Comparison of resistant and susceptible strains of Trichomons vaginalis to metronidazole using PCR method

Metronidazole is drug of choice recommended by WHO for treatment of trichomoniasis, however, some reports claims drug resistance in Trichomonas vaginalis isolates recently. The objective of this study was to determine the minimum lethal concentration [MLC] of metronidazole in resistant and sensitive strains, as well as genetic patterns of these stains by PCR method. From February 2006 to March 2007, in a cross sectional study, clinical and wet mount examination of vaginal smear along with culture were performed on 683 women attending to public and private outpatient clinics in Hamadan. Trichomoniasis marked based on major clinical symptoms. Diagnosis confirmed using wet mount microscopically and culture in Diamond medium. A serial concentration of metronidazole was provided and all isolated Trichomonas strains [resistant and sensitive] tested by standard method. Finally, all sensitive and resistant strains examined by PCR technique. Only 15/683, [2.2%] of patients clinically diagnosed trichomonal vaginitis were positive for T. vaginalis by wet smear and culture. The minimum lethal concentration [MLC] for clinically sensitive isolates was 25 micro g/ml; however, this concentration for resistant isolates was 200 micro g/ml after 24 h and 100 micro g/ml after 50 h. The results of PCR examination of DNA from sensitive and resistant isolates had same pattern. The lanes appeared by two primers were 98 bp and 261 bp for both clinically sensitive and resistant strains. Resistance to metronidazole in T. vaginalis has not relation to genetic variations and might be related to some physiologic pathways of organism

Prevalence of trichomonas vaginalis infection in Hamadan city, Western Iran

Infection with Trichomonas vaginalis is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases [STDs] in humans. The prevalence of infection in Iran has been reported between 2 to 8%, depending on deferent socio-cultural conditions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of T. vaginalis in women referred to gynecologic clinics in Hamadan city, West of Iran. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 750 women who referred to Gynecologic clinics in Hamadan from November 2010 to July 2011. Vaginal samples were obtained from them and examined by wet mount and culture methods for the detection of T. vaginalis. Sixteen out of 750 vaginal swab specimens [2.1%] were culture positive for T. vaginalis and 13 of these positive specimens [1.7%] were wet mount positive. Only 12 of 42 patients who were clinically diagnosed as having T. vaginalis infection, confirmed by culture method. Five hundred and fifty of the participants women [73.3%] had at least one of signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis. No statistical correlation was observed between clinical manifestations and parasitological results [p>0.05]. This study showed low prevalence of T. vaginalis infection in the study population. Since clinical signs of trichomonal vaginitis are the same of other STDs, a confirmatory laboratory diagnosis is necessary. Wet smear as well as culture are sensitive for detection of T. vaginalis

Evaluation of intelligence quotient in children with early first permanent molar eruption

There are many unknown systemic and local factors influencing tooth growth and development. Likely, tooth eruption may be under such influence as well. Despite delayed tooth eruption, studies on early tooth eruption are very scarce. Therefore, this study was conducted in order to evaluate the relationship between intelligence quotient [IQ] and early tooth eruption in normal children [with no disease or disorder]. By using study criteria, 44 children were recruited after oral examination of 652 children [337 boys and 315 girls]. Oral examination was conducted by one dentist using plastic disposable mirror, under day light. The Raven's test was taken blindly under standard conditions for all subjects by a psychologist. [Case] subjects were defined as individuals who had partially or fully erupted molars earlier than the expected normal time. [Control] subjects were similar to [cases] but without erupted molars. Statistical analysis was conducted using student T-test. The intelligence test was performed on 44 subjects consisted of 22 boys [IT'case] and 1 T'control]] and 22 girls [11 [case] and 11 [control]]. IQ in two sexes did not have significant difference [P<0.05]. But the mean IQ difference between [case] and [control] groups was about 11 points that was statically significance [P<0.01]. Healthy children with early first permanent molar eruptions, have higher IQ compared to their peers [P<0.01]. This criterion may be used to identify high IQ children for provision of special care and training for faster advancement of individual and society

[ protective effect of melatonin on sperm parameters, epididymis and seminal vesicle morphology in adult mouse treated with busulfan]

