The Frequency of IgM anti-Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) Antibodies among Slaughterhouse Workers in Kerman city, 2012
Mohammad-Reza
Aflatoonian
Instructor of Epidemiology, Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases & Research Center of Leishmaniasis, Kerman
University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
author
Mohammad
Khalili
Associate Professor, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman,
Kerman, Iran
author
Masood
Sami
Associate Professor, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman,
Kerman, Iran
author
Zeynab
Abiri
Postgraduate Student, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
author
text
article
2014
eng
Background & Aim: Q fever is an important zoonotic disease caused by infection with Coxiella burnetii, a Gram negative, obligate intracellular bacterium classified within the order Legionellales. Farmers, veterinarians, abattoir workers and laboratory personnel are among persons at risk of Q fever. The aim of this study was to determine frequency of IgM anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies in slaughterhouse workers in Kerman city/ Iran. Method: In this survey, 64 sera samples were gathered during May - June 2011 from slaughterhouse workers to evaluate the presence of phase II IgM antibodies against Q fever, using a commercial indirect ELISA test (Virion/Sermon, Germany). Results: Among all sera samples tested, only 5 samples (7.8%) were positive for the presence of IgM antibodies. Conclusion: Since chronic Q fever leads to more complex conditions like endocarditics, chronic fatigue syndrome and recurrent abortion, preventive measures like using mask or available vaccines are recommended. Moreover, early diagnosis of Q fever followed by appropriate treatment is necessary.
Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
1023-9510
21
v.
1
no.
2014
368
375
https://jkmu.kmu.ac.ir/article_16158_593e1d23e1face09e44a08361765d1ec.pdf
A Study of the Seasonal Incidence of Multiple Sclerosis Attacks in Kerman, Iran
Mohammad Ali
Shafa
Associate Professor, Neurology, Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
author
H0ssein Ali
Ebrahimi
Professor of Neurology, Neurology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
author
Narges
Khanjani
Associate Professor of Epidemiology, School of Health & Neurology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences,
Kerman, Iran
author
text
article
2014
eng
Background & Aims: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the nervous system, the cause of which remains unknown. Its prevalence rate has been estimated at 2.5 million individuals across the globe, and 31.5 individuals per 100,000 in Kerman province, Iran. Although different studies have reported disparate results, there are many authentic reports claiming that seasonal changes affect MS prevalence in certain months. The presentstudy investigated the rate of MS seizuresin terms of differentseasons. Methods: Patients referring to the Neurology Ward of Shafa medical center, affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran, were examined in a 5 year period from 2007 to 2011. A specially developed form, containing demographic and background information, and results of examinations, was filled out for each and every patient. A neurology faculty member approved MS seizures or otherwise rejected irrelevant observations. Findings were analyzed through SPSS20 software. Results: In the present study, 802 attacks of MS were detected; 187 cases in men (23.32%) and 615 cases in women (76.68%). The mean age of the participants was 32.69 years. The highest rate of hospitalization occurred in winter and spring. This finding is mostly related to MS attacks in women, but in men the rate of attacks are equal in differentseasons. Conclusion: During the past 5 years, 802 acute cases of multiple were registered (187 cases (23.3%) in men and 615 cases(76.68%) in women). Most cases occurred in winter and spring, which may be due to seasonal infections or other factorstriggered by certain climatic conditionsspecific to these periods.
Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
1023-9510
21
v.
1
no.
2014
376
383
https://jkmu.kmu.ac.ir/article_16160_e4faa66bf49fe9c01621dc6df89777f7.pdf
The Effect of Adiponectin on Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Maryam
Saneipour
M.Sc Student, Department of Biochemistry, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
author
Keyhan
GhatrehSamani
Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical
Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
author
Esfandiar
Heydarian
Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical
Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
author
Efat
Farrokhi
Ph.D. Student, Cellular and Molecular ResearchCenter, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
author
text
article
2014
eng
Background & Aims: Atherosclerosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Adiponectin reducesthe risk of heart disease, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is involved in the formation and development of atherosclerotic plaque. The aim of this study was the investigation of the effect of adiponectin on MMP-9 gene expression. It seems this hormone can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by MMP-9 gene expression reduction. Methods: Human aorta smooth muscle cells were cultured in F12K media in appropriate environment and conditions, then, the cells were treated with 5 µg/ml adiponectin. After 24 and 48 hour, total RNA was extracted and corresponding cDNA was made. After drawing standard curve and determining the efficiency of the reaction, MMP-9 gene expression was measured by the SYBR Green kit and real time PCR method. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene was the reference gene. The amount of MMP-9 protein, compared to the β-actin protein as reference protein, was estimated with Western blot method. Results: adiponectin did not cause a ch ange in gene expression of MMP-9 in 24 hours, but in 48 hours reduced gene expression (-1.1, and -5.5, respectively). As a result of MMP-9 gene expression reduction, protein also reduced after 48 hours compared to β-actin protein. Conclusion: Through the reduction of MMP-9 protein and gene expression, adiponectin changes extra cellular matrix which may reduce the risk and complications of atherosclerosis
Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
1023-9510
21
v.
