مجله علمی دانشگاه علوم پزشکی کردستان
سال بیست و هفتم شماره 2 (پیاپی 119، خرداد و تیر 1401)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Origanum vulgare administration on testicular injury induced by torsion/detorsion  .

In this experimental study, 64 adult rats were divided into 8 equal groups, as following:1-Sham: the abdominal cavity was opened and then closed. 2.Torsion/detorsion: the rats underwent spermatic cord twisting for 4 hours and then untwisting (30 minutes before untwisting normal saline was injected). 3.Torsion/detorsion+ Origanum vulgare: Similar to group 2, the only difference was injections of Origanum vulgare with different doses (400 mg/kg, 250, 100) which were given to 3 separate groups. 4. Origanum vulgare recipient: without any surgery, injections of Origanum vulgare were given to 3 separate groups with different doses (400 mg/kg, 250, 100). Twenty-four hours after surgery, blood samples were taken to measure oxidative stress factors. Testicular tissue was removed for assessment of histological changes, and the epididymis tissue was used to measure sperm parameters. Data were analyzed by SPSS software.

We found significant decreases in Johnson's score, epithelium height, and seminiferous tubule diameter (data obtained from histological examination), number and morphology of sperm parameters and oxidative stress factors (Malondialdehyde, Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione Peroxidase and, Catalase) in the torsion/detorsion group compared to those in the sham group (P= 0.0001), while they improved in the torsion/detorsion groups receiving Origanum vulgare group compared to those in the torsion/detorsion group, but in most cases, the results were not significant.

It seems that Origanum vulgare can partially reduce the damage caused by testicular torsion/detorsion.

Sperm cryopreservation is an important assisted reproductive technique. However, due to increased production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, it can impair sperm function and reduce quality of fertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of nicotinic acid and folic acid on maintenance of sperm function during cryopreservation by evaluation of sperm parameters and chromatin concentration.

Thirty samples were collected from normozoospermic men and examined for chromatin quality, viability, membrane integrity, morphology and motility. The samples were frozen and placed in 4 groups: control, folic acid (50 nM), nicotinic acid (10 mM) and a combination of both. After cryopreservation, the four groups were compared with one another in regard to the sperm parameters. Also the sperm parameters were compared before and after freezing in every group. We assessed chromatin quality by TB staining, viability by eosin-nigrosin staining, membrane integrity by hypo osmotic swelling test, and morphology and movement by CASA software.

Before cryopreservation chromatin quality, membrane integrity, normal morphology, sperm motility were lower and immotile sperms were higher in all groups compared to those after cryopreservation (p <0.001). The highest chromatin quality was detected in the folic acid, folic acid + nicotinic acid groups and the lowest chromatin quality was observed in the control group (p</05). The rates of sperm viability and normal morphology were lowest in the control group and highest in the folic acid and other groups (p <0.05). percentage of membrane integrity was highest in the folic acid group followed by nicotinic acid + folic acid, nicotinic acid and control groups, respectively (p <0.05). Folic acid played an important role in maintaining sperm parameters.

Nicotinic acid and folic acid have a positive effect on maintaining sperm function during cryopreservation

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, characterized by abnormal fat accumulation in the liver, is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Vaspin is an adipokine secreted by adipose tissue, and its gene expression increases when insulin sensitivity is reduced. In this study, we made a comparison between 3D and 2D cultures in regard to the effects of vaspin on fatty acid metabolism.

The steatosis model was induced by oleic and palmitic acid in HepG2 cell line in two- and three-dimensional cultures (collagen gel). Then, the cells were treated with 100 ng/ml vaspin for 24 hours. We used Real time PCR for measurement of the expressions of FABP4, MCAD, FAS and ApoB100 genes.

In two- and three-dimensional cultures, we found significant decrease in the expression of FABP4 and FAS genes. There was no significant difference between the expression of these genes in the two- and three-dimensional cultures. We detected significant increase in the expression of MCAD and ApoB100 genes in 2D and 3D cultures. We did not find any significant difference in the expressions of MCAD and ApoB100 genes between two- and three-dimensional cultures.

