مجله دانشگاه علوم پزشکی شهرکرد
سال هفدهم شماره 1 (پیاپی 76، فروردین و اردیبهشت 1394)

Capparis spinosa is a plant containing phytoestrogens which have moderating influence on hormones and may effect on the pituitary-gonadal axis. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of Capparis spinosa on testosterone, FSH and LH hormones. In this experimental study, 40 adult male rats were randomly divided into 5 equal groups control; received distilled water, and other 3 groups received different doses of hydroalcoholic extract of Capparis spinosa flower bud (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), respectively. Rats received the extract during 28 days by gavage. They anesthetized 24 hours after the last gavage using ether, and blood samples were collected from the heart. Then, serum levels of testosterone, FSH and LH hormone were measured using Elisa kit. The results showed a significant reduction in plasma concentration of testosterone hormone in the group treated with a dose of 100 mg/kg compared to control and observed groups (P<0.05). Serum concentrations of FSH and LH hormones showed no change in other experimental groups compared to control and observed groups. Capparis spinosa hydroalcholic extract could be effective on the function of testosterone hormone and in the treatment of pituitary-gonadal axis disorders.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major cause of disability in world. For this reason, many studies have been conducted on these disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and risk assessment of these disorders in municipality workers in Isfahan. In this cross-sectional study, different tasks of municipality workers were studied. 12 workers in each task and totally 108 persons were selected. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was studied with Nordic questionnaire. QEC (Quick Exposure Check) methods were used to assess the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Based on the Nordic questionnaire results, 82.4% of the workers suffered from musculoskeletal memberat least a symptom of the disorders that the most of symptoms was reported in knees (59.3%) and lower back (52.8%). Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was higher. In other word, there was a significant relationship between the level of exposure to the risk and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders symptoms. (P<0.001) Because 47.2% of working groups were in high and very high risk level, control actions should be initiated as soon as possible. The main ergonomic problems in municipality workers were improper posture, work with repetitive motions, back rotation and bending. Implementation interventional and corrective actions are essential to improve the working situation.

Brucellosis is the most common infectious disease in Iran that is common between humans and animals and is caused by Brucella species. One of the transmission ways of brucellosis to human is consuming of milk and its traditional products contaminated with the Brucella bacteria. This study was aimed to investigate the contamination rate of cow's craw milk and its traditional products with Brucella abortus, and Brucella mellitensis in Isfahan and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces in 2012. In this laboratory descriptive study, a total of 200 samples of raw cow's milk (n=100), traditional cheese (n=50), ice cream (n=25), and cream (n=25) were collected from Isfahan and Shahrekord and they were examined by PCR method. The rate of contamination in raw cow's milk (1% Brucella abortus), cheese (2.5% B. abortus, B. mellitensis), and cream (1% B. abortus) was reported of 200 experimented samples, and no brucella contamination was found from the ice cream. According to the contamination of milk and dairy products to Brucella bacteria and health and economic damages of this disease, it is necessary to make more accurate and efficient control and supervision to prevent this disease.

Diagnostic imaging has a fundamental contribution to non - invasive diagnosis of the reasons for biliary obstruction and screening the patients at high risk. So, this study was aimed to compare the value of multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in diagnosis of biliary obstruction reasons with the results obtained from invasive procedures. In this descriptive-analytical study, 50 patients were selected by stratified sampling from January 2010 to May 2011 with diagnosis of biliary obstruction based on per clinical and sonographic results and they were evaluated by MDCT. Their radiology report was compared with the results obtained from other invasive procedures including Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography (PTC), Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP), and/or surgery. Findings indicated that sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MDCT was 100%, 88.4%, and 94%, respectively in diagnosis of malignant reasons for biliary obstruction, 75%, 100%, and 96% in diagnosis of benignant reasons for biliary obstruction, and 94.4%, 100%, and 98% in that of gallstones. No significant relationship was found between severity of bile duct dilatation and obstructive agent’s benignancy or malignancy (P<0.001). Based on this study findings, MDCT is found a rapid, non-invasive, and highly accurate method in diagnosis of biliary obstruction reasons, differentiation between benignant obstructive agents and malignant ones, and is useful for planning prior to surgery.

Walnuts are a good source of essential fatty acids and tocopherols. Chemical compounds especially fatty acids and tocopherols are different depending on the genotype and environmental conditions. This study aimed to study the fatty acid compositions and pellicle antioxidant properties of different Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) genotypes. In this experimental study, the fatty acid compositions of six walnuts (Juglans regia L.) genotypes (K1, G1, B1, K2, K3, B2) were collected from different areas of Koliaie in Kermanshah. Fatty acid compounds were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to a flame ionization detector. Also, (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) DPPH radical scavenging activity was used to analyze antioxidant properties. Total oil ranged from 63.3 to 78.5%. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) included the most important group of fatty acids in the studied oil of different genotypes that they were in the range of 57.6% to 70.20%. The highest range of PUFA in the B2 genotype was observed. B2 genotype showed more radical than the other genotypes in collection activities (P<0.05). These results demonstrate that fatty acid composition is genotype dependent. Pellicle is replete of antiradical and a necessary protecting layer that fatty acids particular PUFA protect against radicals.

