Journal of Gorgan University of Medical Sciences
Year:2012 | Volume:14 | Issue:2 (42)|Papers Count:25

Background and Objective: Neurotrophic factors are diffusible polypeptides that have critical roles in survival, proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. This study was done to assess the role of neurotrophic factors (CNTF, BDNF, GDN F, NT- 3) expression and proliferation rate of neural stem cells (NSCs) in coculture with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, NSCs and MSCs were isolated from adult Wistar rat. Initially, NSCs was harvested from temporal lobe after mechanical digestion by a sterile flamed Pasteur pipette and enzymatic digestion with trypsin and Dnase. The cell suspension was cultivated in a flask with DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with 10% FBS 100U/ml Penicillin and 100 mg/ml Streptomycin. To obtain MSCs, bone marrow of femur and tibia bones were flashed out and cultured. MSCs and NSCs cocultured by transwell system in DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with 10% FBS 100U/ml Penicillin and 100 mg/ml Streptomycin. Haemocytometer, immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR methods were performed to identify and evaluate cell proliferation, purity levels and neurotrophic factors expression.Results: There is no differences in NTFs profile of neurotrophic factors expression between coculture group and control NSCs, but interactions between MSCs and NSCs significantly promoted NSCs proliferation (P<0.05).Conclusion: This study showed that coculture of NSCs with MSCs might be prfered in cell-therapy than NSCs.

Background and Objective: Chronic diabetes mellitus is accompanied with enhanced oxidative stress and reduce the activity of antioxidant defense system. Due to significant role of enhanced oxidative stress in development of renal damage in diabetices, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of chronic administration of Silymarin on oxidative stress markers in renal tissue of diabetic rats.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: control, silymarin-treated control (100 mg/kg bw), diabetic, and silymarin -treated diabetic groups (50 and 100 mg/kg bw). Silymarin was administered (daily and intraperitonealy) ten days after Streptozotocin injection for 4 weeks. Tissue level of malondialdehyde and nitrite and nitrate and activity of superoxide dismutase in kidney tissue were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests.Results: A significant increase in tissue level of malondialdehyde, nitrite and nitrate in diabetic rats were observed (P<0.05). Silymarin treatment (100 mg/kg/bw) significantly reduced the tissue level of Malondialdehyde, nitrate and nitrate (P<0.05). Non-significant reduction of activity of superoxide dismutase was observed in diabetic rats and Silymarin treatment (50 and 100 mg/kg bw) did not significantly altered enzyme activity.Conclusion: Four weeks treatment of Silymarin (100 mg/kg bw) reduce oxidative stress indexes in renal tissue of diabetic rats.

Background and Objective: In recent years, 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) consumption is prevalent among young people. It has adverse effects on central neural system and other organs. This study was done to determine the effect of MDMA on pituitary-gonadal hormonized axis in immature male rats.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 35 immature male Wistar rats with approximate weight of 90±10 gr, age range of 40-45 days were allocated in five (n=7) including experimental I, II, III, control, and shem groups. Animals in the experimental I, II, III have received 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg bw of MDMA intraperitoneally after 14 days, respectively. Animals have received saline normal in shem group while the controls did not receive any substance. The blood samples and testes have collected. The serum FSH, LH, and Testosterone concentrations and testes weight were determined. Data analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests.Results: Testosterone hormone concentration significantly increased in experimental groups (4 and 8 mg/kg bw) in comparison with control and shem groups (P<0.05). Concentrations of FSH and LH in the experimental groups (2 and 4 mg/kg bw) significantly reduced in comparison with shem and control groups (P<0.05). Testes weight significantly reduced in experimental groups (4 and 8 mg/kg bw) compared to control and shem groups (P<0.05).Conclusion: This study showed the MDMA has adverse effect on pituitary-gonadal axis and tests weight in immature male Wistar rats.

