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Bahloul Ghorbanian, Ahmad Barani,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2017)
Abstract

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in human societies that dealing with its complications imposes enormous cost to the health system. The previous studies have shown that bone biochemical markers can be used for evaluation of bone metabolism in response to physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of increasing 10-week aerobic exercise (AE) on serum osteocalcin, PTH and glycemic and anthropometric indices in postmenopausal women with type II diabetes.

Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 40 postmenopausal women with type II diabetes (40-60 years) as available subjects were selected and randomly assigned into two exercise (20) and control (20) groups. Exercise protocol was AE and walking activity for 10 weeks (3d/wk, 45 to 60 min/d with 45% to 60% HRRmax intensity). Blood samples were taken before and after exercise to measure serum variables. Data were analyzed by T-test and statistical significance criterion was set as p<0.05.

Results: AE makes a significant increase in osteocalcin levels and a decrease in insulin resistance index, insulin and fasting blood glucose in the experimental group (p<0.05). Changes in other variables such as PTH, HbA1c and anthropometric indices were not significant (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Due to the favorable effects of AE on osteocalcin and glycemic indices, it seems that this training method can be recommended as a non-invasive treatment for maintaining bone density and controlling blood glucose in diabetic patients.


Zahra Sobhani, Hassan Ahadi, Sadrollah Khosravi, Hamid Poursharifi, Mohammadreza Seirafi,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2017)
Abstract

Abstract

Background: Bariatric surgery is the most effective intervention for treating severe obesity and patient's adherence to self-management behaviors is essential to reduce complications after surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of BSSQ in Iranian population.

Materials and Methods: The statistical society was all of the obese patients that underwent laparoscopic obesity surgery in Shiraz Ghadir Mother & Child Hospital from December 2016 till June 2016, and 201 of them (149 females and 52 males) were selected by using available sampling method. They responded to demographic characteristics, post bariatric surgery self-management behaviors questionnaire and general and specific adherence scales. For validity, methods such as content validity, structural validity (factor analysis and correlation analysis), simultaneous validity were used. The reliability of the questionnaire was determined by using bisection and internal stability methods by Cronbach s alpha.

Results: According to the results of explatory factor analysis, sisx factors including eating behaviors, physical activity, fruits, vegitables, grain and protein intake, fluid intake and dumping syndrome management were elicited, that these 6 factors explained 61.54% of variance of self-management behaviors. Total score of correlation matrix BSSQ with GAS & SAS were 0.363 and 0.702. For reliability, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient of this instrument was found 0.90 and guttman split-half coefficient was 0.78.

Conclusion: Results show that BSSQ has an acceptable validity and reliability and it can be used for assessing the post bariatric surgery self-management behaviors in Iranian population.


Morteza Motahari Rad, Seyyed Reza Attarzadeh Hosseini,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (5-2017)
Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the response of the most important angiogenic and angiostatic factors to a session activity before and after a period of L-Arginine supplementation in active men.

Materials and Methods: In this practical and semi experimental study, 22 active men were selected by convenience sampling method and they were randomly assigned into supplement (n=11) and placebo (n=11) groups. Baseline levels of VEGF and endostatin were measured, then subjects participated an exhaustive treadmill protocol in pre-test and post-test. Immediately and two hours after the protocol, 3 cc blood samples were prepared. The subjects used daily 0.1 g.kg-1 respectively taking l-arginine and placebo for 14 days. The results were analyzed at the significant level (p<0.05).

Results: Immediately after exercise, the levels of VEGF and VEGF to endostatin ratio were significantly decreased in both groups compared to baseline (p≤0.05), and two hours later this change were lower than the baseline value (p≤0.05). The levels of endostatin immediately after exercise were significantly increased in both groups compared to baseline (p≤0.05) and two hours later this change were lower than the baseline value (p≤0.05). Before and after L-Arginine supplementation, the levels, of VEGF and VEGF to endostatin ratio immediately after exercise were not significant(p≥0.05). while this change in the supplementation group were significantly increased two hours after exercise (p≤0.05). There was no significant change in the levels of endostatin between two groups immediately after exercise (p≥0.05); however, these changes were significantly decreased two hours after exercise (p≤0.05).

