Yafteh
Year:2007 | Volume:9 | Issue:3 (33)|Papers Count:13

Background: Leptospirosis is known to be an emerging infection and the most common zoonosiss of the world. The etiological agent of the disease is spirochetes, Leptospira interogans which infect more than 160 differ rent mammalian species including rodents, cattle, dogs and wild mammals. Clinical syndrome may vary from influenza- like syndrome with fever, headache and myalgia to sever Weil"s syndrome with jaundice, renal dysfunction and hemorrhagic diathesis. Human infection occurs accidentally through contact with contaminated water or animal materials. There are reports of high prevalence of leptospirosis in rice farm workers, probably acquired during work in paddy. Also there was evidence of leptospirosis in the Lorestan province. In this study, serum IgG and IgM antibody response to leptospira was examined in adult patients who visited Vaysian Health Centre during Shahrivar and October 1384, during the season of paddies.Materials and methods: About 8 patients visited the Health Center during the season who were examined for clinical symptoms and then a questionnaire was filled. About 5 ml of blood sample was taken, the serum was separated and freezed before being examined by ELISA thechnique.Serion Classic Leptospira IgG/IgM ELISA (Germany) was used and the results were calculated according to the instruction.Results: From 80 patient who participated in this study, 39 (48.8%) had IgG antibody to leptospira and 41 (51.2%) were negative. From IgG positive patients, 28 (35%) were IgM positive and 11(65%) were negative. Of the people who had antibody to leptospira 30 (76.92%) were male and 9 (23.08%) were female. The maximum age distribution was at the age of 41 and over this age. There was no correlation between consumption of water from well or springs and antibody to leptospira. Also there was no correlation between abortion or stillbirth in cattle or family and presence of antibody to leptospira in human.Conclusion: Leptospirosis occur in the Lorestan which must be consider seriously. The infection occurs at high rate among occupations who are particularly at risk including farmer who work in pay or who work and live with cattle. Given the facts that still 14% of villages are deprived from pipeline water system and the fact that Lorestan is a farm and cattle husbandry province and the number of cattle are far much exceeded the number of human, improvement in public health and diagnosis of leptospira is an urgent need.

Background: Hydatidosis is a important disease that results from infection with larvae of the dog tape worm, Echinococcus granulosus in human and farm animals. Resistance or susceptibility to infectious diseases, for example, cystic and alveolar echinococcosis is restricted by individual host factors and immunologic responses, in many surveys has been shown. The target of this study that is the first survey dealing with the correlation between HLA-DRB1*& DQB1* alleles and cystic echinococcosis in Iranian patient,is investigation HLA-DRB1*and DQB1* allelic polymorphism in Iranian patient with hydatidosis.Materials and methods: The study was carried out on 56 patients with confirmed cystic echinococcosis and 30 apparently healthy individuals living on Arak area by HLA-DRB1*& DQB1* typing with PCR-SSP method. The first step was founding patients and blood sampling. DNA was prepared from whole blood and we used PCR-SSP with 31 primer mixes for per sample. PCR reaction mixtures were loaded in agar’s gels and after electrophoresis, geles were examined under UV illumination and gel document. Analyse of results carried out with specific software and frequency& interpretation tables and homogeneity test for calculation of P-value in x2 test with fisher’s exact test. significant samples with logistic regression analysed and Odds-ratio calculate.Results: A statistically significant positive association was found between HLA-DQB1*02 and the occurrence of cystic echinococcosis (P<0.05), (Odds-ratio=2.87).Conclusion: The most useful markers of HLA exists for the study of the relationship between genetical background and cystic echinococcosis with molecular high resolution methods.

