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Background: Human arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 [NAT2] gene has a key role in xenobiotic metabolism through the conjugation of acetyl group to xenobiotic substances. NAT2 has been suggested as a susceptibility factor in endometriosis; however, the results of studies have been controversial. In this study, the association of NAT2 polymorphisms with susceptibility to endometriosis was evaluated in an Iranian population
Methods: This is an association study and totally 141 women with diagnosis of endometriosis and 158 healthy women as control group were analyzed for NAT2 gene polymorphisms [C481T, A803G, G857A and G590A] by PCR-RFLP methods
Results: The 590 GA genotype was significantly lower [p=0.001; OR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.25-0.71] in the patients [38.3%] than the control group [55.1%]. The 590A allele was significantly lower [p=0.033; OR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.49-0.79] in the patients [31.2%] compared with the controls [39.6%]. Analysis of haplotypes showed that NAT2 481C, 803A, 590A, 587A combination was significantly different between the case and control women [p= 0.029; OR=3.11, 95% CI: 1.13-8.52]
Conclusion: The NAT2 G590A SNP may be associated with susceptibility to endometriosis and the 590A allele may have a protective role in development of endometriosis. The NAT2 481C, 803A, 590A, 587A haplotype was associated with a higher risk of endometriosis in Iranian population
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Background: Nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate [NSCL/P] is the most common orofacial birth defect, often attributed to ethnic and environmental differences. Up to now, linkage analyses and genome-wide association studies have identified several genomic susceptibility regions for NSCL/P. The WNT genes including WNT3 are strong candidates for NSCL/P, since they are involved in regulating mid-face development and upper lip fusion. This study tested association of the WNT3 polymorphisms, rs- 3809857 G/T and rs9890413 G/A, with the risk of NSCL/P in a population of Iranian infants
Methods: The allelic and genotypic frequencies for each participant were determined in 113 unrelated Iranian subjects with NSCL/P and 220 control subjects using PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism [RFLP] methods. A p-value of
Results: The WNT3 rs3809857 GT genotype was significantly lower [p=0.039, OR=0.55, 95% CI=0.30-0.97] in the NSCL/P [21.2%] than the control group [30.42%]. For the WNT3 rs9890413 G/A polymorphism, neither genotype nor allele frequencies were significantly different between the case and control groups
Conclusion: Our results indicated that the WNT3 rs3809857 GT genotype may have a protective effect against NSCL/P in Iranian population
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Background: Orofacial cleft is the most common congenital defect of the maxillofacial region. Its non-syndromic type is multi-factorial, and several genes are involved in its occurrence. This study aimed to assess the interaction effect of Rsal and BamHI polymorphisms of Transforming Growth Factor-alpha [TGFa] gene and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 [BMP2] and BMP4 variants on the occurrence of Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate [NSCLP] in the Iranian population
Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 120 children with NSCLP and 215 healthy children. Genotyping of the TGFA/BamHI [rs11466297], TGFA/RsaI [rs3732248], BMP4 [rs17563] and BMP2 [rs235768] was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR] and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism [RFLP] methods. Logistic regression was applied to determine the effective factors and the interaction effect of different variants on the occurrence of NSCLP
Results: Gender of patients had no significant association with the occurrence of NSCLP [p=0.335]. Multiple logistic regression showed that the interaction effect of the aforementioned polymorphisms on the occurrence of NSCLP was not statistically significant [p=1.000]
Conclusion: Although the individual effect of each of the BMP4, BMP2, RsaI and BamHI variants on the occurrence of NSCLP in the Iranian population has been previously confirmed, their interaction does not play a role in this respect
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Objectives: ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 [ABCA1] plays a pivotal role in reverse cholesterol transport from peripheral tissues back to the liver. Abnormalities in ABCA1 function may lead to dyslipidemia and coronary artery disease [CAD]. We investigated the role of C-565T [rs2422493] promoter polymorphism of ABCA1 gene in the development and severity of CAD in an Iranian subpopulation
Methods: Our study population consisted of 110 angiographically-confirmed CAD patients and 110 matched controls. The severity of CAD was expressed based on the number of stenotic vessels. Genotyping of C-565T promoter polymorphism was performed using the polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragments length polymorphism analysis methods. Lipid profile was determined by routine colorimetric methods
Results: The distribution of ABCA1 C-565T genotypes [p = 0.035] and alleles [p = 0.017] was significantly different between the CAD and control groups. In univariate analysis [with genotype CC as reference], the TT genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of CAD [odds ratio = 3.83; 95% confidence interval: 1.29-11.30, p = 0.014], but the CT genotype was not [p = 0.321]. A multiple binary logistic regression analysis revealed that smoking, hypertension, triglyceride, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and ABCA1 C-565T dominant genotype were significant and independent risk factors for CAD development [p < 0.050]. The ABCA1 C-565T polymorphism affected the severity of CAD in TT homozygote state [p = 0.028]. However, no significant correlation was seen between this common polymorphism and lipid profile in the study population [p > 0.050].
