JOURNAL OF ILAM UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
Year:2013 | Volume:21 | Issue:1|Papers Count:23

Introduction: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is not only a health problem but also it is a social economic disaster.As the AIDS transmission’s ways are limited, people knowledge of preventing factors, can promote community health.Preventing plan for this disease must be according to the present situation. This study was carried out to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of people and their effective factors (or, the factors affect on the knowledge and attitude) regarding to AIDS.Materials & Methods: In a descriptive analytical cross-sectional study 973 subject were chosen using cluster sampling. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, ANOVA and regression models.Findings: Out of 973 people, 61.4% and 38.6% were male and female, respectively. The most knowledge level of AIDS trans mitssion ways were transmission by sexual contact (96%) and infected needle (96%).House wives had the lowest level of knowledge about AIDS. There was a positive correlation between age and knowledge toward AIDS (r=0.078, P=0.015). The highest knowledge level of AIDS was in age group 20-30.The most important source of information about AIDS was TV.Discussion & Conclusion: Increasing the knowledge of people for the preventing of AIDS is very essential. Public media such as TV and radio must give information to people about the prevention of AIDS.

Introduction: Since stress is considered as an important factor which can affect the releasing of various hormones and metabolism, the aim of this survey was to evaluate the effect of mandatory cold swim stress on fasting blood sugar (FBS), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and serum insulin in male rats.Materials & Methods: This experiment was performed on 30 adult (5-7month) Wistar-Albino male rats (200-250 g weight) which were divided into sham control, control and test groups, randomly (n=10 each group). Test group was given mandatory swim stress in a pool for 1-2 minute but control group was put in the empty pool. Sham control did not undergo stressor during the course of the experiment. OGTT was carried for all animals through the intake of 1 gram glucose until 2 days before the end of experiment course. At e end, the animals were anesthetized by diethyl ether and blood samples were prepared. FBS and OGTT were measured by ordinary methods but serum insulin was measured by ELIZA method.Findings: The findings showed that FBS, OGTT, food and water intake in the test group were significantly increased compared with those of other groups but body weight were significantly decreased compared with those of sham control and control groups.Discussion & Conclusion: The results showed that mandatory cold swim stress affected FBS, OGTT and food and water intake in male rats.

Introduction: It is believed that stress can be present as anxiety or depression which to be increased in infertile women. Relationship between infertility and anxiety is complex and may create a defective cycle. This study was done to through qualitative approach to determine the emotional feelings of infertile women towards psychological support.Materials & Methods: This study was conducted on 28 women with infertility by using of qualitative approach and a purposive sampling method was adopted to select the subjects. Their emotions and perception of psychological supports were assessed by semi-structured interviews. Data collection was done between first of April to first of May and it was continued to the saturation point. All interviews were audio-taped, translated and typed word by then the data were analyzed consecutively.Findings: Data were classified and coded. Analyzing of data revealed four major themes which included psychological experience, communication doctors and medical team, reaction of couple's family and friends.Discussion & Conclusion: Findings showed that infertility is a common condition that could affect infertile couple's life. Regarding to the existence of negative psychological emotion among women with infertility and financial problems, psychologists, physicians and midwives attention to the anxiety and depression problems is essential.

Introduction: Considering the harmful effects of noise stress on the fertility and sex hormones, it is trying to minimize the effects of stress. In this study, it was decided to use zinc and study the protective effects of zinc supplementation on fertilization capacity of male rats exposed to noise stress.Materials & Methods: In this experimental study 40 male Wistar rats with weight of 225±25 grams were divided randomly into four equal groups (n=10). Control group: No exposed to noise stress, Group 2: Exposed to noise with intensity of 90-120 db. And frequency of 300-350HZ and an ordinary one for 50 days at night times. Rats in groups 3 & 4: Exposed to noise stress as mention above and received 300 and 500 ppm of zinc respectively. After 50 days the blood samples of rats in four groups were collected and the plasma level of testosterone, LH and FSH was calculated. Afterwards any group of male rats with ratio of 2: 1 coupled with female ones and after 19 days the pregnant mice scarified and produced fetuses was assessed. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey and Duncan's tests and p value of<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Findings: This study showed that the plasma concentration of testosterone, LH and FSH significantly decrease in rate exposed to noise stress. The number of alive fetuses and weight of them also decreases and the rate of dead and absorb fetuses increased in rate exposed to noise. In this study the role of zinc as a protective agent was well understood.Discussion & Conclusion: we recommend that the living environment of human being to be less affected to this physical pollution. It is suggested that people who live in noisy places a value of zinc uses.

