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Ali Zamani, Alireza Karimi, Mohsen Naseri, Elaheh Amini, Mohammad Milani, Amir Arvin Sazgar, Seyed Mousa Sadr Hosseini, Mohammad Sadeghi Hassan Abadi, Fatemeh Nayeri, Firouzeh Nili, Mamak Shariat, Mostafa Vasigh, Fariba Nasaj, Fatemeh Zamani, Narges Zamani,
Volume 68, Issue 1 (4-2010)
Abstract

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Background: American pediatric Association proposes to screen all neonates with Oto-Acoustic Emission (OAE). In developing countries, because of several limitations, health policy makers recommend to screen only in high risk patients. This study is performed with the aim to screen hearing loss in 950 high risk newborns hospitalized in hospitals affiliated to Tehran University using the OAE test.
Methods: A total of 950 neonates hospitalized in the Neonatal and NICU wards of Vali-e-Asr, Shariati, Medical Center and Bahrami Hospitals during the years 2004-2006 who showed at least one risk factor using TEOAE hearing test were enrolled into this cross-sectional descriptive analytical study and were diagnosed with mild deafness and total deafness. Blood exchange due to hyperbillirubinemia, septicemia, congenital heart disease, the fifth minute apgar scores below six, PROM more than six hours, epilepsia, need to NICU more than five hours, pneumonia and Oto-Toxic drugs were considered as risk factors. Data was past medical history, current disease, admission cause, sign & symptoms and complications of disease.
Results: Multivariate logistic regression and paired t-test showed that blood exchange, low birth weight and low first minute Apgar scores had the highest independent risk for hearing loss among newborn.
Conclusion: Despite of the low prevalence of neonatal hearing loss, screening of hearing loss at early stages is important.


Sattarzadeh Badkoubeh R, Tavoosi A, Heidari K, Rezaei Hemami M,
Volume 68, Issue 5 (8-2010)
Abstract

Background: Estimation of Left Ventricular End Diastolic Pressure (LVEDP) among patients with Mitral Stenosis (MS) helps to diagnose diastolic dysfunction and to explain their symptoms. However, Conventional Doppler measurements have limitation in predicting of LVEDP. This study sought to establish whether the correlation between measurements derived from Tissue Doppler echocardiography and LVEDP remains valid in the setting of severe mitral stenosis.

Methods: Thirty three patients with moderate to severe MS who had indication for left heart catheterization enrolled during 1387-88 in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran. The mean diastolic transmitral pressure gradient and mitral valve area (MVA) were calculated, and Two-dimensional, M-mode, color Doppler and tissue Doppler Imaging indices such as: early diastolic mitral inflow velocity (E), annular early diastolic velocity (Ea), E/A ratio, Isovolemic relaxation time (IVRT), Pulmonary Vein systolic and diastolic flow velocities, Velocity Propagation, LA size, TE-Ea, Tei Index were obtained in maximum three hours before cardiac catheterization. The echocardiography analysis was performed offline without knowledge of hemodynamic data Linear correlation and multiple linear regression were used for analysis. p< 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: In univariate analysis, E/Ea was associated with LVEDP significantly (p = 0.04, r = 0.38). There was also a significant correlation between TE-Ea and LVDP (p = 0.01, r = -0.44). In multiple linear regression Tei Index (ß = 0.4, p< 0.02), and TE-Ea (ß = 0.5, p = 0.02) were showed as independent predictors of LVEDP (R2 = 49%).

Conclusion: Although we observed a moderate correlation between Doppler measurements and LVEDP in patients with severe MS, more similar studies are required.
Koushan A, Sadat Mm, Golbakhsh Mr, Siavashi B, Mehran S, Tajik A,
Volume 68, Issue 5 (8-2010)
Abstract

Background: There are multiple diagnostic methods for evaluation of patients with low back pain with a radicular pattern, each one has it's own accuracy and diagnostic ability and so comparing them with each other would help the clinicians to find the best diagnostic method. The main objective of our study was to compare the diagnostic accommodation of electromyography (EMG) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings in patients with low back pain and radiculopathy.

Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 101 patients with low back pain and radiculopathy attending to Sina Hospital in Tehran, Iran from 2007 to 2009 that had indication for both EMG and MRI were evaluated for their demographic characteristics and disease-related factors.

