[Study of topical human umbilical cord blood serum in the treatment of alkaline corneal epithelial wounds in rabbit model]

One of the important functions of the cornea is to maintain normal vision by refracting light onto the lens and retina. This property is dependent in part on the ability of the corneal epithelium to undergo continuous renewal. Ocular surface failure which follows a variety of endogenous and exogenous precipitating factors, the most common being: chemical trauma, infection, alkaline burn, inflammation and hereditary conditions, lid or lash abnormalities tear deficiency or reduced sensation. The core principal underpinning management strategy for ocular surface failure is establishing or promoting new growth of healthy conjunctiva and corneal epithelium. This process is mediated by many proteins that are inducers of corneal cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. The current study was performed to investigate the efficacy of umbilical cord serum on alkaline corneal epithelial wound healing in the rabbit model. In this study conducted at Yasuj University of Medical Sciences in 2010, thirty two rabbits were randomly assigned into two equal groups. Central corneal alkali wound was formed in one eye of the rabbits by applying a 6-mm round filter paper, soaked in 1 N NaOH, for 60 seconds. Group one of animals received umbilical cord blood serum; and group two received Sno Tear in the eyes. The treatment was dosed 4 times a day with the eye drops, and epithelial wound closure was recorded using slit lamp. The data were analyzed to determine the rate of wound closure. The mean wound radius closure rate was 0.77 mm/day [SD=0.013] for umbilical cord blood serum-treated eyes, 0.73 mm/day [SD=0.018] for artificial tear-treated eyes. This study shows that alkali-injured corneal epithelial wound heal faster when treated with umbilical cord blood serum than with artificial tear in rabbit model

[Isolation and characterization of mesenchymal stem cells derived from the dental pulp and follicle tissue of human third molar tooth]

In the last decade, several studies have reported the isolation of stem cell population from different dental sources, while their mesenchymal nature is still controversial. The aim of this study was to isolate stem cells from mature human dental pulp and follicle and to determine their mesenchymal nature before differentiation based on the ISCT [International Society for Cellular Therapy] criteria. In this experimental study, intact human third molars extracted due to prophylactic or orthodontic reasons were collected from patients aged 18-25. After tooth extraction, dental pulp and follicle were stored at 4°C in RPMI 1640 medium containing antibiotics. Dental pulp and follicle were prepared in a sterile condition and digested using an enzyme solution containing 4mg/ml collagenase I and dispase [ratio: 1:1]. The cells were then cultivated in alpha -MEM medium. Passage-3 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry for the expression of CD34, CD45, CD 73, CD90 and CD105 surface markers. Dental pulp and follicle were observed to grow in colony forming units, mainly composed of a fibroblast-like cell population. Flow cytometry results showed that dental pulp and follicle are highly positive for CD73, CD90 and CD105 [mesenchymal stem cell markers] and are negative for hematopoietic markers such as CD34 and CD 45. In this study we were able to successfully confirm that dental pulp and follicle stem cells isolated from permanent third molars have a mesenchymal nature before differentiation. Therefore, these two sources can be considered as an easy accessible source of mesenchymal stem cells for stem cell research and tissue engineering

Co-infection of malara and crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever

Southeast of Iran is an endemic areas for Malaria and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever [CCHF]. In 1999, we faced with an outbreak of CCHF in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, in the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The most cases of Malaria in Iran are also reported from this area. This article presents a 17-year-old woman who admitted to our hospital because of acute fever, headache, epistaxis, hemorrhagic lesions on the skin and vaginal bleeding. Finally, she was recognized as a case that was co - infected with CCHF and malaria

[ antioxidant activities and total phenolic of Artemisia Martima, Achillea Millefolium and Matricaria Recutica]

Consumption of plant derived antioxidant contributes to reducing risks of certain chronic and degenerative diseases. The aim of the present study was to study the antioxidant activities and total phenolic of Artemisia Martima, Achillea Millefolium and Matricaria Recutica. The present study was conducted at Yasuj University of Medical Sciences in 2009. The stem and flower sample of plants were air-dried, and then grinded and were finally extracted by ethanol: water [70: 30] for 48 h in room temperature. Extracts were filtered and dried under vacuum system. The antioxidant activity of three ethanol extract of the medicinal plants, Artemisia martima, Achillea millefolium and Matricaria recutica, were analyzed by five different methods; [1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] radical, 2, 20 azinobis- [3-ethylbenzthiazoline -6-sulphonic acid [ABTS] radical cation,Ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay [FRAP], phosphomolybdenum [PMB] and reducing power [RP]. In addition, for determination of antioxidant components, the total phenolic content was also analyzed. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS software. For all antioxidant activity assays, Artemisia martima had the highest antioxidant activity value and also total phenol content. Antioxidant capacity analyses revealed that the FRAP and DPPH had comparable results. Antioxidant activity at 1 mg/mL, in ABTS were in the order Artemisia martima> Achillea millefolium> Matricaria recutica. Similar trend was observed for PMB content. RP, FRAP and DPPH were in the order Artemisia martima> Matricaria recutica > Achillea millefolium. The extracts showed a variety of antioxidant activities in all antioxidant assay system. This study demonstrated that Artemisia martima crude extract exhibit significant antioxidant activity

