Improvement in histology, enzymatic activity, and redox state of the liver following administration of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark oil in rats with established hepatotoxicity / 대한해부학회지

Formaldehyde (FA) is an environmentally-available pollutant. Since the liver acts as a detoxifier in the human body, it is the first and most affected organ in individuals exposed to higher-than-normal amounts of FA. FA mainly alters oxidant/antioxidant status and initiates oxidative stress, and by means, causes functional damage to the liver. Thus, it is important to identify natural bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties in order to be used as food additives. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is a popular flavor and also a medicinal plant with a variety of beneficial effects. In the present original study, cinnamon essential oil (CEO) has been administrated at doses of 10, 20, and 100 mg/kg, orally, to hepatotoxicity rat models caused by FA (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Liver enzymes and its histology were assessed and oxidative stress biomarkers in the liver tissue were also examined. CEO administration caused a significant increase in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase and a prominent decrease in nitric oxide levels in the liver tissue. Also, in serum samples, CEO significantly reduced the elevated amounts of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. When assessed histologically, portal area and central vein fibrosis alongside with the hepatocytes' hypereosinophilia and swelling, focal inflammation, and necrotic areas were found to be prominently decreased in the CEO group. In conclusion, our study suggested that the CEO may have the potential for being used against FA-induced hepatotoxicity.

From dentistry students' points of view: do anatomy classes we took actually boost our learning during clinic? / 대한해부학회지

The aim of medical education is to teach the essence of practical skills alongside with the theoretical knowledge. Teaching anatomy, as the center of medical education, should be leading to use this knowledge as a skill during clinical period. According to the rising numbers of dentistry faculties' experiences, inappropriate education results in misguidance during clinic. Thus, this study was conducted to find about the pre-clinical and clinical dentistry students' points of view on the helpfulness of anatomy classes in achieving clinical goals. Present descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated Guilan University of Medical Sciences' pre-clinical and clinical dentistry students' opinions on the effectiveness of anatomy classes during their clinical period in 2017. The sampling method used here was census via questionnaire and scoring was according to Likert scaling system. Analyses showed that anatomy of the nervous system was the most assistive course, which helped dentistry students during their clinical period (P<0.001). The least scored course was visceral organs and that means they did not use most of their learnings from classes with this topic (P<0.001). They also stated that other important factors such as using cadavers and moulages in practical sessions, teaching clinical skills theoretically before practical sessions and performing group activities are crucial for them to recall important details of the relevant courses during clinical period. Results of this study suggests that alongside with the various topics of anatomy courses, other factors like professors' characteristics and their teaching methods are also of important factors helping the dentistry students throughout clinic.

Presenting the students' academic achievement causal model based on goal orientation

Introduction: Several factors play a role in academic achievement, individual's excellence and capability to do actions and tasks that the learner is in charge of in learning areas. The main goal of this study was to present academic achievement causal model based on the dimensions of goal orientation and learning approaches among the students of Medical Science and Dentistry courses in Guilan University of Medical Sciences in 2013

Methods: This study is based on a cross-sectional model. The participants included 175 first and second year students of the Medical and Dentistry schools in Guilan University of Medical Sciences selected by random cluster sampling [121 persons [69%] Medical Basic Science students and 54 [30.9%] Dentistry students]. The measurement tool included the Goal Orientation Scale of Bouffard and Study Process Questionnaire of Biggs and the students' Grade Point Average. The study data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equations modeling. SPSS 14 and Amos were used to analyze the data

Results: The results indicated a significant relationship between goal orientation and learning strategies [P<0.05]. In addition, the results revealed that a significant relationship exists between learning strategies [Deep Learning [r=0.37, P<0.05], Surface Learning [r=-0.21, P<0.05]], and academic achievement. The suggested model of research is fitted to the data of the research

Conclusion: Results showed that the students' academic achievement model fits with experimental data, so it can be used in learning principles which lead to students' achievement in learning

comparison between over-the-head and lateral cardiopulmonary resuscitation with a single rescuer by bag-valve mask

Mask fixation in the lateral position is difficult during CPR. The aim of this study is to compare the lateral CPR for the use of bag-valve mask by single paramedic rescuer as well as over-the-head CPR on the chest compression and ventilation on the manikin. Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. The design of this study was a randomized cross-over trial. Participants learned a standardized theoretical introduction CPR according to the 2010 guidelines. The total number of chest compressions per two minutes was measured. Total number of correct and wrong ventilation per two minutes was evaluated. We used Wilcoxon signed-rank test to analyze the non-normally distributed data in dependence groups A. P-value of more than 0.05 was considered to show statistical significance. There were 100 participants [45 women and 55 men] who participated in the study from September to March, 2011. The compression and ventilation rate in lateral CPR was lower than OTH CPR. Around 51% of participants had correct chest compression rate more than 90 beats per minute in lateral CPR and 65% of them had equal or more than ten correct ventilations per minute. In conclusion, this study confirmed that in a simulated CPR model over-the-head position CPR led to a better BLS than the lateral position CPR by a single paramedic student with a BVM device. We also concluded that by this new BVM fixation method on the face of the patients in the lateral position CPR can be a good alternative over-the-head mask fixation by a single trained rescuer

effect of retinoic acid on in vitro maturation and fertilization rate of mouse germinal vesicle stage oocytes