Haemophilus influenza is one of the most important pathogens in the respiratory system that can cause several complications especially in children. So, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of Haemophilus influenza serotypes in the pharyngeal mucosa of healthy children. In this analytic- descriptive study, 378 pharyngeal samples were randomly selected from 1 to 5 years old children referred to Imam Ali Clinic in 2012. Samples were analyzed by two methods of culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All the positive samples serotypes were evaluated by PCR. There was 42 (11.1%) positive numbers of Haemophilus influenza serotypes in the samples in this study (95% Confidence interval). 8 cases were encapsulated and 34 cases nonencapsulated among them. Among the encapsulated ones, 4 cases were serotype f, 2 cases were serotype b and 2 cases were serotype d. There was a significant relationship between the incidence of Haemophilus influenza and having brother or sister under 5 years old (p=0.044) and father’s education (P=0.041). the results of this study indicated that the nonencapsulated serotype has the highest frequency. The frequency of serotype b is one of the most important invasive serotype in carrier's children, although serotype f has more prevalence. Thus, the findings of this study emphasize that responsible managers need to pay more attention to these pathogens.

Legionella pneumophila is an organism of public health interest because of its ability to cause mechanical ventilation. The aim of this research was determination of Legionella pnemophila in bronchoalveolar lavage samples in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia by real time PCR in ICU at Al Zahra hospital. In this descriptive analytic study, Pneumonia patients hospitalized in ICU of Isfahan Al Zahra hospital were studied in one year in 2011. Thirty-nine Bronchoalveolar lavage specimens were collected from patients with ventilator associated Pneumonia and kept in- 20°C until the test. DNA was extracted by phenol chloroform and Real time PCR process was done in 45 cycles consist of 95°C for 4 seconds in the first step and 58°C for 30 seconds, while experiments were performed using Taq Man method. The results for presence of Legionella pneumophila bacteria in all samples were negative. Minimum age of patients was 20 and maximum age was 86 years. Duration of hospitalization in ICU was at least 2 days and maximum was 65 days. Maximum ventilation period was 65 days and minimum period was 2 days. This study demonstrates the absence of Legionella pneumophila in patients with ventilator associated pneumonia in ICU of this hospital. It seems that Legionella pneumophila microbiological pattern recognition is also logical for other medical centers.

Presence of humic acids in drinkable water resources as a precursor can lead to the formation of disinfection by products. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of chitosan as an effective coagulant with low cost in the electrocoagulation process with aluminum electrode for removal of humic acid from aqueous solutions. In this experimental study, electrocoagulation experiments with the aluminum electrode were studied in pH range of 2-10, in the presence and absence of chitosan. Moreover, the effects of pH values, current density parameters, initial humic acid concentrations, and various concentrations of chitosan as coagulant aid in the electrocoagulation process were investigated in a batch reactor. The used pilot made of plexiglass and equipped with an electricity generator device. Humic acid concentrations were determined by spectrophotometer. A current density equal to 20 mA/cm2 and PH equal to 6 was obtained as the optimal conditions for the removal of humic acid from aqueous solutions in presence and absences of chitosan. The presence of chitosan in concentration of 2.5 mg/l as a coagulant aid in electrocoagulation process led to remove the maximum amount of humic acid (90%). Chitosan has acted as an appropriate and effective coagulant aid in the electrocoagulation process with the aluminum electrode. Moreover, it can increase the efficiency of coagulation processes in removing humic acid natural substances.

Hot flashes are common and distressing symptoms in postmenopausal women that its major treat is replacement therapy hormone. In order to its various complications, these hormones discuss and the use of phytoestrogens proposes. Due to rich sources of phytoestrogens in herbal plants such as soy and fenugreek, a comparative study of soybean and fenugreek seeds was aimed on hot flashes in postmenopausal women. This randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 60 postmenopausal women with hot flashes who were referred to the clinic centers in Arak city and they had written satisfaction, and included the entrance criteria. They were divided randomly into two groups and in each group, 30 postmenopausal women. One group used fenugreek seeds (6 gr daily) and another group used soy (25 mg daily). Before the intervention and at the end of the second month (8 weeks), the severity and frequency of hot flashes were evaluated and were analyzed using paired t- test and independent t-test. 60 postmenopausal women continued the study to the end in total. There was no significant difference in the intensity and frequency between two groups before the intervention P>0.05). Following the intervention in two groups reduced significantly both the severity and number of hot flushes at the end of the second month (P<0.001). There was not a significant difference after two months in frequency and severity of hot flushes by using plant seeds between the two groups (P>0.05). The results of this study seem to have a daily intake of 25 grams of soy or 6 gr of fenugreek seeds after two months is effective in reducing the number and severity of hot flashes, although there was no difference between the two groups. Moreover, no specific complication was observed using these herbal plants under study.