Alteration of the expressions of the genes involved in uptake, lipogenesis, oxidation and secretion of fatty acids occurred in the group treated with vaspin compared to the control group in the 2-D and 3-D cultures. But, we did not find any significant difference in the expressions of these genes between the 2-D and 3-D cultures.

Propolis, as a natural product have several biological benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial as well as anticancer properties. Its application extensively depends on its composition and the concentrations of the major active components. The aim of, this study was to evaluate the concentrations of chrysin, quercetin and, caffeic acid as three active components, in the Iranian propolis using UV-HPLC method.

Three different samples of propolis were collected from Saral and Avalan regions (Kurdistan Province, Iran) in spring 2017. To separate and measure the concentrations of the three components, the samples were extracted by using an ethanolic solution (80%) and subsequently analyzed by the UV-HPLC system with an isocratic mode at a flow rate of 1ml/min for 20 min and ultraviolet detection at λmax 260 or 310 nm. For evaluation of the quality control of the assay, the linearity and detection limits of the method were calculated.

Chrysin was not detected in our samples. The average concentrations of quercetin and caffeic acid were 65.425 and 27.498 µg/g, respectively.

For the first time, we reported accurately the concentrations of three active components of Iranian propolis which many of propolis's beneficial effects have been attributed to them.

Controversy exists over the preferred surgical method for inguinal hernia repair between the open and laparoscopic methods. This clinical trial was performed to compare the rate of early complications and recurrence rates of inguinal hernia between laparoscopic (TAPP) and open methods (Lichtenstein).

In this clinical trial, 84 patients who were candidates for elective inguinal hernia repair at Imam Hossain Hospital were randomly divided into two groups: TAPP and Lichtenstein groups. Spinal anesthesia was used for both groups. Patients were followed for short-term complications (e.g. infection, seroma, hematoma, postoperative pain), hospitalization stays, and recurrence within the first year. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16).

There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age and gender. Unfortunately, in the TAPP group, 23 patients (54.8%) received general anesthesia due to lack of co-operation, excessive abdominal wall stiffness, and failure of spinal anesthesia. We found shorter hospitalization stay (P <0.001), less postoperative pain in the first 24 hours (P <0.001), and longer operative time (P <0.001) in the TAPP group compared with those in the Lichtenstein group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of infection and recurrence rates in the first year. Seroma was seen only in 16.7% of the patients in the Lichtenstein group (P <0.012). Pain intensity measured in the first 24 hours at three-time points (1, 8, and 24 hours) was lower in the TAPP group with spinal anesthesia than in the TAPP with GA and Lichtenstein groups (P <0.001).

The results of this study showed that TAPP with spinal anesthesia is associated with reduced postoperative pain in the first 24h, and irrespective of the  type of anesthesia TAPP is associated with lower risk of seroma formation

Deep vein thrombosis, especially in the lower extremities, is one of the complications of immobility. Major surgeries, especially orthopedic surgeries and inpatient care in the intensive care unit, predispose the patients to such complications. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence rats of venous thromboembolism between the patients treated with enoxaparin and subcutaneous heparin in the intensive care unit.

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Sampling method was census. All the patients who had been admitted to the intensive care units of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz from the beginning of September 2017 to the end of December 2017, were entered into this study. Data were extracted from the patients' medical records and recorded in a checklist for every patient. Using SPSS20 software, data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics.

Out of 600 patients, 64 (10.66%) patients had venous thromboembolism, of which 35 patients (54.7%) were in the heparin group and 29 patients (45.3%) in the enoxaparin group (P >0.05). 18 patients had deep venous thrombosis (3%), among them 13 (72.22%) patients were in the heparin group and 5 (27.78%) patients in the enoxaparin group (P <0.05).