Background and Objective: Schizophrenia is a disorder characterized by a chronic recurrent course. Despite the availability of an ever-expanding range of typical and atypical antipsychotics, a substantial proportion of patients with schizophrenia show a partial or total lack of response to antipsychotic monotherapy. This study was done to evaluate the clinical effects of Ginkgo biloba as an adjunct to the Risperidone and Biperiden in the treatment of chronic schizophrenic patients.Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was carried out on 60 chronic schizophrenic patients in Sina hospital Shahrekord, Iran during 2009-10. Schizophrenia was diagnosed by DSM-IV-TR criteria. Subjects were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Two groups were matched according to the age, sex, education, duration of illness. Patients in interventional group received Risperidone up to 6mg/day, Biperiden 4mg/day and Ginkgo biloba 240 mg/day for 12 weeks. The control group received Risperidone up to 6mg/day and Biperiden 4mg/day for 12 weeks. The scales for assessment of positive symptoms (SAPS) and assessment of negative symptoms (SANS) were recorded in prior, 6th and 12th weeks. Data analyzed by using SPSS-15 and student t-test.Results: The mean score of positive symptoms were 55.7±2.1 and 74.4±2.3 in interventional and control groups, respectively (P<0.05) after 12 weeks. The mean score of negative symptoms were 63±1.3 and 69.3±1.8 in interventional and controls, respectivley (P<0.05) after 12 weeks.Conclusion: This study suggested that the use of Ginkgo biloba as an adjunct to Respridone and Biperiden was more effective than Risperidone with Biperiden regimen improving psychological condition of chronic schizophrenic patients.

Background and Objective: The quality of life is adversely affected by type 2 diabetes as a serious metabolic disorder. This study was done to investigate the effect of aerobic training and drug intervention on quality of life in women with type 2 diabetes.Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 52 women with type 2 diabetes divided into four groups including aerobic training with full medicinal doses (group I), aerobic training with half medicinal doses (group II), full medicinal doses without training (group III) and half medicinal doses without training (group IV). Subjects in aerobic training groups participated in 8 weeks training program. Duration of each training session was 45 minutes from the beginning and increased gradually until 105 minutes. Full medicinal doses included Metformin (500 mg) and Glibenclamide (5 mg). Half medicinal doses included Metformin (250 mg) and Glibenclamide (2.5 mg), daily. Subjects without training did not participate in any physical activities. Quality of life was assessed using SF-36 questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS-18, ANOVA and t dependent tests.Results: There was no significant difference regarding quality of life between groups at pre-test. After the intervention, the quality of life in group I significantly increased (P<0.05). In group II, all subscales of the quality of life increased; however, only social function was significant (P<0.05). In group III, all subscales of the quality of life decreased; however, physical function, emotional and pain were significant (P<0.05). In group IV, the quality of life significantly decreased (P<0.05).Conclusion: Aerobic training with full medicinal doses could improve the quality of life in women with type 2 Diabetes.

Background and Objective: Increasing the intensity of training is one of the factors that improve the athletic performance. Evaluation of psychological and biochemical factors is believed to be beneficial for evaluating the effectiveness of training schedule. Previous studies have shown that there are various responses to the training intensity due to the level of athlete’s fitness and the kind of training. This study was done to investigate the effect of intensive training on salivary level of cortisol, testosterone, α- amylase and mood of elite adolescent wrestlers.Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on fifteen adolescent wrestlers of Iranian national team during 2009. The subjects were under extension training for three weeks. The saliva samples were taken prior, first, second and third weeks of training to determine cortisol, testosterone and α-amylase level of salivary samples. Also, the Brahms questionnaire was used to assess the mood profile before and after the training. Data were analyzed using SPSS-14, ANOVA and student t-tests.Results: There were no significant differences of salivary cortisol (7.69±0.75, 8.1±0.93 ng/ml), testosterone (82.3±0.89, 64.2±1.7 ng/ml), a-amylase (98.81±1.35, 84.2±1.5 U/ml) level and mood (16.4±3.28, 20.08±2.91) of subjects’ prier and after training.Conclusion: This study indicated that the intensive training does not alter salivary hormones level and mood of elite adolescent wrestlers.