Conclusions: Our study indicated that ABCA1 C-565T polymorphism is a significant risk factor for development and severity of CAD in our population.
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Background: Possible mechanisms of Alzheimer Disease [AD] such as inflammation and oxidative stresses in the brain led us to investigate potential AD therapeutics of Melilotus officinalis, an herbal extract, with possible role as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent. Among different genes which had important role in Sporadic AD [SAD], three genes including DAXX, NFkB and VEGF have shown significant statistical diversity in the brains of Alzheimer patients
Methods: These genes were chosen to be investigated for neuroprotective effects of the extract by comparing the expression level in the hippocampus of Sporadic AD [SAD] rat model using quantitative polymerase chain reaction [qPCR] in the treated and untreated groups. In addition, therapeutic effects at the behavioral, learning and memory level by Morris Water Maze [MWM] test were investigated
Results: The results represented significant decreased expression in Daxx, Nfkb and Vegf genes in the SAD rat's model treated with the herbal extract compared to the Streptozotocin-induced [STZ-induced] rats. Furthermore, no significant changes were seen in swimming distance and time for finding the hidden platform in the herbal-treated compared to the STZ-induced group. In memory level, no significant changes were observed among treated and untreated groups
Conclusion: It seems that the herbal extract may have significant effect on Alzheimer-related gene expression changes but not on clinical levels
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Background: Brucellosis [Malta fever] is a major contagious zoonotic disease, with economic and public health importance
Methods: To assess the effect of meteorological [temperature, rainfall, humidity, and wind] and climate parameters on incidence of brucellosis, brucellosis distribution and meteorological zoning maps of Zanjan Province were prepared using Inverse Distance Weighting [IDW] and Kriging technique in Arc GIS medium. Zoning maps of mean temperature, rainfall, humidity, and wind were compared to brucellosis distribution maps
Results: Correlation test showed no relationship between the mean number of patients with brucellosis and any of the four meteorological parameters
Conclusion: It seems that in Zanjan province there is no correlation between brucellosis and meteorological parameters
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Background: Contamination of water and soil through non-point sources such as road runoff causes environmental concern. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of Zanjan - Chavarzagh road on the total organic carbon [TOC] content of sediments in tributaries and the river that lead to Taham Lake
Methods: In tributaries and the river 69 soil and sediment samples were taken and the Total organic carbon [TOC] was measured according to Walkely-Black method. Also, Taham Dam Basin area and its hydrologic properties were calculated by Global Information System [GIS] software
Results: Results showed that, TOC concentration has a significant negative relationship with the distance from the lake. TOC in soil samples taken from hillside of the road had significantly lower mean and median concentration [ median= 3262 , mean = 4083 +/- 3461 mg/kg] than the valley side [ median = 5324 , mean = 6178 +/- 3980 mg/kg]. The check dams across the tributaries and the river have not been effective in the reduction of TOC in sediments
Conclusion: Roads in the Taham Dam Basin, increases TOC content of soil and sediments in Taham dam basin. TOC moves toward Taham dam lake
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Background: Measuring patients' satisfaction shows the efficacy of care providers to meet patients' expectations and supplies the valuable data for health policy makers. This study was conducted to assess patients' satisfaction from hospital services and its relationship with responsiveness
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Zanjan University of Medical Sciences in 2013 -2014. A total of 486 were selected and World Health Survey [WHS] questionnaire data was used
Results: Most of the inpatients [76. 4 %] and more than half of outpatient [54.2 %] rated overall hospitals services at level of average and high satisfaction. The most favorable dimension in terms of patients' satisfaction was quality of care from both group patients point of view. There was statistically significant relationship between responsiveness domains and patients' satisfaction [p < 0.01]. The findings of this study showed that the majority of inpatients and half of outpatients were overall satisfied with hospitals services
Conclusion: Both inpatients and outpatients were satisfied with quality of delivered care, but there was low satisfaction from participation in decision- making for inpatients and access to services in outpatients
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Background: Despite advances in technology, people are still exposed to fire hazard. Students can be one of the most important exposed groups. Therefore, fire safety inspection should be established in dormitories. The aim of this study was to develop a fire safety checklist for fire safety inspection in dormitories
