مجله فیض
سال پانزدهم شماره 3 (پیاپی 59، پاییز 1390)

Studies have shown that chamomile contains significant amounts of essential amino acids and flavonoids. Moreover, the neuropathic effects of cisplatin have been reported in humans and different animal models. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interactions between hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria recutita and cisplatin using the standard method of chemical seizure induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in mice. In this experimental study, 32 male mice were randomly selected into 4 groups (n=8 per group). First group received normal saline; second group received Matricaria recutita hydroalcoholic extract (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally); third group received cisplatin (2 mg/kg, intravenously) and the fourth group hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria recutita plus cisplatin, thereafter, the seizure threshold was determined for each group. The results of this study showed that PTZ-induced seizure threshold in control mice was 35.86±1.67 mg/kg and chamomile hydroalcoholic extract significantly increased the PTZ seizure threshold (P<0.0001), while seizure threshold in the cisplatin group significantly decreased (P<0.0001). Moreover, simultaneous use of Matricaria recutita extract and cisplatin caused significant increase of seizure threshold (P<0.0001) in cisplatin taking group. Considering the existence of several types of antioxidants and flavonoids in Matricaria recutita that have antioxidant and anticonvulsant effects, the plant can be used to reduce the neuropathic effects of cisplatin.

Echinococcus granulosus is a cestode parasite that causes cystic hydatid disease in humans worldwide. The gene encoding EG95 protein may be a good candidate to design a DNA vaccine to prevent the disease. Considering the importance of EG95 gene and the scarceness of research on it in Iran, this study was carried out to determine and clone the gene encoding EG95 from Iranian isolate of E. granulosus.

At the first stage, protoscoleces was isolated from hydatid cyst fluid and then RNA was extracted from protoscoleces and after performing RT-PCR, the amplified cDNA samples were detected by gel electrophoresis. In next stage, the obtained gene was cloned in pTZ57R/T vector. Two methods were used for conformation of cloning: colony PCR amplification and digestion with the EcoRI and XhoI restriction enzymes. Finally, the cloned EG95 gene in pTZ57R/T vector was sequenced.

Homological comparison of sequences showed that cDNA of EG95 in Iranian isolate of E. granulosus had 492 bp and was different from the standard strain of EG95 reported from New Zealand and Australia (X90928.1). Moreover, cloning of EG95 gene in pTZ57R/T plasmid was confirmed by digestion of this plasmid with the restriction enzymes.

The EG95 gene was cloned in pTZ57R/T plasmid successfully and this plasmid can be used to design a DNA vaccine in further studies.

Toxoplasma gondii, an obligatory intracellular protozoan parasite, causing toxoplasmosis in human and animal with worldwide spread. Microneme 3 (MIC3) protein, a 90 kDa parasite factor attaching to the host cells in the beginning of the invasion, is secreted in all stages of parasite development (e.g. sporozoite, tachyzoite and bradyzoite) and also is considered as a potent antigen. Therefore, besides the immunogenicity and the candidacy for vaccine design, the protein is used for diagnostic purposes, as well. The aim of the present study was to transfer MIC3 gene into plasmid vector (PTZ57R/T) for subcloning in eukaryotic and prokaryotic plasmids.

Toxoplasmia genomic DNA extracted using phenol-chloroform method and MIC3 gene was then amplified by PCR with specific primers. Electrophoresis was performed by using agarose gel and PCR product was purified by T4 DNA ligase enzyme into a cloning vector. Finally, recombinant plasmid was transformed into E.coli (Top10 strain). The extracted clone was verified with PCR, digestion enzymes and sequencing.

The PCR product was seen as a 1052bp band in agarose gel (1%). The recombinant plasmids was restricted by HindIII and EcoRV enzymes and two obtained 2886 and 1052bp bands showed that the MIC3 gene was cloned in PTZ57R/T plasmid.

The results revealed that the cloning and transformation of MIC3 gene in pTZ57R/T was done successfully.

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common and serious problem in women of late reproductive age and an indication for endometrial biopsy as an invasive method. On assessing AUB, in some cases, even with the observation of normal thicker endometrium in ultrasonography, abnormal biopsy is reported. Thus, this study was carried out to assess the role of measuring endometrial thickness by transvaginal ultrasonography as a screening tool for premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding.

In this diagnostic study, 154 premenopausal women with AUB referred to Naghavi Clinic of Kashan university of medical sciences during 2010-11. Transvaginal ultrasonography was performed to assess endometrial thickness before the Pipelle endometrial biopsy at the first day of menstruation. The biopsies were then sent to a pathologist unaware of the results of transvaginal ultrasonography and finally, the Roc curve was utilized to determine the best cut-point.

