مجله دانشگاه علوم پزشکی ایلام
سال سی‌ام شماره 5 (پیاپی 136، آذر 1401)

Since the COVID-19 epidemic, numerous studies have shown an increase in mental health problems. According to the findings, women are more likely than men to be concerned about the spread of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy in worry, anxiety, and intolerance of uncertainty in women with COVID-19-induced anxiety.

This single-case quasi-experimental study was conducted with multiple baseline, continuous assessment, and three-month follow-up. Three female patients were purposefully selected from the statistical population based on the criteria set for entering the study and were treated upon dialectical behavior therapy protocol. These individuals were assessed by completing the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale, Penn State Worry Questionnaire, and Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. Data were analyzed by graph, recovery percentage, and reliable change index.

The overall recovery values of participants after treatment (follow-up) were 25% (34%) in terms of anxiety, 56% (57%) in terms of COVID-19-induced anxiety, and 49% (52%) in terms of intolerance of uncertainty, which is statistically significant at 95% confidence level. The results show that participants' worry and intolerance of uncertainty have improved in the three-month follow-up, and the enhancement of their COVID-19-induced anxiety has been stabilized.

In general, dialectical behavior therapy is effective in improving anxiety, worry, and intolerance of uncertainty in women with COVID-19-induced anxiety.

The anti-cancer effects of silymarin have been reported in several studies. However, the mechanism of its action in colon cancer cells is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of silymarin on the mitophagy pathway and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human colon cancer cells (HT-29).

HT-29 cancer cells and NIH-3T3 non-cancer cells were exposed to 0 (control), 25, 50, and 100 μg/ml of silymarin for 48 h. Cell viability, ROS level, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and expression of important mitophagy-related genes including Pink1 (PTEN-induced putative kinase protein 1) and Parkin were examined to evaluate the effects of silymarin.

Silymarin significantly reduced the viability percentage of the HT-29 cells depending on the concentration (P<0.05). It also significantly decreased MMP in a concentration-dependent manner while significantly increased ROS formation in the HT-29 cells (P<0.05). In addition, silymarin significantly increased the expression of Pink1 and Parkin genes in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05). Concentration of 100 μg/ml of silymarin had the greatest effect on reducing viability and MMP, as well as increasing ROS levels and expression of mitophagy-related genes (P<0.001). Silymarin did not cause significant changes in the viability percentage, ROS level, and MMP of the NIH-3T3 non-cancerous cells at different concentrations.

According to the results, silymarin increases the level of ROS by decreasing MMP, thereby inducing mitophagy through the Pink1/Parkin signaling pathway in the HT-29 cells.

The role of E-cadherin and CD44 has been proven in the development and progression of cancerous and precancerous lesions. It seems that these two markers have a high ability to evaluate the premalignancy of lichen planus lesions and oral leukoplakia. This study aimed to investigate and compare the expression of CD44 and E-cadherin markers in oral leukoplakia, lichen planus, and oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

This analytical-descriptive study was conducted on 60 blocks of lichen planus, leukoplakia, and squamous cell carcinoma. The blocks were stained by CD44 and E-cadherin antibodies. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 22), and a P-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Only 30% of the SCC samples expressed the CD44 marker, while 40% and 50% of leukoplakia and lichen planus samples expressed the CD44 marker, respectively. The expression of the E-cadherin marker in SCC samples was 40% in the range of staining, while it was 50% and 60% in leukoplakia and lichen planus, respectively. There was not a significant difference between the staining intensity of CD44 and E-cadherin (P<0.16). However, in SCC, 70% of the cases showed mild to moderate expression intensity that was statistically significant, compared to lichen planus and leukoplakia (P<0.004).

It seems that the severity of CD44 and E-cadherin incidence can indicate the changes in dysplasia and premalignancy of oral lichen planus and leukoplakia, compared to oral carcinomas.

Regarding the chronic nature of epilepsy and resistance to chemical drugs, herbal medicine has received remarkable interest. This study investiagted the anticonvulsant effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Salix Alba leaves on PTZ-induced seizure in male mice.

In total, 56 albino male mice weighing 20-25 g were divided randomly into seven groups (8 animals per group) including negative (saline), positive (Phenobarbital) control, and five groups which received different doses of hydro-alcoholic extract of Salix Alba leaves. After 45 min, all groups received the convulsant pentylene tetrazole, and the onset time of myoclonic, tonic-clonic seizures, and the 24-hour mortality rate were measured.

The extract significantly delayed the onset of myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizures at a dose of 100 mg/kg (P<0.01) and for other doses (P<0.001), compared to the control group. Moreover, the extract decreased the 24-h death. This was significant at 1000 mg/kg (P<0.001), as well as 300, 500, and 800 mg/kg (P<0.05), compared to the control group.

