مجله دانشگاه علوم پزشکی مازندران
پیاپی 211 (امرداد 1401)

Resveratrol (RSV) is a naturally polyphenolic compound found in grapes and other plant sources. It has potent free radical scavenger and antioxidative properties.The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of resveratrol against Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) induced mitochondrial toxicity in isolated liver mitochondria.

Mitochondria were isolated from fresh male rat’s liver tissues using differential centrifugation technique. Then, the isolated mitochondria were divided into the following groups: control, PFOA (1mM), PFOA plus RSV (50, 100, and 200 µM), and PFOA plus Vit C (positive control). The effects of PFOA were assessed on a series of mitochondrial parameters including mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl, and glutathione (GSH) content. Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism version 6.

PFOA induced mitochondrial dysfunction in isolated liver mitochondria. Resveratrol markedly alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction-induced by PFOA in isolated liver mitochondria.

Resveratrol showed protective effect against PFOA induced hepatotoxicity which may be attributed to its antioxidant activity. So, it can be considered as an effective supplement against oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by PFOA exposure in isolated liver mitochondria.

Transgenic rice is a type of rice that its genetic sequence has been changed to improve its quantity and quality. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) transgenic rice expresses Cry1Ab protein and is named Tarom Molaii. There are no studies on the effect of this type of transgenic rice on gastrointestinal health in Iran, so, this study investigated the effect of Tarom Molaii transgenic rice on common microbial flora of rat intestine.

In this experimental study, 24 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats received transgenic and non-transgenic rice in their diets for 90 days and were compared with the control group that received standard rat diet. The number of Escherichia coli, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Enterococcus bacteria and the total number of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in fecal samples were examined in jejunum, ileum, and duodenum samples on days 60, 90, and after killing the rats.

The study showed that except for the total number of anaerobic bacteria in the stool sample on day 90, there was no significant relationship between the study groups and the number of bacteria (P>0.05). There was an increase in the number of intestinal Lactobacillus in the transgenic rice-fed group and a decrease in the number of anaerobic bacteria in the transgenic rice-fed group compared with the control group and the non-transgenic rice-fed group.

Consumption of transgenic rice in current study had no considerable effect on the number of common bacteria in the intestinal normal flora. But, long-term studies are needed in other laboratory animals.

Trichoptilosis with fragility and hair loss is a common disorder, but, still there is no specific and effective treatment for this condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of gel from the seed of Trigonella foenum-graceum L. in prevention of trichoptilosis in people with trichoptilosis.

A double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial was carried out in 60 people with trichoptilosis in Sari Touba Clinic affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. The participants received either T. foenum-graceum seed gel or placebo gel. The extract was prepared at 500 μg/ml and the treatment period was two months. Data were analyzed using Independent t-test, Paired t-test, Fisher's exact test, and Generalized estimating equations.

In this study, the average rate of hair splitting in experimental group decreased significantly compared with the placebo group (P<0.001). Other factors such as dryness, fragility, and hair loss showed considerable decreasing rate in experimental group compared to the placebo group (P≤0.001, P<0.001, and P=0.042, respectively)

The positive effects of the herbal gel in reducing the incidence of trichoptilosis may probably be due to the presence of diosgenin and other steroidal saponins with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Lichen planus management requires introducing effective local herbal ingredients and cost-effective treatments with fewer side effects compared with corticosteroids. Due to current condition and restrictions in making chemical drugs this study was done to investigate the effect of curcumin on oral lichen planus.

In a randomized controlled clinical trial, 28 patients with oral lichen planus were selected sequentially and were randomly divided into an intervention group and a placebo group (n= 14 per group). Patients in intervention group received topical corticosteroid, antifungal medication, and one Sina Curcumin capsule for a month. In placebo group, the patients were given corticosteroid, antifungal medication, and one placebo capsule for the same duration.

