مجله دانشگاه علوم پزشکی مازندران
پیاپی 201 (مهر 1400)

Due to the high rate of diabetes in the community and the importance of herbal supplements and exercise in its treatment, the present study aimed at evaluating the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of olive leaf on coronary artery function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats with and without exercise training.

In this experimental study, 50 male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were randomly divided into five groups (n=10 per group): 1. Healthy control (CO), 2. Diabetic control (DC),3. Diabetic control + Exercise training (DC+EX), 4. Diabetic control + Olea europaea L. (D+OIL),5. Diabetic + exercise training + Olea europaea L. (DC+EX+OIL). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide-streptozotocin. The rats in D+OIL and DC+EX+OIL groups performed submaximal exercise on treadmill for 5 days a week/ 8 weeks and received 200 mg/kgbw Olea europaea L. extract by gavage at 8 AM daily for 8 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last training session, Isolated hearts were perfused using the Langendorff method and hemodynamic parameters were assessed. Then, levels of antioxidant enzymes and lipoproteins in the blood were measured.

Olive leaf extract with 8 weeks of exercise training led to increased activity of superoxide- dismutase and catalaseenzymes and increased lipoprotein levels of LDL and HDL in diabetic rats but it had no effect on improving LDL levels. It also prevented increased response to coronary artery stenosis due to diabetes and increased response to coronary artery dilator.

Current study could be helpful in increasing the tendency to use exercise and olive leaf extract in treatment of diabetic patients and preventing cardiovascular complications including coronary artery endothelial disorders in these patients.

Misuse of antibiotics diminishes microbial balance of the body which has led to emergence of new diseases.  In this research, we studied the effect of essential oils of Zingiber officinale, Cinnamomum verum, Trachyspermum ammi, and Carum carvi on intestinal microorganisms’ effect in dysbiosis in vitro.

Essential oils were prepared by indirect steam distillation. Pure and lyophilized microorganisms were purchased from Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST). After the culture media was preapered the wells were created over the agar plates and antimicrobial activity was defined by measuring the inhibition zone diameter after 24 hours. Antibacterial effects of the essential oils were studied by well assay methods, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). Results were interpreted using CLSI standards.

Cinnamomum verum had the highest inhibitory effect on all pathogens. Trachyspermum ammi essential oils had moderate inhibitory effect on all pathogens except shigella Flexneri. The essential oils of Cuminum cyminum and Carum carvi had similar inhibitory effects. Ginger essential oil showed no inhibitory effect on any of the pathogens.

The highest inhibitory effect on pathogens was seen in Trachyspermum ammi essential oil, while it had the least inhibitory effect on beneficial microorganisms. Cinnamomum verum essence, with very good inhibitory effect on pathogens and inhibition of some useful microorganisms, can be promising to make effective drug by modulating the activity of pathogens effective in dysbiosis of the clone.

Removable prostheses made of polymethyl methacrylate are susceptible to Candida-dependent denture stomatitis and Candida albicans is considered to be the first common cause. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antifungal effect of acrylic resin modified by zinc oxide nanoparticles.

In this laboratory study, 72 disks (10*4 mm) made of polymethyl methacrylate (Acropars, Marlic, Iran) were divided into three groups (n= 24). Concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were 1 (group A), 0.5 (group B), and 0 (group C, control) mg/ml. Samples were studied in laboratory using Candida albicans strains (ATCC 10231) according to CLSI M27-A3 and M27-S4 documents. For data analysis, one-way ANOVA and Scheffe's post-test were performed using SPSS V24.

There were significant differences in mean numbers of fungal colonies in study groups. The amount of fungal colonies in group A was lower than those in group B and in group B was lower than those in group C (P<0.05).

Considering the limitations of this study, findings showed that zinc oxide nanoparticles have antifungal activity, which increases by increase in concentration of nanoparticles.

Paraquat (PQ) is the third most widely used herbicide in the world. This herbicide has the potential to damage cell membranes by lipid peroxidation and free radical attack. In this study, ZnO /rGO (ZG) heterogeneous photocatalyst was used for oxidation of PQ herbicide in aqueous solution under ultraviolet light irradiation.

In this experimental study, EDS, FE-SEM, BET, XRD, and FTIR analyzes were performed to determine the characteristics of synthesized catalyst. Effect of operating parameters, including solution pH, catalyst concentration, rGO percentage loading, PQ concentration, and UV-light intensity on degradation of PQ was studied in batch mode. Residual concentration of PQ and type and toxicity of intermediate compounds were measured by HPLC and GC-MS, respectively and toxicity test was done by Daphnia Magna. Studies on reusability of catalysts, effect of radical scavengers, and inorganic anions were also performed.

