Factors affecting estimation of the maximum aerobic capacity by treadmill test in students of medical emergencies in Qazvin

Background: The maximum aerobic capacity (VO2max) can be used to evaluate the cardiopulmonary condition and to provide physiological balance between a person and his job. Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the maximum aerobic capacity and its associated factors among students of medical emergencies in Qazvin. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 36 male students of medical emergencies in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, 2015. The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) and demographic questionnaire were completed by the participants. The participants meeting the inclusion criteria were assessed using the Gerkin treadmill protocol. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis. Findings: Mean maximum aerobic capacity was 1.94±0.27 L/min. The maximum aerobic capacity was associated with weight and height groups. There was significant positive correlation between maximal aerobic capacity and height, weight and body mass index. Conclusion: The Gerkin treadmill test is useful for estimation of the maximum aerobic capacity and the maximum working ability in students of medical emergencies. Keywords: Oxygen Consumption, Emergency Responders, Exercise Tes

Investigating the air quality index in internal wards of Qazvin Bu-Ali Sina hospital (2015)

Background: Air quality and concentration of airborne particles in internal wards of hospital are considered as factors affecting the health of patients and medical staff. Objective: To determine the air quality and airborne particles concentrations in internal wards of Qazvin Bu-Ali Sina hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Qazvin Bu-Ali Sina hospital from September to December 2015. Sampling gathered twice a week with hand held real time instrument (micro-dust pro. model HP3275-05, Casella Co), using by airborne particles samplers probe with a diameter of less than 2.5 and less than 10 microns in the air flow 3.5 liters per minute for 10 minutes. Air Quality Index was measured with "Air Quality Index calculator" software and analysis of results was done using statistical paired-T and Pearson tests. Findings: The highest average concentration of 24-hour airborne particles with a diameter of 2.5 and 10 micrometer was 46.38 and 13.49 micrograms per cubic meter respectively in men hearts ward and the lowest was in the laboratory and eyes wards. There was a positive significant correlation between the concentration of suspended particles with size less than 2.5 micrometers in indoor and outdoor environment (r=0.93). Conclusion: The findings indicate poor ventilation and impact of outdoor air quality and internal emission sources on internal wards air quality. Facilitating the spread and transmission of infectious agents grounds for infection transmission outside the hospital, in addition to endangering the health of staff and prolonging period of patients’ hospitalization

Time-variable expression levels of mazF, atlE, sdrH, and bap genes during biofilm formation in Staphylococcus epidermidis

Staphylococcus epidermidis is an opportunistic pathogen causing infections related to the usage of implants and medical devices. Pathogenicity of this microorganism is mainly linked to its capability to form biofilm structures. Biofilm formation vastly depends on several factors including different proteins. We studied the expression levels of three proteins including SdrH, Bap, AtlE, and MazF at different time intervals during the course of biofilm formation. In this study, a catheter-derived S. epidermidis isolate with strong ability of biofilm formation was selected. PCR assay was used to detect sdrH, bap, atlE, and mazF genes in this isolate. Real-time PCR was used to determine the expression levels of these genes after 4, 8, and 20 h during the course of biofilm formation. The studied genes showed different expression levels at different time intervals during biofilm formation by real-time PCR method. Expression levels of atlE and sdrH genes were the highest at 4 h, whereas bap gene showed the highest expression level at 8 h during the course of biofilm formation. In addition, the expression level of mazF gene peaked at 4 h and then progressively decreased at 8 and 20 h. Our results suggest the importance of AtlE, SdrH, and MazF proteins in the establishment and development of the biofilm structure. In addition, our results showed the important role of protein Bap in the accumulation of biofilm structure. Future studies are required to understand the exact role of MazF in the process of biofilm formation

Evaluation of antioxidant efficacy of Purslane extract in Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: a randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blinded, clinical trial

und: This herbal medicine is considered a rich source of antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of purslane in treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and also it &#835;s effect on antioxidant level. Materials and methods: 50 patients were selected for this randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled trial. All subjects were randomly divided in to two groups, one group received purslane (n=25) and another group, placebo (n=25) for 3 month. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) and total antioxidant status (TAS) was measured in plasma at baseline and after 3 month of treatment. Also pain intensity based on the visual analogue scale (VAS), the mean interval between lesion, number of lesions and the mean duration of complete healing at baseline and in month 1, 2 and 3 were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed by using Mann-Whitney and T-test. Results: A significant decrease in pain intensity in VAS scores was seen after treatment in intervention group (p<0.001). The mean duration of complete healing showed significant differences (P<0.001) between the two groups. The mean interval between lesions also showed significant differences (P<0.001) among the intervention group (33.12 days) compared with the placebo group (17.88 days). No significant differences were found regarding the number of lesions, level of erythrocyte GSHPx, TAS and SOD. No serious side-effects occurred in either of groups. Conclusions: According to this study, purslane is clinically effective in treatment of RAS (number of lesions, pain intensity and duration of healing) although it is unable to change the level of antioxidants

Exploring new therapeutic potentials of curcumin against post-surgical adhesion bands

Abstract Background Adhesion band formation is a common cause of morbidity for patients undergoing surgeries. Anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties of curcumin, a pharmacologically active component of Curcuma longa, have been investigated in several studies. The aim of this study is to explore the therapeutic potential of curcumin in attenuating post-operative adhesion band (PSAB) formation in both peritoneal and peritendinous surgeries in animal models. Methods Bio-mechanical, histological and quantitative evaluation of inflammation, and total fibrosis scores were graded and measured in the presence and absence of phytosomal curcumin. Results Results showed that phytosomal curcumin significantly decreased severity, length, density and tolerance of mobility of peritendinous adhesions as well as incidence and severity of abdominal fibrotic bands post-surgery. Curcumin may decrease inflammation by attenuating recruitment of inflammatory cells and regulating oxidant/anti-oxidant balance in post-operative tissue samples. Moreover, markedly lower fibrosis scores were obtained in the adhesive tissues of phytosomal curcumin-treated groups which correlated with a significant decrease in quantity, quality and grading of fibers, and collagen deposition in animal models. Conclusion These results suggest that protective effects of phytosomal curcumin against PSAB formation is partially mediated by decreasing inflammation and fibrosis at site of surgery. Further studies are needed to investigate the therapeutic potential of this molecule in preventing PSAB