Introduction: Synthetic dyes are used in various industries such as cosmetics and health products, leather, food, leather, plastic, paper and textile industries. Methylene blue is an important chemical aromatic dye which commonly used in textile industries. Due to being aromatic, it is often toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic and resistant to biodegradation. In this study, the efficiency of UV/ZnO system was assessed through the immobilization of nanoparticles on glass as one of the advanced oxidation processes (AOP) for the decolorization of methylene blue.Materials & Methods: This study was conducted as a batch process in a laboratory scale. The nanoparticle powders were immobilized on glass plate with thermal method. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also, UV/vis spectrophotometric was used to assess dye decolorization and the effects of important parameters such as the effect of UV, dye concentration, pH and different intensities of light on the efficiency of process were investigated.Findings: This study showed that the UV agent in the absence of zinc oxide catalyst cannot remove the methylene blue dye, because it cannot individually generate enough decomposing agents (hydroxyl radical). Also, the results showed that the best pH value and radiation intensity were 7 and 3950mW/cm2 in 120 minutes, respectively. The dye decolorization was enhanced with decreasing initial dye concentration.Discussion & Conclusion: The results showed that in this process, the methylene blue dye can be decolorized using immobilized zinc oxide nanoparticles in the presence of UV-C radiation. Due to catalyst immobilization, the recycling and separation of nanoparticles are not necessary in this method. Therefore, by optimization of desired effective parameters it may lead to the complete decolorization of methylene blue in a pilot scale.

Introduction: Epidemiologic studies show that suicide and depression are among the most important mental health problems among societies. Therefore this research was carried out to compare suicidal decisions and depression among the suicide committed and healthy people in Ilam province.Methods & Materials: The comparative casual study was carried out with regard to its utility for applied outcomes. The sample of research included 50 suicide committed individuals and 50 healthy people (nondepressed and non-suicide committed), referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mostafa Khomeini Hospital, and Taleghani Hospital in Ilam in which the individual of experimental group were selected by the method of accessible sampling and the individual of witness group were selected by the method of cluster sampling. These groups were measured by application of BECK Depression Scale and BECK Suicide Decision. The statistical evaluations were carried out using SPSS statistical software. Correlation between the data was assessed by Pearson's coefficient of correlation (r) and T-Test Student.Findings: The results showed that there was a significant difference for the level of depression between the suicide committed and healthy groups (p<0.001). Also, there was a significant relationship between suicidal thoughts and the level of depression. (p<0.001, r=0.79).Discussion & conclusion: The findings validated differences of the level of depression and suicide thoughts among individual of both group. Therefore in order to protect and promote mental health, it is obligatory to consider the effectiveness role of these variables in screening tests and mental health monitoring. It is strongly suggested to carry out a comprehensive study in the domain of depression and suicidal thoughts especially among the youth society and to pay more attention to forecasting role of depression and suicidal thoughts as risk factors to commit suicide in order to prevent this social disorder.

Introduction: Candidiasis is one of the most common opportunistic fungal diseases in humans. This disease is caused by a fungus, yeast called Candida. Candida vaginitis is the most important fungal disease in women. Traditionally, in western Iran for the treatment of vaginal infections, many different plant extracts are used. In this study, the inhibitory effect of aqueous extracts of Summer Bulbs was studied on isolated samples of Candida albicans fungal vaginitis.Materials & Methods: The plant samples were dried in a warm, dry and away from direct sunlight condition. And the extract was prepared by standard herbal extraction method. The samples were collected from pediatrics clinics and stored in incubator at 37oC for 24 hours. The effects of extract were evaluated through disk diffusion and the diffusion embedding sink method, and every sample was tested three times.Findings: The aqueous extract of the plant at the concentrations of 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/mL had the least effects on Candida albicans, however at the concentration of 80 mg/mL the diameter of the Candia growth zone on agar was very small.Discussion & Conclusion: Given the presence of saponins in the plant, it was expected to have significant inhibitory effect on the fungus. The aqueous extract of this plant has probably lesser amount of antifungal material, therefore the phenolic or alcoholic extract of this plant should be used.