Retinoids are recognized as important regulators of cell differention and tissue function, Previous studies, performed both in vivo and in vitro, indicate that retin-oids influence several reproductive events. In this study, we investigated the effect of all-trans retinoic acid [t-RA] on maturation and fertilization rate of immature oocytes [germinal vesicle]. Germinal vesicle [GV] oocytes were recovered from 4-6 week old female mice 48 hours after injection of 10 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin [PMSG]. Collected oocytes were divided into seven groups: control, sham and five experimental groups. t-RA at concentrations of 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 jjM were added to oocyte maturation medium in the experimental groups. The maturation rate was recorded after 24 hours of culture in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO[2] at 37°C. Fertilization and developmental rates of matured oocytes were recorded after in vitro fertilization [IVF] and 24 hour culture. The rate of oocytes that developed to the metaphase II stage of maturation significantly increased with 2 and 4 microM t-RA compared to the control and sham groups [p<0.05]. In addition, the number of fertilized oocytes was significantly higher in 4 microM retinoic acid compared to the control [p<0.05], but the difference between the number of fertilized oocytes which developed to the 2-cell stage was not significant between the two groups. The results show that t-RA enhanced mouse oocyte maturation in vitro and improved fertilization and development rates in a dose dependent manner

[ relation between BMI with exercise test in individuals with cardiac ischemic pains]

Prevalence of over weight and obesity is increasing in the world. Those over weight are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases than other individual's. Studies indicate that body fat distribution has a determining role in the identification of risk factors. Also, the relation between BMI, cardiac ischemic pains and exercise test condition in such patients, is in need further investigation. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between BMI with exercise tolerance test in patients with cardiac ischemic pains, who were referred to the Cardiac Center of Mazandaran Province, in Sari Township. In this case control study considering the BMI in ischemic patients, 65 were selected as case and 65 persons as control using Tread mill and according to Bruce Protocol, results and tolerance test time was recorded. Independent T test was used for comparison of quantitative indexes mean, while x[2] test using SPSS software was used for comparison of the ratio of persons with the qualitative features. Data indicated mean weight of 57.1 kg and height of 1.64m in the case group. Also, 58.5% had history of hyperlipidemia [Cholesterol higher than 200mg/dl] and 78.8% with history of blood sugar [higher than 120mg/dl [P<0.001]. Even 63.6% had hypertension of 140/90 mm Hg. Our findings showed that BMI in the case and control groups were [26.95 +/- 3.94] and [25.95 +/- 3.49] respectively. Moreover, a significant relationship between high BMI with cardiac ischemic pains and exercise tolerance test [P<0.001] were demonstrated. Cardiac ischemic pains in individuals with high BMI is common. Exercise tolerance test as one of the non invasive and less expensive procedures, can be an indicator of cardiac ischemic disease

[Evaluating mental [psychological] health in MS patients from Mozandaran province in 1386 [2007]]

The most common weakness caused by a neurological disease is MS, in which the Milin membrane is decimalized, which brings a reduction in the neural message transfer. The neural message transfer stops, which causes an increased lack of sensitivity [non-stimulus] physical disorders and central neural system involvement. This also causes various physical, psychological, relationship disorders, in addition to negative social and family behaviors for those who are needy. Due to the lack of research in the Mazandaran Province regarding psychological health of MS patients, there exist discrepancies resulting from research on the given subject around the world. This study, aims at determining the psychological health of the MS patients and its relationship to the field variables in the Mazandran Province. The present study is of descriptive type and samples were MS patients who were members of the MS association from Mazandran Province. The sample consisted of 134 MS patients, who were under our study and had documented cases of MS, and were chosen among 700 MS patients randomly. The data gathering tool was a questionnaire, which consisted of field information and a standard questionnaire of GHQ, with 28 questions which were completed by patients. The research showed that 17/9% had severe physical problems, 38/8% had severe social problems, 11/2% had high depression, and 14/9% with high anxiety. Based on the results of this study, statistical test showed a significant relationship between psychological health and educational levels [f=6/63, and critical f=2/68]. However, the analysis of variance showed no relationship between MS and income levels. It should be noted, that our research findings showed a significant relationship [based on the independent t statistical test], between psychological health in 4 aspects with MS [t=5/06, p=0/05, df=132 and critical t=1/96]. Regarding disorders in MS patient's psychological, physical, social, anxiety and depression in some patients, it is suggested that we utilize counseling and psychologically stimulating programs in working with these patients

Comparison between the preventive effects of ranitidine and omeprazole on upper gastrointestinal bleeding among ICU patients

