مجله فیض
سال چهاردهم شماره 1 (پیاپی 53، بهار 1389)

Barrel cortex of rodents is responsible for sensory information processing via facial whiskers. Locus coeruleus (LC), main source of cortical norepinephrine (NE), influences tactile sensory processing. In this study, the effect of phasic electrical stimulation of LC and sensory deprivation following the deflection of adjacent whisker on response properties of principal whisker related-neurons in layer IV of rat barrel cortex was investigated. Response properties of 18 neurons in controls and 22 neurons in sensory deprivation group (P4) were evaluated using extracellular single unit recording following the controlled deflection of adjacent whisker or before a combined deflection of principal and adjacent whiskers. All whiskers on the left muzzle, except for D2, were plucked every other day for two mounts in P4 group. In both groups, LC was stimulated at 0, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 ms before adjacent whisker deflection and its effect on response latency, response magnitude and CTR (Condition Test Ratio) index was assessed. The mechanical deflection of adjacent whisker with no electrical stimulation of LC in P4 group caused significant decrease and increase in neuronal response magnitude and CTR index, respectively. Almost in all times of LC stimulation and following combinations of whisker deflection, LC electrical stimulation before adjacent whisker deflection in P4 group caused a decrease in neuronal response magnitude and an increase in CTR index. LC electrical stimulation following sensory deprivation modulates neuronal response properties and changes the response patterns.

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistant enterococci colonization in the intestinal tract of hospitalized patients and define the risk factors. This descriptive study was carried out on a group of patients (No=198) hospitalized for at least 48h at a teaching hospital. Resistance to vancomycin was detected by the E-test method. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Epidemiological data recorded for all patients were used for risk factor analysis. A total number of 198 hospitalized patients were enrolled in this study. One-hundred out of 198 patients (50.5%) were colonized with enterococci spp. E-test revealed that 27% of patients were colonized with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) more than 32 mg/ml). The disk diffusion test showed that 96 out of 100 strains were resistant to streptomycin, 82% to erythromycin, 70% to ciprofloxacin, 60% to nitrofurantoin and ampicillin, 44% to gentamicin, 38% to tetracycline, 34% to penicillin-G vancomycin, 33% to linezolid and 20% to levofloxacin. Isolation of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) was not significantly associated with age, sex, use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), use of central venous catheter, long-term hospitalization period and antibiotic usage. However, it was significantly associated with the underlying disease (P=0.008). Urgent infection control measures are required to prevent the emergence of VRE outbreaks in hospital settings. Moreover, since the occurrence of VRE is increasing, the optimization of laboratory facilities to detect vancomycin resistant strains seems vital.

Although clomiphene citrate is the first line in ovulation induction in anovulatory infertile women, but some of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients are clomiphene-resistant. This study was carried out to compare the combined effect of letrozole and clomiphene with gonadotropins on pregnancy rate in clomiphene-resistant PCOS patients. This clinical trial study was carried out on 120 clomiphene-resistant PCOS patients. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: group 1 received clomiphene (100 mg/day) and group 2 received letrozole (5 mg/day) on the 3–7 th days of menstrual cycle. Both groups received (150 IU/im) HMG on the 5–8 th days of menstrual cycle. On 10-11 th days of menstrual cycle, transvaginal sonography was performed to determine endometrial thickness, dominant follicle number and increase HMG dose, if required. HCG at a dose of 5000 IU was administered when at least one mature follicle was observed. β-HCG level was evaluated 2 weeks after HCG administration. The two groups were compared for mature follicles numbers, endometrial thickness, gonadotropin consumption and pregnancy rate. Chi–square, Kolomogrov–Smirnov, t-test, Levene, Mann-Whitney tests were used to analyze data. Although the pregnancy rate in letrozole group was higher than in the clomiphene one, the difference was not significant (36.7% vs 33.3%, P=0.702). The mean endometrial thickness in letrozole and clomiphene group was 7.47 mm and 7.49 mm, respectively (P=0.685). In letrozole and clomiphene group the mean of dominant follicles numbers was 2.18 and 2.83, respectively (P=0.087) while the gonadotropin level mean in both groups was 6.78 (p=0.941). In clomiphene resistant PCOS patients, similar to clomiphene, letrozole in combined regimens with gonadotropin can be effective for the induction of ovulation.

