Journal of Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences
Year:2012 | Volume:19 | Issue:2 (64)|Papers Count:15

Stroke is one of the most common neurologic disorders with the highest mortality, morbidity, and loss of activity. Its crude annual incidence rate in Iran is 113-149 per 100, 000 population. Due to the relatively young population of our country and their aging in the near future, the stroke incidence will rise significantly. Despite prominent advances in neuroscience and the existence of some effective medications for controlling stroke in the hyperacute phase, one of the most promising therapeutic approaches for these patients is rehabilitation. In this review, we try to outline the principles of stroke rehabilitation, new advances, our experiences, opportunities, and obstacles in Iran, hoping to improve the level of knowledge and quality of care for one of the most demanding and disabled segments of the population.

Background: Insulin-like growth factor 1 has an important role in cell proliferation and growth. Polymorphism in IGF-1 gene changes the level of this hormone and increases the risk of colorectal cancer. The aim of this study is to assess the incidence of IGF-1 polymorphism rs5742612 in Iranian population and to investigate the influence of this polymorphism in increasing the risk of colorectal cancer.Methods: Genotyping of IGF-1 gene was performed in a series of 110 colorectal cancer patients and 110 controls by using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism genotyping (PCR-RFLP) assays. We calculated odds ratio and confidence interval (CI) of IGF-1 genotypes to determine if these polymorphisms are associated with colorectal cancer.Result: No significant association was found between polymorphism of IGF-1 gene (rs5742612) and increased risk of colorectal cancer (p=0.92). The odds ratio for the heterozygous genotype CT versus the normal genotype CC was 1.3 (95% CI: 0.3-6.27) and the odds ratio for the mutant genotype TT versus the normal genotype CC was 0.0. The frequency of the mutant allele was 2.5%.Conclusion: These findings suggest that IGF-1 rs5742612 polymorphism is not associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Background and objective: Osteoarthrosis is one of the most common joint disorders at the old age. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of action potential simulation with lowlevel LASER in reducing pain and improving function of these patients.Materials and methods: This double-blind, randomized, clinical trial was carried out in Zahedan in 2009. After taking written voluntary informed consent, 30 women with knee osteoarthrosis were randomly assigned to two equal groups through a lottery. In LASER group, a low-level Ga-As LASER was applied with a dosage of 9 J/cm2 for 6 minutes, and in Action Potential Simulation group, APS was applied with an intensity of 1 mA for 16 minutes. A 16-session treatment program was performed for both groups. Before and after intervention, we measured pain through Visual Analogue Scale, function with Knee and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and range of knee flexion with goniometer, physical function with WOMAC, muscle atrophy and swelling with tape measure. Paired and independent t-tests were used for data analysis.Results: Knee pain decreased from 7.75±1.58 to 5.37±1.5 in LASER group and from 7.5±1.19 to 6.75±1.38 in APS group and total score of WOMAC decreased from 42±6.54 to 39.12±6.53 in LASER group and from 43.37±11.21 to 39.62±8.86 in APS group (p<0.05). Pain reduction was significant in LASER group compared to APS (p<0.05).Conclusion: The results showed that low-level LASER therapy and APS could decrease pain and improve function of the knee.However, LASER is more effective than APS in decreasing pain.

Background: The biosorption process has found numerous applications due to low cost, availability, biosorbent reuse, and utilization of excess sludge from wastewater treatment facilities.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of dried activated sludge in removing Reactive Orange 3R dye.Materials and methods: For this experimental, laboratory study, dye solutions were prepared in three concentrations: 50, 100, and 150 mg/L. The solutions were then subjected to adsorbent in weights 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 g for various durations (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 hours) in different pH levels (4, 7, and 12). Data was analyzed using Excel software.Results: Increasing contact time from 0.5h to 3h, the dye removal efficiency increased from 56% to 76%. When the weight of the biomass increased from 0.2g to 0.8g, the dye removal efficiency increased from 58% to 72%. High initial iron concentration had an adverse effect on iron removal efficiency.Increasing initial dye concentration from 50 to 150 mg/L decreased iron removal efficiency from 71% to 62%. Freundlich isotherm models could describe the adsorption equilibrium of the dye onto the activated sludge. Freundlich isotherm represented a better correlation compared to other isotherms (R2>0.952). Also, second-order models fit well with experimental data (R2>0.979(.Conclusion: This technology for dye removal from industrial wastewater, in addition to the optimal use of biomass from wastewater, can help resolve the environmental problem of wastewater dye excretion.

