Showing 173 results for Rat
Mohammad Amin Edalatmanesh, Habibollah Khodabandeh, Nooshin Yazdani, Samaneh Rafiei,
Volume 21, Issue 6 (12-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Neuropathy is the most common abnormality in diabetes mellitus which characterized with cerebral damages especially in hippocampus. This study evaluates the effect of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum extract (CZE) on memory, hippocampal neuron damage and antioxidant enzymes levels in animal model of diabetes.
Materials and Methods: 50 adult Sprague dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: Control, STZ (Streptozotocin, 50 mg/kg; i.p.), and STZ + CZE100, STZ + CZE200 and STZ + CZE400 which were treated with CZE in 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. CZE was administered in 14 days, orally. After evaluation of working and spatial memory, activity of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes was assessed by ELISA. Then, histopathological assessment of hippocampus was done.
Findings: In comparison with the controls, STZ group showed an increase in latency time and distance to the hidden platform in MWM, a decrease in alteration behaviors, cell density and activity of CAT and GPx enzymes in hippocampus (p˂0.05). In addition, treatment with CZE decreased latency time and distance in MWM and increased alteration behavior, hippocampal cell density and activity of antioxidant enzymes in comparison with the STZ group (p˂0.05).
Conclusion: Diabetes with reduction of neuronal density and activity of antioxidant enzymes in the hippocampus causes deficits in spatial and working memory. However, Administration of CZE ameliorates these neuropathologic disorders.
Jalil Fathabadi, Maryam Haji Ghorbani Dolabi, Ali Akbar Arjmandnia, Saeid Sadeghi,
Volume 21, Issue 7 (2-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Diabetes is a chronic disease that physiological, cognitive, behavioral, emotional and social factors play a role in preventing, risk and regulating it. This research aimed to predict blood glucose control by the use of irrational health beliefs and health locus of control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Materials and Methods: The research population consisted of all type 2 diabetic patients referring to the two centers of Alzahra School of Charity Hospital and Diabetes Research Institute of Tehran University of Medical Sciences that 300 patients were chosen as sample by convenience sampling method. Data were gathered by using Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) and Irrational Health Belief Scale (IHBS) and analyzed by regression.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved in Research Ethics Committee of biomedical researches in Tehran Universiry with the code IR.ut.Rec.1395.030.
Findings: There is a significant correlation between the predictive variables of irrational health beliefs (p <0.05), inner locus of control and others (p <0.05), and chance locus of control (p <0.01). The results also indicate that the health locus of control and Irrational beliefs predict significantly the changes in the amount of glucose (R=19, R2=0.037, F(4. 293)=2.80, p<0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, we can say that by identifying the health locus of control and irrational health beliefs, it is possible that blood glucose level can be predicted in patients with type 2 diabetes and reduced the consequences of diabetes in people with it. |
Firoozeh Alavian, Saeedeh Ghiasvand,
Volume 21, Issue 7 (2-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Recent studies point to the protective effects of Stachys lavandulifolia against inflammation and oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Stachys lavandulifolia on brain injury, blood-brain barrier permeability and edema volume in rat stroke model.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 17 male Wistar rats groups (n=6) were used; including control groups, sham and groups receiving doses of 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg/day of extract; for 30 days and orally by gavage. Two hours after the last gavage, the stroke groups were subjected to the Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) model. 24 hours later, the volume of stroke, the blood-brain barrier permeability (BBB) and the volume of edema were investigated in the experimental groups. Results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, Bonffron post test through Graph Pad Prism software and designed through Excel.
Ethical Considerations: This study with research ethics code IR.UI.REC.1397.162 has been approved by research ethics committee at Isfahan University.
Findings: Pre-treatment with Hydroalcoholic Extract with doses of 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg/day reduced stroke size. The dose of 75mg/kg/day reduced the permeability of BBB and the edema volume compared with the stroke group.
Conclusion: The most effective dose of Stachys lavandulifolia is 75 mg/kg, which has a strong potential in neuroprotection and stroke prevention. This study could be useful in further investigating of neuroprotective effect of Stachys lavandulifolia. |
Marziyeh Tavalaee , Nasim Eskandari, Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (4-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Globozoospermia is a severe sperm morphological abnormality in men that characterized by round-headed spermatozoa with low or absence acrosome structure in their sperm samples. In these men, high level of DNA damage and abnormal chromatin packaging also were reported. These deficiencies can consider as the main etiologies of infertility in these infertile men. The aim of this article is to study the sperm chromatin structure in infertile men with globozoospermia.
