Editorial
Epidemiology
Yoosef Aslani; Masoud Amiri; Hossein Ali Mehralian
Volume 2, Issue 3 , September 2015, Pages 110-112
Abstract
Every year, millions of Muslims from all over the world, are going to participate in the pilgrimage Hajj, located in Mecca in Saudi Arabia. There are two types of Hajj: Great Hajj and Umrah Hajj. Great pilgrimage or Hajj is obligatory for each Muslim once in entire his/her life and will occur only once ...
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Every year, millions of Muslims from all over the world, are going to participate in the pilgrimage Hajj, located in Mecca in Saudi Arabia. There are two types of Hajj: Great Hajj and Umrah Hajj. Great pilgrimage or Hajj is obligatory for each Muslim once in entire his/her life and will occur only once a year; i.e. in the 11th month of Arabic calendar. Due to the nature of Arabic calendar (11 days less than 365 days of Persian/Christian calendar), this month is variable each year and will be in different seasons over the years. Another type of Hajj is Umrah which is possible to be participating in the rest of the year (11 months) and it is not obligatory. The accumulation of many people from all parts of the world, in terms of health management, is of great importance. In fact, every person could be a carrier of various chronic or acute diseases. This huge population may lead to occurrence of several epidemics, especially respiratory infections. Iran, as one of the biggest Muslim countries in the Middle East will annually send many people to Mecca. In 2015, more than 65 Thousands of Iranian pilgrims Hajj went to the Mecca. All of these pilgrims may be at risk for different diseases and should be considered as the potential carriers of diseases when return to Iran.1 The outbreak in Saudi Arabia is very important, because every year more than at least two millions people go for Great Hajj as well as the rest of year who hundreds of thousands of Muslim countries will send their own people for the Umrah Hajj.2 Recently, MERS-CoV, a new and potentially fatally virus from the same family as the common cold and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Virus (SARS), is considered very important which is made by the virus named MERS-CoV.3 MERS is a respiratory condition which is caused by a virus but only has recently been seen in humans.4 Symptoms may include fever (more than 38 degrees), cough and shortness of breath, due to the effect of virus on the lower and upper respiratory tracts, leading to coughing, shortness of breath, fever and pneumonia.5 The virus is targeted in cells of the lungs and possibly the kidneys, which may explain the observed kidney failure cases; however, some infected people may report no symptom, which is epidemiologically very important.6 Cases of MERS, at first, were appeared in September 2012 in Saudi Arabia, and since that time, the virus has resulted in sickness of more than 500 people in 14 countries (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, France, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Greece, Malaysia, Iran, United kingdom and United states).7 Unfortunately, about 30 percent of infected people have been died.6 Geographically, most of the cases have been seen in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia.4,5,8 Scientists believe that the virus may have been circulating in Arabian camels for more than 20 years as well as bats as the initial culprit, possibly infecting camels and then humans.9 Some early victims had worked with camels, ate (well-uncooked) camel meat or drank unboiled camel milk, which has confirmed that the virus may pass from camels to humans.9 However, the exact way of its spreading is not completely known, perhaps through air or bodily fluids.9 It is a pity that many of patients were health care workers and family members who had close contact with an infected person.10 Some other scientists state that MERS may epidemiologically be linked to healthcare facilities, suggesting nosocomial transmission.9,10 For management of disease, patients are recommended to be isolated, either in a hospital or at home if the viral infection is not too severe.5 The management of disease is mainly for the symptoms; for example, patients with breathing difficulties would be supported with a machine to provide extra oxygen, or be given medication for fever. There is no vaccine yet; and in the best-case scenario, it would take at least three years to develop one.5 It is recommended that in order to prevent transmission of disease, the following tips would be considered by everyone: Washing hands regularly; using a tissue when sneezing or coughing; avoid touching the face during sneezing or coughing with unwashed hands; disinfecting surfaces which were in contact with infected people; being away from the patient or those who have recently returned from Mecca, especially avoiding to kiss or shaking hand with pilgrims and their relatives.2,4,7
Original Article
Nursing
Molouk Jaafarpour; ali khani; Javaher khajavikhan
Volume 2, Issue 3 , September 2015, Pages 113-117
Abstract
Background and Aims: Laryngospasm and vomiting occurring after tracheal extubation in children is potentially dangerous. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of preoperative 0.5 mg/kg i.v. Dexamethasone on the incidence of postextubation laryngospasm, and vomiting in children after tonsillectomy. ...
