Showing 195 results for Ch
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 (February 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.
Hossein Ghahvehchian , Arash Derakhshan , Farzad Hadaegh ,
Volume 73, Issue 12 (March 2016)
Abstract
Background: Pre-diabetes is a high risk condition for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. The target of this study is evaluation of incidence rate of pre-diabetes and its risk factors in a long- term follow up in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study.
Methods: The Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study is a prospective study being accomplished on a characteristic sample of the Tehranian residents at District 13, targeted determining the prevalence and incidence of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors. Four phases of the study have been implemented, including three-year periods from 1999 to 2011. From an overall of 12808, twenty years old and older people at baseline, after excluding participants who did not have the necessary conditions, analyses were accompanied on a 2597 male and 3282 female to estimate pre-diabetes incidence and detect their risk factors.
Results: In men with incident pre-diabetes, age, fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour post-challenge plasma glucose and body mass index in addition to a positive family history of diabetes and <12 years of education were associated to a developed risk of rising pre-diabetes, but intervention and being single had a significant caring effect.
In women with pre-diabetes, 2-hour post-challenge plasma glucose, triglycerides to high density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio, waist-to-height ratio, fasting plasma glucose and a helpful family history of diabetes increased risk of pre-diabetes, however being divorced/widowed had a slighter risk. Potential risk factors for evolving combined impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance were higher fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour post-challenge plasma glucose, body mass index and triglycerides to high density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio, but bigger hip circumference had a caring effect.
Pre-diabetes incidence rate was computed 46.1 per 1000 person-years in men and 36.8 per 1000 person-years in women.
Conclusion: The study showed that the incidence of diabetes and its variants in the Iranian people is high.
Mohammad Reza Arabestani , Mohammad Yousef Alikhani , Manoochehr Karami , Elham Salimi Ghale ,
Volume 73, Issue 12 (March 2016)
Abstract
Background: Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were considered as contaminats previously, but, during the past decade considered as one of the most common photogenic bacteria in hospital. Resistance to beta-lactams especially methicillin in staphylococcus species is being worrying in hospitals. Rapid identification of mechanisms of resistance and confirmation of their resistance to methicillin is a basic principle for antibiotic treatment. The aim of this study was to determine antibiotic resistance, frequency of mecA gene, and determination of SCCmec types in CoNS isolates from teaching hospitals in Iran.
Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out one hundred clinical samples isolated from patients with an average age of 7-69 years at teaching hospitals in Hamadan City, Iran, from September 2014 to February 2015. After confirmation of isolates by microbiological standard biochemical tests, antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disk agar diffusion (DAD) method. After extraction of isolated genomicm, mecA gene was detected. Then, the types of SCCmec were performed by PCR.
Results: In this study, 387 clinical samples were collected which among 100 CoNS isolated, Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most prevalent species with frequency 55 (55%), followed by S. haemolyticus 40(40%) and S. saprophyticus 5(5%). The highest antibiotic susceptibility was to rifampin 96(96%) and the lowest resistance was detected for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) 47(47%). None of the strains were resistant to vancomycin. Resistance to methicillin was detected in 50% of CoNS isolates. Typing of SCCmec was performed by The polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Frequency types of SCCmec was type III with frequency 13(13%), type V 11(11%), type II 6(6%), type IV 4 (4%), type I 3(3%) respectively. Thirteen isolated was not typable in this study.
Conclusion: The result of this study showed that a large percentage of coagulase-negative staphylococci are resistance to methicillin, and the prevalence of SCCmec type was type III, which encodes the largest number of resistance genes. This information could be use in epidemiological study for preventing of infectious control in hospital and health centers.
Mehdi Asgari , Nozar Dorestan , Neda Najibpour , Changiz Delavari , Mohammad Bahadoram ,
Volume 74, Issue 1 (April 2016)
Abstract
Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive procedure whereby the gallbladder is removed using laparoscopic techniques. Monopolar electerosurgical energy is the method of dissection of gallbladder from liver bed. Ultrasonic energy causes less thermal damage and suggests an alternative to monopolar elevterocautery. Leptin is a tissue factor and C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein that builds up in surgical damages. In laparoscopy, pneumoperitoneum and thermal damage cause this increase. In this study, after completion of surgery with both methods, plasma leptin and CPR were measured. Next, the complications and benefits of the two methods were compared.
Methods: This single blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 78 patients who were candidate for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in surgery clinic of Razi Teaching Hospital in Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences from March 2013 to March 2015. Patients were divided randomly into two groups of ultrasonic and electerocautery. Then, leptin’s level and CRP’s level were measured at completion of surgery, 30 minutes after completion, 6 and 24 hours after completion of surgery in the two groups.