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental disorders all over the world. An effective treatment preserves an acceptable level of function in the affected patients. Different drugs are used in the treatment of MDD, and each of them has specific therapeutic and adverse effects. Recently, SSRI drugs are used in the treatment of this disorder, and yet there is not enough study about them. Thus, we decided to compare the effectiveness and adverse effects of Nortriptyline with that of Citalopram in MDD.Materials and methods: In this double-blinded clinical trial, 80 MMD (DSM-IV-TR) patients, who that not any other mental, substance and organic disorders were selected. Samples were randomly assigned into two groups which were treated with Nortriptyline or Citalopram. Efficacy and adverse effects were evaluated at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks after the treatment. Data were analyzed by SPSS software.Results: Efficacy was similar in two groups, and no significant differences between the two groups were observed in the mean scores. The comparison of adverse effects between the two groups showed a significant difference in the hypersomnia, dry mouth, anorexia and nausea. There was not a significant difference between the two groups in the sexual dysfunction, insomnia headache, tremor, vertigo, obesity, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.Conclusion: Tricycles and SSRI drugs have an equal efficacy in the treatment of MDD. But they have different adverse effect profiles, thus they must be administrated with an attention to their adverse effects.

Background: Ischemic is one of the major causes of death and inabilities in the world. Environmental and nutritional risk Factors such as inadequate intake of vitamin B12 and folic acid followed by high serum total homocysteine concentration. increases the risk of cerebrovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to compare serum level of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid in Ischemic patients and healthy controls. Materials and methods: In this case-control study, 45 inpatients subjects (30 M,16 F aged 45-75 years)and 45 age sex matched healthy subjects (29 M and 16 F) were selected. 5ml blood was take for each subject and serum level of homocysteine (using ELISA), vitamin B12 and folate (using RIA) were measured. Results: There were no significant differences in age and BMI between canes and controls. The Serum homocysteine level in controls war higher than in controls (18.68 mmol/L ±1.53 vs 9.96mmol/L±0.9, P<0.001) while Serum Vitamin B12 and folate concentrations in patients were lower than in controls 394.28 Pmol/L ±19.39 vs 631.60pmol/L ±33.1vs 1.53ngml ±0.08,P<0.001, respectively). Serum homocysteine was inversely and significantly Correlated with serum folate Changes and Vitamin B12. 8% and 10% Changes in homocysteine level were explained by Changes in Serum folate and Vitamin B12. Conclusion: As Low intakes of vitamin B12 and folic acid result in high homocysteine concentration and consequently higher risk for Ischemic cerebrovasular events, proper diet including adequate intake of these vitamins is suggested.

Background: Disruptive Behavior Disorder (DBD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders starting from childhood and is considered an important mental health problem of the society. DBDs may have distractive effects on the social, educational, personality, and behavioral relationships of people in their childhood and adulthood. The present research was done to determine the prevalence of Disruptive Behavior Disorders in elementary school students of Khorramabad in 2005.Materials and methods: This research was a cross-sectional study. Its statistical community includes all the students studying in grades one to five at elementary schools in Khorramabad (N = 943). Sixteen state and private schools (8 for girls and 8 for boys) were selected in a cluster and multi–stage sampling method. The standardized questionnaire of Child Symptoms Inventories (CSI-4) was used to collect data on the prevalence of children’s psychiatric disorders. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistic and Chi-square test.Results: The total sample included 943 children. There was 21.4% DBD behavior (17.7% oppositional defiant disorder and, 3.7% conduct disorder). The number of the boys was twice as that of the girls (28.7% vs. 14.4%). The students in grade 2 showed the lowest, and those in grade 3, 4 and 5 the highest prevalence rate of DBD. There was also a significant relationship between children’s grade (P= 0.02), parent’s education (P=0.005, P=0.006), Mother’s job (P= 0.03), income (P = 0.005) and DBD. However no significant relationship between father’s job, educational level of the students and parent’s mental problems and Disruptive Behavior Disorders was found.Conclusion: Due to the high prevalence of the disorder including DBD, and lack of enough attention to their consequences in children and adolescents, it seems necessary to identify these disorders so that they may be dealt with on time.