Conclusion: It seems that short-term L-arginine supplementation probably stimulate angiogenesis factors in response to exercise in active men.


Ramin Habibi-Kaleybar, Abolfazl Farid, Farnaz Shaban Besim,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (5-2017)
Abstract

Abstract

Background: The problem of learning disabilities is the reason of academic backwardness of students and dyslexia is considered the most common of these disorders.Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the comparison of the effectiveness of mental rotation and phonological awareness training on reading performance of  students with dyslexia.

Materials and Methods: The design of the study was quasi-experimental in pre-test and post- test with control group. Statistical population composed of all dyslexic students in the city of Tabriz in 2015-2016. The sample of present research consisted of 45 students with dyslexia who were selected via available sampling and then were assigned randomly to experimental) phonological awareness and mental rotation training) and control groups(n=15 in each). To collect data, revised Wechsler intelligence scale for children and reading improvement and dyslexia test were used. Multivariate Covariance (MANCOVA) was used to analyze the data.

Results: Findings indicated that scores of mental rotation and phonological awareness training have a significant effect on reading performance of dyslexic students compared with control group (p<0.001). Furthermore, there is no difference between mental rotation and phonological awareness training effectiveness on reading performance of dyslexic students (p>0.05).

Conclusion: It can be concluded that mental rotation and phonological awareness training are effective on accuracy, speed and comprehension of reading in students with dyslexia.


Ahmad Rahbar, Zabihollah Gharlipour, Shahram Arsang-Jang, Ali Ebraze, Zohre Kazazlou,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (5-2017)
Abstract

Background: Self-medication is one of the biggest problems of social, health and economic societies such as Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the benefits and barriers about self-medication among women referring to health center in Qom city.  

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study carried out on women referred to health centers in Qom city- 2016. In the current study, 226 people were selected from among the health centers by multistage sampling. A standard questionnaire was used on knowledge about self-medication, perceived benefits, perceived barriers and self-medication. Data were analyzed by SPSS V.20 using independent t-test and Chi-square.

Results: According to the results of this study, 74.3 percent of women had a history of self-medication that 43.8 percent of them was in the past 6 months. The mean of knowledge about self-medication and perceived barriers in people with a history of self-medication was significantly higher than those who had not a history of self-medication (p<0.05). While, the perceived benefits was not significantly associated with a history of self-medication (p=0.79).

Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of self-medication and the relationship between knowledge and perceived barriers with self-medication, therefore, educational program is necessary for women about the effects and consequences of self-medication through the media.


Mojgan Ahmari Nejad, Mojdeh Ahmari Nejad, Hamid Rezghian, Mohammad Ghenaati,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (6-2017)
Abstract

Abstract

Background: Internal marketing is one of the applied instruments for managers to plan human force. This study aimed to investigate the effect of internal marketing on organizational commitment in a remedial center.

Materials and Methods: This study has an applied purpose and its nature is causal-survey. Statistical population consisted of 450 working employees in Ghods hospital in Arak city. Out of these, 207 samples were selected by available random cluster sampling. Data were gathered by standard questionnaires and the reliability of them validated by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Data analysis was performed by linear regression by using SPSS 19 software.

Results: The findings of this study showed that internal marketing had an effect on organizational commitment and the value of it was 0.2. Also, reward affected on organizational commitment which was equal to 0.13. The effect of communication on organizational commitment was positive and the value of it was 0.16. Development had an effect on organizational commitment which was equal to 0.16. In addition, safe workplace had an effect on organizational commitment and the value of it was 0.12. Also, the effect of job recruitment and appointment was positive which was equal to 0.11.

Conclusion: According to the results, it is essential to pay attention to necessary requirements and conditions for providing an appropriate bed to expand internal marketing and employees’ participation to develop organizational commitment.