[Emerging and pandemic of influenza A[H1N1]]

Influenza is one of the known viral infectious diseases, which has killed millions of peoples during pandemics, epidemics and sporadic forms. One of the most remarkable features of influenza virus is the frequency of changes in antigenicity. Alteration of the antigen structure of the virus leads to infection with variants to which little or no resistance is present in the population at risk. Pandemics of influenza type A, result from the emergence of a new virus which the population contains no or limited immunity to it. The interval between pandemics is 10-30 years. But Influenza virus has been causing epidemics of febrile respiratory disease every 1 to 3 years. Pandemic [H1N1] 2009 is a new virus that has not circulated among human population before. This virus is different from previous or current human seasonal influenza viruses. Influenza type A[H1N1] virus is transmitted by inhaling infected droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing or by touching contaminated hands or surfaces as the same as the normal seasonal flu. The symptoms and signs of A[H1N1] influenza are as similar as seasonal influenza and include fever, coughing, runny nose and sore throat. Some people have also reported, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. People with existing cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, diabetes and cancer are at higher risk of serious complications. Asthma and other respiratory disease are other underlying conditions associated with severe disease. Pregnant women are at higher risk for more severe disease and obesity may be another risk factor for severe disease. To prevent spread, people should cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, stay at home when they are unwell, clean their hands regularly, and avoid crowded areas if possible. The pandemic virus is currently susceptible to neuraminidase inhibitors; Oseltamivir and Zanamivir but resistant to Amantadine and Rimantadine. Ministry of health and medical education, Center for Infectious Diseases Management in Islamic Republic of Iran is ready for control and management of novel influenza A[H1N1]

Occult hepatitis B virus infection among anti-HBc only positive individuals in the southeast of Iran in high prevalence of HBV icfection region

The persistence of HBV-DNA in the serum of hepatitis B surface antigen negative individuals with or without the presence of HBV antibodies is termed occult HBV infection. From April 2005 to November 2006, we evaluated 110 patients who had only a positive test for anti-HBc. Out of 110 anti-HBc positive samples, HBV-DNA was detected in three cases. Positive samples for HBV-DNA had a level normal of ALT. HBV-DNA can be detected among anti-HBc only positive samples. Therefore, further testing for detection of HBV-DNA is recommended on each anti-HBc only positive individual

[ effect of sub conjunctive injection of 2 percent mitomicin-C in prevention of recurrence of pterygium]

Pterygium is a wing-shaped fold of conjunctiva and fibrovascular tissue invades the superficial cornea. The occurrence of pterygia is strongly correlated with UV exposure, although dryness, inflammation, and exposure to wind and dust or other irritants are also important factors. Pterygium is usually asymptomatic, but it can cause photophobia, tearing, and foreign body sensation. It can also decrease vision by inducing with the regular and irregular astigmatism. Unfortunately, the recurrence rate is high; averaging approximately 40% in various studies. Recurrences generally occur rapidly, within 2 to 3 months of surgery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of subconjunctivaly injection of mitomicin-C in preventing the recurrence of pterygium. This study was a simple randomized clinical trial which was carried out at Imam Sajjad Hospital of Yasuj, Iran. In this study, 157 eyes [48 men, 64 women] with primary pterygium were allocated in intervention [83 eyes, 54 patients] and control [74 eyes, 58 patients] groups. The mean age of the patients was 48. In the inversion group we injected .1 ML of mitomycin C. 2% subconjunctivally in to the pterygium body, 1 month before pterygium excision. After the pterygium was excised, the bare sclera was covered by sliding adjacent superior conjunctiva in both groups. The follow up period was 3 months. Recurrence was defined as the postoperative re-growth of fibrovascular tissue crossing the cornea. The data was analyzed by the SPSS software using Fisher's exact test and Chi-square test. The recurrence rate was 1.2% [1 eye] and 9.45% [7 eyes] in intervention and control groups, respectively, with significance difference between groups [P=0.027]. The mean degree of astigmatism was improved with surgery in both groups. Both subconjunctival mitomycin C injection before pterygium excision and conjunctival auto graft are safe and are effective treatments in reducing of pterygium recurrence. Regarding the reduction of pterygium recurrence after subconjunctivaly Mitomicin-C injection, it can be concluded that this method is an effective treatment in pterygium surgery

