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To investigate Phlebotomus (P.) sergenti Parrot, 1917 (Diptera: Psychodidae) salivary gland antigens and their immune response in human. Methods: Human volunteers were exposed to sand flies' bites in the laboratory, and following each exposure the size of induration was recorded. The mean protein concentration of salivary gland lysate and specific anti-P. sergenti saliva IgG was measured. Sand fly salivary proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE and their immunoreactivity was examined by Western blotting assays. Results: Individuals exposed to P. sergenti salivary gland lysate for 8 months showed both antibody and delayed type hypersensitivity responses, although exposure for one month did not provoke any immune responses. The trend of antibody fluctuated during the exposure time and dropped by the end of antigen loading. The mean protein content was (0.36?0.08) ug in each pair salivary glands. Salivary gland lysate showed 11 to 12 major protein bands and 3 to 6 of them were immunoreactive. Conclusions: Our study showed that the salivary gland components of P. sergenti provoked both cellular and humoral immune responses in human. Furthermore, there are some immunogenic proteins in P. sergenti saliva which could be subjected for further investigation as vector-based vaccine candidate/s against anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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BACKGROUND@#Study of antioxidant vitamin consumption behavior, especially in high-risk groups with high exposure to toxic metals to reduce metal toxicity, is emphasized. This study aims to examine the structural relationships between knowledge, protection motivation theory constructs, and vitamin E and C consumption behavior among cement factory workers.@*METHODS@#Protection motivation theory and food frequency questionnaires were completed by 420 factory workers. Data were subjected to structural equation modeling to examine associations between knowledge, protection motivation theory constructs, and vitamin E and C consumption behavior. Efficacy of current recommended models was also explored.@*RESULTS@#Structural equation modeling showed high explained variance within the constructs of protection motivation theory for vitamin E and C consumption behavior and intention (56-76%). The overall fit of the structural models was acceptable for both vitamin E and C behavior. Knowledge, self-efficacy, response efficacy, and perceived vulnerability predicted intention, which in turn predicted vitamin consumption behavior. Significant relationships between knowledge and self-efficacy, response efficacy, perceived vulnerability, and perceived severity were also found, while self-efficacy and response efficacy showed significant relationships with vitamin E and C consumption behavior.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Considering that response efficacy, self-efficacy, and intention showed as strong predictors of vitamin E and C consumption behavior, specific attention should be paid to coping appraisals and intention when designing intervention plans. Additionally, establishing the predicting role of knowledge for protection motivation theory constructs and protective behaviors should be integrated into intervention programs.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Male , Ascorbic Acid , Construction Industry , Eating , Health Behavior , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Intention , Motivation , Self Efficacy , Vitamin EABSTRACT
Background and Aim: In recent decades, the survival rates of the children with cancer have improved significantly and their five-year survival rates have reached 80 percent, but there are still many concerns about the survival of adolescents and young people
Methods and Materials: In this retrospective study, the data of 310 children and adults with leukemia in Kurdistan Province were extracted from their medical records. Univariate and multivariate survival analysis were performed through calculating hazard ratios using Cox relative risk model. Data analysis was carried out using Stata 12 software
Results: This study included 201 adults with mean age of 50.8 years and 109 children with mean age of 5.2 years. The frequency of AML was higher in the adults [30.8 percent], while the frequency of ALL cases was higher in the children [86.2 percent]. The respective one-year and five-year survival rates, were 94.4 percent and 49.5 percent in the adults, and 92.6 percent and 83 percent in the children. The hazard ratios [HR] were 5.18 [95 percent CI: 2.60-13] in the adults with ALL and 4.11 [95 percent CI: 1.55-10.4] in the adults with AML, and 2.78 [95 percent CI: 1.05-7.37] in the patients with CML. Based on the results of multivariate analysis, the rate of mortality in children with ALL was lower [HR=0.26, 95 percent CI: 0.08-0.77]
Conclusion: Timely diagnosis and provision of treatment services for the patients are recommended. Considering the high rate of survival in the patients with ALL especially in children, we recommend provision of appropriate treatment facilities and palliative care services, similar to those in other countries, for the patients with different types of leukemia with high rates of mortality
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Acute Radiation- induced Skin reaction [ARISR] is a common side effect in the majority of patients receiving radiotherapy. ARISR is often characterized by swelling, redness, pigmentation, dry and moist desquamation, edema, ulceration, bleeding and necrosis of the Skin. This study was carried out to evaluate prevalence and severity of ARISR in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy and determining skin dose-response relationship. From December 2014 to September 2015, we evaluated 88 patients with head and neck cancer. The acute skin toxicity was scored based on RTOG toxicity criteria. Analysis of data using statistical software SPSS [version20] and ANOVA or chi- square test was done, with P
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Background: This study aimed to investigate the maturation and fertilization rates of immature mouse oocytes using Embryonic Stem Cell Conditioned Medium [ESCM]