Critically ill patients may develop visible gastric mucosal injury and stress ulcer soon after admission to an intensive care unit causing upper gastrointestinal bleeding as an important complication. Histamine-2 receptor antagonist [H2RA] prophylactic therapy has been documented to significantly decrease the incidence of upper GI bleeding in critically ill patients. This study was carried out in order to compare the effects of intravenous doses of ranitidine and enteral form of omeprazole suspension on preventing GI bleeding among ICU patients. This study was a double-blind randomized clinical trial conducted on patients admitted to the ICU at the Imam Hossein Hospital in Tehran, Iran. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of A and B. In group A, ranitidine was used as the prophylactic drug against GI bleeding with the dosage of 50 mg two times a day accompanied by placebo gavages through nasogastric tube. In group B, 20 mg of a suspension of omeprazole two times a day was gavaged in addition to 2[cc] of a parenteral placebo drug. Of 198 patients admitted to the ICU, 69 patients did not meet the inclusion criteria and a total of 129 patients enrolled in this study. During the study 14[20.58%] cases in the ranitidine group and 3[4.9%] in the omeprazole group developed significant GI bleeding. Incidence of GI bleeding showed a significant difference between the two groups using the chi-square test. Of the 68 patients receiving ranitidine, 44 [67.7%] died. This rate was 38 in those receiving omeprazole [62%]. Of the patients given ranitidine who faced overt GI bleeding, 12 [85.7%] died. This rate was 3 in the omeprazole group [100%].This study showed a statistically significant difference between omeprazole and ranitidine in preventing overt GI bleeding among ICU patients; but it failed to indicate any difference in prophylaxis of clinically important GI bleeding between the two drugs

[ combination effect of dexamethasone with either metoclopramide or propofol on nusea and vomiting after general anesthesia]

A common complication after general anesthesia is nausea and vomiting followed by different problems such as spasm, hypoxia and pulmonary aspiration. This complication is more common in patients with full stomach, Eye injury, head trauma, cesarean and laparoscopy. Propofol and metoclopramide are two common drugs to prevent nausea and vomiting after operation. On the other hand adding dexamethasone to the above drug, has an important effect on decreasing nausea and vomiting. In this study, the effect propofol and metoclopramide associated with dexamethasone on nausea and vomiting after operation was investigated. In this clinical trial study, 100 patients with ASA I, II classes, aged 16-60 years with selective orthopedic surgery randomly have divided into two groups. In group one, 48 patients received metoclopramide [10 mg] with dexamethasone [8 mg] and in group two, 52 patients received propofol [20 mg] with dexamethasone [8 mg], five minutes before the end of operation. Prevalence of nausea and vomiting in both groups was considered after 4 hours and results were analyzed by Chi-Square, t-student and Fisher exact tests. The rate of nausea in group 1 and 2 was 35.4% and 11.5% respectively [P<0.05]. The rate of vomiting was 27.7% and 7.7% in group 1 and 2 respectively [P<0.05]. This showed that the antiemetic effect of propofol with dexamethasone is more effective to prevent nausea and vomiting that metoclopromide with dexamthasone

[Study regarding the effects of calendula officinalis cream in healing of pressure sores]

Pressure sore is common among patients with prolonged stay in hospitals or homes. Treatment of such sores is costly and performed by various procedures. Considering the effective role of calendula officinalis in treatment of sores, ulcers and cutaneous inflammations, this study is conducted to determine the effect of this cream in healing pressure sores. This is a pre/post comparative clinical trial done on 20 patients with pressure sores who received the recommended treatment. The condition of patients such as, duration of pressure sore, and the extent of the sore were recorded. The sore was washed with normal saline, dried, followed by applying calendula cream three times a day for a duration of 4 weeks. Each week, the extent and rate of healing was observed and recorded. The rate of healing in patients under our study was 56.6%. Majority [55%] of patients had partial healing. The time of healing was in weeks 3.5 +/- 1.2 [P<0.001]. The complete healing occurred in the 3[rd] and 4[th] week, subsequent to the beginning of the treatment. Considering the availability of the cream and its affordability, it can be used in the treatment of pressure sores. In addition, it can be used as a drug for treatment of patients who are in hospitals and/or in their homes

Nitric oxide - induced apoptosis in human granulosa cells

Recent evidence suggests that nitric oxide [NO] acts as an important factor in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including reproductive function. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether NO might significantly induce any apoptotic changes in cultured human granulosa cells. The granulosa cells [GC] were obtained from women taking part in an in vitro fertilization [IVF] program. After 48h culture, 1mM DETA/NO was added to the culture medium and then the apoptosis of granulosa cells was evaluated by in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling [TUNEL] immediately and after one hour culture. Nitric oxide significantly increased apoptotic index after one hour in human granulosa cell culture [p<0.024], but it did not significantly affect the controls and the group which apoptotic index was calculated immediately after NO donor addition. These results suggest that, apoptosis of human granulosa cells is mediated by DETA/NO, and this effect is directly proportional to the duration of the exposure