Role of Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor in Object Recognition Memory Impairment in Chronically Rapid Eye Movement Sleep-deprived Rats / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Objective We aimed to investigate whether antagonism of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) could affect novel object recognition (NOR) memory in chronically rapid eye movement sleep-deprived (RSD) rats.Methods The animals were examined for recognition memory following a 7-day chronic partial RSD paradigm using the multiple platform technique. The CB1R antagonist rimonabant (1 or 3 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered either at one hour prior to the sample phase for acquisition, or immediately after the sample phase for consolidation, or at one hour before the test phase for retrieval of NOR memory. For the reconsolidation task, rimonabant was administered immediately after the second sample phase.Results The RSD episode impaired acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval, but it did not affect the reconsolidation of NOR memory. Rimonabant administration did not affect acquisition, consolidation, and reconsolidation; however, it attenuated impairment of the retrieval of NOR memory induced by chronic RSD.Conclusions These findings, along with our previous report, would seem to suggest that RSD may affect different phases of recognition memory based on its duration. Importantly, it seems that the CB1R may, at least in part, be involved in the adverse effects of chronic RSD on the retrieval, but not in the acquisition, consolidation, and reconsolidation, of NOR memory.

Antimicrobial Activity of Colloidal Selenium Nanoparticles in Chitosan Solution against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Candida albicans

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the antimicrobial activity of colloidal selenium nanoparticles in chitosan solution (Cts-Se-NPs) against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Candida albicans. Material and Methods: Cts-Se-NPs solution was prepared using a simple chemical reduction method. The MIC and MBC against S. mutans, L. acidophilus, and C. albicans were determined using the broth dilution assay. Results: The Cts-Se-NPs had remarkable antimicrobial activity against S. mutans, L. acidophilus, and C. albicans. The MIC values of the Cts-Se-NPs were lowest for S. mutans (0.068 mg/ml) compared to L. acidophilus (0.137 mg/ml), and C. albicans (0.274 mg/ml). The MBC values of the Cts-Se-NPs against the microorganisms after one, two, six, and 24 hours indicated that the concentration of 0.274 mg/ml of Cts-Se-NPs completely killed S. mutans, L. acidophilus, and C. albicans after one, two, and six hours, respectively. At the concentration of 0.137 mg/ml, S. mutans and L. acidophilus were killed after six and 24 hours, respectively. Conclusion: These findings encourage the potential use of Cts-Se-NPs in dentistry, while further clinical research is required in this area.

The protective effects of Citrus aurantium flower extract against 6-hydroxydopamine-mediated cell damage in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells / Los efectos protectores del extracto de flor de Citrus aurantium contra el daño celular mediado por 6-hidroxidopamina en células humanas de neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y

Parkinson's disease (PD) is described as a neurological condition, resulting from continuous degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Currently, most treatments for neurodegenerative diseases are palliative. In traditional Iranian medicine, Citrus aurantium flower extract is used to treat some neural diseases, such as sleep disorders and anxiety. The tendency towards the use of medicinal herbs for the treatment of diseases (eg, seizure) is growing. Accordingly, we evaluated the antioxidant effects of C. aurantium flowers and analyzed their protective effects against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-mediated oxidative stress. In this study, 150 mM of 6-OHDA was used to induce cellular damage. Also, MTT assay was performed to analyze cellular viability. Fluorescence spectrophotometry was performed to measure the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium levels. Based on the findings, 6-OHDA could reduce cell viability. We also analyzed the effects of C. aurantium against neurotoxicity. The intracellular levels of ROS and calcium greatly improved in cells exposed to 6-OHDA. SH-SY5Y cell incubation with C. aurantium (400 and 600 mg/mL) induced protective effects and decreased the biochemical markers of cell apoptosis. According to the findings, C. aurantium showed protective effects against neurotoxicity, caused by 6-OHDA; these protective properties were accompanied by antiapoptotic features. According to the findings, it seems that hydromethanolic C. aurantium extract can be used to prevent seizures.