Results: This study shows that the average rate of leptin at completion of surgery, 30 minutes after completion, 6 and 24 hours after completion of surgery in ultrasonic group had less increase than electerocautery group and the difference was statistically significant (P= 0.0001). The average rate of CRP at completion of surgery, 30 minutes after completion, 6 and 24 hours after completion of surgery in ultrasonic group had less increase than electerocautery group and the difference was statistically significant (P= 0.0001).
Conclusion: The level of leptin and CRP shows that surgery with ultrasonic method will provoke the immune system less than electerocautery method.
Hossein Fakhrzadeh , Mohamad Jafar Mahmoudi , Zahra Droudian, Farshad Sharifi , Yaser Tajalizadeh Khoob, Neda Mehrdad , Fatemeh Jafaraghaei , Zohreh Badamchizadeh ,
Volume 74, Issue 3 (June 2016)
Abstract
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Background: The relationship between serum homocysteine levels and cardiovascular diseases has been elucidated since many years ago. In this study, the association between serum levels of homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 with the pulse wave velocity and Buckberg index or subendocardial viability ratio was assessed in individuals with diabetes and also non-diabetic subjects.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 58 individuals with type 2 diabetes and 36 non-diabetic people, from April to October 2013 were enrolled in Dr. Shariati Hospital affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were performed with standard methods. Fasting serum glucose, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, Triglyceide, A1C, vitamin B12, folic acid and serum homocysteine levels as well as, highly sensitive complement-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured. Artherial stiffness was assessed by calculating pulse wave velocity and aortic agumentation index via Sphygmocor. In addition, Buckberg index (Subendocardial viability ratio) was assessed by dividing myocardial oxygen supply to dimand expressed as percent. The normality of distributions was evaluated by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and linear regression models were utilized to detect associations.
Results: Diabetic and non-diabetic subjects differed in terms of age, history of hypertension, serum levels of homocysteine, and LDL-C (P< 0.05). The pulse wave velocity in subjects with diabetes and without diabetes were 60.91 m/s and 41.91 m/s, respectively (P= 0.01). After adjustment for confounding factors in multivariate regression analysis pulse wave velocity was associated with age and homocysteine levels in non-diabetic group, (β equal to 0.441 and 0.345, respectively), and it was related to age, diastolic blood pressure and serum levels of c-reactive protein in subject with diabetes (β= 0.417, 0.302, and 0.262, respectively).
Conclusion: Homocysteine levels in non-diabetic individuals were associated to sub-clinical atherosclerosis markers but we could not find this association in diabetic participants.
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Leila Pourali , Sedighe Ayati , Atieh Vatanchi , Parvaneh Layegh , Nasrin Pourmoghadam ,
Volume 74, Issue 3 (June 2016)
Abstract
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Background: ″Wernicke’s Korsakoff″ syndrome is the most important complication of severe thiamine deficiency. The term refers to two different syndromes, each representing a different stage of the disease. Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is an acute syndrome requiring emergent treatment to prevent death and neurologic morbidity. Korsakoff syndrome (KS) refers to a chronic neurologic condition that usually occurs as a consequence of WE. It is a rare complication of hyperemesis gravidarum that confusion, ocular signs, and gait ataxia are the most prevalent symptoms, respectively. Typical brain lesions of wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) are observed at autopsy in 0.4 to 2.8 percent of the general population in the western world and the majority of affected patients are alcoholic. The prevalence of wernicke’s encephalopathy lesions seen on autopsy was 12.5% of alcohol abusers in one report. Among those who with alcohol-related death, it has been reported to be even higher, 29 to 59%. The aim of this study was to report a case of wernicke’s encephalopathy following hyperemesis gravidarum.
Case Presentation: A 28-year-old-pregnant woman in 19th weeks of gestation referred to the hospital with hyperemesis, gait ataxia, and dysarthria before that she had hyperemesis gravidarum with weight loss and unresponsive to outpatient and inpatient medical therapy. MRI showed hyperdense lesion around thalamus which was characteristic of wernicke’s encephalopathy. Rapid improvement in patient’s condition occurred after high dose thiamine infusion.
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Conclusion: In hyperemesis gravidarum, presence of either symptoms of ocular or mental disorder or ataxia must be considered to rule out and appropriate treatment of Wernicke’s syndrome which can cause maternal and fetal death.