Background: Because of the difficulty in measuring each antioxidant component separately and the interactions among different antioxidant components in the serum or plasma, several methods have been developed to assess the total antioxidant capacity. The objective of the present study was to evaluate and compare the total Radical-Trapping Antioxidant Potential (TRAP) and Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) methods for assessing the total antioxidant capacity of rat serum.Materials and methods: Serum samples were obtained from 10 healthy male Wistar rats (8 weeks, 190±5 g). The total TRAPs were determined based on the protection afforded by antioxidants against the decay of R-Phycoerythrin fluorescence emission during a controlled per oxidation reaction initiated by AAPH. The FRAP was determined based on the reduction of the ferric tripyridyltriazine [Fe (III)–TPTZ] complex to the ferrous tripyridyltriazine [Fe(II)–TPTZ] at low pH. The Fe (II)–TPTZ complex gives a blue color with an absorbance maximum at 593 nm. The final results were converted to m mol Trolox equivalents/L.Results: The total antioxidant capacity of rat serum, measured by TRAP or FRAP methods was stable over a 4-week time period. The value of total antioxidant capacity of rat serum determined by TRAP method was three folds higher than that of FRAP method. The main contributors to rat serum TRAP and rat serum FRAP were albumin (30.33%) and uric acid (57.13%) respectively. The amount of contribution of b -carotene in rat serum TRAP was 7.22 % and in rat serum FRAP was 0%.Conclusion: The antioxidant capacity of an antioxidant against a free radical does not necessarily equal with its ability to reduce Fe (III) to Fe (II).

Background: Aflatoxin M1 is a hydroxylated form of aflatoxin B1 which is produced by Aspergillus flavus. This toxin is produced when cows or other ruminants eat foods contaminated with these mycotoxins and then excrete them in the milk. The toxin is a potent liver and kidney carcinogenetic agent.Materials and methods: Forty two raw cow’s milk samples from local sources of milk collection and forty samples of commercial pasteurized market milk from Khorramabad, Lorestan, Iran were collected in summer and winter season of 2005. Twenty-one cow milk samples and 20 pasteurized milk samples in each season were analyzed for the presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) by HPLC immunoaffinity columns.Results: Four of 21 raw milk samples in summer showed AFM1 levels between 0.017-0.046 ng/ml and all samples (100%) in winter showed the presence of AFM1 levels between 0.003-0.041ng/ ml. AFM1 was detected in 55% of market pasteurized cow milk samples ranging from 0.017 to 0.533 ng/ml in summer and 100% ranging from 0.005-0.0054 ng/ml in winter.,Only one of all milk samples of pasteurized milk in summer had toxin level (0.533 ng/ml) more than the maximum permissive limit (0.5 ng/ml). No significant difference was observed among mean contamination level of raw and pasteurized cow milk in two seasons.

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the Central Nervous System (CNS), with an etiology that is not yet fully understood. Increasing evidence shows that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of MS. The aim of this study was to compare dietary intake of antioxidants and serum levels of Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) in MS patients with that of normal subjects.Materials and methods: Serum levels of TAS and dietary intake of the main antioxidants of twenty one MS patients (16 women) were compared with age and gender matched healthy controls. Serum samples were collected and frozen for further spectrophotometer analysis. Food frequency questionnaires and 24-hour dietary recalls for 3 days of all subjects were obtained.Results: There was no significant difference in serum levels of TAS between the two groups. No significant difference was seen in consumption of dietary antioxidant sources between them. Additionally, daily intake of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, folate and dietary fiber were not significantly different between groups.Conclusion: There is a lack of evidence on the possible relationship and benefits of dietary antioxidant in MS patients. More research is required to assess the effectiveness of diet interventions on antioxidant status in MS patients.

Background: Apoptosis is an active process in which the activity of enzymes, chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation are dependent on energy, therefore; apoptosis is likely to have a high energy demand. The aim of this investigation was to study the ATP level in apoptotic cells. Materials and methods: Fifty mice (BALB/c) were divided into 2 groups. Experimental and control groups were intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg/kg of dexamethasone and PBS respectively. After 16 hours, the thymus in both of the groups was removed. One lobe of the thymus was processed for microscopic study, while ATP level in the other lobe was measured by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Results: ATP level in apoptotic cells was 86% of that in normal cells. Conclusion: This study indicated that apoptosis is an active process and the level of ATP remains high during cell death process.