La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) se describe como una afección neurológica que resulta de la degeneración continua de las neuronas dopaminérgicas. Actualmente, la mayoría de los tratamientos para las enfermedades neurodegenerativas son paliativos. En la medicina tradicional iraní, el extracto de flor de Citrus aurantium se usa para tratar algunas enfermedades neurológicas, como los trastornos del sueño y la ansiedad. La tendencia hacia el uso de las medicinas para el tratamiento de enfermedades (por ejemplo, convulsiones) está creciendo. Por consiguiente, el objetivo de este trabajo consistió en evaluar los efectos antioxidantes de las flores de C. aurantium y analizar sus efectos protectores contra el estrés oxidativo mediado por la 6- hidroxidopamina (6-OHDA). En este estudio, se usó 150 mM de 6-OHDA para inducir daño celular. Además, se realizó un ensayo de MTT para analizar la viabilidad celular. La espectrofotometría de fluorescencia se realizó para medir las especies reactivas de oxígeno (ROS) intracelulares y los niveles de calcio. En base a los hallazgos, 6-OHDA podría reducir la viabilidad celular. También analizamos los efectos de C. aurantium contra la neurotoxicidad. Los niveles intracelulares de ROS y calcio se expandieron a las células expuestas a 6-OHDA. La incubación de células SH-SY5Y con C. aurantium (400 y 600 mg / ml) indujo efectos protectores y disminuyó los marcadores bioquímicos de la apoptosis celular. De acuerdo con los hallazgos, C. aurantium mostró efectos protectores contra la neurotoxicidad, causada por 6-OHDA; estas propiedades protectoras fueron acompañadas por características antiapoptóticas. Según los hallazgos, parece que el extracto hidrometanólico de C. aurantium se puede usar para prevenir las convulsiones.

Prevalence of Catheter-associated bacteriuria in patients who received short-term catheterization in the northeast of Iran

Background: Catheter-associated [CA] bacteriuria is a result of the extensive usage of urinary catheterization. Once a catheter is placed, many patients achieve bacteriuria, even with the use of greatest consideration and care of the catheter. In this study, we decided to evaluate the prevalence of Catheter-associated bacteriuria in patients who received short-term catheterization in the northeast of Iran

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study during one year [among 2014-2015] 275 patients who have admitted recently and have no history of catheterization and drug consumption were included. Three samples were taken from patients before, one day after catheterization and after removal of the catheter. The urine samples were analyzed and cultured on the suitable media. Antibiotics susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion method. Then, data analyzed using SPSS software by Student t-test. In addition, the p values less than 0.05 were considered as significant

Results: In general, the rate of catheter-associated bacteriuria in these hospitals was 68% [187 cases of 275]. The mean age of the participants and patients with bacteriuria were 41+/-1.2 and 24.8+/-6.2 years old, respectively. The most common isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli [50.6%] followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia [21.6%]. The highest sensitivity was reported against kanamycin [68.9%] and highest resistance was observed against ampicillin with a rate of 96.3%

Conclusion: For prevention of healthcare-associated UTI, correct catheterization and use of the closed catheter system is recommended. In addition, before prescribing any antibiotics it should be paying attention to the antibiotics susceptibility testing results

Cervical bacterial colonization in women with preterm premature rupture of membrane and pregnancy outcomes

Background: One of the most important etiologies in pretermpremature rupture of membranes [PPROM] is cervical bacterial colonization

Objective: This study evaluated cervical bacterial colonization in women with PPROM and the pregnancy outcomes

Materials and Methods: In this cohort study, 200 pregnant women with PPROM at 27-37 wk of gestation who were admitted in an academic hospital of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences from March 2015 to July 2016 were studied. samples were obtained from endocervical canal for detection of routine bacteria and Gram staining. Also, we obtained one blood culture from neonates. Maternal endocervical culture, chorioamnionitis, neonatal intensive care unit admission, neonatal positive blood culture, neonatal sepsis, and mortality were documented

