Journal of Arak University of Medical Sciences

Validity and reliability of the international AIDS questionnaire for Iranian student population

Nages Escandary

Background: International AIDS questionnaire allows for making cross-cultural comparisons between individual’s levels of awareness and attitudes towards AIDS. This study assessed the reliability and validity of international AIDS questionnaire for Iranian student population. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 448 students studying in non-medical sciences at universities in Qom were selected through convenience sampling. The participants completed the international AIDS questionnaire–Persian version (IAQ-P). Confirmatory and explanatory factor analysis, Pearson correlation, and Cronbach's Alpha were used in order to examine construct and concurrent validities, respectively. Independent t-test was run to compare the questionnaire scores between male and female participants. Results: The CFA supported the four-factor model, and the normative data showed patterns similar to previous research. Four dimensions of the questionnaire data were satisfactory (AGFI=0.91, GFI=0.93 and RMSEA=0.04, P<0.001). The total IAQ-P had a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha=0.80). Cronbach’s alphas for the sub-scales were 0.78 (myths), 0.78 (attitudes), 0.79 (personal risk), and 0.60 (facts). After one month, test-retest study on a sub-sample of 41 students revealed Pearson correlation coefficient ranges from 0.36 to 0.75 (P<0.001). Conclusion: The IAQ-P was shown to be a valid and reliable instrument and the results of this study are similar to other versions of IAQ in other languages.

Determination of the effect of heat stress and different concentrations of melatonin on in vitro maturation of immature ovine oocytes

Mehdi Khodaeimotlagh

Background: Heat stress reduces reproductive performance in farm animals. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of heat stress and different concentrations of melatonin on nuclear maturation of ovine oocytes. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, ovary collection and oocyte recovery were carried out by standard methods. Oocytes culture was in A: TCM199+10% FBS, 5µg/ml FSH, 0.01IU/ml LH, 100 IU/ml penicillin, and 100 IU/ml streptomycin, B: A+heat stress at 40 C0, and C and D:B+1 and 10 µM melatonin, respectively. Results: Heat stress significantly (P<0.05) decreased nuclear maturation in the treatment group in comparison with the control group (60.60 vs. 84.89). Also, 1 and 10 µM melatonin could improve oocytes to reach metaphase-II stage (60.60 vs. 76.92, 78.82, respectively). However, increasing the melatonin dose from 1 to 10 µM did not alter oocytes maturation. Conclusion: Overall, this study showed that melatonin improves ovine immature oocytes maturation during heat stress.

Exploration of the educational needs of health educators and volunteer health care communicators: A qualitative study

Akram Bayati

Background: Considering the importance of the presence of volunteer health care communicators and the reduction in their cooperation with health centers or their breaking off their communication in recent years, this study was done to explore the educational needs of health care communicators and their instructors. Materials and Methods: In a qualitative study, data were obtained through focus group discussions (FGDs) and individual depth interviews (IDIs) for need assessment from three groups of active volunteer health care workers, inactive volunteer health care workers and health instructors. In total, 14 FGD and 5 DII were held to cover the aims of research chosen by aimed sampling. The analysis was carried out by qualitative content analysis. Results: Three major themes emerged from data analysis, including the concepts of soft and hard tools (time, space, educational tools, and educational content), educator (teaching methods, awareness, and skills), and learner (application, literacy, experience learning level, and motivation). Conclusion: Many of the educational needs of the health care communicators and their educators had not been met which, in many cases, had led to the discontinuation of their cooperation with health centers. Hence, presenting the obtained feedback to officials for meeting their needs can be an effective measure in improving the activities of the communicators and their continuous presence in the health care system.

Reduction of serum cholesterol level using probiotic bacteria: A new approach in prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Aziz Homayouni Rad

Background: Probiotics are live microorganisms that have positive effects on the host when consumed in sufficient amounts. According to several studies, probiotics have beneficial effects on prevention and treatment of many diseases. The aim of this study was to review animal and human studies on the role of probiotics in reducing serum cholesterol, their mechanisms of action, and a brief explanation of functional probiotic foods. Materials and Methods: This review article focused on all papers indexed in scientific databases from 2000 to 2012 using the related keywords, including cardiovascular diseases, probiotics, and serum cholesterol. Results: Probiotics are used both in dairy and non-dairy products. Nowadays, the role of many probiotic strains in health is confirmed. From the studies done in this field, it can be inferred that probiotics through several mechanisms, such as binding cholesterol to cell walls of probiotics in intestine, conversion of cholesterol into coprostanol, production of short chain fatty acids, and deconjugation of bile acids, reduce serum cholesterol. Conclusion: Certain strains of probiotics have demonstrated cholesterol-lowering properties and others are under study. Further studies are needed to identify other mechanisms involved in lowering serum cholesterol and determine their safety

Expression and cloning of recombinant VP2 protein of canine parvovirus in bacterial and cell-free prokaryotic systems