Introduction: Production and comprehension disorders, in various aspects of language, are common conditions that have been observed among the patient who suffered from CVA. Analysis of these impairments would be effective in their rapid and better treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the type of aphasia and recovery pattern of Kurdish- Persian bilingual aphasic patients.Materials & methods: In this study, Kurdish and Persian versions of bilingual aphasic test (BAT) have been used in order to investigate the type of aphasia and language impairment in three Kurdish- Persian bilingual aphasic patients. They were in hospital because of CVA and damage in left hemisphere. Three other persons without any brain damage or psychological problems were randomly chosen as control group. Their language performance were compared and analyzed in a systematic way.Findings: Data indicated that the aphasic patients have more difficulty and impairment in language production and repetition rather than comprehension, their speech were characterized by a difficulty with function words and inflectional morphemes, their language production were so simplified, paraphasic and telegraphic which contained the lexical words and almost always omitted functional words. Their repetition ability was so weak that they were not able to repeat no sentence correctly.On the other hand, their speech comprehensions were good and satisfactory.Their language profile for Persian and Kurdish were alike, and language deficit and recovery pattern of these two languages showed no significant differences and somehow they were the same.Discussion & conclusion: The results showed that the type of aphasia of these three bilingual aphasic patients whose left hemisphere were damaged is Broca area, in both Kurdish and Persian and the recovery pattern was accord to a parallel model.

Introduction: Test anxiety is a universal phenomenon that affects the educational functions of millions of students for years. Considering high prevalence of that and the negative affection on educational functions of students, several methods have been developed to reduce that. So this research aims at surveying the effect of time management on reducing test anxiety of students.Materials & Methods: In this experimental studies, with the Test Anxiety Questionnaire (TAI) on first grade high school, 60 students were identified with test anxiety condition and randomly put into the experimental and control groups. The experimental group received 10 sessions of time management education and the control group did not receive any intervention. All data were analyzed by using of the SPSS statistical software, version 16, and the statistical test, single variant co-variance (ANCOVA), was applied.Findings: The findings showed that, time management training had a significant effect on the students' test anxiety. Because the achieved significance level of F (29.294) with the 1 and 54 degrees of freedom is less than 0.05. So the difference of anxiety scores between the control and test groups was significant, and with the confidence 95%, it could say that the time management training was effective in reducing the test anxiety. Due to eta squared value, the effect was %35, approximately.Discussion & Conclusion: The time management training could be used as a new method to reduce test anxiety in high school students. The conduction of further researches is necessary to collect time management training programs in accordance with the needs of students.

Introduction: Low dose rate brachytherapy sources have been used widely for interstitial implants in tumor sites, particularly in prostate cancer. Recently, several new designs of 125I and 103Pd sources have become commercially available for clinical applications.Materials & Methods: In this research, dosimetric characteristics of a new IrSeed 125I brachytherapy source has been determined using LiF thermoluminescent (TLD) chips and EBT radiochromic film. Dose distributions around the IrSeed125I source were measured in a Plexiglass phantom using TLD-100 LiF thermoluminescent dosimeters and EBT radiochromic film.Findings: Quantities such as radial dose function, g (r) for distances 2, 3 and 5 cm, and anisotropy function, F (r, q), for angels 0-180o were experimentally determined and the geometry function, G(r, q), was calculated.Discussion & Conclusion: The dose rate constant, L, was measured to be 0.965±0.06 cGyh-1U-1. The dosimetric parameters that have presented for this new source, may have many clinical applications.

Telomere is physically terminal of linear chromosomes composed of a non-coding sequence. Mammalian telomeres consist of a variable number of repeated sequences (TTAAGGG) that is added by telomerase to the 3' end of chromosomes. Telomeres protect chromosomes from degradation, chromosome attachment to chromosomes and prevent other forms of defective recombination. Despite the contradictory role of telomerase dysfunction in specific genetic diseases, association between telomere dysfunction with aging is now open for discussion. The most common way for cancer cells to achieve their specific development into tumor formation is probably through terlomerase activation. Clarify the complexities of controlling telomerase may provide a route to target telomerase activity as a routine method of treatment for many patients with cancer and be considered as a target for therapeutics. In this paper, we have a brief look at the structure and function of telomere and telomerase and then the link between telomerase activity in aging and cancer, and the relationship between different aspects have been investigated in detail. In addition the other roles of telomerase in the body are discussed. Finally, the use of telomerase as a drug target in cancer therapy has been considered.

Introduction: Although cranial suture synostosis as the leading cause of craniosynostosis and its consequences is a relatively common disease in Iran, unfortunately there is no accurate statistics about the type and incidence of the disease in Iran. For the reason, the aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and complications of craniosynostosis in Iran.Materials & Methods: Regarding to the fact that Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences is a referral center for surgical management of craniosynostois, the patients who were referred to this center and undergone into surgical treatment, between 1996-2011 were studied retrospectively.Findings: From 222 patients who undergone into surgical reconstruction for craniosynostosis, the most common groups were plagiocephally (right and left) (37.61%), trigonocephally (37%), brachiocephally (20%) and scaphocephally (4.5%) groups, respectively.Discussion & Conclusion: Since the scaphocephalic patients who need surgical reconstruction, are appeared normal for general population and even for physicians, so their prevalence are underestimated.

