Journal of Inflammatory Diseases
Volume:19 Issue: 2, 2015

Clusterin is a glycoprotein that is overexpressed under stress conditions and causes cell survival by inhibiting apoptosis. Clusterin is overexpressed in prostate cancer. Antisense RNA drugs bind to mRNA of target gene and lead to inhibition of protein translation. The aim of this study was to determine the synergistic effects of the Clusterin antisense oligonucleotides and Docetaxel on two prostate cancer cell lines. This study was conducted in the Research Institute for Biotechnology affiliated to the Iranian Research Organization for science and technology، 2013. Antisense oligonucleotides in phosphorothioate form targeting Clusterin were delivered into androgen-independent PC3 and androgen-dependent LNCaP cell lines with 25، 50، 100، 200 and 500 nanomolar concentrations. Then cell lines were treated with 100 nanomolar Docetaxel. The effect of antisense oligonucleotides with and without Docetaxel was evaluated using the MTT assay. Antisense oligonucleotides induced cell death in both PC3 and LNCaP cell lines. There was a synergistic effect between antisense oligonucleotides and Docetaxel. Despite the difference in cytotoxicity، there was a synergistic effect between Clusterin antisense oligonucleotides and Docetaxel in both PC3 and LNCaP cell lines.

Nuclease and caspase enzymes activities which promote death signals and lead to apoptosis are dependent to potassium ions. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) potassium channel blocker on the animal model of Parkinson's disease. This experimental study was performed in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, 2013. Male Rats were received different doses of 4-AP twice daily from half an hour before injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) to 7 or 15 days after that. 6-OHDA was injected into medial forebrain bundle (MFB) in acute model groups and into striatum in chronic model groups. The severity of Parkinsonism was assessed by standard behavioral methods. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests. In acute model groups, administration of 0.5 mg/kg 4-AP (n=9) had no remarkable effect on behavioral symptoms, but 1 mg/kg 4-AP (n=8) significantly reduced the severity of apomorphine-induced rotations and improved motor learning in rotarod test. In chronic model groups, although 1 mg/kg 4-AP (n=7) significantly reduced the severity of rotations and improved motor learning, but 0.5 mg/kg 4-AP (n=8) was more effective. Pretreatment with 4-AP can reduce 6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic neuron death. Since the chronic model of 6-OHDA is more similar to Parkinson's disease in human, the low dose of 4-AP is recommended for treatment of this disease.

Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important gram negative opportunistic bacterium in hospitals which its increasing number is of clinicians’ concerns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of blaIMP-1, blaIMP-2, blaSPM-1 and blaKHM-1 genes in clinical isolates of MBL producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in hospitalized burned patients in Ghotbeddin Shirazi Center. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 210 burn wound samples from 2012 to 2013. Sensitivity of confirmed Pseudomonas aeruginosa was examined for standard antimicrobial agents using disk diffusion method. Detection of MBL producing isolates was performed by the double disk synergy test (DDST) and the desired genes were detected by PCR. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test. By the phenotypic methods, 42 isolates (20%) were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa that were resistant to the most studied antibiotics including Carbapenem (100%) and were only sensitive to Colicitin (100%). 26 isolates (61.9%) were identified as MBL producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 9 isolates (34.61%) carried the blaIMP-2 and blaKHM-1 genes. The blaIMP-1 and blaSPM-1 genes were not found in any of the isolates. With regards to the results, it is suggested to periodically study the reasons for antibiotic resistance in each center.

The center of rotation (COR) of the lumbar vertebrae is one of the important characteristics in evaluation of lumbar spine kinematics. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise therapy on displacement of the COR of lumbar vertebrae in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. This interventional study was conducted in 30 patients with non-specific chronic low back pain referred to Shahid Beheshti hospital in Babol, 2012. The p atients were randomly assigned to two equal groups. For 8 weeks, the patients in the intervention group performed routine plus stabilization exercises while the patients in the control group performed only routine exercises. Radiographic examination was performed in flexion, extension, and neutral views before and after the treatment and the followings were compared: the COR of each lumbar vertebra in global state (rotation of each vertebra relative to the sacrum) and relative state (rotation of each vertebra relative to the lower vertebra) and in full flexion-extension, flexion, and extension arcs. Data were analyzed using paired T-test and independent sample T-test. After treatment, the mean difference of the COR of the lumbar vertebrae was only significantly different between the two groups for relative measurement in L3 on y-axis in full flexion-extension arc. In flexion arc, the mean difference of the displacement of the COR was significantly different between the two groups for global measurement in L3 and L5 on y-axis and for relative measurement in L5 on y-axis. In extension arc, the mean difference of the COR of the lumbar vertebrae was not significantly different between the two groups for both global and relative measurements. With regards to the results, it is suggested to consider the displacement of the COR as an objective index in order to evaluate the effect of stabilization exercises.

