فهرست مطالب

Crescent Journal of Medical and Biological Sciences
Volume:8 Issue: 2, Apr 2021

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1400/01/21
  • تعداد عناوین: 14
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  • Elham Kazemi, Saiedeh Razi Soofiyani, Hossein Ahangari, Shirin Eyvazi, MohammadSaeid Hejazi, Vahideh Tarhriz * Pages 81-89

    Chemolithotrophs are specific bacteria that utilize inorganic compounds as their energy source. These bacteria as the main source of organic molecules have more advantages in various sciences. Unlike phototrophic and organotrophic bacteria which generate their energy via the fascination of sunlight or oxidation of complex organic molecules, chemolithotrophic bacteria can exploit unconventional sources of energy, including various industrial wastes. Therefore, chemolithotroph bacteria play a key role in the remediation of micropollutants such as synthetic hormones, pharmaceutical residues, and sanitary wastes. In addition, secondary metabolites including organic acids, enzymes, and antibiotics derived from these bacteria can be used as pharmaceutical compounds. It seems that the discovery and study of the novel chemolithotrophic bacteria and investigation of their features can be helpful in medical and pharmaceutical sciences. Accordingly, it was attempted to present a comprehensive review on chemolithotrophic microbes, their energy sources, and their applications.

    Keywords: Chemolithotroph bacteria, Secondary metabolites, Enzymes, Medical sciences
  • Işık Kaban *, Besim Haluk Bacanakgil Pages 90-92
    Objectives

    Our aim in the present study was to evaluate the results of the routine coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test performed preoperatively for gynecological and obstetric operations in asymptomatic patients and to question whether this test is necessary as a preoperative routine test after the pandemic declaration of the World Health Organization (WHO).

    Materials and Methods

    In the present study, the COVID-19 test results of all patients prepared for the gynecologic or obstetric operations between June 2020 and December 2020 were recorded.

    Results

    A total of 999 female patients were evaluated in this study. The mean age of the study group was 39.7±11.4 years. The average body mass index (BMI) was found to be 27.0 ± 3.9. In this study, 332 patients were pregnant (33.2%) and 251 patients (25.1%) were in the menopausal period. The COVID-19 test was found to be positive in 12 of 999 patients we performed preoperative screening (1.2%).

    Conclusions

    According to the results of this study, 1 positivity was found in 83 patients in the preoperative screening test. Although this rate is not high enough to suggest continuing screening, it seems beneficial to continue screening for COVID-19 to identify asymptomatic patients and reduce contagiousness

    Keywords: Coronavirus, Pandemics, Gynecology, Pregnancy
  • Ahmad Zeinalzade, Ghassem Mohammadkhani *, Mehdi Akbari, Shohreh Jalaie Pages 93-98
    Objectives

    By considering the necessity prevention of hearing loss secondary to noise exposure, this research investigated the protective role of low-level laser (LLL) therapy in the prevention of cochlear outer hair cell (OHC) damage and death due to noise exposure in guinea-pigs.

    Materials and Methods

    In this study, a total of 30 male albino guinea-pigs (290±10 g) were used and randomly divided into three groups in order to evaluate hair cell counts and apoptosis of cochlear hair cells, including noise, control, and LLL therapy group each containing 10 pigs. The right outer ear canal of the LLL therapy group was exposed to165 mW/cm2 LLL for five successive days for just half an hour per day. Then, the LLL therapy and noise groups were exposed to 3-6 kHz octave band noise at 120 dBSPL. Twenty-one days after noise exposure, the animals of all groups were killed for the count of their OHCs and immunohistochemistry for caspase-3 experiments.

    Results

    The percentage of OHCs in the base and middle turns of the cochlea was significantly lower in the noise group compared to the control and low laser therapy groups (P<0.05). The expression of caspase-3 significantly differed in the noise group in comparison to control and low laser groups regarding the experiment of immunohistochemistry (P<0.05).

    Conclusions

    The findings indicated that LLL was useful in the protection of the cochlear OHCs and could help in the prevention of hair-cell apoptosis.

