[ frequency of the most common Mediterranean mutation in phenylketonuria patients in Kermanshah Province]

Phenylketonuria [PKU] is one of the major causes of mental retardation which is caused by mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase [PAH] gene. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent the complications of this disorder. IVS10-11G>A mutation in [PAH] gene, has been known as the major mutation in Iran, Mediterranean region and Southern Europe. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of IVS10-11G>A mutation in Kurdish patients with PKUin Kermanshah Province and compare it with the frequencies found in the studies in other parts of Iran. From 2010 to 2011, we identified 27 unrelated families with classical PKU from different parts of Kermanshah Province. The DNA fragments containing the exon 11 of the PAH gene and its flanking intronic sequences were amplified and sequenced. The frequency of IVS10-11G>A mutation was 7.4% which was found in two homozygous PKU patients. These patients had classic PKU phenotype and their parents were 4[th] degree relatives. The findings of this study supported the results of our previous study. It seems that there is a distinct difference in PAH characters of mutations between Kermanshah and the other parts of Iran. Therefore, study of the PAH gene mutations in other parts of Iran and use of these studies for future plans, including screening of carriers are recommended

Effects of different carriers for adsorption of [125]I on brachytherapy sources

One of the key techniques for the preparation of 125I seeds is adsorption of 125I onto silver bits coated by palladium [pd]. Carriers played an important role in the adsorption of 125I on palladium. KI is used as a carrier for fixing of 125I onto silver wire bits coated with palladium. Three procedures KI, KOH, NH4OH were investigated for adsorption of 125I activity by different carriers. Adsorptions percentage of [125]I on treated silver beads showed about 85% by using KI as a carrier, the KOH showed 74% and 65% for NH[4]OH. The results indicated that, the use of KI as a carrier was suitable for adsorption of 125I on treated silver seeds with Pd than KOH and NH[4]OH

[Effects of dark rearing on clonic seizure threshold and pentyleneterazol induced epileptiform activity in mice]

Epileptic seizures are generally considered as complex and abnormal hyperexcitable phenomena in the brain. Probable changing of excitability in visual cortex by dark rearing [DR] might lead to clonic seizure. In this study the possible effect of dark rearing on Pentylenetetrazol [PTZ] induced generalized clonic seizure was studied. To assess the generalized clonic seizures [GCS] threshold and incidence and latency of GCS, 0.5% Pentylenetetrazol was administrated intravenously and 80 mg/kg subcutaneously to the control and dark reared animals. Our results showed that generalized clonic seizure threshold in DR group was not changed but occurring of GCS in DR animals was significantly lower and its latency was higher than the control animals. The tonic- clonic seizure was not different between the two groups. In spite of increasing seizure susceptibility in visual cortex by light deprivation, a kind of protection was observed in dark reared animals. Further studies seem to be necessary to elucidate the role of other factors such as melatonin