Seroprevalence of Chlamydia abortus infection in sheep and goats in Iran

Chlamydia abortus is a zoonotic bacterium that commonly causes abortions in ruminants. This microor-ganism is one of the most important infectious agents causing abortion and major economic losses in sheep and goats worldwide. The objective of this study was investigating the status of C. abortus infection among small ruminant flocks of some regions in Iran. A total of 1440 sera samples from sheep and goats were collected from 113 flocks of 7 provinces and tested with CHEKIT-ELISA for antibodies against C.abortus. The study detected overall se-roprevalence levels of 25.6% for the individual animals, and 81.4% flocks had at least one positive animal. Analysis of different sheep groups based on their age revealed that the highest numbers of infected animals were registered in the 2 years age group [p<0.05]. These results indicate that the seroprevalence of C. abortus infection in sheep and goats is very high in Iran. Therefore, it is necessary that Iran's veterinary organization set up appropriate surveillance and control programs to reduce economic losses of this disease

[Long-term effects of foot orthoseson leg muscles activity in individuals with pesplanus during walking]

Foot orthoses are widely prescribed to treat a range of lower extremity problems. Long-term biomechanical effects of foot orthosesare not clearly documented in the literature. The aim of this study was to examine long-term effects of foot orthoses on leg muscles activity in individuals with pesplanus during walking. In this clinical trial we selected 45 subjects after clinical examination. The subjects were divided into three equal groups: experimental pesplanus, control pesplanus and a healthy control group [with normal feet]. In the pre-test stage, electrical activity of leg muscles including tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, medial gastrocnemius and soleus were recorded at stance phase of walking, while all subjects walked barefoot along a 14m line. Experimental pesplanus group wore the custom-made orthoses for a period of six months. Then experimental pesplanus and control pesplanus groups underwent post-test. One-way ANOVA was used for data analysis. After six months of utilizing foot orthoses, the tibialis anterior activity significantly decreased in contact sub-phase [P=0.006]. The medial gastrocnemius activity showed a significant decrease in midstance sub-phase in the post-test [P=0.007]. Also, the soleus muscle had decreased activity in contact [P=0.033] and midstance [p=0.023] sub-phases in the post-test. According to the results of this study, we found that long term use of foot orthoses could change muscle activation and result in secondary adaptation

[Effects of Zataria multiflora boiss. essential oil and acetic acid on thermostable direct haemolysin production of Vibrio parahaemolyticus]

Consumption of contaminated seafood with Vibrio parahaemolyticus results in gastroenteritis in consumer. Thermostabledirecthaemolysin is one of the major virulence factors of this emerging pathogen which has an important role in its pathogenicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil and acetic acid on the production of TDH toxin of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in subinhibitory concentrations of these preservatives. The toxin production under specific condition including the combination of different concentrations of the essential oil [0, 0.005, 0.015, 0.03 and 0.045%], pH values [5.5, 6.5 and 7.5] modified with acetic acid and 3 incubation temperatures[8, 25 and 35[degree sign]C]in BHI broth medium was studied and the number of the bacteria have been counted and the toxin production has been evaluated after the growth of the organism and subsequent turbidity in the medium using the KAP-Rpla commercial kit. Toxin titerproduced in a broth with pH value of 7.5 and 35[degree sign]C and in the absence of essential oil was 1/256 while it was 1/32 in the same condition and with the presence of 0.015% essential oil. Also the titer of this toxin in 25[degree sign]C and pH of 6.5 equals 1/256 while with adding the 0.015% ofZataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil, It reduced to 1/3. According to the results the essential oil in combination with different pH values and incubation temperatures has a decreasing effect on the toxin production of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. It suggests that further studies with the same conditions as current study in a food model is needed to confirm the positive effect of these natural preservatives

[Control and eradication program for bovine brucellosis in Iran: an epidemiological survey]

