مجله دانشگاه علوم پزشکی مازندران
پیاپی 156 (دی 1396)

Background and Humanin is a 24-aa peptide that is considered as one of the probable players of autophagy. Its inevitable role in the inhibition of apoptosis in cells is revealed, but its probable importance in autophagy is under evaluation. This study evaluated the role of humanin protein in induction of autophagy and efficacy of chemotherapy drug etoposide.
HN3 gene was synthesized and cloned in pcDNA3.1 vector and electroporated in AGS cell line. Expression analysis in AGS cell line was done by SDS-PAGE and Real-time PCR using specific primers. HN3 gene inhibition was done using specific siRNA molecules. siRNAs transfection to the recombinant AGS cell line was done using Lipofectamine. The effects of the humanin inhibition on efficacy of chemotherapy agents was studied using Real-time PCR and MTT assay.
Our data showed that dose of 100 nm of siRNA caused about 40% increase in the mortality of cancer cells.
To the best of our knowledge the current research was the first on the role of humanin gene in induction of autophagy in stressful cancer cells that evaluated its exact mechanism in autophagy induction. In addition, HN3 inhibition could increase the efficacy of chemotherapy agents in cancer cells.

Background and Gastric cancer is the second most common cause of cancer worldwide. Having a genetic predisposition plays an important role in cancer development. Defects in the apoptosis way may cause accumulation of immortal cells that ultimately lead to numerous disorders, including cancer. In both domestic and foreign apoptosis ways, casepase 3 plays a key role as executive casepase. Hence, polymorphisms in the caspase-3 gene could affect the activity of the gene and also the susceptibility to gastric cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the polymorphisms of caspase-3 gene.
This study was performed in 100 patients with gastric cancer and also 100 healthy people as benchmarks. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. Then genotyping of the caspase-3 gene was carried out based on PCR-RFLP method and statistical analysis was done in MedCalc software V9.
In this research, 200 subjects including 115 males and 85 females were studied. All subject were well matched for geographic area and race. The results showed a relationship between increase in AG genotype and gastric cancer (P=0.02, OR=2.01, 95% CI (1.09-3.69)).
Screening of casepase 3 polymorphism G>A (rs4647603) could be a marker in personal sensitivity to gastric cancer treatment and prevention process.

Background and Increasing resistance of microbes to antimicrobial drugs necessitates the production of new compounds of more extensive activity together with low toxicity. Compounds containing quinoxaline and pyrazole cycles comprise important group of nitrogen-bearing heterocyclic compounds. These scaffolds possess a wide spectrum of biological effects including antimicrobial and anticancer effects.
Three steps procedure were designed to prepare the title compound. 3-(glycerol-1-yl)-1-phenyl flavazole was prepared by adding D-glucose, and ortho-phenylenediamine to phenylhydrazine in presence of acetic acid. Then, the desired aldehyde was obtained by adding sodium periodate to the solution. Finally, adding 4-aminoantipyrine gave the target product.
The considered imine compound was synthesized and its structure was confirmed using NMR, IR, and GC- Mass spectroscopy techniques.
In this study, (1-H) pyrazolo [4, 5-b] quinoxaline was prepared using inexpensive and widely available materials. In present research, not only the reaction performance was improved, but also some time and resource savings along with enhanced efficiency were achieved. The method proposed is an efficient, simple, and fast method to synthesize the aforementioned compound with antibacterial potential.

Background and Allium sativum belongs to the Liliaceae family and is widely used in folk medicine. Antibacterial, anticancer and antioxidant activity of this genus have been previously reported. Current study, aimed at investigating the cytotoxic and antibacterial activity of fermented and non-fermented extracts of A. sativum on breath cancer cells (MCF7), lymphocyte cells, and some pathogenic bacteria.
MCF-7 and lymphocyte cells were maintained in DMEM and RPMI medium supplemented with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), respectively. Cytotoxic effect of the methanol extracts of fermented and non-fermented garlics was measured on MCF7 at different concentrations (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500 μg/ml) using MTT assay. The antibacterial properties of these extracts were also investigated against Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Proteus mirabilis, and Escherichia coli by disk diffusion.
The garlic fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum, strain1745, showed the highest cytotoxic activity (CC50 400µg/ml) compared to strain 1058 (CC50 450µg/ml) and natural flora (CC50 >500µg/ml). We observed a significant relationship between the flavonoid contents of garlic and cytotoxic activity (P value This study showed that lacto fermented garlic extract might be a good candidate against breast cancer cells and pathogenic bacteria.