Methods: This study was as a tool development followed by a cross-sectional study in dormitories of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences. The initial items of the checklist were extracted from formal standards and regulations. According to comments of the expert panel group [n = 5] and Law she method, the validation of the tool was confirmed. The reliability was accepted based on Cronbach's alpha coefficient. In field study we used the tool to inspect fire safety status of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences dormitories
Results: The initial checklist contained 68 items. According to the comments of a group of expert panel, some items were added to the checklist and a couple of them were removed. Finally CVI and CVR for 62 items were, over 0.7 and 0.99 respectively. The Cronbach's alpha was equal to 0.74
Conclusion: This study could develop a valid and reliable tool for inspection of dormitories fire safety
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Background: Fluoride is an essential nutrient for the human body. The major routes of fluoride intake include food and drinking water, though the absorption of fluoride from food is much easier. The aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of fluoride in the soil and tomato and onion crops on farms of Zanjan
Methods: Three farms of each crop [tomato and onion] were selected randomly. Each farm was divided into 10 sections, and one sample of soil and crop of each section was taken which means 120 samples in total. Fluoride concentrations in the soil and crops were measured using the Ion Selective Electrode [ISE] and repeated 3 times
Results: The mean concentration of fluoride in soil samples from studied farms in Zanjan was 0.83 +/- 0.17 mg/kg. The mean concentrations of fluoride in tomatoes and onions of Zanjan were observed 2.10 +/- 0.80 and 2.23 +/- 0.64 mg/kg, respectively
Conclusion: There was no significant difference between fluoride concentration in tomatoes and onions, although there was a significant difference between the amount of fluoride in the soils of studied farms [Pv < 0.024]. No significant correlation was observed between the fluoride levels of soils and the fluoride levels of tomatoes [R2 = 0.126] and onions [R2 = 0.008]
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Background: The performance of the HSE units has various dimensions Leading to different performances. Thus, any industry should be capable of evaluating these systems. The aim of this study was to design a standard questionnaire in the field of performance evaluation of HSE management system employing Balanced Score Card model
Methods: In this study we, first determined the criteria to be evaluated in the framework of Balanced Score Card model based on the objectives and strategies of HSE Management System and existing standards, and then designed questions on every criterion. We used content validity and Cronbach's Alpha to determine the reliability and validity of the questionnaire
Results: The primary questionnaire was comprised of 126 questions some of which were omitted regarding the results obtained from the CVR and CVI values. We obtained the CVI average of environmental dimension to be 0.75 and its CVI average 0.71
Conclusion: With respect to the results of the reliability and validity of this questionnaire,and its standardized design we can suggest using it for evaluation of HSE management system performance in organizations and industries with the mentioned system
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Background: Endometriosis influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Associations of glutathione S-transferases [GSTs] genes polymorphisms in endometriosis have been investigated by various researchers; however, the results are not consistent
Objective: We examined the associations of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes and GSTP1 313 A/G polymorphisms with endometriosis in an Iranian population
Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 151 women with diagnosis of endometriosis and 156 normal healthy women as control group were included. The genotyping was determined using multiplex PCR and PCR- RFLP methods
Results: The GSTM1 null genotype was significantly higher [p=0.027] in the cases [7.3%] than the control group [1.3%]. There was no significant difference between the frequency of GSTT1 genotypes between the cases and controls. The GSTP1 313 AG genotype was significantly lower [p=0.048] in the case [33.1%] than the control group [44.4%]
Conclusion: Our results showed that GSTM1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms may be associated with susceptibility of endometriosis in Iranian women
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Background: Infertile couples are faced with problems that affect their marital life. Infertility treatment is expensive and time consuming and occasionally isn't simply possible. Prediction models for infertility treatment have been proposed and prediction of treatment success is a new field in infertility treatment. Because prediction of treatment success is a new need for infertile couples, this paper reviewed previous studies for catching a general concept in applicability of the models
Methods: This study was conducted as a systematic review at Avicenna Research Institute in 2015. Six data bases were searched based on WHO definitions and MESH key words. Papers about prediction models in infertility were evaluated