Results: Most common isolated microorganism of endocervical culture were Escherichia coli [24.2%], Coagulase negative Staphylococci [27.2%], Enterococcus and candida each one [11.7%]. The prevalence of GBS was only 2.2%. Simultaneous positive blood cultures were seen in 3% of neonates. Among them, Gram-negative bacilli accounted for [66.6%], while Gram-positive cocci and candida made up only [16.7%]. Endocervical colonization was associated with a higher admission rate [p=0.004], but there was no significant correlation between endocervical colonization and chorioamnionitis, positive blood culture and neonatal mortality rate

Conclusion: With regard to low GBS colonization rate, appropriate antibiotic regimens should be considered in PPROM cases according to the most prevalent micro organisms of endocervical bacterial colonization. Maybe cervical bacterial colonization had some effects on neonatal outcomes. There was no significant association between endocervical bacterial colonization and chorioamnionitis, positive neonatal blood culture and neonatal mortality

Determining blood Glucose concentration using near infrared Spectroscopy: early findings

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the diseases that have grown dramatically in today's societies. People with diabetes should continuously measure their blood glucose level. Continuous blood glucose measurement by commonly used methods is painful and difficult. On the other hand, mobile phone can be a useful tool for accessing physicians and telemedicine services more easily. The aim of this study was to provide a medical care system for mobile monitoring of diabetes

Method: This study is an applied study and the proposed system includes a non-invasive sensor for measuring blood glucose using the near-infrared spectroscopy and an Android application. To evaluate the system, experiments were performed on glucose solution and on the body. In these experiments, both the transmittance and the reflectance modes were examined

Results: It was observed that with increasing glucose concentrations, the output voltage of sensor increased in the transmittance mode and decreased in reflectance mode. When testing on the body, the mean error rate was 34.14 in the transmittance mode and 35.9 in the reflectance mode. The results indicated that by combining transmittance and reflectance modes, better results were obtained. In this case, the mean percentage of error was 8.27 and RMSE was 52.18mg/dl

Conclusion: Finally, it can be inferred that near-infrared spectroscopy can be used in the future as an alternative for invasive methods in measuring blood glucose levels. There is also the possibility of providing remote medical services to diabetics using mobile phones

Brain Region Specificity of Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Bioenergetics Response to Nrf2 Knockdown: A Comparison Among Hippocampus, Prefrontal Cortex and Amygdala of Male Rat Brain

ABSTRACT Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) has been identified as the well-known coordinator of intracellular antioxidant defense system. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the effects of Nrf2 silencing on mitochondrial biogenesis markers peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor-1(NRF-1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and cytochrome c as well activities of two enzymes citrate synthase (CS) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) in three brain regions hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex of male Wistar rats. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Nrf2 was injected in dorsal third ventricle. Next, western blot analysis and biochemical assays were used to evaluation of protein level of mitochondrial biogenesis factors and CS and MDH enzymes activity, respectively. Based on findings, whilst Nrf2-silencing led to notably reduction in protein level of mitochondrial biogenesis upstream PGC-1α in three brain regions compared to the control rats, the level of NRF-1, TFAM and cytochrome c remained unchanged. Furthermore, although Nrf2 silencing increased CS activity, activity of MDH significantly decreased in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex areas. Interestingly, CS and MDH activities in amygdala did not change after Nrf2 knockdown. In conclusion, the present findings highlighted complexity of interaction of Nrf2 and mitochondrial functions in a brain region-specific manner. However, by outlining the exact interaction between Nrf2 and mitochondria, it would be possible to find a new therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders related to oxidative stress.