Results: Totally, 90 out of 101 patients (89%) had abnormal EMG findings and 94 out of 101 subjects (93%) had abnormal MRI results. The concordance rate was 88% (89 patients) with no significant difference (p> 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of MRI were 95.6% and 27.3%, respectively, and the sensitivity and specificity of EMG were 91.5% and 60%, respectively.

Conclusion: According to the results of this study and in comparison with other studies it may be concluded that MRI and EMG are both accurate and use of them in a concomitant manner would result in increased diagnostic ability in patients with low back pain and radiculopathy.
Baharak Akhtardanesh , Mohammad Hossein Radfar , Fatemeh Bagheri ,
Volume 68, Issue 8 (11-2010)
Abstract

Background: Efforts have been made worldwide to identify and to study parasites of laboratory animals, aiming at the achievement of proper procedures for eradication of parasitic infestations, considering the important role of these animals in scientific research. There is no sufficient data about parasitic infestations of Laboratory animals which are kept in conventional systems in Iran. In this scope, peresent study was designed to investigate the presence of ectoparasites and endoparasites in conventionally maintained laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) and in mices (Mus musculus).
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 240 randomly selected rats and mice from two different animal houses in Kerman city, Iran. Skin scraping blood samples and alimentary tract contents of all animals were fully examined for the presence of parasitic infections.
Results: In the first animal house, Nosopsylla fasciatus (flea), Hymenolepis dimminuta, Entamoeba muris and Cryptosporidium spp. infestation were diagnosed respectively in 35.41%, 36.1%, 3.57%, and 1.25% of rat colonies but only Entamoeba muris infestation was detected in 4.58% of mice colonies. In the second animal house, 2.5% and 2% of rat and mice colonies were infected by Entamoeba muris.
Conclusion: Based to presence of asymptomatic parasitic infection in conventionally maintained laboratory animals, regular periodical samplings, precise sanitary monitoring of barrier maintained system, environment and food seem necessary in animal houses. Eradication of parasites could eliminate the confounding effects of these infections on researches and additionally decrease the risk of zoonotic disease transmission to investigators and animal house personnel's.

Bagherzadeh Aa, Tavakoli T, Moshkani Farahani M,
Volume 69, Issue 5 (8-2011)
Abstract

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has proved as an efficient treatment in patients with end stage Heart failure. Previous studies showed the beneficial long term effects of CRT on the severity of mitral regurgitation (MR). The aim of this study was to evaluate acute effects of CRT on severity of MR.

Methods: This study was a double blind randomized trial performed from 1387 to 1388 in Imam Khomeini Hospital. Echocardiographic parameters including severity of MR were measured before and after CRT implantation with different echocardiographic methods.

Results: Patients had a significant improvement in severity of MR (14% Vs. 11% P<0/05), in increasing ejection fraction (18/04 Vs. 24/42 P<0/05) and in decreasing end systolic diameters (6/14 Vs. 5/98 P<0/05) and end diastolic diameters (7 Vs. 6/8 P<0/05) after CRT implantation. The reduction of MR was significantly correlated with the improvement of ejection fraction (P=0.07).

Conclusion: The mechanism of decreasing severity of MR is not yet truly understood and may be different in acute and chronic phases. Correction of left ventricular dyssynchrony might influence the improvement of MR severity. Also, synchronization of papillary muscle and increased transmitral pressure with more forceful mitral valve closure, decreases regurgitation fraction and volumes is proposed for these beneficial effects. If posterior papillary muscle is involved in dyssynchrony, the acute reduction of MR following CRT is expected but if the dyssynchrony is mainly at the lateral parts of left ventricle MR might be improved in longer durations.