Mohammad Reza Tavakkol, Reza Tajik, Marzyeh Tavakkol,
Volume 20, Issue 5 (8-2017)
Abstract

Abstract

Background: Occupational hygiene is the art and science of the control of the occupational hazards and risk assessment is its most important duty. American Industrial Hygiene Association offered an accurate, sensitive and specific risk assessment method appropriate to the principles of the occupational health. In the present study, Arak Occupational hygienists idea about the strengths, weaknesses, administrative problems and improvement tools was asked.

Materials and Methods: This study is descriptive and analytical research and census in Arak Occupational hygienists(N=53). Data recording forms were designed to improve the appreciation and implementation of the method. An Excel® spreadsheet file was prepared to facilitate the calculations and keeping the recorded data. Experts’ attitude in this regard was evaluated using a questionnaire. Descriptive information was assessed by SPSS software and the relationship between variables was assessed by the Pearson coefficient.

Results Totally, 4% of participants in university were familiar with the method of risk assessment. In this study, 88% of the participants stated that the early identification forms were effective in streamlining the procedure. Furthermore, 84% stated that early identification forms were effective in learning the method. A fundamental issue regarding this method is its simplicity and ability to overall conception; that showed a uniform distribution from appropriate to inappropriate. The relationship between Excel file streamlining and simplicity of its concepts was found to be 0.743.

Conclusion: Application of tools such as identical forms and spreadsheets can help in simplifying and conception of this method and reduce some of the administrative problems.


Abbas Saremi, Ali Akbar Farahani, Nader Shavandi,
Volume 20, Issue 6 (9-2017)
Abstract

Abstract
Background: Physical exercise is an important and effective part of comprehensive care of seniors, which declines aging progression. Because of the importance of physical activity in cardiovascular diseases prevention this study intends to investigate the comparision of structural and functional characterictics of the heart between middle- aged montaineer men and non-athlete peers.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional and descriptive–analytical study, 13 middle- aged montaineer (age: 54.5±2.0 y, body mass index: 25.59±2.4 kg/m2) who have continues mountain activities during previous 24 months for at least 2 sessions per week, each session lasted 120 minute, and 14 sedentary, healthy peers (age: 54.1±2.2 y, body mass index: 26.8±2.3 kg/m2) who were not currently experiencing any regular physical activity (at least 6 months), were selected. All subjects underwent standard two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography at rest. Cardio respiratory fitness was assessed using Bruce test. T test was used to compare groups with α=0.05.
Results: The results showed that mountain activities significantly increased left ventricular mass (p=0.03) and left-ventricular-end-diastolic-diameter (p=0.04). We also observed that systolic blood pressure (p=0.04), ejection fraction (p=0.05), stroke volume (p=0.03) and cardio respiratory fitness (p=0.03) were significantly improved by mountain climbing. In some of parameters such as shortening fraction, interventicular septum and left ventricular posterior wall there were no significant differences between groups (p>0.05).    
Conclusion: These results suggest that regular mountain sports activities can have beneficial effects on structural and functional characterictics of the heart in middle-aged men.

Ali Asghar Ghafarizadeh, Gholamhassan Vaezi, Seyed Mohammad Ali Shariatzadeh, Ali Akbar Malekirad,
Volume 20, Issue 6 (9-2017)
Abstract

Abstract
Background: In Asthenoteratozoospermic‎ men, low motility, defected DNA and highly oxidative stress in ‎sperm ‎‎cause ‎poor‎ assisted reproductive techniques (ART) outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Vitamin E (Vit E), as a potent antioxidant, on sperm motility, viability and DNA integrity at different times of in vitro incubation (after 2, 4 and 6-h) to improve asthenoteratozoospermic semen samples for ART.
Materials and Methods: Asthenoteratozoospermic semen samples of 50 volunteers were collected and examined. Each sample was divided into two groups of control and vitamin E (2mM) and kept in the 37 °C and 6 % CO2 for 2, 4 and 6 hours. After this incubation, sperm motility, viability and sperm DNA fragmentation (SCD) were evaluated in each group. Data were analyzed using repeated measurement of ANOVA and T-test. The means were considered significantly different at p<0.05.
Results:Significant decrease in total and progressive motility and viability as well as significant increase in sperm DNA damage (after 6h of incubation) were found in control group vs. the control group before incubation (p<0.05). The sperm motility and viability was significantly higher in vitamin E group compared to untreated control group (p<0.05). Our results also showed that DNA fragmentation significantly was lower after 6h of vitamin E treatment (p<0.05).
Conclusion: In vitro supplementation of vitamin E in asthenoteratozoospermia semen samples may protect spermatozoa from maltreatment effect of ROS during sperm sampling via keeping enzymatic and antioxidant process in optimum condition.