Materials and Methods: In this systematic review article, 77 articles related to protamine deficiency, DNA damage, aneuploidy in globozoospermic men were collected via data bases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus since 1971-2017.
Ethical Considerations: This study with research ethics code IR.ACECR.ROYAN.REC.1396.204 have been approved at research ethics committee of Royan Institute.
Findings: Mean percentage of sperm DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency were significantly higher in infertile men with globozoospermia compared to fertile men. While, the results of chromosome aneuploidy were controversial in infertile men with globozoospermia within studies.
Conclusion: In addition to abnormal acrosome formation, as main etiology of failed fertilization, in infertile men with globozoospermia, high level of sperm abnormal chromatin packaging and DNA damage can be also involved in this phenomenon. Therefore, antioxidant therapy before intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection technique were suggested for these individuals to minimize sperm chromatin damage.
Marzieh Kamkar, Samad Zare, Farrin Babaei,
Volume 22, Issue 3 (8-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Food restriction (FR) affects on depression and anxiety behavior. Previous studies have pointed to the role of sulpiride in the treatment of depression and anxiety. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of dopaminergic system and food restriction on depression and anxiety.
Materials and Methods: Forty two adult male Wistar rats (180-220g) were divided into 7 groups including: control, sham, 25%, 50%, 75% FR, 75% FR with sulpiride and sulpiride(50µg/rat). The treatment period was 21 days. Day 19 surgery and cannulation was performed and Sulpiride was injected intracrebroventricularly (icv) on the 21st day. Depression and anxiety tests (Tail suspension test and Elevated Plus Maze), was taken from the rats on the 21st day. Data were analyzed by ANOVA test.
Ethical Considerations: Ethical points were observed according to the declaration of Helsinki and acts of Bioethics Committee at Urmia University (Ref No: AECVU-180-2018).
Findings: Mobility time in FR groups and sulpiride compared to control and in 75% with sulpiride compared to 75% had significant increase. immobility time in FR and sulpiride had significant decrease compared to control. Open arm entry in 75% FR had significantly decreased compared to control and in 75% FR with sulpiride had significantly increased compared to 75%. Open arm spend time in 75% FR with sulpiride had significant increase compared to 75%. Motor activity was reduced in FR groups and injection sulpiride.
Conclusion: It seems that sulpride and FR play a role in improving
semi-depression circumstances. Sulpiride also play a role in controlling the anxiety behavior induced by FR. |
Mohammad Reza Asad, Shokoufeh Kheradmand, Narges Kheradmand,
Volume 22, Issue 5 (11-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim Exercise improves sensitivity to insulin by reducing some adipokines including chemerin. However, the effect of endurance exercise and high-intensity intermittent exercise on chemerin level and insulin resistance in obese male rats is still unknown.
Methods & Materials In this study 27 male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of sedentary control (n=6), endurance exercise (n=8), high-intensity intermittent exercise (n=8) and untreated obese control (n=5). Both endurance and high intensity intermittent exercise groups performed exercises for 8 weeks. The plasma level of chemerin was measured by ELISA method.
Ethical Considerations ???
Results The chemerin level was significantly reduced in the endurance group compared to the untreated obese control group (P<0.01), but it had no significant change compared to the sedentary control group. Moreover, the plasma level of chemerin in the high-intensity intermittent group was not significantly different from that of untreated obese control group and sedentary control group (P>0.05) and chemerin level reduction in the endurance group was significant compared to the high-intensity intermittent group (P<0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the insulin resistance reported in high-intensity intermittent group compared to that of endurance group (P>0.05), but its difference in high-intensity intermittent and endurance training groups was significant compared to that of untreated obese control and sedentary control groups (P<0.05).
Conclusion Both endurance and high-intensity intermittent exercises can reduce insulin resistance which can be due to the reduction of chemerin plasma level and weight loss.
