Koomesh
Year:2004 | Volume:5 | Issue:3-4|Papers Count:14

Introduction: Cryptosporidium parvum, a coccidian parasite, has been shown to cause diarrhea in animals and human especially children and immunocompromised patients. This parasite has gained increasing attention since infection in human was first identified in 1976.  However there are a few published evidences about Cryptosporidium infection in human and domestic animals in Iran, but there is no data in many parts of the country, because in routinely ova and parasite testing this parasite don't consider. To address the existence or lack of human cryptosporidiosis and probable prevalence of that in diarrheic children was evaluated.Materials and Methods: ‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏The stool samples from 153 diarrheic children under 12 years were formalin-ether concentrated and tested by both modified Ziehl- Neelson (acid-fast) and rodamine staining.  Results: Cryptosporidum parvum was detected in 5 (3.26%) cases (Confidence Interval 0.005- 6.1%, P=0.05). four boys (1,3,5 and 6 years old) and one girl (12 years old) were positive when tested with both staining methods. The only significant associated factor with cryptosporidiosis was contact with domestic animals (P=0.0026) and the infection was not associated with age, sex and breast-feeding in babies.  Discussion: This study show Cryptosporidium infection in 3.26% of diarrheic children referred to hospital in Semnan. There was no statistically significant difference between this study and most reports from other parts of the country. Hence, it seems necessary to detect other microbial agents such as Cryptosporidium in routine examination of diarrheic patient's stool at least in children’s hospital or reference labs.      

Introduction: Effects of theta pulse stimulation (TPS) on CA1 synaptic transmission in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) kindled rats were studied. Materials and Methods: ‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏PTZ (45 mg/kg) was injected every 48 hours to NMRI male rats. Hippocampal slices were prepared from control, partially and fully kindled rats. Theta pulse was delivered to Schaffer collaterals and recording was made from strata radiatum and pyramidale of CA1 region of hippocampal slices. Results: PTZ kindling resulted in an enduring increase in fEPSP slope, but not OPS amplitude, in CA1 region of hippocampus. TPS decreased the amplitude of population spikes (PS) of partially and fully kindled rats which were significant in the latter as compared to controls. Discussion: It is concluded that repeated administration of PTZ can change susceptibility of CA1 synapses to TPS.

Introduction: Portolaca oleracea is a plant, which is used as vegetable in some parts of Iran and also is a well-known herbal medicine. Several effects such as smooth and skeletal muscle relaxant effect, cardiac muscle relaxant effect, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect have been reported for this plant. This study was performed to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the portolaca oleracea. Materials and Methods: Aerial parts of plant (stem and leaves) were collected and dried in shadow. The dried parts then were powdered and ethanolic and aqueous extracts were prepared by suxhelet. Analgesic effects were assessed by hot plate and tail flick tests at 0, 30, 60 and 90 minutes after treatment of animals. For each test sixty white mice with about 25- 30 g body weight were randomly divided into six groups. Groups A and B were received 200 and 400 mg/kg of aqueous extract respectively, groups B and C received 200 and 400 mg/kg of ethanolic extract respectively and groups E and F were received normal saline (as negative control) and morphine 9 mg/kg (as positive control). To determine anti-inflammatory effect, 32 Wistar – Albino rats with 250- 300 g B.W were divided into 4 groups; experimental groups received 400 mg/kg B.W of aqueous and / or ethanolic extracts, and control groups were received 10 mg/kg B.W diclofenac sodium (positive control) or saline (negative control) one hour prior to caraggeenan injection to induce foot paw edema. Foot volume to a strict drawn line on leg when immersed in a 25 ml cylinder was measured before caraggeenan injection and 1& 3 hours after injection; the increase in swollen paw were determined for each rat. The results were determined and compared by an analysis of variances (ANOVA) for all groups and changes were compared by Tukey-Kramer test. The difference was considered to be significant when the P value was less than 0.05. Results: Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts at 400 mg/kg B.W showed analgesic effects, which was significant as compared to that of negative control (P<0.001 for both tests). The maximum effect was determined at 60 minutes after injection. The analgesic effects of both extracts at 60 minutes were equal to 60% of morphine (hot plat). The differences between aqueous and ethanolic extracts were not significant. Both aqueous and athanolac extracts significantly decreased paw edema at 1 (P<0.01) and 3 (P<0.001) hours after caraggeenan injection in treated rats. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that portolaca oleracea at the dose of 400 mg/kg have a considerable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and thus may be used as oral or topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic products. 

