مجله علمی دانشگاه علوم پزشکی کردستان
سال نوزدهم شماره 2 (پیاپی 72، تابستان 1393)

There are few studies about the relationship between platelet indices and the activity of rheumatoid disease and it is still a controversial issue. Therefore we decided to study the relationship between platelet indices and severity of rheumatoid arthritis according to DAS28 criteria. In this Historical cohort study, 250 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 250 people who accompanied the patients were selected via convenient sampling method. After written consent; 2cc of blood was taken from each patient and was sent to our laboratory. All patients were examined by a rheumatologist for diagnosis of disease activity. DAS28 formula was used to evaluate the severity of disease activity. Data were entered into SPSS 16 software and analyzed by independent t-test, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. The mean values of hemoglobin (p<0.001), hematocrit (p<0.001), MCH (p<0.001), and PLcr (p=0.002) were lower in the patient group compared to the control group. The mean values of platelet (p<0.001), RDW (p=0.001), and PDW (p= 0.03) were higher in the patient group in comparison to the control group. There was no statistically significant differences between the two groups in relation to the mean values of MCV (p= 0.22) and MPV (p= 0.21). A significant negative correlation was observed between DAS28 scores of hemoglobin (p=0.005) and hematocrit (p=0.02). Increased severity of the rheumatoid arthritis led to decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit and increased platelet count. Therefore, these blood parameters can be used as a primary prognostic factor. Also ESR can be regarded as a good prognostic factor. However, MCV and MPV are not suitable prognostic factors for the patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Considering the importance of using native and traditional herbal medicines in the treatment of malaria, we made a comparison between the effects of an ethanolic extract of Artemisia annua and chloroquine on Plasmodium berghei in Sourian mice. In this study 50 Sourian mice were divided into 10 groups, each group consisted of five mice. The evaluation was done according to the Peters test. Nine of ten groups were infected with P. berghei. The first 6 groups were given extracts of Artemisia annua at different concentrations. The seventh and eighth groups received chloroquine and placebo, respectively. The ninth group received no treatment (control group).The tenth group was not infected with Plasmodium berghei and did not receive any treatment and was used for determination of accidental mortality of the mice. In each group, the levels of parasitaemia were determined on the 4th & 7th days, and compared with those of the control group. To find the most effective concentration, the test was repeated with 55 mice divided into 11 groups using limited spectrum of drug concentrations. We used SPSS software and T-test for data analysis. The results indicated that Artemisia annua extract at the concentrations of 1100 and 1300 mg/kg significantly decreased P. berghei parasitaemia in the infected mice, but at the concentration of 1100 mg/kg Artemisia annua had less toxicity(P<0.05). According to the results of this study Artemisia annua at the concentration of 1100 mg/kg showed considerable effect on P. berghei.

Keratinocytes are useful for cellular transplantation studies in order to improve functional outcome in burn patients and chronic wounds. Recently they have been used for generation of iPS cells with high efficiency. In this study, we described the details on separation, culture and proliferation of human keratinocytes from foreskin samples. In this experimental and qualitative study we obtained neonatal foreskin samples following newborn circumcision under sterile conditions. We used dispase enzyme to separate the epidermis from the dermis. Trypsin enzyme was used for isolation of keratinocyte cells from the epidermis layer. Isolated cells were cultured in type I human collagen-coated dishes and serum-free Epilife medium. We assessed morphological and immunocytochemical aspects of the isolated cells. Morphological and Immunocytochemical analyses revealed that isolated cells have typical keratinocyte morphology and they could express CK14 which is a specific marker of the keratinocytes. The cells were successfully sub-cultured at a split ratio of 1:2 every 4 to 5 days. After passage 10, a significant decrease in the proliferation of the human keratinocyte cells was observed. Morphologically the cells were flat and thin. In this study we improved the method of isolation and cultivation of human keratinocyte from foreskin. Using this method, we isolated human keratinocytes for more than 20 times. Thus, it can be concluded that this method is reproducible in other laboratories.