 

Zahra Rahimi, Ahmad Rahbar, Fatemeh Kheyrollahi, Ali Ebraze, Zabihollah Gharlipour,
Volume 20, Issue 7 (10-2017)
Abstract

Abstract
Background: The evaluation of the amount and type of edible oils can significantly help to raise the people’s awareness about how to use this type of food product. The aim of this study was to determine consumption pattern of various edible oils and its related factors based on PRECEDE model.
Materials and Methods: This cross sectional descriptive analytic study was performed on 300 urban and rural women referring to health centers in Qom province. The participants were selected via multi-stage sampling method. The data were collected using standard questionnaire of PRECEDE model and analyzed by SPSS V.20 using independent t-test, paired t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient.
Results: The results of this study showed that 46.4% of urban women and 53.6% of rural women used solid oil. There was a significant difference between urban and rural households in terms of the consumption of tallow oil (p<0.05), as the consumption of tallow oil was more prevalent in rural households than in urban households. Also, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups of urban and rural women in terms of the mean score of consumption of healthy edible oils and reinforcing factors (p<0.05), as the mean scores of urban women were better than those of rural women.
Conclusion: Implementation of training programs using training models such as the PRECEDE model can help to modify and correct the pattern of consumption of edible oils, especially in rural areas and promote the level of health of the community.

 

Ali Arjmand Shabestary, Mahmoud Khaloei, Mohammad Arjomandzadegan, Zahra Eslamirad, Reza Ghasemikhah,
Volume 20, Issue 8 (11-2017)
Abstract

Abstract
Background: Resistance of Acanthamoeba cysts causes recurrence of the disease; so, the patient should be monitored regularly ،The aim of the study was to examine the effect of a few herbal materials on Acanthamoeba cysts in vitro.
Materials and Methods: Essential oils (EOs) of Zataria, Mint, and Oregano were prepared by steam distillation. The EOs and Hypericum perforatum extract were prepared in three concentrations (0.6%, 1% and 10%)، Acanthamoeba cysts in various time intervals (30, 60, 120, 180 and 1440 minutes) were exposed with plant extracts. Then, the viability of parasite was investigated by eosin 0.1%.
Results: Comparison of the parasite mortality rate between control and case groups showed that the mortality of Acanthamoeba cysts was higher in the case groups that exposed to herbal materials. At the equal concentration (10%) and time (24 h), the Zataria and mint EOs produced the highest (22%) and lowest (4%) mortality, respectively. The results showed the mortality rate of Acanthamoeba was time-dependent.
Conclusion: Zataria showed the most fatality effect against Acanthamoeba cysts. In this respect, clinical trial studies are suggested.

 

Saeid Arsham , Farhad Ghadiri, Mehdi Babak,
Volume 20, Issue 9 (12-2017)
Abstract

Abstract
Background: Learning disorders, especially dysgraphia, are among the students' educational disabilities. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two intervention methods of neurofeedback training and the movement program on the handwriting performance of 9-11 years old children with dysgraphia.
Materials and Methods: This was a quasi-experimental comparative study with a
pretest-posttest design. Thirty right-handed boy students aged 9 to 11 years old were selected from elementary and middle schools (district 4) in Karaj, based on the dysgraphia Fallahchai test. Participants were randomly divided into three groups each included 10 subjects. The movement program group did activities with emphasis on visual-motor coordination, fine motor control, visual-motor integrity, and eye-hand coordination 3 sessions per week, for 4 weeks (total of twelve sessions). The neurofeedback group did a training protocol (decreasing beta wave and increasing alpha wave at C3 zone) in 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week each session for 20 minutes. The control group did not any training intervention.
Results: The data analysis showed that there were significant differences between two groups of intervention and the control group. The two experimental groups had a significant improvement compared to the control group. Also, the results showed that the selected movement program is more effective than neurofeedback training intervention.
Conclusion: Overall, the selected movement program was more effective than the neurofeedback training and control group. Therefore, it is suggested that the movement program intervention should be used to improve the handwriting performance of students with poor handwritten quality.