There were significant differences in appearance of lesions and pain before treatment (P=0.227 and P=0.769, respectively), two weeks after treatment (P=0.031 and P= 0.0497), and four weeks after treatment (P=0.0001 and P= 0.019). Lesion size did not show significant differences between the two groups before (P=0.349), two weeks after (P=0.213), and four weeks after treatment (P=0.123).

In the present study, pain and appearance of lesions improved in intervention group but lesion size was not found to improve significantly. According to current study, curcumin can be considered as an effective agent in treatment of oral lichen planus.

A major reason for readmission in patients with heart failure is inadequate transfer of care from hospital to home. The aim of this study was to design a comprehensive model of home care for these patients.

This mixed-method study was performed in Rasht Heshmat Hospital in 2020-21. In qualitative phase, interviews were conducted with 28 people, selected by purposeful sampling. In quantitative phase (descriptive cross-sectional design), 115 patients were selected via convenience sampling. They were studied using a demographic questionnaire, European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior Scale, Heart Failure Knowledge Scale, Medication Adherence Report Scale, and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire. Qualitative data analysis was performed by conventional content analysis method and quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Then, data of two phases were combined to design a care model using matrix analysis.

The mean scores for patients' self-care, knowledge, medication adherence, and quality-of-life were 24.49±11.82, 27.25±8.36, 82.09±14.69, and 52.46±9.57, respectively, out of 100 scores. The care model designed included eight components: 1-Providing a comprehensive and organized care program to meet the care needs, 2-Establishing appropriate relationship, 3-Enhancing support systems, 4-Improving self-care, 5-Enhancing adaptation to chronic disease, 6-Family-centered care, 7-Management of health-seeking behavior, and 8-Improving quality-of-life.

This model is a comprehensive model for caring patients with heart failure and unlike other models does not have many shortcomings, therefore, it can help in more successful control of the problems associated with heart failure in patient, family, care team, and health care systems.

In today's world, declining fertility rates have led most high- and middle-income countries to pursue pronatalist policies. To plan for fertility desire and intention, it is necessary to examine their determinants in different societies. The purpose of this study was to design and evaluate the validity and reliability of a questionnaire that could measure the components affecting the intention to have children.

First, based on an extensive review of the literature, the most appropriate conceptual framework for explaining the immediate components related to the intention to have children was identified. After that, using the literature and expert opinions, the desired domains were selected and experts approved the content of the domains and items via deductive method. The designed questionnaire was completed through interviewing 500 married women (15- 49 years) selected from visitors of inpatients in public and private hospitals in Kerman, Iran 2021. Then, the construct validity of the items indicating three main constructs affecting fertility intention were evaluated using exploratory factor analysis and known-groups validity. The item reliability of these three constructs were examined by calculating Cronbach's alpha.

The theory of planned behavior was selected as the theoretical framework for compiling the constructs of the questionnaire. The three immediate components affecting fertility intention were attitude (8 items), subjective norm (3 items), and perceived control (3 items). All three factors were factorable and the factor loadings of the items in each of the three constructs were above the acceptable minimum level of 0.4. The three factors explained 58% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha values for the three constructs were 0.83, 0.79, and 0.66, respectively.

The determinants of childbearing intention questionnaire designed based on the theory of planned behavior had acceptable validity and reliability and can be used in Iranian married women.

Around the world, about one in six older people has experienced some form of abuse. This study aimed at comparing the rate of abuse and related factors in urban and rural senior people attending health centers in Ghaemshahr, 2020.

In this descriptive-analytical study, 250 older people were selected by systematic random sampling. Data were collected using Domestic Elder Abuse Questionnaire, Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Assessment of Daily Activities of Instrumental Activity of Daily Livening (IADL), and Demographic-Medical Questionnare. Data were analyzed in SPSS V22 applying descriptive statistics tests, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance.

The mean age of participants was 69.10±8.57 years of whom 58.8% were women. At least one type of abuse was experienced by 60% of elder people in urban areas and 64.8% of the seniors living in rural regions. Psychological abuse was found to be more prevalent in both groups while rejection was the least common form of abuse. Findings revealed significant associations between elder abuse and gender, education, income, disease status, number of drugs used, urinary incontinence, life companions, number of children, and occupation (P<0.05).

