J Mikaeli, R Malekzadeh, M Khatibian, R Ansari, H Vahedi, H Solimani,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (5-2000)
Abstract
Between 1993-1996 seventy-three consecutive patients (33 M, 40 F, mean age
35.4) with newly diagnosed achalasia underwent one or more pneumatic dilatations
with the Rigiflex balloon using a protocol of graded dilatation with a fixed inflation
pressure of 10 psi and constant duration of 30 seconds for all patients without using
fluoroscopy. Using Vantrappen's classification for assessment of response, excellent
or good results were considered as cure and fair or poor results as failure. Duration
of symptoms and the amount of weight loss before dilatation averaged 5.2 years
and 10 kg, respectively. In 62 patients one, in 5 patients two, and in 4 patients three
dilatations were performed. Dilatation failed in one patient because of previous
surgery and was followed by perforation in one patient (1.4%) and bleeding in
another patient (1.4%). Follow up period averaged 20 months (range 6-38 months)
with a cure rate of 90% (57 excellent, 9 good) and failure rate of 6.8% (3 fair, 2
poor). We conclude that graded pneumatic dilatation without fluoroscopy is a safe
and very effective treatment for achalasia with 90% of patients having a sustained
response lasting at least for an average of 20 months.
Mehdi Assmar, Mohammad Soleimani, Noorair Piyazak, Farzad Oreizi, Seyed Hossein Hosseini, Zahra Zamani,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (2-2002)
Abstract
Borrelia microtti and Borrelia persica are two Iranian strains of spirochetes
whose vectors are Ornithodorous tholozani and Ornithodorous erraticus which
are responsible for relapsing fever. BSK medium has been used for in vitro culture
of other strains of borrelia, although the two mentioned strains could not be
successfully cultured in it. We have modified BSK medium by using guinea pig
and fetal calf serum instead of rabbit serum. It was observed that for in vitro
culture of Borrelia persica, guinea pig serum and for Borrelia microtti, fetal calf
serum show the best growth.
Ali Akbar Jafarian, Farnad Imani, Mohammad Reza Al-E-Bouyeh, Homa Mottaghi, Peyman Rahmanizadeh,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (11-2009)
Abstract
Abstract
Testicular torsion is a medical emergency appearing at any age, the prevalence of
which in the neonatal period comprises 10% of the whole cases occurring at any
point in life. Among all the cases being diagnosed at birth, 70% has occurred in the
prenatal period and 30% in the neonatal period. Generally, the most common symptoms
of testicular torsion during postnatal period include acute pain and swelling of
the testis, but in the neonatal period it is often manifested by firmness and swelling of
the testicle. Accordingly, careful attention of the physician and the medical staff
while examining the newborn results in quick diagnosis and timely medical treatment
of the torsion. This medical intervention prevents irreversible necrosis of the
affected testis-the main consequence of the torsion-and helps to restore its function.
The major purpose of this study was to draw the attention of physicians and medical
teams to prompt diagnosis of testicular torsion. This study presents two newborn
babies with testicular torsion, diagnosed at early hours after delivery, who underwent
surgical treatment within first 8-10 hours after birth.
Masoumeh Ghiasvand, Ramin Heshmat, Koroush Soleimani,
Volume 23, Issue 4 (2-2010)
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Irregular Working hours, including night work and shift work, have been
found to be associated with alteration in various levels of biochemical factors. And some studies have showed association between shift work and blood biochemical disturbances in blood. In this epidemiological study we investigated, whether regular schedule of working hours can minimize the associated biochemical effects.
Methods: Atotal of 442 air traffic controllers between the ages of 21 and 59 years in this
study filled out questionnaire, and triglyceride, total cholesterol, and HDL-C concentration and FBS were measured after 12- hours fasting. The correlation between shift work and the biochemical variables was measured. The SPSS software version 11.5 and STATAversion 8 were used for statistical analysis, the X2 and fisher's exact test used for comparing the qualitative variables and the parametric tests for quantitative variables with normal distribution. Odd's ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used for estimating the effect of shift work on lipid profile and high blood glucose levels. Logistic regression modeling was used for multivariable analysis and adjusting the effect of different variables.