Reihaneh Pirjani , Zinat Ghanbari , Mahsa Rezaee , Mahboobeh Shirazi , Parichehr Pooransari ,
Volume 74, Issue 4 (July 2016)
Abstract
Background: To examine the association among pelvic girdle pain (PGP), urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function in pregnant women in second and third trimester.
Methods: 300 pregnant women who admitted for standard pregnancy care were enrolled in the study. Urinary incontinency was measured via the international consultation on incontinence questionnaire short form. Pelvic girdle pain was diagnosed according to existing guidelines. Vaginal examination assessed pelvic muscles contract- relax patterns and muscle strength. The software stata version 13 (Stata Corp., TX, USA) was used for data analysis.
Results: Overall 300 women (150 with PGP and 150 without PGP) were included in final analyses. There was not significant differences between the demographic data including, body mass index before pregnancy, maternal age, mode of delivery. Prevalence of urinary incontinence in women with pelvic girdle pain was 41.5 percent (CI 95%: 32.01- 51.48) while the prevalence of urinary incontinence in women without pain was 21.9 percent (CI 95%: 14.99-30.03). Using logistic regression, the relationship between urinary incontinence and pelvic girdle pain was significant. (CI 95%: 1.07-3.31, P=0.02). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between PGP and pelvic floor muscle function and results showed that pelvic floor muscle strength in women with PGP was significantly lower than women without PGP. (CI 95%: 0.24-0.68, OR= 0.4, P<0.001). The duration of the contraction of the pelvic floor muscles in patients with PGP was significantly shorter than women without PGP. (CI 95%: 0.21-0.60, OR =0.35, P<0.001).
Conclusion: There was a significant association between pelvic girdle pain and urinary incontinence during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and also the pelvic floor muscle strength and duration of the contraction of the pelvic floor muscles in women with pelvic girdle pain was significantly lower than those without PGP.
Zohreh Yousefi , Sima Kadkhodayan , Maliheh Hasanzadeh Mofrad , Behroz Davachi , Mansoureh Mottaghi , Elham Hoseini , Monavar Afzalaghaee , Asieh Maleki ,
Volume 74, Issue 9 (December 2016)
Abstract
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Background: Surgical staging is the standard treatment of ovarian cancer. Pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy is the important part of the surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of para aortic lymph node dissection in early stage of patients with ovarian cancer.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional cohort study was performed on all stage I of ovarian cancer patients admitted in department of gynecology oncology of Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in November 2012 to March 2014. Every patient with clinical early stage of ovarian cancer candidate to surgical treatment selected. All cases underwent surgical staging surgery with concurrent systematic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy. In laparotomy after identification of left and right iliac artery, all lymph nodes have been properly exposed and dissected as a part of a staging laparotomy. The dissection was continued up to the nodal tissues surrounding the aorta, and inferior vena cava, until inferior mesenteric artery lymphadenectomy level. The procedure performed only by gynecologist oncologist. In addition, we assessed other parameters such as operation time, estimated blood loss, associated mortality and morbidity and vascular injuries. Finally, the effect of para aortic lymph node dissection in early stage of ovarian cancer evaluated.
Results: Among a total of 57 ovarian cancer patients, 27 of them apparent stage I disease cases were selected. Surgical staging surgery with concurrent systematic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy was carried for all of them. Positive para-aortic lymph node was found only in one case. The average number removed para-aortic lymph nodes in the pelvis was 9 and in para aortic was 7, respectively. In addition, 20 minutes increase in total length of operation time was observed duo to para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Also the rate increase in intra-abdominal hemorrhage rate was estimated 60 ml.
Conclusion: Lymph node dissection will produce a significant benefit in accurate and complete surgical staging. Staging surgery in addition to systematic pelvic and para aortic lymph adenoctomy in early stage ovarian cancer is preferred in gynecologic oncology centers.
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Bakhtiar Tartibian , Zeinab Sheikhlou , Abbas Malandish , Mohammad Rahmati-Yamchi , Rogayee Afsar Garebag,
Volume 74, Issue 10 (January 2017)
Abstract
Background: Studies show that aerobic exercise prevents osteoporosis in menopause by stimulating osteoblastic cells. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on alkaline phosphatase gene expression, serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, and calcium in sedentary women.