Under optimum conditions (pH=7, catalyst loading=10%, catalyst concentration=0.5 g/l, PQ concentration= 10mg/l, and UV-light intensity=220 mw/cm2), degradation and mineralization rate were 91.61% and 51% in 120 minutes, respectively. Radical scavenger experiments showed electron as the most effective factor in PQ oxidation process in ZG/UV system. In samples of agricultural run-off, degradation efficiency was 58.27%. Biotoxicity test also showed that toxic unit in pesticide-containing samples was 61.72 in raw samples that decreased to 12.19 in treated samples after 96 hours.

ZG/UV process has high efficiency and excellent catalytic activity, so, it the can be successfully used to degrade organic pollutants, especially pesticides, in wastewater.

One of the problems of in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles is recurrent failure of implantation. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of intrauterine saline infusion in luteal phase of previous menstrual cycle on occurrence of pregnancy in infertile patients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer.

This clinical trial was conducted in 70 infertile women attending the infertility center in Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital who were undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer in 2020. The participants were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group (n= 35 per group) using random number table. In intervention group, intrauterine injection of saline with ultrasound guidance was performed on day 21 of previous menstrual cycle, while the control group received no intervention. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. Data analysis was performed using Chi-square and t-test.

The intervention group and control group were found to be significantly different in rate of clinical pregnancy (6.5%, 28.1%) (P=0.003) and live birth (6.5%, 28.1%), respectively (P=0.02).

In this study, saline infusion sonohysterography did not have positive effect on clinical pregnancy and live birth, which could be due to small sample size, performing the procedure on day 21 of cycle, or ineffectiveness of this method in causing inflammation following scratches compared to conventional methods. Further molecular and cellular studies are needed to compare the effect of these methods on increasing the level of inflammatory factors.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging infectious disease that was first reported in December 2019 in China and spread rapidly around the world. The aim of this study was to compare clinical and laboratory findings and disease outcome between survived and deceased COVID-19 patients admitted to Qaemshahr Razi Hospital, Iran.

In this retrospective study, demographic, clinical, paraclinical, and treatment information of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed using SPSS V25.

Among 1013 COVID-19 patients, 145 (14.3%) died. Mortality rate was significantly higher in patients older than 65 years of age (54.5%) (P= 0.0001). Comorbidities was seen in 631 patients (62.4%). Mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with hypertension (P= 0.005), diabetes (P<0.05), congestive heart failure (P< 0.0001), and chronic kidney disease and chronic lung disease (P<0.0001). Most deceased patients had low oxygen saturation (<90%) (25.5%) that required assisted mechanical ventilation (61.4%) and were admitted to Intensive Care Units (66.9%). There were significant differences between survived and deceased COVID-19 patients in leukocytosis (P= 0.001) lymphopenia, (P= 0.003), creatinine level (P< 0.0001), and lactate dehydrogenase > 250 (U/L) (P<0.0001).

COVID-19 pandemic indicates high infectivity of the virus. Currently, there is no definitive treatment against the virus, so, findings associated with COVID-19 mortality could be of great help in early diagnosis of high-risk individuals and applying appropriate therapeutic interventions.

The actual prevalence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) can only be estimated by population-based serological examinations and individuals without clinical symptoms may not be identified or reported. In this sero-epidemiological study we aimed at exploring the serum prevalence of COVID-19 in highly exposed occupational groups in western Iran.

A total of 1106 people with jobs with a high potential for exposure to COVID-19 (excluding doctors) were selected in Sanandaj, Kermanshah, and Hamedan. Demographic information of all participants were recorded and venous blood samples (3 ml) were taken. IgG levels were measured to determine the serum prevalence of immunoglobulin using EUROIMMUN kit.

Until 15 November 2020, IgG antibody was detected positive in 317 people (28.7%). In Sanandaj, Hamedan, and Kermanshah there were 132 (32%), 88 (26%), and 99 (27.3%) people with IgG-positive antibodies, respectively. There were no significant differences in rates of positive COVID-19 IgG antibody between the cities (P= 0.158). Among individuals with IgG antibody positive (n=317), 35.4% were asymptomatic and only 3.2% were admitted to hospital because of COVID-19.

High prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies in people with working activities of high potential for exposure to known or suspected sources of SARS-CoV-2 and a high number of asymptomatic individuals in this group showed that appropriate personal equipment and adhering to strict rules play a critical role in limiting the disease transmission.