Introduction: Omega-3 (w-3) fatty acids are proper fat to human. These fats are present mainly in fish or fish oil. The w-3 fatty acids have the potential role in prevention of different diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. Impaired wound healing is well-documented complication in chronic diabetes mellitus. With considering to the mechanism involved in impairment of wound healing in diabetic subject and also the anti-inflammatory effect and/or protective effect against cardiovascular diseases, of fish oil, this oil may have beneficial effects on wound healing, and acceleration of healing. This reviewed investigates the effects of dietary or non-dietary (topically application) intake of w-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in wound healing, especially diabetic wound. Materials and Methods:  Literature review to cause on articles in which effects of w-3 fatty acids and w-6 fatty acids were investigated in wound healing. Results: This review reports evidences on: (1) positive effect of w-3 fatty acids (fish oil) on diabetic wound healing was more than w-6 fatty acids; (2) the effects of fish oil on wound healing in chronic diabetes is less than acute diabetes; (3) in chronic period, the topical application of oil more effective than systemic administration; (4) w-3 fatty acids caused acceleration of wound in diabetes, and other kinds of wound including gastric ulcer, intestinal, colon ulcer, and Burn. (5); more recent research has established on animal wound models (not patients). Conclusion:  The data reported in this review may suggest that, fish oil may represent a new class of drugs (agents) that has the beneficial effect on wound healing, for example in diabetic wound.

Ellis- van Creveld syndrome (EVC) or chondroectodermal dysplasia, a rare autosomal recessive disorder, is a tetrad of chondrodysplasia, ectodermal dysplasia, polydactly, and  congenital heart disease, that frequently presents with the single atrium defect. Chondrodystrophy of the tubular bones is the most common feature, while central nervous system (CNS) and urinary tract anomalies are very rare. The reported case is a 2800 gr female neonate with polydactyly of fingers, short limbs, deformed chest, single atrium and cystic kidney.

Introduction: "Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis" is a parasitic infection, which is caused by protozoa of genous "Leishmania" and usually has a reservoir of family "Jerbilineae". There are reports of infection from different areas of Iran annually. Damghan, a township of Semnan province of Iran, is one of the endemic foci of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis and it had an epidemy of this infection in 1999. Because existing Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in reservoirs can affect the probablity of human infection and can influcnce the "Preventive and Control Programms", a descriptive study was design to determine the "Cutaneous Leishmaniasis” in rodents of the rural areas of Damghan, Iran between years 2001-2002. Materials and Methods: This research was a descriptive study, done in 12 chosen villages of Damghan township. Installing hunting net randomly in different Places of study area trapped the rodents. After anaesthetizing and writing all the external characteristics, impression smears were prepared from ears and the other suspicious parts of the rodents’ bodies. These smears were stained with Giemsa’s stain and examined microscopically for the presence of Leishman bodies The Observation data was recorded in special charts and analyzed statistically. Results: In this study the total number of 310 rodents belonging to 4 Species was hunted in which 250 of them had “Cutaneous Leishmaniasis”. (80.6%). There was no signifcant difference between the rate of infected rodents in “areas having human disease reports” and “areas without it”. The major Genous and species of the trapped rodents was "Nesokia indican"which also showed the maximum rate of infection (83%). The maximum rate of infected rodents was observed in spring season (83.9 %) and Western areas (86%); and the minimum rate was in summer (73.2%) and Southern areas of the study (68%). Conclusion: The results indicated that prevalence rate of "Cutaneous Leishmaniasis” was extremely high in the rodents of the rural areas of Damghan township. High number of these rodents and their proximity to the houses and work places of people, may lead to exist “Cutaneous Leishmaniasis” for the following years even in "human epidemy form “and so there is a special need for designing “Comprehensive Control Programs".    