Background and purpose: The specific preparatory activities may have different effects on various body systems which are not yet clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a single session of specific preparatory activities on humoral immunity and white blood cell (WBC) immediately and 24 hours after exercise in elite rock climbing athletes.Methodology: Ten elite rock climbing athletes (age 23.3±2.2 years, height 173.6 ±4.8 cm, and weight 64.5±7.3 kg) took part in this quasi-experimental study. Subjects were asked to perform specific exercises for 95 minutes (10 minutes warm up, 75 minutes climbing with different degrees of severity, and 10 minutes cool down). Blood samples were taken before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 24 hours after exercise.Data were analyzed using paired sample Student’s t-test and general linear model (p<0.05(.Results: All levels of immunoglobulins decreased immediately after the activity, but this change was significant only for IGM.White blood cells were increased significantly. However, after the 24-hour recovery period, IgG levels were significantly lower than before and immediately after exercise. IgM and IgA also increased significantly. The WBC counts after 24 hours had no significant difference with the previous levels.Conclusion: This study showed that following changes in humeral immune system variables and WBC count after an exercise in elite rock climbers, a 24-hour rest period can be effective to restore basal levels of these variables. Others may require more time.

Background and purpose: Recent reports suggest that increased homocysteine is a risk factor for heart disease. On the other hand, regular exercise and supplementation of omega- 3 fatty acids have been effective in reducing these diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interaction effect of 8 weeks of aerobic training and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on plasma homocysteine concentration in elderly men.Materials and methods: The statistical sample for this experimental study consisted of 36 male non-athletes in the age range of 57.37±3.37 years. They were selected from Genaveh, Iran, and randomly divided into 4 groups: exercise with omega- 3 supplements, exercise with placebo, omega-3 supplementation, and placebo intake. The 8-week endurance exercise program included 3 sessions per week with pre-determined duration (30-45 minutes) and intensity (55-70% HRmax). Daily dosage of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was 2000 mg. Blood samples were taken after 14 hours of fasting before the study and 48 hours after the last training session.Results: The results showed that, despite a decline by 3.6% in the exercise+omega-3 fatty acids group, 12.4% in the placebo+exercise group (due to higher basal values of this group), and 2.8% in the omega-3 supplement group, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation could not create a significant decrease in plasma homocysteine concentration (p≥0.05(.Conclusion: This study showed that aerobic exercise and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation are associated with a nonsignificant but tangible decrease in plasma homocysteine concentration as a new risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

Background and objective: Kelussia odoratissima Mozaffarian (Umbelliferae family) is one of the Iranian medicinal plants that have nutritional and pharmacological effects. In Iranian traditional medicine, it has been mentioned that this plant has antispasmodic effect and it is used for the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunctions, such as abdominal pain. In this study, we evaluated the effect of alcoholic extract of Kelussia odoratissima Mozaffarian on ileum contractions in rats.Method: Alcoholic extracts were prepared from powdered Kelussia leaves. Ileum samples were placed in an organ bath containing tyrode solution and 1g tension was used before inducing ileum isotonic contraction with KCl (60 mM). Saline or extracts (10% and 20%) were added to the bath and responses were recorded. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey HSD test.Findings: Our results demonstrated that both concentrations of Kelussia significantly reduced the KCl-induced contraction in isolated rat ileum compared to the control (saline) group (p<0.001). No significant difference was observed between the two groups which had received 10% and 20% extracts.Conclusion: In general, it can be concluded that alcoholic extracts of Kelussia odoratissima Mozaffarian inhibit pre-induced contractions in isolated rat ileum and can be used for reduction of intestinal spasms. More experiments are needed to unravel the mechanism underlying this effect.

Background and purpose: Dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems play a critical role in expression of morphine-induced place conditioning, while vitamin C, released from glutamatergic neurons, modulates the synaptic action of dopamine and glutamate. This study investigated the effect of vitamin C on expression of morphine-induced place conditioning in male mice.Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 96 male NMRI mice (20-30g) were randomly divided into 12 groups of 8: control groups received normal saline (10 ml/kg) and treatment groups received morphine (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) and vitamin C (1, 5, and 30 mg/kg) alone and with morphine. The study took place on six consecutive days, consisting of three phases: preconditioning, conditioning, and postconditioning. In the first set, vitamin C alone were administered in conditioning and postconditioning phases to see if they induced conditioned place preference (CPP) or aversion (CPA). In the second set, mice received vitamin C in postconditioning phase after conditioning with morphine.Results: Different doses of morphine (5 and 10 mg/kg, p<0.001) induced CPP (112.06±14.44 and 128.65±16.12 sec, respectively) compared to control group (-9.34±2.04 sec). Different doses of vitamin C alone did not induce any significant CPP or CPA.However, coadministration of vitamin C (5 and 30 mg/kg; p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively) with morphine (5 mg/kg) significantly induced morphine-like CPP (80.4±9.61 and 56.45±13.52 sec, respectively(.Conclusion: Low doses of vitamin C induced morphine-like CPP probably by agonistic action on dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems. Therefore, this vitamin may be useful for controlling compulsive drug-seeking behavior in morphine addicts.