Mental health problems can negatively affect one’s ability to take precautionary measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of perceived stress and self-care behaviors on precautionary measures against COVID-19 among staff and students in shahid Beheshti Dental School.

This cross-sectional study was conducted after reopening of the school. Information was collected from 830 people (academic members, students, and staff) within two weeks in spring 2020. A questionnaire was designed consisting of items on demographic characteristics, perceived stress, self-care behaviors, and precautionary measures. To calculate the coefficients of the effects of stress and self-care behaviors on precautionary measures, path model analysis was applied.

There was a significant relationship between perceived stress and precautionary measures in dental students. In this group, stress had a significant direct effect on preventive social behaviors (P<0.001). On the other hand, the negative effects of perceived stress on both individual and social preventive measures were mediated via self-care measures. In academic members, perceived stress was not found to significantly affect precautionary measures (P=.28). In staff, self-care behaviors had significant positive effects on both individual and social preventive measures (P<.001).

Perceived stress as an exogenous variable had both direct and indirect effects on social preventive behaviors. It also affected individual preventive behaviors via self-care measures as an endogenous variable.

Pain control is a major issue after surgery and the most widely used drug is morphine. There are several methods for administration of morphine. The present investigation aimed at comparing the effect of intranasal morphine and intravenous morphine on orthopedic surgery in upper limb.

In this clinical trial, 86 patients were randomly divided into two groups to receive either intranasal morphine (n=43) or intravenous morphine (n=43). Pain intensity was measured using Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Pain, nausea, vomiting, pruritus, restlessness, confusion, hemodynamic status, and SPO2 at 10, 30, 60 minutes and 2 and 4 hours after receiving morphine were recorded. Data were analyzed in SPSS V22 applying t-test, Mann-Whitney, Fisher's exact test, and Chi-square.

There were 19.8% (n=17) female and 80.2% (n=69) male patients. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between the participants (P>0.05). Mean postoperative pain was significantly lower in patients that received intravenous morphine (2.19) compared to those in intranasal morphine group (3.76). The two groups were found to be significantly different in postoperative pain, hemodynamic status, respiration, and SPO2 (P<0.05). Postoperative nausea and vomiting, pruritus, restlessness, and dizziness were reported to be similar between the two groups (P>0.05).

The study showed that both intranasal morphine and intravenous morphine reduced postoperative pain and caused minimal complications, but intravenous morphine is more effective due to faster entry and absorption into the blood.

Determining the prevalence of various diseases in different communities is one of the first measures to improve the level of education, prevention and treatment of diseases. Occasionally, first symptoms of some diseases appear in mouth, so, timely diagnosis made by dentists is of particular importance. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of oral mucosal lesions and some related factors in patients over 12 years of age in Oral Medicine Department affiliated with Semnan Dental School in 2017-2019.

In this descriptive study, all individuals aged 12 years and older (n=1001) were investigated. Data, including gender, age, oral lesions, smoking, and wearing dentures were recorded in a checklist and analyzed in Chi-square test in SPSS V26.

In this study, 1001 people including 420 men and 581 women were studied. Frequency of oral lesions was 78.5%. The most common lesions were coated tongue (36.5%), gingivitis (34%), and periodontitis (28.4%). There was a significant relationship between age and oral lesions (P< 0.001). Total frequency of lesions was significantly higher in smokers (P= 0.016). Among the patients, 98.8% were unconscious about their oral lesions.

Relatively high frequency of oral lesions and lack of awareness of their presence in people studied indicate the necessity for periodic oral mucosal examinations and dental examinations.

Today, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as a pandemic disease, has a high incidence and mortality rate. The experiences of those who have recovered could be of great benefit in understanding and management of the disease. This study aimed at determining the experiences of patients who have recovered from COVID-19.

A phenomenological study was performed in recovered COVID-19 patients (n=17) in Yavaran Mehdi Convalescent Care Center in Qom, Iran 2020. Purposive sampling was done and continued until data saturation was reached. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. Data analysis was performed using Colaizzi method and MAXQDA 2018 was used to encode the data.

Data analysis led to identification of 304 primary codes and 48 sub-concepts which
were adjusted into four main concepts, including perception of COVID-19, causes of the disease, symptoms, and patients' concerns.

The main concepts of imagining and thinking about COVID-19, causes, and routes of transmission, signs, and symptoms, and concerns associated with the disease are the main dimensions, so, academic centers are recommended to provide people with informative programs.