Background and Objective: Neuropathy is a diabetic burden which can causes traumedous complications on affected indivitals. This study was done to compare the speed of walking, balance and proprioception of knee and ankle joints between type 2 diabetes and healthy subjects.Materials and Methods: This case – contorl study was carried out on 22 diabetic and 22 healthy subjects in Shiraz, Iran during 2010. Speed of walking, repositioning of some angles in knee and ankle joints and balance time (Tandem position) were measured for all subjects. Sensory neuropathy tested using neuropathy total symptom score-6 (NTSS-6).Results: There is no significant difference between two groups due to speed of walking, but mean time of balance in diabetic patients (32.01±38.03) was significantly less than healthy subjects (71.18±65.15). The average error in repositioning of joint angles in diabetic patients was more than healthy subjects (P<0.05).Conclusion: Balance time and walking speed is lower in diabetic patients which can be due to neuropathy.

Background and Objective: The vaccination against hepatitis B is a front line defence for all at-risk groups. Conventional methods of hepatitis B vaccination (0, 1 and 6 months) are considered a long process. But vaccination at shorter intervals (0, 10 and 21 days) is suggested to achieve rapid immunity. This study was carried out to compare for the protective antibody level against hepatitis B in accelerated and conventional vaccination.Materials and Methods: In this descriptive and analytical study 160 health personnel of Imam Reza hospital of Kermanshah, Iran with no history of vaccination against hepatitis B were selected and divided into two groups during 2009. The volunteers were received vaccination according to accelerated (0, 10 and 21 days) and convetional (0, 1 and 6 months) methods. The antibody titer measured two years after the final dose of vaccination. The acceptable level of antibody was considered higher than 10 IU/ml.Results: After two years the acceptable level of antibody was observed in 94.5% and 97.9% of subjects in accelarated and conventional methods, respectively. This difference was not significant.Conclusion: This study showed that there are not significant differences between accelerated and conventional methods in antibody production against hepatitis B antigen.

Background and Objective: The incidence of ectopic pregnancy is increasing due to artificial reproductive technology and increasing rate of sexual transmitted diseases. Ectopic pregnancy is the most common cause of maternal mortality in the first trimester and it reduces the chance of future successful pregnancy. Identifying the risk factors can help to reduce the maternal mortality and morbidity due to early diagnosis and on time treatment. This study was carried out to assess the risk factors in ectopic pregnancy in northern, Iran. Materials and Methods: This case control study was carried out on 150 patients with ectopic pregnancy as cases and 300 women with normal pregnancy as controls. The subjects were selected from teaching hospital in Babol in northern Iran, during 2005-09. The risk factors include history of tuble surgery, ectopic pregnancy, cesarean section, pregnancy with IUD, infertility, assisted fertility with IUI, multiple partner, pre-eighteen years marriages were recorded for each subject by direct interview and file. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and Chi-Square and exact Fisher tests.Results: Theraputic assisted fertility with IUI (95% CI: 3.02-185.09, OR: 23.6, P<0.05), previous ectopic pregnancy (95% CI: 1.90-73.94, OR: 8.19, P<0.05) and cesarean section history (95% CI: 1.1-2.6, OR: 1.7, P<0.05) increased the possibility of ectopic pregnancy. There was not significant differnces between pre- eighteen years marriages, infertility history and multiple partener in cases compared to controls.Conclusion: This study showed that assisted fertility with IUI, previous tubal surgery, pregnancy with IUD, previous ectopic pregnancy and cesarean section are the main risk factors of ectopic pregnancy in northern, Iran.