Methods: Germinal Vesicle [GV] stage oocytes were observed in 120 NMRI mice, aged 4-6 weeks. GV oocytes with or without cumulus cells were subjected to IVM in either ESCM, Embryonic Stem Cell Growth Medium [ESGM], or alpha-minimum essential medium [alpha-MEM]. After recording the Metaphase II [MII] oocyte maturation rate, the oocytes were fertilized in vitro. The fertilization success rate was recorded after 24 hr. The embryos were maintained in potassium Simplex Optimization Medium [KSOM] for 96 hr and allowed to grow until the blastocyst stage. After recording developmental competence, they were transferred into the uteri of pseudopregnant mice and their birth rates were recorded
Results: No significant difference existed between the maturation rates in alpha-MEM [68.18%] and ESCM [64.67%; p>0.05], whereas this rate was significantly higher for both alpha-MEM and ESCM compared to ESGM [32.22%; p<0.05]. A significant difference in IVF success rate existed for oocytes grown in alpha-MEM [69.44%], ESCM [61.53%], and ESGM [0%]. A significantly higher developmental competence was observed at the blastocyst stage for oocytes grown in alpha-MEM [51.2%] compared to ESCM [35%; p<0.05]. 17 days after embryo transfer into the uteri of pseudopregnant mice, there was a nonsignficant [p>0.05], similar birth rate between alpha-MEM and ESCM [47 vs. 40%]
Conclusion: ESCM is an effective medium for preantral follicle growth, oocyte maturation, and subsequent embryo development
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Background: Mycoplasma infections are suggested as etiology of adverse pregnancy outcomes
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of Mycoplasma hominis [M. hominis] infection and spontaneous abortion among pregnant women
Materials and Methods: In this case-control study that was conducted from August 2012 to January 2013, totally, 109 women were included with spontaneous abortion with gestational ages of 10-20 weeks [Cases], and 109 women with normal pregnancy with gestational ages between 20-37 weeks [Controls] in Sanandaj, Iran. Using specific primers and extracted DNA from endocervical swabs, a PCR test was conducted for detection of M. hominis infection in women. For comparison of qualitative and quantitative variables, independent Fisher tests were used and p<0.05 was considered significant
Results: The total frequency of M. hominis infection was 6 [2.75%] in women. The frequency of M. hominis infection was 2 [1.83%] in the case group [spontaneous abortion] and 4 [3.66%] in the control group, respectively. In both case and control groups, no association was seen between M.hominis infection and spontaneous abortion [OR=0. 49, CI 95%: 0.08-2.73, p=0. 683]
Conclusion: M. hominis was positive in the genital tract of some pregnant women, but it was not associated with spontaneous abortion. However, to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes in women, foetus and neonate, routine screening and treatment for the genital Mycoplasma is recommended
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Background and Aim: Teaching is defined as a set of interactive, targeted measures designed, performed, and evaluated by the lecturer. In this process, lecturer and students can be affected. Effective teaching requires strong links between objectives, teaching, learning, and training methods. This study was conducted to determine viewpoints of the students in Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences and Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj Branch about effective teaching and its related factors
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 520 students from Kurdistan university of Medical Sciences and Islamic Azad university of Sanandaj. We used a questionnaire including demographic data [age, gender, field of the study, course of the study, etc.] and 23 questions on the characteristics of effective teaching for data collection. Using SPSS version 16, data were analyzed by descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, S.D; and, analytical statistics such as U Mann-Whitney and Kruskal- Wallis tests
Results: The most important features of effective teaching from the view point of the students were teacher's mastery [4.46 +/- 0.83] and interest [4.45 +/- 0.83]. The least important characteristics of effective teaching were easy access to the teacher outside the classroom [3.84 +/- 0.91] and using teaching aids by the teacher [3.67 +/- 1.10]. There were statistically significant differences between gender of the students and teaching method [p=0.007] and personal characteristics [p=0.02]
Conclusion: To improve the quality of education in these universities, it is recommended that characteristics such as teacher's mastery and interest in their fields of teaching be considered important
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Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is the etiology of most of sexually transmitted diseases. Colonization of C. trachomatis in the genital tract during early gestation has been associated with preterm birth, and preterm premature rupture of the membranes. The role of C. trachomatis on spontaneous abortion has not yet been proved completely. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of C. trachomatis infection among pregnant women and its association with spontaneous abortion
Methods: This case-control study was conducted from August 2012 until January 2013. Totally, 218 women were included; 109 women with spontaneous abortion with gestation age between 10-20 weeks [cases], and 109 women with normal pregnancy with gestation age between 20-30 weeks [controls] in Sanandaj, Iran. DNA was extracted from endocervical swabs and a PCR test was conducted for detection of C. trachomatis infection in women using specific primers. Independent T-test and Chi-square were used for comparison of quantitative and qualitative variables, respectively, and p<0.05 was considered significant
Results: The total prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 38[17.43%] in endocervical swabs of women. However, the number of cases with C. trachomatis infections was 25 out of 109[22.9%] in the case group and 13 out of 109[11.9%] in control group, respectively. Association between chlamydia infection and spontaneous abortion was statistically significant [OR=2.198, CI 95%: 1.058-4.56]
