[Effects of different levels of Artemisia sieberi essential oil on intestinal morphology characteristics, microflora population and immune system in broiler chickens]

Background: Essential oils as growth stimulant play an important role in improving intestinal microflora and morphological properties and immune system in broiler chickens

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Artemisia sieberi oil on intestinal morphology, secum microflora and immune system in broiler chickens

Methods: Two hundred day-old broiler chickens [Ross 308] were allocated to 5 treatments, 4 replications with a completely randomized design during 42 days of age. Experimental treatments consisted of control [basal diet] or basal diets containing different levels of Artemisia sieberi oil [100, 200 and 300 mg/kg] and 600 mg/kg flavophospholipol antibiotic. On day 42 days of age, intestinal morphology and microflora population and immune system were evaluated by measuring the weight of bursa of fabricious and spleen and antibody production

Results: The results indicated that the highest lactobacillus count and the lowest Escherichia coli count of the caecum was found by inclusion of 300 mg/kg Artemisia sieberi oil in the diet [p<0.0001]. The antibiotic and Artemisia sieberi oil treatments showed higher villus height in the duodenum compared with control group [p<0.01]. Artemisia sieberi oil and antibiotic supplementations significantly decreased epithelial thickness and goblet cell number of the small intestinal compared with control group [p<0.05]. The dietary supplementation did not significantly affect the crypt depth and villus height to crypt depth ratio in small intestine. The level of 300 mg/kg Artemisia sieberi oil significantly increased antibody titration against Newcastle disease virus [p<0.01]

Conclusions: Adding Artemisia sieberi oil at levels of 300 mg/kg to broiler chicken diets can improve gut micro?ora [as measured by changes in populations of Escherichia coli and lactobacillus]

Enterotoxin gene profiles among Staphylococcus aureus isolated from raw milk

Milk is considered a nutritious food because it contains several important nutrients including proteins and vitamins. Conversely, it can be a vehicle for several pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. This study aimed to analyze the frequency of genes encoding the nine Staphylococcal enterotoxins [SEs] and enterotoxin gene profiles in S. aureus isolates derived from raw bovine milk. A total of 52 S. aureus isolates were obtained from 246 milk samples of 246 dairy cows from eight different farms in Qom, Iran. On the basis of cultural and biochemical properties as well as by amplification of the 23S rRNA specific to S. aureus, all isolates could be identified as S. aureus. Of the 52 isolates studied, 80.7% were positive for one or more genes encoding the enterotoxins, and 12 different genotypes were identified. The gene encoding for enterotoxin A [Sea] was the most frequent [16 isolates, 30.7%], followed by Seb [14 isolates, 26.9%] and Sed [8 isolates, 15.37%]. Among the genes encoding the other enterotoxins, Seg and Seh were the most frequently observed [8 isolates each, 15.38%], followed by Sej [6 isolates, 11.5%] and Sei [1 isolates, 3.84%]. With the recent identification of new SEs, the frequency of enterotoxigenic strains has increased, suggesting that the pathogenic potential of Staphylococci may be higher than previously thought. These results of enterotoxin genes positivity of milk-derived Staphylococci constitute a potential risk for consumers' health

[Effect of ginger and chamomile capsules on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy]

Nausea and vomiting are the most frequent complications in the first trimester of pregnancy. Herbal medicine is among the traditional effective treatments. Ginger and Chamomile are hypothesized to be useful in decreasing the signs. This study was done to determine the effect of Ginger and Chamomile capsules on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. This triple-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial was carried out on 105 pregnant women in 6-16 weeks of gestational age with a mild to moderate nausea and vomiting, whome referred to the prenatal care clinic in Dezyani hospital and health centers, Gorgan, Northern Iran during 2009-10. Rhodes index questionnaire had been given to all participants to be completed before bed-time for two weeks. In the first week no intervention was done and prescribing the capsules was started the following week. Subjects randomly divided into 3 groups: In group 1, ginger capsules were consumped twice a day for one week, in group 2; twice daily chamomile capsule and in placebo group, glucose capsule was prescribed. Scores were calculated and all data were entered into the SPSS-16 software, analysis was done using variance analysis, Will-Cockson, paired T and Fisher-exact tests. The mean of Rhodes index before intervention in plasbo, Ginger and Chamomile groups were 12.71 +/- 5.88, 10.42 +/- 0.76 and 11.19 +/- 5.51, respectively. Also, the mean of Rhodes index after intervention in plasbo, Ginger and Chamomile groups were 11.47 +/- 6.43, 7.28 +/- 3.74 and 5.73 +/- 4.32, respectively [P<0.05]. Bonferroni test indicated that there is no difference about scor chang [after and before] between Ginger and Chamomile and Ginger and plasbo, but this difference was significant between Chamomile and plasbo group [P<0.05]. This study showed that Chamomile capsule was more effective on nausea and vomiting during pregnancy compared to Ginger