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Background and Aims: Laryngospasm and vomiting occurring after tracheal extubation in children is potentially dangerous. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of preoperative 0.5 mg/kg i.v. Dexamethasone on the incidence of postextubation laryngospasm, and vomiting in children after tonsillectomy. Material and Methods : This study was performed at the Ilam Imam Khomeini hospital, IR, during the year 2009. In a randomized, double-blind trial, 66 pediatric patients 4-12 years (Dexamethasone group, n=33- placebo group , n=33) undergoing tonsillectomy received IV placebo (saline) or Dexamethasone , 0.5mg/kg IV after the induction of anesthesia before surgery. The incidence of postextubation laryngospasm and vomiting was recorded by the an investigator. All collected data were analyzed with using the statistical software (SPSS, Ver.16). Results : Mean age in Dexamethasone group 6.4±2.2, placebo group 6.1±2.8. Mean weight in Dexamethasone group 19.2±5.3, placebo group 20.3± 6.8 (p>0.05). Mean duration of anesthesia in Dexamethasone group 57.4 ±7.4 min, placebo group 55.6±4.6min. Mean duration of surgery in Dexamethasone group 40.7±6.7min , placebo group 42.3 ±8.4min (p>0.05). The incidence of postextubation laryngospasm in Dexamethasone group (6%) was lower than that in the placebo group (30%) (p
Original Article
Neurology
Ayoob Rostamzadeh; Masoud Amiri; Mohammad Taghi Joghataei; Mohammad Farzizadeh; Daryoush Fatehi
Volume 2, Issue 3 , September 2015, Pages 118-125
Abstract
Background and aims: Finding the safe location of spinal cord for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during surgical procedures is very important due to its various nature for each patient as well as its potential peripheral nervous system hazards. The aim of this study was to find the relationship between the ...
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Background and aims: Finding the safe location of spinal cord for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during surgical procedures is very important due to its various nature for each patient as well as its potential peripheral nervous system hazards. The aim of this study was to find the relationship between the location of conus medullaris (CM) and gender, age and body mass index (BMI) in order to minimize the potential diagnostic errors. Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with T1-weighted sagittal spin echo sequences of the lumbar spine was studied in 350 patients older than 20 years old, whom had been referred for imaging in order to assess the potential causes of low back pain of the lumbar spine, and were referred to Shahid Chamran MRI center in Sanandaj, located in the west of Iran, this study was done in 2014. The results were compared with international standards to reveal the potential errors. Results: In different age groups, the mean position was varied ranging from T12-L1 intervertebral disc to upper part of L1 middle third, not clinically significant. The inter canal position of the spinal cord was toward dorsal. No significant relationship was found between CM and gender, age as well as BMI. Similar relationship was found for the spinal cord position in spinal column. Conclusion: There is a safe region of 2-4 vertebral bodies and intervertebral spaces during spinal block. It means that the variation of CM position and its end level could be a guidance to realize that why neurological symptoms may vary in different patients.
Original Article
Epidemiology
Mahdi Mohammadian; Reza Packzad; Hamid Salehiniya; Salman Khazaie; Shahrzad Nematollahi; Mahin 2 Ahmadi Pishkuhi2; Abdollah Mohammadian Hafshejani
Volume 2, Issue 3 , September 2015, Pages 126-133
Abstract
Background and aims: Although accident is the secondary cause of mortality in Iran, information on the occurrence and mortality are not wholly understood. The study aimed to explore seasonal occurrence and mortality pattern of traffic accidents in Isfahan population, Iran.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional. ...
