[Evaluation of antiemetic effect of metabolic, aesthetic and aqueous extracts of Citrus aurantium L. on chicken]

Background and Objective: The flowers of Citrus aurantium L. are traditionally used in the treatment of neurological disorders such as seizures, epilepsy and neurasthenia. With regard to the importance of nausea and vomiting and effects of strengthening the stomach of Citrus aurantium L. extract, this study, was done to determine the antiemetic effect of the metabolic, aesthetic and aqueous extract of flowers of Citrus aurantium L. in young chickens

Methods: In this experimental study, induction of emesis was performed in 138 young chickens [23 groups, n=6] using copper sulfate [60 mg/kg, orally] and ipecac [600 mg/kg, orally]. The aqueous, methanolic and acetonic extract at doses of 50, 100 and 250 mg/kg/bw were injected intraperitoneally [i.p.] and metoclopramide [as positive control]. The number of nausea was recorded 50 and 20 minutes after copper sulfate and ipecac administration, respectively

Results: Our results showed that all kind of extract at doses of 100 and 250 mg/kg significantly inhibited copper sulfate and ipecac induced-emesis that showed better effect than metoclopramide. Also, comparison of antiemetic effect of different extract revealed that methanolic, aqueous and acetonic had better effect on prevention of nausea, respectively in comparision with metoclopramide

Conclusion: All kinds of Citrus aurantium [Methanolic, Aesthetic and Aqueous] showed antiemetic effect due to copper sulfate and ipecac dose dependly in Young chickenin in comparision with metoclopramide

[Evaluation of heavy metal concentrations [Zn, Cd, Pb] in drinking water wells in the rural areas of Bandar Abbas, Iran]

Groundwater resources, including the most important sources of drinking water are based on studies of underground aquifers provide the main source of drinking water to more than 1.5 billion people around the world.Groundwater contamination by pollutants affecting the quality of these resources will be useless and even likely in some areas. Therefore, the present study aims at the evaluation of heavy metal concentrations in drinking water wells in the rural areas of Bandar Abbas. This cross-sectional study has been conducted in various parameters and the chemical quality of water. We measured the concentration of heavy metals [Zn, Cd, Pb] from 25 sources [wells] based on standard methods. The findings of this study showed that concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cd in drinking water wells in rural areas of Bandar Abbas were: 0.07, 0.02, 0.0054 mg liter, respectively. The values were less than the standard values of Word Health Organization. But, Cd concentration in 13 cases and Pb concentration in 9 cases were higher than WHO standards. The results suggest that measurement of the average metal concentrations in all drinking water wells in rural areas of Bandar Abbas were not higher than World Health Organization standards. However, more studies are recommended in areas with water wells contaminated with heavy metals

Assessment of avian osteoporosis by a quantitative radiographic method

The aim of this study was to develop a quantitative radiographic method for assessment of experimental osteoporosis in Leghorn breed laying hens. Three groups of 24 Leghorn pullets were reared in cage and fed a ration containing different calcium levels, including 3.55, 2.075 and 0.6 percent [for groups 1-3, respectively]. The hens were fed this diet from 17 weeks of age to the end of the experiment. At 20, 28 and 36 weeks of age, 8 hens from each group were selected randomly. Radiographs were obtained from the tibiotarsus and the humerus of each hen. Radiographs were digitized using a camera and assessed by "Image J" software. Bone radiopacities and bone cortex/diameter [C/D] ratios were measured. The hens were sacrificed and the bone ash and calcium contents were measured. Bone densities of the birds in different groups were significantly different at just 36 weeks of age; they were greater in the tibiotarsus bone of the control group than in the tibiotarsus bone of median [P=0.02] and with the low calcium [P=0.007] groups. Humerus densities were also greater in control group compared with that of median [P=0.04] and with low calcium [P=0.0004] diet group. Cortex/diameter index of the tibiotarsus bone was different in all three stages between control and the two other groups, while there were no significant differences between the humeri C/D indices and the three groups in the first stage. Humeri C/D indices of the second and third stages had significant differences between control and the two other groups [P?0.05]. This study showed that radiographic evaluation of bone density is valuable just in progressed osteoporosis, while C/D index can be used for diagnosis of osteoprotic bones in earlier stages

Identification and characterization of anti-platelet antibodies in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura patients