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Methods: This investigation is a semi-experimental study that was performed in September 2015 at Urmia University, Iran. The statistical population was all healthy and sedentary postmenopausal women 50 to 65 years old in Urmia city. Twenty sedentary postmenopausal women with an average age 60.12±2.12 yr, weight 72.35±10.50 kg, and body mass index 29.46±3.24 kg/m2 voluntarily and bona fide participated in this study, and then subjects were randomly divided to the Exercise/E (10 women) and Control/C (10 women) groups by random sampling method. E group performed of 12 weeks walking and jogging moderate-intensity aerobic exercise at 65-70% maximal heart rate of training, three sessions per week and per session 50-60 (min), but the C group participated in no intervention. Twenty-four hours before and after the 12-week training program were taken blood samples in order to measure of alkaline phosphatase gene expression and serum markers of bone in the E and C Groups. Evaluation of gene expression and serum markers of bone were measured by real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and Auto-analyzer (Biotechnica, Italy)/ ELISA reader (Awareness Inc., USA) machines, respectively. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential (ANCOVA test) statistics using SPSS version 23 (Chicago, IL, USA) and a significance level of P≥0.05 was considered.
Results: The results showed that alkaline phosphatase gene expression and parathyroid hormone after 12 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in between-groups were significantly increased (P=0.027 and P=0.006, respectively), while serum levels of calcium and alkaline phosphatase were not significantly different (P=0.941 and P=0.990, respectively).
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Conclusion: The results suggest that 12 weeks of aerobic exercise of walking and jogging at 65-70% maximal heart rate of training increases alkaline phosphatase gene expression and parathyroid hormone in sedentary postmenopausal women.
Mohammd Javad Fatemi , Shirin Chehroudi , Tooran Bagheri , Sahar Saleh , Amir Atashi , Mohsen Saberi , Seyed Aboozar Hoseini , Shirin Araghi ,
Volume 74, Issue 12 (March 2017)
Abstract
Background: Acute and chronic wound healing has always been problematic. Stem cells with or without the scaffold carrying these cells have been proposed as new methods in the treatment of wounds. In this case study we have tried to examine the effect of scaffold made of polyether sulfone (PES) alone, with stem cells and along with stem cell and growth factor on wound healing in rats.
Methods: This experimental study was conducted in Animal Laboratory of Hazrat Fatemeh Hospital in 2012. In this study, 48 rats were randomly divided into four groups. A wound created on the back of each rat at the size of 3×3 cm. The surface of the wound in the first group is covered with PES seeded with adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) and growth factor (GF), in the second group with polyether Sulfone seeded with ASC, in the third group only with PEWS, and in the fourth group (control) with Vaseline gauze. On 20th and 35th days, the surface of the wound was assessed by photography in order to understand the process of healing. In addition, on days 20 and 45, the histopathology characteristics of the samples were studied with a biopsy of the wounds.
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Results: The Results of wound healing in the control group was better than the other groups and its statistical difference between others was meaningful. (P=0.008, P=0.013, P=0.001) On day 20, by examining histopathological characteristics including epithelialization, the number of inflammatory cells, the amount of angiogenesis and collagen synthesis in control group, we gained better results. (P=0.000), But on day 45, the results in different parameters were not equal.
Conclusion: polyether sulfone scaffold alone or with adipose-derived stem cells couldn’t improve the process of wound healing. Also adding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) did not change the results significantly.
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Homa Mohseni Kouchesfahani , Somayeh Ebrahimi-Barough , Jafar Ai , Azam Rahimi ,
Volume 74, Issue 12 (March 2017)
Abstract
Background: Small molecule Purmorphamin (PMA) is the agonist of smoothened protein in Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway. Effect of purmorphamin small molecule on differentiation of mesenchymal cells into bone tissue has been studied previously. Use of Shh causes progression of neural differentiation, and the differentiated cells express specific neural markers. Neurofilament (NF) and acetylcholine esterase (Chat) are specific markers of motor neurons and their expression in differentiated cells indicates their conversion into motor neurons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of PMA to differentiate the human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs) into motor neurons.
Methods: This analytical study was done in Tehran University of Medical Sciences laboratory on September of 2015. In this study hEnSCs were enzymatically extracted from endometrial tissue. After third passages, the flow cytometry was done for mesenchymal stem cells markers. The mesenchymal stem cells were divided into control and differentiated groups. FBS 10%+DMEM/F12 was added to the culture medium of control group and the differentiating group was treated with differentiating medium containing N2, PMA, DMEM/F12, FBS, B27, IBMX, 2ME, FGF2, RA, BDNF. After 21 days immunocytochemistry (ICC) test was done for the expression of NF and Chat proteins and Real-time PCR analysis for expression of neural markers such as NF, Chat, Nestin and GFAP (as glial marker) at mRNA level.