Considering the increasing significance of diseases due to NTM all over the world, we investigated the burden of such diseases in our region. The aim of this study was to assess NTM prevalence from different clinical samples during a period of 8 years in Massih Daneshvari Hospital, in Iran. This descriptive study was performed on 8322 samples obtained from pulmonary TB patients in Mycobacteriology Research Center from 2004 -2012. Using Tb1 and Tb2 primers, a 190 bp fragment of IS6110 gene was amplified in order to identify Mycobacterium species. Specimens with negative IS6110 PCR results were analyzed with PCR-RFLP using hsp65 gene, for NTM investigation. Out of 8322 samples, we identified 124 (1.5%) strains of NTM. The mean age of the patients was 57 ± 18/9 years (age range: 7 - 88 years). 55/6 % of the patients were male. The most common species detected in our study were Mycobacterium simiae (44.3%), Mycobacterium chelonae (16.9%) and Mycobacterium kansasii (12.9%). We found a high prevalence rate of Mycobacterium simiae among our patients. Treatment protocols for NTM are different from the protocols for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, so early diagnosis of these species will be of great importance.

Seizure is the most common neurological disorder among children that not only is known as a diagnosis but also as a clinical manifestation of several underlying diseases. Its pathogenesis is not yet known, but the genetic background and alterations in neurotransmitters and the rare elements such as magnesium may be involved. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between magnesium levels in children and seizure. This study was a case - control study and included 78 children aged between 6 months and 5 years with febrile convulsion and 74 children hospitalized for reasons other than febrile seizure in Besat Hospital from 2011 to 2012. Demographic characteristics, history and duration of disease were obtained from their parents and if the patients met the inclusion criteria, blood samples were taken for serum preparation. After preparation of serum using Hitachi 902 automated analyzer and Pars Azmoon kits, magnesium levels were measured in milligrams per liter by spectrophotometeric method. Normal range of magnesium level was considered 15-23 mg/ liter. Using SPSS version 18, descriptive statistic tests and t-test, the data were used to compare magnesium levels in both sexes and groups. We used chi-square and OR calculation to calculate the odds ratio for seizures. The highest frequency belonged to seizures with duration of 5 minutes (24%) and tonic-clonic seizures (74/4%). Mean levels of magnesium in the boys and girls were 22/87±3/18 and 24/77±5/89 respectively, which showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.018). The mean magnesium level was 24/09±3/87 in children with seizure and 23/40±5/50 in healthy children which had no differences (p = 0.37). The odds ratio for the risk of seizure in children with magnesium deficiency was 1.38.s In general we can say that magnesium levels in children with seizure and healthy children do not differ and deficiency of this element alone cannot cause seizure, although we found higher than normal levels of magnesium in most children in our study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of kinematics of trunk and knee in sagittal plane with single leg landing and peak anterior tibia shear force (ATSF). Peak ATSF was calculated during single leg landing in 22 healthy female athletes. Trunk and knee kinematics including trunk flexion, knee flexion were recorded with motion analysis system. Then, we assessed the correlation of trunk and knee kinematics with anterior peak ATSF. Trunk flexion (r=-0.757, P<0.05) and knee flexion (r=-0.465, P<0.05) angles at initial contact had significant correlation with peak ATSF. The directions of correlations indicated that lesser degree of knee and trunk flexion resulted in larger peak ATSF values during a single leg landing. Therefore, training programs should underline the effect of increased flexion at these joints in order to decrease ACL injuries. This data provides important evidence for clinicians investigating the risk factors of ACL injuries in order to outline training programs with the aim of decreasing the incidence of ATSF injury.

Nowadays, the increasing concentration of pollutants in water resources, especially ground water, has been a matter of concern. Nitrate has been considered as a chemical indicator of water pollution for a long time. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical characteristics of drinking water and changes of nitrate in drinking water in Diwandareh villages. This was a cross-sectional study to determine the quality of drinking water of 30 villages in Divandareh. A total of 60 samples were obtained in two phases from water supplies and were analyzed according to the standard methods. Descriptive statistics, Piper, Schuler and Wilcox diagrams were used to interpret the results. The results showed that apart from nitrate, the concentrations of the other chemical quality parameters were below the standard limits. The mean and standard deviation of nitrate during the first and second stages of sampling in water sources were 26.13 ± 25.61 mg L-1 and 28.47 ± 29.80 mg L-1, respectively. According to Schuler diagram, the drinking water quality was moderate to good. Although the mean nitrate concentration in 80% of samples was lower than the latest national standard for nitrate, continuation of the current trend, particularly in the agricultural activities and uncontrolled use of groundwater resources in agriculture will change and lower the quality of water. Therefore, monitoring of agricultural practices and fertilizer use are necessary.