Farsavian Aa, Emkanjou Z, Shirali A,
Volume 69, Issue 8 (11-2011)
Abstract

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Background: Distinguishing the origin of ventricular tachycardia (VT) by electrocardiogram (ECG) which is performed in all patients, helps to diagnose the cause of VT before trying invasive procedures. The aim of this study was to compare the ECG findings in patients with VT originating from Right or Left Ventricular Outflow Tracts (RVOT or LVOT).
Methods : Fifty nine patients with VT originating from LVOT or RVOT were selected for this cross-sectional study. The patients were recruited while they were attending Shahid Rajaei Hospital in Tehran, Iran in 2009-2010 for catheter ablation. The participants were evaluated for the prevalence of LVOT and RVOT and were compared for the success rate of radiofrequency catheter ablation.
Results : Out of 59 patients, 44.1% were male and 55.9% were female. The mean age of the participants was 41.67 (SD=13.76) years. QRS transition and notch in ECGs were significantly different (respectively, P=0.027 and P=0.007) between patients with LVOT and RVOT. R-to-QRS duration in precordial leads was significantly longer in patients with LVOT than those with RVOT [0.81 (SD=0.06) ms vs. 0.69 (SD=0.16), P=0.015]. Successful ablation was performed in 73.2% of patients with RVOT versus 93.3% of those with LVOT, but despite a higher rate the differences were not statistically significant (P=0.215).
Conclusion: In this study, RF catheter ablation was successful like other studies on patients with ventricular tachycardia and RVOT VT and LVOT VT had significant differences in notch, QRS transition and R-to-QRS duration in precordial leads which are important in differentiating between the two conditions.


Sedghipour M, Tabatabaei Sah, Sadadi F, Kamal Hedayat D, Nikdoost F, Sate H, Ghorbani Yekta B,
Volume 69, Issue 11 (2-2012)
Abstract

Background: Persistence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in renal transplant recipients is associated with unfavorable outcomes. Calcineurin-inhibitor (CNI) nephrotoxicity is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after kidney transplantation. In this study we compared sirolimus (SRL) with calcineurin-inhibitor as primary immunosuppressants for the attenuation of left ventricular hypertrophy in renal transplantation recipients.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study done in Shariati Hospital in 2010, we evaluated the effects of sirolimus and CNI on LVH of 55 renal transplant recipients. The cases (19) received sirolimus while the controls (36) received CNI while being matched for age and duration of transplantation. Data regarding blood pressure (BP), hemoglobin, serum creatinine, uric acid and lipid concentrations were assessed and changes in left ventricular (LV) mass were evaluated by echocardiography over a one-year follow-up.

Results: Left ventricular mass significantly decreased (P=0.0001) in the SRL group but blood pressure did not differ between the two groups. LV mass and LV mass index both decreased significantly (P≤0.05) but the difference was not associated with changes in BP. The difference in interventricular septal thickness at end diastole (IVSD) and posterior wall diameter (PWD) were significant (P≤0.05) in the SRL group but the difference in end diastolic diameter (EDD) was not significant.

Conclusion: Conversion from CNI to SRL-based immunosuppressive therapy in RTRs is safe and SRL may decrease LVH. SRL seems to be safe and improve renal function without cardiac compromise in kidney transplant recipients.


Khori V, Alizadeh F, Alizadeh Am, Banikarimi A,
Volume 71, Issue 1 (4-2013)
Abstract

Background: The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhi-bitors (statins) have revolutionized the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Some evide-nce indicated the role of nodal refractoriness and concealed conduction in anticipating the ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation. Recent evidence has indicated that statins can reduce the incidence of both supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. The aim of the present study is to investigate adenosine A1 receptor role on simvastatin protecti-ve effects on atrioventricular nodal properties in isolated atrial fibrillation model of rabbit heart.
Methods: The present study was performed in cardiovascular research center of Golestan University of Medical Sciences in 2012. Recovery and atrial fibrillation protoc-ols were used to study electrophysiological properties of atrioventricular node in 5 groups of male Newsland rabbits (n=40). Extracellular recording was carried out from transitional cells of posterior and anterior extension of AV-node and upper part of atrium and its bundle. All stimuli protocols repeated in the presence of adenosine A1 receptor agonist and antagonist (dipridamole and CPX) alone or with simvastatin on isolated perfused atrio-nodal preparation. Extracellular field potential recording was sampled during specific stimulation protocols.
Results: Significant inhibition was observed in basic node properties such as wencke-bach prolongation, functional refractory period, effective refractory period and atriove-ntricular node conduction time with simvastatin (P<0.05). Simvastatin prolonged His-His interval and increased number of concealed beat in atrial fibrillation protocol (P<0.05). The simvastatin protective effects on atrioventricular nodal properties were intensified by dipridamole as an adenosine A1 receptor agonist (P<0.05), but CPX as an adenosine A1 receptor antagonist could only dampen them (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Our results showed that the use of adenosine agonist increased simvastatin effects on electrophysiological properties of atrioventricular node, but its antagonist could not prevent these effects. This may indicate simvastatin protective mechanism on atrioventricular node electrophysiological properties without adenosine direct involve-ment.


