bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Methanolic Extract of Corn Silk on Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Zarifi Farzane , Tanideh Nader , Zarifi Fariba , Rafiee Shima , Khastkhodaei Maryam , Koohi Hosseinabadi Omid , Tarkesh Firoozeh , Kherad Zahra , Mojahed Taghi Maryam , Kamali Mahsa , Shekarkhar Golsa , Jahromi Mohamad
Published: December 2023

Background: Cisplatin is a cytotoxic agent in cancer therapy. Nephrotoxicity is considered as a side effect of cisplatin usage. Using rate models, we studied the possible protective impact of corn-silk (CS) extract against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.MaterialsÂ and Methods: Thirty-five experimental rats were divided into five groups (n=7 per each group) as follow: C1: Control received distilled water only; C2: received one dose of cisplatin, and CS: received 300 mg/kg/day of CS. Both CS1 and CS2 received 200 and 300 mg/kg/day of the CS extract orally, individually, for eight consecutive days. CS1 and CS2 received a single dose of cisplatin on the first day only. The specific biochemical markers and histopathological alterations were evaluated.Result: According to our results, cisplatin administration could have induced severe degeneration in all parts of the nephron tubules and liver. Pre-treatment with CS exhibited a significant decrease in the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as compared to the values obtained after treatment with cisplatin alone (P<0.01). Moreover, the CS extract with 200 mg dose showed significant (P<0.01) protection against the cisplatin-induced elevation of blood urea nitrogen. Further, the serum levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were higher in the cisplatin-treated groups, when compared to the control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the hepatic function was also improved in cisplatin-treated animals, which were pre-treated with CS.Conclusion: CS has the potential to attenuate nephrotoxicity and lipid peroxidation induced by cisplatin in rats.[GMJ.2018;7:e1258]
Effect of Recombinant Insulin-like Growth Factor-2 Injected into the Hippocampus on Memory Impairment Following Hippocampal Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Rats
Authors: Vafaee Farzaneh , Zarifkar Asadollah , Emamghoreishi Masoumeh , Namavar Mohammad Reza , Shahpari Marzieh , Zarifkar Amir Hossein
Published: December 2023

Background: Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) is a growth factor and an anti-inï¬‚ammatory cytokine that plays a pivotal role in memory. In this study, we examined the effect of recombinant IGF-2 on memory impairment due to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Avoidance and recognition memory, locomotor activity, neurological deficit score (NDS), and the level of the IGF-2 gene expression were evaluated.Â Materials and Methods: To induce ICH, 100 Î¼L of autologous blood was injected into the left hippocampus of male Sprague Dawley rats. Recombinant IGF-2 was injected into the damaged hippocampus 30 minutes after the induction of ICH. Then, over two weeks, NDS, locomotor activity, passive avoidance, and novel object recognition (NOR) test were evaluated. Finally, the level of IGF-2 gene expression was evaluated by using the real-time polymerase chain reaction technique.Â Result: Our results indicated that recombinant IGF-2 injection significantly increased step-through latency (P<0.001) and total time spent in the dark box (P<0.01). However, no significant difference was seen in recognition memory and NDS. Locomotor activity did not significantly change in any group. A significantly reduced level of IGF-2 was observed after two weeks (P<0.05).Â Conclusion:The results of this study show that a single dose of recombinant IGF-2 injection can influence hippocampus-dependent memories. Importantly, IGF-2 did not change locomotor activity and NDS after two weeks, which probably represents its specific function in memory.[GMJ.2018;7:e1353]
Study of the Role of Dopamine Receptors in Streptozotocin-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior Using the Forced Swim Test Model
Authors: Nasehi Mohammad , Vaezi Gholamhassan , Haeri-Rohani Ali , Zarrindast Mohammad-Reza , Roostaei Afshin
Published: December 2023

Background: Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine diseases characterized by hyperglycemia. It is caused by an absolute or relative insulin deficiency or an insulin function deficiency. It is one of the major risk factors of depression, with the rate of depression in diabetic patients amounting to as high as 30%. This study examined the role of dopamine receptors in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced depressive-like behavior using the forced swim test (FST). Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 56 Wistar male rats. STZ at doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg body weight was administered via intraperitoneal (IP) route to induce diabetes and depression in rats. Thereafter, by using halobenzazepine (SCH23390) (D1 dopamine receptor antagonist) and sulpiride (D2 receptor dopamine receptor antagonist), the role of dopamine receptors in STZ-induced depression was studied. The one-way analysis of variance technique, Tukeyâ€™s range test, and t-test were used to analyze the data. The P-value less than 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: Our study showed that STZ at doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg, two weeks after injection, caused prolonged immobility in FST, indicating depressive-like behavior (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). SCH23390 (0.001 mg/mL/kg) and sulpiride (0.1mg/mL/kg) did not change the variables of depression in animals that received STZ (at doses of 30 and 60 mg/mL/kg) two weeks before (P>0.05). Conclusion: According to our study, STZ has a depressive-like behavior two weeks after injection, and dopamine receptors do not play a role in depression associated with STZ use. [GMJ.2018;7:e954]
Evaluation of the Persian Version of Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey among Iranian Nurses: Validity and Reliability
Authors: Moalemi Saba , Kavoosi Zahra , Beygi Najimeh , Deghan Azizallah , Karimi Aliasghar , Parvizi Mohammad Mahdi
Published: December 2023