It seems that the hydro-alcoholic extract of Salix Alba leaves has a significant diminishing effect on PTZ-induced seizures in male mice which is due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects.

In this study, the antimicrobial activity of biologically synthesized zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles was investigated on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, pathogens, and resistant and common nosocomial infections.

Intially, zinc oxide and copper nanoparticles were synthesized using Xanthomonas campestris and Pseudomonas stutzeri bacteria, respectively. To investigate the effect of different concentrations of nanoparticles on bacteria using the macrodilution method, concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 1.5% of Zn and Cu nanoparticles (culture medium + nanoparticles) were prepared and were added to the respective bacteria at a concentration of 105 cell/ml. Containers containing treated media (bacteria + nanoparticles) and control media were placed in a shaker incubator. Afterward, the optical density (OD) of treatment and positive control and negative control media were determined.

The results of statistical analysis showed that Zn and Cu nanoparticles, at a concentration of 0.5%, were able to remove almost all (100%) Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and were bacteriostatic at the concentration of 0.1%.

The results obtained from the determination of antibacterial properties of nanoparticles showed a direct relationship between the concentration of nanoparticles and the percentage of bacterial removal.

Today, the use of magnetic nanomaterials promises purposeful and intelligent drug delivery. These magnetic drug nanocarriers can respond appropriately and intelligently to the external magnetic field, which can be used to selectively release the drug into the target tissue. Therefore, this study investigated the synthesis of zinc ferrite nanoparticles and some of their structural, electronic, and magnetic properties. The ultimate goal of this study is to use nanotechnology and quantum mechanics in intelligent and targeted drug delivery to improve the patient's quality of life and reduce the destructive effects of unwanted drug distribution in healthy tissues.

In this study, zinc ferrite nanoparticles were prepared using heat treatment, and then the structural and magnetic properties of these nanoparticles were investigated using imaging-measurement methods on the nanoscale. In addition, cytotoxicity test (MTT) was performed on mouse fibroblast cell line (NIH3T3), and the results were analyzed using SPSS software. Moreover, using the results of quantum calculations, the chitosan molecular system was proposed as a coating for this drug carrier.

Analysis of the results obtained from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microscopy (SEM) spectra confirmed the existence of spinel structure and the small size of these particles (20-23 nm). Furthermore, the results obtained from the vibrating magnetometer and the paramagnetic resonance spectrometer showed the presence of paramagnetic properties in the synthetic nanoparticles. In addition, the analysis of the results obtained from the vibrating magnetometer shows the low magnetic residue of the synthetic magnetic nanoparticles. This can be useful in the mechanism of targeted drug release. In addition, analysis of cytotoxicity (MTT) test results on synthetic nanoparticles showed that the toxicity of these nanoparticles depends on the concentration (dose) and time. Therefore, at concentrations higher than 20 µg/ml and also over time, the vital activity of cells decreased.

Based on the results obtained in this study, the use of magnetic zinc ferrite nanoparticles (coated with chitosan) for targeted drug delivery to the target tissue was suggested. The unique properties of these drug-carrying nanoparticles, such as good magnetic field response, good particle size, and low toxicity, enable the physician to have more precise control over targeted drug delivery to the target tissue.

Prostate cancer management focuses on rapid diagnosis and treatment. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of finasteride on PSA changes and biopsy results.

This retrospective descriptive-analytical study included 98 patients between the ages of 50 and 75 years with PSA levels between 2.5 and 10 and negative DRE candidates for prostate biopsy. Patients were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of patients who consented to a prostate biopsy based on PSA levels. The second group of patients did not consent to prostate biopsy during referral. Moreover, they tended to delay prostate biopsy. At the end of the three-month period, patients who agreed to prostate biopsy were sampled. The effect of treatment on biopsy results and changes in PSA levels were compared between the two groups.
(Ethic code: IR.UMSU.REC.1396.20)

Three months after the initiation of the study, the mean PSA level was 3.43±6.11 ng/ml in the case group and 7.36±2.20 in the control group. This difference was statistically significant (P=0.031). After three months of finasteride, the mean total PSA level among those who tested positive for biopsy was 2.41±7.63 ng/ml and among those who tested negative for biopsy was 2.98±6.42 ng/ml. This difference was also statistically significant (P=0.046).

The use of finasteride in patients suspected of having prostate cancer for at least three months can lead to a correct decision regarding prostate biopsy and reduce the number of negative prostate cancer results in the biopsy, as well as the burden on the treatment system to use improper prostate biopsy.

Many factors affect memory and learning. One of the most important ones is magnesium, which is essential for the proper functioning of our memory. Magnesium is the fourth most important cation and the second most important intracellular cation after potassium in the body. Magnesium plays an important role in neurotransmission. This study aimed to examine magnesium oxide nanoparticles' effect on the parameters of oxidative stress to treat memory deficit in the rat model of Alzheimer's disease with the help of Amyloid-β.