Results: Eighty one papers were eligible for the study. Papers covered years after 1986 and studies were designed retrospectively and prospectively. IVF prediction models have more shares in papers. Most common predictors were age, duration of infertility, ovarian and tubal problems
Conclusion: Prediction model can be clinically applied if the model can be statistically evaluated and has a good validation for treatment success. To achieve better results, the physician and the couples' needs estimation for treatment success rate were based on history, the examination and clinical tests. Models must be checked for theoretical approach and appropriate validation. The privileges for applying the prediction models are the decrease in the cost and time, avoiding painful treatment of patients, assessment of treatment approach for physicians and decision making for health managers. The selection of the approach for designing and using these models is inevitable
Subject(s)
Humans , Forecasting , TherapeuticsABSTRACT
Background: Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease[SAD] is caused by genetic risk factors, agingand oxidative stresses. The herbal extract of Rosa canina [R. canina], Tanacetumvulgare [T. vulgare]and Urtica dioica [U. dioica]has a beneficial role in aging, as ananti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative agent. In this study, the neuroprotective effectsof this herbal extract in the rat model of SAD was investigated
Methods: The rats were divided into control, sham, model, herbal extract -treated andethanol-treated groups. Drug interventions were started on the 21st day after modelingand each treatment group was given the drugs by intraperitoneal [I.P.] route for21 days. The expression levels of the five important genes for pathogenesis of SAD includingSyp, Psen1, Mapk3, Map2 and Tnf-alphawere measured by qPCR between thehippocampi of SAD model which were treated by this herbal extract and controlgroups. The Morris Water Maze was adapted to test spatial learning and memoryability of the rats
Results: Treatment of the rat model of SAD with herbal extract induced a significantchange in expression of Syp [p=0.001] and Psen1 [p=0.029]. In Morris Water Maze,significant changes in spatial learning seen in the rat model group were improved inherbal-treated group
Conclusion: This herbal extract could have anti-dementia properties and improve spatiallearning and memory in SAD rat model
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Background: Today some bakeries for artificially production of bread in order to production process expedition and compensating defects that created by unnatural fermentation and as well as undesirable quality of flour. For cover superficial defects of bread use of harmful chemical material such as soda, that can cause health problems. The aim of this study is determination of soda and salt amount of bread bakeries in the Zanjan city
Method: Total number of samples is 450 which include 330 bread samples, 77 Barbari bread and 43 other breads [Sangak, Tafton, and Shirmal]. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS 11.5
Results: The most amounts of soda and salt observed in Barbari breads with 55.8 and 11.7 percent, respectively. Use of soda in autumn and winter seasons, respectively with 31.9 and 41.4 percent had been maximum amount
Conclusion: Total average of pH is higher than standard in bakeries. That from reasons can noted to undesirable quality of flour, unawareness of bakers and lack of adequate oversight
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Interleukin-16 [IL-16] is an important regulator of T cell activation and was reported to act as a chemoattractant agent. There are evidences that IL16 can control the neuroinflammatory processes in Alzheimer's Disease [AD]. This study was performed to investigate the role or association of IL16 polymorphisms, rs11556218 and rs4778889 with the risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease [LOAD] in Iranian population. Totally, 148 AD patients and 137 nondemented and age-matched subjects were recruited in this study. Genotyping of rs11556218 T/G and rs4778889 T/C polymorphisms was performed by PCR-RFLP method using the NdeI and AhdI restriction enzymes, respectively. Statistical analysis of rs11556218 genotypes showed a protective effect against AD in the heterozygote genotype [p=0.001, OR=0.16] as well as rs4778889 [p=0.001, OR=0.23]. Frequency of rs11556218 allele T was higher in controls than patients [p= 0.001, OR=0.32]. However, there was no significant difference in the frequencies of rs4778889 alleles between the AD patients and controls. Our results indicate that the rs11556218 and rs4778889 polymorphisms have a protective role in the development of sporadic AD in Iranian population