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of melatonin on sperm parameters, epididymis and seminal vesicle morphology in adult mouse under chemotherapy. Male adult NMRI mice were divided into four groups. The control group received a single dose of DMSO, Group 2 received a single dose of busulfan 20 mg/kg. Group 3 was administered melatonin 10 mg/kg for 5 days. Group 4 received a 5 days course of melatonin 10 mg/kg following an initial dose of busulfan 20 mg/kg. Animals were sacrificed 35 days after treatment and evaluations were made by determining of sperm count and sperm quality, histological study of epididymis, seminal vesicle and measuring of plasma testosterone level. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and Tuckey test. Busulfan significantly reduced sperm count, sperm motility and normal morphology and testosterone level in comparison with that of control group [P< 0.01]. However, combined treatment increased mentioned parameters in compare with those of chemotherapy treated group [P< 0.01]. In histological evaluations busulfan resulted in vacuoles in epithelial thickness of epididymis and reduced epithelial cell height in comparison with that of control group [P< 0.001]. Busulfan reduced semen fluid and epithelial folds and epithelial cell height in seminal vesicle in comparison with those of control group [P< 0.001]. However, combined treatment, resulted in recovery and normalization of the epididymis and seminal vesicle. Melatonin has protective effect on epididymal sperm parameters, seminal vesicle and epididymis morphology in mouse under treatment with chemotherapy. Although the mechanism is not clear, it acts probably by decreasing oxidative stresses

Cancer incidence and mortality in Ardabil: report of an ongoing population-based cancer registry in Iran, 2004-2006

Ardabil cancer registry is the first population-based cancer registry in Iran that was established in 2000. The first report from this registry revealed that Ardabil has one of the highest rate of gastric cardia cancer and the lowest rate of cervical cancer in the world. We aim to update the cancer incidence in this area by the second follow up report from this registry. Method: Data on all newly diagnosed cancer cases between 2004 and 2006 were actively collected. CanReg4 software was used for data entry and the data of cancer-related death were obtained from the comprehensive death registry system. More than 4300 new cases were registered during 3 years. Diagnosis of cancer was based on histopathology in 69%, clinical investigation 8%, clinical only 5%, and Death Certificate Only [DCO] in 18% of cases. In terms of age-standardized rate [/100,000], the five leading cancers in men [excluding skin cancer] were stomach [51.8], esophagus [19.5], bladder [13.1], lung and bronchus [10.8], and colorectal [9.6]; in women, they were stomach [24.9], esophagus [19.7], breast [11.9], colon and rectum [7.4], and brain tumors [6.9]. According to death registration data, upper gastrointestinal cancers constituted more than 43% of cancer-related death in Ardabil. The ASR for gastric cancer is among the highest rate for this cancer in male and female in the world. Most of the cancers, especially in female, have a significant increase compared to previous report from Ardabil. This is most likely due to the change in the registration practice

Seroepidemiology of toxoplasmosis in primigravida women in Hamadan, Islamic Republic of Iran, 2004

We determined the prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies in 576 primigravid women randomly selected from health houses in Hamadan. The relationship between positivity and some risk factors was assessed. Data were collected by questionnaire and blood samples examined for Toxoplasma antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody test. Of the 576 women, 193 [33.5%] were positive for Toxoplasma antibodies [titre >/= 1:20]. Age, consumption of fresh undercooked meat and frequent consumption of raw vegetables were statistically significantly associated with higher infection rates. Educational level, touching cats, handling raw meat, farming, method of washing vegetables and consumption of raw milk and eggs were not associated with infection

Association between en dothelial selectin [E-selectin] gene polymorphisms and E-selectin level with visceral leishmaniais, in an ARMS-PCR based study