Dry mouth is one of the most common complications during menopause that affects quality of life as well as oral tissue dysfunction. The aim of this study was to compare the unstimulated salivary flow rate and oral symptoms between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. This case-control study was conducted in 80 healthy women including 40 postmenopausal women as case group and 40 over 30-year-old premenopausal women as control group. Data were collected through a questionnaire including demographics, oral symptoms and examination. The subjects were asked to avoid eating and drinking 90 minutes before examination. The unstimulated salivary flow rate was measured by spitting method in milliliters per minute. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, Mann Whitney U test, T-test, and Spearman correlation coefficient. The mean unstimulated saliva was 0.182 ± 0.149 ml/min and 0.304 ± 0.129 ml/min in postmenopausal and premenopausal women, respectively and the difference was statistically significant. The prevalence of dry mouth was 45% in postmenopausal women and was 12.5% in premenopausal women. Burning sensation in mouth and change in taste sensation were 27.5% and 5% in postmenopausal women and were 2.5% and 0% in premenopausal women. There was negative significant correlation between the unstimulated salivary flow rate and age. The unstimulated salivary flow rate decreases after menopause. Oral symptoms are more prevalent in this period compared to before menopause. These differences may be due to hormonal changes (decreased estrogen and progesterone) during menopause.

Extensive use of metal working fluids degrades their chemical composition. They should be treated using a safe method. Chemical coagulation-flocculation process is one the treatment methods. The aim of this study was to optimize the coagulation-flocculation process using calcium chloride in metal working fluids treatment. This laboratory based study was performed in School of Health affiliated to Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2014. Using calcium chloride and a six-compartment jar, the efficiency of coagulation-flocculation process was assessed for removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and turbidity and amount of released oil. Central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were applied to optimize the treatment operation parameters (pH and dosage of coagulant). Quadratic models were developed for calculation of the three responses (COD, turbidity, and released oil). The optimum condition for coagulation-flocculation process was seen after treatment with 4.2 g/L calcium chloride at pH 3.71 in which COD and turbidity removal efficiency were 93% and 96.9%, respectively and the amount of released oil was 31.8 ml. The level of desirability was 91.2%. The values of laboratory study were in good agreement with the values predicted by the model. Metal working fluids treatment with calcium chloride was efficient in the removal of pollution parameters. Dosage of calcium chloride was similar to the conventional coagulants such as Alum, but its efficiency was higher.

Advanced oxidation processes such as catalytic ozonation are efficient for the removal of antibiotics. Calcium peroxide is one of the catalysts that can be used as a source of hydrogen peroxide. The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of ciprofloxacin removal by ozonation process with calcium peroxide from aqueous solutions. This experimental study was conducted in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, 2013. The process consisted of ciprofloxacin with a concentration of 10-100 mg/L, calcium peroxide with a concentration of 0-0.1 mg/L, 1 gr/min ozone (O3), and 30 min reaction time in a semiconductor reactor. In the optimal condition, at pH 3, calcium peroxide 0.025 mg/L, O3 1 gr/min, and initial antibiotic concentration of 10 mg/L, 92% of ciprofloxacin was removed and 45% of chemical oxygen demand was reduced. With regards to the results, the ozonation process with calcium peroxide can be suitable for removal of ciprofloxacin contamination.

Adding edible acids to food products not only has inhibitory effects on microorganisms, but also causes an appropriate flavor and color. The aim of this study was to determine the preservation effect of organic acids on microbial, chemical and organoleptic parameters of chicken meat. This experimental study was conducted in 200 samples of chicken meat in Koohdasht, 2014. The chicken thighs were sprayed with sterilized citric acid 1%, acetic acid 1%, and propionic acid 1%. The samples were packed and were kept at 4º C temperature, and were examined with 2 days intervals. The effect of different treatments were studied in terms of microbial (count of mesophilic aerobes, coliforms, psychotropic bacteria and anaerobes), chemical (pH, total volatile nitrogen), and organoleptic (drip loss, flavor, and color quality) parameters. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, LSD and Kruskal–Wallis tests. The bacterial growth and shelf life were significantly different between the controls and the samples treated with acetic acid and propionic acid. The samples treated with citric acid were significantly different from the samples treated with acetic acid and propionic acid in terms of bacterial growth and shelf life. But there was no significant difference between the samples treated with acetic acid and propionic acid. With regards to the microbial, chemical, and organoleptic parameters, the controls, the samples treated with citric acid, and the samples treated with acetic acid and propionic acid were preserved for 4 days, 5 days, and 6-7 days, respectively. With regards to the results, organic acids (1%) were effective in extending the shelf life of chicken meat without adverse effect on organoleptic parameters.

Hospitals, as one of the main providers of health services, are of great importance in health and economy. The aim of this descriptive study was to assess the dedicated revenue of all non-educational hospitals in Guilan University of Medical Sciences (14 hospitals) in 2012. On average, 22.35% of income was provided by cash earnings and 77.65% was provided by insurance organizations. There was 1.25% deficit by insurance. The net income of small hospitals with few available beds was very low and they were not economically affordable. The out of pocket to total income ratio was higher in the hospitals located in deprived areas due to lack of full insurance coverage.

The aim of this review was to describe the achievements of medical informatics in the rehabilitation of deaf and hearing-impaired people. The databases of PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Google Scholar and medical informatics associations’ websites were searched. The findings indicated that medical informatics specialists had performed five types of projects in cooperation with clinicians, paramedics, and medical and computer engineers including training deaf and hearing-impaired people, sign language translator, analysis of audio signals, hearing disorders diagnosis and speech recognition. Of these projects, training deaf people had a long history and was the focus of attention. Analysis of audio signals and speech recognition projects needed more studies.