Endurance training causes cardiac remodeling and also induces genes expression. Meanwhile, the serum response factor (SRF) is a transcription factor which plays an important role in the remodeling of myocardium at the cellular level. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of endurance training on cardiac expression of SRF gene in wistar male rats. In this experimental study, 14 wistar male rats which were maintained under controlled conditions [temperature, light/dark (12:12) cycle, with ad Libitum access to food and water] were randomly assigned to control and Experimental groups, after the familiarization process. The experimental group performed (a 14 -week) endurance training program on motorized treadmill, and 48 hours after the end of the last session were anesthetized and sacrificed. The left ventricle of the heart was removed. To determine the expression levels of srf gene, Real time RT-PCR method was used and collected data were evaluated using t-test. The hypertrophy evaluation indexes showed that the ratio of left ventricle to the body weight in experimental group (2.3±0.18) was significantly (p=0.05) higher compared to control group (2.049±0.12) and the ratio of left ventricle to body surface area in experimental group (0.168±0.008) was significantly (p=0.01) higher compared to control group (0.153±0.006). Finally the mean of srf gene expression level of left ventricle in experimental group was significantly (p=0.006) higher than control group. Given to the role of this gene in heart remodeling and obtained results that showed endurance training induce cardiac hypertrophy and increase of srf gene expression in left ventricle of trained wistar rats, It seem increase in srf gene expression is a sign for sarcomeres reorganization for adaptation to endurance training.

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that is affected by different factors. Forming aggregations of the tau proteins in the brain is one of the most commonly observation in the patients’ brains suffered from this disease. Several strategies have been devised to target the tau aggregates in the neuronal cells of the patients. Recently, chaperones have drawn the attention of the researchers as a tool to inhibit or disaggregate the tau protein aggregations. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of small molecule chaperone called Diethylthia tri carbocyanine iodide on the formation of tau aggregates.

In this basic laboratory study, Tau protein was expressed in bacteria. Then, Tau protein was purified by the ion-exchange chromatography and affinity chromatography, and its purity was evaluated by SDS-PAGE. Heparin was added as the inducer of tau aggregation, and the inductive effect of heparin on tau aggregation was examinated by circular dichroism (CD) method. Then, Diethylthia tri carbocyanine iodide chaperones was added to the aggregated tau and its effect was evaluated using SDS-PAGE and thioflavin T fluorescence assay.

Electrophoresis SDS-PAGE confirmed the expression of tau protein and its purity. CD validated the successful induction of tau aggregation by heparin. Following treatment of the tau aggregates with Diethylthia tri carbocyanine iodide, the results of SDS-PAGE showed that induced aggregation, remarkably reduced compared to the control sample. Thioflavin T fluorescence assay was used to confirm the results of SDS-PAGE analysis.

The results of this study showed that Diethylthia tri carbocyanine iodide could inhibit the aggregation of the tau protein which they were produced in the presence of heparin inductor. These results can propose Diethylthia tri carbocyanine iodide as a potential treatment to target the tau aggregates in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

One of the most common movement disorders after stroke is foot drop. Its initial treatment is the use of ankle foot orthosis. Recently, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is used as a treatment of this deformity and restoring normal gait in patients with weakness or paralysis of the muscles due to stroke or spinal cord injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of this technique compared with ankle – foot orthosis by correction of gait in stroke patients. In this review of the literature, a systematic search in different electronic databases (Pubmed, Science direct, and Google scholar) by key words selected such as FES, Stroke, ankle-foot orthosis, foot drop and gait was conducted and extracted English articles published between 1989-2013 in some areas (using PICO) and the combination between them. Articles containing non- stroke neurological diseases and deformity rather than foot drop were excluded. The results of extracted 32 articles based on positive changes in parameters of gait kinematics, the rate of muscular activities, and spasticity reduction after using FES were reported. So, FES system increases gait velocity, level of motor activity, stride length, and cadence. It seems FES can improve quality of gait in patients with drop foot caused by stroke. Convenience and better cosmetics in FES comparing with ankle-foot orthosis could be suitable justifications for better acceptance and tolerance of FES system.