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Results: The flow cytometry analysis showed that hEnSCs were positive for mesenchymal markers CD90, CD105 and CD146 and negative for endothelial marker CD31, and hematopoietic marker CD34. The immunocytochemistry and Real time-PCR results showed that the cells treated with PMA expressed motor neuron markers of NF and Chat.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that small molecule PMA has the potency to induce the differentiation of hEnSCs into neural cells, specifically motor neurons by activating Shh signaling pathway.
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Sedigheh Ayati , Leila Pourali , Masoud Pezeshkirad , Atiyeh Vatanchi , Hoda Bagheri , Elnaz Ayati ,
Volume 74, Issue 12 (March 2017)
Abstract
Background: Late postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is defined as uterine bleeding between 24 hours until 12 weeks after delivery. Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare cause of life-threatening late postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Emergency uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an appropriate method for control of hemorrhage. The aim of this report was to present a case of uterine artery embolization in late postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine artery pseudoaneurysm.
Case Presentation: A 25-year-old woman with the history of three previous cesarean sections was admitted 35 days after the last cesarean. She had severe vaginal bleeding for 35 days after cesarean section. Because of severe vaginal bleeding 35 days after cesarean section, the patient was at nearly shock state (BP=90.60 mmHg, positive tilt test, tachycardia PR=120/m). In speculum examination, she had severe vaginal bleeding, but there was no lesion in vagina or cervix, also, bimanual examination of the uterus and adnexal area were normal. She reanimated by two liters of normal saline and uterotonic agents (oxytocin and methergine) were administered.
Laboratory data showed severe anemia (Hb=6.5 gr/dl), but coagulation tests were normal. Ultrasonography didn’t show any abnormality. Because of continuation of vaginal bleeding after stabilization of the patient, UAE was planned. During pelvic angiography, a pseudoaneurysm was diagnosed and then it was treated by successful UAE.
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Conclusion: Uterine artery embolization is a conservative management for control of late postpartum hemorrhage. It can be a useful and alternative method for uterine and hypogastric artery ligation and hysterectomy, therefore it has an important role in treatment and fertility preservation for young women.
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Davoud Farajzadeh , Sedigheh Karimi-Gharigh, Siavoush Dastmalchi ,
Volume 75, Issue 3 (June 2017)
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by a variety of cells, including hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells, malignant cells, macrophages, B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, neutrophils, astrocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. TNF-α is a homo-trimeric molecular whose individual subunits are composed of antiparallel beta-sheets, forming a regular triangular prism shape. TNF-α binds to three receptor molecules through its receptor-binding sites, which are at the base of its pyramid structure. Biological responses to TNF-α are mediated through two different receptors: TNFR1 and TNFR2. These receptors are transmembrane glycoproteins with extracellular domains containing multiple cysteine-rich repeats that are structurally and functionally homologous, and the intracellular domains that are discrete and transduce their signals through both overlapping and distinct pathways. However, though TNF-α was initially discovered as an anti-tumor agent, it has been revealed that TNF-α and other ligands of this family are involved in some diseases like cancer, neurological, pulmonary, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases and metabolic disorders. In general, TNF-α activates the control systems involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, inflammation and cell death, and the regulation of immune system. Although a normal level of TNF-α is very important for the regulation of immune responses, the persistence of the immune response as a result of inappropriate and excessive production of TNF-α can cause some inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. Accordingly, either neutralization TNF-α or blockade of its receptors using TNF-α inhibitors can be an effective therapeutic strategy to prevent or treat such inflammatory diseases. Several methods have been used to inhibit TNF-α, including the production of chimeric or fully human antibodies, soluble TNF-α receptors, or anti-TNF-α small molecules. The two previous agents are mostly capable of inhibiting the binding of TNF-α to its associated receptors, while anti-TNF-α small molecules, in addition to the above, inhibit the biosynthesis of TNF-α by blocking TNF-α mRNA biosynthesis, through the inhibition of its post-translational processing, or by blocking TNF-α receptors. Therefore, in this review article, we discuss the structure and characteristics of TNF-α and its related receptors: TNF-α signaling, TNF-α-mediated inflammatory diseases as well as TNF-α inhibition strategies.
Soraya Ghorbani , Roshanak Daie Ghazvini , Seyyed Jamal Hashemi , Parivash Kordbacheh , Ensieh Zibafar , Zahra Kamali Sarwestani, Heidar Bakhshi , Pegah Ardi ,
Volume 75, Issue 4 (July 2017)
Abstract
Background: Candida species are opportunistic yeasts that are capable of causing different infections and diseases among immunocompromised patients. Since Candida infections are major causes and frequent of septicemia in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), and they are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, so obtaining adequate treatment seems necessary. Low birth weight preterm infants are especially vulnerable to these devastating infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the drug susceptibility of Candida species colonized on the skin and mucous membrane of neonates to fluconazole, amphotericin B and caspofungin.