Introduction: Periodontal disease in its advanced chronic forms, can involve all or parts of periodontium. While periodontal diseases are accompanied with extensive destruction of periodontal tissues (includeing cementum, alveolar bone, gingival and periodontal ligament), the tissue has a limited ability to regenerate itself. Due to the limited regenerating capacity of the tissue, application of cells with high potency of regeneration may be for the treatment of periodontal disease.Materials & Methods: Cord blood was collected from the umbilical cord vein of 30 mothers who gave informed consent. The isolated mononuclear cell layer was washed in PBS, and then re-suspended in growth medium. The cells were analyzed with flowcytometry for superficial markers. Critical-sized (8 mm) calvarial defects were created in the parietal bone of adult rabbit. Defects were either left empty, treated with a collagen alone, or a collagen with human cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (USSCs). Histology and histomorphometry were performed.Finding: USSCs were positive for the markers CD73 and CD105, negative for the marker CD34 and had the normal karyotype 44XX. Quality of the regenerated bone and its connection to surrounding bone tissue were significantly improved in the treated rabbits.Discussion & Conclusions: Results of the study demonstrated that from the viewpoint of histomorphometric, the rate of lesion regeneration was about 90% higher in the treatment group and the complete reconstruction was accomplished after 8 weeks.

Study of cancer has been always in a great attention in the field of clinical studies. In order to decipher the nature of the disease, it is prominent to evaluate molecular level of it. Advances in molecular sciences have been assisting the evaluation of cancer disorders. Proteomics approaches can accelerate early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Early detection methods of cancer research have been very convenient, but not as practical as proteomics can provide the required sensitively and specificity. In addition, proteomics has been offered the expedient way to discover the whole proteome of the organelle. It is also applied for biomarker discovery, patient monitoring and drug design. Plasma and urine are one of the most beneficial sources for examining biomarkers due to their change as the tumor progresses, these changes are related to protein expression alternations. Collectively, by applying some recent advances in mass spectrometry and bioinformatics in this field, it is possible to account proteomics as one of the most promising methods for assessing biological systems.

Introduction: Amphetamine intoxication is a new life threatening poisoning among children. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and outcomes of children younger than 13 years due to exposure to derivatives of amphetamines referred to Loghman Hakim hospital between 2010 and 2011.Materials & Methods: In this descriptive study, Children (lower than 13 years old) who poisoned with derivatives of amphetamines and referred to Loghman Hakim hospital between 2010 and 2011 were studied. Vital signs, neurologic, psychologic and gastrointestinal findings, laboratory results, electrocardiographic changes, and also their outcomes before discharge were gathered.Finding: Collectively, thirty children were studied. There found 96% agitation, 91%, repetitive movements, 69% insomnia, 60% logorrhea, 94% tachycardia, 84% midriasis, 81% increased deep tendon reflexes, 9% tachypnea, 9% seizures, and 3% hyperthermia. 31 patients (97%) needed intravenous benzodiazepines (diazepam or midazolam). Of them, 12 patients (37.5%) need to administer one dose of intravenous benzodiazepines, 9 cases (28%) required second dose of intravenous benzodiazepines, and 10 cases (31.3%) required repeated doses of intravenous benzodiazepines or benzodiazepine infusion or intravenous use of haloperidol.Discussion & Conclusions: Symptoms and signs of poisoning with amphetamines may be mistaken with meningitis and brain hemorrhage. Hence, knowing the signs and symptoms of this type of poisoning can be treated early to prevent its dangerous side effects.

Introduction: Kawasaki disease happens mostly in children less than 5 years of age and presents itself as an acute and self limiting disease with world wide spread. One of the important consequences of this disease, if undetected, is the cardiovascular morbidity that caused by the disease. The aim of this study was to determine demographic findings about cardiovascular afflicttions in Kawasaki patients.Materials & Methods: The study was a descriptive and retrospective study and data were provided through reviewing of medical records of Kawasaki patients who had been hospitalized between 1998 to 2003 at Imam Hossein and Mofid Children's Hospital.Finding: In the aforementioned period, 97 patients with Kawasaki disease were hospitalized in two centers, 65 (67.1%) males and 32 (32.9%) female).75 (77.3%) patients were under the age of 5 years and 22 (22.7%) were older than 5 years.32 (32.9%) patients had one or more heart involvements. The number of patients with heart involvements were 20 males (62.5%) and 12 females (37.5%). The most heart involvements were pericardial effusion (23.7%) and the least heart involvements were coronary artery dilation and aortic stenosis (2%).Discussion & Conclusions: Timely diagnosis and preventive treatment can prevent the complications of Kawasaki disease. The cardiac rehabilitation program could improve the life quality of the patients.