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Background and aims: Although accident is the secondary cause of mortality in Iran, information on the occurrence and mortality are not wholly understood. The study aimed to explore seasonal occurrence and mortality pattern of traffic accidents in Isfahan population, Iran.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional. The data on traffic accidents of Isfahan Province was extracted from the Ministry of Health (MOH) database from 2006 to 2011. The data included the number of traffic accidents attributed to motor vehicles, motorcycles and pedestrians.Results: The hospital admission for traffic accidents was highest during the summer and lowest during the autumn. They increased 43.35%, 97.8% and 3.5% during the spring, summer and winter; respectively compared to the autumn. Odds Ratios for death from traffic accident were 1.87 (CI 95% 0.95-1.43)in spring, 1.5 (CI 95% 1.16-1.69) in summer and 1.42 (CI 95% 1.13-1.72) in autumn; for male was 1.37 (CI95% 1.13-1.52) and for age was 1.05 (CI95% 1.03-1.07) and in out of urban-rural 2.45 (CI95% 2.07- 2.83), rural 3.1 (CI95% 2.61-3.61) and for motor vehicles 1.5 (CI95% 1.31-1.75) but for pedestrians was 1.74 (CI95% 1.47-2.06).Conclusion: There is a seasonal variation in occurrence and mortality from traffic accidents. The highest occurrence of traffic accident was during summer, and the lowest rate in autumn. The highest and lowest in hospital mortality rate was observed in summer and winter, respectively. After adjusting the model, the risk of in-hospital mortality was significant for gender, age, season, type of accidents and accident place.
Original Article
Health Promotion
Safa Seidpour; Eskandar Gholamy- Parizad; Abdolhossein Poornajaf; Ashraf Direkvand-Moghadam; Ali Delpisheh
Volume 2, Issue 3 , September 2015, Pages 134-139
Abstract
Background and aims: The mortality rate for breast cancer is directly related to the stage of disease at diagnosis. The present study was aimed to determine the factors influencing on knowledge, attitudes, and practices in women with breast cancer and its screening methods.Methods: In a cross- sectional ...
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Background and aims: The mortality rate for breast cancer is directly related to the stage of disease at diagnosis. The present study was aimed to determine the factors influencing on knowledge, attitudes, and practices in women with breast cancer and its screening methods.Methods: In a cross- sectional study, we evaluated 383 women who referred to health centers of Ilam. Sampling was done in 2 stages. The inclusion criteria were included healthy women with minimum education level. Data were collected by a two-section questionnaire including demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes and practices of women with the breast cancer and its screening methods. Data were analyzed using chi-square and t-test in SPSS software. The level of significance was considered P<0.05.Results: The Mean ± SD knowledge score was 22.43±11.01. The Mean ± SD attitude and performance score were 29.08±3.34 and 3.52±1.66, respectively. There was a significant correlation between age, occupation and education with knowledge, attitude and practice of women with breast cancer and its screening methods (P<0.05). There was no significant relationship among the marital status, history of benign breast disease and family history with knowledge, attitudes and practices of breast cancer and screening methods, (P>0.05).Conclusion: Half of the participants had good knowledge about breast cancer and screening procedures, but, all the participants with good knowledge had not good practice. Therefore, further training is necessary to enhance awareness and more research should be conducted to identify barriers to women's performance.
Original Article
Biotechnology
Hamidreza Iranpoor; Venus Vatankhah; Masoud Lotfizadeh
Volume 2, Issue 3 , September 2015, Pages 140-145
Abstract
Background and aims: Laron syndrome is a disease that treated by Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). This protein is a single chain and has three disulfide bonds. People with Laron syndrome have low rates of cancer and diabetes, although they appear to be at increased risk of casual death due to their ...
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Background and aims: Laron syndrome is a disease that treated by Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). This protein is a single chain and has three disulfide bonds. People with Laron syndrome have low rates of cancer and diabetes, although they appear to be at increased risk of casual death due to their stature. IGF-1 is synthesized by many tissues and is secreted from liver as an endocrine hormone which is transmitted to other tissues. IGF-1 is responsible for cell differentiation, transformation, suppression of apoptosis, cell cycle progression, cell proliferation and differentiation. Expression system, the igf-1 gene, codon adaptation index (CAI) and GC contents are very critical for the large scale production of this protein. Current study was aimed to Optimization and Construction of human IGF-1 gene in E. coli DH5α. Methods: we used DNA2 and ProtParam softwares for designing the best form to produce IGF-1. First, the coding sequence was verified and then synthesized. For confirmation of the pUC18-IGF-1, sequencing test was carried out using M13 reverse primer. Finally it was inserted into the cloning site of pUC18. Results: After coding optimization, the CAI rate was increased from 84 % to 90% and GC content from 55.07 % to 56.62%. The presence of the band near 225bp resulted from enzymatic digestion with 2 restriction enzymes demonstrates the correct cloning of the recombinant vectors in the cloning site of pUC18 cloning vector. Conclusion: According to software and experimental analysis, the designed sequence probably in the best form could be used for production of recombinant protein.