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Since increased LH in the early follicular phase in PCOS patients especially in GnRH antagonist protocol could be associated with reduced oocyte quality and pregnancy and impared implantation. The current study was conducted to determine ART outcomes in GnRH antagonist protocol [flexible] and long GnRH agonist protocol and compare them with adding GnRH antagonist in GnRH antagonist [flexible] protocol during early follicular phase in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing ICSI. In this randomized clinical trial, 150 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing ICSI were enrolled from 2012 to 2014 and randomly assigned to receive either GnRH antagonist protocol during early and late follicular phase or GnRH antagonist protocol [flexible] or long GnRH agonist protocol. The clinical and laboratory pregnancy in three groups was determined and compared. In this context, the chi-square and Fisher's exact test and ANOVA were used for data analysis. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. There was no statistically significant difference with respect to chemical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy between the three groups. Also, other indices such as number and quality of oocytes and embryos were alike. Totally, according to our results, GnRH antagonist protocol during early and late follicular phase and GnRH antagonist protocol [flexible] and long GnRH agonist protocol in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing ICSI are similarly effective and use of each one based on patients' condition and physicians' opinion could be considered
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Cleft lip with or without cleft palate [CL/P] is one of the most common congenital anomalies and the etiology of orofacial clefts is multifactorial. Transforming growth factor alpha [TGFA] is expressed at the medial edge epithelium of fusing palatal shelves during craniofacial development. In this study, the association of two important TGFA gene polymorphisms, BamHI [rs11466297] and RsaI [rs3732248], with CL/P was evaluated in an Iranian population. The frequencies of BamHI and RsaI variations were determined in 105 unrelated Iranian subjects with nonsyndromic CL/P and 218 control subjects using PCR and RFLP methods, and the results were compared with healthy controls. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The BamHI AC genotype was significantly higher [p=0.016] in the patients [12.4%] than the control group [5.0%]. The BamHI C allele was significantly higher [p=0.001; OR=3.4, 95% CI: 1.6-7.4] in the cases [8.0%] compared with the control group [2.5%]. Our study showed that there was an association between the TGFA BamHI variation and nonsyndromic CL/P in Iranian population
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One of the promising methods in fertility preservation among women with cancer is cryopreservation of ovarian cortex but there are many drawbacks such as apoptosis and considerable reduction of follicular density in the transplanted ovary. One solution to reduce ischemic damage is enhancing angiogenesis after transplantation of ovarian cortex tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Setarud, on angiogenesis in transplanted human ovarian tissue. In this case control study, twenty four nude mice were implanted subcutaneously, with human ovarian tissues, from four women. The mice were randomly divided into two groups [n=12]: the experimental group was treated with Setarud, while control group received only vehicle. Each group was divided into three subgroups [n=4] based on the graft recovery days post transplantation [PT]. The transplanted fragments were removed on days 2, 7, and 30 PT and the expression of Angiopoietin-1, Angiopoietin-2, and Vascular endothelial growth factor at both gene and protein levels and vascular density were studied in the grafted ovarian tissues. On the 2[nd] and 7[th] day PT, the level of Angiopoietin-1 gene expression in case group was significantly lower than that in control group, while the opposite results were obtained for Angiopoietin-2 and Vascular endothelial growth factor. These results were also confirmed at the protein level. The density of vessels in Setarud group elevated significantly on day 7 PT compared to pre-treatment state. Our results showed that administration of Setarud may stimulates angiogenesis in transplanted human ovarian tissues, although further researches are needed before a clear judgment is made
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Gender preference is prevalent in some communities and using medical techniques to choose the baby's sex may cause the gender discrimination and gender imbalance in communities. Therefore, evaluating the gender preferences and attitudes towards using sex selection technologies seems to be necessary. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Avicenna Fertility Center. Participants were 100 women with one child who were referred for sex selection. Data were collected through self-developed questionnaires. The questions were designed by the researchers at the experts' panel. To determine the validity of the questionnaire, the viewpoints of professors specialized in these issues were obtained. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS software [Version 11.5], and p<0.05 was considered significant. Tendency toward the male was more than female sex [55.5% male, 15.5% female and 28.5% no tendency]. Majority of participants agreed with sex selection with medical reason and sex selection in order to balance the family. Women's level of education had positive effect on agreements to fetal sex selection with medical and non-medical reasons [p<0.001]. Although gender preferences were toward the male sex but this preference was not very strong. Most participants agreed with non-medical sex selection for balancing the sex composition of their children. It doesn't seem that non-medical sex selection for family balancing causes severe sex imbalance in Iran