Results: sample size of this cross-sectional study was consisted of 305(69%) shift workers and 137(31%) day workers. The mean age of the shift workers was 40 ± 10 years old and the day workers 40 ± 9.The mean of variables in the present study for total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglyceride and fasting blood glucose in the shift workers were respectively: 195±37mg/dl, 116.8±34.8mg/dl, 48.2±15.1mg/dl, 154±80mg/dl, 92±20mg/dl and in the day workers were respectively: 200±40mg/dl, 125.3±38.6mg/dl, 48.8±23.3mg/dl,151± 77mg/dl, 90± 14mg/dl. Adjusted Odd's ratio for the effect of shift working on the biochemical blood factors did not change the results. .
Conclusion: This study showed that air traffic control workers with various shift did not
have any disturbances in their biochemical blood factors, and this finding persisted after adjustment was made for age. These results could be due to regular shift schedule as well as periodic evaluation for biochemical blood factors in this group. But this study did not rule out physiological and behavioral effects of working shift on the shift workers. It was concluded that shift workers should be on regular working schedule and examined periodically for biochemical blood factors, physiological flunctuation (gastrointestinal, endocrinal, cardiovascular….) and behavioral effects induced by variation in shift working.
Ali Akbar Abdollahi, Mostafa Qorbani, Hamid Asayesh, Aziz Rezapour, Mehdi Noroozi, Mohammad Ali Soleimani, Hossain Ansari,
Volume 27, Issue 2 (5-2013)
Abstract
Background: Considering the physical, emotional and psychological complications of early or delayed menopause on women`s life, it is necessary to determine associated factors of menopause age. This study designed to determine menopausal age and associated factors in women of Gorgan, i.e. the capital of Golestan province in the north-east of Iran.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 804 menopausal women in Gorgan were selected via two-stage sampling method in 2009. The study included only women who had undergone natural menopause and had their last menstrual bleeding at least one year before. Data were gathered through structured questionnaire that included individual characteristics, socioeconomic characteristics, menstrual and fertility characteristics and climacteric complaints. Socioeconomic status was defined using principal component analysis. Data were analyzed with T-student’s and ANOVA tests using SPSS version 16 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) for Windows.
Results: The mean menopause age was 47.6±4.45 years with the median age of 48 years. The mean menopause age in women with first pregnancy before 30 years (47.58±4.47years), without pregnancy (46.26±4.90years) and without delivery (46.30±4.47years) was significantly lower than others (p<0.01). The mean menopause age was lower in single women (46.6±2.80 years), with low income level (47.7±4.39years) and smokers (47.6±4.45years) compared to others but these differences were not statistically significant (p> 0.05). Socioeconomic status was not associated significantly with menopause age (p>0.05).
Conclusion: This study illustrated that menstrual and fertility factors have influence on menopausal age while socioeconomic factors were not effective.
Seyed Behnamedin Jameie, Masoumeh Masoumipoor, Atousa Janzadeh, Farinaz Nasirinezhad, Mahdieh Kerdari, Maryam Soleimani,
Volume 28, Issue 1 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background: Neuropathic pain (NP) is one of the most suffering medical conditions that often fail to respond to certain pain therapy. Although its exact etiology is still unknown the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress were explored by many researchers. Neuropathies either central or peripheral lead to painful condition as well as social and economic isolation, thus various therapies were used to treat or reduce the pain. Laser therapy and antioxidant drugs have separately considered as treatment for NP, but the combination of them have not been used yet. In order to study the combination effects of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) the present study was designed.
Methods: Sixty adult male rats (230-320g) were used in this experimental study that divided into six groups (n=10). Chronic constriction injury (CCI) was used to induce neuropathic pain. The CoQ10 or vehicle, a low level laser of 980nm was used for two consecutive weeks. Thermal and mechanical paw withdrawal thresholds were assessed before and after surgery on 7th and 14th days.
Results: As we expected CCI decreased the pain threshold, whereas CoQ10 administration for two weeks increased mechanical and thermal threshold. The same results obtained for laser therapy using the CCI animals. Combination of laser 980nm with CoQ10 also showed significant differences in CCI animals.