Saeed Hajihashemi, Razie Rajabi, Atefeh Ghiasabadi Farahani,
Volume 22, Issue 5 (11-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim Gentamicin antibiotic has some side effects such as nephrotoxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the post-treatment effects of using hydroethanolic extract of Origanum Vulgare (OV) on nephrotoxicity caused by gentamicin.
Methods & Materials In this study, 32 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of control (n=8), gentamicin (n=8; 100 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for 8 days and gavage of distilled water for 2 days), OV extract group (intraperitoneal injection of normal saline for 8 days and using 40 mg/kg OV extract by gavage for 2 days), and gentamicin+ OV extract (intraperitoneal injection of gentamicin 100 mg/kg/day for 8 days and using 40 mg/kg OV extract by gavage for 2 days). The concentration of urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium and osmolarity were measured in plasma and urine samples. The right kidney was used to measure Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP).
Ethical Considerations This article was obtained from a research proposal approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code:IR.ARAKMU.REC. 1394.284)
Results Post-treatment administration of hydroethanolic extract of OV significantly decreased the concentration of urea, creatinine, absolute sodium excretion, relative sodium and potassium excretion, and MDA levels but significantly increased creatinine, urine osmolality and FRAP levels.
Conclusion Oral administration of OV extract as post-treatment method improved nephrotoxicity caused by gentamicin use by reducing oxidative stress of oxygen free radicals and lipid peroxidation in the affected kidneys.
Eslam Zabihi, Seyed Eqbal Motavallibashi, Hamdollah Panahpour1, Hamid Sheikhkanloui Milan,
Volume 22, Issue 6 (1-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Thyroid gland makes thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones. These hormones are really effective in regulating and control of basal metabolism. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Terfezia Boundary (TB) on the serum level of thyroid hormones.
Methods & Materials: In this experimental study, 30 male Wistar rats (weighing 200±10 g) were selected and divided into five groups of 6 including control, sham (received normal saline) and three experimental groups received TB with 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg doses via intraperitoneal injection for 14 days. Samples from all groups were collected at the end of the 14th day directly from the heart to evaluate thyroid hormone. The data were statistically analyzed in SPSS v. 12.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences (code: IR.ARUMS.REC.1396.48).
Results: The results of this study showed that the T3 and T4 levels in the experimental groups 2 (150 mg/kg) and 3 (300 mg/kg) increased significantly compared to the control group (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively). The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level in the experimental groups 1 (75 mg/kg), 2 (150 mg/kg) and 3 (300 mg/kg) decreased significantly compared to the control group (P<0.05, P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively).
Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extract of TB can increase the serum levels of thyroid hormones and reduce TSH level.
Yousef Panahi, Davood Kiani Fard, Fatemeh Feyzi,
Volume 22, Issue 6 (1-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the stimulatory and protective effects of Methylphenidate (MPD) on the experimental epilepsy induced by intraperitoneal injection of Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in adult male rats.
Methods & Materials: In this study, 15 male rats (weight, 200-250 gr) dividied into one control group (n=5) received normal saline and two treatment groups; the first group (n=5) received MPD with a dose of 2.5 mg/kg and the second group (n=5) received MPD with a dose of 5 mg/kg by gavage. After anesthesia with ketamine-xylazin combination and animal skull surgery, the recorded electrodes were inserted into the cranium in the stratum striatum layer of the CA1 region of the hippocampus, and epileptic activity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of PTZ (80 mg/kg) and the epileptiform activity was evaluated in terms of the number of spikes per time unit and their amplitudes by eTrace software.
Ethical Considerations: This study with an ethics code of FVMT.REC.1397.67 was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at University of Tabriz.
Results: Oral MPD at 2.5 and 5 mg/kg doses increased the number of spikes up to 576 and 613, respectively, compared to the control group (330 spikes), which were statistically significant. Amplitude of PTZ-induced epileptic activity after treatment with 2.5 and 5 mg/kg MPD reached 1254 and 1085 respectively compared to control group (1051), which were not statistically significant.
Conclusion: The doses of oral MPD used in this study potentiate seizure activity. Therefore, the use of this drug in people with a background of seizure or suffering from some types of seizure should be cautious, and the evaluation of its effect in these patients need further studies.