Background and Objective: Musculoskeletal injuries are the common causes of disabilities among young patients. This study was done to establish the causes and clinical evidences of bone and joint injuries among young patients in Gorgan, Iran.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 600 subjects with musculoskeletal injuries referred to 5 Azar teaching hospital in Gorgan, north of Iran during 2009. Age, sex, type of initial treatment, and location of injury and medical treatment for subjects were completed. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16, Chi-Square and student t-tests.Results: The mean age of subjects was 25±7 years. 83% of subjects were male. In 37% of injured people, time of accident was between 12 to 18 o’clock. The most common causes were car accident (49.7%), workplace injury (15.3%), falling down (10.3%), respectively. Street (38.3%) and road (18.7%) were the location with high accident. Fractures (71.7%), soft tissue injuries (48.3%) and dislocation (8.7%) were the most common injuries. Upper and lower limb were the most common in injury and fracture, respectively.Conclusion: This study showed that young men are more prone to accident and occupation injuries.

Background and Objective: Infection with HBV is the most common chronic viral infection and mortality in children. Prevention of this infection with vaccination is vital. This study was done to compare the antibody level in post hepatitis B vaccination in children with 12-15 and 21-24 months age.Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 186 children with 12-15 (group I) and 21-24 (group II) months age who had not infected with hepatitis B infection in, Bandarabbas Iran during 2009. The parents were HbsAg negative, without immunodeficiency diseases and did not receive hepatitis vaccination, blood or blood products transfusion. Age, gender, birth weight, breast feeding duration and gestational age were recorded for each child. Hepatitis B antibody level was measured with ELISA method. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and student t-test.Results: Antibody level in group I (231 mIU/ml) was significantly higher than group II (142.9 mIU/ml) (P<0.05). There were not significant differences between males and females. Antibody level was not significantly corrolated with body weight, gestational age and breast feeding duration. Antibody level lower than 10 mIU/ml were observed in 4.34% of group I and 20.8% of group II. This difference was significant (P<0.05).Conclusion: This study showed that the protective effect of vaccination reduced after six months of final dosage.

Background and Objective: Glaucoma is one of the most important causes of blindness worldwide. Exact determination of intra ocular pressure is important for the diagnosis and decision making about glaucoma treatment. Central corneal thickness is considered as effective factor on intra ocular pressure and visual field defect. This study was carried out to determine the relationship between central corneal thickness, intra ocular pressure and visual field in normal tension and primary open angle glaucoma.Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 45 eyes with normal tension glaucoma and 45 eyes with primary open angle glaucoma in Al-Zahra ophthalmology hospital in Zahedan, Iran during 2010. Intra ocular pressure and central corneal thickness were measured by Goldman tonometer and pachymeter and visual field exanimated by Humphrey perimeter. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16, paired t-test, ANOVA, Mann–Whitney and Pearson corlateion tests.Results: There was significant correlation between central corneal thickness and intra ocular pressure (r=0.309, P<0.05). A significant difference was detected in intra ocular pressure between two types of glaucoma (P<0.05). Mean value of central corneal thickness in patient with mild visual field defect was higher than severe visual field defect but there was not significant statistical difference between central corneal thickness and visual field defect in subjects with glaucoma.Conclusion: This study indicated that increasing corneal thickness is accompanied with intra ocular pressure.

Background and Objective: The staging of gastrointestinal cancer has an important role in the treatment of tumor. This study was done to determine the efficacy of endosonography method for determining the stage and deepth of esophagus and stomach cancers.Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, endosonographic staging was performed in 23 patients (15 male and 8 female) with esophagus and stomach cancers, confirmed with pathologic findings in Taleghani hospital, Tehran, Iran during 2002-04. The results of surgical staging compared to preoperative endosonographic method.Results: Mean age of 23 patients was 57.2 years (43-72 years). 30% and 70% of the patients had esophageal and gastric cancers, respectively. The accuracy of endosonographic staging of esophagus and stomach cancers was 82%. The accuracy of diagnosis, positive and negative predictive value of cancers in assessment of the depth of the tumor by endosonography procedure was 79.4%, 69.6% and 84.9%, respectively.Conclusion: Endosonography is a precise method for evaluating depth and staging of tumor and lymph node involvement.