Conclusion: Our study showed that C. trachomatis infection was associated with spontaneous abortion. Thus, screening and treatment of pregnant women may prevent this adverse pregnancy outcome
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Chlamydia trachomatis , Chlamydia Infections , Reproductive Tract Infections , Pregnant Women , Case-Control StudiesABSTRACT
The liver is an organ at risk [OAR] in radiotherapy of thoracic and abdominal tumors such as gastric, distal esophagus, lower lung and breast, bile duct, pancreas and whole abdomen. In this study the alteration in liver functional tests [LFT] of these patients during radiotherapy was investigated. To that end, the level of serum aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], direct and total bilirubin were checked out at different times [before radiotherapy and every 2 weeks after the start of radiotherapy and followed up to 2 months after the end of treatment]. The results showed that LFT level increased during radiotherapy while they gradually decreased after treatment. Our results showed that the LFT serum is a very sensitive and useful biomarker for evaluation of the radiotherapy effects
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Objective: The surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis [AFP] is a key strategy for monitoring the progress of poliomyelitis eradication and is a sensitive measure for detecting potential cases of poliomyelitis and poliovirus infection. This study was conducted to describe the characteristics of patients reported with AFP, and to evaluate the performance of the surveillance system in Kurdistan province, western Iran, using indicators recommended by the World Health Organization [WHO]
Methods: This observational study was conducted from January 2000 to December 2010 at the Kurdistan Center for Disease Control and the Department of Pediatrics. All children who fulfilled the WHO definition for AFP were included in our study. The stool samples of all the children were sent for poliovirus isolation. All the patients were evaluated for 60 days after the onset of symptoms to identify the signs of residual weakness
Findings: One-hundred thirty nine children aged <15 years were reported to the Center for Diseases Control with AFP. In 138 [99%] stool samples no poliovirus was isolated. None of the patients was diagnosed as having acute poliomyelitis or polio-compatible paralysis. Guillain-Barre syndrome was the most frequent final diagnosis [79 cases] followed by Transverse Myelitis [7 cases] and Encephalitis [6 cases]. By detecting 1.3 to 3.6 [mean 3.2] AFP cases per 100 000 population in Kurdistan during the study period, we achieved the WHO target for AFP surveillance. All performance indicators but one consistently met the WHO requirements and therefore demonstrated the effectiveness of the AFP surveillance program in Kurdistan
Conclusion: The effective surveillance system in Kurdistan and its evaluation may serve as a model for the surveillance of other infectious diseases
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Based on some estimation more than two million peoples in Iran are affected by Type 2 diabetes. The present study was designed to evaluate the status of diabetes control among Type 2 diabetes patients in Kurdistan, west of Iran and its associated factors. In our cross sectional study conducted in 2010, 411 Type 2 diabetes patients were randomly recruited from Sanandaj, Capital of Kurdistan. Chi square test was used in univariate analysis to address the association between HgAlc and FBS status and other variables. The significant results from Univariate analysis were entered in multivariate analysis and multinomial logistic regression model. In 38% of patients, FBS was in normal range [70-130] and in 47% HgA1c was <7% which is normal range for HgA1c. In univariate analysis, FBS level was associated with educational levels [P=0.001], referral style [P=0.001], referral time [P=0.009], and insulin injection [P=0.016]. In addition, HgA1c had a relationship with sex [P=0.023], age [P=0.035], education [P=0.001], referral style [P=0.001], and insulin injection [P=0.008]. After using multinomial logistic regression for significant results of univariate analysis, it was found that FBS was significantly associated with referral style. In addition HgA1c was significantly associated with referral style and Insulin injection. Although some of patients were under the coverage of specialized cares, but their diabetes were not properly controlled
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Disk herniation is one of the causes of low back pain that 90% of people experience this pain. There are many pharmacological and non pharmacological methods to alleviate the low back pain, such as physiotherapy techniques [infra red and hot pack, etc]. In this study we investigated the effect of infra red and hot pack on the low back pain associated with disk herniation. In this experimental study, 60 patients with disk herniation were selected and divided randomly into infra red and hot pack groups. Severity of the pain was measured on the basis of a numerical rating scale up to 10. Intervention was performed three times a week for one month. Severity and duration of pain were measured before and after intervention. SPSS soft ware was used for data analysis. The results of this study showed that the mean scores of pain severity and duration in infra red group was 65.67+/-8.33 minutes which decreased to 44.33+/-5.60 minutes after intervention. The respective values for the hot pack group were 81+/-8.6 and 50.33+/-5.60 minutes before and after intervention. Effect of infra red and hot pack on pain reduction was the same after intervention but infra red was more effective in reducing the duration of pain. Considering the effect of infra red, it can be recommended for pain reduction as a safe non pharmacological method. Hot pack is also effective in reducing pain by producing humid heat and patients compliance with this method will be higher