مجله دانشگاه علوم پزشکی مازندران
پیاپی 198 (تیر 1400)

Previous studies have shown the adverse effects of aflatoxin G1 on testicular tissue and the process of spermatogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the expression of Cyclin D1, the estrogen receptor ERα and the levels of nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in testicular tissue following exposure to AFG1.

Twenty four mice were divided into four groups (n=6 per group); a control group (saline) and three treatment groups to receive AFG1 for 7, 15, and 28 days intraperitoneally. Histopathological changes caused by this toxin along with the expression of Cyclin D1 and Erα, as well as Nitric oxid (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in testicular tissue were measured.

The expression of Cyclin D1 in testicular tissue in AFG1 receiving groups increased in a time-dependent manner and the expression of ERα decreased in testicular tissue in AFG1 receiving groups (P<0.05). Also, AFG1 decreased the level of SOD in testicular tissue in a time-dependent manner and increased the levels of MDA and NO. Atrophy of the seminiferous tubules and extensive intercellular edema were seen in treatment groups compared to the control group.

AFG1 disrupts the process of cell division by atrophy of spermatozoa tubules in testicular tissue. It also reduced the expression of ERα receptors and increased the expression of Cyclin D1 along with decreasing the level of SOD in testicular tissue and increased MDA and NO levels. These factors can cause disorders in the process of spermatogenesis.

Breast cancer mortality is growing around the world due to chemotherapy resistance and chemo-related side effects. Many natural products from plants are recognized to exert anticancer activity. This study aimed at investigating anti-proliferative and apoptotic activity of hydro-alcoholic extract of different varieties of apricot kernels (Jahangiri, Palmia, Jafari, and N585) at different concentrations on breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (Huvec), as normal cells, at 24 and 72h after treatment.

In this experimental study, fruits of four different apricot cultivars were collected from the orchard of Kermanshah Agricultural Research Center, Iran. Hydro-ethanolic extract of apricot kernels were used at different concentrations (25, 100, 400, and 1200 μg/ml). The control group did not receive any supplement. The cytotoxicity of different concentrations was determined by MTT assay and acridine orange-ethidium bromide staining was performed to evaluate the extent of apoptosis. Data were analyzed using ANOVA in SPSS. Duncan’s test was used to test the differences between treatments.

After 24 and 72 hours, the highest reduction in proliferation of cancer and normal cells occurred at highest concentration of N585 cultivar (P<0.05).

It seems that different apricot kernel cultivars act differently in inhibiting the proliferation of cancer and normal cells.

Irreversible damage to the inner ear is known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Exposure to excessive noise can affect the expression of genes in molecules involved in development of NIHL. SLC26A4 gene or PDS is responsible for causing both syndromic and non-syndromic deafness and is located at DFNB site. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression level of this gene due to continuous white noise exposure.

In this experimental study, 10 healthy male Wistar rats were divided into exposure group (n=6) and control group (n=4). Exposur group was exposed to continuous white noise (8hr/day, 6days, SPL=110±5dB) in noise chambers. Cochlear biopsy was done 1 hour (n=5) and 1 week (n=5) after exposure and then, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and Real-Time PCR analysis were done. In addition, histological analyzes were performed. Data analysis was done using One-Way ANOVA (95% CI diff.).

At both 1 hour and 1 week after exposure, the expression of SLC26A4 gene decreased significantly (P= 0.0005 and P= 0.0003, respectively). The fold changes compared to the control group (=1) were 0.0733 and 0.00712, respectively. Histological images illustrated serious damage to the cochlea.

Sensorineural deafness will happen if exposure to intense noise continues and subsequently down-regulation of SLC26A4 in the cochlea occur during longer discontinuation and in case of expression level failure to return to its basal level.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the infectious agents that causes genital and non-genital warts and skin cancers in humans. The E7 protein of this virus is one of the small oncoproteins that may be the main target in therapeutic vaccines. E7 protein with HIV-1 Tat peptide (49-59), plays a protective role that cause immune Th1 and CTLs response. The aim of this study was to design a recombinant HIV-1 Tat 49-59 / HPV16, 18, 6, 11 E7 protein in vitro and the function of this antigen for MHC-1 expression.

In this study, macrophage cell line J774 was used to evaluate the expression of MHC-1 and the function of Tat peptide in delivery of recombinant protein to the surface of MHC-1. J744 mouse macrophage cell line was treated by10, 50, and 100 μg of each of the proteins with and without Tat peptide. After 24 hours, the cells were collected and then analyzed by flow cytometry.

