Journal of Ilam University of Medical Sciences
Year:2016 | Volume:24 | Issue:3|Papers Count:11

Introduction: Hyperlipidemia is one of the most important risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, and the use of synthetic drugs to reduce blood lipid levels is associated with many side effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of alcoholic extract of borage on the levels of serum lipids compared to lovastatin in mice.Materials & methods: In this study, 70 male mice with the weight range of 25-30 g were randomly divided into 7 groups: control group under normal diet, group with high cholesterol diet (containing 1% cholesterol or CH); the groups with high-cholesterol diet plus various concentrations of borage extracts; and the group with high cholesterol diet plus lovastatin. At the end, blood samples were taken from all animals, and the serum concentrations of blood lipids were determined by the spectrophotometric method.Findings: The results showed that the serum concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-C, and TG of the groups treated with lovastatin and extract were significantly reduced compared to high cholesterol group (P<0.001). The serum levels of VLDL, the ratio of serum concentrations of HDL / LDL, and HDL / CHin the groups treated with the extracts were higher, compared to the group with high cholesterol diet group (P<0.001).Discussion & Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that the borage extract has been effective in the concentration of the blood lipid in hyperlipidemic mice. Probably borage extract with lipid lowering effect is benefitial in treatment or prevention of hyperlipidemia.

Introduction: Associated with obesity, weight loss has increased significantly during the past two decades, which is still one of the most common disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4 weeks of resistance training combined with alfalfa extract on cathepsin S and cystatin C in weight loosed GirlsMaterials & methods: This study was conducted on 28 adolescent girls with weight loss. They were randomly divided into four groups (each group,n=7): exercise, exercise-supplement, control, control –supplement.Resistance exercise training protocol consisted of 4 weeks and 3 days a week with 60% of one repetition maximum (1RM) at the beginning and 80% of 1RM at the end. Supplement groups consumed alfalfa extract1 cc (per kg body weight) and blood samples were taken before and after 4 weeks of the study.Findings: After 4 weeks concentrations of cathepsin S and cyctatinC in exercise group exercise–supplement and Control-Supplement was significantly reduced (p<0.05). But in control group there was no significant decrease (p<0.2).Discussion & Conclusions: This study showed that 4 weeks of resistance training combined with alfalfa extract increased weight, decreased levels of cathepsin S and cyctatin C, which resulted in body composition improvement.

Introduction: The resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains to antibiotics is an important challenge for human health. The aims of this study were evaluation of the carbapenemase resistance and Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) enzyme in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates and determination of their acquired resistance profilesMaterials & methods: In a cross-sectional study, Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were isolated from different clinical specimens during one year. Their acquired resistance profiles were determined by 31 antibiotics from 17 classes and the numbers of Multi-drug resistance (MDR), extended drug resistance (XDR) and pan drug resistant (PDR) strains were determined. In carbapenem resistant strains, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of imipenem and meropenem were calculated by Epsilometer test (Etest) method. Prevalence of the KPC enzyme in these strains was determined by phenotype method using Modified Hodge Test.Findings: Among the 98 isolated Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, the most effective antibiotics were colistin, tigecycline and chloramphenicol respectively. The 99% of strains were MDR and 6% were XDR and no PDR strain was detected. Resistance to carbapenems in these strains were 64.3% for Doripenem, 69.4% for Ertapenem, 58.2% for imipenem (55.1% in E-test method) and 64.3 for meropenem (65.3% in E-test method). Expression of KPC enzymes in 71% of strains was identified.Discussion & Conclusions: This study demonstrates the high prevalence of MDR strains and carbapenem drugs resistance and also high frequency of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) enzyme in the Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates that it shows the urgent revision of the patterns of antibiotics consumption is necessary.

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus is a toxin variety of different functions. Collagen-binding protein (cna)is adhesion Staphylococcus aureus responsible for binding to collagenand the major virulence factor in arthritis and osteomyelitisis an infection. Staphylococcus aureusisa major cause of food poisoning in the world. The setoxin scaassusetoxic shock syndrome, food poisoningthatgenesTSST-1, Seharere sponsible for these effects. The purpose ofthis study was to investigate the presence of virulence genesinstrains of Staphylococcus aureusisolated from clinical samples by Multiplex PCR and an ribiotic resistance.Materials & methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 67 samples were isolated of Staphylococcus aureus, Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out by disk diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines with different antibiotics. Multiplex PCR test was performed in accordance with protocolFindings: The results showed that the susceptibility to vancomycin and linezolid antibiotic 97.1% and maximum resistance to the antibiotic clindamycin 23.9%. Frequency Can gene andTSST-1 gene was reported in clinical samples 41.79%, 8.95%, respectively. As well as, Seh gene was not detected in any of the samples.Discussion & Conclusions: Because of the importance of Staphylococcus aureus in the production of various toxins poisoning, due to the increasing use of food ready to cook serious danger threatening public health. The results showed that the prevalence is common of pathogenic gene scna and TSST-1 in clinical samples.