Forty-eight out of 154 cases (31.2%) had abnormal endometrium (hyperplasia 23.2%; polyps 3.9%; and asynchronous 3.9%). The reported thickness of endometrium with the sensitivity and specificity of 76.2% and 41.1% (PPV=33.6%, NPV=82.1%, LR+=1.29 and LR-=0.58) was 7 mm.

Although endometrial thickness of ≤7mm in premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding is less likely to be associated with malignant pathologies, assessing the endometrial thickness merely with transvaginal ultrasonography is not merely suggested for the diagnosis of endometrial abnormalities.

Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common metabolic disorders causing pathophysiologic changes in multiple organs. Considering the burden of diabetes and its complications, this study aimed to evaluate the frequency of musculoskeletal complications in diabetic patients. This cross-sectional study was performed on 327 diabetic patients referred to Kashan diabetes center during 2009-10. Age, the type of diabetes and clinical manifestations such as arthralgia, paresthesia, and limited range of movement of joints were obtained from the hospital medical records of patients and then musculoskeletal complaints (e.g., adhesive capsulitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, dupuytren's contracture, trigger finger, and limited range of movement of joints) were diagnosed and recorded by a rheumatologist. The mean ages of type II and I diabetic patients were 54.6±12.61 and 29.7±10.36 years, respectively. Carpal tunnel syndrome (49.8%), knee osteoarthritis (45%), sclerodactyly (27.2%), dupuytren's contracture (14.1%), trigger finger (11.9%), adhesive capsulitis (11.9%), limited joint movement's syndrome (8%) and Charcot joint (0.6%) were seen in patients. There was a significant relationship between the type of diabetes and knee osteoarthritis (P<0.003; OR=1.86; CI=1.05-3.30) and also carpal tunnel syndrome (P<0.045). A significant relationship was also seen between duration of disease and trigger finger, dupuytren's contracture (OR=3.76; CI=1.9-7.41) and limited joint movements. The findings of this study indicated that type of diabetes and also its duration (over 15 years) may increase the risk of musculoskeletal complications. Hence, careful periodic examinations of all diabetic patients are recommended.

Most aspects of development are dependent or guided by visual system. Defect of visual perception can cause secondary mental retardation in cerebral palsy children with normal intelligence. So, identifying the effective factors on visual perceptual skills and early treatment of them in these children can prevent learning disorders, slowing the treatment process and secondary problems. This study was designed to compare the effect of chronological age, strabismus and sex factors on visual perceptual quotient. In this cross-sectional study, 120 spastic cerebral palsy children with equal numbers of strabismal/non-strabismal disorder (age 8-10 years) were randomly selected from exceptional schools of educational departments and rehabilitation clinics of Tehran and were evaluated with the test of visual perceptual skill-revised (TVPS-R). The results showed that the scores of visual perceptual quotient (P<0.0001) and visual perceptual age were significantly different among 8 to 10 years old children (P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in visual perceptual quotient between two sexes (P=0.76) and that non-strabismal children had greater visual perceptual quotient compared to strabismal one (P<0.0001). It can be concluded that age and strabismus have a significant effect on visual perceptual quotient, while this is not the case on sex.

Postpartum depression is a serious problem that may have negative effects on mother and family mental health. Considering that several theories have been proposed to explain the epidemiologic and demographic factors associated with the postpartum depression, the aim of this study was to identify the factors related to postpartum depression in Kashan. In this cross-sectional study, 50% of all health centers in Kashan were randomly selected during 2007-8. All of 204 mothers referred during 2-3 months of postpartum with minimum literacy (primary education) showed willingness to complete the questionnaire which included two parts: demographic and psychosocial questions and BDI (Beck Depression Inventory). Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, CI, OR, and logistic regression. Seventy-seven (37.7%) out of 204 mothers referred to Kashan health centers experienced postpartum depression (0.31-0.44). There was a statistically significant relationship between seven demographic and psychosocial factors and postpartum depression, in logistic regression (P<0.001), three factors (husband's appropriate behavior, intimate relationship with family, and no prior history of depression) were remained in the model. The findings indicated that the mentioned factors can reduce the incidence of postpartum depression. According to the results, factors including husband's appropriate behavior, intimate relationship with family and no prior history of depression may reduce the incidence of postpartum depression.

Leishmaniasis caused by leishmania protozoa can be considered as a zoonotic disease. This disease caused major health problems in some parts of Iran. Aran and Bidgol city (Isfahan province, Iran) is considered as one of the endemic foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis (Salak). For success in controlling the disease and to provide the necessary training for high-risk groups, the epidemiological data of disease in the region is required. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 94 patients admitted to the health center of Aran and Bidgol from April to September 2009. The demographic and epidemiologic data were collected and analyzed. Thirty percent (30.8%) of patients were in the age group of 1-9 years. The number of patients in urban areas was more than that of rural areas and in men more than women. Most of these cases were seen in Aran and Bidgol city (52.1%) and then in Abuzeydabad city (22.3%), respectively. Moreover, most cases of disease were found in July (37.2%) and 54.3% and 45.7% of cases were dry and wet cutaneous sores, respectively. It seems that the high incidence of disease in age group of 1-9 years is due to the susceptibility of this age group to leishmaniasis. Therefore, regulating the control training programs in this group is suggested.