The autoimmune disease known as Idiopathic [immune thrombocytopenic purpura thrombocytopenic purpura [ITP] is clinically defined by a low numbers of platelets in the circulation blood. This study aimed to isolate autoantibodies made against the platelet glycoproteins using platelets from healthy volunteers, to determine their specificity and further elucidate their effects on platelet function. This study used a phage display system to recognize Fab anti-platelet antibodies. Anti-platelet After isolation, the anti-platelet Fab-expressing phage was characterized by ELISA and Western blotting. The Fab-bearing phage pool obtained from five rounds of panning was analysed in order to determine its anti-platelet reactivity. Of the phage colonies obtained, 100 colonies of different sizes were randomly selected for reaction with whole platelets, using M13 phage as a negative control. Twelve colonies of them had strong reactions against the whole platelet preparation, but only four colonies showed substantial reactivity against the lysed platelet preparation [lysate]. Three of the four colonies showed three bands representing proteins with different molecular weights. The fourth colony showed only a single band. The final experiment to characterise the protein isolated from the phage library was a DNA gel agarose test. Each colony showed a DNA band that corresponded with the molecular size marker for 5.4 kbase pairs, and this suggested the presence of heavy and light antibody chains in the phage

Evaluation of echocardiography results in patients with acute cerebrovascular accidents [CVA]

Cerebrovascular accidents are one of the most common causes of disability and mortality in human population all over the world. Several factors such as age, sex, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and heart diseases are risk factors for stroke. Due to high prevalence of cerebrovascular accidents and its related risk factors and particularly heart diseases, we decided to study echocardiography findings in patients with cerebrovascular accidents. This descriptive study was conducted on 372 cerebrovascular patients who had been admitted to Zanjan Vali-e-Asr hospital in 2008. The data such as gender, age, type of cerebrovascular accidents, underlying disease and findings of echocardiography were collected and then they analyzed by appropriate software. Of 372 patients, 181 were men [48.6%] and 191 were women [51.4%]. Systolic function in 321 cases [86.3%] was normal and it was abnormal in 51 cases [13.7%]. Diastolic function in 304 cases [81.9%] was normal and in 68 cases [18.1%] was abnormal. Twenty -two cases had mitral stenosis and 198 patients had mitral regurgitation, whereas 23 cases showed both of them. Nine cases had aortic stenosis; similarly 80 cases were found with aortic regurgitation and only 5 cases had both of them. 165 cases were found with tricuspid regurgitation, while 1 case had both regurgitation and stenosis. Sixty- three cases had ejection fraction below 40%. In one case there was a clot. High frequency of abnormal echocardiography findings in stroke leading to cardiac disorders is one of the most important risk factor of stroke. Thus, with echocardiography which is a non-invasive technique, many of heart problems can be diagnosed and consequently occurrence of cerebrovascular accidents can be prevented or treated

[Evaluation of echocardiography results in patients with acute cerebrovascular accidents [CVA]]

Cerebrovascular accidents are one of the most common causes of disability and mortality in human population all over the world. Several factors such as age, sex, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and heart diseases are risk factors for stroke. Due to high prevalence of cerebrovascular accidents and its related risk factors and particularly heart diseases, we decided to study echocardiography findings in patients with cerebrovascular accidents. This descriptive study was conducted on 372 cerebrovascular patients who had been admitted to Zanjan Vali-e-Asr hospital in 2008. The data such as gender, age, type of cerebrovascular accidents, underlying disease and findings of echocardiography were collected and then they analyzed by appropriate software. Of 372 patients, 181 were men [48.6%] and 191 were women [51.4%]. Systolic function in 321 cases [86.3%] was normal and it was abnormal in 51 cases [13.7%]. Diastolic function in 304 cases [81.9%] was normal and in 68 cases [18.1%] was abnormal. Twenty-two cases had mitral stenosis and 198 patients had mitral regurgitation, whereas 23 cases showed both of them. Nine cases had aortic stenosis; similarly 80 cases were found with aortic regurgitation and only 5 cases had both of them. 165 cases were found with tricuspid regurgitation, while 1 case had both regurgitation and stenosis. Sixty-three cases had ejection fraction below 40%. In one case there was a clot. High frequency of abnormal echocardiography findings in stroke leading to cardiac disorders is one of the most important risk factor of stroke. Thus, with echocardiography which is a non-invasive technique, many of heart problems can be diagnosed and consequently occurrence of cerebrovascular accidents can be prevented or treated

[Accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosis of molar pregnancy in patients admitted to Mahdieh hospital 2001-2006]