 

Mostafa Jani, Hamidreza Jamilian, Ahmad Aramoon,
Volume 20, Issue 9 (12-2017)
Abstract

Abstract
Background: The purpose of the present research was to compare the perceived stress, self-efficacy and mental health in patients with HIV and Hepatitis C.
Materials and Methods: The method of present research was causal-comparative research. Population included of all patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome or AIDS referred to a behavioral disease counseling centers of Arak city and all patients of chronic hepatitis caused by the hepatitis C virus referred to Gastroenterology Research Center and private practice of digestive specialists in Arak city. The sample consisted of 200 people, including 100 HIV and 100 people with hepatitis C who participated in the study and were selected for screening. All participants responded to the three instruments including Cohen Perceived Stress, Kamark and Mrimlstyn, Sherer's Self-efficacy and Goldberg general health questionnaires. Data analysis was done in two descriptive and inferential levels using SPSS version 20.
Results: The results of MONOVA showed that two groups were different in the perceived stress, self-efficacy and mental health, physical symptoms, depression, anxiety, social dysfunction, at the level of 0.01.
Conclusion: It is suggested that workshops to be held to careful inform how much stress and self-efficacy had affected on physical and mental health of patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome or AIDS.

 

Seyed Mahmoud Tabatabaei, Gholamreza Chalabianloo, Neda Seyedi,
Volume 20, Issue 10 (1-2018)
Abstract

Abstract
Background: The activation of inflammatory cascades reactions has been consistently demonstrated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Among several neuroinflammatory mechanisms, the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling system has a central role in this process. The abnormal production of inflammatory factors may accompany the progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia. We aimed to examine serum levels of soluble TNF receptor (sTNFR1) in patients with MCI and AD as compared to cognitively unimpaired elderly subjects. We further aimed to investigate whether abnormal levels of these cytokines predict the progression from MCI to AD upon follow up.
Materials and Methods: We utilized cross-sectional determination of serum levels of sTNFR1 (ELISA method) in a test group comprising 150 older adults (30 AD, 60 MCI, and 60 healthy controls), and longitudinal reassessment of clinical status after12 months.
Results: At baseline, there were statistically significant differences in serum sTNFR1 between patients with MCI and AD and controls (p< 0.05). Also, patients with MCI who had more disorder in diagnostic functions and progressed to AD after one year, had significantly higher serum sTNFR1 levels as opposed to patients who retained the diagnosis of MCI upon follow up (p=0.03).
Conclusion: The results showed that abnormal activation of TNF signaling system, represented by increased expression of sTNFR1, is associated with a higher risk of progression from MCI to AD.

 

Atefe Azimi, Abdollah Omidi, Elham Shafiei, Arash Nademi,
Volume 20, Issue 10 (1-2018)
Abstract