Methods: This study was carried out in the laboratory of medical mycology and serology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences for the period of 7 months from June 2016 to December 2016. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 23 isolates of Candida species including Candida parapsilosis, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida guilliermondii and Candida krusei were studied. These under study isolates were previously isolated from skin and mucous membranes of neonates in NICU of Imam Khomeini Hospital and Children's Medical Center were identified by PCR-RFLP (Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism). Evaluation of antifungal drug susceptibility including fluconazole, amphotericin B and caspofungin was carried out. Antifungal susceptibility test was done according to the standard protocol Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI M27-A3) that is specific to the yeast fungi. Statistical analysis was done by using T-test in SPSS version 22 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
| Results: In this study, C. parapsilosis, C. albicans and C. tropicalis had the most sensitivity to fluconazole. Clinical Isolates of C. guilliermondii were also sensitive to fluconazole, but in C. krusei sensitivity was dose-dependent. All isolated species were sensitive to amphotericin B and caspofungin. |
Conclusion: According to the results, all isolated Candida species were more sensitive to amphotericin B and caspofungin than other antifungal drugs. In final conclusion, Finally, it is emphasized that antifungal susceptibility testing is necessary to prevent treatment failure or recurrence of disease.
Zahra Kamali Sarwestani , Alireza Dasdar , Setareh Agha Kuchak Afshari , Mohsen Gerami Shoar , Seyyed Jamal Hashemi , Reza Pakzad , Pegah Ardi , Alireza Abdollahi , Mohammad-Taghi Haghi-Ashtiani, Shahram Mahmoudi ,
Volume 75, Issue 4 (July 2017)
Abstract
Background: Fungi have a worldwide distribution which can cause a broad spectrum of disease ranging from allergic to systemic infections, particularly in immuno-compromised individuals. Fungal spores are an important group of bioaerosols in hospital environment which are an emerging cause of hospital-acquired infection. Nosocomial infections cause significant morbidity and mortality as well as large financial burden on the healthcare system. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and species distribution of airborne fungi in selected wards of two tertiary hospitals in Tehran, Iran.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, samples were collected during six months from July 2016 to December 2016 by using of settle plate method. Samples were collected from selected wards of Imam Khomeini Hospital and Children's Medical Center and then incubated at 28 °C for 8-10 days. Fungal isolates were identified using the macroscopic features of colony and microscopic characteristics in slide cultures. Yeast isolates were identified by CHROMagar candida medium. PCR-sequencing of ITS1-5.8 S-ITS2 region of ribosomal DNA was used for identification of unknown isolates.
Results: A total of 202 colonies including 133 colonies from the Imam Khomeini Hospital and 69 colonies from the Children's Medical Center were isolated. Cladosporium spp. were the most common obtained fungi accounted for 30.1% and 47.8% of all isolates in the Imam Khomeini Hospital and the Children's Medical Center, respectively. Penicillium spp. and Aspergillus spp. were other frequent species in two hospitals. Infectious diseases ward in Imam Khomeini hospital and emergency and urology wards in Children's Medical Center had the highest rate of contamination.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the frequency and diversity of fungal spores in hospital wards were different. In addition, since the fungal contamination in the hospital environment are affected by various environmental factors and the efficiency of ventilation systems, some of these wards require better ventilation system as well as regular monitoring to remove these fungal bioaerosols in order to maintain the health of patients and health care workers.