    Keywords: Low-level laser, Caspase-3, Guinea-pigs, Apoptosis
  • Kayvan Mirnia, Mohammad Heidarzadeh, Seyyed Amir Ghaffari, Abbas HabibeLahi, Abbas Abaei Kashan, Seyyed Mehrdad Tabatabaei, Amid Maghsoudi * Pages 99-106
    Objectives

    Nurses and specialists face serious challenges, including nasal necrosis and infection at intensive care units for premature infants. Considering that therapeutic continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is necessary for premature infants needing respiratory support, nasal masks, and prongs transfer positive end-expiratory pressure. The infant’s skin is highly delicate, and such products exert pressure on the nose and make nasal necrosis, in which case premature infants may suffer from infection and loss of nasal septum. Thus, prong support (Cannulaide CPAP) is employed to reduce the pressure. Each infant should use a specific prong since infants’ noses vary in size and shape.

    Materials and Methods

    Computer-aided design (CAD) and additive manufacturing (AM) for medical 3D printing were implemented using soft materials (silicone). Accordingly, non-plastic and soft materials were implemented for infants at the neonatal intensive care unit because silicone is a fluid that hardens gradually.

    Results

    The setting ranges were transferred to the three-dimensional (3D) printer. Different prototypes were printed after applying these settings.

    Conclusions

    AM rises to meet this challenge by making ergonomic products. This study addresses the innovation and production of liquid silicone prong support through AM. This prototype was tested at Al-Zahra hospital in Tabriz, Iran, and the results turned out to be satisfactory

    Keywords: Additive manufacturing, 3D silicone printing, Infants premature, Continuous positive airway pressure
  • Behrooz Nazari, Sara Payami, Mohammadreza Moharrami, Farhad Mirzaei * Pages 107-113
    Objectives

    Failure to diagnose some injuries in patients with multiple trauma referring to the emergency room can lead to problems and disabilities. Thus, it is necessary to be aware of these cases. In this respect, this study was conducted to investigate undiagnosed injuries in patients with multiple trauma who referred to the Northwest Emergency Center of Iran.

    Materials and Methods

    This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in Imam Reza hospital in Tabriz with the participation of 1000 patients by random sampling during 2019. Demographic data and data related to trauma (during hospitalization and after discharge) were obtained from patients’ medical records. Finally, data were analyzed in SPSS (version 20) using χ2 and logistic regression tests.

    Results

    The type of the accident was significantly associated with damage to the central nervous system (CNS) and the musculoskeletal system (P=0.001 and P=0.003, respectively). Based on the evaluation of patients who came for examination for the second time, it was observed that 22.4% of cases with injuries were not diagnosed during hospitalization. Motorcycle and pedestrian accidents were significantly associated with failure to diagnose in the hospital, and age, motor accident, and winter variables were significantly contributed to the lack of diagnosis.

    Conclusions

    Orthopedic injuries (upper limbs are much more common than lower limbs) are the most common injuries that are not diagnosed in hospitalized patients with multiple trauma. These injuries are more prevalent among individuals aged 5-30 years old who have been involved in car accidents in the winter.

    Keywords: Multiple trauma, Undiagnosed injuries, Orthopedic, Neurosurgery
  • Mitra Salehi, Hamid Reza Niazkar, Azamalsadat Mahmoudian *, Hossein Nezami, Sara Emamdadi, Parisa Naseri, Alame Baj, Abdolghader Tane Pages 114-121
    Objectives

    Maternal immunity to Toxoplasma gondii is critical during pregnancy. Non-immunized women may be at the risk of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. This parasite can pass through the placenta to the fetus and causes severe complications in the fetus. This study aimed to investigate the seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma infection in pregnant women of Gonabad.

    Materials and Methods

    Three hundred blood samples were collected from pregnant women and abortive women of 18-40 years old who referred to the health centers and hospitals of Gonabad. The immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody titers were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

    Results

    The samples were taken from 252 (84.0%) pregnant women and 48 (16.0%) women with abortion. The average age of these women was 29.23 ± 6.24 years. Among these subjects, 56 (22.2%) pregnant women and 15 (31.3%) women with a history of abortion had anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies while 196 (77.8%) pregnant women and 33 (68.7%) women with abortion history did not have this specific antibody. Based on the results, 3 (1.2%) pregnant women had IgM antibodies while this antibody was not observed in any woman with a history of abortion. Finally, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis was 23.6%.