Khadijeh Ahrari, Mandana Gholami, Maryam Chamani, Hossein Abednatanzi,
Volume 22, Issue 6 (1-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Pregnancy and exercise training are associated with changes in the cardiovascular anatomy and physiology. There is a few studies on this issue in Iran. In this regard, the aim of this study is to assess the effect of a combined exercise training program on blood pressure and heart rate variability of pregnant women.
Methods & Materials: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in Shahid Akbarabadi Hospital in Tehran, Iran in 2019. Participants were 10 healthy pregnant women with a gestational age of 24-26 weeks in the interventional group and 10 healthy pregnant women in the control group. The interventional group received 8 weeks of combined exercise training at moderate intensity. The blood pressure measurement, electrocardiogram and aerobic and resistant exercise tests of samples were performed before and after training. AST3000 Avicenna software was used to analyze the heart rate variability parameters, and for statistical analysis, paired and independent t-tests, Mann Whitney U, and Wilcoxon tests were used.
Ethical Considerations: This study with registered clinical trial code IRCT20190227042856N1 was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University of Science and Research Branch in Tehran, Iran (code: IR.IAU.SRB.REC.1397.101).
Results: The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were lower in the interventional group by the 34th week of pregnancy compared to the control group (P<0.05). The mean of time-domain parameters in the interventional group were higher by the 34th week of pregnancy compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Combined exercise training can improve autonomic and parasympathetic nervous systems in pregnant women.
Raheleh Firouzi, Taher Tizdast, Javad Khalatbari, Shohreh Ghorban Shiroudi,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between stress coping strategies and difficulties in emotion regulation mediated by marital life quality in married women with breast cancer.
Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive correlational study. The study population included all married women with breast cancer in Amol and Babol cities of Iran in 2018. Of these, 385 were selected through a convenience sampling technique. The research instruments were Ways Of Coping Questionnaire, Difficulties In Emotion Regulation Scale and Marital Life Quality Scale. The goodness-of-fit of proposed model was examined by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in LISREL software. The indirect correlations were tested by using Preacher and Hayes’ bootstrapping method .
Ethical Considerations: This study received its ethical approval from Islamic Azad University of Tonekabon Branch (Code: IR.IAU.TON.REC.1397.029). Informed consent was obtained from all participants.
Results: The proposed model had good fit (RMSEA=0.057). All direct correlations were reported significant (P<0.05). Moreover, indirect paths between stress coping strategies and difficulties in emotion regulation through mediation by marital life quality were significant.
Conclusion: The proposed model had a good fit and can be used in identifying the factors affecting difficulties in emotion regulation. It can be useful for designing and developing programs to prevent emotions problems in women with breast cancer.
Ali Ganji, Ghasem Mosayebi, Mohsen Khaki, Ali Ghazavi,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: COVID-19, a viral respiratory illness. In this review, we discuss issues such as the genetic structure, pathogenic mechanism, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of COVID-19 based on the latest findings.
Materials and Methods: The Medline was searched for terms such as “Coronavirus” ،“ COVID-19” and “Respiratory infection”.
Findings: In December 2019, the unprecedented outbreak of pneumonia with unknown etiology began in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The cause was a new coronavirus, named COVID-19 by the WHO. This virus has high transmissibility and affects the lower respiratory tract. Research into the mechanism and treatment of COVID-19 is under way, and new information is being provided every day, some of which are contradictory. COVID-19 is a serious and dangerous infectious disease and a significant threat to the health of the world's population, and should be prevented from spreading rapidly.
Conclusion: Because the exact mechanisms of the disease have not been fully elucidated and specific drug or vaccine have not yet been developed for it, control is mainly based on the interruption of the transmission cycle.
Shahnaz Shahrjerdi,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (8-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Hypertension is a common disease and universal that can cause cardiovascular disease and kidney damage. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an eight-weeks massage on blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), heart rate and C-reactive protein in women with hypertension.
Methods & Materials: In this quasi-experimental study, 44 volunteer women with Mean±SD age of 42.12±5.31years were selected from women referred to Arak Oil Company specialized polyclinic with hypertension. Four women excluded from the study for some reason, and the rest were divided into experimental and control groups. In massage group massage was done for three sessions per week, 45-60 minutes in each session, on the back and upper limbs for eight weeks. Data analysis was conducted using dependent and independent t-test by SPSS V. 25 statistical software at the significant level of (P≤0.05).