In this study, J774 cells were treated and analyzed by E7-Tat and E7 proteins at different concentrations. The study showed that 10 μg of E7-Tat protein increased the expression of MHC-1, while at higher concentrations of this protein, the expression of MHC-1 molecule decreased considerably compared to the group without Tat peptide.

E7-Tat protein at lower concentrations can act as a stimulant for increasing the MHC-1 expression and could be used in therapeutic vaccines.

Invasive candidiasis in infants has high mortality rate and is often associated with colonization on medical devices such as catheters. Candida colonization is considered as a predisposing factor for Candida related infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of catheters infectivity by Candida species.

In this descriptive cross-sectional study, sampling was done from catheters of hospitalized children (0-18 years old) in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Mashhad Dr. Sheikh Hospital, June-November 2018. All catheters were evaluated to determine the extent of contamination and early identification of isolates was done by morphological and molecular methods.

The types of catheter infectivity for 114 samples included colonization or infective (n=25 isolates, 21.92%), contamination (n=4, 3.5%), and no growth (n=85 isolates, 56.74%). The most isolated species was C. albicans (n=18, 13.39%), followed by C. glabrata (n=9, 19.56%), C. krusei and C. parapsilosis (n=7, 15.21%, each isolate), C. tropicalis (n=3, 6.25%), and C. lusitaniae and C. kefyr (n=1, 2.17% each isolate).

Isolation of Candida species in 25% of catheters raised the possibility of colonization, considering the catheters as an exogenous potential source of candidiasis which is very important in PICU.

Diarrhea with salmonella and shigella infections is one of the main causes of mortality in children less than 5 years. Determining the antibiotic resistance of these bacteria is one of the most important methods in the treatment of diarrhea. This study was performed to evaluate antibiotic resistance of Salmonella and Shigella pathogenic bacteria in children with acute diarrhea referred to Amirkola Children  Hospital.

This cross-sectional study was performed on 252 stool samples collected from children aged 6 months to 5 years with acute diarrhea referred to Amirkola Hospital in 2018. Samples were cultured and the bacteria were isolated by routine methods and the identified strains were evaluated for antibiotic resistance and abundance of class I, II and III integron genes.

Out of 252 samples, 15(5.9%) were positive for Shigella spp and 13 (5.1%) were positive for Salmonella. Antibiotic resistance of Shigella and Salmonella for nalidixic acid(100%) and(54%),trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole(93%) and (0%), azithromycin (87%) and (23%), ampicillin, respectively. Ampicillin(73%) and (8%), cefotaxime (60%) and (46.1%) were observed. Of the 15 Shigella strains, all were ESBL positive (beta-lactamase positive). In Salmonella, 7 strains (53.9%) were ESBL positive. PCR results showed that 11 (73.3%), 14 (93%) and 10 (66.7%) of Shigella isolates carried intl I,II and both intlI/intlII genes. Class III integron not detected. PCR results revealed that 23% (3/13) of Salmonella isolates carried intl I, no class II,III integrons were detected.

The results showed that the frequency of Shigella infection and also their antibiotic resistance is higher than Salmonella.

Emerging pollutants such as antibiotics are resistant to biodegradation. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of photocatalytic and Ozonation photolysis on decomposition of Sulfonamide antibiotics (Sulfacetamide, Sulfathiazole, Sulfamethoxazole, and Sulfadiazine) in aquatic environments.

In this study, experiments were conducted discontinuously. The effect of some parameters, including pH, initial antibiotic concentration, ozone concentration, contact time, and concentration of TiO2 on degradation of Sulfonamide antibiotic was investigated. Characteristics of this catalyst were analyzed using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX techniques. The concentrations of antibiotics were measured by an HPLC analyzer equipped with a UV detector at a wavelength of 270 nm.

The highest percentage of sulfonamide removal under optimal conditions (pH 5, initial concentration of antibiotics= 10 mg/l, ozone concentration= 0.22 g/h, and catalyst concentration= 1 g/l) were obtained by photocatalytic and photolysis processes (92.1% and 100%, respectively). Intermediate products produced under these conditions included acetic acid, butyric acid, and low molecular weight products. TOC removal efficiencies of sulfonamides by photocatalytic and ozonation photolys were 80% and 79.6%, respectively.