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that is widely distributed throughout the developing countries. The status of bovine brucellosis combating program in Iran from beginning to now was reviewed. The information of 59 year combating against bovine brucellosis were obtained from Iran Veterinary Organization. Bovine brucellosis was first recognized in 1944 in Iran and is now endemic. In 1949, a bovine brucellosis combating program was setup which included vaccination of female calves with strain S19/RB51, infection diagnostic testing and slaughtering the infected cattle. Prevalence of brucellosis among industrial and semi-industrial dairy cattle calculated as 0.3%. Controlling and prevention of bovine brucellosis is far more complex than vaccination, testing and slaughtering the infected livestock. A financially well- supported control and eradication program and joint efforts between the farmers and governmental authorities are needed as a mean to prevent the spreading of disease. Without these, even a very good strategy will fail

[ effect of intraperitoneally injection of matricaria chamomilla ethanolic extract on seizure]

Matricaria chamomilla [MC] has a series of flavonoid compounds with benzodiazepine-like properties. So it may be effective in the treatment of epilepsy and seizures. We evaluate the effect of intraperitoneally injection of hydroalcoholic chamomilla extract on seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole in male rats. In this study, 56 male rats [200 - 250 g] were divided into to seven groups [n = 8]: 1 - control [saline] 2 - MC 50 mg/kg, 3 - MC 100 mg/kg, 4 - MC 200 mg/kg, 5 - MC 500 mg/kg, 6 - Diazepam [0.2 mg/kg], 7 - Flumazenil [0.5 mg/kg] + MC 200. All groups received PTZ [65 mg/kg/ip] 30 minutes after material injection and the animal's convulsive behavior were recorded. The data were analyzed statistically by SPSS software with using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test. The administration of hydroalcoholic extracts of chamomile, delayed onset of tonic seizures in the animal's anterior limb and body at all used dosages. This effect was significant at doses of 200 and 500 mg/kg, in compare with control group. Also the extract of chamomile reduced the total duration of seizure and the duration of tonic -colonic seizures dose - dependently, that were significant at 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg of dosage. Intra-peritoneal administration of chamomile hydroalcoholic extract can effectively reduce seizures that induced by PTZ in rats. Here by, it is recommended to identify its effective components by conducting complementary research

[Dual effects of morphine on spontaneuse seizure activity in mouse brain hippocampal slices]

Opiates have complex effects on seizure activity. They have both anti-and proconvulsive effects depending on experimental conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different doses of morphine and naloxon on spontaneous seizure activity in mouse brain hippocampal slices. Spontaneous epileptic activity in the brain slices of mouse was induced by continuous perfusion of low magnesium artificial cerebrospinal fluid [low-Mg2+ACSF]. Extra cellular recordings were performed in the hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell layer to account for the effects of the drugs on amplitude, duration and number of the ictal events as well as number of interictal spikes. Application of morphine had a biphasic effect on the recorded spontaneous seizure-like events. In a low concentration [10 micro M], morphine decreased seizure activity. Higher morphine concentrations [30 and 100 micro M] enhanced seizure activity in an apparent dose-dependent manner. Naloxone, a nonselective opiate antagonist, blocked the proconvulsant action of morphine. The results of this study showed that the effect of morphine on seizure in mouse is dose dependent. In other words, low systemic doses of morphine have anticonvulsant effects while high doses are proconvulsant

Dual effects of morphine on spontaneous seizure activity in mouse brain hippocampal slices

Opiates have complex effects on seizure activity. They have both anti- and proconvulsive effects depending on experimental conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different doses of morphine and naloxon on spontaneous seizure activity in mouse brain hippocampal slices. Spontaneous epileptic activity in the brain hippocampal slices of mouse was induced by continuous perfusion of low magnesium artificial cerebrospinal fluid [low -Mg[2+] ACSF]. Extra cellular recordings were performed in the hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell layer to account for the effects of the drugs on amplitude, duration and number of the ictal events as well as number of interictal spikes. Application of morphine had a biphasic effect on the recorded spontaneous seizure-like events. In a low concentration [10 microM], morphine decreased seizure activity. Higher morphine concentrations [30 and 100 microM] enhanced seizure activity in an apparent dose-dependent manner. Naloxone, a nonselective opiate antagonist, blocked the proconvulsant action of morphine. The results of this study showed that the effect of morphine on seizure in mouse is dose dependent. In other words, low systemic doses of morphine have anticonvulsant effects while high doses are proconvulsant