[Accordance between serum beta-hCG and vaginal ultrasonography in confirming a complete abortion]

Considering that there is no general agreement on use of misoprostol as the best method for the termination of pregnancy in first trimester, this study aimed to compare the vaginal ultrasonography and serum beta-hCG in the confirming of a complete abortion. This study was performed on 133 patients with a missed abortion or the blighted ovum diagnosed by vaginal ultrasonography, and a 12 week gestational sac admitted to Shabih-Khani hospital of Kashan in 2010. The patients' serum beta-hCG levels were measured. They were assessed for the tissue discharge [abortion] after taking one or two doses of vaginal misoprostol suppositories and the oral contraceptive pills prescribed after confirming the abortion. Then vaginal ultrasonography and the serum beta-hCG measurement were performed to diagnose the complete abortion in the second and fourth weeks of pregnancy. Among 133 patients, a complete abortion was diagnosed for 116 [87.2%] and 80 cases [60.15%] based on beta-hCG level and vaginal ultrasonography, respectively in the second week of pregnancy. In other cases, a complete abortion was diagnosed using both beta-hCG level and vaginal ultrasonography in the fourth week. Therefore, beta-hCG level was more effective [98.75%] than the vaginal ultrasonography to diagnose a complete abortion in the second week of pregnancy. The accordance between the two methods was 0.327 at the end of the second week of pregnancy. The measurement of beta-hCG level and vaginal ultrasonography are equally effective to confirm a complete abortion. Hence, to diagnose the complete abortion, determining the beta-hCG level followed by clinical examination is recommended

Comparison of a PCR-based method with culture and direct examination for diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis

The aim was to compare three different methods [direct examination, culture and PCR methods] for the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis [AK] in corneal scrapes. Twenty eight corneal scrapes and contact lenses were collected from keratitis patients and referred to the Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Corneal scrapes were divided in three parts for direct examination, culture on non-nutrient agar and PCR analysis. PCR analysis was also performed using a 18S rRNA gene primer pair [DF3 region]. DF3 [Diagnostic fragment 3] is a region of the nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA gene which is specific for detecting Acanthamoeba strains. Acanthamoeba was the causative agent of keratitis in 50% of the patients. Direct smear of all prepared corneal scrapes in AK patients was negative and culture was positive in only 14.3% of the isolates. PCR analysis was positive in 71.4% of AK patients. These three methods were negative in corneal scrapes of non-AK patients. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR technique for the detection of Acanthamoeba sp. were calculated as 71.4% and 100%, respectively. According to high sensitivity and specificity of PCR-based method, this study confirmed that PCR using 18S rRNA gene primers [DF3 region] is more useful for detecting AK cases compare to culture and direct microscopy methods

[Hernia following blunt abdominal trauma]

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia is a rare type of hernia, which follows blunt trauma to the abdomen, where disruption of the musculature and fascia occurs with the overlying skin remaining intact. Diagnosis of this problem is very difficult and delayed. Traumatic hernia is often diagnosed during laparatomy or laparascopy, but CT scan also has a role in distinguishing this pathology. Delay in diagnosis is very dangerous and can result in gangrene and necrosis of the organs in the hernia. The case report of a 35 years old man with liftruck blunt trauma is reported. His vital signs were stable. On physical examination, tenderness of RUQ was seen. He underwent Dpl for suspected hemoprotein. Dpl was followed up by laparatomy. Laparatomy revealed that the transverse and ascending colon partially herniated in the abdominal wall defect. The colon was reduced in the abdomen and repair of abdominal hernia was done. The patient was discharged after 5 day. The etiology, pathologenesis and management are discussed

[Necessary blood volume requirement during debridement and skin graft in burn patients]