Introduction: Since in diabetes the permeability of vessels is impaired, therefore late onset complications of diabetes originated from vascular changes.  Calcium plays a major role in inducing and starting process that cause vascular injury and increased permeability.  The aim of this study was to indicate whether calcium channel blockers (nifedipine and verapamil) could prevent vascular permeability. Materials & Methods: In this experimental interventional study, male rats, divided into seven groups randomly. Diabetes induced by subcutaneous injection of 50mg/kg streptozotocin.  Vasculopathy was evaluated by extravasations of Evans blue dye and water content of tissue. Animals received 40mg/kg of verapamil and 10mg/kg of nifedipine orally daily. Results: Results of this study showed that extravasations of Evans blue dye was increased significantly (P<0.001) in diabetic group compare to control group, while verapamil decreased extravasations of Evans blue significantly compare to diabetic control group (P<0.01), however nifedipine had no inhibitory effect an water content of tissues did not change significantly.  The body weight of animals in diabetic group decreased significantly (p<0.05) at the end of experiment compare to the beginning of experiment, but verapamil and nifedipine have prevented the decrease of body weight in diabetic group.  Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that using calcium channel blockers particularly verapamil can inhibit diabetic vasculopathy and prevent the body weight reduction effectively.  

Introduction: Indium belonging to group IIIa, which is used in different industries and medical science. Therefore toxicity with this element is predictable. In this study, we to measure the concentration of indium in kidney, liver and brain. Pathological effects of indium to these tissues also have been studied.  Material & Methods: After determination of LD50, 0.35-mg/Kg indium as InCl3 was injected (I.P) daily to rats for 60 days. Results: Concentration of indium in serum and hemogenate of liver, kidney and brain tissues determined by flameless atomic absorption showed that indium concentration is more in the kidney and liver. Also, microscopic examination of these tissues shows increase damage of these two organs.Discussion: From forgoing results, we came to conclusion that damages caused by indium on these tissues is probably depend to the indium concentration in its.

Introduction: Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) is a method to reduce the stomach volume, which causes weight loss through lowering amount of consuming solid foods. This operation consists of implanting a small pouch in the proximal of the stomach and a tight exit area. This study was made to evaluate the efficacy and complication of VBG in the treatment of morbid obesity. Method & Material: The present practical study is prospective clinical experience without control group who was carried out between year 1376 and 1381. Of total 30 patients; 21 (70%) females and 9 (30%) male who underwent (VBG) in Baqiyatallah hospital. Results: The averages of age was 32.87 ± 8.12 years, height 168.66 cm, weight 130.70 ± 19.33 Kg and BMI 45.53 ± 10.15 kg/m2. The indication of surgery was BMI > 40 or BMI =35-40 with co-morbid illness. Seventy percent of patients complained from a symptom due to excess weight and co-morbid illness (diabetes, high blood pressure, cardio-pulmonary problems). Duration of hospitalization in the patients in the groups without early complication was 9.7 days and the average follow up was 24 months (range 2-72 months). Weight loss in the first month after surgery was 11.03±2.48 and after first year was 41.38 ± 10.93. The average decrease in BMI at the end of study was 10.45 kg/m2. 66.7 percent of the patients did not show any post-operative complication. One of the patients had pulmonary emboli (3.3 percent), one wound infection (3.3 percent), one GI bleeding (3.3 percent) and 2 patients had peritonitis (6.6 percent). Regarding delay complication, there was one case of intestine obstruction (3.3 percent) and 6 cases of incisional hernia (20 percent). One of the patients died due to hypovolumic shock (3.3 percent). This study showed that amount of loss of weight following a VBG operation was significant and also, it was found that amount of loss of weight in male was significantly more than female (P=0.020). Conclusion: Among the excess weight associated disease, it was only respiratory problems, which had a significant relationship with post surgery complication (P=0.026). In the meantime, three was no significant relationship between age, weight, sex and BMI with regard to postoperative complication.      