The study showed that the rate of ozonation photolysis reaction in the removal of sulfonamides was 2.6 times faster than the photocatalytic process.

Control of bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) as important human pests often fails in places where people live in aggregation such as prisons. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of various methods of bedbug control in prisons in Mazandaran province, Iran.

In this descriptive-analytical study performed in 2018, routine control methods of bedbugs including spraying, environmental management, fogging, and flame and combinations of two methods were compared. Data analyses were carried out using two methods. In first method, the number of bites before the control program along with that of four monitoring periods (15 days interval) after the interventions normalized with the population of the prison was analyzed. In second method, we analyzed the data from four monitoring phases after the control operation without considering the population of prisons.

Environmental management plus flame were the pair of control intervention with highest impact on bedbug population in prisons. Based on first method of analysis, there was a significant difference in number of individuals bitten between various control methods in all prisons (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in number of individuals bitten by bedbugs between pre-control stage and post-control stage in all prisons studied (P>0.05).

Environmental sanitation of prison wards plus flame was found to have the greatest impact on bedbug population over a period of one month. Where it is not possible to use flame, combined methods, including spraying-environmental sanitation or fogging-environmental sanitation can be used as effective alternatives in reducing bedbug population in prisons.

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common parasitic infections in humans and other vertebrates worldwide. This study aimed at determining the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection and associated risk factors in individuals attending a Reference Laboratory in Gorgan, Iran. Moreover, recent studies in Golestan province were reviewed.

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in 551 blood samples obtained from February-June 2017. Serum samples were isolated and examined for IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii using ELISA. Data were analyzed in SPSS applying logistic regression.

Total prevalence of T. gondii was 63.5% (350 out of 551). Among the samples, 306 (55.5%), 12 (2.17%), and 32 (5.8%) were found to be positive for IgG, IgM and both IgG and IgM against T. gondii, respectively. There were significant associations between T. gondii infection and age and soil contact (P< 0.05). However, no significant correlation was observed between T. gondii infection and sex, living area, level of education, occupation, etc (P>0.05).

About two thirds of individuals were infected with T. gondii. Accordingly, a high number of subjects have been exposed to T. gondii in this area, which their seropositivity was seen to increase by age as a risk factor. High seropositivity indicates appropriate conditions for the life cycle of the parasite in this province. Therefore, preventive measurements at the community level, particularly in high-risk groups, are warranted.

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease with a death rate of 1-5%. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between spiritual health and the effects of grief from the loss of loved one due to COVID-19.

This cross-sectional study was performed in 312 family members of the deceased COVID-19 patients in Mashhad, Iran, April-September 2020. Non-randomized sampling was performed and data were collected online using the Grief Experience Questionnaire (GEQ-34) and the Spiritual Well Being Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive tests and Pearson correlation coefficient.

According to findings, the highest score in dimensions of grief experience was found for the dimension of stigma (3.89±0.54), followed by the attempt to justify and cope with the absence of the deceased person (3.49±0.43), and judgment of the person or others about the cause of death (3.23±0.37). The highest relationship between spiritual health and reducing the effects of grief was seen in the dimensions of embarrassment and shame (r= -0.593), guilt (r= -0.566), and abandonment (r= -0.535).

Abnormal grief in the family of deceased COVID-19 patients is common which could have a negative impact on physical, mental, social, and functional health. So, social support and strengthening spiritual health are needed to reduce the effects of grief in bereaved survivors.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first observed in December 2019 and caused a global pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and paraclinical findings in patients who died of COVID-19 in Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital, February 2020- May 2020.

A cross-sectional descriptive and retrospective study was done by reviewing the medical records of 149 patients who died of Covid-19 whose diagnosis was confirmed by chest CT scan or PCR-RT. Independent sample t test was used to compare quantitative variables and Chi-square test was used for analyzing qualitative variables.

The mean age of death from Covid-19 was 63.36±15.26 years and 58.1% were male. The most common clinical complaints were cough, fever, and dyspnea. The most common manifestation of chest CT scan was bilateral involvement. Among the dead cases of COVID-19, 13.5% had myocarditis and 4.7% developed respiratory complications (such as pneumothorax). According to findings, 54.1% died of cardiac arrest and 44.6% died due to respiratory arrest.