Hydatidiform mole is the commonest type of gestational trophoblastic diseases. Diagnosis of molar pregnancies is essential since molar pregnancies might be associated with maternal complication and would result in malignant trophoblastic disease. Recently, there has been a significant change in clinical presentation of hydatidiform mole due to use of ultrasound in early pregnancy before onset of systemic manifestations. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of systemic ultrasound in early diagnosis of molar pregnancies. This was a review of patients with molar pregnancies admitted to Mahdieh hospital from 2001 to 2006. Women with histologically-proven hydatidiform moles were evaluated by their age, gestational age, clinical manifestations and ultrasound findings. All data were analyzed with SPSS. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of ultrasound in diagnosis of hydatidiform mole was calculated. The mean mother's age was 24.84 +/- 6.26 years old. The mean gestational age at the time of evacuation was 12.3 +/- 3.85 weeks. The most common symptom was vaginal bleeding [76.2%]. Basically, there were 49.5% of cases whom were histologically confirmed as complete hydatidiform mole, while 50.5% had partial hydatidiform mole. 81.3% of patients had pre-evacuation sonography compatible with hydatidiform mole. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of ultrasound in detecting the histologically-proved hydatidiform moles were 90% and 100%, respectively. In this study, ultrasound had high accuracy in diagnosis of molar pregnancies. Therefore, sonography is highly recommended in all patients with vaginal bleeding in their first trimester

effect of metronidazole, erythromycin and indomethacin on the process of idiopathic preterm labor

Approximately 39%-61%of cases with idiopathic preterm labor [IPL] fail to respond to toecolytic therapy; to increase this response many different antibiotics have tried but mostly the effect on suppression of IPL has been minimal. This study was conducted to investigate whether addition of antiprostaglandins to the antibiotic regimen could suppress IPL. A double blind randomized clinical trial was performed. Forty-nine women with IPL at 24-34 weeks of pregnancy were selected and divided into two groups of 25 cases and 24 controls by random allocation. Experimental cases received indomethacin with antibiotics while the controls were given similar antibiotics with placebo. Outcome variables were delay in delivery for 24 hours, carrying the pregnancy up to 37 weeks, comparison of birth weight and need for NICU admission. Statistical analysis was done by Chi square, T test and Fisher exact tests. Delay in delivery for 24 hour was 84%, [n=2l], in cases and 79%, [n=19], in controls, [p=0.1]. 32%, [n=8] of cases vs. 20.8% of controls carried the pregnancy up to 37 weeks, [p0.8]. Mean birth weight in cases and controls were 2273.3 +/- 863 vs. 20113 +/- 529gr, [p=0.9]. Need for NICU admission was 4 days in cases vs. 8days in controls. In each group 2 neonates died. In this study, the combination of antiprostaglandins, [indomethacin], and antibiotics, [metronidazole-erythromycin], did not have a significant effect on suppression of IPL

Psittacine beak and feather disease in Iran, molecular and histopathologic detection

Psittacine beak and feather disease [PBFD] is a major viral disease in wild and captive psittaciformes all around the world. The disease was suspected in a 7 years old lesser sulphur-crested cockatoos [Cacatua sulphured] with a minor feather loss at the back of neck and head. The bird was comprehensively examined by macroscopic pathology, histopathology and polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. Marked intracellular edema of the keratinocytes and necrosis were evident in histopathological observation of dystrophic feather follicles. Numerous macrophages with cytoplasmic inclusions [botryoid] and Prevasculitis were also present in the dermis. Histopathologically, the feather lesions and inclusions were typical of PBFD. The presence of psittacine beak and feather disease virus [BFDV] DNA was confirmed by PCR. This is the first documented report of the occurrence of the PBFD in Iran

effect of some simple exercises and correct daily activity in prevention of backache in pregnancy period

Backache is a common problem in pregnancy period. Scientists believe that some simple exercise can help to prevent the occurrence of backache during their pregnancy period. Thus, this research carried out in order to investigate the effect of some simple exercises and correct daily activity in prevention of backache in pregnancy period. This is a clinical trial study that was carried out on 138 of pregnant women .The first group including 66 women which considered as control group and treatment group including 72 women. The research had four stages: 1] stage of taking history. 2] Arrange a teaching program. 3] stage of performance [In case group samples were done 60 minutes aerobic exercises for 3 days a week for the 30 weeks undersupervision a physiotherapist]. 4] Assessment the results. Data were analyzed by SPSS for statistical analysis. According to the result 18.2% of woman that were under treatment and 36.6% of control group, suffered from backache. Chi-square test showed significant differences between two groups. In addition Odd ratio of treatment population was 2 [CI%95 = 4/04-1/91 and p < 0/05]. The result showed simple exercises during pregnancy period can not eliminate backache, but it can decrease delay backach

