Researcher Bulletin of Medical Sciences
Volume:20 Issue: 2, 2015

Cadmium is a heavy metal and environmental pollutant, which induces male infertility. Curcumin as a major constituent of Curcuma longa with antioxidant property is able to reduce oxidative stress. This study was performed to investigate the protective effect of curcumin on some sperm parameters in mice treated with cadmium chloride. In this experimental study, which was performed in Arak University in 2014, adult NMRI mice were divided into four groups: 1. Control 2. Cadmium chloride (5 mg/kg) 3. Curcumin (100 mg/kg) and 4. Curcumin + Cadmium chloride. The treatments were performed as a single dose. After 24 hours, epididymal spermatozoa from the different groups were used to evaluate sperm viability (Eosin-Nigrosin staining), acrosome integrity (Coomassie brilliant blue staining), and sperm plasma membrane integrity (Hypo-osmotic swelling test). The number of epididymal spermatozoa was counted according to World Health Organization guideline. The statistical significances were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s test. In all cases p<0.05 was considered significant. Cadmium chloride significantly decreased sperm viability, acrosome integrity, and plasma membrane integrity as well as sperm number compared to the control. In curcumin + cadmium chloride group, curcumin could significantly ameliorate the adverse effect of cadmium chloride on these sperm parameters. The results of this research showed that curcumin as a potent antioxidant was able to attenuate the adverse effect of cadmium chloride on some sperm parameters.

Today induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) have been recognized as a new and good cell source for cell therapy. In recent years, research in the field of cell therapy and tissue engineering is widely developed. Today there is a potential for the preparation of various types of scaffolds for different cells. In this study, in order to increase surface adhesion properties and cell survival, using of suitable concentration of gelatin modified nanofiber scaffold polylactic acid. Different scaffolds were fabricated by an electrospinning technique and cells morphology and cells viability were evaluated by using a scanning electron microscopy and MTT assay respectively. The results of this study demonstrated that the modified PLA/gelatin scaffold is a more appropriate model for the adhesion, proliferation and cell survival of iPS cells. PLA/gelatin scaffold cause significantly increases in cell attention and cell survival. These findings are an important step in the use of appropriate three dimensional culture in order to treat a variety of diseases.

Cervical ripening is one of the main stages at the onset of labor. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of consumption date fruit on cervical ripening and delivery outcomes in nulliparous women in selected centers in 2012. In this randomized clinical trial of 110 nulliparous women who attended Amir-Al-Momenin teaching hospital in Semnan and colleague doctor’s offices from August 5th 2012 to July 1st 2013 for prenatal care. Research inclusion criteria included with age 18-35 years, gestational age of 38 weeks, low risk pregnancy and Bishop Score of 4 or less were randomly allocated into two groups: the dates and one control group. The dates of pregnant women who consumed it on seven dates daily, and there was no intervention in the control group. The data was collected through interview, observation, examination and food record questionnaire and form to record the baby’s movements. The data were analyzed using t-test, chi- square and Mann-Whitney. At the start of the study, there was no significant difference in Bishop score between the two groups, but after the intervention, the women who consumed date fruit had significantly higher mean Bishop score compared with the control group (p=0.0001). During the active phase of the first stage (p=0.042) and second stage (p=0.001), were significantly shorter in women who consumed date fruit compared with the control group. The two groups had no significant difference in terms of delivery (p=0.3). It is concluded that the consumption of date fruit can change the Bishop score and reduce the duration of labor.

Health literacy was defined as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.” Health literacy is a key outcome of health education activity, which should be situated in the broader concept of health promotion. Limited health literacy can reduce adults’ ability to comprehend and adhere treatment plans. This study aimed to determine and compare health literacy between medical and non-medical students in Shahid Beheshti Universities in the academic year 92-93. This cross-sectional study with approach to its descriptive-analytic sets with 500 students enrolled in medical and non-medical students of Shahid Beheshti Universities. The data collection was performed using the Newest Vital Sign questionnaire. Finally, the data were analyzed by SPSS win/18 using descriptive analytical statistics, independent t-test, chi-square and linear regression. Our findings showed 26.4% medical students had inadequate health literacy, and 31.2% had adequate health literacy. Also 44.8% non-medical students had inadequate health literacy. We observed statistically significant differences in mean score of health literacy between two groups (p<0.001). This indicates that health literacy in medical students is better than non-medical students. Results of this study showed that based on NVS questionnaire a wide range of students had inadequate and marginal health literacy. This suggested the need for greater attention to the issue of health literacy on health promotion programs.

Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common gynecological infections during reproductive age. Although metronidazole is one of the most effective medications recommended as the first-line treatment, it has various side effects, and its further use could cause several problems for patients. Because of the side effects and contraindications of chemical medicines, using herbs has been investigated in treating of bacterial vaginosis. The aim of this study was to compare the side effects of garlic tablet (Garsin) and oral metronidazole for clinical treatment of the bacterial vaginosis. This randomized clinical trial was conducted in Iran on 120 married women aged 18-44, diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis based on the clinical Amsel criteria and Gram stain. These women were randomly divided into two groups of 60 persons treated with garlic and oral metronidazole for 7 days. Clinical Amsel criteria and Gram stain were checked 7 to 10 days after beginning the treatment period, and side effects were registered. Therapeutic effects of garlic are similar to metronidazole on bacterial vaginosis (chi- square, p=0.141). This study reveals that drug use in the majority of subjects in garlic and metronidazole, with no complications (85 vs 66.7 percent of cases). There are significant differences between the two treatment groups in terms of side effects; metronidazole has been associated with more complications (chi-square, p=0.032). This study reveals that garlic could be a suitable alternative for metronidazole in treatment of bacterial vaginosis for those affected by side effects of metronidazole.

Similar to developing countries, in Iran because of the epidemiology and demography transition phase, disability along with health costs are increasing day by day while reports are indicated of decreasing trend of the disability in developed countries. This study designed to evaluate the disability and some of its related factors among the elderly population (65 and older) in kiar, Iran. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on a multi-stage random sample of 350 elderly people (65 year and older) in Kiar. Tow questionnaire used for gathering data. The WHO-DAS-II was used as the generic disability measure and self-structured questionnaire. The WHO-DAS-II had 36 questions. The range of score could be between 0-144. Chi-square, t-test analysis and ANOVA were utilized to check significant differences between subgroups. Results of the total sample, 58.9% were men and 24.6% were living lonely 27.1% had some type of addiction, the majority were illiterate and two third had not regular physical activity. 70.1% of the old people had a low and very low disability and 2.3% were extremely disabled. A significant relationship was found between the disability and variables such as sex, age, living style, needing help, marriage status, addiction, job, level of physical activity, education, and having multiple diseases. Geriatric population in Iran, has a lower level of disability in compare to those of other developed countries. Need of geriatric cares must be increasing, since the population pattern of elderly people is increasing in Iran.

Mycoplasma is one of the smallest alive microorganisms, having the ability of transmitting from microbiological filters makes it to be a severe and important contaminant for cell culture, biological and biotechnological products. Using a rapid and sensitive method for diagnosing Mycoplasma’s infection is the first priority. This method should be able to discover typical Mycoplasma’s infection, but for meeting the standard we need to produce the internal control competitively in Mycoplasma spp PCR recognizing, which is the main aim of the project. Using of special primers for IS6110 target, PCR test was optimized. Besides, the composite primers for IC- M. spp were designed then the PCR was optimized. The IC- M. spp which amplified in constringent condition, was ligated in pTZ57R plasmid, transformed in E.coli JM107 and was cloned. Specification, sensitivity of test and the number needed in each test. Also PCR with internal control were defermined. The number of IC, which is needed in each PCR reaction was scanned in the matter of dilution and PCR response with IC. PCR amplicon for Mycoplasma spp and IC- M. spp with special primers were 272bp and 660bp respectively, so there was a significant different between their size. Despite the high speed and accuracy of PCR, false positive and negative results, which are caused because of PCR inhibitors, are the important problems of this technic that can reduce its efficiency. Using another DNA as an internal control can detect these inhibitors. Indeed, amplification of this DNA shows correct amplification and detection steps.

To obtain the effect of natural honey on the effect of Streptococcus mutans, a study was released. This cross-over, clinical trial study was performed on 24 dental students. 2 cc of saliva from two groups were initially made. The honey was held to case group and they were asked to do instruction for a week. The instruction was swishing the honey daily by rate of 5 ml in their mouth for 5 minutes, and then swallowing it. After 2 weeks wash out, switching between the groups was performed and changes in salivary mutans streptococci were determined by statistical analysis with Mann-U-Whitney test. The Streptococcus mutans in the saliva of the control group at baseline was 54250±30482 CFU/ml, and after the intervention, was 37042±27900 CFU/ml (p<0.001). Saliva levels of Streptococcus mutans in case group at baseline were 26000±34667 CFU/ml, which was changed to the rate of 54167±35129 CFU/ml (p<0.001). For estimation of the laboratory reliability‚ 4 cc saliva of 4 students were taken. Each sample was divided in two parts‚ and the entire 8 samples were sent for estimation of Streptococcus mutans colony numbers. The difference between them was 17500±95749 CFU/ml (p<0.04). A pilot study is preferable to estimate the laboratory reliability in order to gaining the best results.