Background and Objective: There is a genetic background for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Due to increase metabolic disorders, lipoproteins, impaired glucose tolerance, and hypertension in PCOS patients, this study was done to determine the cardiovascular risk factors in first relative member of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome in Shiraz, Iran.Materials and Methods: This case - control study was carried out on 107 parents and siblings of women with PCOS as cases and 107 non-PCOS parents and siblings of women as controls in Shiraz, Iran during 2007-08. Demographic characteristic, BMI, obesity and blood pressure were recorded for all subjects. Serum lipoproteins including total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL and fasting blood sugar were measured in cases and controls. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16.5, independent t-test, Chi-Square and Kappa tests.Results: 35.3%, 26.5%, 11.76% and 5.8% of fathers in cases were considered as overweight class I, class II, and class III of obesity, respectively when compared to controls. This difference was significant (P<0.05). Waist –hip ratio in mothers in cases (25.6%) and controls (17.9%) were higher than 0.85. Waist –hip ratio among the sisters in case and control groups were 23.5% and 17.6%, respectively (P<0.05). Hypertension was observed in 12.2% of cases and 3.7% of controls. This difference was not significant. High level of triglyceride was determined in 14.94% of cases and 6.5% of controls. A significant correlation was found between BMI and diabetes II in case and control groups (P<0.05). Disorder in glucose tolerance test (GTT) in case and control groups was 19.62% and 7.47%, respectively (P<0.05). The obesity was found in 18.7%, 6.54% in cases and controls with disorder in GTT (P<0.05).Conclusion: This study showed that obesity, central obesity, high level of serum lipoproteins and hypertension among first relative member of patients with PCOS are significantly higher than the controls.

Background and Objective: Budget reforming and distribution of source is considered as one of economic bases of health and treatment. In the ministry of health, performance based budgeting has been performed since 2000. This study was done to identify barriers of operational treatment budget in Islamic Republic of Iran, ministry of health and medical education.Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, data were gathered by questionnaires to identify the barriers in six parts including: human resource, financial management system, financial information system organization structure, performance measurement system and legal necessities during 2007. The questionnaires were distributed among 80 executive staffs that were responsible to perform operational budgeting plan. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16, fisher's exact test, Karl Pearson, Spearman correlation coefficient tests and Entropy criterion.Results: Disorder in commitment accontity statistical aconite system (0.1464), financial information system, weakening of quantity and proper index (0.1442) for estimating performance program performance measurement system were identified as major barriers. In organizational structure, assignment of authorities and responsibilities for managers and expert were identified as the most priorities (0.1447) of weakness of exact cost controlling system (0.1450) allocated the most rating in the financial management system. Staff resistance (01449) was with high rating in human resource dimension. Weakness of rules and internal guidelines for establishment of mentioned budgeting the highest rate in legal barriers.Conclusion: This study indicated that there is correlation between financial information, performance measurement, financial management systems, organizational structure human resource with barriers of budgeting establishment.

Background and Objective: Trauma is the most common cause of death in all individuals between 1 and 44 years and the third most common cause of death regardless of age. The abdomen is the third most commonly injured region of the body. Some intra abdominal organ injured more than others, related to mechanism of injury, size and location of organ in abdominal cavity. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intra abdominal injuries due to penetrating trauma.Materials and Methods: This retrospective descriptive study was done on 114 patients admitted to 5 Azar Hospital in Gorgan, Iran due to penetrating abdominal trauma during 2002-07. Gender, age, type of injury causes of trauma and hospitalization period were obtained from patients files.Results: 92.1% of patients were male. The mean age of subjects was 24.8 years (9-70 years) with highest frequency between 20-24 years. Two (1.8%) deaths directly related to abdominal stab wounds related to hemorrhagic shock. The most common cause of penetrating abdominal injury was knife wound (78.9%). The mean time spent in hospital was 4.6±2.8 days. In 53 patients, cause of trauma was either related to penetration into peritoneum or passing through in. Small intestine injuries (14 %), rupture of diaphragm and concurrent lung injuries (7%) were the common damage organs.Conclusion: This study showed that the knife was the main cause of abdominal penetrates trauma and peritoneum was the most common damage tissue.