High rate of elder abuse calls for alerting aged people and their caregivers. Appropriate interventions can also help in preventing the consequences of this problem.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is an environmental pollutant that has genotoxic and carcinogenic effects. Atorvastatin (ATV), as a lipid-lowering drug, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. This study investigated the effects of ATV on chronic liver and kidney damage induced by BaP.

In this experimental study, adult female rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n= 8 per group), including control group, olive oil group, ATV group (10 mg/kg), BaP groups (10 and 20 mg/kg), and ATV + BaP groups (10 and 20 mg). The drugs were administered by oral gavage for ten consecutive days. Histopathologic evaluation of the liver and kidney tissues was done one month after drug administration.

Histopathologic changes in both liver and kidney tissues such as inflammatory cell infiltration, plasma leakage, reduced acidophilia of hepatocytes, and renal tubular cells were seen in the groups receiving BaP. Findings showed that BaP at 20 mg/kg caused more serious harm than that at 10 mg/kg. ATV treatment protected structural changes in liver and kidney tissues.

Current study showed that destructive effects of benzopyrene remain until one month after administration. The protective effects of atorvastatin against benzopyrene-induced hepatotoxicity were confirmed over time.

Recent studies suggest that the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) bacteria could cause inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to detect and investigate the expression of nuc and rfbE genes in blood samples of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

In this experimental study, 102 blood samples were collected from patients with RA and universal and specific primers were designed. Then, the genome was extracted and PCR reaction was performed to confirm the presence of universal and specific genes. Finally, RT-Real Time PCR reaction was carried out to evaluate the expression of marker genes associated with VBNC bacteria. Data were grouped and analyzed descriptively.

PCR showed nuc and rfbE genes in 54 (52.9%) and 12 samples, respectively, while according to RT-Real Time PCR these genes were expressed in 80% of the blood samples of patients with RA.

In current study, the VBNC state of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were present in the blood samples of patients with RA. Accordingly, and due to the pathogenicity of VBNC bacteria, different diagnostic methods and treatments should be considered for RA.

Melasma is a common skin pigmentation disorder that manifests as hyperpigmented macules and patches. Genetic predisposition, sun exposure, and pregnancy are known risk factors for melasma. Previous studies have suggested that thyroid disorders may be associated with melasma. Given the fact that vitamin D affects and stimulates the production of melanin by melanocytes, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between thyroid disorders and serum level of vitamin D with melasma in female patients attending Qaemshahr Razi Hospital and Sari Bouali-Sina Hospital.

In this study, 80 people were divided into melasma group (n=40) and control group (n=40). They were matched for sex and age. Serum levels of TSH, Anti-TPO, T3, T4, and Vit D were measured in both groups. The standard mMASI score was used to measure the clinical severity of pigmentation in patients with melasma.

The prevalence of thyroid abnormalities and serum levels of vitamin D were seen in 50% and 47.5% of patients with melasma and 27.5% and 40% of the control group, respectively. Examination of thyroid hormone and vitamin D levels showed that T3 level was significantly higher in case group (P<0.05). Investigating the relationship between thyroid hormones, vitamin D and age with mMASI Score showed a relationship only between Anti-TPO and mMASI Score (P< 0.05).

Thyroid autoimmune disorders are associated with melasma and severity of pigmentation. Centrofacial form of melasma is also the most common clinical form.

Pneumonia is the most common infectious cause of death. This study aimed at investigating the causative agent of pneumonia in nasopharyngeal secretions by PCR method.

This case-control study was carried out in patients (older than 19 years of age) suspected of pneumonia admitted to Qaemshahr Razi Hospital and Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital, Iran 2019. The control group included inpatient and outpatient cases with non-respiratory diseases. The case group included patients who met the clinical and radiological criteria. FTD respiratory pathogens 21 plus kit (Multiplex RT-PCR) was used which covers a significant number of microorganisms. Data were analyzed in SPSS V18.