Evaluation and comparison of body mass index and albumin level in patients with active tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection

Introduction: Limited data are available on the relationship between nutritional status and tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the body mass index [BMI] and serum albumin level in patients with active tuberculosis [ATB] and latent tuberculosis [LTB]

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 17 patients newly diagnosed with pulmonary TB who were referred in Iran, during September 2011 to March 2012 and 17 latent tuberculosis infection individuals. Standard method was performed to collect an early morning fasting blood sample for albumin [by the bromocresolgreen method]. Also [BMI] was calculated as body weight divided by height squared [kg/m2]

Results: One-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to check normal distribution data The mean +/- Standard deviation[SD] for albumin in the patients and controls were 3.62 +/- 0/56 and 4.68 +/- 0.25, respectively. BMI in the patients and controls were 19.46 +/- 2.79 and 25.4 +/- 3.46, respectively. The serum albumin level was significantly lower in the patient group, compared to the control group [P<0.001].BMI was significantly lower in the patient group, compared to the control group [P<0.001]

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that BMI and serum Albumin were significantly lower in the active tuberculosis patients than latent tuberculosis groups

Comparison of antibacterial effects of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles coated brackets against streptococcus mutans

Statement of the Problem: During the orthodontic treatment, microbial plaques may accumulate around the brackets and cause caries, especially in high-risk patients. Finding ways to eliminate this microbial plaque seems to be essential

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial effects of nano copper oxide [CuO] and nano zinc oxide [ZnO] coated brackets against Streptococcus mutans [S.mutans] in order to decrease the risk of caries around the orthodontic brackets during the treatment

Materials and Method: Sixty brackets were coated with nanoparticles of ZnO [n=20], CuO [n=20] and CuO-ZnO [n=20]. Twelve uncoated brackets constituted the control group. The brackets were bonded to the crowns of extracted premolars, sterilized and prepared for antimicrobial tests [S.mutans ATCC35668]. The samples taken after 0, 2, 4, 6 and 24 hours were cultured on agar plates. Colonies were counted 24 hours after incubation. One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for statistical Analysis

Results: In CuO and CuO-ZnO coated brackets, no colony growth was seen after two hours. Between 0-6 hours, the mean colony counts were not significantly different between the ZnO and the control group [p>0.05]. During 6-24 hours, the growth of S.mutans was significantly reduced by ZnO nanoparticles in comparison with the control group [p< 0.001]. However, these bacteria were not totally eliminated

Conclusion: CuO and ZnO-CuO nanoparticles coated brackets have better antimicrobial effect on S.mutans than ZnO coated brackets

Development of Responding to Joint Attention in Typically Developing Children Across 9-30 Month

Objectives: Joint attention is one of the most important prerequisite of language and social development. There are two types of joint attention, Initiating joint attention and Responding to joint attention. This study examined the development of responding to joint attention in typically developing children in 8-30 month.

Methods: This study was cross-sectional. 61 children [40 female and 21 male] were examined in age 9, 12, 15, 18, 24 and 30 month. Tasks of joint attention scale of Early Social Communication Scales [ESCS] were used to assess children. Colmogrov-Smirinov and Kruskal-Wallis were used for data analysis and mean scores were computed for all groups.

Results: Data analysis showed that there was significant difference between mean ranks of groups. Children scores had an increasing pattern across 9 to 30 month.

Discussion: Results of this study indicated that responding to joint attention is developing from 9 to 30 month by considering the individual differences between children in every group.

Presentation of a model-based data mining to predict lung cancer

Background: The data related to patients often have very useful information that can help us to resolve a lot of problems and difficulties in different areas. This study was performed to present a model-based data mining to predict lung cancer in 2014

Methods: In this exploratory and modeling study, information was collected by two methods: library and field methods. All gathered variables were in the format of form of data transferring from those affected by pulmonary problems [303 records] as well as 26 fields including clinical and environmental variables. The validity of form of data transferring was obtained via consensus and meeting group method using purposive sampling through several meetings among members of research group and lung group. The methodology used was based on classification and prediction method of data mining as well as the method of supervision with algorithms of classification and regression tree using Clementine 12 software

Results: For clinical variables, model's precision was high in three parts of training, test and validation. For environmental variables, maximum precision of model in training part relevant to CandR algorithm was equal to 76%, in test part relevant to Neural Net algorithm was equal to 61%, and in validation part relevant to Neural Net algorithm was equal to 57%