Introduction: Prenatal exposure to physical stress could affect the behavioral function of offspring after birth and also in puberty.The aim of this study was to determine the effect of prenatal exposures to chronic heterogeneous stress on anxiety-like behaviors in adult male offspring in rats.Materials & methods: In this experimental study, 10 pregnant rats were used in control and stress groups (n=5). The Stress group was exposed to heterogeneous stress from the day of 9 to 19 of pregnancy (10 days). After the end of pregnancy and childbirth, 10 adult male offsprings from each group were selected, using the elevated plus-maze (EPM), the anxiety-like behaviors were studied.Findings: Exposure to stress during pregnancy significantly increased the time spent (P<0.001) and the number of entries (P<0.01) into open arms of the elevated plus maze in the off spring's of stress group compared with the control group. While the time spent in the closed arms (P<0.05) significantly decreased than that in the control group. Time to stay in the center, the number of entries into closed arm and delayed to the first entry into the open arm showed no significant difference between the two groups.Discussion & Conclusions: Exposure to stress during pregnancy reduced anxiety-like behaviors in rats. Probably, the impact of stress during pregnancy on the incidence of these behaviors can change depending on sex and age. More research in this area could help clarify the issue.

Introduction: Children are the most vulnerable individuals in society and oral disease is one of the most common human diseases, especially among this group. The role of oral health behavior is very important in the prevention of diseases; it is, therefore, a top priority for the Ministry of Health and World Health Organization. This study aimed to predict the factors affecting oral health status based on Health Belief Model.Materials & methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 children of 3-6 years age from urban health centers. The data were collected by a researcher made HBM questionnaire. Some of oral health behaviors were surveyed through interviews with mothers and then children's oral examinations were carried out. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software at the significant level of 0.05.Findings: Most of children's mothers participating in the study (96 %) were housewives. Almost half of fathers (48 %) had high school educations. Self-efficacy, cues to action, perceived threat and perceived benefits were significant predictors for oral health behaviors and totally accounted for 33 % of the variance in behavior. In terms of importance in the regression model, self-efficacy was the strongest variable and perceived benefits were the weakest one.Discussion & Conclusions: The findings showed that self-efficacy is the most important variable to strengthening oral health so; it is suggested to promote self-efficacy for promoting oral health status.

Introduction: The lipid compositions of spermatozoa play an important role in its physiological functions. In addition, the available evidence suggests that dietary supplementation with appropriate lipids affects spermatogenesis, sperm quality and sperm motility. The present work was performed since there are only little data on the correlation of serum lipids with endocrine and exocrine integrities of the testis.Materials & methods: The present study was carried out on 60 normal healthy male rats. Then animal euthanasia blood samples were collected by cardiac ponction. The serum concentrations of total cholesterol and triglyceride were measured by method Enzymatic, lipoproteins were determined by method Precipitation and testosterone was measured by Radio Immuno Assay method. Anatomical indices include weight, scrotal circumference; length and width of the testis were recorded. For histo morphometric study (exocrine parameters of the testis); the 5 µ sections were made and stained with Hematoxy line-Eosin. Data were statistically analyzed by the Pearson correlation tests.Findings: Results showed that the serum HDL-c values were significantly correlated with the diameter of the leydig cells (r=0.38; p<0.05), the diameter of the seminiferous tubules (r=0.69; p<0.01), testicular weight (r=0.85; p<0.001), scrotal circumference (r=0.38; p<0.05) and as well as serum levels of testosterone (r=0.85; p<0.001). Serum triglycerides value was also inversely correlated with the diameter of the leydig cells (r=-0.82; p<0.001) and germinal epithelium height (r= -0.79; p<0.001). In addition, the serum levels of VLDL-c was inversely correlated with the diameter of the leydig cells (r=-0.73; p<0.01) and germinal epithelium height (r=-0.81; p<0.001). Furthermore, the serum triglycerides levels had significant correlation with the testis weight (r=0.81; p<0.001).Discussion & Conclusions: Upon to these results, it is concluded that anatomical and histomorphometrical indices of the testis are correlated with serum levels of HDL-c and also the triglycerides and VLDL-c values are inversely correlated with endocrine and exocrine integrities of the testis in the rat.

Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of nosocomial infections. Different mechanisms of drug resistance and acquired-resistance genes from other bacteria, caused the treatment of infections of this opportunistic pathogen with serious problems. So even with the newer antibiotics, the treatment has failed. The use of medicinal plants is one way to develop antimicrobial agents. Given the widespread use of Urtica Dioica and Zataria multi floraherbs in traditional medicine and the potential effects against many infectious agents are going to eveluate the antibacterial effect of methanoland acetone extracts of Urtica Dioica and Zataria multiflora against metallo beta-lactamase producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa carring bla VIM and bla IMP genes.Materials & methods: This study was performed from October to February year 2014 on 448 burn patients hospitalized in Shahid Motahari Hospital, Tehran. For all MBL-producing strains, antibiotic resistance by disk diffusion method were done according to CLSI guide lines.CDDT method for detection of MBL and PCR and Sequencing methods for Identification of metallo beta-lactamase gene, bla IMP and bla VIM, were used. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics meropenem, cefe pime, ceftazidime, cefotaxime, ampicillin, piperacillin/ tazobactam and ceftriaxoneand the minimum inhibitory concentration of methanol and acetone extracts of Urtica Dioica and Zataria multiflora herbs were done based on agar dilution method.Findings: Among 83 imipenem resistant P.aeruginosa strains, 48 (57.9%) isolates produced MBL. PCR and sequencing methods confirmed that these strains were blaIMP-1positive genes, whereas none were positive for bla (VIM) genes. Hospitalized burn patients with MBL-producing P.aeruginosainfection had 4/48 (8.3%) mortality rate. It was demonstrated that Urtica Dioica and Zataria multiflora extracts had a significant antibacterial effect on regular and IMP-producing P. aeruginosa strains.Discussion & Conclusions: Prevalence of MBL-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains among patients is high. Also due to high resistance of chemical drugs, the use of medicinal plants such as Urtica Dioica and Zataria multiflora can be a better alternative for treatment, which requires further studies. In this study the extracts of U.dioica and Z. multiflora had a high antibacterial effect against β-lactamase producing P. aeruginosa isolates.

Introduction: Regarding the increased risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and due to the special attention to fructose as a risk factor for developing NAFLD and obesity in recent years and also due to the lack of papers that have worked on fructose from its natural sources -no artificial sweeteners-, this study was designed to determine the association between dietary sources of fructose and anthropometric indices in NAFLD.Materials & methods: This case-control study was carried out on 57 patients with NAFLD (confirmed by ultrasonography and elevated liver enzyme levels) and 57 healthy subjects matched for age, sex and body mass index in Sheykh-ol-rais clinic in Tabriz. Anthropometric indices were measured by standard method and BMI, Waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Using a food frequency questionnaire, weekly consumption of fruit and vegetables were estimated and using 3-day food records the amount of fructose intake and its proportion of energy and macronutrients was estimated.Findings: The median frequency of weekly fruit consumption and total fructose from energy intake in all participants and the median frequency of weekly fruit consumption in women with abdominal obesity were significantly higher than healthy ones. Although the total fructose intake and BMI in healthy subjects showed a significant positive correlation (p=0.040, r=0.273), but there was no significant difference between weekly median frequency of fruits and vegetables consumption as natural sources of fructose and different BMI levels. After adjusting for confounders, only WHtR was a predictor and other factors have no role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.Discussion & Conclusions: The findings suggest no association between dietary sources of fructose and anthropometric indices in patients with NAFLD.

Introduction: The enhancement of proficiency in any organization especially in health and treatment centers being more exposed to job stress needs to care more about human labor force. Therefore, according to the importance of the efforts of health care providers (Behvarzan) in improving the health system of the country, this article is provided to study the effects of training the skills of coping with stress on the health care providers’ performance.Materials & methods: Regarding the purpose and functional conclusion, the current study is from intervening semi- experimental surveys haring two groups of testing and controlling. The study cases for this research include all the health care providers in health centers in Ilam township during 2014 being 60 people and for some limitations the number was carried out through census and randomly divided into two 30-member groups of testing and controlling. Then, the testing group was given coping with stress instructions. To get desired results in this study, Pierson testing and variance analyzing methods were used.Findings: The results of this research showed that there is a contrary and meaningful relation between job stress and task performance. (p≤ 0/05). It is also shown that training ways to cope with stress did not affect ability elements, authority and the role in health workers’ performance. (p≤0/05) but it affected elements such as support, motivation, reaction and environment in health care providers. (p≤0/01).Discussion & Conclusions: According to the fact considering the effects of training the skills of coping with stress over the job performance among health care providers, it is suggested that training workshops targeting coping with stress should frequently be held for all the staff of health centers as well as health care providers.