Background: Nursing is a critical job in the health care system. However, nurses suffering from poor job conditions suffer from job dissatisfaction, eventually causing burnout. This is a very important concern for the health care system because the turnover of nurses leads to a waste of money and time of this system. Therefore, nurse managers need to find a way to measure and reduce the burnout. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) is a famous inventory to measure the job burnout in human services. This study aimed to measure the validity and reliability of the Persian version of MBI-HSS. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in two hospitals of Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fars Province, Iran, in July 2017. Nurses participated with their own discretion in this study and filled the MBI-HSS themselves. The questionnaire consisted of 22 items comprising three dimensions. Exploratory factor analysis and Cronbachâ€™sÂ  alpha were performed in this study using Stata software, version 12. Results: Overall, 200 nurses were included in this study, with a mean age of 29.48Â Â±Â 6 years. The result of the exploratory factor analysis showed that the weight of each item in its own dimension was greater than 0.4 or another dimension. Also, the Cronbachâ€™s alpha for 3 dimensions was greater than 0.7. Conclusions:Â  Our study showed that the Persian version of MBI-HSS has sufficient validity and reliability, similar to that of the original version, for the measurement of burnout in Persian speakers of human services workers.[GMJ.2018;7:e995]
Concurrent Effects of Exercise and Curcumin on Spatial Learning and Memory in Sensitized Male Mice Following Morphine Administration
Authors: Elhampour Laleh , Azarbayjani Mohammad Ali , Nasehi Mohammad , Peeri Maghsoud
Published: December 2023

Background: Exercise and Curcumin have positive effects on spatial memory and cognition independently. The present study aims to investigate whether the combination of ineffectual dosage of these factors can affect cognition and as a solvent if DMSO is involved in Curcumin effects. Materials and Methods: Male NMRI mice (1-month-old) swam (1 week) for 60 minutes (5days/week) and injected with morphine (2.5 mg/ml/kg, intraperitoneal) for five days. Spatial learning and memory were assessed by Moris Water Maze test on the 10th day after stopping morphine injection. Results: The findings revealed that exercise, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and Curcumin increased memory formation induced by 2.5 mg/ml/kg morphine. DMSO+exercise decreased memory formation induced by morphine, but curcumin +exercise could return the effect of DMSO on the cognition. Conclusion: As a solvent, DMSO had independent effects on memory, which lead to memory impairment in combination with exercise. Therefore, considering its unpredictable effects on cognitive performance, it should be replaced with another solvent or might be used carefully in behavioral experiments. [GMJ.2019;8:e1072]
Fatigue Due to Multiple Sclerosis: A Comparison Between Persian Medicine and Conventional Medicine
Authors: Abbasi Maryam , Rezaeizadeh Hossein , Rahimi Roja
Published: December 2023

Fatigue is one of the most debilitating symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), and its definite pathophysiology is unclear. Studies have suggested some correlates for it including dysfunction or atrophy in different parts of the brain. This narrative review study compares the viewpoint of conventional medicine and Persian medicine (PM) about fatigue due to MS and introduces the treatments used for this complaint in PM with an evidence-based approach. PM scholars have used the term Iâ€™ya equal to fatigue and stated that Iâ€™ya might be due to exertion or not, while the latter (spontaneous Iâ€™ya) can be prodromal of a disease. This pathologic fatigue can be seen in a wide variety of neurologic diseases, though it is the most common in MS patients. Fatigue in MS can be considered one of the equivalents of spontaneous Iâ€™ya. According to PM texts, neurotonic herbs like Ferula, Citrus medica, Asarum europaeum, Ficus carica, and Juglans regia may be beneficial in alleviating fatigue by brain reinforcement. Different pharmacological mechanisms have been introduced for these plants including antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory activities. The medicinal plants can be assumed as a valuable source for discovering new medicines for fatigue in MS. Designing preclinical and clinical studies evaluating the effects of mentioned medicinal herbs in fatigue is proposed for obtaining more conclusive results.

[GMJ.2019;8:e1139]
Effects of Acute and Subchronic Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Morphine-Induced Responses in Hotplate Apparatus
Authors: Nasehi Mohammad , Anvari Seyyed Saeid , Zarrindast Mohammad-Reza
Published: December 2023

Background: The endogenous opioid system plays a basic role in pain suppression. The opiate analgesia is the most powerful and useful technique for reducing severe pain in many medical conditions. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulator technique by which the cerebral cortex is stimulated with a weak and constant electrical current by the painless and non-invasive method. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, we investigated the effect of tDCS on morphine (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg)-induced pain responses; as we applied left prefrontal anodal stimulation with 0.2 mA intensity and 20 minutes. Results: our results revealed that the acute (One-time electrical stimulation 24 hours after the last administration of morphine three days) and subchronic (three times electrical stimulation; one session/day before each administration of morphine three days) left prefrontal anodal tDCS does not alter pain perception induced by different dose of morphine significantly. Conclusion: Finally, our data indicated that there is no potentiated effect between acute tDCS or subchronic tDCS and morphine administration with tested parameters significantly. [GMJ.2019;8:e1157]Â
Ellagic Acid Protects Cardiac Arrhythmias Following Global Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Model
Authors: Hoseiny Nejad Khojasteh , Dianat Mahin , Sarkaki Alireza , Farbood Yaghoub , Badavi Mohammad , Gharib-Naseri Mohammad Kazem
Published: December 2023