Conclusion: Based on our findings the combination of CoQ10 with LLLT showed better effects than each one alone. In this regard we believe that there might be cellular and molecular synergism in simultaneous use of CoQ10 and LLLT on pain relief.
Kamran B Lankarani, Yaser Sarikhani, Seyed Taghi Heydari, Hasan Joulaie, Najmeh Maharlouei, Payam Peimani, Seyed Mehdi Ahmadi, Davoud Khorasani-Zavareh, Hamid Soori, Ali Davoudi-Kiakalayeh, Gholamreza Masoumi,
Volume 28, Issue 1 (1-2014)
Abstract
Iran has had incremental incidence of traffic accident mortality since introduction of mechanization about a century ago. But the newest data from Iran show decrease in the absolute number of deaths, death per 10,000 vehicles and death per 100, 000 populations. Despite its huge impact on health and economy, research in the field of traffic crashes is still scant and there are still deficiencies in problem oriented research on traffic accidents. Actual cooperation of policy makers, executive bodies and academician could build platform for intersectoral discussion of different aspects of traffic accidents and could reduce burden of traffic accidents.
Fatemeh Kermanian, Mansoureh Soleimani, Bagher Pourheydar, Alireza Samzadeh-Kermani, Farzaneh Mohammadzadeh, Mehdi Mehdizadeh,
Volume 28, Issue 1 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background :Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside that has a neuromodulatory role in the central nervous system. The amphetamine derivative (±)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy) is a synthetic amphetamine analogue used recreationally to obtain an enhanced affiliated emotional response. MDMA is a potent monoaminergic neurotoxin with the potential of damage to brain neurons. The NF-kBfamilyof proteins are ubiquitously expressed and are inducible transcription factors that regulate the expression of genes involved in disparate processes such as immunity and ingrowth, development and cell-death regulation. In this study we investigated the effects of the A2a adenosine receptor (A2a-R) agonist (CGS) and antagonist (SCH) on NF-kB expression after MDMA administration.
Methods : Sixty three male Sprague–Dawley rats were injected to MDMA (10 and 20mg/kg) followed by intraperitoneal CGS (0.03 mg/kg) or SCH (0.03mg/kg) injection. The cerebellum were then removed forcresyl-violet staining, western blot and RT- PCR analyses. MDMA significantly elevated NF-kB expression. Our results showed that MDMA increased the number of cerebellar dark neurons.
Results : We observed that administration of CGS following MDMA, significantly elevated the NF-kB expression both at mRNA and protein levels. By contrast, administration of the A2a-R antagonist SCH resulted in a decrease in the NF-kB levels.
Conclusion : These results indicated that, co-administration of A2a agonist (CGS) can protect against MDMA neurotoxic effects by increasing NF-kB expression levels suggesting a potential application for protection against the neurotoxic effects observed in MDMA users.
Ali Karimi, Ma’soumeh Moezzi, Reza Imani,
Volume 29, Issue 1 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) causes acute and chronic liver disease worldwide. HBV has eight genotypes (A to H) which is the reflection of its genome with their characteristic geographical distribution. Each genotype could have different pathogenic and therapeutic characteristics. There have been few records on HBV genotyping in general population from our region. This study aimed to determine hepatitis B genotypes using sequencing in the general population of Shahrekord, a Southwestern region of Iran.
Methods: A total of 3000 serum samples (cluster sampling method) were enrolled from general population tested for HBsAg using ELISA. Using appropriate extraction kit, HBV DNA was extracted from HBsAg positive samples and each was subjected to nested PCR for detection of HBV DNA. Finally, using sequencing, the samples were used for HBV genotyping. Data were analyzed by SPSS 19 using descriptive statistics, chi square, and Fisher’s exact test. P-value < 0.05 was considered as the level of significance.
Results: Out of 3000 serum samples, 40 (1.3%) were positive for HBsAg. HBV DNA was detected in 10 out of 40 (25%) of the samples studied. Genotype D was the predominant HBV type found in all of these 10 HBV positive samples.
Conclusion: Genotype D is probably the predominant HBV type in our region.