Meconium-stained amniotic fluid and puerperal infection

Puerperal infection describes any bacterial infection of the genital tract after delivery. It is the cause of 13% of pregnancy related deaths and the fifth leading cause of death. Some studies have addressed the role of meconium-stained amniotic fluid in puerperal infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between meconium-stained amniotic fluid and puerperal infection. In this cohort study 300 pregnant women with gestational age >/= 37 weeks were divided in two groups. In case group amniotic fluid was meconium-stained and in control group amniotic fluid was clear. All patients were delivered by cesarean section and received prophylactic preoperative antibiotics. Patients were checked for puerperal infection within 40 days. All data was analyzed with SPSS. Among 150 patients in case group 2 women [1.3%] developed a fever but none in the control group showed any signs of infection. There was no significant statistical difference between case and control groups [P>0.05]. Although this study, revealed no relation between meconium-stained amniotic fluid and puerperal infection, but, since both groups had received antibiotics, further comprehensive studies are needed to elucidate the role of meconium-staining of the amniotic fluid in the occurrence of post-partum sepsis

[ effect of administration of anti-coccidial drugs on oocyst shedding and performance in experimental coccidiosis in broiler chickens]

Coccidiosis is one of the major parasitic diseases of poultry. In this study, to compare the effects of coccidiostatic drugs on fecal oocyst shedding and body weight gain of coccidi-infected broiler chickens, 180 one day old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four treatments. Each treatment contained 3 replicates of 15 chickens. Treatments 1 and 2 were fed diets supplemented with 200ppm Diclazuril and 500ppm Salinomycin, respectively. Treatments 3 and 4 were designated as positive and negative control, received no coccidiostate. Chickens in treatment 1, 2 and 3 were inoculated with a suspension containing four Eimeria species. Frequency of excreted oocyst obtained from feces samples during 7-13 days post -challenged was carried out. Body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and mortality rate were evaluated weekly. The results revealed that coccidiostatic drugs decreased oocyst per gram of feces significantly in 7-13 days post inoculation [p<0.05]. The highest mean of body weight was related to negative control followed by chickens treated with Diclazuril. The lowest FCR was belonged to negative control followed by chickens treated with Diclazuril. It could be concluded that coccidiostate -supplemented diets in Eimeria infected groups shed less [P<0.05] oocyst than control-infected chickens and improved production performance in coccidian-infected broiler chicks

[Evaluating the prevalence of canceling surgical operations, including its influening factors at Imam Khomeini hospital in Sari duing 2006-2007]

Hospital admission for surgery is an important event for patients. Canceling surgical procedures produce several unpleasant results for patients such as waste of time, including payment. The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence and causes of canceling surgical procedures, in order to achieve problem solving methods. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Statistical data regarding all surgical procedures [without sampling] performed during 2006 to 2007, were recorded in a checklist. Study variables were identified based on surgical procedures that were canceled during this study. Data was analyzed using SPSS software and statistical analysis tests. Of 4,711 scheduled patients, 510 [109%] surgical operations were canceled. The highest number of patient candidates for surgical operation was related to gynecology, orthopedic, urology, while the least were related to reconstructive and vascular surgery groups respectively. The most canceled surgical procedures were related to neurosurgical operation 32/4% [68 from 207 cases] while the least canceled cases belonged to gynecology 4/4% [48 from 1094 cases]. The results of our study showed that 54/2% of canceled cases were preventable. The results of this study and similar studies demonstrate that traditional pre-operative preparation for surgical scheduling, day before surgery is in need of serious consideration. We recommend a fundamental change by discarding traditional methods and creating a new committee including specialized bed or resource groups, monthly management meetings to discuss causes of canceling surgical procedures, in order to reduce its occurrence. Thus, decreasing the rate of canceling surgical operations can save hospital financial resources, preventing time wasted, while reducing anxiety in patients and their family

[Burn death rate among hospitalized patients in Zare' teaching hospital of Mazandaran medical University, Sari, Iran [2002-04]]