In the visceral leishmaniasis [VL], parasites reside in reticuluendothelial system, mainly in macrophages. Endothelial Selectin [E-selectin] might play an important role in leukocyte-endothelium interactions and inflammatory cell recruitment. The aim of this study was determining E-selectin level and its polymorphism in three groups, patients, seropositive and healthy individuals. Serum soluble E-selectin levels as well as 2 polymorphisms of E-selectin [Ser 128 Arg and Leu 554 Phe] were measured in a cohort of patients with documented VL [n=64], a healthy control group [n=74] and a seropositive for VL but without any symptoms [n=81]. Circulation concentration of E-selectin levels was measured by ELIS. The amplification refractory mutation system [ARMS]-PCR procedure was used for detecting polymorphisms. The mean of E-selectin levels significantly differed between three groups [P<0.026], and were increased in patients in comparison with other groups. Difference was more considerable between two groups of patients and healthy ones [patients 92.8 ng/ml; healthy individuals 71.9 ng/ml]. Polymorphisms were associated with soluble E-selectin levels and altogether explained 14.4%, 7.2%, and 8.7% in patients, seropositive and seronegative healthy individuals, respectively. Distribution of polymorphisms of 128 Ser/Arg and 554 Leu/Phe among three groups was not different significantly; however, there was a considerable arrangement in distribution of Ser 128 Arg polymorphism and 128 Arg allele in healthy group was more than two fold of patients [55% against 20%]. The association between soluble E-selectin levels and visceral leishmaniasis suggests that this molecule might have significant role in the inflammatory process in VL. Moreover, frequency of 128 Arg allele in healthy group was higher than patients

Prevalence of acute blood transfusion rections in 11 hospitals of Tehran and Mazandaran province

Acute blood complications form the most frequent and important reactions among the blood transfusion adverse effects; acute hemolytic reaction, bacterial contamination, and transfusion related acute lung injury [TRALI] are the most frequent causes of death following blood transfusion. In this descriptive prospective study, 2633 patients hospitalized in surgical and non-surgical departments of 11 hospitals having received blood transfusion were evaluated for acute blood transfusion reactions. Among these patients, 20 [0.8%] encountered acute blood transfusion reactions. Out of this group of patients, eight experienced febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions, nine had allergic reactions, one developed blood group incompatibility, and two disseminated intravascular coagulation [DIC]. This study indicates that the most prevalent blood transfusion reactions were fever and allergy [0.3%]. This reported rate [0.5-6%] is lower than the global rate. The rate of blood group incompatibility in this study was 0.03%, showing a higher prevalence than the global rate [0.004%]

[ effect of prolonged oral administration of silybum marianum [SM] shoots on learning and memory in streptozotocin induced-diabetic rats]

Diabetes mellitus [DM] especially type A, is accompanied by disturbances in learning, memory, and cognitive skills in human society and experimental animals. Regarding the beneficial effect of SM on lipid peroxidation in hyperlipidemia and on serum lipids in DM, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of prolonged oral administration of SM on learning and memory in diabetic rats. Female wistar rats [n = 36] were randomly divided into control, SM-treated control, diabetic, and SM-treated diabetic groups. Treatment groups received a mixture of SM and standard rat food at a weight ratio of 6.25% for 4 weeks.To induce diabetes, streptozotocin was injected intraperitoneally at a single dose of 60 mg/kg. For evaluation of learning and memory, initial latency [IL] and step-through latency [STL] were determined at the end of the study using passive avoidance test. Meanwhile, alternation behavior percentage was determined using Y maze test. There was a significant increase [p = 0.032] in IL in diabetic and SM-treated diabetic groups after 4 weeks compared to control group. There was no significant difference between diabetic and SM-treated diabetic groups. On the other hand, STL decreased significantly [p = 0.032] in diabetic group while it increased significantly [p = 0.027] in SM-treated group compared to control group at the end of the study. The results of Y maze showed that alternation score was not different between treated and untreated diabetic groups. SM could enhance the consolidation and recall capability of stored information but did not affect spatial memory of diabetic animals

study on the prevalence of cryptosporidium in HIV positive patients

AIDS is acquired by infection with HIV [human immuno-deficiency virus]. It leaves the host susceptible to malignant and unusual infections especially opportunistic ones. Most of AIDS patients infected with opportunistic parasitic infections die because of chronic diarrhea and deaths due to Cryptosporidium diarrhea in AIDS patients are considerable in the recent two decades. The aim of this study is to find Cryptosporidium parasite in AIDS patients referring to the center of Diseases consultation in Kermanshah province and to determine the frequency of infection in those patients. In this study stool and blood samples were collected from 75 AIDS patients referring regularly to the Center of Diseases Consultation in Kermanshah and the gathered information were filled in the questionnaires together with their personal information regarding their names, sex and etc. Stool samples were tested using direct and formalin ether methods and then the smears that were dyed using modified acid fast staining were examined. Peripheral blood samples were used to determine the CD4 counts. The results showed that the frequency of infection with Cryptosporidium in AIDS patients was 26.7% [20 cases]. According to the study, as the number of CD4 decreased in the patients, the probability of infection with opportunistic parasites increased and increase in the number CD4 that is normally accompanied with strengthening the body immune system resulted in the decrease in the frequency of infection with Cryptosporidium