Background: Wart is a common and contagious viral disease of the skin caused by papilloma viruses which leads to aesthetic and psychological problems, and if occurred in touching and pressured parts of the body causes pain and inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Clove bud, Nigella, Salix alba and Olive oil which have wound disinfectant, anesthetic, analgesic and wound healing properties on wart treatment in comparison with the conventional treatment.Materials and methods: This randomized double blind controlled clinical trial was conducted on 291 female students selected form guidance and high schools in Khorramabad, Lorestan, Iran, during the year 2007. The diagnosis of wart was confirmed by a dermatologist according to the diagnosis criteria. The cases fulfilling the inclusion criteria were assigned in 3 study groups randomly. The first group was treated with the conventional treatment (Salicylic acid 16.7%, lactic acid 16.7% in Collodione body), the second group with herbal medicine without acid in olive oil, and the third group with herbal medicine alongside salicylic acid 1% and lactic acid 1% in olive oil. Each group was administered the drugs for 6 weeks. The effects of drugs on lesions were assessed after 4 and 6 weeks and compared among 3 groups using repeated measures test.results: Out of 291 cases, a total of 177 cases used the drug on a regular basis. Improvement of lesion, after 4 weeks, was 62.6% for conventional therapy, 42.9% far herbal therapy with acid, and 55.1% for herbal therapy without acid. After 6 weeks, this improvement was 89.9% for conventional therapy, 61.3% for herbal therapy with acid, and 87.8% for herbal therapy without acid. Routine treatment was more efficient than herbal therapy with acid (P<0.000). The efficacy of routine therapy was not significantly different from that of herbal therapy without acid (P=1.000) and herbal therapy with acid was less efficient than herbal therapy without acid (P<0.001).Conclusion: Using herbal therapy, with or without acid is significantly efficient in lesion regression. Also, a prolonged duration of therapy leads to a better resolution of lesions in all three types of therapy. The above-mentioned plants may be used as complementary or alternative therapies in the treatment of common wart.

Background: Photoelectron therapy method has been usad successfully, on the body phantom, cancer cells culture and animals. In this method, drugs containing x-Ray opaque factors–with high atomic numbers–are injected into the patient’s vein. After appropriate drug accumulation, about at least ten percent of the total injected amounts, 200kev up to 300kev of localized x-Ray beams is radiated to the site of the tumor. The Ethic Committee of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Education and Health Services authorized the implementation of this new cancer treatment method, initially only on the group of patients who suffered from hepato-cellular carcinoma. Hepato cellular carcinoma is one of the most current malignancies of liver. In some cases, in addition to surgery, several approaches exist to come near the aim of predominating hepato-cellular carcinoma such as chemotherapy, current Radiation Therapy, Radio-Frequency application (RF), Trans-Artepical Chemo Embolization, (TACE), and Percutaneous Ethanol Injection (PEI). The effectiveness of the above-mentioned methods is about 10%-47%, applied alone or alongside each other.Materials and methods: This study was a clinical-trial one. In this study, first, lipiodol (an x-ray opaque material with a high atomic number) was transferred into the main vessel terminating to the tumor by angio-catheterization. Then, 200kev Up to 250kev of localized x-ray was radiated to the site of the tumor in one session. The drug volume was proportionally selected to the volume of the tumor, and the irradiation intensity was between 400 to 600cent.Gy. the beam energy absorption capacity of this drug is as times as that of sound tissues; consequently, this new method allows higher beam energy absorption in the tumor which ultimately causes an intensive malignancy dissolving.Results: The CT. scanning images of the six designated patients, after six-month from one session treatment by this new radiation therapy method, indicated a considerable damage to the tumor.Conclusion: The tumor measurement showed 40-60 percent dissolving that surely was due to the fatal absorbed energy in tumor cells. Since some of the designated patients also suffered from cirrhoses and hepatitis-B, there was no assertion of laboratory hepatic test to reveal the cure signs.