ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate leishmanicidal effects of Euphorbia erythadenia plant extract. Methods:Extraction was done using methanolic Soxhlet of dried and ground aerial parts of the plant. Then, five different extract concentrations, in addition of positive, negative and solvent controls were prepared and added to a 24-well plate containing 40 000 parasites/well. The extract concentrations were 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 and 0.062 5 mg/mL. Amphotricin B (0.5 mg/mL) was used as positive control while negative control contained only culture medium. After 3 d incubation at 25 °C the amount of parasites in each well was determined on each day of experiment microscopially using Neubar chamber. Results:Soxhlet extract as well as amphotricin B killed all parasites at concentration of 1 mg/mL. The leshmanicidal activity of lower doses of extract was dose-dependent. The EC50 for Soxhlet extracts in dimethylsulfoxide was 0.30 mg/mL. The EC50 for Soxhlet extracts in methanol was 0.23 mg/mL. No obvious effects from the control solvent on the Leishmania major promastigotes were observed. Conclusions: The Soxhlet extract of Euphorbia erythadenia showed suitable leishmanicidal activity, especially in higher concentration fractions.
ABSTRACT
To determine the prevalence and risk factors for work related musculoskeletal disorders among welders. All 160 welders who work at a petrochemical complex in south of Iran were included in this study. The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire [NMQ] was used to study prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders [WMSDs]. Most welders [88.3%] suffered from some kind of MSDs symptoms. Arc welders had significantly more musculoskeletal problems in the neck and wrists/hands regions than gas welders. Analysis showed that duration of employment as a welder was significantly associated with a work related musculoskeletal disorder of the shoulder [OR 3.2, 95% CM .1 to 8.9], lower back, neck [OR 3.1, 95% Cl 1.1 to 8.4], and knee [OR 3.5, 95% Cl 1.3 to 9.2]. WMSDs had occurred with a high rate among Iranian welders. This study supports the need for vigilant ergonomic intervention at welding