Many of burn patients need to receive blood transfusion during debridement and skin grafting. Although it is vital, blood transfusion adverse effects and risks are not unlikely. Therefore, it is better to minimize blood transfusion. In this study, we have tired to estimate necessary blood volume requirement in proportion to preoperative patient hematocrite level and burn percentage that would eventually lower inappropriate blood use. This prospective study was done on all patients undergoing debridement and grafting skin surgery through 6 months. Demographic data, burn percentage, reserved and transfused blood, preoperative and postoperative Hct level were recorded. Qualified data were analyzed with Chi - square and regression analysis [p-value<0.05]. Mean age of all patients was 23 with burns affecting 33 +/- 21% of total body surface area. For all patients 181 blood units were reserved and 85 were transfused. But if indication for transfusion was determined to be Hct _ 28%, blood requirement would be just 54 units for 33 patients. "Requirement of blood transfusion" had negative correlation with "preoperative Hct" [p = 0.001], and positive correlation with "burn percentage" [p = 0.009]. The blood volume requirement for debridement and skin graft surgery in burn patients can be estimated by "preoperative Hct level" and "burn percentage"; this process can minimize unneccessary reserved and transfused blood units significantly

[ effect ofpremolar extraction on lips' curvatures in borderline orthodontic patients]

Although orthodontists have long recognized that the extraction [Ext] of premolars often is accompanied by changes in the soft tissue profile, investigations indicate that the soft tissue does not always respond favorably to hard-tissue retraction. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of treatment, with and without premolar Ext. on the lateral facial profiles of borderline patients with particular reference to the curvature of the upper and lower lips. Eighty-nine border line patients were included in this study. 41 patients were treated with a non-extraction [Non-Ext] protocol, 16 patients were treated with extractions of 5/5, 18 patients with 4/4 and 14 patients with 4/5. All pre-and posttreatment lateral cephalograms were traced and analysis by one examiner. To quantify the soft tissue effects of growth and treatment, the depths of the upper and lower lip curves were calculated in two ways relative to the PM reference line and anterior soft tissue reference line.The changes in depth of upper and lower lip curves were statistically significant [P < 0.001]. The Non-Ext group showed an increase in depth of upper and lower lip curves, whereas the Ext group showed a decrease in depth of tipper and lower lip curves. No significant differences were found between the various extraction sequences [5/5. 4/4. 4/5] for depth of the upper and lower lip curves changes. The upper and lower lip changes were significant; more retrusivc in the Ext group and more protrusive in the Non-Ext group 2] There were no significant post treatment differences in the depths of upper and lower lip curves between premolar extraction sequences

investigation of aac[6']-le-aph[2"]-la gene in MDR and HLGR enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium strains isolated from clinical samples

Enterococci are important nosocomial pathogens. Multiple drug resistance [MDR] is common among Enterococci and presents difficulties for treatment. High level gentamicin resistance [HLGR] in enterococci, is a significant therapeutic problem. Bactericidal antimicrobial activity usually is obtained by the synergistic combination of a cell wall active agent such as penicillin or glycopeptide with an aminoglycoside. Enterococci can acquire aminoglycoside resistance genes that mediate production of aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes, which eliminate this synergistic bactericidal effect. The most clinically important HLGR genes is aac [6']-le-aph [2"]-la. In the present study, a total of 437 clinical samples from 5 hospital and 3 private laboratory in Tehran, from azar 1384 to Tir 1385, were collected and 300 enterococcal isolates recovered all of the strains were identified to the species level by conventional biochemical tests and assayed for their susceptibility to 11 antibiotics, ampicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, high dose gentamicin, vancomycin, cotrimoxazole, quinopristin -daifopristin [synercid], linezolid, teicoplanin and nitrofurantoin by disk diffusion method. Gentamicin MIC was accomplished for HLGR strains. The most frequent species was E. faecalis [81.3%] and then E. faecium [18.7%]. MDR strains were detected in 50% and 95% of E.faecalis and E.faecium, respectively. The number of HLGR strains for E.faecalis and E.faecium were found to be 19.5% and 23.5%, respectively. All HLGR strains showed MIC>1024 microg/mL The PCR results showed that 83% and 100% of E.faecalis and E.faecium strains carried aac[6']-le-aph[2"]-la gene as detected by PCR. The present study indicates high rate dissemination of aac[6']-le-aph[2"]-la gene, suggesting the possible mechanism of transfer of gentamicin resistant genes within the enterococcal population and in this case probable need to new aminoglycosides or other antibiotics would be predictable