Parisa Goodarzi, Hamid Reza Aghayan, Bagher Larijani, Masoud Soleimani, Ahmad-Reza Dehpour, Mehrnaz Sahebjam, Firoozeh Ghaderi, Babak Arjmand,
Volume 29, Issue 1 (1-2015)
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative brain disorder which is around 1.5 times more common in men than in women. Currently, drug medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes are common approaches to PD, while all of them focused on reducing the symptoms. Therefore, regenerative medicine based on stem cell (SC) therapies has raised a promising hope. Various types of SCs have been used in basic and experimental studies relevant to PD, including embryonic pluripotential stem cells, mesenchymal (MSCs) and induced pluripotent SCs (iPSCs). MSCs have several advantages over other counterparts. They are easily accessible which can be obtained from various tissues such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, peripheral blood, etc. with avoiding ethical problems. Therefore, MSCs is attractive clinically because there are no related ethical and immunological concerns . Further studies are needed to answer some crucial questions about the different issues in SC therapy. Accordingly, SC-based therapy for PD also needed more complementary evaluation in both basic and clinical study areas.
Homa Rasoolijazi, Mehdi Mehdizadeh, Mansoureh Soleimani, Farnaz Nikbakhte, Mohsen Eslami Farsani, Shima Ababzadeh,
Volume 29, Issue 1 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background: The Rosemary extract (RE) possesses various antioxidant, cytoprotective and cognition-improving bioactivities. In this study, we postulated which doses of RE have a more effect on the hippocampus of middle-aged rats.
Methods : In this experimental study, thirty-two middle-aged male Wistar rats were fed by different doses (50,100 and 200 mg/kg/day) of RE (containing 40% carnosic acid) or distilled water for 12 weeks. The effects of different RE doses on learning and spatial memory scores, hippocampal neuronal survival, antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation amount were evaluated by one and two way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results : It seemed that RE (100mg/kg) could recover the spatial memory retrieval score (p< 0.05). The amount of activity of SOD, GPx and CAT enzymes in the hippocampus of animals of the RE (100mg/kg) group showed a significant increase compared to the normal group (p< 0.01), (p< 0.01) and (p< 0.05), respectively. Also, the amount of activity of GPx in the RE (50 mg/kg) group of animals showed a significant increase compared to the normal group (p< 0.05). No significant difference was found between the groups in the MDA level.
Conclusion : The results revealed that rosemary extract (40% carnosic acid) may improve the memory score and oxidative stress activity in middle aged rats in a dose dependent manner, especially in 100mg/kg.
Zahra Nadia Sharifi, Shabnam Movassaghi, Farzaneh Mohamadzadeh, Sara Soleimani Asl, Bagher Pourheydar, Mehdi Mehdizadeh,
Volume 29, Issue 1 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background: It is well known that the hippocampus, the CA1 Pyramidal cells in particular, is selectively vulnerable during global cerebral ischemia. Recently, it is observed that pentoxifylline has a neuroprotective effect. This study explored the pharmacological relationship between ischemia-induced cell death of the hippocampus and the efficacy of a vasodilator agent (pentoxifylline) in the prevention of delayed neuronal death.
Methods : This experimental study was performed on 4 groups: control, ischemia, experimental (200mg/kg pentoxifylline injection one hour prior to and one hour following ischemia) and vehicle (normal saline). Transient global ischemia was induced by bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion. To investigate the apoptotic bodies and caspase-3 activities as a central role in the execution phase of apoptosis, the brains were prepared for the TUNEL technique.
Results : Pentoxifylline administration limited apoptosis and caspase-3 activities in rats’ hippocampi. Our data showed no significant difference between the number of apoptotic bodies in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in the control and pentoxifylline -treated groups (p= 0.994). The results of one- way ANOVA revealed that that ischemia significantly increased caspase-3 levels in the hippocampus (p<0.05) however, the level of caspase-3 in pentoxifylline -treated rats was less than the ischemic group.
Conclusion : These results suggest that the neuroprotective effect of pentoxifylline (200mg/kg) may be accompanied by a reduction in ischemic damage within the CA1 region of the hippocampus in rats subjected to transient global cerebral ischemia.