[Homocysteine and high sensitivity C-reactive protein in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, and their relation with diseases activity and cardiovascular risk factors]

Systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] is an inflammatory multi-system disease with an unknown origin. In patients with lupus disease cardiovascular events is an important cause of mortality and morbidity. This study carried out to measurement of high sensitivity C-reactive protein [HsCRP] and homocysteine in patients with SLE and their relation with diseases activity and cardiovascular risk factors. This case control study carried out on 60 patients [55 females and 5 males] with lupus disease which referred to Clinical Research Center of Rheumatology, Mashhad, Iran and 30 controls [26 females and 4 males] during 2007-08. Information of subjects were gathered using SLEDAI questionare. HsCRP and homocysteine of subjects were measured. The level of low density lipoprotein [LDL], Triglycerid, hypertension and Body mass index [BMI] was assessed. Systemic lupus erythematosus activity was assessed by using SLEDAI so that if the score was higher than 10, lupus was called as active disease. Mean age was 28.8 +/- 10.3 and 33.8 +/- 9.13 years in SLE and control groups respectively. The mean of HsCRP in SLE patients were 3 +/- 2.42 mg/dl versus in controls were 1.58 +/- 2.1. The serum level of homocysteine were 12.3 +/- 1.93 micro mol/L and 24 +/- 8.13 micro mol/L in SLE patients and controls [P<0.001]. Mean disease activity was 15.37. There was no any associtation between homocysteine and HsCRP and disease activity. LDL, Triglycerid, hypertension had significant association with homocystein [P<0.05]. BMI and Triglycerid had significant association with HsCRP [P<0.05]. This study showed that there is no linear significant corrolation between homocysteine, HsCRP and disease activity, but there is significant corrolation between increase of homocysteine and HsCRP and cardiovascular risk factors

effect of magnesium on morphine withdrawal signs in rats

Background and Purpose: Glutamatergic system has a role on morphine withdrawal sign, and magnesium has inhibitory effect on the NMDA receptors of glutamatergic system. The present study aimed to determine the effects of magnesium injection on morphine withdrawal signs in male and female rats

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 48 Male and female rats [200-250 gr] were used. The animals divided into 6 equal groups: two male and female control groups received normal saline; two male and female groups receiving magnesium sulfate 150 mg/kg; and the last two groups receiving magnesium sulfate 300 mg/kg. All groups received 3% sucrose in tap water with morphine 0.4mg/ml [for 21 days] to become addicted. In the end of 21st day, NS or magnesium administrated 30 min before naloxone [2mg/kg] and then withdrawal signs evaluated for next 30 min. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS using ANOVA and complementary tests with p<0.05 as significant

Results: The results of this study showed that the injection of magnesium in dose of 150 mg/kg could significantly reduce many withdrawal symptoms in male addicted rats [Jumping 62.96% [2.5 +/- 1.14], standing 45.4% [6.62 +/- 1.45]] and in female addicted rats [Jumping 77.75% [1.25 +/- 0.54], climbing 24.51% [8.87 +/- 1.65], standing 52.57% [5.57 +/- 1.26]]. The injection of magnesium with dose of 300 mg/kg also reduced dramatically withdrawal symptoms in male rats [Jumping 87.03% [6.75 +/- 1.66], climbing 34.34% [12.87 +/- 1.27], standing 56.12% [12.125 +/- 1.27]] and female rats [Jumping 84.43% [0.875 +/- 0.25], climbing 36.17% [7.5 +/- 1.08], standing 69.07 % [3.75 +/- 0.64]]. The administration of magnesium in both doses caused a significant reduction of most withdrawal symptoms, and its effect on both sexes was almost similar

Conclusions: It seems that the injection of magnesium during morphine withdrawal can considerably reduce the symptoms of withdrawal syndrome in rats

Motorcycle fatal accidents in Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran

All over the world motorcycle accident are one of the major causes of road death and injury. This study aimed to determine the pattern of Motorcycle Fatal Accidents in Mashhad-Iran. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 2006 to analyze the epidemiological pattern of the motorcycle accident in Mashhad, North-Eastern Iran. Three hundred fifty cases of motorcycle accidents were included. Data gathering tool was a standard questionnaire. The compiled data were analyzed using SPSS11 and chi 2 test. The significance level was considered 0.05 in all statistical tests. In the time span of the study, 350 cases of motorcycle accident occurred, most of which happened at 8pm to 12pm. In 119 cases, the motorcyclist was the blameful rider. Generally, 84.2% of the motorcycle riders did not have safety helmets. About two third of blameful motorcycle riders [63.1%] were less than 25 years old. The major cause of the accidents [55.1%] was due to neglecting the Yield Right of Way. Motorcycle riders endanger pedestrian, other drivers, passengers and their own life. Paying attention to cultural and instructional issues of correct motorcycle riding and performing appropriate monitoring in traffic and transportation system such as honoring our and others safety and setting limitations on using this vehicle by the youth is of great importance

[ effects of electromagnetic field on fertility and mouse gonads in preimplantation stage]

Considerable attention is focused on the effects of the electromagnetic field [EMF] due to its wide-ranging use in everyday life. Appliances and various equipments are sources of electromagnetic fields with a wide-range of technical characteristics. In this study we investigated the effect of EMF [50 Hz, 0.5 mT] on fertility and mouse gonads in preimplantation. Materials and Methods: Eighty female mice were divided in to 2 groups the control group was not exposed to EMF, while the case group was exposed to 4 hours per day, to 50 Hz and 0.5 mT EMF 6 days a week, for 2 weeks. On the 8th day of exposure, female mice in both groups were superovoulated and mated overnight. Next morning females with a vaginal plug were identified as pregnant mice at the time of implantation, the pregnant mice were sacrificed and blastocysts were subsequently obtained from these mice by flushing the uterus horns. The samples of ovaries in all groups were taken and were processed for light microscopic studies, and the data was compared using t-test [SPSS, considering, and P < 0.05], significant. Results: The mean number of pregnant mice decreased in the EMF group [50%] as compared to the control group [67.5%], difference not significant. The mean number of fetuses per pregnancy was 9 +/- 4.8 in the control group and 5.5 +/- 5.7 in the experimental group, with significant decrease between the means of the 2 groups [P < 0.03]. The analysis of the size of monolayer primary follicle in the EMF exposed groups did not show significant decrease compared to the control group [12.33 +/- 1.53, 12.17 +/- 1.79 and P>0.810]. Although the total number of follicles, number of monolayer primary follicles and corpus luteum, increased in comparison to control group following there was no significant differences between them. Conclusion: The findings indicated that the EMF, following short periods of exposure, has negative effects on female mice fertility, whereas histological studies showed no changes in ovaries

effects of ascorbic acid injection in to locus ceruleus and ventral tegmental area and PGi on morphine withdrawal signs in rats

Recent studies indicate that the glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems are involved in morphine withdrawal syndrome. Ascorbic acid [ascorbate] is an antioxidant vitamin released from glutamatergic neurons and modulates the synaptic action of dopamine and glutamate in the locus ceruleus, ventral tegmental area and PGi as well as behavior. To determine the effects of ascorbic acid injection into locus ceruleus, ventral tegmental area and PGi on morphine withdrawal signs in rats [MWS]. This was an experimental study in which a total of 80 male rats [250-300gr] divided into two were tested. The first group marked as control received 3% sucrose in tap water [n=10] and the second group [dependent group] received morphine and 3% sucrose in tap water [0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4mg/ml each for 48h, and 0.4mg/ml for the remaining days up to day 21]. The latter was further divided into 7 subgroups as follows: [1] morphine group; [2, 3, and 4] sham operated groups which were surgically implanted with cannula at the locus ceruleus [LC], ventral tegmental area [VTA], and PGi; [5, 6, 7] morphine-ascorbic acid groups injected with AA [8 microg/microl] into LC, VTA, and PGi at day 21 and 5 min before naloxone administration. At the end of the training day, all groups received naloxone [2mg/kg I.P] and MWS was studied for 30 minute. Our results showed that the injection of ascorbate into LC and PGi caused a higher decrease in morphine withdrawal syndrome signs compared to VTA. Glutamatergic system is more effective than dopaminergic system in attenuation of MWS by acute injection of ascorbate