  1. Abstract
  2. Background: Students face a lot of emotional problems and psychological stress that affect their individual and social adaptation as well as their quality of life. Therefore, examining treatment models for these problems is very important. One of these models, the Fractal Diagnostic Treatment Model, is based on emotional regulation skills for a wide range of emotional disorders that can be used properly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of integrated diagnostic therapy on individual and social adaptations and emotional adjustment.
  3. Materials and Methods: A total of 70 female students were selected and assigned into two diagnostic groups (35 patients) and control (35 people). The experimental group received 12 sessions of diagnostic diagnosis weekly. Data were gathered in this study by Social Compliance Scale and Graz's Regulatory Emotion Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate covariance analysis (MANCOVA).
  4. Results: The results showed that transdiagnostic treatment focused on the dimensions of emotional regulation, including: refusal of emotional responses (F = 120.69, p < 0.01), impulse control problems (F = 14.57, p < 0.01), lack of emotional awareness (F =104.82, p< 0.01), lack of emotional resolution (F=42.64, p< 0.01), participation problems (F = 41.00, p<0.01), and limitations in achieving emotional regulation (F = 85.33, p<0. 01) is effective. Also, the results showed that exacerbation-based fetal diagnostic therapy was effective on individual adaptations (F = 146.76, p < 0.01) and social (F = 85.02, p<0.01).
  5. Conclusion: Regarding the effect of Fract-Intervention therapy based on emotional adjustment on personal and social adaptation and student's emotional adjustment dimensions, these results are applicable to clinical practitioners, counselors and practitioners in academic counseling centers.

Mehri Jamilian, Jamilian Somayeh Jamshidi,
Volume 20, Issue 10 (1-2018)
Abstract

Abstract
Background: Selenium supplement has multiple important effects, including anti-inflammatory effect. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of selenium supplement on gene expression of inflammatory cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor in gestational diabetes.
Materials and Methods: This randomized double blind placebo control trial was performed on 40 patients suffering from GDM aged 18–40 years old. Participants were randomly divided into interventional group receiving 200mg/day selenium supplements (n=20) and control group receiving placebo (n=20) for 6 weeks. Primary outcome was gene expression of inflammatory cytokines and VEGF which were assessed in lymphocyte of GDM patients by RT-PCR method.
Results: After 6 weeks intervention, in comparison with the control group, interventional group showed down regulation of gene expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF–α) (p=0.02) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF–β) (p=0.01) and up-regulation of gene expression of vascular endothelial (VEGF) (p = 0.03) in lymphocytes of GDM. There was not any significant change following intervention with selenium regarding gene expression of interleukin IL-1 β and IL-8 in lymphocytes of GDM patients.
Conclusion: 6 weeks supplementation with selenium in patients with GDM can cause down regulated gene expression of TNF-α and TGF–β, and up regulated gene expression of VEGF. Selenium supplement had not any effect on gene expression of IL-1 β and IL-8.

 

Alireza Zoalfaghari, Hadi Bahrami, Kamran Ganji,
Volume 20, Issue 12 (3-2018)
Abstract

Abstract
Background: The present study aims to provide a comparative analysis of studies on Acceptance-Commitment and Cognitive-Behavioral interferences effectiveness on generalized Anxiety disorder.
Materials and Methods: This is a quasi-experimental research. Students at the Islamic Azad University of Toyserkan, Iran, who have been in contact with the counseling office in the educational year 2016-2017, were selected as statistical population. These students, in a diagnostic interview with a psychiatrist, met the DSM5 standards for generalized anxiety disorder and were approved by a trusted psychiatrist. Then, these selected subjects gave average or more score in beck anxiety test and were randomly divided into two groups of 20. After executing interferences for each group, data were analyzed by t-test and covariance.
Results: The findings indicated that the average acceptance and commitment interference was 12.3 (t= 16.01 and p < 0.001) and the average cognitive-behavioral interference was 11.25 (t= 10.60 and p < 0.001) on generalized anxiety disorder. Also, covariance analysis showed that ACT was more effective than CBT and f (0.03) was significant. Therefore, all hypotheses turned out to be approved.
Conclusion: The research demonstrated that both interferences are effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder, although Acceptance and Commitment interference is more effective than Cognitive and Behavioral interference.