Conclusion: In clinical variables, C5.0, CHAID, C and R models were stable and suitable for detection of lung cancer. In addition, in environmental variables, C and R model was stable and suitable for detection of lung cancer. Variables such as pulmonary nodules, effusion of plural fluid, diameter of pulmonary nodules, and place of pulmonary nodules are very important variables that have the greatest impact on detection of lung cancer

Impact of short-term, repeated water fasting on the weight of mice

Caloric restriction is a strategy applied for weight loss. Water fasting is a popular way for obesity treatment. However, little is known about the impact of water fasting on weight. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of shortterm, repeated water fasting on the weight of mice. In this study, the physiological effect of short-term, repeated water fasting on the weight of female mice was evaluated. At 6 weeks of age, mice were randomly assigned to either repeated-fasting or control group [fed ad libitum]. Each group consisted of twenty mice. As the fasting period started, the repeated-fasting group had access to only water; animals had free access to food and water on non-fasting days. Body weight of each group before, during, and after the fasting period was recorded. Body weight of the fasting group significantly decreased, unlike the control group. However, the fasting group gained weight rapidly after being re-fed and became significantly heavier than mice in the control group [P<0.01]. Interestingly, the average body weight of the fasting group increased, compared to that of the control group; in fact, the fasting mice weighed approximately 10% heavier than the control ones. Repeated water fasting was not only ineffective for weight loss but also increased the body weight of fasting mice

Actinomycosis in Iran: short narrative review article

Actinomycosis is an indolent, slowly progressive infection caused by anaerobic or microaerophilic bacteria, primarily of genus Actinomyces, which colonize the mouth, colon and vagina. Mucosal disruption may lead to infection virtually at any sites in the body. The aim of this study was to underline different features of actinomycosis and to represent total data about etiologic agents, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches these infections. From a total of 38 case reports or series, ninety one cases were obtained by using of relevant articles reported as recorded cases in Iran [1972 to 2012]. Analyzed data represented 21 cases of oral-servicofacial [23.1%], 7 cases of thoracic [7.7%], 17 cases of abdominal [18.7%], 21 cases of disseminated forms [23.1%] and 25 cases of others [27.5%]. Findings indicated more common of these infections in men [61.5%]. Actinomyces naeslundii [21 cases] was found as the most common causative agents in comparison with A. Israeli [15 cases], A. viscosus [3 cases] and A. bovis [1 case]. The most patients had been successfully treated with penicillin although some cases needed surgery along with antibiotic therapy. Since some clinical features of actinomycosis are similar to malignancies, so the differential diagnosis of invasive forms must be considered. This report emphasizes on the importance of differential diagnosis of actinomycosis from similar diseases by clinicians

Role of home bleaching agent on the fracture toughness of resin composites using four-Point bending test

Resin composites are a common type of tooth coloured restorative materials. These materials are brittle and their major shortcomings are sensitivity to flaws and defects, low tensile strength, and susceptibility to catastrophic failure.The role of home bleaching agents on the fracture toughness of resin composites using four-point bending test is scanty.To compare the fracture toughness K[Ic] of resin composites on a four-point bending test and to assess the effect of distilled water and a home bleaching agent on the resistance of the materials to fracture. seventy-two bar-shaped specimens were prepared from three materials: Rok [SDI], Estelite [Tokuyama], and Vit-l-escence [Ultradent] and divided into three groups.Two groups were assigned as [control] and conditioned in distilled water at 37 degrees Celsius for 24 hours or 21 days, respectively. The specimens in the third group [treatment] were stored in distilled water for 21 days and bleached using Polanight [SDI] for 2 hours daily. For each material, a total of 24 disc-shaped specimens were prepared and after each time interval loaded in a four-point bending test using a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/m. The maximum load to specimen failure was recorded and the K[Ic] was calculated. Statistical analysis using two-way ANOVA showed a significant relationship between materials and treatment [P<0.05]. Tukey's test showed that after 24 hours of immersion in distilled water, K[Ic] was not significantly different between materials; Rok revealed the highest value followed by Estelite and Vit-l-escence. The bleaching agent significantly decreased the K[Ic] values of Estelite and Rok while it did not affect that of Vita-l-escence. Immersion in distilled water for all resin composites caused a significant decrease in K[Ic]. The fracture toughness of the resin composites was affected by the bleaching agent and 21day immersion in distilled water

Association of Epstein Barr virus deoxyribonucleic acid with lung carcinoma.

