[Prevalence of Entrobius vermicularis [pinworm] infection and its relationship with clinical manifestations of oxyurosis, in children between 1 and 6 years of age in oraman region of Marivan]

Background and Aim: oxyuris or pin worm is a type of roundworm [nematode genus Enterobius] which has small, thin, white slender shape. The size of adult male is about 2 to 5 mm and adult female measures 8 to 13 mm in length. The purpose of this cross- sectional study was to determine the prevalence of oxyuriasis and its correlation with clinical manifestation and allergic symptoms among children between 1 and 6 years of age in "Oraman Takht" region of Marivan, in Iran. "Oraman Takht" region consists of 10 villages. A total number of 845 children between 1and 6 years of age, were living in this area

Material and Method: using systematic random sampling method, 338 children were enrolled in the study. Data were collected by means of a special questionnaire, microscopic examination of scotch tape test specimens and peripheral blood smear. Data about parents, education and occupation and children's sex and age, were recorded in a questionnaire for every subject. Peripheral blood smear were obtained from all children and was examined by a hematologist for presence of eosinophilia. Scotch tape tests were prepared by the parents after necessary instructions, and examined for the presence of oxyuriasis ova by a parasitologist

Results: among 340 children in our study 139 [%41.1] were infected by E. vermicularis. The prevalence rate of infection was %37.4 in the boys and %45.3 in the girls. There was not a significant relationship between E. vermiculris infection and its clinical manifestation and allergic disease symptoms. 22 [%6.4] children showed eosinophilia in their peripheral blood smears, among them 17 [%77.3] were infected by E. vermicularis, too. There was a significant relationship between eosinophilia and E.vermicularis infection [p‹0.001]

Conclusion: considering the results and importance of this subject and for better control and prevention of parasitic infection, we suggest necessary training and education for the people in regard to the life cycle of the parasite, transfer and prevention of infection. Measures for improvement of economical status, public and personal healths are recommended. Finally all the household members should be treated at the same time

A pilot study on the effects of curd (dahi) & leaf protein concentrate in children with protein energy malnutrition (PEM).

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: In protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) there is a significant impairment of immunity, both cell-mediated and humoral, which may be reversed with nutritional rehabilitation. With the use of probiotics like curd (dahi) and micronutrient-rich leaf protein concentrate (LPC), this immune recovery may be hastened. This study was conducted to assess the impact of supplementation of curd and LPC on nutritional status, and immunity as assessed by anthropometry, haemoglobin, ferritin levels, T- cell subpopulation and C-reactive protein (CRP), in children suffering from PEM. METHODS: Eighty moderate to severely malnourished children (1-5 yr) were randomized to receive either curd or LPC in addition to WHO recommended two-step diet over 15 days. Nutritional, immunological and haematological parameters were measured before and after supplementation and compared within the groups. RESULTS: The change in weight, haemoglobin level and CD4:CD8 T-cell subpopulation was significant in both the groups after supplementation. Response of CRP was blunted in PEM. Serum ferritin decreased significantly after supplementation in both groups. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Curd and LPC when added to diet of malnourished children, may have therapeutic value by accelerating immune recovery. More studies need to be done on a larger sample to confirm these findings.

Inorganic content of cotton dust, trash, and bracts, a help to investigate the etiology of Byssinosis

The exact etiological agents responsible for the biological effects of cotton dust are unidentified but most investigators believe they are organic in nature. Inorganic compound have not been considered as significant factors. However cotton dust, trash and bracts have high inorganic contents [7-43% ash] as reported here. More importantly aqueous extracts of the trash and bracts have inorganic contents as high as 65% which means a significant amount [10-36%] of the inorganic compounds in trash or bract is water extractable. Elements present in the ash include: N2, C12, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, S, and O2. KCI, and K2SO4 have been definitively identified. It is suggested that greater attention should be given to the inorganic nature of cotton dust in the etiology of byssinosis