 

Maryam Sadrnia,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (4-2018)
Abstract

Abstract
Background: Aflatoxins are natural fungal toxins produced by Aspergillus species such as A. flavus. The toxins are poisoning and can cause tissue necrosis and liver cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the control of Aflatoxin B1 production by extracts and essential oils.
Materials and Methods: Aqueous extracts were prepared by heating and essential oil by Clevenger's apparatus. Antifungal activity of essential oil and aqueous extract of Mentha pulegium and Satureja hortensis were determined by disc diffusion and microplate dilution methods. Production control of Aflatoxin B1 was investigated with concentrations under MIC(Minimum inhibitory growth concentration) of two materials and were determined by HPLC method.
Results: The most zone of inhibition was 10% belonging to Satureja essential oil and its aqueous extracts with diameters of 26mm and 12mm, respectively. These values for Mentha extract and 10% essential oil were 18mm and 8mm respectively. MIC of the aqueous extract of Satureja and Mentha were 0.031 and 0.063mg/ml respectively, and 1% essential oil of two materials was 0.039 and 0.078 mg/ml, respectively. Aflatoxin B1 produced by A. flavus in concentrations of 1%, 2% and 10% Satureja essential oil were 122, 113 and 134 ppb, in 1%, 2% and 10% Mentha were 163, 168 and 171 ppb, respectively. The aqueous extracts of 1% Satureja reduced the production of toxin as 58.1 and the 1% aqueous extract of Mentha as 39.6.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that both Satureja hortensis and Mentha pulegium have the ability to inhibit the growth of Aspergillus flavus fungus, as well as control of aflatoxin B1 production in low concentrations and recommended for further studies.

 

Mehri Jamilian, Nazanin Ravanbakhsh,
Volume 21, Issue 5 (10-2018)
Abstract

Background and Aim: We are aware of no study that examined the effects of vitamin E plus omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in pregnant women with gestational diabetes (GDM). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin E plus omega-3 supplementation on insulin metabolism and inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in pregnant women with gestational diabetes.
Materials and Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 60 women with GDM. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 400 IU vitamin E plus 1000 mg omega-3 fatty acid supplements (n=30) or placebo (n=30) for 6 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at study baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention to quantify biochemical variables.
Findings: Vitamin E plus omega-3 fatty acid supplementation led to a significant rise in plasma total antioxidant capacity (+187.5±224.9 vs. -32.5±136.1 mmol/L, p<0.001) and a significant decrease in MDA levels (-0.1±0.9 vs. +0.6±1.4 µmol/L, p=0.04) compared with placebo. Furthermore, a significant increase in plasma NO levels (+5.0±7.7 vs. -12.0±28.0 µmol/L, p=0.002) was seen after vitamin E plus omega-3 fatty acid supplementation compared with the placebo.
Conclusion: Vitamin E plus omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in GDM women had beneficial effects on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Masoomeh Sofian,
Volume 21, Issue 5 (10-2018)
Abstract