Peiman Haddad , Zhaleh Karimimoghaddam , Farshid Farhan , Mahbod Esfahani , Mahdieh Afkhami , Farnaz Amouzegar-Hashemi,
Volume 71, Issue 11 (2-2014)
Abstract

Background: Colorectal carcinoma is a common malignancy, in treatment of which pelvic radiotherapy plays an important role. But this may lead to azospermia. We designed a study to determine the delivered dose to the testis with thermoluminescence dosimetry (TLD) and compare it to the dose calculated by the Three-dimensional planning software. Methods: We measured the testicular doses by TLD the TLDs were fixed to the scrotum in six points anteriorly and posteriorly in two random fractions of the radiation course. All patients received a 50-50.4 Gy radiation dose to the pelvis in a prone position with standard fractionation and 3-dimensional planning, through three or four fields. The average dose of the TLD measurements was compared to the average of 6 relevant point doses calculated by the planning software. Results: In 33 patients with a mean age of 56 years, the mean testis dose of radiation measured by TLD was 3.77 Gy, equal to 7.5% of the total prescribed dose. The mean of point doses calculated by the 3-dimensional planning software was 4.11 Gy, equal to 8.1% of the total prescribed dose. A significant relationship was seen between the position of the inferior edge of the fields and the mean testis dose (P= 0.04). Also body mass index (BMI) was inversely related with the testicular dose (P= 0.049). Conclusion: In this study, the mean testis dose of radiation was 3.77 Gy, similar to the dose calculated by the planning software (4.11 Gy). This dose could be significantly harmful for spermatogenesis, though low doses of scattered radiation to the testis in fractionated radiotherapy might be followed with better recovery. Based on above findings, careful attention to testicular dose in radiotherapy of rectal cancer for the males desiring continued fertility seems to be required.
Behjat Seifi, Mehri Kadkhodaee , Enayatollah Bakhshi, Mina Ranjbaran , Parisa Ahghari , Bahareh Yasrebi ,
Volume 72, Issue 2 (5-2014)
Abstract

Background: The renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) is enhanced in renal failure. Paraventricular nucleus in hypothalamus is an important central site to regulate sympathetic activity. There are angiotensin II (Ang) II receptors in this nucleus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of angiotensin II in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and RSNA. Methods: This study was done at 2013 in Physiology department of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. One week before the induction of renal Ischemia-Reperfusion (IR) in Sprague-Dawley rats, a cannula was inserted into the right PVN for microinjection of different doses of Ang II (3, 30, and 300 ng). Then right nephrectomy was done. After one week recovery, renal IR injury was induced by clamping the left renal artery for 45 minute and then reperfusion for 3 or 24 hour. Ten minutes before the induction of renal ischemia-reperfusion, administration of different doses of angiotensin II were done in different groups. In all animals, left renal sympathetic activity was recorded before and during renal ischemia. After 3 or 24 hours reperfusion the blood, kidney and brain were collected to assay renal function and histology and oxidative stress indices Superoxide Dismutase, SOD and Malondialdehyde, MDA) in PVN. Results: Administration of different pharmacological doses of angiotensin II into PVN exaggerated the renal IR injury. Angiotensin II in different doses increased the plasma creatinine and BUN levels and renal histological markers in comparison to renal IR in-jury (P<0.05). Angiotensin II had detrimental effects on RSNA and oxidative stress in-dices Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) in PVN as the dose was increased (P<0.05). Conclusion: These data showed that the PVN is a responsive site for central Ang II-induced damage in renal IR injury. We suggested the central effects of Ang II in the PVN on renal IR injury are mediated by oxidative stress in the PVN, and the peripheral effects by a sympathetic pathway.
Mohammadreza Kasraei , Hamidreza Abtahi, Niloofar Eyoobi Yazdi, Enayat Safavi, Shahram Firoozbakhsh, Mostafa Mohammady,
Volume 72, Issue 7 (10-2014)
Abstract