Background: Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) could increase the reactive oxidative stress in the cardiomyocytes. Also, some studies report cardiac arrhythmias following oxidative stressor such as I/R. Hence, this study was aimed to investigate the effects of ellagic acid (EA) against arrhythmias in a cerebral I/R model. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two male rats were randomly allocated into four groups: Sham (normal saline, 10 days), EA (100 mg/kg EA, 10 days), I/R (20 min ischemia followed by 30 min reperfusion, 10 days), and EA + I/R (100 mg/kg EA before I/R). In all animals, electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded pre-ischemia and postischemia on the first and 11th days, respectively. Results: The I/R group showed an abnormally prolonged QTc interval after ischemia compared to the preischemia and control groups. EA administration in the EA+I/R group significantly reduced this prolonged QTc interval (P< 0.01). In the I/R group, ischemic/reperfusion resulted in a prolonged QRS complex and an elevated ST, which EA significantly prevented (P<0.01). In addition, EA significantly prevented the dramatically shortened RR interval induced by reperfusion (P<0.01). The incidence of ventricular fibrillation significantly increased in the I/R group; then it dramatically decreased following the administration of EA (P<0.0001). Conclusion: EA pretreatment repaired the adverse effects of I/R on the ECG parameters, which can be attributed to its negative chronotropic effects. EA pretreatment can prevent the cerebral I/R-induced heart arrhythmias. [GMJ.2019;8:e1235]
Induced Overexpression of THAP11 in Human Fibroblast Cells Enhances Expression of Key Pluripotency Genes
Authors: Ziaei Saeid , Ardeshirylajimi Abdolreza , Arefian Ehsan , Soleimani Masoud , Rezaei-Tavirani Mostafa
Published: December 2023

Background: THAP11 is a recently discovered pluripotency factor and described as an important gene that involved in embryonic stem cells self-renewal and embryo development, which works independently with other known pluripotency factors. We aimed to overexpressed the THAP11 gene in primary fibroblast cells to determine the effects of the THAP11 on these cells. Materials and Methods: The THAP11 gene was amplified using PCR followed by ligation into pCDH vector and lentiviral particle production in HEK293T cells by using psPAX2 and pMD2.G helper vectors. The human fibroblast cells were transduced using viral particles and after confirmation overexpression, the key pluripotency factors were estimated using real-time PCR and changes in proliferation rate was measured by the 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. Results: The overexpression of THAP11 in fibroblast cells leads to increase the expression level of Sox2, Oct4, Nanog and Klf4 as key pluripotency genes and a decrease in proliferation rate according to MTT results. Conclusion: Our results confirm that we are faced with a molecule with double features, which could be involved in pluripotency and proliferation suppressor simultaneously. It seems that the roles of THAP11 in pluripotency are so complex and attributed to other regulatory molecules. [GMJ.2019;8:e1308]
Effect of Honey/PVA Hydrogel Loaded by Erythromycin on Full-Thickness Skin Wound Healing in Rats; Stereological Study
Authors: Movassaghi Shabnam , Sharifi Zahra Nadia , Koosha Mojtaba , Abdollahifar Mohammad Amin , Fathollahipour Shahrzad , Tavakoli Javad , Abdi Shabnam
Published: December 2023

Background: Skin wounds are a significant public health risk, and treatment of wound remains a challenging clinical problem for medical teams and researchers.Materials and Methods: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the healing effects of honey/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel loaded with erythromycin Â as wound dressing on skin wounds in rats, based on histological studies. In this study, 60 male Wistar rats, with a 1.5 Ã—1.5 cm2 diameter full-thickness wounds on the backs were divided into four groups: honey/PVA with the erythromycin hydrogel group, honey group, PVA group, and the control group, with no treatment. Skin biopsies were prepared at days 4, 7, and 14 for microscopic analyses. The stereological analysis, including the mean area of the wound, length of vessels, numerical density of fibroblast, macrophage, basal cell and volume of the epidermis, dermis, and fibrous tissue were performed.Â Result: Wounds area in the honey/PVA hydrogel with the erythromycin group were significantly (P<0.05) smaller than in the other group. The numerical density of fibroblast, macrophage, basal cell and volume of the epidermis in the honey/PVA hydrogel with the erythromycin group were significantly higher than other groups.Conclusion: According to our results, honey/PVA hydrogel with erythromycin may promote early wound healing and has a positive influence on fibroblast proliferation and re-epithelialization, and its administration is recommended after further validation of clinical data.
[GMJ. 2019;8:e1362]
What Human Concepts We Learn From Emergency Medicine Practice
Authors: Massaeli Maryam , Shahabian Masoud
Published: December 2023

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Effect of Showing Angiograms to Patients After Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Anxiety and Illness Perception: A Randomized, Blinded, Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Jalalsafari Maryam , Geraiely Babak , Sattarzadeh Badkoubeh Roya , Shahmansouri Nazila , Tavousi Anahita , Nazari Nima , Mortazavi Seyedeh Hamideh
Published: December 2023