Many ambiguities of SARS-CoV-2 still remain that require extensive studies and research in various aspects. Evaluation of demographic, radiological, clinical complications, and laboratory features can help physicians in finding ways to reduce mortality, perform more effective treatments, and use predictive tools.

Stroke is the most common neurological disease. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum C-reactive protein (CRP) as a prognostic factor and ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

This cohort study was performed in patients over 18 years of age with symptoms of ischemic and hemorrhagic CVA attending the emergency department in Mashhad Ghaem Hospital during the first 6 hours of the onset of symptoms. CRP levels and prognosis of serum CRP levels were determined in diagnosing the severity of ischemic and hemorrhagic lesions in CVA patients. The severity of CVA was determined based on MRS and NIHSS scales. Patientschr('39') follow-up was considered 6 months later.

There were no significant differences between gender and age in study groups (P> 0.05). The median scores for MRS and NIHSS were significantly higher in hemorrhagic patients than ischemic patients. Analysis of CRP level in univariate regression model showed that CRP level is a bad prognosis for stroke (β = 0.149, P= 0.027). Mean age, gender distribution, type of stroke, symptoms, and underlying diseases were not significantly different between the group with and without stroke (P> 0.05). There were significant differences in CRP level and recurrence of stroke after 6 months between the groups studied (P= 0.009).

Monitoring of CRP levels can be effective in early diagnosis and control of recurrent stroke.

Poor quality of sleep and excessive daytime sleepinessare major factors that impair health and quality of life. Theoretically, personality factors provide the biological and behavioral context that can affect sleep patterns and quality of life. The aim of this study was to present the status of sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepinessand quality of life in university students and also to determine the relationship between these factors and personality factors.

In this cross-sectional study, the students in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences were selected by convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, SF-12 quality of life, and NEO Five-Factor Inventory. Data analysis was performed in SPSS V24.

A total of 403 students (mean age= 22.83 ± 2.81 years), including 70.97% females participated in the study. Among the participants, 120 (29.77%) reported excessive daytime sleepiness, 64.52% had poor sleep quality, and 56.33% had poor or average quality of life. Good quality of life and good quality of sleep were found to be significantly associated with extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness (P<0.05). There was a significant relationship between neuroticism and poor sleep quality and poor quality of life (P<0.05). Increase in age, decreased quality of life, and extraversion were observed to be associated with probability of decreased sleep quality (P<0.05). Conscientiousness and neuroticism were associated with excessive daytime sleepiness (P<0.05).

Daytime sleepiness and poor sleep quality are both linked to neuroticism. Screening for sleep problems in students is necessary due to the relationship between personality traits and sleep quality that influence the quality of life.

Clinical education is a good opportunity for students to test themselves in different areas, including knowledge, clinical skills, ethics, communication with patients, problem solving, and decision making. This will help them in getting prepared for future position. The present investigation aimed at studying the quality of different residency programs in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 2019.

We conducted a combined study. In first phase a qualitative study using content analysis was performed and in second phase, a quantitative survey was carried out using a questionnaire. In quantitative phase, 140 assistants were selected from 15 educational groups via nonprobability sampling. The participants were asked to complete survey items with a five-point Likert scale. Graneheim and Lundman qualitative approach was used for content analysis and Goba and Lincoln criteria were used to assess the accuracy and robustness of the study.

According to findings, residentschr('39') satisfaction with welfare facilities, rest time on duty, educational justice, log book, skill lab, and responsibility assignment were 19.6%, 24.7%, 36%, 39.3%, 55.8%, and 54.5%, respectively. The respondents were satisfied with morning reports, morning and evening clinical rounds, evening grand rounds, and OSCE test (more than 75%).

This study showed that many educational programs are in a relatively unfavorable situation that should be among our intervention priorities.

Astrocytic connexins (Cxs) play roles in ion diffusion to the extracellular milieu and in release of ATP and gliotransmitters including glutamate. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is one of the most abundant Cxs in brain tissue, especially in the hippocampus, so, we investigated its role on CA1 baseline synaptic response and short term synaptic plasticity.

In this experimental study, bilateral intrahippocampal microinjection of TAT-Gap19, Cx43 blocker (1nmol/1μl) was performed for inhibition of hippocampal astrocytic connexin 43. Baseline synaptic response and short term synaptic plasticity were evaluated by field potential recording.