Pleural effusion (PE) is common among ICU and acutely ill patients. Traditionally plain chest radiography (CXR) has been done for pleural effusion evaluation in ICU. However, better results have been reported by ultrasound for the diagnosis of this condition in ICU. In this study, we compared two methods of ultrasound and CXR in PE detection in ICU patients. Also we studied the percentage of thoracentesis by physician after detection of PE by ultrasonography or CXR. Methods: Portable supine CXR and chest ultrasound were done in Thirty-nine non-surgical patients who were admitted to the Medical and General ICUs of Imam Khomeini hospital in Tehran from Oct 2013 to Mar 2014. Ultrasound was done and interpreted by radiologist and CXR by patient' physician. Thoracentesis or CT-scan was used as gold standard for PE diagnosis. Results: Ultrasound in 29 patients (74.3%) showed PE. In 21 patients thoracentesis was done by patient’s physician and all had PE with mean volume of 447.2(417.6). In 13 of 18 patients without thoracentesis chest CT scan was available. It shows PE in 6 cases (all with positive PE in ultrasonography). CXR in 9 patients (23.1%) was positive for PE and in 30 patients (76.9%) was negative. The ability of chest ultrasound and CXR for diagnosis of PE was significantly different (P= 0.0.1). In 68.9 % of cases that ultrasound was positive, the CXR was negative and only in 34.5% of cases both methods had negative results. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 100% (87.1-100), 100% (58.9-100), 100% (87.1-100), 100% (58.9-100) respectively for ultrasonography. For CXR there were 33% (16.6-54.0), 100% (58.9-100), 100% (66.2-100), 28% (12.1-49.4) respectively. Conclusion: Ultrasonography for diagnosis of pleural effusion in ICU patients has better diagnostic performance than portable CXR
Omid Moradi Moghaddam, Mohammad Niyakan Lahiji , Valiollah Hassani , Farid Kazemi Gezik, Ehsan Farazi ,
Volume 73, Issue 2 (5-2015)
Abstract

Background: Bispectral Index (BIS) may be used in traumatic brain injured patients with different anatomical sites of injury to evaluate the level of consciousness. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relation between type of brain injury and the presence or absence of frontal lobe damage based on brain CT-scan with BIS monitoring in intubated acute head trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: Participants of this cross-sectional study consisted of 30 intubated head trauma patients over the age of 15 years old, without any known history of visual or hearing impairments, neurologic disorders, mental retardation, or frontal skin laceration, who were admitted to the ICU in Rasool Akram University Hospital, Tehran. Patients who needed muscle relaxant administration, or those who showed instability of vital signs, hypoxemia, disorders of the blood biochemistry, or blood gases, liver or kidney failure, convulsion or hypoxic encephalopathy during the study were excluded. In the first three days of admission, each patient underwent monitoring of BIS every sixty minutes for just six hours a day. All the hypnotic drugs were discontinued six hours prior to the start of monitoring and fentanyl was the only opioid, which was administered if an analgesic was required. Statistical analysis were used to evaluate the data and p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean age of all patients was 43.6 years with a Standard Deviation (SD) of 18.96. Presence or absence of frontal lobe injury, had no statistically significant correlations with mean BIS in each three days of study and the mean BIS total. However, mean BIS in the second and third days had statistically significant differences in different types of cranial lesions (contusion, subdural hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, etc) which usually have different prognoses. Conclusion: Different kinds of acute traumatic cranial lesions with different prognosis may have different values in BIS monitoring. Presence or absence of frontal lobe injury, had no statistically significant correlations with BIS values.
Farzaneh Rahmani Rad, Maryambeigom Mobasheri, Mohammad Hossein Modarressi ,
Volume 73, Issue 4 (7-2015)
Abstract