[Serum iron, hepatic iron deposition, and inflammatory hepatic necrosis/fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C]

We studied the effects of serum iron level, hepatic iron deposition and other metabolic disorders i.e., insulin resistance in hepatic fibrosis development. Among 60 patients with chronic hepatitis C, we measured serum iron, ferritin and transferring level. Meanwhile, hepatic biopsies were obtained from 43 patients for whom iron deposition, inflammatory necrosis/fibrosis score and steatosis were determined. Hepatic iron deposition was significantly associated with waist circumference, ferritin level >200ng/ml, fasting C-peptide >1.9ng/ml, AST/ALT ratio >1, and fasting triglyceride >200mg/dl. On the other hand, it was not correlated with the following: grading, preportal-precital hepatitis [A], necrosis [b], focal lytic necrosis [C], focal apoptosis [C], and portal inflammation [D]. Our findings suggested an interaction between hepatic iron deposition and waist circumference, ferritin, fasting C-peptide, AST/ALT, and fasting triglyceride

[Antimicrobial effects of methanolic extracts of some species of stachys and phlomis]

The genus Phlomis and Stachys [Labiatae] are widely distributed in Iran. There are no reports on the antimicrobial activity of some of these plants. The medicinal properties attributed to the genus Phlomis and Stachys prompted us to investigate the antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extracts of Phlomis bruguieri, P. herba-venti, P.olivieri, Stachys byzantina, S. inflate, S. lavandulifolia and S. laxa. The antimicrobial activity of these plants were studied using the disc diffusion methods [10,50, 100, 250, 500, 750, and 100 micro g/disc] and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] values [10 micro g/ml to 25 mg/ml] against Staphylococcus aureus PTCC 1112, Streptococcus sanguis PTCC 1440, Escherichia coli PTCC1330, Pseudomonas aeroginosa PTCC 1074, Klebsiella pneumoniae PTCC 1053, Aspergilus niger PTCC 5011 and Candida albicans PTCC 5027. The methanolic extracts of the aerial parts of Phlomis bruguieri, P. herba-venti, P. olivieri, Stachys byzantina, S. inflate, S. lavandulifolia and S. laxa exhibited concentration-dependent antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria. The methanolic extracts were more active against Gram-positive microorganisms [Streptococcus sanguis and Staphylococcus aureus]. The extracts did not show any antifungal activity. The results concluded that the methanolic extracts of these plants have a potential source of antibacterial of natural origin

[Accuracy assessment of FNA in diagnosis of palpable breast mass]

Due to widespread of palpable breast masses in female and common complications resulted from delayed diagnosis and also with some regards to contradictory reports upon the accuracy of fine needle aspiration [FNA] in comparison with standard method of excisional biopsy this study has been performed on patients with palpable breast mass referred to the Aayatollah Talegheni Hospital between years 2003 and 2005. The present study was based on evaluation of diagnostic methods. Seventy five patients were included in this research and the mean of their age was 44 +/- 10 years [ranged from 20 to 75 years]. FNA was accomplished initially by skin prep with alcohol and holding the lumps between thumb and point fingers. After the needle [No 22-25] was placed into the lump, a continous suction was generated using a 10 ml syring and then multiple in and out needle motions were performed. The collected samples were then smeared on glass slides and allowed to dry out in air and fixed by 96% alcohol. The fixed smears were then stained and examined by a pathologist. Lesions with cystic character were drained and excluded from the study. FNA results were reported according to the latest classification of breast masses as follow c1: inadequate sample, c2: benign, c3: semibenign, c4: semimalignant, c5: malignant [c3 and c4 assumed as indeterminate group]. The total efficiency of FNA for detection of palpable and malignant breast tumor was determined based on, the pathology reports on excisional biopsy [as a gold standard method], the level of sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and also the overall efficiency of FNA. .4 cases of drained cystic lump were eliminated from the study. The amount of sample were inadequate for FNA study in 11 biopsy cases [14.7%]. Nine biopsies [15%] were identified as indeterminate, 43.3% as benign, and 41.7% malignant, which were compatible with the results of excisional biopsy. Therefore 100% [all] of the positive and negative predictive values were obtained. The FNA is a suitable method for diagnosis of malignancy in palpable breast tumor, and hense it can be recommended for this purpose