Hepatitis C is one of the important causes of liver disease in the world. It seems that HCV will emerge as the leading cause of viral hepatitis-related advanced liver diseases and death in the near future. There are approximately 71 million chronically infected individuals worldwide, many of whom are unaware of their infection (1).
It has been estimated that the prevalence of HCV in the Iranian general population is less than 0.5%. In Iran, the average prevalence of HCV is among thalassemia patients (16.6%), hemophilia patient (54%), individuals under dialysis (8.3%) and among injection drug users (51.4 percent).
After screening of blood donors for HCV in Iran, the burden of HCV infection decreased significantly in hemophilia, thalassemia and patients on hemodialysis. Unfortunately, injecting illicit drugs still continues to be a major source of infection in Iran (2, 3).
Iran has the lowest prevalence for HCV infection in the Middle East. Countries such as Pakistan and Azerbaijan with high prevalence of HCV infection are neighbors of Iran (2).
The main populations at risk of HCV infection in Iran include intravenous drug users (IDUs) followed by people with tattoos, use of common razor, multi partner, homosexuality, receiving blood, and patients on hemodialysis (2).
Clinical care for patients with hepatitis c infection has advanced considerably thanks to an enhanced understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and because of developments in diagnostic procedures and improvement in therapy and prevention, and HCV elimination has been considered by the World Health Organization till 2030 (2,3).
Screening and treating patients is necessary to eradicate HCV, So, EIA test is used for initial screening and detecting antibody against hepatitis C. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) using serum, plasma, finger stick, whole blood or saliva as matrices can be used for initial screening. If anti-HCV antibodies are detected, the presence of HCV RNA or alternatively HCV core antigen in serum or plasma should be determined to identify patients with ongoing infection. Although the sensitivity of the core antigen assay is less than HCV RNA assay, but because of low cost and good sensitivity, it is a valuable test for HCV. The positive Anti HCV by EIA and negative PCR may be occurred by following reasons: 1-false positive 2-spontaneous viral clearance 3- treatment –induced viral clearance, 4- low levels of virus DNA in the Blood that is not determined by PCR. Following spontaneous or treatment –induced viral clearance, anti HCV antibodies may be persist lifelong. Thus, the follow of treated patient use of PCR or core Ag is necessary (1). HCV has a high rate of genetic heterogeneity (1-7 genotype), therefore, no vaccine to prevent this infection today. Genotype 1a and 3a are the most prevalent genotypes in Iran. HCV reinfection can occur after spontaneous or treatment induced viral clearance, essentially if patient at high risk of infection and re exposure (4).
Strategies to promote diagnosis, screening, and treatment should be targeted to high-risk groups rather than the general population. Annual screening is recommended for Individuals with a history of injecting illicit drug. In the past, treatment of HCV was interferon and ribavirin for 24 to 48 weeks. This treatment regimen associated with low response to treatment, high drug complication and high drug cost. In 2011, protease inhibitors, the first generation of DAAs (Telaprevir and Boceprevir), were emerged as the third component of the standard of care. These drugs had a lot of complications such as drug-drug interactions, severe skin rashes/pruritus and anemia. In 2013, Sofosbuvir, a new DAA, was introduced for treatment of HCV infection. SOF-containing regimens had a shorter duration of therapy, with fewer side effects in comparison with protease inhibitor-based triple therapy (5).
At present, in Iran, the basis of treatment is sofosbovir 400 milligram that combined with second drug daclatasvir (60 mg) or velpatasvir in pan genotype and or ledipasvir (90 mg) in genotype 1a. These drugs exist in separated or combination form with different brand names. In fact, the patient with hepatitis C in both treatment-naive and non-cirrhotic, taking a combination pill daily for 12 weeks associated with high treatment response. However, in cirrhotic patients or patients with previous treatment experience, treatment prolongs 24 weeks or ribavirin (1000 -1200 mg, 5-6 200mg tablets) is added to 12 weeks of treatment according patient weight. Accurate assessment of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis is essential for predicting prognosis and for planning treatment duration and adding RBV to the standard therapy of patients with chronic HCV infection. So, percutaneous liver biopsy or elastography non-invasive methods have been considered as the gold standard for assessing hepatic fibrosis. If biopsy or elastography not available, platelet count, liver sonography and liver enzyme level is helpful for determination of liver fibrosis (6).
In EASL Recommendations on Treatment of Hepatitis C 2018, other drugs of DAAs like pibrentasvir, glecaprevir, elbatasvir and grazoprevir are recommended. Also 8, 16 and 28 weeks of treatments are suggested in special cases and treatment without sofosbovir is mentioned (1).
Determination of viral load by quantitative PCR and genotyping of HCV recommend before the treatment, if viral load and genotyping is not available, qualitative PCR without genotyping is sufficient for treatment with pan genotyping drugs (1, 5).
New treatments are free-INF and these drugs have low cost and low adverse effect (5, 7). Todays, HCV is treated very simply by consuming only one pill daily for 12 weeks. Sustained viral response (SVR) that defined negative PCR 12-24 weeks after discontinuing treatment occurred in more than 90% of patients (1, 4). In patients with cirrhosis, despite SVR, sonography of liver and αFP level test for screening of liver malignancy is recommended every 6 months (1).
It seems that the best strategy for HCV prevention in the community is increasing case finding and therapy with the ultimate goal of stopping the vicious cycle in the community. Todays, there is no vaccine for HCV prevention yet. The incidence of HCV infection should be reduced by providing safe blood transfusion and medical procedures in hospitals and out-patient clinics, increasing people awareness and public education regarding the risks of exposure such as unsafe tattooing and unsafe sexual contacts and finally implementation of harm reduction for IDUs (1, 5).


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