Context: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In addition to smoking, a variety of other contributing factors, including viral infection, have been suggested in tumorigenesis. Epstein Barr virus (EBV), which is linked to various malignancies, seems to be a good candidate. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of EBV with lung carcinomas. Settings and Design: A total number of 90 formalin fi xed paraffi n embedded lung tissue samples including 48 cases of lung cancers (18 squamous cell carcinomas [SCCs], 18 adenocarcinomas and 12 small cell carcinomas) and 42 non-tumoral samples (control group), were retrieved from the pathology archive. Materials and Methods: Following deoxyribonucleic acid extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using an EBV-Eph PCR kit. The positive cases were studied immunohistochemically for the expression of EBV-late membrane protein-1 (EBV-LMP-1) in tumoral tissues. Statistical Analysis Used: The t-test and Fisher exact test were used and P < 0.05 was considered statistically signifi cant. Results: Five of our cases, including four SCCs and one adenocarcinoma and two control samples showed a positive reaction in PCR. All positive tumoral cases showed diffuse staining with LMP-1 in immunohistochemistry. Conclusions: We found a signifi cant difference in the presence of the EBV genome in cases of lung SCC compared to other lung lesions (P = 0.02). According to our data, EBV is not at major play in the nonlymphoepithelioma- like cancers of the lung in general, but may have a role in the tumorigenesis of some lung SCCs.

[Nosocomial urinary tract infections: etiology, risk factors and antimicrobial pattern in ghaem university hospital in Mashhad]

Nosocomially acquired urinary tract infections [NAUTIs] are common infections in the hospital setting. Since the bacterial spectrum of NUTIs is extensive and the antibiotic resistance is common, we decided to study the incidence of etiology, antibiotic resistance and risk factors of [NAUTIs] in Ghaem University Hospital in Mashhad, Iran from 2009 to 2012. The Present study is based on the isolation-identification and determining the antibiotic resistance pattern of [NAUTIs] from 2009 to 2012. Demographic data of patients regarding age, gender, symptoms and signs were collected by a valid questionnaire. Among 647 patients with nosocomial infection, the prevalence of NAUTI was 102 [17.2%] during this period. The most frequently isolated micro-organism was Candida spp [20.9%], followed by Escherichia coli [16.3%], Klebsiella sp [15.4%], enterococci and acinetobacter [14.5%]. Among antibiotic resistant bacteria, [53.8%] of E. coli were resistant to ampicilin and cefepim. Acinetobacter showed 66.6% resistance to ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone and cefotaxime. Among the isolates, approximately 46% had multidrug resistance to three or more agents and effective antibiotics for treatment of UTIs were nitrofurantoin and norfloxasin in this study

Frequency of IMP-1 and VIM genes among metallo-beta-lactamase producing acinetobacter spp. isolated from health care associated infections in northeast of Iran

The emergence and rapid spread of metallo-beta-lactamase [MBL] producing Acinetobacter spp. are of great concern worldwide due to limited treatment options. Epidemiologic studies of the causing genes are important for prevention. In this study, 70 imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter strains were isolated from health care associated infections. These isolates were screened for detection of metallo-beta-lactamase [MBL] using inhibitor potentiated disk diffusion tests with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA] PCR was designed for detection of bla[vim] and bla[ipm-1] using specific primers. Among these 70 strains, 50 strains appeared to produce metallo-beta-lactamase. Three isolates were detected by PCR to carry metallo-beta-lactamase gene bla[vim], but bla[ipm-1] gene was not detected. These findings suggest that in our area other genetic elements are responsible for resistance against metallo-beta-lactams