Nowadays, cryopreservation of human sperm is considered as a common technique for treating infertility. Although cryopreservation causes a decrease in sperm motility and viability in infertile men, the effect of freezing the sperm by vitrification in infertile men has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitrification on some parameters of sperm including motility, morphology, viability, count and apoptosis after thawing in infertile men. Semen samples (No=17) of participants referring to Clinical Center for Infertility of Yazd were collected by masturbation. Semen analysis was performed according to WHO standards. The smears provided were fixed for TUNEL staining. Some samples directly cryopreserved by cryoloope method and stored for at least 7 days. After thawing, samples were evaluated for sperm parameters. Data obtained before and after the vitrification were compared using paired t-test and Willcaxon statistical tests. A significant decrease in viability and morphology of the sperm and an increase in the rate of apoptosis were observed after vitrification. The percent of apoptosis was negatively correlated with normal parameters of spermatozoa (especially progressive motility and viability). The results indicate that vitrification has a detrimental effect on sperm parameters and apoptosis rate in infertile men. However, the rate of apoptosis in this method was lower than that in other freezing methods.

As a worldwide problem, hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection similar to HIV and vaccine studies on HCV is among the hottest research topics in the field. Such a vaccine should elicit strong humeral and cellular responses against HCV antigens (Ags). The major aim of the present study was to compare and optimize the responses against HCV core protein (HCVcp) immunization formulated in novel human compatible adjuvants. BALB/c mice were immunized by HCVcp, purified in native conditions and in different adjuvant formulation in separate following groups: Ag+CpG, Ag+M720 (Montanide ISA 720), Ag+F127 (Pluronic acid) and cocktails of Ag+F127+CpG and Ag+M720+CpG. ELISA-based assays were used to analyze IgG, cytokine and CTL responses. The M720 (+CpG) immunized mice developed the highest HCVcp-specific titrations of total IgG,IgG1, 2a, 2b, and that of IFN-γ and IL-4 cytokines. HCVcp-specific-CTLs against relevant MHC class I peptides were detected only for Ag+M720+CpG, Ag+M720, and Ag+CpG groups, could be blocked by antimouse-CD8 antibodies and were stable for one year post-immunization. The M720 formulation of HCVcp (with a synergistic effect by inclusion of CpG) induces equally strong Th1/Th2 responses and stable CTLs.

Considering the application of episiotomy technique for all the primiparous patients referring to Shabihkhani maternity hospital at Kashan city and the complications of this technique (e.g. hematoma, third and fourth degree laceration), this study was carried out to compare the extent of perineal laceration in primparous women in the absence or presence of this technique during 2005-6. This clinical trial study was carried out on two groups of term primiparous women (No=180) with a cephalic fetal presentation and an estimated fetal weight of 2500-3500 g. The length of posterior or anterior perineal laceration and the lacerations requiring repair were compared in both groups using T, Exact Fisher and X2 statistic tests. In addition, multiple logistic regression analysis was used to express simultaneity factor effects. In case group 44.4% of the deliveries were without laceration and 55.6% with a posterior perineal laceration (P<0.001). The mean length of posterior perineal laceration in case and control group was 2.15±2.47 cm and 6.98±1.51 cm, respectively (P<0.001). The mean score for second-degree laceration length in case and control group was 6.64±0.89 cm and 7.00±1.52 cm, respectively (P=0.18). In case group, 14 (7.8%) out of 22 (12.2%) cases of anterior laceration needed to be repaired (P<0.001). Delivery in the absence of episiotomy can lead to a reduction in the frequency of perineal laceration; the length of laceration in case group was smaller than that in the control group.