In this study, enoxaparin administration was more effective than heparin in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis but the effects of these two drugs were the same in the prevention of pulmonary thromboembolism. More concrete conclusions require further studies with control of underlying and confounding factors.

Premature birth is one of the most important causes of mortality in the world and is regarded one of the major health problems. In this study, we investigated the relationship of the serum levels of omentin-1with insulin resistance and inflammatory markers in preterm infants.

This study included 32 preterm and 21 full-term newborns. Serum levels of insulin and omentin-1 were measured by ELISA. Fasting blood glucose and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured with an autoanalyzer. Hematological parameters were measured by Sysmex XS800i analyser.

We found lower levels of serum omentin-1(p<0.001), significantly higher insulin levels and (p = 0.002) and significantly higher insulin resistance (p=0.011) in the preterm infants compared to the full-term infants. Hematologic parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly higher in the preterm infants than in the full-term infants (p<0.001). Omentin-1 levels in the preterm infants showed a significant negative correlation with platelet and white blood cell counts (r =-0.308 and r =-0.306, respectively). Serum omentin-1 level was positively and significantly correlated with gestational age in the preterm infants (r=0.344 and p=0.012). Serum omentin-1 level had a significant negative correlation with serum insulin levels and insulin resistance (r= 0.362 and r=0.229).

Serum omentin-1 was lower in the preterm infants and negatively correlated with inflammatory factors and insulin resistance, and positively related to gestational age.

H. pylori can cause digestive problems and eventually can lead to gastric cancer. This study deals with the relationship between H. pylori virulence factors and pathological findings in the patients with gastroduodenal disorders in a particular geographical area in the west of Iran.

In this study, gastric biopsies were taken from 120 patients with indigestion (60 patients with gastritis and 60 patients with peptic ulcer). H. pylori virulence factors, vacA, cagA, oipA and iceA were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). SPSS 16.0 software was used for data analysis. p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The frequencies of the genotypes were as following: vacA (s1 51.7 %, s2 21.7%, s1s2 15.8 %, m1 32.51 %, m2 45 %, m1m2 7.5 %, s1m1 29.2 %, s1m2 27.5%, s2m1 7.5 %, s2m2 7.5 %), cagA 64.2%, oipA 57.5 %, iceA2 55% and iceA1/iceA2 15% respectively. Also, a significant relationship was observed between virulence factors such as cagA (p=0.013), vacA (p=0.041) and iceA (p=0.035) on one hand, and type of disorder (gastritis and peptic ulcer) on the other hand. Considering the relationships between the virulence factors and pathological findings, a significant relationship was found between iceA and acute inflammation (p=0.039). Also oipA and vacA showed significant relationships with bacterial density of H. pylori (p=0,000) and (p=0.011) respectively.

The results of this study showed role of vacA and cagA in the type of disease and the impact of oipA and iceA in microscopic findings.

Head lice infestation is one of the health problems that are more prevalent in schools, worldwide. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of head lice infestation in governmental primary school students in Marivan City and its related factors such as age, grade, gender, bathing and hair length in 2018-19.

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Marivan City in the first semester of 2018-19. Using random sampling method, we selected 457 students from different regions of Marivan. SPSS 20 software was used for data analysis.

Among 457 students, 109 (23.9%) were infested with head lice. The rate of infestation was higher in the girls (68.8%). The highest and lowest percentages of infestation were detected in 29.4% and 2.8% of the fourth and first grade primary school students, respectively. There was a significant statistical relationship between head lice infestation and gender (p = 0.0001).

The results of the study indicated a high rate of pediculosis capitis in the students. This high rate of infestation can lead to more spread of infestation among the students and, consequently, - can cause students failure at schools. It seems necessary to take measures to reduce this infestation by planning and designing training classes for school principals, teachers and parents of the students

Cadmium is one of the heavy metals and long time exposure to it can cause a lot of health problems in human beings. In this study, we investigated the toxic effects of Cadmium on kidney performance in the smokers and non-smokers and also its relationship with ventilation systems at Maragheh City prison.