The study included 60 patients with the mean age of 52.13±16.84 years (19-87 years old) and the mean age of the control group was 47.8±16.63 years (21-83 years old). Etiological agents were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). According to PCR results, the prevalence of viral and bacterial etiology was 56.7% and 26.7%, respectively, and in 16.7% the PCR was negative.

Multiplex RT-PCR is associated with great specificity and specificity and is easily performed.  The assay is not low cost but is of great benefit in detecting causative agents and avoiding inappropriate treatments and can reduce further bacterial resistance.

Metabolic syndrome reduces the quality of life and cognitive function. The health of railway staff is of great importance as proper health status could increase the quality of rail services delivered. Therefore, this study was performed to assess the quality of life of railway employees according to being affected by metabolic syndrome or not.

This cross-sectional study was performed in 409 employees of the railway services attending an occupational health clinic for annual examination in Mashhad, Iran. Demographic characteristics were recorded and body mass index, blood pressure, and waist circumference were measured. The levels of FBS, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides were also evaluated. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to NCEP ATP III criteria. Finally, the quality of life score was compared between people with/without metabolic syndrome based on the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire.

The mean age of participants was 38.65 ± 6.4 years. Work experience and BMI were significantly higher in staff with metabolic syndrome (P= 0.0005 and P< 0.001, respectively). The mean scores for physical health (11.36±1.47) and social relations were found to be significantly higher in participants without metabolic syndrome (P<0.001 and P= 0.001, respectively). The mean score for mental health in people with metabolic syndrome was significantly higher than the other group (P= 0.02). The mean score for environmental health did not show any significant differences between the two groups (P= 0.31).

Metabolic syndrome can affect the quality of life of employees, including their physical, mental and social health.

Proper diagnosis of patients with COVID-19 is one of the challenges in medical centers. RT-PCR is the standard and reference test in diagnosis of patients with COVID-19. This study aimed at accelerating the correct diagnosis of COVID-19 and the diagnostic power of chest CT scan and RT-PCR.

This study was performed in 569 patients with COVID-19 admitted to Golestan-Kermanshah Hospital based on diagnostic chest CT scan. The RT-PCR test was considered as the standard and reference test in diagnosis of COVID-19. Relevant information was extracted from patients' records using a researcher-made checklist. Data analysis was performed in STATA V14.

The mean age of patients was 52.53±16.88 years. Men included 432 (75.9%) patients. In this study, 84% had positive chest CT scan and 84.9% had positive RT-PCR results. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of chest CT scan were 88.7%, 64.8%, and 80.1%, respectively. The sensitivity of chest CT scan was 89.9% in people under 60 years of age and 82.8% in patients over 60 years old. The accuracy of chest CT scan was 84.7% in women and 78.7% in men.

The accuracy of chest CT scan is high in patients with COVID-19 while it cannot definitively detect or rule out COVID-19. Nevertheless, it can be used as a quick tool to classify patients into positive and negative groups.

Older adults with chronic diseases are at higher risk for infectious diseases, especially COVID-19. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical manifestations in aged people with COVID-19 in Mazandaran province between March 2020 and September 2021.

In a retrospective descriptive study, we studied demographic information, symptoms, and clinical manifestations of all patients over 60 years of age with COVID-19 admitted to medical centers affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. The checklist provided by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education available in the Medical Care Monitoring Center (MCMC) of the province was used.

Totally, 40804 older adults were hospitalized, including 21405 (52.36%) women. Most of the patients aged 60-75 years old (68%). In 49%, the time from the onset of symptoms to hospitalization was less than five days. Respiratory diseases (34%), heart disease and hypertension (25%), and diabetes (20.99%) were the most common underlying diseases. The main clinical symptoms were cough (26.43%), respiratory distress (26.33%), and fever (22.77%). The mortality rate was 12.08% (n= 4930).

According to this study, chronic diseases in older population worsens the symptoms of COVID-19, which is consistent with other age groups. Care and intervention measures, such as self-care education could be of great benefit in promoting the health of aged people.