Background and Vicia cracca (Papilionaceae) has 45 species in Iran. Vicia spp. are known medicinal plants. Some species in this family are well known with distinctive antioxidant activity. This investigation was designed to evaluate the antioxidant activities and hepatoprorective properties of V. cracca in mice.
The aerial parts were extracted by maceration method using methanol as solvent. Antioxidative capacity was assessed by utilizing three different DPPH, nitric oxide (NO) free radicals scavenging, and reducing power. Hepatoprotective activity was evaluated in 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg in CCl4 induced oxidative toxicity. Also, the levels of serum ALT, AST and ALP and hepatic glutathione were measured.
Total phenolic content was 17.2 ± 0.9 mg GAE and flavonoid content was 9.78 ± 0.25 mg QE. In DPPH radical scavenging activity, the IC50 value was 1.98 ± 0.25 mg ml-1. The extract showed good reducing power activity indicating significant difference with that of the positive controls (P The findings clearly indicated moderately good antioxidant capacities and potent hepatoprotective properties of the Vicia cracca extract.

Background and Contamination of food materials such as rice to mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A) is a major health concern. This causes more concerns especially in countries that rice is the main food. Nephrotoxic, immunotoxic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic effects of such mycotoxins to human are reported by WHO and EPA. The main objective of current study was to determine the contamination of rice produced in Kohgiluyeh and boyer Ahmad and Khuzestan provinces to aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A.
In a cross-sectional study, 85 samples were randomly collected from rice farms in Basht, Yasuj, Gachsaran and Dena in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad province and Ramhormoz in Khuzestan province. Contaminations to Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A were quantified using ELISA method and data was statistically analyzed by SPSS V18.
The concentration of aflatoxin B1 was less than the limits specified by the Iran National standard and the Union of Europe standard value in 80.58% of the samples. Also, the levels of Ochratoxin A in 100% of the samples were less than standard limits. The average concentrations of aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin were 4.70 ng/g and 2.02 ng/g in all samples, respectively. In addition, there was a positive correlation between Aflatoxin B1 and temperature and humidity P=0.001.
This research showed a potential contamination to fungi and its toxins in rice. Increase in temperature and humidity directly increased aflatoxin B1 levels.

Background and Diabetes is a chronic disease which requires lifelong use of drugs. These drugs have high costs, therefore, there is a need to find economic, efficient, simple, and local solutions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of oral supplementation of cinnamon on glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with type II diabetes.
This clinical trial was conducted in 136 patients with type II diabetes in Birjand, Iran 2015. They were randomly assigned into intervention or placebo groups (n=68 per group). Subjects in the intervention group received 500 mg of cinnamon three times a day after breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 90 days (1500 mg daily). While the other group were advised to take the placebo in the same manner. Fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels were measured before and after the study.
In this study, the levels of HbA1c reduced significantly in intervention group after the treatment (P≤0.05). Daily intake of 1500 mg of cinnamon for 90 days was found to be effective in reducing glycosylated hemoglobin levels, but it did not have a significant effect on reducing fasting blood sugar in 90 days (P≥0.05).
Daily dose of 1500 mg of cinnamon for 90 days significantly reduced the HbA1C levels in type II diabetic patients and also had a moderate effect on fasting blood sugar concentrations. Therefore, it is recommended alongside conventional medication used in treatment of type II diabetes mellitus.

Background and Identifying potential risk factors for cardiovascular diseases is essential for screening and disease prevention. In this study, the association between ABO blood groups and risk of cardiovascular diseases was assessed.
In a cross-sectional research, 1353 consecutive elderly in Amirkola, north of Iran enrolled. Cardiovascular disease was determined according to medical history, any medications, and other medical documents. Also, the ABO blood group was determined. Finally, the frequency of cardiovascular disease was compared between ABO blood groups. Data analysis was done in SPSS 16.
The mean age of the population studied was 69.21±7.30 years and 754 (55.7%) and 599 (44.3%) were males and females, respectively. Blood group O (33.5%) and B (33%) phenotypes were common types in this population. Angina pectoris was significantly associated with A blood group (P=0.039). But no relationship was found between ABO blood group and cerebral stroke (P=0.624), myocardial infarction (P =0.229), heart failure (P =0.866), hypertension (P =0.623), and other risk factors.
According to the our findings, a relationship was only detected between A blood group phenotype and angina pectoris, while no any significant association was detected between ABO blood groups and risk of other cardiovascular diseases.