Amoebic keratitis in Iran [1997-2007]

Amoebic keratitis introduced as a painful corneal infection which sometimes lead to poor vision and blindness. The main goal of this study was to report amoebic keratitis during ten years from 1997-2007 in patients who was suspected to have amoebic keratitis and referred to Parasitology laboratory, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Other aim was to assess the major risk factor for developing this sight-threatening disease. Comparison of lens culture and corneal scrapes culture also was performed. During 1997-2007, 142 patients referred to Dept. of Medical Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Details of each patient such as age, sex, history of contact lens wear, type of contact lens, clinical symptoms were recorded in questioners. Keratitis was diagnosed on the basis of culture of lenses and/or corneal scrapes on non-nutrient agar overlaid with Escherichia coli and direct microscopy of lenses and/or corneal scrapes. Among 142 patients, 49 [34.5%] had amoebic keratitis. 73.46% of these patients were from Tehran but there were a few cases from other cities. The commonest age was between 15-25 yr [75.5%] and more female [37:12] were identified then male. It is worth to mention that 44 patients [89.79%] were contact lens wearers who among them 41 patients [93.18%] wore soft contact lens and only three patients suffer from amoebic keratitis because of wearing hard contact lens. Other finding of this study demonstrated that the most common sign of the patients was severe pain combined with photophobia. This study indicates that Acanthamoeba keratitis continue to rise in Iran. This is due to increase frequency of lens wearers as well as consideration of ophthalmologist to Acanthamoeba as an agent of keratitis and improvement of laboratory methods. Another finding of this research was the confirmation of soft contact lens as a major risk factor. It is recommended to educate contact lens wearers for regular disinfection. Besides, culture of corneal scrapes was negative in most of cases, so lens culture were performed which had a much better result

Rh alloimmunization and term delivery

Nowadays management of severe Rh alloimmunization consists of serial determination of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity, amniocentesis, cordocentesis, and in many instances intrauterine transfusion. We present a case of severe Rh alloimmunization who, for the first time in Iran, was delivered at term after several intrauterine transfusions

Analysis of protection effect of vitamins A, E against Gamma induced chromosomal abnormalities post and past-irradiation on mouse bone marrow cells usingmicronucleus assay

The radioprotectory effects of vitamins A and E post and past Gamma-irraiation on mouse bone marrow cells using micronucleus assay was analyzed. Micronucleus assay is a very fast and effective method in evaluating, structural as well as numerical chromosomal abnormalities. Search for find/ng an effective way of protection against harmful effects of induced or spontaneous irradiation is actively progressing. Effects of antioxidants such as vitamin A and E in in vivo have studied extensively. In this study effect of different doses of vitamin A and E post and past Gamma-irradiation of 2 Gy wererepresenting chromosomal damages. Of all doses used [0.6mg/kg, 1.2mg/kg and 2.4mg/kg for vitamin A and 50mg/kg, l00mg/kg and 200mg/kg for vitamin E/ l.Amg/kg, body weight of vitamin A and 200mg/kg body weight of vitamin E had the best effect on reducing induced-damages. Combination of two vitamins in these doses post and past irradiation revealed that vitamin E was the most effective post irradiation whereas vitamin A was the most effective past irradiation in reducing the frequency of micronucleus.According to our knowledge this is the first time that the anticlastogenic effect of vitamin A and E post and past irradiation in in vivo has been studied at the same time using micronucleus assay

Contact lens-associated acanthamoeba keratitis in Iran

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a vision-threatening infection caused by pathogenic species of the genus Acanthamoeba. In this study, 13 Acanthamoeba keratitis cases were diagnosed among 52 keratitis patients. To confirm the identity of Acanthamoeba at the genus level, a PCR-based method was used, and their pathogenic potential was determined using in vitro cytotoxicity assays on human corneal epithelial cells. Twelve [92.3%] of Acanthamoeba keratitis patients were contact lens wearers; among them eleven [91.7%] wore soft contact lenses. 11/13 [84.6%] isolates were axenised in liquid culture medium, of which 10 [90.9%] isolates disrupted corneal cells. Nine [69.2%] isolates showed Acanthamoeba sp. group II, and four [30.8%] showed group III morphology. To our knowledge this is the first report of determination of Acanthamoeba pathogenicity in Iran. This study confirms the importance of determination of pathogenic potential of Acanthamoeba isolates for clinical purposes