Low birth weight (LBW) infants need complementary interventions (e.g. deep massage) to promote their growth and development. The present study was done to determine the effect of deep massage on weight gain in LBW infants. This clinical trial study was carried out on LBW infants (No=70) in NICU wards of Isfahan province using convenient sampling method during a 6-month period. All participants were divided into two groups randomly (27 in each group). The group receiving deep massage intervention was compared to the control group receiving only routine care. The criteria included in this study were: birth weight <2500g, age<18days, breast-feeding and the Iranian race. The exclusion criteria were: history of congenital diseases, NPO/TPN, respiratory distress, sepsis and, blood exchange during study, mother addiction and lack of adherence to study. The data were collected through observations, interviews and measurements using weight specific scales. All measurements were taken before and after completion of the study with the same equipment and by the same person double-blinded. Each infant in the treatment group received deep massage of three 15-minute periods for 10 days. Paired t-test and unpaired t-test were applied to analyze the data. Weight gain in the intervention group (mean=210.92g) was significantly (P=0.006) higher than that in the control group (mean=81.11). As deep massage enhances weight gain in LBW infants, it is recommended to be considered as a complementary intervention to promote their growth and development.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), one of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases in the world, affects about 1% of population. It is shown that the titration of this antibody has some correlation with disease activity index. The goal of present study was to evaluate the correlation between anti-Cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) titration and disease activity index. In this cross-sectional study 105 RA patients were considered for American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria; serum anti-CCP level, and ESR of all participants were checked after venipuncture. In addition, disease activity index form and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were completed for each patient. The correlation between disease activity index (DAS28), ESR and VAS was evaluated. The numbers of tendered and swollen joints and anti-CCP level were analyzed using Kolomogrov-Smirnov, t test, Levene and Mann-Whitney statistical tests. The mean disease activity index in positive and negative anti-CCP patients was 11.5±4.7 and 8.6±1.4, respectively (P=0.023). In positive and negative anti-CCP patients the mean swelling joints was 2.3±2.1 and 1.1±0.7, respectively (P=0.031). Mean tender joints in positive and negative anti-CCP patients was 6.1±4.6 and 3.6±1.8, respectively (P=0.046). In positive and negative anti-CCP patients the mean of ESR was 36.8±24.8 and 10.3±6.7, respectively (P<0.0001). Also the mean VAS in positive and negative anti-CCP patients was 42.1±32.8 and 18.8±9.1, respectively (P=0.007). Considering the correlation between anti-CCP titration and disease activity index, this test can be used as a factor of disease activity in RA.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), the most common cause of mortality affects the majority of adults. In addition to the risk associated with overt diabetes there appears to be a graded rise in cardiovascular risk with increasing degrees of glucose intolerance. This study was done to evaluate the association between acute myocardial infarction (MI) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). In this case-control study 100 men and women were taken part in two equal groups. All participants of case group manifested nonfatal MI, while the participants of control group had no history of MI. The medical history and physical examination for evaluating diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dislipidemia history of cigarette smoking and related laboratory data were gathered. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square, OR, CI. Mean age in control and case group was 54.9±9.82 and 53.1± 8.1, respectively. Twenty patients (42.5%) in case group and 8 patients (16.3%) in control group had impaired glucose tolerance. The results revealed statistically a significant difference between two groups (P=0.005, OR=3.72, CI=1.464-8.469). No significant difference was seen in sex, previous history of MI and other risk factors between the two groups prior to the study. Acute inferior MI in 22 patients was the most common type of MI (44%). Anterior MI (42%), lateral MI (12%) and posterior MI (2%) were other common types of MI. IGT is considered as a risk factor for MI. In conclusion, control of IGT for the patient having the risk factor for coronary artery disease is recommended.

Considering the important role of happiness in mental health, the vulnerability of students and also moving toward a positive-oriented approach of psychology, this study was carried out to evaluate the level of student's happiness and its related factors. This cross-sectional study with a census type sampling was done on the undergraduate first year students of Kashan University of Medical Sciences (No=1444). The questionnaires were filled out by all eligible students during the first month of the semester. The standard Oxford test and a researcher-invited questionnaire were used to measure the level of happiness and the related factors in respectively. Chi-square, Independent t-test, ANOVA and were used to analyze data statistically. 78.7% of participants were girls and the rest were boys. The mean value of happiness among the students was 42.57±13.96. There was a statistical correlation between happiness and factors like: gender, economic status, extracurricular activities, hopefulness for future occupation, academic education satisfaction, mean score of courses, current living place and stress status during last year, but no relation was found with age, marital status, types of academic education (formal/informal), domesticity of students, level of family education and wealth, number of brothers and sisters, birth order, job and financial income. The mean value of happiness among females was more than that in males. Paying attention to high-risk students, especially females, with poor economic status, and student under stress and low scored in courses is a mandate.

Nowadays the effect of religion and spirituality on human's life is not deniable; this comparative study compares the attitude of a group of senile people at Kashan city towards the health and religious variables during 2004-5. The subjects of this comparative study were randomly selected among the over-60 aged people (No=1006). All questionnaires were filled out by expert interviewers. The questionnaire included questions on body's health status, religious variables (i.e., praying, going in to mosque, the role of God in routines, and trusting on God). The results showed that 28.9% of men and 13.8% of women were in desirable health status, however, 21.3% of men and 33.3% of women were in weak status. The results showed that 77.6% of men and 83.8% of women prayed God in their live. The economical status was also influential in the health condition of the senile people; 39.5% of people with good and 11.1% of people with bad economical status had desirable health conditions. In contrast, some senile people had undesirable health status with either good (97.1%) or bad (98.9%) economical conditions. Moreover, 23.2% of married and 19.4% of single people had good health conditions, while only 24 % of married and 33.3% of single people were in weak health conditions. The married adolescents with a good economic status and strong belief on religious issues had an optimum health condition.