Background and Cancer is a highly prevalent disease that could cause psychological and emotional complications such as death anxiety. On the other hand, spiritual well-being is an inherent element of health and may enhance patients’ adaptability to cope with their disease and associated anxiety. This study was done to determine the effect of spirituality in predicting death anxiety in patients with cancer.
This descriptive-correlational study was done in patients (n=100) with cancer in Sari, Iran 2017. The participants were selected using convenience sampling in Imam Khomeini Hospital. Data was collected by a demographic questionnaire, Templer Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), and Spirituality Questionnaire (SQ). The data was analyzed using Pearson correlation and Regression analysis.
The death anxiety score in 49% of the patients was high (higher than 8). The mean score for death anxiety and spirituality was 8.39±2.96 and 85.44±11.59, respectively. There was no relation between death anxiety and spirituality (P>0.05), but there were relations between death anxiety and dimensions of spirituality. Death anxiety level was highly correlated with spiritual practices dimension but had the least correlation with spiritual needs. Higher levels of spiritual practices can decrease the level of patient’s death anxiety.
According to findings, spiritual practices dimension is a suitable predictor of death anxiety in patients with cancer, therefore, spirituality training might decrease the incidence or level of their death anxiety.

Background and Pregnancy is one of the most critical periods in the lives of mothers during fertility years which could be accompanied by some complications. The current study aimed at investigating adverse pregnancy outcomes and associated factors in women residing in rural areas in Sari, Iran.
We conducted a cross-sectional study in 826 pregnant women. They were selected via two-way stratified sampling from rural health centers in Sari who had health care files and gave birth in 2016. Relevant information was collected using a checklist.
The frequency of abnormalities at birth time were as follows: low weights 3.6%, immature infants 2.3%, abortion 1.3%, stillbirth 0.1%, congenital disorders 1.2%, and premature delivery 3%. Chi Square test showed no significant difference between adverse pregnancy outcomes or congenital abnormalities and history of abortion, stillbirth, gestational age, mothers’ educational level, and gestational diabetes (P> 0.05).
The present study did not show a significant association between the variables studied and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This could be due to the low frequency of such outcomes and inconsiderable number of some risk factors such as pregnancy at inappropriate age. Therefore, conducting analytical researches such as case-control studies are recommended.

Background and Health care professionals play a major role in providing information about prenatal screening to pregnant mothers, but, there is no comprehensive instrument to assess their educational needs. The aim of this study was to develop an instrument to measure the educational needs of health care providers toward prenatal screening.
The study was conducted in two phases. At the first phase, in a deductive approach, relevant literature and the opinions of experts as long as pregnant mother's views were used for the development of a pool of items. Then, face validity, content validity and reliability of the instrument were investigated for the psychometric properties of the instrument.
Data led to a questionnaire consisting of 35 items in four dimensions including: proper time, techniques, laws and rules, and follow up. The scale’s Content Validity Index (CVI) was 0.94 and the reliability was demonstrated by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.72 for the entire scale. Consistency of the instrument was established using test – retest reliability with an interval of two weeks (ICC = 0.98, P The results are estimates of the validity and reliability of the instrument. Normalization of the instrument in other cultures is recommended.

Background and No reports are found on biological activities of Nonea lutea (boraginaceae). The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of this plant.
The aerial parts were extracted by three different methods, i.e. meceration (MA), ultrasonic assisted (US), and soxhlet assisted (SO) extractions with methanol. Antioxidative capacity was assessed by utilizing four DPPH and nitric oxide (NO) free radicals scavenging, reducing power and iron chelating activity. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined. Antibacterial activities were evaluated by disc diffusion method against four bacteria.
The highest amount of total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found in SO and US extracts, respectively. In DPPH radical scavenging activity, SO extract (IC50 = 99.14 ± 0.3 µg ml-1) had a higher activity which was significantly different from that of other extracts (P0.05). The extracts showed weak iron chelating and nitric oxide radical scavenging activities indicating no significant differences (P> 0.05). Findings showed that all extracts had the highest activity against B. subtilis and the least activity against S. aureus. SO extract showed the highest activity against B. subtilis, US extract showed the highest activity against E coli and P. aeruginosa, and MA extract showed the highest activity against S. aureus.
The results indicated that extraction methods significantly affect antioxidant and antibacterial capacities and total phenolic and flavonoid contents. For this plant, SO extraction method was found to be more efficient.