Considering the importance of religion orientation in mental health and its stability up to adulthood, we performed this study to investigate religion/Islamic orientation and traits of student's personality on the basis of big five- factors of personality (NEO). This was a descriptive – analytical study. 272 subjects (men=128, women=144) between 18 and 28 years of age were selected by cluster sampling method and were assessed by means of two questionnaires: 1) Short – form of NEO- Personality Inventory and 2) Islamic-Religious Orientation questionnaire. SPSS software was used for data analysis. The results of this study showed that all the traits of five factors of personality except for neuroticism had correlation with religious orientation (P<0.01). Factor of openness to experience predicted 0.11 of religion orientation in the students. According to the results of this study, there was a significant difference in religion orientation between males and females (t= -2/21). In general in our study, the personality traits had correlation with religion orientation and among them openness to experience had a more important role.

Breast masses are considered as a common problem in women and early diagnosis of breast masses by radiologic techniques can reduce mortality rate of breast cancer about 20-30%. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of the gray scale and color Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of solid breast masses. This was a diagnostic value study and included 93 female patients with breast solid masses who had referred to pathology ward of Imam Reza Hospital for FNA. Color doppler ultrasonography was performed for all the patients before biopsy. Then the results of ultrasonography and pathology were collated with each other. Data were introduced in to SPSS 20 software and analyzed by statistical tests and diagnostic value analysis. The sensitivity of 8 indices of color Doppler ultrasonography and gray scale i.e, mass flow rate, RI, PSV, EDV, tumor size, irregular margin of the masses, ENH and the mass shadow were%63, %100, %35, 100%, %26, %89, 0 and %15 respectively. According to the results of this study the diagnostic values of vascular tumors, tumor margins, RI and EDV values are significant for the diagnosis of malignant tumors and can be used as predictors of the status of the breast tumors.

Nowadays, the tendency towards cosmetic surgery especially rhinoplasty is increasing in our society. Prediction of patients’ satisfaction after surgery depends on psychological characteristics of the patients. The purpose of this study was to compare emotional intelligence, body image and quality of life between the patients seeking rhinoplasty (before surgery) and control group. Matherial and The method of this study was based on ex post facto. The study sample was selected from two non-governmental plastic surgery clinics in Arak City during a six-month period (from October 2010 to April 2011). 80 patients seeking rhinoplasty were selected by simple sampling method and compared to 80 people who were accompanying these patients. These groups were matched in relation to age, sex and marital status. Each group consisted of 40 men and 40 women. Also variables of this study were measured by use of Shiring emotional intelligence Questionnaire, quality of life (sf-36) questionnaire and Multidimensional Body–Image Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ). Data analysis was performed by t-test for the two independent groups. The results showed that the scores of social skills and appearance evaluation were significantly lower and score of appearance investment was significantly higher in the patients seeking rhinoplasty in comparison to the control group. This study showed that patients seeking rhinoplasty had inadequate social skills, low score for appearance evaluation and high appearance investment.

Aran-bidgol Lake is one of the hypersalin lakes in Iran that is full of black mud in most seasons. Studies have shown that this type of mud is rich in minerals and natural antibiotics, and has the potential to be used in the treatment of various diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity of black mineral mud isolated from Aran Bidgol salt Lake, on several common antibiotic resistant pathogens. We used XRD and XRF tests to investigate the physicochemical properties of the mud. We prepared serial mud concentrations of 0.01 to 0.6 g/ml in Mueller Hinton Agar and used minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) test to investigate the antibacterial activity of the mud, against drug-resistant strains of P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, E. coli and S. aureus. Comparison of the physicochemical properties of this mud with those of the commercial sample (Fango) showed that the percentages of inorganic compounds are similar in the mud isolated from Aran-Bidgol Lake and Fango mud, but the percentages of Na+ and Cl- ions were higher in Aran-Bidgol mud sample. Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of the Aran-Bidgol mud showed that more than 90% of the strains were susceptible to the mud at MBC 4 g/ml. According to the results of this study, this mud is suitable for the successful commercial purposes and use in mud therapy clinics.