Bijan Pirnia, Fatemeh Givi, Rasool Roshan, Kambiz Pirnia, Ali Akbar Soleimani,
Volume 30, Issue 1 (1-2016)
Abstract
Background: Stimulants addition and abuse can cause some functional and morphological changes in the normal function of glands and hormones. Methamphetamine as an addictive stimulant drug affects the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and consequently makes some changes in the psychological state of the drug users. The present study aims to examine the relationship between plasma levels of cortisol with depression, stress and anxiety symptoms in chronic methamphetamine-dependent patients and normal individuals who have undergone the inguinal hernia surgery.
Methods: To meet the purpose of the study, 35 chronic methamphetamine-dependent patients in the active phase of drug abuse and 35 non-users (N=70) who were homogenized regarding the demographic features were purposefully selected from among the patients referred to undergo inguinal hernia surgery since March 15 to June 9, 2015. The participants were then divided into the control and experiment group. The changes in cortisol levels in plasma were measured using Radioimmunoassay (RIA) in three-time series including 0 (upon the induction of anesthesia), 12 and 24 hours after the surgery. Further, three behavioral indices of depression, anxiety and stress were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) and then the data were analyzed using t-test and Pearson Correlation coefficient.
Results: The plasma level of cortisol in the chronic methamphetamine-dependent patients (experiment group) had a significant increase in 24 hours after surgery (p<0.05). This study showed that cortisol levels in chronic methamphetamine-dependent patients were significantly higher than non-dependent patients in response to alarming events such as inguinal surgery. Changes in cortisol levels were intensified due to a confrontation with the phenomenon of pain and anxiety. In addition, depression index was higher in the chronic methamphetamine-dependent patients than that in the non-dependent patients. However, there was no significant relationship between the cortisol level and depression index (p=0.001).
Conclusion: The Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is considered as a key structure in the addiction to simulants, the reason which can explain the faster response of the chronic methamphetamine-dependent patients to the stressors such as surgery.
Poupak Rahimzadeh, Farnad Imani, Azadeh Sayarifard, Sara Sayarifard, Seyed Hamid Reza Faiz,
Volume 30, Issue 1 (1-2016)
Abstract
Background: Postoperative pain is one of the major problems in patients with femoral or hip fracture. Current study investigates the effect of 0.2% and 0.3% bupivacaine in ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) on postoperative pain.
Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted in Rasoul Akram Hospital of Iran University of Medical Sciences. Forty-eight patients with femoral or hip fractures who were candidates for surgery underwent FICB, divided into two groups receiving bupivacaine in 0.2% and 0.3% concentrations. Pain was evaluated with Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at times 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. Need for opioids, nausea and vomiting after surgery, patients’ satisfaction with pain control and motor block were also recorded. T-test or Mann-Whitney U test and Repeated measure ANOVA was used for analysis.
Results: Pain score after surgery was significantly lower in groups receiving 0.3% than the group receiving 0.2% concentration. Patients’ satisfaction with pain control in 0.2% group was significantly higher (p=0.04). Time to analgesic onset in both groups had no significant differences (p=0.5). The incidence of nausea and vomiting (p=0.5) and opioid consumption (p=0.1) between the two groups showed no significant difference.
Conclusion: In femoral or hip fracture, bupivacaine with 0.3% concentration in fascia iliaca compartment block can cause lower pain score compared to bupivacaine with 0.2% concentration, but patients’ satisfaction with pain control and severity of motor block is higher in bupivacaine 0.2%.
Amir Bahrami-Ahmadi, Seyed Alireza Mortazavi, Roghayeh Soleimani, Mohammad Hasan Nassiri-Kashani,
Volume 30, Issue 1 (1-2016)
Abstract
Background: There are some challenges about the role of work- related stress on development of musculoskeletal complaints. The present prospective study was conducted on nurses of Milad hospital in Tehran (Iran) to assess the role of work- related stress on development of neck and shoulder pain among nurses.
Methods: From the 1,900 nurses who completed the registry forms, 1,450 nurses met the inclusion criteria. We divided the participants into exposed and unexposed groups according to their DASS-21 scores. We collected the data of neck and shoulder pain among the nurses at two points of the first and the second year after the study, using the Nordic Questionnaire. Qualitative and quantitative variables were compared between the exposed and unexposed variables with chi-square and independent sample t-test, respectively.