Burning is a general health problem and is also a global injury as well as a very serious sanitary issue in industrial and developing countries. In its severe form, burning can claim lives. It seems essential in every society to analyze burning, to study the causes of burning, treatment outcomes and the death rates, etc. to find proper preventive measures. In this cross-sectional study, the medical records of all patients who were hospitalized and finally deceased during the years 2002 and 2004 in Zare' teaching hospital, Sari, were examined. Some variables including the age span average, the degree and percentage of burning, patients' residence, gender, the cause of burning [i.e. boiling water, fire, acids and explosives], average hospitalization period, surgery and also the abundance of self - burning attempts were examined. This study indicate that during these 3 years the total number of those who died from burns was 506 [23.4%]. The residential places were in Mazanderan province [41.7%], Golestan province [41.4%], and Gilan province [10.2%]. The abundance of burning ranges as below: The 2 and 3 degree of burning at 91.8%. Regarding the percentage of burns, 31.7% of abundance pertains to burning at 90% and more. The greatest external causes leading to burns are petrol, gas, and gas oil at 57.9%. Also, the percentage of burns does not have much influence on death rate among 50 - year - olds and older people. This study indicated that the importance of death between burned patient in special sex and age. To establish hospitals, some issues must be considered as: distance, transportation, route dangers, characteristics of area, existing epidemiological survey, and finally the epidemics and event statistics

[Prevalence of congenital heart defects in children with Down's syndrome in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran]

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of congenital heart defects in children with Down's syndrome in Imam Khomeini Hospital in a period of 2 years [2001-2002]. Based on their medical files and echocardiographies, 32 patients with Down's syndrome were evaluated during study. The cytogenetic analysis in these patients [19 males and 13 females] revealed that 29 cases [90.7%] had trisomy 21, 2 cases [6.2%] had translocation and only one case [3.1%] was mosaic. Family history for heart diseases was positive in 2 patients [6.2%]. The findings of echocardiography were as follow: endocardial cushion defect [ECD] in 16 cases [50%], ventricular septal defect [VSD] in 7 cases [21.8%], atrial septal defect [ASD] in 6 cases [18.7%], tetralogy of Fallot [TOF] in 2 cases [6.2%], patent ductus arteriousus [PDA] in one case [3.1%]. The diagnosis of congenital heart defects in children with Down's syndrome is crucial because treating them in due course results in dramatical decrease in the mortality and morbidity rates of these patients

[ effects of anesthesiologist residency on mortality of patients in ICU in Imam Khomeini teaching hospital of Mazandaran Medical University Sari [2000-2004]]

Anesthesiologists have become the first priority since they can play an important role in crisis situations to support respiratory and cardiac urgencies. In this survey, the effects of the resident anesthesiologists were studied on the death of patients having been hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit of Imam Khomeini training and treatment center, Sari from 2000 to August 2004. In this survey, the subjects of the "case group" [passed-away patients during the residency of the anesthesiologist] have been compared to the subjects of the "control group" [having no resident anesthesiologist]. The following variables were considered for analysis: age, gender, hospitalization reasons, the original ward, reason of and the service of reference to the Intensive Care Unit, the cause of death, hospitalization period in the original ward and Intensive Care Unit, as well as the number of the visits paid by anesthesiologist. Other interfering variables [such as facilities] were not taken into account, since they had been the same for both groups. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software and the descriptive and analytical [X2,Z,T] statistical tests. The findings of this survey showed that men have died more than women [61.9% vs 38.1%] in the intensive care unit. The total hospitalization period reduced from 14 to 11 days, having an anesthesiologist residing in this ward. It was revealed that the presence of an anesthesiologist reduced the death rate from 24% to 14%. According to the findings of this survey, it has been revealed that the presence of an anesthesiologist can have an outstanding effect on the reduction of the death rate. It is taken for granted that choosing patients must be done in accordance with Classic Indications since there are limited number of beds in ICU and the admission request for different patients. In equal situations, those patients who have better opportunity and less mortality probability and better prognosis in this unit have priority