Introduction: Newcastle disease is an extremely contagious disease that infects many species of birds. Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) belongs to the paramyxoviridae family and genus Rubulavirus. The membrane of the virus particle contains HN and F glycoproteins. Cleavage of the F glycoprotein has a direct relation with the patogenicity of the virus. The aim of this study was to determine the gene and protein sequences of F glycoprotein in virus strains isolated from recent outbreaks in Iran.Materials & Methods: Six NDV Viruses were passaged and their RNA isolated. Using RT- PCR technique, cDNA preparation and amplification of the gene were done. Isolates were assessed by electrophoresis and observed with UV. The isolates were digested with restriction enzyme Pst I. Finally, in order to corroborate the amplified PCR product, DNA of isolates were purified, dried and sequenced.Finding: In this study all of the NDV strains contained a 935 bp band that after digestion with Pst I, produce two bonds 720 bp and 180 bp. Nucleotide analysis showed single base mutations but that was not significant amino acid sequence and analysis indicated no amino acid change in the cleavage site of F protein.Discussion & Conclusions: Absence of point mutations in the cleavage site of F protein illustrated the importance of the maintained cleavage site of protein F among the strains studied.

Introduction: Application of herbals substances has been prevalent in the treatment of neoplasm diseases such as cancers. Lavender has different biological activates and aqueous extracts of the plant has been shown promising future in the treatment of cancer neurodegenerative diseases.Materials & Methods: The lavender plant and its derivative substances were prepared from the herbarium of Shahid Beheshti University. Fibroblast cells were cultured at RPMI 1640 medium (containing 20% fetal bovine serum and 5% CO2 gas at 37oC) to achieve appropriate cell numbers. Microscopic studies were performed in the presents of 100mgml-1 of the extract. MTT assay was applied for cell survival determination in the present of different concentrations of the extract from 0 to 100mgml-1.Findings: Viability test and morphological studies indicated that the population of fibroblast cells decreased significantly at the concentrations of 0 to 100mgml-1 of the lavender extract.Discussion & Conclusion: It could conclude that application of the aqueous extract of lavender should be carry out under certain consideration due to its adverse side effects that might accompany with its effective dosages in cancer therapy. In addition, in vivo studies would be crucial to confirm cytotoxic effects on cancer and normal cells.

Introduction: In the recent years, the role of educational media has been considered to provide information and skills necessary for healthy decision-making and community health promotion. Therefore, evaluation of health education media is essential to improve and promote the quality of health education.Materials & Methods: The study samples included all produced media in all Iran medical universities, offices, and centers affiliated to the ministry of health during 2005 to 2010. All of the media under investigation were categorized by type and topic through software that was designed for this purpose and then, they were analyzed.Findings: Results of this study showed that 16.44% of the media produced in the communicable diseases subject and 13.33% produced in the non-communicable subject. Pamphlet had the highest percentage of the media (34.91%) and Multimedia had the lowest percentage (0.0001%). Study findings also showed that the non-print media comprised only 6% of the mass media.Discussion & Conclusion: Given the important role of educational media, especially new media in Increasing the knowledge and community empowerment, it is recommended to paid more attention to the necessity of new media to inform health educators.

Introduction: The purpose of this research was to compare the physiological and functional variables between grassy and beach soccer players.Materials & Methods: 28 national team players of beach and grassy soccer were randomely selected as a sampel. Some tests such as Kankani's test for measuring aerobic power at the anaerobic thershold, Bosco's test for anaerobic power, 40 yard for velocity and Illinois for agility were done. For analyses of the data, independet t-test between the variables were used.Findings: There were no noticelabe and significant differences in the aerobic power (aerobic power at anaerobic threshold) between grassy and beach soccer players of the national teams (P=0.07). But there were significant differences in anaerobic power (P=0.005), velocity (P=0.35) and agilityn (P=0.005) between beach grassy and soccer players of the national teams.Discussion & Conclusion: There is a difference in the aerobic power, velocity, agility of the grassy and beach soccer players of the national teams and this may be due to the kind of activity, the structure of skill, different conditions of the field and the kind of training conditions. By drawing attention to the relation between these variables, it is expected that if one of these factors is weakened, the another one also will be affected. Furthermore, given the importance of these factors in the performance of the football players, they should be considered as essential needs in the matches.