Results: One year after the commencement of the study, 62 (9.1%) nurses in the exposed group and 36 (4.7%) in the unexposed group had been reported as new cases of neck and shoulder pain, respectively. The incidence of the new cases of neck and shoulder pain was significantly higher in the exposed group compared to the unexposed group (p= 0.001). Two years after the start of the study, at the second follow-up point, 135 (19.8%) nurses in the exposed group and 76 (9.9%) in the unexposed group had been reported as new cases of neck and shoulder pain, respectively. The incidence of new cases of neck and shoulder pain was significantly higher in the exposed group compared to the unexposed group (p<0.001).
Conclusions: The incidence of neck and shoulder pain was higher in those nurses with high level of work- related stress. According to our results, more attention should be paid to mental health as well as physical symptoms and limitations of the healthcare workers when they refer to occupational health services with musculoskeletal pain complaints.
Mashallah Aghilinejad, Elaheh Kabir-Mokamelkhah, Atefeh Talebi, Roghayeh Soleimani, Naser Dehghan,
Volume 30, Issue 1 (1-2016)
Abstract
Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the most important problems in the health workforce. These discomforts cause many working days losses, increase absenteeism from work, and impose annual economic costs. Awkward posture is the most important factor among the risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This study aimed at implementing an interventional ergonomic program to minimize musculoskeletal disorder among dentists.
Methods: This semi- experimental study was conducted on 75 dentists of Milad hospital using a census method. The Nordic Questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. In this study, the intervention was to apply optical magnification lens whose impact on reducing musculoskeletal disorder had been previously investigated. Corlett and Bishop Scale was used to evaluate musculoskeletal disorders before and after the intervention. Paired t-test was conducted to compare the discomfort intensity before and after the intervention
Results: The results revealed that the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in neck, back, shoulder, and arm were higher than other areas of the body in dentists. There was a significant difference in discomfort intensity of the neck, shoulder, arm, back, elbow, forearm, and the whole body after the ergonomic intervention (p<0.05). Surveys on improving working conditions using the magnification lens revealed that more than 89% of the individuals expressed that the use of the lens increased the ease while working.
Conclusion: The present study revealed that the use of optical magnification loupes, because of providing a suitable posture while working, could reduce musculoskeletal disorders in different areas of the body. Thus, we can predict that the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders will be reduced in dentists in a long run if they use optical magnification loupes.
Sara Soleimani Asl, Mohamad Bakhtiar Hesam Shariati, Mehdi Medizadeh, Mohammad Ahmadpanah, Maryam Sohrabi,
Volume 31, Issue 1 (1-2017)
Abstract
Background: 3,4- methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a chemical derivative of amphetamine that can induce learning and memory impairment. Due to the effect of neurotrophins on memory and learning, the impact of MDMA was evaluated on the brain - derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin- 4 (NT-4), and tropomyosin- related kinase B (Trk- β) expression in the hippocampus.
Methods: In this study, 20 adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g) received saline (1 mL) or 10 mg/kg of MDMA intraperitoneally as single or multiple injection for 2 consecutive days per week for 2 months. Expression of BDNF, Trk-β, and NT4 were assessed using Western blotting and RT PCR methods.
Results: Our results revealed that the expression of BDNF, Trk- β, and NT4 proteins and genes significantly decreased in MDMA groups compared to the sham group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the acute group showed the lowest expression of these proteins.
Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that ecstasy administration may downregulate the expression of BDNF, Trk- β, and NT-4 in hippocampus, which is more extensive in case of acute treatment. It seems that in the chronic group, hippocampus was able to compensate the ecstasy- induced neurotoxicity.
Poupak Rahimzadeh, Seyed Hamid Reza Faiz, Mostafa Hoseini, Seyed Hamzeh Mousavie, Farnad Imani, Ali Reza Negahi,
Volume 32, Issue 1 (2-2018)
Abstract
Background: Given the importance of patients’ pain after laparoscopic surgeries, this study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of intraperitoneal bupivacaine, acetazolamide, and placebo on pain relief after laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery.
Methods: Patients admitted to Rasool Akram hospital with physical status I or II, based on the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) system, who were candidates for laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery due to gallstones, were included in this study. Patients were divided into 3 groups (each group containing 20 patients) using block randomization with foursome blocks. Group 1 received bupivacaine, group 2 acetazolamide, and group 3 intravenous saline as placebo. After surgery, pain score was assessed by visual analogue scale, and shoulder pain and analgesic doses were also measured. The mentioned parameters were assessed at 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after surgery.