Disabilities of the upper limbs due to stroke can lead to more prolonged functional problems in comparison to lower limb disabilities, and fewer numbers of investigations have been performed on this problem. Use of magnetic stimulation to produce induction currents in the brain for therapeutic purposes is a new method. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of rTMS plus routine rehabilitation on hand stiffness, and compare them with pure routine rehabilitation program in hemiplegic patients. Method and material: 12 hemiplegic patients were assigned randomly to two groups. Control group, received rehabilitation program with placebo magnetic stimulation, and experimental group, received magnetic stimulation with routine rehabilitation program, 3 times/week for 10 sessions. Using Wrist Robo Hab,we assessed joint stiffness during flexion-extension of the wrist, and supination-pronation of forearm before and after treatment. In the control group we did not find any significant decrease in the resistance of flexor (p=0.207) and pronator (p=0.291) muscles. But in the experimental group the resistance of flexor (p=0.009) and pronator (p=0.035) muscles decreased significantly. rTMS can decrease stiffness of the upper limb joints and can be used in chronic hemiplegic patients, when conventional treatments are not effective.

Due to some drawbacks associated with gene delivery vehicles including viral and non-viral vectors, scientists have continued their efforts to find an ideal gene delivery vehicle. Bacteriophages have been proposed as an attractive alternative gene delivery vehicle in view of their advantages such as protection of transgene, lack of immunogenicity and stability in different conditions. This study has been conducted with the aim of obtaining a construct based on M13 phage and evaluating its capability for delivering transgene to eukaryotic cells. pCMV-Script EX phagemid was constructed by intracellular excision of Lambda Zap CMV XR vector bearing GFP gene. Packaging of the construct using helper phage resulted in M13-GFP phage particles which used for transfection of human AGS cell line. Finally internalization of the phage particles into the AGS cell line was evaluated by PCR and florescence microscopy. Examination of the treated cells with florescence microscopy indicated that M13-GFP phage particles were able to internalize and express the transgene in eukaryotic cells, but the efficiency of this trasfer was very low. PCR analysis showed that internalization of the M13 GFP gene vehicle to eukaryotic cells was dose dependent. The results indicated that M13 phage could be an appropriate gene delivery vehicle, because it had trivial tropism for eukaryotic cells. This means that after displaying or coupling of appropriate targeting molecules on the surface of phage particles, transgene can effectively be delivered to the target cells.

Diazinon and paraoxon are the most widely used organophosphates (OPs) in agriculture. Some Ops can increase production of free radicals and induce disturbance in body antioxidant system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of diazinon and paraoxon on antioxidant system in rat lung. In this experimental study, forty-nine male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups. Control group received corn oil (a solvent for diazinon and paraxon) and six experimental groups received intraperitoneal injection of different doses of diazinon (30, 50 and 100 mg/kg) and paraoxon (0.3, 0.7, 1 mg/kg). We used ether for anesthesia. Twenty-four hours after injections, we removed lung tissue of the rats. Then superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S- transferase (GST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities and glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined by biochemical methods. The data were analyzed by means of ANOVA and Tukey test. Activities of SOD, CAT and GST were significantly increased at doses of higher than 0.3 mg/kg of paraoxon and also when diazinon used at the dose of 100 mg/kg. LDH activity and MDA level increased and GSH level decreased when we gave higher doses of paraoxon to the rats. Diazinon and paraoxon induced the production of free radicals and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. The enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation level and depleted GSH content indicated failure of antioxidant system to combat free radicals and oxidative tissue injury. Paraoxon had more toxic effect on antioxidant system in comparison to diazinon.

CT scan has a primary role in the imaging of the liver. CT images can be viewed with different regulations or the so called windows. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of consistency of the results of the liver window settings with those of standard abdominal CT in the diagnosis of space-occupying lesions in the liver. This was a cross-sectional study and included 162 patients who had been followed up for cancer, or had abdominal trauma or any abdominal symptoms. Standard abdominal CT scan with contrast injection was performed. Then the results of the scans were reviewed by two experienced radiologists for the presence or absence of liver lesions. Using SPSS 20 software, data analysis was performed by statistical tests. Because of the lack of agreement between our radiologists on the detection of lesions in 10 patients, the analysis was performed on 152 patients. According to the liver standard window settings 27.6% and 32.2% of the patients had liver lesions, respectively. Use of liver window settings resulted in the detection of increased number of lesions in 10.5% of the patients. Also, there was a significant difference between the number of liver space occupying lesions in the liver window settings and standard abdominal CT. The compatibility between the results of the two window settings was 0.78. The results of this study showed that the number of detected lesions in the CT of liver window was more than those in the CT of standard window settings, and this difference was significant. Therefore, liver window settings can be a useful measure to determine the number of liver lesions.