Cancer/Testis antigens (CTAs) as a group of tumor antigens are the novel subjects for developing cancer vaccine and immunotherapy approaches. They aberrantly express in tumors with highest normal expression in testis, and limited or no expression in normal tissues. There are important similarities between the processes of germ-cell and cancer cell development Spermatogenesis begins at puberty when expression of novel cell-surface antigens occurs when the immune system has been refined the ability to distinguish self from non-self. Whereas macrophage and lymphocytes are commonly found within interstitial spaces of the testis, these antigen-presenting cells are rarely seen within the seminiferous tubules. These observations have led to the concept of the immune privileged site for testis. Localized normal expression of the CT genes in testis that makes them immunogenic for immune system, in one side, and their abnormal expression in different kinds of cancer cells, in the other side, has make them as promising target for developing cancer vaccines and new cancer therapeutics approaches. In malignancies, gene regulation is disrupted which results aberrant expression of CT antigen in a proportion of tumors of various types. For some CTAs, data support their fundamental role in tumorigenesis. Several authors believe it is not clear whether they have an essential role in tumorigenesis or they are by-products of chromatin variations in cancer. There is a growing list of CTAs within them advanced clinical trials are running by using some of them in cancers like lung cancer, malignant melanoma and neuroblastoma. In this review we discuss the gene TSGA10 as an example of CT genes. TSGA10 expresses in its highest levels in elongating spermatids and localized in the fibrous sheath of mature sperm. This gene is proposed as a serological biomarker in cutaneous lymphoma. Its abnormal expression has been reported in different cancers such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, breast, brain, gastrointestinal and a range of other cancers either in mRNA or protein levels. It has an important role in angiogenesis in cancer tumors because of its effects in the gene hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF1). Absence or lack of TSGA10 expression has been reported in ascosporic infertile men.
Shirin Izadi , Hounaz Akbari , Behzad Farahani , Shahrokh Izadi ,
Volume 73, Issue 4 (7-2015)
Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure are prevalent comorbidities affecting a vast proportion of the world population, responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, their coexistence is more frequent than previously recognized that poses important diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We intend to determine the prevalence of concomitant left ventricular dysfunction in COPD patients. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in patients who had referred to Firuzgar University Hospital in Tehran from March 2011 to March 2013 in period of 2 years. All participants were compatible for including and excluding criteria’s. In all cases of COPD, pulmonary function test was done also Echocardiography was performed as the diagnostic assessment of heart failure. Results: Out of 74 participants there was 56(75.7%) male and 18(24.3%) female with the mean age of 67.712.9 (SD), the prevalence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) was 25.70%, also the prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) was 74.60% among 71 patients. The prevalence of LVSD in patients with and without history of coronary artery disease (CAD) was 33.30% and 15.60% respectively. The prevalence of LVDD was 85.40% in patient with history of CAD and 60% in patients without it. The presence of ventricular dysfunction (neither systolic nor diastolic) in COPD patients was not statistically associated with presence of CAD or the intensity of underlying COPD disease. Conclusion: Knowledge about the prevalence of concomitant left side heart failure in COPD patients is limited, but it seems the presence is rather common, so more attention should be paid to coexistence of ventricular dysfunction in COPD patients disregarding presence of CAD or COPD intensity in clinical practice.
Narges Sadat Taherzadeh , Farideh Zaini , Roshanak Daie Ghazvini , Sasan Rezaie , Mahmoud Mahmoudi , Maliheh Kadivar , Fatemeh Sadat Nayeri , Mahin Safara , Parivash Kordbacheh ,
Volume 73, Issue 11 (2-2016)
Abstract

Background: Over the last two decades invasive candidiasis has become an increasing problem in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Colonization of skin and mucous membranes with Candida spp. is important factor in the pathogenesis of neonatal infection and several colonized sites are major risk factors evoking higher frequencies of progression to invasive candidiasis. The aim of this study was to detect Candida colonization in NICU patients.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 93 neonates in NICUs at Imam Khomeini and Children Medical Center Hospitals in Tehran. Cutaneous and mucous membrane samples obtained at first, third, and seventh days of patients’ stay in NICUs during nine months from August 2013 to May 2014. The samples were primarily cultured on CHROMagar Candida medium. The cultured media were incubated at 35°C for 48h and evaluated based on colony color produced on CHROMagar Candida. In addition, isolated colonies were cultured on Corn Meal Agar medium supplemented with tween 80 for identification of Candida spp. based on their morphology. Finally, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was performed for definite identification of isolated species.

Results: Colonization by Candida spp. was occurred in 20.43% of neonates. Fifteen and four patients colonized with one and two different Candida spp., respectively. Isolated Candida spp. identified as; C. parapsilosis (n: 10), C. albicans (n: 7), C. tropicalis (n: 3), C. guilliermondii (n: 2), and C. krusei (n: 1). In present study non-albicans Candia species were dominant (69.56%) and C. parapsilosis was the most frequent isolate (43.47%). Using Fisher's exact test, the correlation between fungal colonization with low birth weight, low gestational age, and duration of hospital stay was found to be statistically significant (P=0.003).