Rhoghaye Tighnavard Bejarbane , Roshanak Daie Ghazvini , Shahram Mahmoudi , Reza Soltani Moghaddam, Mahin Safara, Heidar Bakhshi , Parivash Kordbacheh ,
Volume 75, Issue 5 (August 2017)
Abstract
Background: Keratomycosis is a fungal infection of the cornea which could be sight-threatening and even causes eye loss. Considering the high humidity and the dominance of agriculture as important predisposing factors of keratomycosis in north of Iran, this study was carried out for diagnosis of fungal keratitis in patients with corneal lesions in Rasht, Gilan province, Iran.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2015 to November 2016 on 56 patients with corneal lesion suspected to keratomycosis and referred to eye emergency ward of Amiralmomenin hospital, Rasht, Iran. Corneal scraping was performed in all cases and specimens were subjected to direct examination and culture. Only colonies grown in sites of corneal scraping inoculation were considered significant. Fungal isolates were identified according to their macroscopic features of colonies and microscopic characteristics in slide cultures. Data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 21 (IBM SPSS, Armonk, NY, USA) and P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The patients included 42 (75%) men and 14 (25%) women with the mean age of 49.5 years (9 to 90 years). Positive culture was observed in 9 cases but, only in one of these patients direct examination was positive and fungal elements were seen in 10% KOH preparation. Though, fungal keratitis was confirmed in 9 (16%) patients including seven (77.8%) men and two (22.2%) women. The majority of cases (88.9%) had a history of corneal trauma with plants and they were mainly farmer. According to statistical analysis, there was a significant association between corneal trauma and keratomycosis (P=0.007). The most common etiologic agents were Fusarium spp. (n: 4, 44.4%), followed by Aspergillus flavus (n: 2, 22.2%), Penicillium sp. (n: 1, 11.1%), Acremonium sp. (n: 1, 11.1%), and Cladosporium sp. (n: 1, 11.1%) respectively.
Conclusion: In the presence of sufficient predisposing factors such as corneal injuries caused by plants, keratomycosis could be caused by a variety of fungi. Furthermore, low sensitivity of direct examination in this study, revealed the necessity of culture in diagnosis of keratomycosis. |
Nasim Ghazavi-Khorasgani , Elham Janghorban-Laricheh , Marziyeh Tavalaee , Dina Zohrabi , Homayon Abbasi , Mohammad Hossein Nasr- Esfahani,
Volume 75, Issue 6 (September 2017)
Abstract
Background: Post-acrosomal sheath WW domain binding protein (PAWP) is one of sperm factors related to oocyte activation and is expressed in elongating spermatid. Previously, the effect of high of testicular temperature in infertile men with varicocele on semen quality, sperm DNA damage, expression of genes and proteins were reported. In this study, expression of PAWP at RNA and protein levels, and also sperm DNA damage were compared between fertile and infertile men with varicocele.
Methods: In this case-control study, semen samples were collected from 35 infertile men with varicocele (grade II & III) and 20 fertile men referring to Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center from January 2016 to September 2016. Ejaculated semen was obtained by masturbation into a sterile plastic container after 3-5 days of abstinence and was allowed to liquefy at room temperature. Briefly, sperm concentration, motility and morphology were evaluated using a sperm chamber (Sperm meter; Sperm Processor, Aurangabad, India), Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA, Video Test, ltd: version Sperm 2.1, Russia) and Papanicolaou staining, respectively. In addition, DNA fragmentation, expression of PAWP at RNA and protein levels were assessed by real-time PCR, and Western blot technique, respectively. Microsoft Excel 2013 (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, USA) and Package for the Social Studies were used to analyze data. We used independent-samples t-test to compare the mean value between different groups. Differences with values of P<0.05 were considered as statistically significant.
Results: Mean of semen volume, sperm concentration, percentage of sperm motility, and expression of PAWP at both RNA (P=0.0001) and protein (P=0.03) levels were significantly lower in infertile men with varicocele in comparison with fertile men. In addition, mean percentage of sperm abnormal morphology and sperm DNA fragmentation were significantly higher in infertile men with varicocele in comparison with fertile men (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Expression of PAWP as a protein involved in spermatogenesis and fertilization process, has decreased in infertile men with varicocele. In addition, sperm DNA integrity was disrupted in these individuals that can be considered as a main etiology of infertility.
Leila Pourali , Atiyeh Vatanchi , Sedigheh Ayati , Masoud Pezeshkirad , Farzaneh Hashemnia ,
Volume 75, Issue 7 (October 2017)
Abstract
Background: Abnormal placental adhesion refers to abnormal placental implantation in which the anchoring placental villi attach to myometrium and even uterine serosa which may invade the bladder and bowels. One of the most important complications of these abnormalities is severe hemorrhage during placental removing which may even necessitate cesarean hysterectomy. Since uterine conservation is an important issue especially in young women at reproductive age, conservative management has a cardinal role to reduce bleeding during surgery. Uterine artery embolization as the first line conservative approach is reserved for women that fertility preservation is very important or whom the risk of severe bleeding during cesarean section is very high due to abnormal placental adhesion. Use of embolization in unstable patients is limited because it usually cannot be performed as rapidly as other measures. The aim of this study was to report two cases of uterine artery embolization before cesarean section in pregnant women with abnormal placental adhesions.