effect of communication skill training on clinical skill of internal medicine and infectious disease residents of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Clinical competence has four essential components: knowledge, physical exam, problem solving and communication skill. The communication skill isn't an optional extra in medical training but it is a core clinical skill. This stud is performed in order to determine whether communication skill training for Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease residents improves their clinical competence. This study was performed in 2004-2005 in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Thirteen internal Medicine and Infectious Disease residents were involved in this study. We had 8 residents in group one and 5 residents in group two. Group one first participated in communication skill workshop and then their clinical skill was evaluated with objective structured clinical examination [OSCE1]. Group two's clinical skill was first evaluated with OSCE1 and then after participating in communication skill workshop again their clinical skill was evaluated by OSCE 2. The scores of group one in OSCE1 after participation in communication skill workshop were compared to group two in OSCE1 before the workshop. The scores of group two before the communication skill workshop [OSCE1] and after the workshop [OSCE2] were compared Also the scores of group one after the workshop [OSCE1] and group two after the workshop [OSCE2] were compared. Group one after the communication skill workshop had significantly higher scores in clinical skill compared to group two before the workshop. Group two had significantly higher clinical skill scores after the communication skill workshop compared to the clinical skill scores of the same group before the workshop. Communication skill workshop significantly improved the clinical skill of Internal medicine and Infectious disease residents

[ effect of clinical research center, on clinical researches of Arak University of medical science]

Performing correct research in different aspects of community as well as medical sciences can be a way to resolve many problems. In order to create a systematic knowledge of research method in academic members of Arak University of medical science and enabling them in providing proposals and performing researches, a clinical research center was developed. This study is done to investigate the effect of this center on improving clinical researches in the University. This is a HSR, before and after, interventional study in which, clinical academic members of Arak University of medical science were evaluated. First the information of the pre intervention period was gathered [jan2002-jan2004]. Then the intervention was done in the form of development a research center in Vali-Asr hospital, performing serial research workshops, research conferences, research consultations and planning data bases during a 2 years period. Again data was gathered and then compared to those of pre intervention period. The comparison of pre and post intervention periods showed that in pre intervention period from 38 proposals 30 and in post intervention period from 89 proposals 76 were approved by research committee of the University. In the two pre and post intervention periods 14 [46.6%] and 50 [65.8%] of accepted proposals were clinical respectively. Also from the view point of quality, 11 and 15 proposals were HSR, 2 and 22 clinical trials and 8 and 8 descriptive, respectively. The number of published articles in first period was 45 and in second 84. Presented articles in internal and external congresses were 33 and 59 in the two periods overally, which 25 and 51 articles were presented in the country and 8 and 8 in abroad congresses, respectively. Regarding the results it seems developing research center in this University and other similar Universities can have a significant effect on the process of clinical researches

Detection of the soluble form of the Fas/Apo-1 receptor in patients with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1-associated myelopathy

Fas/Apo-1 mediates apoptosis via Fas and Fas ligand transduction. recently, a soluble form of Fas [sFas] was described which seems to be functionally implicated in the Fas signaling system, suggesting a relationship between some disorders and sfas function. To determine is sFas is involved in the pathogenesis of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis [HAM/TSP], we measured sfas-levels in sera from normal controls, human T lymphotropic virus type-1 [hTLV-1] healthy carriers and patients with HAM/TSP using a highly sensitive enzymelinked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. The sFas of normal individuals, HTLV-1 carriers, and patients with HAM/TSP, was 0.14 +/- 0.11, 0.26 +/- 0.25, and 0.39 +/- 0.35 ng/ml, respectively. although the level of sFas in patient's group with HAM/TSP, was significantly higher in comparsion to that of normal controls [p< 0.05], the individual values were highly variable within the groups. These results suggest that sFas may play an important role in the pathogenesis of HAM/TSP and that serum sFas may be related to clinical activity in HAM/TSP patients

Prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD] deficiency in newborns

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD] deficiency can cause hemolytic anemia and neonatal jaundice. Screening of newborns by examining the cord blood for enzyme activity has been proposed for prevention of its complications. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of G6PD deficiency in newborns in Vali-e-Asr hospital, Tehran. The relation between G6PD deficiency and the variables of sex, gestational age, jaundice, hemolysis, and anemia was also examined. 450 newborns during a 9-month period were examined for G6PD activity by Fluorescent Spot Test of specimens of cord blood and for other variables. 9 neonates [8 males and 1 female] were G6PD deficient. The incidence of G6PD deficiency was 2% [3.3% for boys and 0.5% for girls]. Six [66.7%] cases of G6PD deficiency developed jaundice. None of the G6PD-deficient neonates developed anemia. Only one case had a high cord blood reticulocyte count. G6PD deficiency was correlated with sex and neonatal jaundice. There was no correlation between G6PD deficiency and gestational age, hematocrit and reticulocyte count of the cord blood. The incidence of G6PD deficiency in newborns in Vali-e-Asr hospital in Tehran was 2%. Screening of the male newborns for enzyme deficiency by examining the cord blood is suggested