1
no.
2014
384
393
https://jkmu.kmu.ac.ir/article_16161_f68d407c4e91feac5c94b2b47a7adf58.pdf
Prevalence of Vancomycin Resistance in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
Parviz
Mohajeri
Assistant Professor of Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical
Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
author
Abbas
Farahani
Student ResearchCommittee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
author
Abolfazl
Davoodabadi
Ph.D. Student, Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
author
Omar
Ghaderi
Student ResearchCommittee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
author
Mohsen
Rahnema
Student, School of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
author
text
article
2014
eng
Background & Aims: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common pathogens in nosocomial infections. Vancomycin is the most important therapeutic drug of choice for treatment of infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. Therefore, vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) or vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) strains are warnings for the medical community. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of vancomycin resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the nose of patients hospitalized in Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah, Iran. Methods: In the present study, 85 strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from patients in Imam Reza Hospital and evaluated for vancomycin resistance with microdilution test, Epsilometer test (E-test), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: None of the strains were completely resistant to vancomycin; however, 39 strains (45.9%) were diagnosed as hetero-VRSA (hVISA)strains. Conclusion: VISA and VRSA strains were not observed in this study which is a promising finding in the treatment of clinical infections due to Staphylococcus aureus in our society. However, in our study, the prevalence of hVISA strain was 45.9%, which is perhaps a sign of the appearance of more resistant strains (VISA and VRSA) in our country in the future.
Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
1023-9510
21
v.
1
no.
2014
394
404
https://jkmu.kmu.ac.ir/article_16191_b5bcba27a3f34395e0a8543f6f9f484b.pdf
A Validity Study of the Modified Tardieu Scale in Measruing Poststroke Knee Extensor Spasticity
Noureddin
Nakhostin Ansari
Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
author
Soofia
Naghdi
Associate Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
author
Mehdi
Dadgoo
Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences,
Tehran, Iran
author
Maryam
Senobari
Lecturer, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
author
Samaneh
Gholami
Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
author
Azadeh
Tabatabaei
Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
author
text
article
2014
eng
Background & Aims: The Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) is a clinical scale for measuring the degree of muscle spasticity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of the MTS in measuring poststroke knee extensorspasticity. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed in 2012 at a university clinic of neurological physiotherapy in Tehran, Iran, with repeated measurements. In the present study, 15 poststroke patients with a mean age of 53.8 ± 14.0 years and mean time since stroke of 40.0 ± 32.2 months participated. The knee extensor muscle spasticity was assessed using the MTS to calculate the R2-R1 as the main clinical measure. To calculate the work, an isokinetic dynamometer was used to quantify torque-angle data during passive movements at 4 speeds (60°, 120°, 180°, and 240°/sec). The linear regression was used to calculate the slope for the work-velocity data [Joule/(degree/sec)]. Results: There were significant differences between works done by the dynamometer at four speeds; as the speed increased the work decreased (P < 0.01). Mean (standard deviation) slope for the work-velocity data was-0.76 (0.78). There was no significant correlation between the dynamic component of MTS (R2-R1) and slope for the work-velocity data. Conclusion: The results indicate that the MTS might not be a valid measure for assessing knee extensor muscle spasticity in thissample of patients afterstroke
Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
1023-9510
21
v.
1
no.
2014
405
415
https://jkmu.kmu.ac.ir/article_16192_d5988b50491a246110259b59d9ac70e0.pdf
The Role of Health Beliefsin Predicting Barriersto Cervical Cancer Screening
Kobra
Hajializadeh
Ph.D. in Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran
author
Hasan
Ahadi
Professor, Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran
author
Farhad
Jomehri
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Allameh Tabatabaii University, Tehran, Iran
author
Mehdi
Rahgozar
Associate Professor, Department ofBiostatistics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
author
text
article
2014
eng
Background & Aims: Health beliefs play an important role in encouraging people to engage in behaviors related to health promotion. Thus, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of health beliefs in predicting barriersto cervical cancerscreening among women in Bandar Abbas, Iran. Methods: Using convenience and random sampling, this cross-sectional study was conducted on 681 married women who referred to health centers of Bandar Abbas. The data collection tool was a questionnaire based on the health belief model. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and multivariate regression analysis. Results: The results showed that 50.23% of subjects had previously had a Pap smear test. The mean intensity score and perceived benefits were higher in subjects who had had Pap smear compared to those who had not. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that benefits and perceived vulnerabilities were predictors of barriersto the Pap smearscreening test. Conclusion: The health belief model, accordingly, appears to be useful in predicting barriers to cervical cancerscreening
Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
1023-9510
21
v.
1
no.