Linalool is one of the main constituents of the essential oil of some aromatic plants, including Lavandula angustifolia. It is used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry. In this study, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of (±) linalool and its naturally occurring enantiomer, (R)-(-) linalool, were evaluated in neuronal PC12 cells.

PC12 cells were incubated with different concentrations of racemate linalool and (R)-(-) linalool for 12 and 24 h. Cytotoxicvity and genotoxicity were evaluated using MTT assay and single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay, respectively.

Findings showed that (±) linalool and (R)-(-) linalool (3200 μM) significantly reduced cell viability to 76.2% and 92%, compared to the control group (untreated cells) (P<0.001). IC50 values after 12 h and 24 h exposure to (±) linalool and (R)-(-) linalool were 2700 µM and 5440 µM, and 2600 µM and 3040 µM, respectively. Following treatment by (±) linalool or (R)-(-) linalool for 12 or 24 h, the DNA contents in the comets tail, as an indicator of genotoxicity, significantly increased to 21.36 ± 3.1%, 27.6 ± 2.3% and 15.2 ± 1.6% and 21.3 ± 2%, respectively (P<0.001).

In this study, racemate linalool and its enantiomer, (R)-(-) linalool, decreased the viability of PC12 cells via induction of genotoxicity. (R)-(-) linalool exhibited more cytotoxicity than (±) linalool.

Transversus abdominal plane block is used in management of pain in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. This study aimed at investigating the effect of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block on postoperative pain control in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

This double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed in 60 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. General anesthesia was induced in all patients. At the end of the operation, a subcostal transverse abdominis plane (SCTAP) block was performed in the intervention group, while the control group received no intervention. In all samples, pain intensity based on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the dose of opioid and anti-emetics drugs were assessed at recovery, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after the surgery. Data analysis was performed in SPSS 24 applying independent t-test and chi-square.

The number of patients with VAS<4 was significantly higher in intervention group compared with the control group at recovery (96.4%), 2 (96.4%), 4 (89.2%), and 8 (57.1%) hours after the surgery (P<0.05), but, data showed no significant difference between the intervention group and control group at 12 and 24 hours after surgery (P>0.05). Findings showed significant differences in mean opioid administration during 8 (4.4 ± 11.9) and 24 hours (38.3 ± 21) after surgery between the intervention group and the control group (P<0.001). The mean use of metoclopramide was not found to be significantly different between the two groups at 8 and 24 hours after surgery (P> 0.05).

Current study showed that ultrasound-guided SCTAP block could reduce postoperative pain and opioid administration after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Disease registry of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as an emerging global health threat could create a suitable research context, identify various aspects of the disease from symptoms to laboratory diagnoses, and determine effectiveness of treatment. The present study aimed to design and implement COVID-19 registry in Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital and investigated preliminary results.

At first stage, to design the disease registry, a strategy committee was established consisting of experts involved in COVID-19. Variables determined by members of the registry strategy committee included demographic findings, patients’ vital signs, comorbidity, laboratory findings, diagnostic test results, disease forms, complications, patients’ prognosis, and medical interventions on admission and at the time of discharge. Then, a web based software was designed in Structured Query Language (SQL) to record the information. The study population included all patients attending Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital with clinical and molecular diagnosis of COVID-19.

Out of 1924 registered patients, 829 (43.1%) were female. The mean age of patients was 53.2±17.5 years. The mean ages of men and women were 53.9±16.8 and 52.7±18.1 years, respectively (P= 0.142).

Outbreak of COVID-19 and paucity of information about the disease call for an accurate, complete, and reliable database including timely information which could be achieved by an integrated disease registry.

Chronic low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders in the world. This study aimed at evaluating the risk of non-specific chronic low back pain and related cognitive risk factors.

This descriptive analytic study was performed in 162 patients in a military hospital in Tehran, Iran 2020. Data were collected using the STarT Back Screening Tool, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. Data analysis was carried out in SPSS V25 using independent samples t-test, Chi-square, and multiple logistic regression.

Among the patients, 23.40% and 25.84% had sub-acute and acute low back pains, respectively, and were at high risk for chronic low back pain. Fear-avoidance belief, fear of movement, catastrophizing the pain, and depression were found to be the major risk factors for chronicity risk of acute and sub-acute non-specific low back pain.

Most of the patients studied were at moderate and high chronicity risk for low back pain. Therefore, determining the risk levels of chronic back pain in acute and sub-acute pains and considering all parameters affecting the chronicity of low back pain, e.g. individual and cognitive factors at the beginning of treatment are of great benefit in creating a suitable algorithm for treatment.