Background: As an invasive modality, a coronary angioplasty may cause a great deal of anxiety in patients and affect their mental health and general well-being. Accordingly, we sought to assess whether showing patients the video of their elective percutaneous coronary intervention (angiogram) could affect their illness perception and anxiety level. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, the patients undergoing angioplasty, were randomly divided into two groups of 30 patients. Angiograms were shown only to the intervention group postprocedurally. A checklist comprising demographic data and clinical presentations as well as the Beck anxiety questionnaire and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ) was completed for each patient immediately after the intervention and one month later. The differences in the patientsâ€™ anxiety level and illness perception were analyzed. Results: In the intervention group, the mean anxiety score before and after watching the angiograms was 34.26 Â± 8.1 and 24.4 Â± 8.56, respectively. While in the control group, the score before and after angioplasty was 34.46 Â± 9.34 and 26.6 Â± 9.44, respectively. Thus, watching angiograms led to a significant decrease in the anxiety score in the intervention group, whereas there was no such difference in the control group. There was also a considerable difference in the anxiety score between the two groups. Further, there was a significant decrease in the BIPQ score of the intervention group after watching the angioplasty videos. Conclusion: Educating cardiovascular patients about diagnostic and therapeutic procedures may confer such good outcomes as alleviated anxiety, enhanced satisfaction, and ultimately, fewer anxiety-related complications. [GMJ.2019;8:e1556]
Analgesic Medicinal Plants in Shahrekord, Southwest of Iran: An Ethnobotanical Study
Authors: Basati Gholam , Abbaszadeh Saber , Teimouri Hassan , Zebardast Arqavan
Published: December 2023

Background: Identification of indigenous medicinal plants, including the gathering of information regarding the uses of these plants can help find out their traditional pharmacological activities and their benefits for the communityâ€™s healthcare system. In this study, an ethnobotanical investigation was conducted in Shahrekord city, southwest of Iran to indicate the ethnobotanical knowledge about analgesic medicinal plants in the region and the methods of using them. Materials and Methods: To this end, plant antioxidants and analgesic medicinal plants were identified. For this purpose, a questionnaire was used to obtain indigenous knowledge from traditional therapists in Shahrekord regarding pain relief using medicinal plants. This ethnobotanical study was conducted in 2018 with the participation of 29 traditional therapists of the region under purpose. Finally, the data drawn from the questionnaires were analyzed using the Excel software. The frequency of plants use was also calculated. Results: Our study showed that in Shahrekord, 23 species of medicinal plants are used to relieve pain. The highest frequency of use was obtained for Eugenia caryophylata (44%), followed by Alhagi maurorum (31%), Tribulus terrestris (27%), and angustifolia (24%). The Laminaceae family (7 species) was the most frequently used plant family for pain relief. The most frequently used plant organ to relieve the pain was flower (25%), followed by the stem (22%) and leaves (19%). Conclusion: Given the high importance of medicinal plants in Shahrekord, the results of this study and additional scientific investigations can help produce more effective and less harmful drugs from medicinal plants. [GMJ.2019;8:e1593]
The Relationship between Hysterectomy and Depression: Avicennaâ€™s Viewpoint
Authors: Aminian Ali , Gholinia Navaee Fatemeh , Yousefi Seyde Sedighe
Published: December 2023

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Comparing the Effects of Epley Maneuver and Cinnarizine on Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo; A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Khosravi Mohammad Hossein , Saeedi Masoumeh , Bayatpoor Mohammad Ehsan
Published: December 2023

Background: The fastest and safest treatment method of BPPV is repositioning maneuvers. In Iran, this methods are not widely used, and many physicians use medical therapy, despite their side effects, for management of BPPV. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial patients with BPPV were randomly allocated to Epley repositioning maneuver or Cinnarizine (25mg every 8 hours) for two weeks. The patients were evaluated for symptoms using visual analogue scale (VAS) scoring system before intervention, first and second weeks after intervention. In the second and third visitd the results of hallpike test was recorded for both groups. Results: 43 patients with a mean age of 46.88Â±11.08 years in two Epley and Cinnarizine group underwent analysis. The mean VAS score for improvement of symptoms after intervention was 1.66Â±1.06 in Epley and 1.50Â±0.91 in Cinnarizine group (P=0.57). Conclusion: we found that there is no significant difference between Epley maneuver and Cinnarizine for treatment and controlling symptoms of BPPV. [GMJ.2019;8:e866]
Neuroprotective Effect of Pentoxifylline on 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-Induced Apoptosis in CA1 Cells of Wistar Rat Hippocampus
Authors: Sharifi Zahra Nadia , Movassaghi Shabnam , Khazaei Koohpar Zeinab , Hashemi Mehrdad , Jafari Semnani Sourena
Published: December 2023