Taravat Bamdad

Background: The importance of VP2 protein of canine parvovirus to bind to human cancer cells and to detect the virus in veterinary detection kits has motivated a lot of research on the production of this protein. In this project, a surface gene of canine parvovirus (VP2) was cloned and expressed in a prokaryotic vector system and its expression was optimized in a specific cell-free prokaryotic expression system. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, plasmid pET-21aVP2 was constructed by cloning the PCR product of VP2 gene of canine parvovirus into the plasmid expression pET-21a vector. The best sequence was analyzed through PCR and it was followed by confirmation with sequencing and restriction digestion. To produce VP2 protein, plasmid pET-21aVP2 was transferred into Escherichia coli, Rosetta (DE3) strain, and the expression of this protein was induced by IPTG. The production of VP2 protein in both systems was evaluated using SDS PAGE technique. The expressed protein was checked with monoclonal antibody against VP2 protein by Western blotting technique. Results: Successful cloning of VP2 protein was confirmed by enzymatic digestion and sequencing. The expression of VP2 protein in bacterial and cell-free prokaryotic systems was verified by SDS PAGE and the specific band in Western blotting also confirmed the VP2 protein. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that VP2 gene was amplified in the cloning phases and it was successfully cloned in the expression vector. Protein expression was confirmed in both bacterial and cell-free prokaryotic systems.

The epidemiologic study of prostate cancer in Fars province, Southern Iran (2003-2008)

Amir Almasi-Hashiani

Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men which its incidence rate and associated mortality and morbidity are on the rise. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of prostate cancer in Fars province between 2003 and 2008 years. Materials and Methods: In this epidemiological study, using Fars province cancer registry data, the incidence rates were calculated per 100,000 people and age standardized incidence rate (ASR) was measured by direct method using the world standard population. Data were analyzed by SPSS, version 16, and Microsoft Excel, version 2007. Cochrane Armitage Test for linear trend was used for evaluation of the incidence trend by running Winpepi software. Results: Over a 6-year period, 1212 cases were recorded in Fars province. The ASR of prostate cancer in these six years was 4.69, 7.16, 15.09, 14.04, 16.65 and 16.02, respectively, which revealed significantly increasing trends. The highest incidence rate was observed in 80 and upper age group. Conclusion: The ASR of prostate cancer in Fars province is significantly lower than other parts of the world, especially in more developed countries. This can be due to absence of screening programs and/or cancer registry.

Study of hydatid cyst production by protoscolex via cutaneous erosion, peritoneal injection, and oral inoculation in mice

Mohammad Fallah

Background: There are few investigations about the possibility of cyst production in human via accidental entrance of protoscoleces in ways other than cyst rupture in intestines. The objective of this study is to investigate the possibility of cyst production by cutaneous erosion, peritoneal injection, and oral inoculation in mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, infected livers featuring hydatid cysts were collected from abattoir. Protoscoleces were examined for viability and lack of bacterial infection and washed 3 times by PBS. Protoscoleces were flown on the scratched skin, injected peritoneally, and inoculated orally to three groups (n=15) of mice. After 4 months, the mice were dissected and their skin and visceral were subjected to microscopic analysis. ELISA test for hydatidosis was also run for all of the groups. Results: All the mice were negative by ELISA test except the mice of peritoneum injection group which were positive with an average titer of 11.92±0.80 by ELISA. Only two mice had cysts on the peritoneum in the peritoneal injection (PI) group with an average size of 3mm. Cysts, however, were not observed in the other groups. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that protoscoleces flow over scratched skin and oral inoculation do not produce hydatid cyst however, peritoneal implant of protoscolex can result in hydatidosis in mice.

Evaluation of nitrate removal from water by Fe/H2O2 and adsorption on activated carbon

Behroz Karimi

Background: The presence of nitrate in drinking water causes various health and environmental problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of nitrate reduction by Fe/H2O2 process and adsorption on activated carbon. Materials and Methods: This experimental study investigated nitrate oxidation by advanced oxidation process of Fe°/FeІІ/FeШ/H2O2 at pH 2-10, nitrate concentrations of 50-300 mg/L. After adjusting the pH, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10 g/L values of GAC, PAC, H2O2/GAC, and Fe/H2O2/GAC together with H2O2 at retention times of 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 minutes, respectively, were added and mixed. Results: At retention time of 10 minutes and 0.5 mL H2O2 and 1 g/L from Fe°, FeІІ, and FeІІІ, the removal efficacy was 88.5, 84 and 78%, respectively. At 50 mg/L nitrate and 0.5, 1, and 10 mg/L GAC concentrations, the removal efficacy was 56.5, 93.6, and 82.6%, respectively. The nitrate removal efficiency at pH=4 was approximately 50%, whereas at pH=3 with 30% efficacy, it increased to 80%. Conclusion: Modified Fe/H2O2 process with iron nano-particles and activated carbon adsorption can effectively reduce nitrate under optimal conditions. The use of activated carbon at a concentration of 1 g/L increased the removal efficiency of nitrate to 90%.