Conclusion: The results of this study imply to the candida species colonization of neonates. Neonates in NICU are at the highest risk for severe infection with Candida parapsilosis. Therefore, isolation of C. parapsilosis as the most common species (43.47%) in present study was noteworthy.


Farin Soleimani , Farahnaz Mohammadi Shahboulaghi , Fatemeh Nayeri, Hosein Dalili, Mamak Shariat ,
Volume 74, Issue 3 (6-2016)
Abstract

Background: In fact, there is no doubt that medical education should be to prepare students for those clinical problems that they may encounter in their future performance. But according to the findings of previous studies in this area, one of the important priority and basic needs in education is training health workers, including physicians.

Methods: In this qualitative study focuses on the content analysis of typical (conventional content analysis) was performed. The aim of this study was to determine the needs and skills required to train neonatal subspecialists in the ability to manage vulnerable neonates problems and their families specialized in the field of comprehensive health care have driven. Based on purposive sampling, the research participants, staff and alumni of the second year and above the five-year sub-specialty in neonatology, formed by the association of neonatal diseases were chosen. Saturation as a termination criterion was applied to the collected data. Method of data collection was semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Reliability means the adequacy and accuracy that was measured by four methodological criteria: credibility, confirmability, transferability and dependability. All phases of study were recorded elaborately and the researchers reported all findings in the same speech research participants.

Results: Respondents consider themselves some week points in neonatal medicine education; they expressed their opinions in three categories with four subcategories as follow: "competent person knowledgeable", "weakness of the curriculum", "educational challenges", "need to review the curriculum", "the need to reform medical education system in the country", and "effective strategies for teaching".

Conclusion: Editing curriculum to teach coherent and comprehensive clinical skills in one hand, social support and health care for vulnerable children and families in other hand will improve care for vulnerable neonates.


Mohamad Fashi,
Volume 75, Issue 12 (3-2018)
Abstract

Background: Air pollution PM exposure associated with increased inflammation and decreased cellular immune function. The innate immune system is one of the first lines of defense against inhaled air pollution and is characterized by activation of lung key signaling pathways. One pathway is initiated by the activation of toll-like receptors (TLRs) that associated with airway cells culminates in the translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B and other transcription factors to the nucleus, and therefore initiation of altered signaling of pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β and TNF-α. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 4 weeks of aerobic training after long-term inhalation of black carbon black particulate matter on IL-β lung tissue in male rats.
Methods: The present study was conducted experimentally in October and November 2015 at the Sport Physiology Laboratory of Tarbiat Modares University of Tehran. 12 adult male Wistar rats (279.29±26.97) were divided to two groups: A: Daily, two hours inhalation of carbon black PM10, n=6), B: 60 minutes aerobic exercise activity, 50 percent average peak velocity, 15 minutes after inhalation of carbon black PM10. The gene expression of IL-1β was analyzed in lung tissue by real-time-PCR and Pfaffl formula. In order to determine the significant differences between groups independent t-test were used.
Results: Although, there were no significant differences among the A and B groups, however, the mean of relative gene expression of IL-1β in group B was slightly lower than group A.
Conclusion: Four weeks regular aerobic exercise activity did not worsen lung tissue inflammation after long-term inhalation of carbon black PM10. It seems regular exercise training mitigate pulmonary inflammatory responses and in part, decrease the risk of pulmonary diseases.

Gholamreza Amin, Aram Mousavi Pharm , Shohreh Vosough , Zahra Jafary Azar , Mamak Shariat , Fedyeh Haghollahi , Shima Afshar ,
Volume 76, Issue 6 (9-2018)
Abstract