Background:Â 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine is psychoactive and hallucinogenic and has been shown to produce neurotoxicity both in animals and in humans. Recently, vasodilator drugs such as pentoxifylline (PTX) have been introduced as an alternative with neuroprotective effects. There is no study about the protective effect of PTX on hippocampal apoptosis due to high-dose administration of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), so in this study, the protective effect of PTX on the hippocampus of male Wistar rats following high-dose of the drug has been investigated. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into four groups: control, sham (MDMA injection), experimental (MDMA+PTX injection), and vehicle (MDMA+saline) groups. Two weeks later, the brains were removed and prepared for TUNEL and western blot techniques. Concomitantly the hippocampus was removed to study the change in Bcl-2 and BAX mRNA expression with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Data showed that the number of apoptotic bodies significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to the other groups, except for in control. Also, further investigation revealed that BAX reduced considerably, while Bcl-2 mRNA expression increased dramatically after PTX treatment. Conclusions: Our results suggest that PTX may be a neuroprotective agent, and its neuroprotective potential may contribute to reducing the severity of lesions in the hippocampus following a high dose administration of MDMA. [GMJ.2019;8:e963]Â
Vulnerability of Left Amygdala to Total Sleep Deprivation and Reversed Circadian Rhythm in Molecular Level: Glut1 as a Metabolic Biomarker
Authors: Nasehi Mohammad , Kordestani Moghadam Parastou , Khodagholi Fariba , Zarrindast Mohamad Reza
Published: December 2023

Background: Sleep deprivation (SD) in the long term can cause multi-organ dysfunction as well as neurocognitive disorders. Daytime sleep or napping is a biological compensate due to insomnia or sleep deprivation. Metabolic responses to this biological rhythm may being as a biological indicator or biomarker to compare the effect of them. Glucose transporter type 1 (Glut-1) is one of the metabolic biomarkers that is affected by several conditions such as stress, seizure, malignancy, and neurocognitive disorders. We studied the effect of SD, circadian reversed (R) and napping models on the Glut-1 expression level in the right and left amygdala. Materials and Methods: Sixty-four Wistar rats were divided into eight groups as follow: Intact group that rats were placed in a cage without any intervention. In the sham group, rats were on the stable pedal of the SD apparatus (turn off). Experimental groups include total SD48, total SD48- (plus short nap), total SD48+ (plus long nap), R48, R48- (plus short nap), and R48+ (plus long nap).The Glut-1 expression level in the right and left amygdala were measured by western blotting. Results: Our findings demonstrated the significant effect of both SD for 48 hours and reversed circadian on the expression of Glut-1 from sham and intact groups. The long nap plus them could decrease the elevation of Glut-1 in the left amygdala. However, the short nap could not reduce this elevation of Glut-1. Conclusion: Left amygdala is vulnerable to the fluctuation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and stress. In other words, sleep disorders are affecting by Glut-1 as a metabolic biomarker in left amygdala alone. [GMJ.2019;8:e970]Â
Therapeutic Effects of Hab Shabyar on Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Mohammdi Ghadir , BaniHabib Ebrahim Khalil- , Mostafai Ali , Fazljou Seyyed Mohammad Bagher
Published: December 2023

Background: Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of hab shabyar in patients with open-angle glaucoma. Materials and Methods: In this clinical randomized controlled trial, 50 patients with OAG were randomized into two groups. The intervention group received a drop of timolol plus 500 mg of hab shabyar every 12 hours. The placebo group received a drop of timolol every 12 hours plus 500 mg of wheat germ as a placebo. The intraocular pressure in patients with OAG was measured in each group and compared before the intervention (t1), one month (t2), and two months (t3) after the intervention. Results: The mean decrease in intraocular pressure for the right eye on three times in the intervention group was statistically significant, but the mean decrease in the placebo group was not significant. Similar results were obtained for the left eye at t1 when compared to t3. The intervention group patients expressed more satisfaction changes than the placebo group (Pâ‰¤0.001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that consumption of timolol plus hab shabyar instead of consuming timolol alone was probably more effective for reducing intraocular pressure in patients with OAG. [GMJ.2020;9:e1218]
The Relationship between Left Ventricular Function Indices in Tissue Doppler Imaging and Exaggerated Blood Pressure Response During the Exercise Stress Test
Authors: Ghaderi Fereshteh , Hemati Milad , Gholoobi Arash , Eshraghi Ali , Sadeghi Allah Abadi Javad
Published: December 2023

Background: Studies have indicated that exaggerated hypertension during activity and stress can be a good predictor of the incidence of hypertension. This study tries to evaluate left ventricular (LV) function by tissue Doppler to assess early changes in ventricular compliance before the onset of Hypertension (HTN) in patients with exaggerated blood pressure response during the exercise test. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 40 patients without a history of hypertension with systolic blood pressure less than 140/90 which referred for exercise test, were included. The exercise test was performed for all patients. Patients who had exaggerated blood pressure during the stress test were considered as cases and the controls with normal blood pressure responses. Then standard echocardiography and Tissue Doppler imaging performed and indices of LV systolic and diastolic were recorded. Results: The LV mass in cases and controls were 174.9Â±50.78 and 152.9Â±33.59, respectively (P=0.114), and LV mass index in cases and controls were 127.4Â±13.5 and 79.8Â±15.75, respectively (P=0.023). Moreover, the LV Myocardial Performance Index were 0.68Â±0.11 and 0.48Â±0.06 in cases and controls, respectively (P<0.001). The heart rate, E/A, EE, E Velocity and S velocity were measuremented. Except E/A (P=0.009), there was no significant difference between the other variables measured between the cases and controls (P>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that using 2D conventional echocardiography as a noninvasive method if performed in prestigious centers can evaluate systolic and diastolic function Tissue Doppler parameters very well in the early stages of heart disease caused by HTN. [GMJ.2020;9:e1323]
Association of Serum Minerals, Vitamin D, Total Protein, and Inflammatory Mediators and Severity of Low Back Pain
Authors: Zakeri Habib , Dadkhah Payman , Hashemi Seyed Masoud , Taheri Mehrdad
Published: December 2023