    Conclusions

    According to the results, 76.33% of pregnant and abortive women in Gonabad have no history of Toxoplasma infection. Therefore, they are prone to toxoplasmosis infection during their pregnancies. In this regard, it is necessary to establish public health and preventive actions, as well as a rapid diagnosis to eliminate risk factors during pregnancy

    Keywords: Seroepidemiology, Toxoplasma infection, Abortive women, Pregnant women
  • Jalal Mardaneh, Alireza Mohammadzadeh, Saeede Bagheri, Maryam Baniasadi, Masoud Yousefi, Gholamreza Pouladfar, Mojtaba Anvarinejad * Pages 122-126
    Objectives

    Clostridium difficile is a major nosocomial pathogen that infects the large intestine (colon) and causes a range of clinical manifestations from mild to severe diarrhea. The aim of this study was to assess the detection of pathogenic toxin A/Bpositive C. difficile strains among hospitalized patients with diarrhoea in Gonabad, Iran.

    Materials and Methods

    In this cross-sectional study, hospitalized patients submitted to 22 Bahman Hospital (Gonabad, Iran) were included if they had a liquid stool specimen. From November 2016 through July 2017, a total of 50 sequential stool samples (unformed or liquid) were obtained from hospitalized patients for inclusion in this study. The stool samples were collected and C. difficile toxin A/B immunoassay was performed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

    Results

    Based on the results, the maximum number of cases belonged to the age group of less than 10 years (n=29, 58%). Most studied patients were hospitalized in the pediatrics ward (n=24, 48%). Among the studied patients, 16 (32%) cases were positive for C. difficile toxin A/B by immunochromatographic assay. Frothy-four (88%) patients received one or more antibiotic treatment on admission and hospitalization. Ceftriaxone was the most common applied drug for the treatment of these patients. Finally, 5 (31.25%) patients received combination therapy. Overall, 34.48% of pediatric cases were positive for C. difficile toxin A/B.

    Conclusions

    Our results showed that the emergence of potentially highly virulent and antibiotic-resistant C. difficile isolates is alarming. The diagnostic of pathogenic C. difficile by the clinical microbiology laboratory can improve the handling of disease and more reasonable use of antimicrobials by the physician.

    Keywords: Hospitalized patients, Children, Diarrhea, Toxigenic Clostridium difficile
  • Ashraf Vaseghnia, Azadeh Shadmehr *, Behrouz Attarbashi Moghadam, Gholamreza Olyaei, MohammadReza Hadian, Zahra Khazaeipour Pages 127-133
    Objectives

    Muscle energy technique (MET) is one of the alternatives for the treatment of joint dysfunctions. Previous studies investigated this technique without considering the kind of dysfunctions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of MET by considering the type of dysfunction and the direction of the corrective maneuver in women with iliosacral joint dysfunctions.

    Materials and Methods

    This randomized controlled clinical trial included 60 women with anterior innominate or posterior innominate dysfunctions and were randomly divided into the treatment group (n=30) receiving a session of MET and the control group (n=30). The range of flexion and extension of the lumbar, visual analogue scale (VAS), active straight leg raising (ASLR), and pressure pain threshold (PPT) at five points were measured before, after, and 24 hours after MET.

    Results

    Before, after, and 24 hours after the intervention, the mean change of the range of lumbar flexion and extension showed an increase. However, the mean change of the level of VAS and ASLR decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the treatment group with corresponding 95% confidence intervals.

    Conclusions

    According to the results of this study, using MET by considering the kind of dysfunction may more efficiently improve a patient’s symptoms.

    Keywords: Muscle energy technique, Sacroiliac dysfunctions, ant innominate, Posterior innominate
  • Behrooz Nazari, Farzad Farokhi, Mohammadreza Moharrami * Pages 134-137
    Objectives

    Free muscle transfer in Volkmann’s contracture surgery is the most difficult method for achieving good results. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of tendon bypass transfer to finger flexors by tensor fascia lata graft in patients with Volkmann’s contracture.

    Materials and Methods

    This non-randomized clinical trial was conducted on 15 patients (based on a relevant study, census sampling) during 2015-2019 in Shohada hospital, Tabriz. The patients underwent surgery in two stages. In the first stage, muscle release and nerve neurolysis were performed, and in the second stage, the tendon was prepared and connected to the bypass in the volar forearm at the proximal and to finger flexors at the distal joint. Hand grip strength, finger and wrist range of motion, hand dexterity, and daily activities were assessed using the considered tools, and finally, the data were compared using SPSS 20. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

    Results

    The preoperative status of the subjects regarding the studied variables was extremely unfavorable, however, hand grip strength (81.35±10.18), Fugl-Meyer (29.49±05.25), hand dexterity (08.59±01.83), and daily activities (81.10±07.43) showed a highly favorable and significant improvement after the surgery (P=0.001).