Ethical Considerations: This study (Code: 92-160-26) was approved in Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences.
Results: The results showed that eight weeks of massage reduced blood pressure (P=0.001), the heart rate (P=0.001), and C-reactive protein (P=0.001) in women with hypertension compared to the control group (P=0.62).
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that massage for eight weeks is an efficient and appropriate method to improve systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and C-reactive protein in patients with hypertension.
Saeed Tahmasebi, Sharbanoo Oryan, Hamid Reza Mohajerani, Neda Akbari, Mohammad Reza Palizvan,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (8-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Epilepsy is a common brain disorder. Brain function can be affected by the intestinal microflora. The intestinal microflora have a major role in modulating immune responses, producing essential metabolites and mediating neurotransmitters. Antibiotics can affect and reduce these roles and functions by eliminating the intestinal microflora. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intestinal natural micro flora removal on seizure susceptibility and seizure behavior modification with the use of probiotics in male Wistar rats.
Methods & Materials: This study was performed on 32 male Wistar rats with weight range 200-250 gr. The animals were randomly divided into four groups: 1. Control group; 2. Antibiotic group; 3. Probiotic group and 4. Antibiotic + probiotic group. To remove the microflora, antibiotics (neomycin, ampicillin, and metronidazole) for three weeks and for replacement of microflora, probiotics (Lactobacilli casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum) for four weeks were administered. Seizures were performed by intraperitoneal injection of pentylentrazole. The microflora was examined by the MRS Agar medium and the Pure Plate method. The data were statistically analyzed in Graph Pad Prism V. 8.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1395.176).
Results: The use of antibiotics lead to decrease the number of intestinal bacteria (P<0.0001), increased the severity and stability of seizure stages (P<0.05) and decreased the time delay of seizure onset (P<0.05) compared to the control group. Probiotic consumption by modifying the intestinal microflora (P<0.0001) reduced the severity of seizure and increased the time delay of seizure onset (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Elimination of microflora has the potential to induce seizures, which can be compensated by administration of probiotics.
Azam Hashemian Moghadam, Hamid Reza Agha Mohammadian Sharbaf, Mohammad Saeid Abdekhodaei, Hossein Kareshki,
Volume 23, Issue 4 (9-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Coping with stress is one of the most important research areas in health psychology. Researching in this regard requires a tool with strong psychometric properties and validation in Iranian culture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the most commonly used short-scale factor structure, the Carver’s Brief Cope.
Methods & Materials: This study was a cross-sectional and methodological study of test type. The statistical population consisted of all students studying at Birjand University in 1977-98. Sampling was available by the method. The condition for entry into the study was the experience of a stressor for at least 6 months. After receiving a medium or high score on the perceived stress level, 629 students completed the 28-question form. Data was analyzed using SPSS V. 15 and laser software V. 8.8. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to determine the factor structure of the questionnaire. A confirmatory factor analysis was used to confirming the factors. Reliability was established through retesting and internal consistency.
Ethical Considerations: This study is part of a PhD. thesis, registered (Code: IR.UM.REC. 3/50099) at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Before entering the study, an informed consent was obtained from the subjects.
Results: After confirming the face and content validity quantitatively and qualitatively, the exploratory factor analysis results after varimax rotation showed 55.139% of the total variance explained by the first eight factors with a higher than one specific value. However, in confirmatory factor analysis, the first two factors, 4 and 7, were omitted due to insufficient power to explain the present variables. Finally, the goodness-of-fit indices of the RMFIA, PFI, GFI, IFI, IFI, CFI, AGFI confirmed the fit of the six-factor structure with the data. Reliability of the instrument was also confirmed by internal consistency (α=0.73) and test-retest reliability (r=0.59).
Conclusion: The highly abbreviated 6-item form of Carver’s Brief Cope showed good validity and reliability in the student sample and can be used in health psychology studies.
Ali Hojabr Rajeooni, Parvaneh Mehrbod,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the most important viral diseases in the current decade which has caused widespread crisis worldwide. The disease was first reported on December 8, 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in the patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. On January 8, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in China identified the virus, and it was named 2019-nCoV by the World Health Organization (WHO). The name of the disease was later changed to COVID-19. According to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, the virus is called SARS-CoV-2 which belongs to the family of Coronaviridae. The viruses of this family have caused outbreaks in several countries (SARS in 2003 and MERS in 2013) which have led to death and economic loss.