Effect of sumatriptan on the field potentials of the CA1 region of hippocampus in male rats

Mohammadreza Palizvan

Background: Sumatriptan is a serotonin agonist. Hippocampal receptors contribute to the serotonergic control of learning. It seems that sumatriptan can also affect learning through serotonin receptors. Thus, this study was performed to investigate the effect of sumatriptan on cellular mechanisms of learning in male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, male Wistar rats were kept in standard conditions in the Animal Laboratory of the Department of Physiology, Arak University of Medical Sciences. After doing the surgical procedure and locating the electrodes in the CA1 region of hippocampus, synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation were measured, and the effect of three doses of sumatriptan on these parameters was compared to the control group. Results: Sumatriptan could significantly inhibit the effect of tetanic stimulation on long-term potentioation in the CA1 region of hippocampus, as compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference in the synaptic transmission between the sumatriptan and control groups. Conclusion: This results show that sumatriprtan can probably impair learning and memory through inhibition of LTP in the CA1 region of hippocampus.

The effect of atrazine on spermic parameters and fertility potential in mature rats

Gholamreza Najafi

Background: Atrazine is an herbicide used widely by farmers in controlling weeds. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of atrazine, as an herbicide, on sperm quality, sperm DNA damage, invitrofertilization (IVF), and embryonic development in mature male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 42 mature male Wistar rats weighing 170±5g were divided into three groups, including one control and two treatment groups. The rats in the control group were administered corn oil (0.2 ml/day) and the rats in the test groups were orally gavaged with atrazine 150mg/kg (high dose) and 75mg/kg (low dose) body weight daily for a total of 45 days. Epidydimis tail was cut and placed in 1 ml of human tubular fluid (HTF) medium for 30 minutes in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air at 370C. The sperms were analyzed for sperm count, sperm viability, motility, DNA damage, immature sperm, and in vitro fertilization. Data were analyzed by One-Way ANOVA. Results: In this study, atrazine provoked a significant decrease (P<0.05) in sperm number, sperm viability, and sperm motility. The data suggest that the atrazine had a negative impact on sperm maturation and DNA integrity in a time-dependent manner, which consequently caused a significantly remarkable reduction in IVF ability (P<0.05). Conclusion: Atrazine is capable of inducing DNA damage and chromatin abnormalities of spermatozoa which can contribute to a low fertilization rate.

Application of penalized spline model for determining the factors affecting the survival rate of gastric cancer patients

Ebrahim Hajizadeh

Background: Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of mortality due to cancer worldwide and it is the most common type of cancer in Iran. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of prognostic factors on the survival of patients with gastric cancer using the penalized spline in Cox model and compare it with Cox proportional hazards model. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, information obtained from a total of 216 gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery at Taleghani Hospital of Tehran between 2003 and 2008 years was included. Cox proportional hazards model and penalized spline in Cox model were used. R software was used for data analysis. The efficacy of these models was compared according to Akaike information criterion. Results: The five-year survival rate was 30% and the mean follow-up time was 16.60±15.28 months. Survival mean and median were 46 and 30 months, respectively. The analysis of Cox proportional hazards and penalized spline models resulted in age at diagnosis and tumor size as prognostic factors for survival time (P<0.05). Also, Akaike information criterion and survival curve for patients with a tumor size over 35 mm and age at diagnosis over 45 years were equal in both models. Conclusion: Cox proportional hazards and penalized spline models generated similar results thus, it is more appropriate to use Cox proportional hazards model because of its ease of interpretation and capability of modeling both continuous and discrete covariates. This study also showed if gastric cancer is diagnosed early, the relative risk of death will reduce.

Nerve injury in undisplaced supracondylar fracture of humerus: A case report

Ahmad reza Behruzi

Background:Anterior interosseous branch of median nerve injury is the most common nerve injury in displaced humerus supracondylar fractures but it is rare in undisplaced ones. This study reports a case of undisplaced humerus supra condylar fracture with median motor nerve injury. Case: The patient was a 4.5 year-old child with elbow pain and swallowing due to trauma to his right elbow. The examination of distal of humerus showed significant tenderness and limitation in range of motion. Flection and pulp to pulp test of first and second fingers were abnormal and all other sensory but motor examinations of wrist and fingers were normal. Radiographic study of humerus showed an undisplaced extension fracture in the distal of humerus. Complete :::union::: of fracture site was seen after treatment by splint for 3 weeks and nerve injury was fully resolved after physiotherapy. Conclusion: Although nerve injury in undisplaced fracture of humerus is rare, despite pain and emotional condition of child and his/her parents, accurate sensory and motor nerve examination is very important.