Background and Objective: Multiple Sclerosis is one of the most common and disabling neurological disease. Recent studies reported the possible role of serum uric acid in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. This study was done to examine the role of serum uric acid in patients with multiple sclerosis.Materials and Methods: This case - control study was carried out on 70 multiple sclerosis patients as cases and 70 healthy subjects as controls in teaching hospital in Rafsanjan, Iran during 2010. The two groups were matched in age and gender. The serum uric acid level of subjects in case and control groups was measured by enzymatic colorimetric method. Data were analyzed using SPSS-17 and student t-test.Results: The mean serum uric acid level in cases and controls was 3.871±1.193 mg/dl and 4.171±1.39 mg/dl, respectively, this difference was not significant. Also, there was not significant relationship between serum uric acid level and gender in multiple sclerosis patients.Conclusion: This study indicated that the serum uric acid level is not changed in multiple sclerosis patients compared to controls.

Background and Objective: Risk factors of tuberculosis vary in communities according to different socioeconomic conditions. Knowing these risk factors help to control the disease. This study was done to determine the main risk factors of pulmonary tuberculosis acquisition in hospitalized patients.Materials and Methods: In this data based, case-control study 173 tuberculosis patients (as cases) and 305 non tuberculosis patients (as controls) hospitalized in Razi hospital in Ahvaz, Iran during 2001-07 were gone under investigation. Risk factors included injecting drug addiction, smoking, HIV infection, diabetes mellitus, imprisonment and corticosteroid usage. Data were analyzed using SPSS-13, Chi-Square and Fisher exact tests. Odds ratio was determined for risk factors.Results: Frequencies of the main risk factors in case and control groups were as: smoking; 54.3%, 14.8% (p=0.0001, OR: 6.5), HIV infection; 11.5%, 3% (p=0.0002, OR: 4.3), injecting drug addiction; 18%, 3.3% (p=0.0001, OR: 6.7), diabetes mellitus; 22.5%, 5.9% (p=0.0001, OR: 4.6) and imprisonment; 20.2%, 3.9% (p=0.0001, OR: 6.2), respectively. Corticosteroid use and renal failure were similar in cases and controls.Conclusion: This study showed that smoking, HIV infection, injecting drug addiction, diabetes mellitus and imprisonment were the main risk factors for tuberculosis acquisition in this region.

Background and Objective: Passive smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of pregnancy complications. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between self-reported exposure to passive smoking and urinary cotinine level of the pregnant women.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 108 non-smoker pregnant women referred to Arash hospital in Tehran, Iran for delivery during 2010. A questionnaire including smoke exposure during pregnancy was completed for all the participants. Urine samples were collected from the mothers in the delivery room. The urinary cotinine levels were measured by ELISA method. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16, Student t-test, Chi-Square and one-way ANOVA tests. The Kappa test was used to evaluate the variability of mothers which report exposure to passive smoking with maternal urinary cotinine level.Results: The geometric mean cotinine of the maternal urine in the exposed group (27.4±29.96 ng/ml) was significantly higher than the non-exposed group (0.75±2.29 ng/ml) (P<0.05). There was a significant association between maternal reports of cigarette smoke exposure and urinary cotinine (Kappa=96%) (P<0.05).Conclusion: This study indicated that there is a relationship between maternal self-reporting and urinary cotinine level during pregnancy.

Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents during the peri-operative period is rare but with significant morbidity and mortality. A 21 years old pregnant woman with preeclampsia was scheduled for an emergency cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. After 18 hours of operation, epilepticus status was occurred. One day after control of seizure, aspiration pneumonitis was diagnosed and treated with mechanical ventilation and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). In patients with the history of loss, consciousness, complication of aspiration, aspiration pneumonia and pneumonitis particularly should be considerate. In case of onset of pneumonitis, PEEP treated procedure with other mechanical ventilation is recommended.