Methods & Materials: In this review study, COVID-19 was studied from various aspects including evolutionary process and molecular biology of its virus. The selected articles were examined based on the information available in the WHO database. SARS-CoV-2 proteins were identified molecularly and functionally using data analysis and bioinformatics methods, and then related drugs and their effects on virus replication and inhibition were investigated.
Ethical Considerations: All ethical principles were observed in this study.
Results: Studies on the structure of SARS-CoV-2 and drug therapies to inhibit the disease progression showed that the use of different pharmaceutical strategies is effective in treating COVID-19 depending on the progression of the disease. Molecular studies showed that the use of nucleoside analogues and protease inhibitors is effective in the course of the disease and intravenous immunoglobulin, aminoquinoline compounds, TMPRSS2 inhibitors and viral S protein can be effective in the early stages of disease.
Conclusion: In order to control COVID-19, it is very important to study the structure of SARS-CoV-2 virus and its biology in the body. It is essential to identify the drugs that affect the virus based on its biological structure. Due to the structural changes of the virus and successive mutations in the virus genome as well as the emergence of resistant strains or highly contagious strains, further studies on the structure of SARS-CoV-2 and its changes in the body are recommended for designing pharmaceutical and therapeutic strategies. These strategies varies according to the stage of the disease, such that some drugs prevent the virus from entering the target cells in the early stages of the disease and other drugs, in combination with the virus’ surface glycoproteins, prevent the virus antigen from binding to receptors in the host cells. In the late stages of the disease, antiviral drugs including protease inhibitors and nucleoside analogues, interfere with the replication and structure of the virus. Due to intermittent changes in the virus and the development of drug-resistant viruses, it is important to continuously review virological and clinical studies and the performance of existing drugs against SARS-CoV-2.
Mohammad Rahmanian, Ali Reza Kamali, Mahdi Foroughian, Navid Kalani, Nafiseh Esmaealpour, Naser Hatami, Esmaeal Rayat Dost,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic is capable of severely affecting the mental health of health care workers, who are at the forefront of this crisis; while the official staff of health organizations is facing the same danger. Therefore, monitoring awareness and other mental health issues to understand the mediating factors and awareness of appropriate interventions is a necessary priority. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical and administrative staff in facing the COVID-19 virus.
Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on 160 medical and administrative staff of Jahrom hospitals in 2020. Demographic information questionnaire and researcher-made questionnaire of knowledge, attitude and practice of medical personnel about coronavirus (Covid 19) were used to collect information. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 and descriptive and inferential statistical tests.
Results: 65% of subjects were women and the rest were men. In most of the answers given to each item in both groups, the medical and administrative staff’s answers were close to each other. In the case of the statement "I am more likely to get a corona", 54.4% of the medical staff chose the strongly agreed option, while this percentage is 16.5% for the administrative staff. This indicates that the medical staff is very afraid of getting COVID-19. According to the results, the mean knowledge scores of the medical staff (with an average of 94.35) were significantly higher than the administrative staff (with an average of 87.75) (t=5.96, p<0.001). But the performance of administrative staff (with an average of 93.14) is significantly higher than medical staff (with an average of 87.17) (t=-2.710, p=0.007). No significant difference was observed between the mean scores of the attitude scores of both groups (p=0.438).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the level of awareness in the face of corona virus in the administrative staff is significantly lower than the medical staff, but the administrative staff has a better performance in facing of the corona virus than the medical staff. It seems that educational measures are necessary to increase the awareness of these people.
Abolfazl Morad, Mehdi Zeinoddini,
Volume 23, Issue 6 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In the microbial contamination of food and water, identifying the trace amounts of contaminating bacteria has always been of researchers’ interest and concern. The most frequent approach to resolve this problem is using culture-based methods to increase and enrich bacteria samples; accordingly, it extends the bacterial detection process to several hours or days. One of the smart strategies to solve this problem is the concentration of bacteria using physical methods. The present study aimed to enrich Vibrio cholerae as the most essential water-polluting germs. Accordingly, we used the filtration method and evaluated its function by culture method and two detection approaches of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and PCR assay.