Introduction: Many of the knees affected rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament (P.C.L) lack desirable function. Researchers are currently seeking surgical procedures of treating P.C.L rupture, which offer a reliable degree of objective and subjective knee stability after surgery. This study assesses the results of anatomical reconstruction of P.C.L using graft from the tendon of the quadriceps muscle. Materials & Methods: This is a descriptive prospective empirical trial involving 14 patients with clinical diagnosis of P.C.L rupture. The patients underwent arthroscopy to rule out other causes of knee discomfort. The patients complained of knee discomfort in spite of conservative treatment and many sessions of physiotherapy. Subjective symptoms of knee instability, i.e. giving way, pain after long walks and pain during climbing, as well as objective knee instability symptoms as assessed by posterior drawer test at 30° and 90 knee flexion, and neutral rotation were recorded and compared prior to and after surgery. The procedure entailed anatomical reconstruction of P.C.L using grafts taken from the tendon of quadriceps muscle and part of proximal patella. Results: Two of 14 patients were excluded from the study due to their failure to refer for follow-up. The patients included 11 men and 1 woman with a mean age of 23 years. Patients displayed statistically meaningful improvement after surgery as regards subjective symptoms, i.e. giving way, pain after long walks and pain in climbing. Objective knee instability symptoms as evaluated by posterior drawer test at 30° and 90° knee flexion and neutral rotation also showed meaningful improvement compared to pre-surgery findings. Conclusion: Reconstruction of P.C.L is aimed at achieving normal knee kinematics and stability. The procedure used in this study entailed anatomical reconstruction of P.C.L. Given the objective and subjective results obtained, the use of this procedure is recommended by the author as the method of choice for reconstructing P.C.L.    

Introduction: Native Rhodococcus FMF bacterium was selected among several isolated Iranian bacterium. Primary studies have shown that the bacterium use dibenzothiophene as a sulfur source. Since desulfurization is taken by a biochemical pathway, the present project was designed to detect, clone and sequence of desulfurization genes of the bacterium. Materials and Methods: Desulfurization operon was isolated from Rhodococcus erythropolis IGTS8 and was used as a probe for detection of desulfurization 4S pathway genes by southern blotting technique. Specific primers were designed and the dszA and B genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products were recovered from agarose gel and were cloned into the PTZ57R vector. Results: In this study, recombinant PTZAB57R vector was constructed by the insertion of dszA and B genes into the PTZ57R vector. The clones were confirmed by restriction digestion analysis. The PTZAB57R was extracted by large-scale method and was sequenced (MWG DNA Biotech).Conclusion: Comparison of sequences of dszA and B genes from native Rhodococcus FMF bacterium with Rhodococcus sp. IGTS8 bacterium were shown complete identity between them, which show that desulfurization pathway is conserved in this bacterium.    

Introduction: Since uses of antinoceception chemical drugs for relief of pain have many side effects; today medical plants are very noticeable. The present work investigated the effects of Hydoalcoholic extract of Thymus vulgaris )TV( on acute pain in Hot plate and Tail flick models. Material and Methods: Albino mice (20-30 gr) were used for this study. Hydroalcoholic extract of TV seed was injected in doses of 100 and 500 mg/kg 30 min before test. Then the analgesic effect of the drug on acute pain was evaluated using Hot plate and Tail flick models.Results: Results indicated that TV has analgesic effect in both doses in both models (P<0.01), and higher dose of the drug was more effective.Conclusion: These findings showed that TV could modulate acute pain. Further research is required to determine the mechanisms by which TV has an inhibitory effect on pain sensation.