION: Considering the elderly population is growing in our country, so that good planning is needed to prevent and decrease the fall incidence at home.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The most common and important epidemiological index for the assessment of dental caries is the DMFT index. This index is an important factor for showing tooth and mouth health condition and has an important role in hygiene decisions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the DMFT index of first permanent molar in 12 years old students in Babol in order to be considered in health program planning.METHODS: This cross sectional study was performed on 440 public school students aged 12 years old (220 girls and 220 boys) in Babol. They were selected using randomized multistage cluster sampling. Oral examination was carried out in sitting position and natural light and using dental mirror and explorer by senior dental students. Obtained data was recorded in the information form. For observing every decayed, missing and filling tooth in the first molar tooth number one is given. At the end these numbers were added together to achieve DMFT6.FINDINGS: The amount of DMF6 was variable from 0 to 4 and its mean was 1.59±2. It was more significant in the boys than the girls (p=0.002). Also the results showed that caries teeth were 80.4% (85.1% girls and 68.8% boys), extracted teeth were 6.7% (4.3% girls and 8.4% boys) and filling teeth were 12.8% (10.6% girls and 22.8% boys) of DMFT index. The difference between girls and boys was significant (p=0.008). The number of decayed permanent first molar in the mandible was more than maxilla and on the right side was more than left.CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that DMFT6 is high in 12 year old students of Babol. So planning about the tooth and mouth health is recommended.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Foreign body aspiration in a normal mechanism of voluntary muscles with swallowing reflex will be stopped. In children, foreign body aspiration is more common that threaten life. Early diagnosis of disease in the asymptomatic stage and emergency treatment of bronchoscopy is very important. In this study, bilateral foreign body aspiration in infant with right and left bronchus and bronchoscopy was reported.CASE: A 20-month-old infant presented with dyspnea and fever and with suspected history of foreign body aspiration about three months ago that was treated for pneumonia at hospitals twice. On physical examination, bilateral wheezing in lung auscultation and respiratory distress was found. According to patient's history, physical examination and chest x-ray, bronchoscopy was performed. Seed was found from left and right bronchus, and then the patient was discharged in a good condition.CONCLUSION: Foreign body aspiration is unusual, especially in the early childhood and rarely may involve both bronchus. Foreign body aspiration can be misdiagnosed as pneumonia and asthma. Thus emergency bronchoscopy is necessary.