In this experimental study, 54 adult male rats were divided randomly into nine groups, such as 1. Healthy control group, 2. Alzheimer's control group (rats that underwent stereotactic surgery and received 2nmol/µl of Amyloid-β by intracerebroventricular injection [ICVI]), 3. Sham group (rats that underwent stereotactic surgery and received saline as an Amyloid-β’s solvent), 4, 5, and 6. The healthy experimental groups (healthy rats receiving 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg body-weight doses of magnesium oxide nanoparticles by intraperitoneal injection), 7, 8, and 9. Alzheimer's experimental group (Alzheimer's rats receiving 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg body-weight doses of magnesium oxide nanoparticles by intraperitoneal injection). The duration of oral treatment of nanoparticles was 30 days. At the end of the treatment period (30 days), oxidative stress parameters, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in neural (brain tissue), and all data were analyzed by one-Factor ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test in SPSS software (version 21) considering a significance level of P<0.05.

The results showed that magnesium oxide nanoparticles at 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg body-weight doses caused a significant reduction in malondialdehyde levels in Alzheimer's rats. Moreover, the number of antioxidant enzymes including GPX, SOD, and CAT in rats that received 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg body-weight doses of magnesium oxide nanoparticles increased significantly.

The effect of oxidative stress on the progression of Alzheimer's disease and the antioxidant and inhibitor role of magnesium nano oxide in reducing the progression of this disease and on the neurophysiological brain functioning were confirmed. Furthermore, pathways involved in memory mechanisms are improved by mechanisms associated with Amyloid-β disorders.

Transparency is a set of organizational practices that promotes good governance and democratic processes in the organization. If it is implemented in the organization, it improves the decision-making process and makes the process of organizational decisions constructive and effective. Therefore, this study aimed to explain the effective factors of transparency in the strategic decision-making of health system managers.

This exploratory (qualitative-quantitative) study was conducted based on an applied research method. In the qualitative part, the statistical population includes managers and faculty members at Ilam University of Medical Sciences. The snowball method was used for sampling. Moreover, semi-structured interviews were used to collect information in this part. Based on the rule of theoretical saturation, 17 interviews were conducted. Furthermore, Grounded Theory was employed to analyze the data in the qualitative part. In the quantitative part, the purpose was the model testing designed in the qualitative part. Accordingly, a researcher-made questionnaire based on the qualitative model was used to collect the information in this part. The statistical population of the quantitative part of the research included 250 managers and faculty members of Ilam University of Medical Sciences. Structural equations and PLS (volume 2) software were used to investigate the relationships and effects of the components in the model.

According to the findings of the qualitative part, 27 concepts and 4 final components or indicators, (managers' responsibility, employee participation, moral values, as well as information and communication management) were identified during three stages of open, central, and selective coding. The findings of the quantitative part revealed that managers' responsibility (with a coefficient of 0.546 and t-value of 3.058), employee participation (with a coefficient of 0.548 and a t-value of 3.789), moral values (with a coefficient of 0.618 and a t-value of 3.019), as well as information and communication management (with a coefficient of 0.764 and a t-value of 3.76)  have a positive and significant relationship with organizational transparency.

According to the research findings, it can be stated that the most effective factors in increasing organizational transparency in the strategic decision-making of health system managers of Ilam University of Medical Sciences are attention to information and communication management, institutionalization of moral values, employee participation, and managers' responsibility.

Oxidative stress-induced cell death is activated by free radicals. Exercise and nutrition appear to have the potential to modulate cell proliferation and death. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effect of aerobic exercise and crocin consumption on the prevention of myocardial tissue cell death in male Wistar rats.

In this experimental study, 36 male Wistar rats with a mean weight of 180-200g were randomly divided into six groups (oxygenated water, oxygenated water+crocin, oxygenated water+ exercise, oxygenated water+crocin+exercise, sham, and control). After two weeks of familiarity with the environment and learning the exercises,  the training groups were given aerobic exercises for six weeks. All groups, except for the sham and control, were given 1 mM H2O2 and subcutaneously injected with 12.5 mg crocin. 48 hours after the last training session, the rats were anesthetized with CO2 after 10-12 hours of fasting, and their myocardial tissue was isolated. To measure the pro-apoptotic genes, Real-Time PCR was used; moreover, one-way analysis of variance and Scheffe post-Hoc test were employed for data analysis. A P-value of ≥0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The findings showed that six weeks of aerobic training in water, consumption of crocin supplementation, as well as the combination of aerobic exercise and crocin supplementation, reduced the expression of the genes of the internal apoptotic pathway at a significant level of ≥ 0.05.

According to the results of the present study, it seems that the interaction and combination of aerobic exercise in water and crocin antioxidant supplement should be used to reduce the apoptosis of the myocardial tissue, less cell damage, and ultimately the health of the myocardial tissue.