Original Article
HIV/AIDS
Amin Doosti-Irani; Zahra Cheraghi; Safoora Doosti-Irani
Volume 2, Issue 3 , September 2015, Pages 146-151
Abstract
Background and aims: Burden of HIV and AIDS is considerably different among regions and countries around the world. The aim of this study was to assess the inequality in the prevalence of HIV, according to human development index worldwide. Methods: The desired outcome was prevalence of HIV, which was ...
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Background and aims: Burden of HIV and AIDS is considerably different among regions and countries around the world. The aim of this study was to assess the inequality in the prevalence of HIV, according to human development index worldwide. Methods: The desired outcome was prevalence of HIV, which was estimated in 100 countries in 2012. The annual report of Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) was used for determining the prevalence of HIV in countries. In addition, we used the data of the human development index of the countries from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). We defined inequality of human development index in the prevalence of HIV by using the concentration index. Results: Concentration index for prevalence of HIV among 25-49 years adults was -0.217 (95% CI: -0.074, -0.361). This index indicated the inequality in the prevalence of HIV based on the human development index and concentrating on more HIV subjects in poor countries. In addition, concentration indexes in the prevalence of HIV among young males and females were 0.229 and -0.200, respectively. Conclusion: This study emphasized on the inequality in the prevalence of HIV and concentration of HIV in countries with lower human development index. Therefore, it is recommended that the international organizations should perform fundamental actions to help these countries, such as prevention, care and treatment programs.
Review article
Infectious Disease
Mehdi Agha Seyed Hosseini; Amir hossein Mansourabadi; Ali Shams; Nastaran Razavi; Mohammad Hassanzadeh
Volume 2, Issue 3 , September 2015, Pages 152-161
Abstract
Background and aims: IL-22 is an alpha- helical cytokine. IL-22 binds to a heterodimeric cell surface receptor composed of IL-10R2 and IL-22R1subunits. IL-22R is expressed on tissue cells, and it is absent on immune cells. L-22 and IL-10 receptor chains play a role in cellular targeting and signal transduction ...
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Background and aims: IL-22 is an alpha- helical cytokine. IL-22 binds to a heterodimeric cell surface receptor composed of IL-10R2 and IL-22R1subunits. IL-22R is expressed on tissue cells, and it is absent on immune cells. L-22 and IL-10 receptor chains play a role in cellular targeting and signal transduction to selectively initiate and regulate immune responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the Role of Interleukin (IL-22) in Immune Response in human diseases. Methods: This study was a mini-review research to investigate the role of T helper 22 (Th22) in immune response. Results: IL-22 contributes to immune disease through the stimulation of inflammatory responses, S100s and defensins. IL-22 also promotes hepatocyte survival in the liver and epithelial cells in the lung and gut similar to IL-10. In some contexts, the pro-inflammatory versus tissue-protective functions of IL-22 are regulated by the often co-expressed cytokine IL-17A. IL-22 confirms regulation of antimicrobial proteins. Targeting the IL-22–IL-22R pathway may yield new therapeutic potential for the treatment of certain human diseases. Conclusion: IL-22 is expressed constitutively by LTi-like cells within the small intestine, a tissue that is under the careful immune balance between inflammation and tolerance. Gaining a better understanding of the expression and role of IL-22 in health and disease is important for development of IL-22 as a potential drug target IL-22 is expressed constitutively by LTi-like cells within the small intestine, a tissue that is under the careful immune balance between inflammation and tolerance. Obtaining a better understanding of the expression and role of IL-22 in health and disease is important for development of IL-22 as a potential drug target.