The first outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1), the first pandemic influenza in the present century, in Iran was in Kashan in July 2009. This study was carried out to describe the stages of spread and also the outcome of influenza A (H1N1) in terms of incidence and death in Kashan, Aran and Bidgol cities during 2009-10.

In this case series-study of confirmed influenza A (H1N1), clinical and demographic data of all confirmed cases were recorded using SPSS software and were analyzed by Mann-Whitney test.

The total number of confirmed cases (mean and median of age were 29.8±18.7 and 26 years, respectively) was 86 with a male/female ratio of 1:1. Among the 7 cases who died (mortality rate: 8.1%) the mean age for death was 46.9±27.9 years, though greater than that of the recovered cases (30.01±18.1 years), but non-significant statistically.

Beginning of new educational year for schools was identified as the most important factor in spread of the disease. Considering the mortality rate and other related variables, no significant difference was seen between Kashan, Aran and Bidgol cities compared to other countries. However, comparing the present findings with the findings of other domestic medical universities can disclose the reasons for disparities. Moreover, a 10 week time interval between the first outbreak and the peak for pandemy highlights the presence of an efficient surveillance system for disease control.

Bread is a valuable source of proteins, minerals and calories. Baking soda prevents the absorption of bread and more salt used in the production of bread causes different diseases. This study aimed to determine the amount of soda and salt used in bakeries of Mehrdasht. This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on 50 bakeries of Mehrdasht city during 2009-10. A total number of 400 samples were randomly collected from all bakeries in four steps (two loaves from first batch). The measurement of PH and salt was done in accordance with the standard method of Institute of Standard and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI, 1999). The PH less than 6.2 was seen in 91.5% of samples and the most PH values above 6.2 were in Lavash bread (12.5%). In 64.5% of samples, the amount of salt was more than the standard. A significant difference was seen between the amount of baking soda and the season while no significant difference was seen between the type of bread and the salt consumption (P=0.042). The amount of baking soda used in the bakeries of this city is not high; either bakers had no enough knowledge about the amount of salt used for production of bread or had more other reasons to use more or less salt than the standard. Therefore, drastic measures to control the amounts of baking soda and salt in bakeries are recommended.

Solid waste management is considered to be one of the most immediate and serious environmental problems confronting urban governments in developing countries. Qualitative and quantitative variety of waste composition, uncontrolled urban development and the lack of appropriate waste management technology cause particular problems that solving them needs a careful study and the coordination of science and experience in the form of a proper management. This descriptive study was carried out on solid wastes generated in Kashan over a limited timeframe of 12 months during 2009-10. One sample was randomly taken per month according to the standard instruction and subsequently the physical analysis of it was performed. The average daily waste generation rate in Kashan is 185 tons, of which 75.5% are putrescible materials. The average daily waste generation is tantamount to 638 g/capita while the average density of the waste was 194 kg/m3 at transfer station. The most frequent metal measured in the leachate solid waste was iron. According to the results, high percentages of solid wastes in Kashan were allocated to plastic and corruptible materials, and then the paper and cardboard. Considering that the prevention of adverse environmental effects of solid waste is a priority and applying proper management techniques can help to achieve this, public education for the waste separation at the source, waste reduction and subsequently reduction of the leachate volume as well as the proper manner of recycling, collection and disposal of the waste are recommended.

Considering the importance of oral care in the ICU and the lack of comprehensive protocols for oral care, the present study was conducted to review the available literature on oral care and to present an evidence-based protocol for oral care in ICU patients. Fifty-four full-texts original articles, systematic reviews and meta-analysis papers on mouth care in ICU patients published from 2001 to the end of 2010 in English and indexed in the Pubmed, Ovid, Elsevier, and ProQuest databases were searched by using the relative key-words (e.g. oral care, mouth care, critical care, and intensive care) in the title or abstract and then evaluated. ICU patients are prone to dental plaque and VAP due to conditions such as impaired immunological deficiency, the presence of an endotracheal tube, drug side effects, and difficulty with swallowing food and fluids. Due to the lack of a standard protocol for oral care in ICU, oral cares havent properly done in ICU wards. Studies have shown that some oral care interventions (e.g. tooth brushing with toothpaste, brushing all surfaces of teeth, tongue and palate, and also the use of chlorhexidine solution) have largely reduced the incidence of VAP in ICU patients. The results revealed that the oral hygiene may reduce the incidence of VAP. Hence assessing patients, implementing mechanical and pharmaceutical interventions are important in oral care and applying the protocol presented in this study can improve the oral health of patients in the ICU.