Emerging trend of acinetobacter nosocomial infection in northeast of Iran

Acinetobacter spp. emerged as an opportunistic pathogen for hospital-acquired infections. Recently, increasing antibiotic resistance among Acinetobacter spp. has worsened the problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the emerging trend of infection due to Acinetobacter in Ghaem University Hospital, Mashhad during 2006-2012. The demographic data and information about redisposing factors was collected. Appropriate bacteriological samples were collected and Acinetobacter spp. was isolated. Antibiotics susceptibility pattern of these isolates against different antimicrobials agents was determined. Results confirmed that Acinetobacter spp. cause 20.9% of nosocomial infection during this period. The trend of Acinetobacter nosocomial infection was increasing and patients with risk factors such as COPD, bronchectasia, diabetes mellitus were more prone to infection. There was significant association between these infections and invasive procedures such as catheterization, mechanical ventilation and broad-spectrum antibiotics usage. Conclusion: Understanding trends in causative organisms of nosocomial infection can help us to better define our infection control policy

[Microscopic examination in quantifying of Malassezia yeast in scalp and rapid diagnosis of fungi invasive condition: a brief report]

Malassezia Species are often commensal of the human skin and scalp that opportunistically in exist of particular predisposing factors, their proliferation increases; as, in dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis which both togather affect more than 50% of humans, the excess proliferation of yeast in scalp, leads to scalp-flaking and causes physical and mental disorder in peaple, spacially in youth that their health and hiar hygiene and beauty is more important for them. Thus, this survey has been done for rapid, easy and inexpensive method to diagnosis of abnormal proliferation and invasive condition of Malassezia yeast and can be more benefical for proper treatment. Sampling with scalpel scraping from scalp of volunteer persons that had not bathed at least two day ago were done and preparation of direct microscopic slides and staining with methylene blue were accomplished. Then, survey of morpholgic characteristics, yeast quantification and mycelium detection were done by direct microscopic examination. From 140 scalp samples of adult persons of both gender [male and female] with different age groups, observation of malassezia yeast in 93.5% [131] were positive and 6.5% [9] were negative in direct microscopic examination. Results of yeast quantification in positive cases were: mild or normal flora 25.2%, intermediate 24.5%, severe 50.3%. Detection of mycelium in positive cases were 22.9% [30] [P=0.007 df=2]. Application of an accessible, easy and inexpensive method and a determinated pattern [yeast quantification with direct microscopic examination] to distinguish normal flora from abnormal condition [excess proliferation and mycelium production] in cases of Malassezia yeasts can be more useful to rapid diagnosis of abnormal proliferation and invasive condition in order to initiate a proper antifungal treatment.

[Proximal onychomycosis due to Malassezia furfur: a case report]

Background: The etiologic role of Malassezia furfur in onychomycosis, because of its controversial keratinolytic ability, has not been proven. The most reported cases are distal subungual onychomycosis [DSO]. In our knowledge no cases of proximal onychomycosis [PO] has been reported. For the first time we report proximal onychomycosis. This case report describes the isolation of Malassezia furfur from fingernails

Case presentation: An Iranian 56- year- old women had been referred to mycology lab with hyperkeratosis in proximal regions of right hand nails and clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis without paronychia in May 2012. She used several medicines for her cardiac disease, mental illness, severe stress and blood glucose fluctuation diseases. Scraping and sampling from nail lesions were done, budding yeast cells with broadband connections were observed in 15% KOH wet mounts. Also, other differentiation tests, consist of staining with methylen blue, cultures and biochemical tests were done. In order to rejecting the probable etiologic role of any dermatophytic or non-dermatophytic fungi in this case, samples were collected from other parts of the body by scotch tape and scraping with scalpel blade too, but the results of direct microscopy and culture were negative. Finally, Malassezia furfur was identified as the causative agent of onychomycosis

Conclusion: Despite failure to prove Malassezia furfur keratinolytic ability, it can be the etiologic agent of proximal onychomycosis that shows the aggressive properties of this species. Its clinical importance is the easier transmission to hospitalized patients and other people