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a multifactorial disorder with multiple etiologies, which are not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of minerals, total protein, vitamin D (vit D), and inflammatory mediators with LBP and its severity. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was derived from the study nested in the Fasa Cohort Study. Overall, 148 individuals with LBP were compared with 150 individuals without LBP. Blood samples were evaluated for serum protein, iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), phosphorus, vit D, IL-1B, IL-6, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (HS-CRP), and TNF-alpha. Severity of pain was measured with the McGill and Oswestry questionnaires. Results: The mean age of participants in the case and control groups was 49.2 Â± 6.1 and 47.57 Â± 5.85 years, respectively. In the case group, 61 patients (48.8%) were male. The mean serum levels of Fe, Al, vit D, Cu, IL-1B, IL-6, HS-CRP, and TNF-alpha were significantly different between case and control groups (Pâ‰¤0.05). However, there were no significant differences between studied groups in the term of sex and serum phosphorus (P>0.05). Regarding pain severity, age was correlated with McGill score (r=0.18), body mass index with Oswestry (r=0.21), Fe with McGill (r=-0.15) and Oswestry (r=-0.13), protein with McGill (r=0.32) and Oswestry (r=-0.32), Al with McGill (r=0.56) and Oswestry (r=0.45), IL-1B with McGill (r=0.19) and Oswestry (r=0.13), TNF-alpha with McGill (r=0.34) and Oswestry (r=0.26), IL-6 with Oswestry (r=0.13), HS-CRP with McGill (r=0.60) and Oswestry (r=0.46), and vit D was correlated with McGill (r=0.21) and Oswestry scores (r=0.17). Higher Fe (odds ratio [OR]: 0.99), protein (OR: 0.47), Al (OR: 0.11), and vit D levels (OR: 0.97) were protective against LBP (P<0.001). Higher IL-1B (OR: 1.01), TNF-alpha (OR: 1.03), and HS-CRP (OR: 1.0003) presented as risk factors for LBP (P<0.001). Conclusion: Our study revealed except phosphorous, all the serum levels minerals and inflammatory markers was significantly different in LBP patients compared to healthy individuals. Also, in the LBP patients, serum levels of Fe, total protein, Al, and vit D aside to inflammatory mediators (i.e., IL-1B, TNF-alpha, and HS-CRP) shows a marked association with severity of LBP. [GMJ.2020;9:e1342]
A Systematic Review of Screening Tests for Chronic Kidney Disease: An Accuracy Analysis
Authors: Yousefi Mahmood , Keshvari-Shad Fatemeh , Hajebrahimi Sakineh , Laguna Pes Maria Pilar , Mahboub-Ahari Alireza , Nouri Mohammad , Seyednejad Farshad
Published: December 2023

This systematic review was conducted to assess the diagnostic accuracy of chronic kidney disease screening tests in the general population. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, The Cochrane Library and ProQuest databases were searched for English-language publications up to November 2016. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted study data in standardized tables. Methodological quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Sensitivity and specificity of all available screening methods were identified through included studies. Ten out of 1349 screened records included for final analysis. Sensitivities of the dipstick test with a cutoff value of trace were ranged from 37.1% to 69.4% and specificities from 93.7% to 97.3% for the detection of ACR>30 mg/g. The diagnostic sensitivities of the UAC>10 mg/dL testing was shown to vary from 40% to 87%, and specificities ranged from 75% to 96%. While the sensitivities of ACR were fluctuating between 74% and 90%, likewise the specificities were between 77% and 88%. Sensitivities for C-G, Grubb and Larsson equations were 98.9%, 86.2%, and 70.1% respectively. In the meantime the study showed specificities of 84.8%, 84.2% and 90.5% respectively for these equations. Individual studies were highly heterogeneous in terms of target populations, type of screening tests, thresholds used to detect CKD and variations in design. Results pointed to the superiority of UAC and dipstick over the other tests in terms of all parameters involved. The diversity of methods and thresholds for detection of CKD, necessitate considering the cost parameter along with the effectiveness of tests to scale-up an efficient strategy. [GMJ.2020;9:e1573]
Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Its Associated Risk Factors in Boo-Ali Hospital, Tehran
Authors: Darabi Roksana , Etminan-Baksh Mina , Tadi Sima , Hatami Monireh
Published: December 2023