 According to two-way ANOVA, inhibition of hippocampal Cx43 did not have any effect on baseline synaptic response (P>0.05). TAT-Gap19 decreased paired pulse index (PPI) at 20 and 80 ms inter pulse intervals (IPI, Unpaired t-test, P<0.05), but it did not affect PPI at 200 ms IPI (P>0.05).

The results suggest that the function of hippocampal astrocytic Cx43 does not affect baseline synaptic response but affects short term synaptic plasticity in CA1 area of the hippocampus.

Candidiasis is an opportunistic infection caused by Candida species which occurs following the host´s immunological weakness. Restrictions in treatment of fungal diseases such as drug resistance and side-effects increased interest towards exploring new drugs, especially herbal medicines. The objective of this study was to compare the antifungal effects of methanolic extract of Rhus Coriaria and nystatin on Candida albicans strains.

In this experimental-in vitro study, the antifungal effect of Sumac methanolic extract on Candida alicens strains was assessed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test and broth microdilution method. In addition, MIC was performed on these strains using nystatin.

The methanolic extract of Rhus Coriaria did not show the ability to inhibit Candida albicans strains at5 low concentrations.  It exerted its inhibitory effect at least at 512 mg/L, while the effective range of nystatin was 0.016-0.125 mg/L. In addition, results of MIC, MIC50, MIC90, and G mean revealed lower values which indicated the higher inhibitory potency of this drug.

Methanolic extract of sumac exhibited inhibitory effect on Candida albicans at high concentrations and could be used in traditional medicine more broadly against Candida albicans yeast. However, the effect is weaker than that of nystatin.

Dry socket is a limiting complication with unknown etiology and acute inflammation of the alveolar bone in the extracted tooth socket that occurs one to three days after tooth extraction with severe pain due to complete or incomplete destruction of the blood clot. The present study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of dry socket following tooth extraction and its related factors.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in 1199 patients aged 18-60 years in patients attending dental clinics in Sari, Iran, 2018. Patients’ satisfaction were obtained and their demographic and dental information were recorded. Within 48-72 hours after tooth extraction, telephone follow-up was done by 4th and 5th year dental students and senior dentists. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS V24.

In this study, the prevalence of dry socket was 1.1%. The most common reason for tooth extraction was extensive tooth decay and third molar was the most frequent tooth extracted (45.4%). According to the analyses, those who did not brush their teeth at all were more likely to experience dry socket.

In this study, flap technique with bone extraction and simple method resulted in highest and lowest prevalence of dry socket, respectively.

Ameloblastoma is an odontogenic tumor with diverse clinical behavior and histomorphologic presentations. Basal cell ameloblastoma are extremely rare variants of ameloblastoma. Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) is a distinct form of odontogenic cyst that is considered a benign cystic neoplasm and not a cyst. Co-occurrence of these odontogenic tumors has been rarely reported.This paper reports a 34-year old female patient with a unilocular radiolucency around the crown of a partially erupted third molar that was detected accidentally on a routine radiographic examination. She underwent excisional biopsy with a clinical diagnosis of dentigerous cyst. Histopathologic examination revealed a cystic lesion with criteria of OKC and islands and nests reminiscent of basal cell ameloblastoma and acanthomatous ameloblastoma in the stroma. Follow-up showed no recurrence of lesion to date. Due to the rarity of the lesion, the diagnosis was challenging but altogether we made a diagnosis of keratoameloblastoma with basaloid features.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is widely used as a successful treatment in many hematopoietic cancers. However, one of the main challenges of AHSCT is the relapse of the disease which occurs mainly due to tumor contamination of autologous grafts or remaining cancer cells in bone marrow niches. So far, several strategies are suggested to purge tumor contamination in autografts, including chemotherapy, positive selection of hematopoietic stem cells via CD34, removal of cancer cells in graft with cytotoxic agents or monoclonal antibodies, and using allreoactive T cells. Nevertheless, these methods are not sufficiently specific and are associated with long-term cytopenia and damage the hematopoietic progenitors and ultimately cause transplant failure. One recent promising solution in this field is using oncolytic viruses (OV) which can target malignant cells without any harmful effect on normal hematopoietic stem cells. Although the OV therapy has been receetly emerged in AHSCT, the promising ex vivo results and the capacity of OVs in discrimination between malignant and healthy cells provides an opportunity to use OVs as tumor purging agents in AHSCT. In this review, we focused on the role of OV therapy as a purging agent in decreasing post-AHSCT relapses.