Background: Menopause is a critical and sensitive period and has a common symptom of vasomotor signs, psychologic changes and sleep disorders. With regarding the citalopram complications and effects of Iranian herbs, the aim of this study was to compared the therapeutic effect of the combination of area part of Melissa officinalis and fennel fruits extract with Nigella sativa powder with citalopram on menopausal symptoms of post-menopausal women.
Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in Islamic Azad University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, from April 2015 to October 2017. 56 postmenopausal women referred to the clinics of Gorgan health centers with the age between 45 and 65 years, natural menopause confirmed by amenorrhea for at least 12 months, discomfort a hot flash were randomized to two treatment groups. Group 1 (28 patients) received 1000 mg (Melissa officinalis extract, Nigella saliva powder, and fennel fruits) and Group 2 (19 subjects) received 20 mg citalopram in an eight-week course of treatment (1 per day for each group). The frequency of the variables in the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) was compared in the two groups before and post intervention. The questionnaire included of twenty-nine questions in four domains of vasomotor, psycho-social, physical and sexual symptoms.
Results: The mean age in the herbal treatment group was 47.78±5.5 years and in the citalopram group was 46.4±4.9 years, and t-test did not show this difference in two groups (P=0.362). There was no significant difference in the improvement of menopausal symptoms compared to the citalopram group in the combined product group, but the feeling of anger and fatigue in the citalopram group was greater after treatment (P=0.03).
Conclusion: The present study showed that the combination of Nigella Sativa, Melissa officinalis extract, and fennel fruits generally do not reduce menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women, and it's just the feeling of anger and fatigue has been better than the citalopram group.

Abdoulreza Esteghamati , Ali Badamchi , Mehri Naghdalipoor , Mahmood Faramarzi , Morteza Haghighi Hasanabadi , Azardokht Tabatabaei ,
Volume 76, Issue 8 (11-2018)
Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infections are the most common human infections that lead to severe complications. Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) and Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) are common and important cause of genitourinary tract infections. MG is a member of genital mycoplasmas which is emerging as an important causative agent of sexually transmitted infections both in males and females. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of UU and MG in pregnant women and to assess the risk factors which may contribute to the predisposition of the individuals to the infection.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, The population of 210 pregnant women admitted to the Rasoul Akram Hospital in Tehran, were selected for the study using non-random sampling. The urine specimens were collected from 194 pregnant women from May to December, 2015. The samples were transferred to the Infectious Disease Research Center of Rasoul Akram Hospital under sterile condition. Samples were exposed to DNA extraction followed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the infection. Data including sex, age, history of abortion, history of genitourinary tract infections were collected subsequently.
Results: The prevalence of MG and UU infections in urine samples was 5.6%, 11.2%, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of the risk of UU was 2.08 (3.56-1.22) in women with a history of abortion and 0.70 (1.03-0.47) in women without a history of abortion. There was a significant relationship between the history of sexually transmitted diseases and the frequency of UU (P<0.022). From 22 patients with UU infection, six patients had a history of sexually transmitted diseases. A significant correlation was found between prevalence of MG and UU infections. The History of abortion was significantly related with the frequency of UU and MG infections. The prevalence of MG infection is negatively correlated with pregnancy trimesters. The History of genitourinary tract infections was significantly associated with the frequency of UU.
Conclusion: The presence of UU and MG could be associated with abortion.

Moharram Karami Jooshin , Hassan Izanloo, Abedin Saghafipour , Yadollah Ghafoori,
Volume 77, Issue 1 (4-2019)
Abstract

Background: Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are obligate ectoparasites of mankind, and are mainly transmitted head to head directly from one person to another. Human head lice treatment is faced with some challenges such as lack of complete treatment and the need for treatment repeatedly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two pediculicide products (substances used to treat human head lice infestation); 1% permethrin shampoo and 4% dimethicone lotion.
Methods: In this clinical trial, 140 cases of head lice infested people that were referred to the urban comprehensive health centers of Qom provincial health center related to Qom University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Iran, from April to March 2017. The cases randomly were treated with two pediculicide products; 1% permethrin shampoo and 4% dimethicone lotion. The outcome of the treatment included removal of adult human head lice, nymphs, and nits in confirmed human cases at 14 and 21 days after starting treatments were considered.
Results: The success rate of human head lice infestation treatment in case of double use (at one-week intervals) with 1% permethrin shampoo and 4% dimethicone lotion was 65.7% and 62.9%, respectively. There was no statistical significance between the therapeutic effects of the two above-mentioned methods (odds ratio=1.22, P=0.59, CI=0.6-2.5). While the recovery rate of men compared to women was 3.8 (P=0.036), it was 3.1 (P=0.05) for housewives compared to students, and in families with one case compared to ones with more than one patient, this rate was found to be 3 (P=0.034). Family size was one of the most important variables that had a significant effect on the therapeutic rate of 1% permethrin shampoo and 4% dimethicone lotion.
Conclusion: The findings of this study do not support the reduction in efficacy of 1% permethrin shampoo and 4% dimethicone lotion as pediculicide products.


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