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents the most common metabolic complication during pregnancy. GDM is associated with maternal and fetal complications. Approximately 7% of all pregnancies are affected by GDM, resulting in more than 200,000 cases worldwide annually, and the prevalence may vary from 1% to 14% among all pregnancies. Accordingly, this study attempted to determine the prevalence and some risk factors of GDM. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out at Boo-Ali hospital in Tehran, the capital of Iran. Four hundred non-diabetics pregnant women with a gestational age of 24-28 weeks who attended the Boo-Ali hospital outpatient department were included in our study. Demographic and anthropometric data including age, gravida, para, gestational age, family history of diabetes, history of GDM, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were collected. Blood samples were collected from the women at 24-28 weeks to diagnose GDM by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). We measured the 25-OH-D level in participants at 24-28 weeks. Results: Among the 400 pregnant women, 46 (11.5%) had GDM based on OGTT, and the mean age of GDM women were 30.78Â± 5.96 years. Among selected variables, BMI â‰¥25kg/m2, family history, and GDM history were associated with increased risks of GDM (odds ratio=2.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22â€“5.07;3.52, 95% CI 1.84â€“6.70; 19.57, and 95% CI 6.16â€“62.17, respectively). The association was more robust in the positive GDM history of women. Conclusion: High prevalence of GDM highlights more attention of health-care givers in screening pregnant women with risk factors. BMI as a modifiable risk factor for GDM needs more attention, and positive family history and previous GDM history should be considered in the core activities of pregnant women. [GMJ.2020;9:e1642]
Introducing Serine as Cardiovascular Disease Biomarker Candidate via Pathway Analysis
Authors: Zamanian Azodi Mona , Rezaei Tavirani Mostafa , Rostami-Nejad Mohammad , Morravej Hamideh , Razzaghi Zahra , Okhovatian Farshad , Rezaei-Tavirani Majid
Published: December 2023

Background: The rate of death due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) is growing. Investigations about CVD that leading to introduce varieties of metabolites is available. The monitoring of these metabolites to find effective ones in the future of clinic applications is the main aim of this study. Materials and Methods: Numbers of 34 metabolites for the CVD are extracted from literature and designated for interaction determinations by MetScape V 3.1.3. The compound-reaction-enzyme-gene network was constructed and the pathways were analyzed. Based on the presence of metabolites in the pathways the critical compounds were determined. Results: Pathway analysis revealed 18 disturbed pathways related to the CVD.  glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway including 27 compounds is related to the 9 queried metabolites. L-Serine which was communed between 5 pathways and also was presented in the largest pathway was identified as the critical compound. Conclusion: It can be concluded that L-Serine is a proper biomarker candidate for CVD diagnosis and also patients follow up approaches. [GMJ.2020;9:e1696]
Construction of A Synthetic Gene Encoding the Multi-Epitope of Toxoplasma gondii and Demonstration of the Relevant Recombinant Protein Production: A Vaccine Candidate
Authors: Karimi Maryam , Seyyed Tabaei Seyyed Javad , Ranjbar Mohammad Mehdi , Fathi Fardin , Jalili Ali , Zamini Ghasem , Javadi Mamaghani Amirreza , Nazari Javad , Roshani Daem , Bagherani Nooshin , Khademerfan Mohammadbagher
Published: December 2023

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a widely-distributed parasite all over the world whose attributed severe afflicting complications in human necessitate the development of serodiagnostic tests and vaccines for it. Immunological responses to monovalent vaccines and the application of diagnostic reagents including single antigens are not optimally effective. Bioinformatics approaches were used to introduce these epitopes, predict their immunogenicity and preliminarily evaluate their potential as an effective DNA vaccine and for serodiagnostic goals. Materials and Methods: A 3D structure of proteins was predicted by I-TASSER server, and linear and conformational B cell and T cell epitopes were predicted using the online servers. Then, the predicted epitopes were constructed and called Toxoeb, and their expression in the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells was demonstrated using SDS-PAGE. In the next step, Western blotting with pooled sera of mice infected with T. gondii was done. Results: The current in silico analysis revealed that the B cell epitopes with high immunogenicity for GRA4 protein were located in the residues 34-71, and 230-266, for GRA14 in 308-387, for SAG1 in 182-195, 261-278, and for GRA7 in residues 101-120, 160-176. The T cell epitopes were selected in overlapping regions with the B cell epitopes. The immunogenic region for GRA4 are in the residues 245-253, 50-58, and 40-54, for GRA14 in 307-315, 351-359, and 308-322, for SAG1 261-269, and 259-267, and for GRA7 in the residues 103-112, and 167-175. The results of the western blotting showed that the expressed protein had immunogenicity. Conclusion: Our constructed multi-epitope of T. gondii could be considered as a candidate for diagnostic and vaccination purposes. [GMJ.2020;9:e1708]
Prevalence of Bone Density Reduction and Its Related Factors in Hemophilia Patients in South Khorasan Province in 2018
Authors: Ehsanbakhsh Alireza , Azarkar Ghodsiyeh , Ziaee Masood , Taghavieh Ali
Published: December 2023