Fifteen years experience with pulmonary hydatidosis in Zahedan, Iran

Hydatid disease is a major world health problem and pulmonary hydatidosis is a widespread disease. It is presented with different clinical manifestations. In order to determine the most clinical manifestation, diagnostic methods and clinical outcome in our patients, we conducted this study. Forty-nine patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts who were admitted to our hospital in Zahedan [Southeast of Iran] between 1990 and 2005, evaluated. We retrospectively reviewed the patients' symptomatology, diagnostic studies, treatment options, and morbidity as well as mortality rate. The ages of the patients ranged from 16 to 68 years [mean 43 years]. Seventy-five percent of patients were from male gender. Hemoptysis was one of the most common clinical presentations in our patients. Radiological studies were the main diagnostic tool. The correct preoperative diagnosis was made in 92% of the patients by chest roentgenogram plus chest CT-Scan. Eighty seven percent of patients were treated by surgical route. Only one patient was expired during surgery. Upon the results emerged from this study, hemoptysis is one of the most prevalent clinical manifestation in patients with pulmonary hydatidosis and it can mimic pulmonary tuberculosis in endemic area

[Epidemiology of extra pulmonary tuberculosis in Zahedan]

Tuberculosis canses a broad range of clinical illnesses caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis [or less commonly mycobaterium bovis]. It is the most frequent cause of death worldwide. Tuberculosis can affect virtually every organ, most importantly the lungs. Extra pulmonary tuberculosis [EPTB] may develop simultaneously in the course of pulmonary tuberculosis or it may appear years after the primary pulmonary infection. In recent years, because of AIDS epidemic and an increase in the number of immigrants from countries where tuberculosis remains endemic and an improvement in invasive diagnostic procedures have contributed to an increase in the occurrence of extra pulmonary tuberculosis. Because of the variations and dispersion of extra pulmonary tuberculosis observed between the developed and developing countries we were tempted to evaluate the entire cases of extra pulmonary tuberculosis in Zahedan between 1998-2003. In the survey, extra pulmonary tuberculosis formed 23.19% of all tuberculosis cases. A total of 417 patients [62.11% female and 37.89% male] were evaluated. Female between 15-24 years and male >65 years appeared to be predisposed to developing extra pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculosis lymphadenitis was the prevalent form of extra pulmonary tuberculosis [34.05%], fallowed by tuberculosis of pleural [12.23%], Tuberculosis of the bone [11.99%] in the order. Extra pulmonary tuberculosis comprises one-fourth of all cases of TB. This figure is consistent with that of WHO. Tuberculosis lymphadenitis is the most common form of extra pulmonary among women and young individuals

[Prevalence of hepatitis C among diabetes mellitus patients in Zahedan]

Several clinical studies have recently claimed that HCV infection could trigger the onset of diabetes mellitus [DM]. In order to determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus [HCV] among patients with type 1, 2 diabetes mellitus [DM] and investigate the influence of several epidemiological factors on HCV infection, we conducted this study. In this case-control study we evaluated 505 diabetic patients [135 male, 370 female with the mean age of 54.5 years] who had referred to Diabetic clinic in Boo-Ali hospital [a teaching hospital in south east of Iran] in 2004. Serologic testing for anti- HCV was done using a third-generation commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELISA] and Real-time-PCR [HCV RNA] in order to confirm the anti-HCV positive samples. Diabetic patients [were divided in two groups according to their HCV antibody status and were analyzed for the following variables: age, sex, type of diabetes, duration of disease, mode of therapy, late diabetic complication, previous blood transfusions, intravenous drug addiction, hospital admissions and major surgical procedures. Then results were compared with the findings from blood donors. HCV infection was detected in one patient who had history of hospitalization and blood transfusion. However, a higher prevalence of HCV infection was not observed in diabetic patients in comparison with blood donors [P=0.46]. There was no correlation between HCV and diabetic type, duration, age, sex [P>0.05]. Upon the results of our study, we conclude that HCV infection is not a trigger factor for DM; therefore it should not be listed among the various extrahepatic manifestations of this viral infection. Although, further studies, possibly multicentre, are needed to estimate prevalence of HCV in diabetic patients

[Seroepidemiological study of hepatitis B virus infection in barbers in the Zahedan region of Iran]

Barbers in Iran may often be exposed accidentally to the blood or bloody fluids of the customers. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV infection in the barbers. This study was a case-control survey. We conducted a Seroepidemiological study to determine the prevalence of HBs Ag and antibody against HBc Ag [and- HBc] among the 103 barber and 110 control subjects in the Zahedan, a city in south eastern of Iran. The prevalence of HBV was found to be higher in the barbers [27% CI=95% 18.3, 35.7] than in the comparison group [9.98%, CI=95%,4.3,15.7]. Twenty - one [75%] contaminated barbers Hepatitis B had more than five years duration of occupation. A significant relationship was found with the duration of occupation and Infection in the barbers [P < 0.001]. Among the seropositive subjects, it was found, that the most of them [89.3%] had been exposed to scissor cuts. [P=0.005]. Our data suggest that HBV infection may constitute occupational hazards for the barbers

Cystic tuberculous pericarditis a rare form

Tuberculous pericariditis is the most common cause of chronic pericarditis, especially in developing countries. Cystic tuberculous pericarditis is an exceedingly rare type of tuberculosis. Authors discuss clinical manifestations and radiological findings in a patient with cystic tuberculous pericarditis in whom diagnosis was confirmed by pericardial biopsy