    Conclusions

    The tendon bypass transfer to finger flexors by tensor fascia lata graft in patients with ischemic Volkmann’s contracture resulted in acceptable improvements after the surgery.

    Keywords: Ischemic Volkmann’s contracture, Surgery, Tensor fascia lata graft
  • Mohsen Abbasnezhad, Mohammadreza Taban Sadeghi, Bijan Zamani, Naser Khezerlou Agdam, RaziehParizad, Amirreza Abbasnezhad, Babak Nasiri * Pages 138-143
    Objectives

    According to cardiologists’ experiences, there is possibly a relationship between clinical symptoms and the type of coronary artery involvement in patients with the acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Given the significance of the issue, the present study was conducted to explore the relationship between clinical symptoms and the type of coronary artery involvement in ACS patients.

    Materials and Methods

    In general, 720 ACS patients hospitalized in Shahid Madani hospital of Tabriz were enrolled in this descriptive, cross-sectional study from August 2011 to February 2012. Participants were selected by means of convenience sampling and according to inclusion criteria. Data collection tools were a demographic questionnaire and ACS indices. The results were analyzed using SPSS16 and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

    Results

    The findings showed that following the diagnoses through coronary artery angiography, 289 (40.1%), 201 (27.9%), 227 (31.5%), and 18 (2.5%) patients had single-vessel disease, two-vessel disease, three-vessel disease, and the left main disease, respectively. A total of 416 patients (57.8%) suffered from left anterior descending (LAD) disease while involvement rates were 142 (19.7%), 208 (28.9%), 8 (1.1%), 73 (10.1%), 17 (2.4%), and 21 (2.9%) patients for patent ductus arteriosus, obtuse marginal artery 2, obtuse marginal artery 1, diagonal 2, diagonal 1, right coronary artery (RCA), and left circumflex (LCX), respectively.

    Conclusions

    Based on pathological findings, retrosternal pain was the most common symptom to all coronary occlusions regarding ACS symptoms. LAD, as the most involved vessel, had varying manifestations. Finally, referred pain to teeth was only observed in RCA involvement. The results can be helpful for timely and accurate diagnosis of cardiac patients who refer to emergency rooms and thus reduce the mortality rate by taking appropriate therapeutic measures.

    Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome, Symptoms, Angiography, Coronary occlusion
  • Atefeh Allahbakhshian, Rasoul Nazif, Akram Ghahramanian, Faranak Jabbarzadeh Tabrizi, ShahriarOstovar * Pages 144-150
    Objectives

    Poor medication adherence (MA) is a significant concern in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in low and middle-income countries. Thus, understanding the factors affecting this concern is the first step in designing effective interventions in such societies. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to investigate MA in a sample of Iranian patients after coronary angioplasty and to identify prediction factors based on the World Health Organization framework.

    Materials and Methods

    This descriptive-correlational research was conducted on 203 patients post carotid artery (CA) who were recruited from the Cardiology Clinics of Tabriz between November 2016 and February 2017. Data were collected based on socio-demographic characteristics and the Persian version of the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS), and the Charlson comorbidity index was used as well. Finally, the multiple linear regression method was applied to identify the significant predictors of MA.

    Results

    The mean (standard deviation) MMAS score was 5.85 (±1.83). A multivariable model (adjusted R2=0.136) predicted adherence using experienced medication side effects (B=-1.094, a 95% confidence interval (CI)= -1.700– -0.489, P<0.001) and having a recall (B=0.658, 95% of CI=0.153-1.163, P=0.011) and hospitalized history due to current disease (B=-0.537, 95% of CI=-1.031–-0.043, P=0.033).

    Conclusions

    The results of this study provide a better conception of the role of patients’ experiences about medication side effects and the presence of a recall member in the family for MA after angioplasty. Patients’ problems and concerns related to the side effects of medications must be resolved to improve MA.

    Keywords: Medication adherence, Coronary angioplasty
  • Bita Hazhir Karzar, Parisa Lotfinejad, Masumeh Zamanlu, Afshin Khaki Amir, Mohammad Amini, AliSheikh Olya Lavasani, Badrossadat Rahnama Pages 151-155
    Objectives

    Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are developing in scientific areas while biologic and immunologic effects have been proven in many studies. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of 50 Hz EMFs in the manner of the whole body exposure on the T-helper balance (Th1/Th2) in rats.