In recent years, drug therapies have played an increasing role in management of drug-related crimes due to decrease in efficacy of other anti-crime methods. This study investigated the relationship between methadone maintenance therapy and frequency of drug-related crimes.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 420 patients attending private addiction treatment centers who received agonist therapy in Kurdkuy and Gorgan in Golestan province, Iran. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics and items on history of drug abuse, history of crimes, domestic violence and conflicts, divorce and remarriage, and work and employment. The questionnaires were completed at admission time and six months after initiation of methadone treatment through face to face interviews. Data analysis was done in SPSS V23.

The majority of patients were married (88%), had low educational levels (75%) and were Persian (88%). The most commonly used narcotic drug was opium used oral or inhaled. There was a significant inverse relationship between methadone maintenance treatment and cases of crime and domestic violence and a significant direct relationship between the treatment and cases of divorce or remarriage, and work and employment before and after treatment (P<0.05).

Methadone maintenance treatment showed a significant effect on reducing social crime and domestic violence. Further researches are suggested to study other associated factors in larger number of patients while considering other variables such as improvement of behavioral disorders and related diseases in long-time follow-up investigations.

Providing health services to general public is an essential criteria for developing the communities. The most crucial division of healthcare is pre-hospital emergency care. This study was conducted to evaluate the level of patient satisfaction with pre-hospital emergency services in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

This descriptive-analytical research was conducted in patients admitted to pre-hospital emergency department in Mazandaran, 2019. Data were collected using Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. Sample size was determined using Morgan table and based on the number of emergency missions performed. A total of 2937 samples were selected by random sampling. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation.

The total number of missions performed by Mazandaran Medical Emergency Services was 138,751 in 2019 and data of 2937 patients were evaluated. The highest level of satisfaction was with the use of medical equipment reported by 2665 people (90.8%), while the least satisfaction level was associated with the absence of an active emergency medical technician (EMT) in ambulance patient compartment when transferring patient to the hospital (n= 1685, 76.1%).

High satisfaction levels were reported by people receiving pre-hospital emergency services in Mazandaran. To increase patient satisfaction, equipment upgrades and presence of active EMT in ambulance patient compartment are recommended.

Coronavirus 2 acute and severe respiratory infection virus (SARS-CoV2) has been identified as a pathogen of COVID-19 disease. Initially it was thought that children were safe from the virus, but several reports showed Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) as a dangerous complication of COVID-19. There are similarities and differences between MIS-C and Kawasaki disease, Kawasaki shock syndrome, and toxic shock. It is a multisystem disease that affects major systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, blood and coagulation, kidney, and nervous systems. Diagnosis of MIS-C is based on evidence of recent SARS-CoV2 infection and multiple system involvement, and laboratory criteria for high inflammation in the absence of other causes. In many of these patients chest imaging may show no evidence of COVID-19 involvement, or abnormal findings such as pleural effusion, ground glass patchy opacities, or local density and atelectasis may be seen. Echocardiography shows involvement of pericardium, myocardium, endocardium, and coronary arteries, which may be accompanied by cardiac arrhythmias. On abdominal imaging, evidence of ascites may be reported in these patients. In whole blood tests, lymphopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia are common, and inflammatory markers are very high. In mild cases, patients can be closely monitored, but many of these children develop severe forms and require hospitalization or pediatric intensive care unit. This study narratively reviews the clinical manifestations of multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children following COVID-19.

Liver is a vital organ in the body that plays key roles in metabolism and secreting enzymes. A better understanding of this vital organ for better care has always been of interest to researchers. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is one of the most known liver toxins. This compound is used in scientific studies as a well-known model to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of various compounds. Iranian researchers in recent years have investigated the hepatoprotective effects of some native medicinal plants. These plants are abundantly found in Iran. This review aimed at exploring protective effects of different medicinal plants against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity.

This review summarizes some of the most important research published in recent years on hepatoprotective effects of native Iranian medicinal plants against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Carbon tetrachloride, hepatotoxicity, hepatoprotective effects, and medicinal plants were the search keywords. Google Scalar, SID, Pubmed, and Sciencedirect were electronic databases searched. Emphasis was placed on native plants of Iran.

Medicinal plants are considered as rich sources of antioxidants in treatment
of hepatotoxicity caused by hepatotoxins including CCl4. To counteract the hepatotoxin-induced hepatotoxicity, antioxidant compounds can be used to inhibit free radicals.

Medicinal plants containing antioxidant compounds can be very effective in preventing carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity due to their ability to inhibit free radicals.