Synthesis and radioprotective study of novel amino-alkyldithiocarbamic acid derivatives against gamma-irradiation in mice

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radioprotective capacity of some novel aminoalkylated dithiocarbamic acid potassium salts against gamma-irradiation in mice. Eight compounds containing 2-aminoethyl-, 3-aminopropyl-, 4-aminobutyl-, 5-aminopentyl-, 6-aminohexyl-, 7-aminoheptyl-, 8-aminooctyl and 9-aminononyl of dithiocarbamate derivatives were prepared. Male NMRI mice were injected intraperitoneally [IP] with a geometric progression of doses [300-1000 mg/kg], through the dose response range for lethal toxicity. To evaluate the radioprotecive activity, one-half of the toxic LD[50] of each compound were injected IP to groups of twenty mice, 30 minutes prior to gamma-irradiation. The treated animals were kept for 30 days, and the lethality was recorded each day. Among eight compounds of alkyl dithiocarbamic acid derivatives, 5-aminopentyl, 7-aminoheptyl, 8-aminooctyl and 9-aminononyl dithiocarbamic acid mono potassium salts are new compounds. All evaluated compounds showed a concentration dependent effect on the survival in mice. The LD[50] values were found to be more than 599 mg/kg. The percentages of 30-day survival of mice for 2-aminoethyl, 7-aminoheptyl and 8-aminooctyl dithiocarbamic acid derivatives were 7%, 40% and 13.5%, respectively, when injected 30 minutes before gamma-irradiation. Other compounds had no radioprotective effects. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the treated and control groups for the 7-aminoheptyl derivative [p<0.05]. Among the compounds investigated in this study, 7-aminoheptyl dithiocarbamate derivative showed more radioprotective effects in comparison with the others. Although it seems that the radioprotective effects in these derivatives correlate with the size of the alkyl chain, more experiments are required to support this hypothesis

In vitro evaluation of different cementation methods in cast post retention

There has always bee a concern about the easiness, durability and costs of filling in teeth which are extremely decayed. Different restorative methods such as use of Pre Fubricated Post with Amalgam Core, composite and FRC Post have been considered but the most common one is use of melted post core. Retention of the post is influenced by different factors such as length, width, shape of post and the type of cement. Another important retentive factor is the procedure of the post cementing. The aim of this study was to compare cast post retention of three different cementing methods. In this invitro experimental study, 40 central incisors were selected. After preparing and making the posts, the teeth were randomly divided into three groups of ten as A, B and C. The cement which was used was glass lonomer [GC Fuji I] mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions and was used in three ways: Group A; cement was placed in the canal with lentulo. Group B: cement was injected into the canal. Group C: first it was injected followed by use of lentulo. In order to keep the cemented teeth out of humidity, vaseline was applied. Finally, after 72 hours, the tensile stress at the speed of 1mm per minute was applied. Tukey test, Kruskal Wallis test and one way ANOVA were used for data analysis. The maximum strength was observed in group C [in jection+lentulo] in which 90% of the samples had more than 50kg tensile strength. The minimum strength was observed in group A [Lentulo placed cement] in which 10% of the samples had more than 50kg tensile strength [P<0.05]. 1] The procedure and method of cementation of the post had greeted role in retention of it. 2] The best way of cementing post was injection followed by lentulo use

[Survey of prevalence, etiology and associated factors of heart murmurs and extrasounds in the first-grade students in Rasht, 2006-7]

Abstract Introduction: Heart murmurs are common findings of physical examination of children, but most of them are innocent. Recognizing the etiology and associated factors with heart murmurs can help us in differential diagnosis of them. In attention to high prevalence of heart murmurs and low prevalence of congenital heart diseases in children, diagnosis of the innocent murmur with pathologic murmur is important