Case presentation: Two 35 and 37-year-old pregnant women at gestational age of 34 weeks diagnosed as placenta previa and abnormal placental adhesion (placenta percreta) who intended to preserve their fertility underwent bilateral uterine artery embolization before cesarean section in Ghaem hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran at September 2016. Bleeding during surgery was significantly decreased and uterine preservation was successfully preformed without any serious complications during and after the surgery. In the next follow-ups, they had normal menstruation about two months after the cesarean section.
Conclusion: In placental adhesive disorders, uterine artery embolization at the time of cesarean section could significantly decrease bleeding during surgery, so uterine and fertility preservation could be performed in this situation.
Farzin Halabchi , Ahmad Shahidzadeh Mahani, Tohid Seifbarghi ,
Volume 75, Issue 9 (December 2017)
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death in sport, although rare, but is a tragic event, attracting the media and public attention. Sport and exercise may act as a trigger for sudden cardiac death. Risk of sudden death in young athletes with cardiovascular disease is 2.5 times more frequent than non-athlete individuals. More than 90% of cases of sudden death occur during or immediately after training or competition. Incidence of sudden cardiac death in any population, including athletes, is related to multiple factors such as gender, age, race, nationality, diagnostic screening methods and preventive measures for sudden cardiac death. Otherwise, incidence rate of sudden cardiac death is linked to the used definition and method of diagnosis. Different cardiovascular disorders may result in death of young athletes and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congenital coronary anomalies, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia and aortic rupture are among the most common causes. Marfan syndrome, dilated cardiomyopathy, viral myocarditis, Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, congenital long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome and commotio cordis are reported as other etiologies. In older athletes (more than 35 years), ischemic coronary heart disease is responsible for majority of the cases similar to the general population. Because the outcome of sudden cardiac arrest in sports is very poor except in few cases, proper national strategies are needed to diminish the burden of sudden death in young athletes. It seems that there are two main strategies to achieve this goal: A) Primary prevention with use of purposeful pre-participation evaluation programs. This evaluation should focuss on the proper history and physical examination. Nevertheless, there is significant debate between American and European countries regarding the use of paraclinical investigations (especially ECG). American heart association does not recommend ECG as an essential part of evaluation. In contrast, European society of cardiology and international olympic committee advocate ECG for all athletes younger than 35 years. However, all evaluations should be based on national, generally accepted standards and done by well-educated experts. B) Setting evidence-based and updated protocols for early and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), attendance of well equipped medical staff and early access to automated external defibrillator (AED) in all sport events and implementing CPR education in all coaching training courses.
Manouchehr Hekmat , Hamid Ghaderi , Seyedeh Adeleh Mirjafari , Shahram Rajaei Behbahani , Mehran Shahzamani , Gholamreza Masoumi ,
Volume 75, Issue 9 (December 2017)
Abstract
Background: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) refers to a condition in which left ventricular volume is normal or slightly less than normal. Given the differences observed in some Asian patients with TOF, the present study was conducted to investigate left heart by determining Z-scores for the mitral valve in Iranian patients with TOF.
Methods: Eligible subjects in this prospective descriptive study comprised all patients with TOF presenting to Shahid Modarres Hospital in Tehran from March 2012 to March 2015 and diagnosed as the candidates for surgery. After determining the need for surgery and the therapeutic method required, the mitral valve size and Z-scores were calculated. We analyzed sex, age, body surface area (BSA), mitral size (in 2-chamber and 4-chamber view), mitral Z-score, other cardiac anomalies, number of surgery and previous surgery.
Results: Of a total of 80 patients included in the study over 3 years, 29 (36.3%) were male and 51 (63.8%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 7.15±3.37 years and their mitral size was found to be 10-27 mm (16.2±5.99 mm) using echocardiography. Z-scores of the mitral valve were also obtained as -3.09±2.11, ranging between -7.1 SD and +1.3 SD. 58 (72.5%) patients have only TOF and 22 (27.5%) with other cardiac anomalies. 45 patients were for first time underwent surgery and 22 patients for second time, 12 patients for three time and 1 for forth. Of a total of 35 patients had previous surgery, the most common were shunt 15 (42.9%) and then tetralogy of Fallot total correction (TFTC) in 12 (34.3%). Of a total of 80 patients, 59 (73.8%) underwent TFTC, 17 (21.3%) under pulmonary valve replacement and 4 (5%) shunt.
Conclusion: Z-scores of the mitral valve were found to be significantly below the normal value, (i.e. 0±2 SD), in the study patients, suggesting the risk of hypoplastic left heart syndrome in Iranian patients with TOF, nevertheless, the type of TOF examined in these patients might have been different from those observed in other races and regions.