Aim and scope: In recent years, the need to decrease pain and anxiety in patients with acute leukemia during invasive diagnostic and therapeutic measures has been emphasized. This study was performed with the aim of evaluating pain and discomfort caused by bone marrow aspiration under general anesthesia compared with local anesthesia.Materials and methods: This cohort study was performed on 239 patients with acute leukemia under 18 years of age admitted to Dr. Sheikh Hospital in Mashhad during two years. Children undergoing bone marrow aspiration with either general anesthesia with propofol or local anesthesia with lidocaine were compared in terms of pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale), resistance to procedure, and the fear and anxiety during aspiration. Results were evaluated with SPSS software version 16 using t test and chi-squared test.Results: Among the 135 patients who were under general anesthesia, 20.1% showed a slight resistance to apply the anesthesia mask. The least amounts of pain, fear, and anxiety were reported. Among the 104 patients under local anesthesia, 80.2% had physical resistance, 44.4% had severe and very severe pain, and 86.1% showed intense fear and anxiety. In the general anesthesia group, physical resistance (p=0.01), pain (p=0.01), and fear and anxiety (p<0.005) were significantly lower than in the local anesthesia group.Conclusion: In bone marrow aspiration, general anesthesia is more acceptable to children and their parents than local anesthesia. This method can greatly reduce pain, resistance, and fear caused by the aggressive actions during bone marrow aspiration in children.

Background and purpose: In recent years, psychological and physiological effects of music on athletic performance have become an attractive field of research. The present study investigates the effect of various kinds of music on mood characteristics and performance accuracy in skilled and semiskilled female basketball players.Methods: The population for this quasi-experimental study consisted of skilled players (League) and semi-skilled players (PE students). Seventy-two female basketball players (36 skilled and 36 semi-skilled) were selected randomly and assigned to different groups (exciting music, relaxation music, and favorite music). Data was collected in two days using Brunel mood scale and 5-value Zachary scale for measuring the accuracy of basketball free-throw.Results: ANOVA results show that listening to music improved mood characteristics of participants significantly regardless of their skill level (p=0.012). The interaction of test and type of music was significant on mood variables (p=0.01). Favorite music was more effective than exciting music in improving mood properties (p<0.05). In addition, music improved athletic performance regardless of skill level or type of prescribed music (2.58±0.093 in pretest vs.2.88±0.77 in posttest). Also, skilled players had significantly higher performance accuracy than semiskilled players (3.23±0.58 vs.2.54±0.79) (p=0.001(.Conclusion: Results showed that negative emotions such as anger, confusion, depression, fatigue, and stress decreased in athletes regardless of the type of music, and positive mood characteristics, such as feeling strong, increased, which is indicative of mood improvement. Also, music improved the performance level regardless of the skill level or the type of prescribed music.

Background: Various studies all over the world have found support for the predictive validity of the theory of planned behavior with respect to smoking. In the absence of a valid and reliable theory of planned behavior (TPB) questionnaire for tobacco use in Iran, the purpose of this study was to design and assess the validity and reliability of the tobacco use theory of planned behavior scale in Iranian male adolescents.Materials and methods: Four hundred and seven students, aged between 14 and 19 years, served as the subjects of this study. They were selected through multi-stage random sampling. A questionnaire was designed based on Ajzen’s advice. The reliability coefficients were calculated by two different methods: Cronbach alpha and test-retest. Also, in order to determine the validity of the scale, we used three methods, including face validity, content validity, and construct validity.Results: Factor analysis showed that TPB consisted of 4 components (attitude, perceived control behavior, subjective norms, and intention), which explained 61% of common variance.Results show the total test-retest reliability and internal consistency to be 0.84 and 0.86, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis results show that the four-factor model of TPB fits the Iranian sample.Conclusion: The validity and reliability of the Persian version of the tobacco use TPB scale were acceptable and suitable.

Background and purpose: Causes and mechanisms of injury in athletes are an important consideration in sports medicine. This study reviews the frequency of sports injuries in male students participating in the Sports Olympiad 1020 of Khorasan Razavi Province.Methods: The population for this descriptive, cross-sectional study consisted of 1156 male student athletes in two educational levels, including middle school and high school. Data was collected using the Fuller’s damage report form (Fuller et al., BJSM 2006), which includes injured body parts, injury type, cause, and severity.Results: In total, 122 injuries were recorded, including futsal 53 persons (44%), handball 44 persons (36%), basketball 18 persons (14%), and volleyball 7 persons (6%). The most frequent injuries were lower extremities (51%), upper extremities (22%), trunk and spine (16%), and head and face (11%). Most injuries involved muscle-tendinous damage (81%), while the least frequent types were skin (13%) and joint-ligamentous damage (6%). Highest causes of injury were collision between two players (59.86%) and lack of proper warm-up before the match (16.42%(. Damage intensity was low in 67%, moderate in 23%, and severe in 10% of cases.Conclusion: The results showed that injuries occurred most frequently in handball and indoor soccer fields, while basketball and volleyball had the lowest number of injuries. Lower limb injury was the most prevalent, while the head and face were the least frequent injured parts. The most common type of injury was muscle-tendon injury. Collision between players and non-warmed up limbs were the greatest cause of injuries.