Objective: Determine the prevalence of heart murmurs and extra sounds, etiology and associated factors in the heart of the first-grade students in Rasht, 2006-7

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 4080 first-grade students in Rasht. At first, all students were examined by educated physicians and the cases with positive findings in cardiovascular examination were referred to the clinic of pediatric cardiology hospital. Echocardiography, Electrocardiography and if it was necessary Chest X ray, Angiography and Laboratory evaluations were performed for the students with a murmur and heart extra sound who were examined by pediatric cardiologist. Following the determination of definitive diagnosis and complementary history from the parents of the children, all collected data were analyzed by SPSS 15

Results: Among 4080 students [2055 boys,2025girls], 320 students [7.8%] had a heart murmur and extra sound that among of them 292 students [7.15%] had a murmur and 52 students [1.27%] had a extra sound. The prevalence of innocent and pathologic murmurs in the girls were [4.88% and 2.12%] and in the boys were [4.91% and 2.38%], respectively. The prevalence of congenital heart diseases [except MVP] were 1.8%, including MR [0.93%], TR [0.51%], TVP [0.147%], VSD [0.12%], PS [0.12%], ASD [0.07%], PI [0.07%], AS [0.02%], PDA [0.02%], PPH [0.02%] and Ebstein anomaly [0.02%]. The prevalence of MVP was 2.38% and in the girls it was 1.2 times more than in the boys [p<0.05]. The most frequency of pathologic murmurs were in the children which their mothers were 35-39 years old [51%]. The relative frequency of pathologic murmurs in the children, which their mothers used ranitidine and NSAID in the pregnancy, were higher than in other groups. The relative frequency of pathologic murmurs in the children, which their mothers used hair dyes during pregnancy [37%] was higher than the other group [28%]

Conclusion: The present study confirms previous studies, which murmurs are most common finding in children and most of them are innocent. There is no requirement for diagnostic and therapeutic modality. On the other hand, children with pathological murmurs ought to be referred to a pediatric cardiologist for evaluation and treatment

[ effects of prenatal morphine exposure on spatial learning]

Drug abuse during pregnancy is a growing problem in all developed countries worldwide. Maternal drug abuse affects the developing systems and the associated long-term effects can persist untill adulthood, decreasing the rate of their maturation. To determine the effects of prenatal morphine exposure on spatial learning Eighteen pregnant rats were divided into morphine, saline, and control groups. Morphine or saline was administrated [S.C] to female rats twice a day [at 12-hr intervals] during the days 11-18 of their gestational period [5 mg/kg morphine for the first 3 days and 10 mg/kg for further 5 days]. Pups [P90, n=6] were trained in an 8-arm radial maze apparatus.The data were analyzed statistically using Chi-square test. The results indicated that prenatal morphine exposure causes a reduction in the time needed to learn these trials however, they needed more time to complete regular trials. Prenatal morphine exposure impairs normal spatial learning

[ effect of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. leaves extract on pain of male rats]

For long time medical scientists have speculated about alleviation of pain so that they have attempted to prescribe a potent analgesic with the least side effects. There are some records in Iranian traditional medicine showing that Elaeagnus angustifolia L. decreases inflammation and pain. Therefore, in this study the analgesic effect of the aqueous extracts of E. angustifolia leaves was evaluated on male rats. The analgesic effect of the extract was studied using formalin test on 35 male rats. Decoction extracts of the leaves with 25, 50, 100 [mg/kgw/ip] concentration were prepared and used. The reaction of the extracts against pain were assessed in comparison to a routine non-steroid anti-inflammatory and pain drug [Diclofenac 5 mg/kgw/hp]. The extract had a significant and dose-dependent analgesic effect on both pain phases that were induced by formalin and it was more potent than the effect of Diclofenac. The extract of E. angustifolia leaves has the optimal reaction against pain and this effect is produced peripherally and centrally. The E. angustifolia leaves contain flavonoids and terpenoids and the analgesic effect of extract is probably from the anti-inflammatory reactions of these materials