    Materials and Methods

    This experimental research evaluated the impact of the EMF on T-helper balance, including 30 rats that were randomly divided into 3 groups. The control group and experimental groups were exposed to 50 Hz EMF with the intensity of 0.5 mT for one and two month(s), respectively. At the end of the exposure period, blood samples were collected from the left ventricle of the hearts of the rats and the serum levels of interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interferon gamma (INF-γ) were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared in all three groups.

    Results

    The level of IL-4 and INF-γ showed a notable change (P=0.032) during one month of EMF exposure, indicating a shift of T-helper balance toward the Th2 arm, meaning more strong allergic reactions and weaker immune responses against tumors and many other diseases. After 2 months, the levels of cytokines and the balance of the T-helper came close to the baseline (the control group samples), representing the adaptive trends of T-helper balance in longer exposures.

    Conclusions

    The results of the present research revealed that EMFs produced important changes in IL-4 and INF-γ levels and affected the T-helper balance shift toward the Th2 arm, implying stronger allergic reactions and weaker defense against tumor and various other diseases. However, understanding the true nature of these changes and their actual health effects requires further studies.

    Keywords: Electromagnetic radiation, Immunity, IL-4, INF-γ
  • Zahra Rashe *, Samad Ghaffari, Masood Bagher Pages 156-160
    Objectives

    Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and increases morbidity. However, recent studies have shown that obesity improves the prognosis of patients with CVDs, which is named as “obesity paradox”. The current study aimed to investigate the risk factors of coronary artery disease (CAD) and its severity based on angiographic findings according to the syntax score system and their association with obesity severity based on patients’ body mass index (BMI) and to respond to this discrepancy.

    Materials and Methods

    This cross-sectional-analytical study analyzed the documents of 260 patients who were diagnosed with stable angina and hospitalized at the Shahid Madani CVDs Center in Tabriz from January 2016 to December 2017 and underwent elective coronary angiography.

    Results

    The mean age of patients was 59.5 years, and 171 (65.8%) and 89 (34.2%) of them were males and females, respectively. CVD was more prevalent in males than females (65.8% vs. 34.2%), and systemic hypertension (HTN) was the most common risk factor in patients (55.4%), followed by diabetes (26.5%). The mean BMI of patients was 28.24 kg/m2 and there was no association between obesity grading and the other risk factors of CAD. In addition, no significant associations were observed between BMI and the values of syntax score I and clinical SYNTAX score (CSS) (P=0.254 and 0.101, respectively), as well as obesity grading and syntax score II treatment recommendation based on the syntax score II (Chi-square value = 7.67, P=0.661).

    Conclusion

    In patients with stable angina who are candidates for angiography, the severity of coronary artery involvement was not different according to syntax scores I and II and the clinical syntax score in different BMI groups under the same conditions in terms of other risk factors for CAD.

    Keywords: Coronary artery diseases, Stable angina, Body mass index, Obesity, Coronary angiography
  • Rahim Firouzi, Majid Asghari, Fatimah Nojavan, Fatimah Aliasl, Arman Zargaran, Abolfazl Mohammadbeigi, Hossein Moradi * Pages 161-165
    Objectives

    Atherosclerosis is the basic pathology of most cardiovascular diseases which are the most common non-communicable diseases in the world. Recently, inflammation in the arterial wall has been proposed for the initiation of atherosclerosis although there is no specific anti-inflammatory treatment for atherosclerosis. Persian medicine (PM) with at least 7000 years of practice background may help in atherosclerosis management. The aim of this study was to describe atherosclerosis according to the teachings of PM to find better methods for its management.

    Materials and Methods

    To this end, several data were searched, including current medical literature and published articles on PM, as well as Avicenna’s main medical textbook, the Canon of medicine for creating the hypothesis of the mechanism of atherosclerosis in PM.

    Results

    Avicenna has implied Waram in the arterial wall. The features of Waram in PM accommodate inflammation, and Waram in the artery is compatible with atherosclerosis. The natural history of atherosclerosis is highly similar to humoral evolutions in Waram. PM has a wide range of therapeutic drugs and treatment plans for warm, and many of the applied drugs in this regard have documented anti-inflammatory effects in the current medicine. New risk factors for prevention and new treatment modalities are recommended based on this hypothesis.

    Conclusions

    The new hypothesis that emerged from PM for atherosclerosis is compatible with the newest hypothesis of the mechanism of atherosclerosis in current medicine. Moreover, PM introduces new preventive and treatment modalities for atherosclerosis which is unknown in current medicine and their application may reduce disease burden and mortality of atherosclerosis-related diseases.

    Keywords: Persian medicine, Atherosclerosis, Inflammation