This descriptive-analytical study included 90 prisoners. Cadmium of urine samples was measured by using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. Parameters of renal function including urine specific gravity, creatinine, protein, albumin, glucose and urea were measured using a Hitachi autoanalyzer.

The highest values of excretion of cadmium, protein, albumin, per gram creatinine and glucose were observed in the smokers without ventilation systems in their living quarters. In this group, ratio of cadmium per creatinine showed significant relationships with protein per creatinine, albumin per creatinine, urea, and glucose (P < 0.05), while in the control group without ventilation, this ratio had significant relationship only with urinary glucose excretion (P < 0.05) and we found no significant relationships between cadmium per creatinine ratio and other variables in this group (P ≥ 0.05).

Exposure to cadmium metal through cigarette smoke can directly and indirectly affect kidney function and lead to increased excretion of protein, albumin, urea and glucose. This effect is also affected by indoor ventilation systems, so that the presence of proper ventilation systems reduces exposure to cigarette smoke and hence cadmium, which results in reduced harmful effects of cadmium on the renal function of the exposed individuals.

Cancer is associated with psychological pressure and negative emotions. Therefore, identification and application of psychological therapies can be effective in the prevention and improvement of psychological pressure and problems in the patients with cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of emotional schema therapy on cancer-related fatigue and self-care behaviors in patients with breast cancer. 

This was a pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental study with a control group, and its statistical population included all women with breast cancer referring to nongovernmental oncology center of Urmia in 2020. 30 women with breast cancer (15 in the experimental group - 15 in the control group) were selected by convenient sampling method. Our inclusion criteria included female patients with breast cancer, , minimum age 40 and maximum age 60 years, in the phase 1 and 2 of the disease, undergoing chemotherapy, and disease duration of at least 6 months and having diploma as minimum certificate in education. The patients randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Okoyama Cancer Fatigue Questionnaire (2000) and researcher-made self-care behaviors questionnaire were used to collect data. The experimental group received 12 sessions of Leahy's emotional schema therapy (2002). Every session lasted 90 minutes. Data analysis was performed using multivariate covariance test.

The mean age of the participants was (56.36) with standard deviation (8.09). The results of multivariate covariance analysis showed that the mean scores of cancer-related fatigue and self-care behaviors after implementation of emotional schema therapy were significantly different in the experimental group compared to those in the control group. This means that emotional schema therapy reduced cancer-related fatigue and improved self-care behaviors.

  According to the results of this study, emotional schema therapy is effective in reducing cancer-related fatigue and improvement of self-care behaviors in the women with breast cancer.

Although pulmonary involvement is common in Covid 19 disease, sometimes concomitant cardiac involvement is seen as diastolic dysfunction. This case report describes a patient who received simultaneous treatment for severe acute respiratory failure and cardiac diastolic dysfunction due to Covid 19.

A 40-year-old woman was transferred to the internal ICU of Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital in Babol because of severe respiratory distress. The patient was anxious, restless, and cyanotic. There was respiratory distress, hypoxia (72% oxygen saturation), and cardiac involvement as diastolic dysfunction. Heart rate was 134/min, blood pressure 122/78 mm Hg, and respiratory rate 38/min. The patient underwent non-invasive ventilation, and received beta-interferon, low-dose furosemide, bisoprolol, and spironolactone. During the course of treatment, despite receiving a prophylactic dose of subcutaneous heparin, the patient developed deep vein thrombosis of the left lower extremity and was treated with intravenous heparin. After two weeks, the patient was discharged in relatively good condition with non-invasive ventilation, spironolactone, and oral rivaroxaban. After three months, CT scan of the lungs and echocardiography became normal.

Examination of the patients for cardiac diastolic dysfunction as a concomitant disease is recommended. In case of occurrence of this disorder in Covid 19 patients, treatment of cardiac diastolic dysfunction in addition to severe pulmonary involvement should be taken into concideation.