Prevalence of periodontal diseases and oral health status, in children with type I diabetes in khorasan, Iran in 2002

The inflammatory changes in gingiva as well as periodontal diseases are the most common oral conditions found in diabetic patients. The objective of the present investigation was to compare the oral health and periodontal disease status in diabetic and non diabetic children and adolescents. Cases were composed of 68 registered diabetic individuals aged 5-18 years old. The control group was composed of 68 non-diabetic sex and age-matched persons, who were among the out-patient visitors of Mashhad School of Dentistry. A questionnaire was used to collect information from medical records and clinical examinations. The statistical analysis was conducted in order to assess OHI-S, PI and GI indices in each patient. The mean OHI-S was 1.56 +/- 0.59 and 1.63 +/- 0.51 in diabetic and non-diabetic children respectively. The mean PI was 1.42 +/- 0.85 in diabetic and 0.71 +/- 0.54 in non-diabetic children. The mean GI was 1.20 +/- 0.45 and 0.77 +/- 0.50 in diabetic and non-diabetic children respectively. Although there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding their oral hygiene status, diabetic children had higher frequencies of periodontal diseases and gingivitis compared to sex and age-matched non-diabetic controls. Therefore, it is necessary to design and promote periodontal disease prevention programs for young diabetic patients

[ effect of ascorbic acid on morphine withdrawal syndrome signs in rats]

Recent studies indicate that the glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems are also involved in morphine withdrawal syndrome. Ascorbic acid [AA] released from glutamatergic neurons, modulates the synaptic action of dopamine and glutamate as well as behavior. To determine the effects of ascorbic acid on morphine withdrawal syndrome signs [MWS]. 30 Male rats [250-300gr] were tested in 5 groups as: 1] control group [n=6] received 3% sucrose in tap water; 2] dependent group received morphine [0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4mg/ml for a period of 48h, and 0.4mg/ml for further days up to 21st day] and 3% sucrose in tap water; 3,4,5] morphine-AA groups which received morphine and AA [100, 500, 1000mg/kg IP, every 48h] for evaluating the effects of AA on MWS. At the end of training period, all groups received naloxone [2mg/kg IP] and MWS were studied for 30 minute. Our results showed that IP application of AA [100, 500, 1000 mg/kg] can remarkably attenuate many signs [but not all] of morphine withdrawal syndrome, dose dependently. Based on data obtained in present study, AA can attenuate the expression of withdrawal behaviors in rats

[Effects of Matricaria Chamomilla extract on morphine withdrawal syndrome in mice]

Matricaria chamomilla [MC] contains flavonoids, which exert benzodiazepine-like activity and so it may be helpful in morphine withdrawal syndrome [MWS] treatment. To determine the effects of MC extract on morphine withdrawal syndrome signs in adult male mice. This was an experimental study carried out in two steps at the department of physiology, Qazvin School of medicine [Iran], in 2005. Step 1: 3 adult male mice [n=6] were originally divided into 2 groups marked as saline [control] and morphine [case] groups. The morphine group were injected by increasing doses of morphine [10, 20, 40 mg/kg, s.c], 3 times daily, for a total duration of 4 days and were further divided into 4 subgroups as morphine group and 3 MC extract groups receiving one dose of MC extract [10, 20 or 30 mg/kg I.P] at day 4, 30 min before naloxone injection. At the end of training day [4[th] days] all groups were injected by naloxone [5mg/kg I.P] and MWS was studied for 30 minutes. Step 2: another 30 adult male mice [n=6] were injected by saline, morphine and MC extracts as above except for morphine and naloxane which were injected as one single dose [50 mg/kg]. Naloxone was injected 3hr after the last injection of morphine and the frequencies of withdrawal behaviors [jumping, climbing] were assessed later. The results of the present study showed that the acute and chronic administration of MC at doses used in our experiment significantly abolished the morphine withdrawal syndrome signs [jumping, climbing, writhing, weight loss] compared with morphine group. Our data suggest that the MC can attenuate the expression of withdrawal behaviors in male mice