Results: In this study, 60 patients were included in 3 groups. The mean pain recorded (VAS) at 1, 4, and 8 hours after surgery was not significantly different between acetazolamide and bupivacaine groups, but their score was significantly lower than the placebo group (p<0.05). However, the score recorded at 12 and 24 hours after surgery was not significantly different between the 3 groups (p>0.05). Mean of pain reliever (acetaminophen) injected to the patients when needed was not significantly different among the 3 intervention groups (p<0.05). The highest prevalence of shoulder pain (70%) belonged to the placebo group and the lowest (25%) to acetazolamide (p<0.05). Mean heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and the respiratory rate were not significantly different among intervention groups in 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after surgery (p>0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results, acetazolamide and bupivacaine injection reduced pain in early hours after laparoscopy. However, pain intensity was not different between intervention groups and the control group after 12 hours, so re-prescription seems to be appropriate at this time. Acetazolamide injection significantly reduces shoulder pains after surgery.
Vafa Saber, Seyyed Javad Seyyed Tabaei, Seyyed Ali Tabatabaei, Mohammad Soleimani, Ali Haghighi,
Volume 33, Issue 1 (2-2019)
Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is the most common parasite that can lead to a disease called toxoplasmosis. In this study, serological and molecular complementary tests have been conducted to detect or diagnose this parasite.
Methods: A total of 71 patients with clinical symptoms of ocular toxoplasmosis and 20 patients with other ocular infections were evaluated. Serum and buffy coat samples were collected and tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) assessments. Superficial T. gondii B1 gene was evaluated in PCR. The ocular toxoplasmosis patients were followed-up 2 weeks after the first sampling and 4 weeks following the first laboratory testing. The main outcome measures were the efficiency of the diagnostic procedure and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV).
Results: Overall, of the samples, 69% were PCR+, IgG+, and IgM-, and 4.2% showed PCR+, IgG+, and IgM+. In the first follow-up, after 2 weeks, from the 41 referred patients, 29 (70%) showed PCR+, IgG+, and IgM-, which confirmed the results of the first sampling. In the second follow-up, 9 (47%) patients were PCR+, IgG+, and IgM-. A correlation was observed between the first referral and the follow-ups. Also, from 71 patients, diagnosed clinically as ocular toxoplasmosis, the disease was confirmed in 73.2% and 26.8% of those suffering from other ocular infections. Of the 20 control group samples, 55% showed PCR-, IgG+, and IgM-. The sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values, and negative and positive likelihoods were analyzed for IgG and IgM antibodies and for PCR using ELISA method.
Conclusion: As the ophthalmologic signs of T. gondii may be mimicked by other infections, clinical methods may be complemented by laboratory approaches for a definite diagnosis. This would assist clinicians to achieve timely diagnosis and successful therapy and to control the infection.
Sara Soleimani Asl, Hugo Bergen, Niloufar Ashtari, Shayan Amiri, Marek J. Łos, Mehdi Mehdizadeh,
Volume 33, Issue 1 (2-2019)
Abstract
Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid-beta plaques, neuronal loss, and cognitive dysfunction. Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathophysiology of AD, and it has been suggested that antioxidants may slow the progress of the disease. In this study, the possible protective effects of pelargonidin (a natural flavonoid) against amyloid β (Aβ)-induced behavioral deficits was investigated in rats.
Methods: Adult Wistar male rats were treated with intrahippocampal injections of the Aβ (aa 25-35) and intraperitoneal injection of pelargonidin. Learning and spatial memory were tested using the Morris water maze (MWM) task. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay (FRAP assay). Data were analyzed using SPSS 20, and value of p≤0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The results of this study showed that Aβ significantly increased escape latency and the distance traveled in the MWM, and pelargonidin attenuated these behavioral changes. Aβ induced a significant decrease in the total thiol content of hippocampus, and pelargonidin restored the hippocampal antioxidant capacity.
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that pelargonidin can improve Aβ-induced behavioral changes in rats.