2014
416
425
https://jkmu.kmu.ac.ir/article_16193_360e740bfa5c30c14d70665284bc913d.pdf
Comparison of Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of the Three Date Palm Varieties of Hajmohamadi, Kabkab, and Khasi (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Different Ripening Stages
Masoud
Veissi
Lecturer, Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz,
Iran
author
Shirin
Amini
M.Sc. Student, Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Jundishapur University of
Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
author
Mozhgan
Noor Behbahani
Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
author
Seyed Mahmoud
Latifi
Lecturer, Department of Biostatistics & Diabetes Research Center, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences,
Ahvaz, Iran
author
text
article
2014
eng
Background & Aims: Date palm fruit is one of the highly consumed foods with antioxidant compounds and high nutritive value in Iran. In this study, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of three varieties of date palm (Hajmohamadi, Kabkab, and Khasi) in three stages of ripening were investigated. Methods: This was a laboratory study. Palm fruits of Hajmohamadi, Kabkab, and Khasi varieties in three stages of Khalal, Rotab, and Tamar were collected of Behbahan, Khuzestan province, Iran, in November 2012. Hydroalcholic extracts were prepared by maceration method. Total phenolic content was measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging, and total antioxidant capacity tests were used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of extracts. Results: Phenolic compound content, ferric reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity increased in Hajmohamadi, Kabkab, and Khasi varieties during ripening. Increase in ferric reducing power was significant. The lowest DPPH test result (IC50), in all three varieties during ripening, was observed in the date stage. Conclusion: Ferric reducing power increases during ripening stages. Moreover, the DPPH radical scavenging capacity decreases in the three varieties of dates during ripening
Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
1023-9510
21
v.
1
no.
2014
426
436
https://jkmu.kmu.ac.ir/article_16194_3bb877257c6451ab718deb946b422979.pdf
Comparison of the Effects of Vibration Technique and Resistive Exercise on Knee Pain and Proprioception in Patients with Chondromalacia Patellae
Vahid
Mazloum
Physical Therapist & Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Sports Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Shahid Bahonar University of
Kerman, Kerman, Iran
author
Nader
Rahnama
Associate Professor, Department of Sports Medicine, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
author
text
article
2014
eng
Background & Aims: Chondromalacia patella is one of the chronic dysfunctions of the patella femoral joint which is the most common anterior knee syndrome especially among the youth. Muscle weakness and proprioception deficit are the subsequent problems of this dysfunction. Thus, the aim of this study was the investigation and comparison of the effects of vibration training and resistive exercise on this disorder. Methods: In the present study, 35 men (mean ± standard deviation of: age = 22.6±2.9 years, height = 175.5±8.3 cm, and weight =77.6±9.3 kg) were selected via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups, including the vibration technique (n=12), resistive exercise (n=12), and control (n=11). The first two groups followed their own specific protocol 3 days per week for 8 weeks, and were forbidden from participating in any sport or physical activity. Pain intensity and active angle reproduction error (AARE) for 45˚ knee flexion were assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Biodex system. Results: The pain and AARE were decreased significantly in both experimental groups in comparison to the control group (P<0.001). However, in patients who performed vibration training, pain (P<0.001) and AARE (P0.001) decreased more significantly than those treated with resistive exercise. Conclusion: It can be concluded that both therapeutic interventions can reduce pain and improve proprioception in patients with chondromalacia patella; however, the vibration technique has more suitable effects.
Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
1023-9510
21
v.
1
no.
2014
437
445
https://jkmu.kmu.ac.ir/article_16195_a7cee4a10b61ceb510471d0af141f121.pdf
Prevalence of Near Fatal Asthma and Related Risk Factors in Asthmatic Patients in Kerman
Rostam
Yazdani
Assistant professor, Afzalipour School of Medicine & Physiology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences,
Kerman, Iran
author
Mitra
Semareh-Fekri
Assistant professor, Afzalipour School of Medicine & Physiology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences,
Kerman, Iran
author
Mohammad-Hasan
Tohidi
Assistant Professor, Afzalipour School of Medicine & Physiology Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman
University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
author
Mahboobeh
Khalili
Internal Medicine Specialist, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
author
text
article
2014
eng
Background & Aims: Asthma is one of the most common diseases worldwilde that can be prevented with optimal access to medical care. Since there is no data about the prevalence of risk factors of death caused by asthma in our region, the present study was performed to determine the prevalence risk factors of fatal asthma in asthmatic patients. Methods: This study was done on 200 asthmatic patients who referred to Be’sat clinic in Kerman/Iran. Asthma diagnosis was made through physical examination or spirometery. A questionnaire consisting demographic features and related risk factors was filled by the physician for each patient. Then, data were analyzed using SPSS15 software. Results: Totally, 82% of the patients had at least one of the risk factors of death caused by asthma. The most common risk factors were being jobless (63%) and inability to pay for asthma medications (43%). Moreever, 73% of patients had severe permanent asthma. Conclusion: Since most of the deaths from asthma are preventable and there are several efficient treatments for asthma, even small proportion of mortality related to asthma is unacceptable. Furthermore, because a majority of patients, in spite of the degree of their problem, had not been treated adequately, providing required education about asthma and its treatment for physicians, especially family physicians is necessary.
Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
1023-9510
21
v.
1
no.
2014
446
453
https://jkmu.kmu.ac.ir/article_16196_cabea21a506455ad6737149287060643.pdf