Background and Imidacloprid (IM) is a systemic insecticide that is widely used to control a large number of pests in agriculture. It has toxic effects, therefore, it should be removed using appropriate methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of electrochemical degradation process to remove IM from aqueous solutions.
In this experiment, a glass reactor and different combinations of electrodes were used to assess process efficiency in batch mode. The effects of various parameters were studied to determine the optimum conditions. We used the combinations of lead and stainless steel electrodes as the anode and the cathode, respectively. Then, under optimum conditions, the efficiencies of other electrodes including copper, iron, aluminum, steel and graphite in removal of IM were simply compared.
The analysis showed that in the optimal conditions, the maximum removal efficiency of IM and COD were 97.2% and 88.57%, respectively. The data followed the pseudo first order reaction kinetics model. Among the electrodes investigated, lead followed by copper, iron, stainless steel, graphite, and aluminum showed the highest efficiency. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that due to IM degradation, the functional groups have been changed, and the results of GC/MS analysis confirmed the degradation of the compound to the final products.
The results indicated that electrochemical process is an effective process in Imidacloprid removal which could remove ≈ 97% of IM.

Background and Fluoride is a major mineral pollutant in groundwater. Long-term exposure to high concentration of fluoride in drinking water causes dental fluorosis, skeletal and nonskeletal fluorosis. Therefore, highly efficient water treatment that could lower the concentration of fluoride in groundwater is a challenge. This study aimed at evaluating the efficiency of Nanofiltration and the effects of pressure and temperature on the removal of fluoride from groundwater.
The study was conducted in laboratory scale by pilot plant using Nanofiltration membrane (FILMTEC-NF90-4040). Raw water fluoride concentration was between 1.50 and 2.17 mg/L and pressures and temperatures were 4 to 12 bars and 10 to 30°C, respectively. Fluoride ion concentration was measured by spectrophotometry using a standard SPADNS method.
The lowest and highest efficiency rates in removal of fluoride were 30% and 70%, respectively. We also observed that increase in pressure and temperature increased efficiency and the membrane permeate flow rate. Fluoride concentrations in all water samples were less than standard levels.
Nanofiltration was found with favorable efficiency in removal of fluoride from groundwater. Operating pressure and temperature are amongst the parameters that affect the performance of the process and increase the efficiency of fluoride removal by Nanofiltration.

Background and Sewage sludge can supply nutrients and improve soil condition. However, presence of microorganisms, particularly parasites could cause a variety of diseases in humans and animals. This study aimed at identifying parasites in the waste sludge of industrial sewage in Babolsar, north of Iran and comparing their concentration with the EPA standards.
Sampling was conducted in the sludge sewage treatment plant in one industrial town from four sludge depot during six months. Nine samples were taken from each depot. In order to identify the parasites McMaster slide was used according to Bailenger method.
This study showed that the average numbers of helminth eggs in pallets 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 4.42, 17.52, 7.65, and 7.3 per 4 grams dried sludge, respectively. The greatest numbers of helminth eggs, was associated with Toxocara and Hymenolepis diminuta.
In current investigation, the number of helminth eggs in the sludge was higher than that suggested by the EPA standards. The sludge studied was industrial, therefore, the possibility of parasitic infection caused by people is low. On the other hand, the numbers of Hymenolepis diminuta and Toxocara were high. As a result, the possibility of secondary pollution due to movement of animals is high.

Background and Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a promising radiotherapy based on the accumulation of Boron into the tumor and subsequent irradiation with low energy neutrons. It leads to the decay of 10B to 7Li and α particle, causing the death of the neoplastic cells. Here we report some chitosan modified nanoparticles bearing boron phenyl alanine (BPA) as an inexpensive novel promising boron containing structures for practical use in BNCT.
In an experimental study, different BPA-containing nanoparticles of Chitosan (CS) were prepared. Some properties including size and zeta potential were determined by DLS method. The extent of BPA loading was determined using UV-Vis. Spectroscopy and the in-vitro release profiles were analyzed using HPLC method.
Tripolyphosphate (TPP) cross-linked CS-BPA nanoparticles released 51% of the BPA content, TPP cross-linked CS-FA-BPA nanoparticles released 24% of its BPA content and TPP crosslinked CS-SA-FA-BPA nanoparticles released 66% of its BPA content in the same time.
This study introduces two kinds of the Chitosan NPs as BPA carriers. This modified formulations with different release profiles have the opportunity to test in BNCT. Regarding the Chitosan safety and price these systems can be promising candidates in BNCT cancer treatment. In the future studies, the in-vitro neutron capture studies will be carried out to evaluate the boron content efficiency in the prepared formulations.