Background: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of bone density reduction and its associated factors in hemophilia patients in South Khorasan Province in 2018. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on all patients with hemophilia type A with medical records in Hemophilia center in South Khorasan province. A number of 57 eligible subjects who met the criteria were selected based on census method. Thereafter, 60 non-hemophilic individuals who were similar to hemophilic patients in terms of age and body mass index were selected by convenience sampling method. DXA device was used to measure bone mineral density (BMD) in two locations of femoral neck and lumbar vertebrae. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 19), using Chi-square, Fisherâ€™s exact test, and independent t-test. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence rate of bone density reduction in spine bone in hemophilia patients was measured at 31.6% and 13.3% in non-hemophilia subjects (P=0.02); moreover, this rate in hip bone was reported as 7% and 5%, respectively (P=0.65). Relative frequency of bone density reduction in the spine and hip bone was not significantly different among hemophilia patients based on age, severity of hemophilia, vitamin D, hepatitis and smoking (P>0.05). However, a significant difference was detected in terms of body mass index (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, the prevalence of bone density reduction in hemophilic patients was significantly higher, as compared to that of non-hemophilia patients. This necessitates the implementation of drastic preventive measures, prompt diagnosis, timely treatment, and appropriate therapeutic measures. [GMJ.2020;9:e1711]
Asymmetry of Height and Width of Ethmoid Sinus and Its Association with Chronic Sinusitis: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Majidi Shima , Mousaviagdas Mehrnoosh , Shahidi Nikzad , Khamnian Zhila
Published: December 2023

Background: In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between chronic anterior sinusitis with the width and height of ethmoid sinus and also assess the ethmoid length and roof asymmetry in the Iranian adult population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 422 patients who were referred with clinical signs of rhinosinusitis to the ENT Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Study participants were divided into healthy and sinusitis groups based on the level of sinus involvement. Computed tomography images were applied to calculate ethmoid height and width. A paired t-test was used to assess the roof and width asymmetry and an independent t-test was used to investigate the association between ethmoid height and width with the incidence of rhinosinusitis. Results: The mean age of sinusitis and healthy groups was 42.5Â±18.9 and 38.4Â±17.1 years, respectively. Of a total 422 subjects, 63.4% of whom were men. The overall prevalence of rhinosinusitis was 28.0%. We observed a statistically significant difference in terms of ethmoid height, and in both healthy and sinusitis group right ethmoid roof was statistically lower (P<0.05). However, no statistical difference was observed between the left and right side regarding the ethmoid sinus width (P>0.05). We also estimated correlation coefficients for rhinosinusitis score and ethmoid sinus height and width, which were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Our study shows that the right side of the ethmoid roof was lower in comparison to the left side, and it should be fully understood and regarded in rhino sinus surgery. We also observed no association between sinusitis score and height and width of the ethmoid sinus. [GMJ.2020;9:e1748]
Determination of the Excitatory Effects of MicroRNA-30 in the Self-Renewal and Differentiation Process of Neonatal Mouse Spermatogonial Stem Cells
Authors: Hedayatpour Azim , Khanehzad Maryam , Abolhasani Farid , Hassanzadeh Gholamreza , Nourashrafeddin Seyed Mehdi
Published: December 2023

Background: Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are considered as special stem cells since they have the ability of self-renewal, differentiation, and transferring genetic information to the next generation. Also, they considered as vital players in initiating and preserving spermatogenesis. The fate decisions of SSCs are mediated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, among which microRNAs (miRNAs) are one of the most essential factors in spermatogenesis among endogenous regulators. However, the mechanisms by which individual miRNAs regulate self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs are unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of miRNA-30 mimic on fate determinations of SSCs. Materials and Methods: The obtained SSCs from neonatal mice (3-6 days old) were purified by MACS and flow cytometry with a promyelocytic leukemia zinc-finger marker. Then, the cultured cells were transfected with miRNA- 30 mimic, and finally, the changes in expressing ID4 and c-kit proteins were assessed by western blot analysis. Results: According to flow cytometry findings, the percentage of SSC purity was about 98.32. The expression of ID4 protein and colonization increased significantly through the transfection of miRNA-30 mimic (P<0.05). Conclusion: The miRNA-30 controls spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, which may have significant implications for treating male infertility. [GMJ.2020;9:e1829]
Sexual Health Literacy, a Strategy for the Challenges of Sexual Life of Infertile Women: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Rakhshaee Zahra , Maasoumi Raziyeh , Nedjat Saharnaz , Khakbazan Zohreh
Published: December 2023

Background: Sexual health literacy enables an understanding and application of sexual health information and has benefits beyond health. Health literacy is an important element for achieving cognitive skills in health promotion. One of the most important problems in sexual health and sexual function in women is infertility. This study aims to explore the dimensions of sexual health literacy among women with infertility. Materials and Methods: In this qualitative study, a total of 18 individual interviews with 15 Iranian women with infertility, and three key informants, were conducted in infertility centers in Rasht (the North of Iran). Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews using interview guide questions. Data were analyzed using the conventional content analysis approach. Results: Five themes emerged: informational needs of sexual health, information seeking, informational perception, validation of information, and information application. Sexual issues are taboo in Iranian culture. They are not taught in health and educational centers. All the participants believed that there was a lack of information about the sexual response cycle, preventing sexually transmitted infections, targeted intercourse, and consequences of infertility in sexual life. Participants mentioned the embarrassment, privacy, and lack of centers for sexual health as information-seeking barriers. Searching different sources and questioning the informants were ways for understanding information. Women evaluated the accuracy of the information by considering the validity of the source of information, comparing information from different sources, and asking the experts. They applied the information received about sexual health, satisfaction, and especially targeted intercourse to increase the chance of pregnancy. Conclusion: Sexual health literacy in infertile women includes different dimensions. It can help promote sexual health, satisfaction, and increasing the chance of pregnancy. [GMJ.2020;9:e1862]