Methods & Materials: A certain concentration of V. Cholerae was artificially added to a specified volume of sterile water. Then, the bacteria were extracted from the medium and filtered using 0.450 µm separable filters. Finally, the performance of the pre- and post-filtration processes was compared using bacterial cell culture (CFU), ATP, and PCR assay with the specific primers for the ompW gene of V. cholerae.
Ethical Considerations: This article is a meta-analysis with no human or animal sample.
Results: The present research results indicated that the applied method presented high efficiency and recovery performance. In other words, samples provided no positive response before filtration in both methods; however, after filtration in isolated and recovered samples, the presence of bacteria was detected in the ATP and PCR methods.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the employed strategy can detect V. cholerae in non-culture and in the shortest time in contaminated water samples.
Taha Fereydouni, Saeed Hajihashemi, Parsa Yousefichaijan, Ali Rahbari,
Volume 23, Issue 6 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Deferasirox (Exjade) is an iron-chelating drug used in patients with beta-thalassemia major. Oxidative stress is among f the major causes of nephrotoxicity and its progression. Deferasirox, due to oxidative stress and increased cell apoptosis causes the dysfunction of renal tubules and renal toxicity. According to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the present study explored the effect of vitamin C on deferasirox-induced kidney damage.
Methods & Materials: This study was performed on 30 Wistar rats in 3 groups of control, deferasirox, and deferasirox plus vitamin C. To induce the nephrotoxicity, the intra-peritoneum injection of deferasirox (75 mg/kg/day) was used. After taking plasma from the blood samples of the explored rats, we determined the values of Cr, Na+, K+, Mg+, osmolality, and BUN in the obtained plasma and urine samples. The creatinine clearance, as well as the relative and absolute excretion of sodium and potassium, were also calculated. After separating the two kidneys, they were used for the histologic study with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, as well as Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) biochemical studies.
Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1396.309).
Results: Cotreatment with deferasirox and vitamin C reduced renal tissue MDA and relative and absolute Na and K excretion and urine osmolarity; this method also increased creatinine clearance and renal tissue FRAP.
Conclusion: The co-administration of vitamin C presented a significant protective effect on the renal toxicity induced by deferasirox. The protective property of deferasirox is because of the antioxidant impacts of vitamin C in reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.
Rahmat Allah Fatahian Dehkordi, Soren Nooraie, Alborz Yadollahi,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Diabetes is a well-known disease with such complications, as retinopathy, nephropathy, and gastropathy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of thiamine and lead acetate on the colon of induced-alloxan diabetic rats; the effects of which become obvious in the treatment or reduction of tissue complications caused by diabetes.
Methods & Materials: In this study, 63 rats weighing 200 g were divided into 9 groups, as follows: 1) Group of diabetes+pb acetate 200 ppm; 2) Group of thiamin+pb acetate 200 ppm; 3) Group of thiamine+pb acetate 1000 ppm; 4) Group of diabetes+thiamine+Pb acetate 1000 ppm; 5) Diabetes group; 6) Group of diabetes+thiamine; 7) Group of diabetes+thiamine+acetate 200 ppm; 8) Group of diabetes+pb acetate 1000 ppm, and 9) the control group. After 20 days, the study samples were removed from the abdominal cavity and the slides were prepared by routine tissue method. Then, the slides were evaluated for stereological and histomorphometric studies.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University (Code: GRN1M1903). Moreover, all methods used in the present study, including facilitation, were conducted per the ethical principles of animal restraint.
Results: The mean thickness of mucosa-sub-mucosa suggested significant differences in groups 6 and 7, compared to other treatment groups. There was a significant difference in the thickness of the muscle layer between the control and all treatment groups except for groups 2, 6, and 7. There was no significant difference in the mean thickness of advantia layer in groups 1, 7, and 8, and the control group. The obtained results also indicated a significant difference concerning different layers of colon tissue between group 1 and controls.
Conclusion: Based on the present research results, thiamine presented enhancing effects on muscle layer thickness and adventitia layer thickness. Furthermore, the area of the mucosal layer was not affected by the improving effects of thiamine.