Background and People who are deaf have poorer balance due to defects in vestibular system, which is one of the major systems of the human balance control.
A pretest-posttest semi-experimental study was designed with pretest-posttest and control group. Thirty two deaf students were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group did Pilates exercises for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week. Balance tests, including the BESS test, TUG test, 10 meters walking test and step length measurement were done before and after the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Dependent t-test and covariance analysis (ANCOVA) were run at P Covariance analysis showed significant differences between experimental and control groups at posttest in BESS, TUG, step length, and walking speed tests.
Pilates exercises improved the static and dynamic balance, walking speed and step length in deaf students.

Background and External genital abnormalities are amongst the most common congenital disorders, specially in boys. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of genital abnormalities in male neonates born in Babol Ayatollah Rohani Hospital, 2015-2016.
This cross-sectional study was conducted in 787 live-born male infants. Written consent was obtained from their parents. The exclusion criteria were dead infants, female infants and lack of parental consent. The information of Newborns (weight, height, head circumference, gestational age, and kind of abnormality) and their parents (mother's age, history of illness in mother, drug addiction, and any medication taken by mother) were recorded in a checklist.
There was undescended testis in 28 (3.6%), hydrocele in 46 (5.8%), hypospadias in 6 (0.8%), and epispadias in 7 (0.9%) newborns. Mean weight of these newborns was 2841.26±434.77 gr. Mean gestational age was 37.34±1.68 weeks and mean age of their mothers was 30 ±7.94 years.
The results showed that hydrocele and undescended testis were the most common abnormalities in male neonates. Low birth weight, underlying diseases in mother and advanced maternal age were the predisposing factors of these abnormalities.

Background and Sleep plays a major role in maintaining health and improving academic performance and behavior in adolescents. Studies on the relationship between diet and sleep quality are not consistent. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between sleep quality and consumption of macronutrients and micronutrients in adolescents.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 319 individuals (10-18 years of age) selected by multistage random cluster sampling in Minoodar district, Qazvin, Iran 2010-2011. Dietary pattern was assessed using food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and information on food intake was obtained using Nutrition 4, Version 3.5.2. Sleep quality was assessed by BEARS questionnaire. Data analysis was performed applying T-test.
The research population included 162 (50.8%) females. The mean age of the participants was 15±2.43 years. Amon the cases studied 302 were found with low-quality sleep. There was no significant relationship between sleep quality and calorie, and intake of micronutrients and macronutrient (P>0.05). The mean intake of omega-3 fatty acids in subjects with good-quality sleep was higher than that in the subjects with low-quality sleep (P≤0.05).
Appropriate intake of omega-3 fatty acid was associated with high-quality sleep. There was no relationship between sleep quality and consumption of micronutrients and macronutrients.

Background and Foreign bodies may be deposited in the periapical tissues either by traumatic injury or iatrogenically. The presence of an external object in the periapical tissue by creating a foreign body reaction can lead to endodontic failure. This article describes the treatment of an unusual impaction of three foreign bodies into the periapical tissues.
Case report: Three foreign bodies in periapical space of an adolescent was accidentally detected. He had trauma history in the anterior teeth. Non-surgical and surgical treatment was performed. After two years follow up, clinical signs showed improvements and the bone was repaired.
Foreign body reaction in the periapical tissue and the delay in its detection cause extensive destruction of the bony structure. Therefore, surgical treatment for their fast removal is necessary.

Dandy-Walker anomaly is a rare congenital disorder. This syndrome is diagnosed by cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, cystic dilatation of the fourth ventricle and, enlargement of the posterior fossa with or without hydrocephalus. This study presents a report of a male fetus with Dandy-Walker syndrome and determination of clinical protests, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of this syndrome. The patient was a 38-year-old woman on second pregnancy (parity one), who was referred for fetal ultrasonography. In fetus neurogram scan and examining the skull, the lower segment of cerebellar vermis hypoplasia and suspicious relationship with 4 ventride and posterior fossa were detected which were indicative of DandyWalker variant. The mother was hospitalized for therapeutic abortion at 19 weeks and 2 days gestational age. To terminate the pregnancy 80 mg of misoprostol was administered along with IV infusion of oxytocin. This syndrome is a rare disorder which most of its aspects remains unknown and need more investigations. This syndrome is diagnosed by advanced imaging techniques. So, in order to prevent infant birth with this anomaly, prenatal care, particularly for imaging procedures should be done with greater sensitivity.