[Effect of stimulus intensity rates on waves I and V of brainstem auditory evoked potential [BAEP] wave forms in normal population]

While recording the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential [BAEP] wave forms [I-V], the peak latency value of each BAEP wave forms at lower stimulus intensity rates are quite small since by increasing the stimulus rates those differences which are not accessible at lower rate will appear at higher stimulus rates. Age and sex are the factors that affect the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential responses. The stimulus rate is the other factor that may have a noticeable affect on I and V peak latency and their differences [I-V] changes which have been verified in this study. In present study, the BAEP wave forms I and V were recorded according to the 10-20 system and by presenting the stimulus rates of 5pps, 10pps, 20pps, 50pps and 100pps on ipsi lateral ears of 63 normal adult subjects while the time occurrence [peak latency] of waves I and V and their differences [I-V] in different age and sex groups were compared statistically. By presenting the stimulus rates of 5pps, 10pps, 20pps, 50pps and 100pps on ipsi lateral ears of all subjects in 63 normal adult subjects in different age and sex groups, females had smaller peak latencies and inter peak latencies values in waves I and V than males. By increasing the stimulus rates from 5pps to 100pps, peak latencies and inter peak latencies value of all BAEPs waves that recorded from different age groups of both sex were also increased. The variations in peak latencies values of waves I and V in youngest compare to oldest age groups in all stimulus rates were larger while the values in 50pps were prominent The results of this study showed that an increase in stimulus intensity rates will increase the peak latencies and inter peak latencies values in waves I and V in different age and sex groups

Seroprevalence of toxocariasis in children aged 1-9 years in western Islamic Republic of Iran, 2003

We determined the seroprevalence of Toxocara canis infection in 544 children under 10 years randomly selected from urban and rural areas of Hamadan. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for detection of antibodies to T. canis excretion-secretion antigens. Using a questionnaire, epidemiological factors associated with infection were examined, including age, sex, residence. Antibodies to T. canis were detected in 29 children [5.3%] and 19 children [3.5%] were categorized as borderline positive; thus together this gave a prevalence of toxocariasis of 8.8%. No significant differences were found in terms of sex, age and residence.

dose-response study of magnesium sulfate in suppressing cardiovascular responses to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation

The effects of pretreatment with magnesium on cardiovascular responses associated with intubation have been studied previously. In this study we wanted to find optimal dose of magnesium that causes decreased cardiovascular responses after laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. In a double-blind, randomized, clinical trial,120 ASA-1 patients with ages between 15-50 years old, who were candidates for elective surgery, were selected and classified in 6 groups [20 patients in each]. The pulse rate and arterial blood pressure were measured and recorded at 5 minutes before taking any drug then, according to different groups, patients took magnesium sulfate [10, 20, 30, 40, 50mg/kg] and lidocaine [1.5 mg/kg]. The induction of anesthesia was same in all groups and the pulse rate and arterial blood pressure were measured and recorded just before intubation and also at 1, 3, and 5 minutes after intubation [before surgical incision]. Statistical analysis was performed by use of ANOVA, Post Hoc test [Duncan], Pearson correlation, and Chi square test. There were no statistically significant differences in blood pressure, pulse rate, Train Of Four [TOF], and complications between groups who received magnesium but the significant differences in these parameters were seen between magnesium and lidocaine groups. We concluded that pretreatment with different doses of magnesium sulfate have a safe decreasing effect on cardiovascular responses that is more effective than pretreatment with lidocaine

[Effect of different composite resin temperatures and different light exposure patterns on microleakage of composite resin restorations]

Introduction: the reaction of polymerization can be controlled by the light exposure pattern and the temperature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different light exposure patterns and composite temperatures on microleakage of light cured composite resin restorations

Materials and Methods: in this interventional study, class V cavities were prepared on 200 extracted human molars. Then the teeth were randomly divided into four main groups according to different light exposure patterns of High Intensity Program [HIP], Low Intensity program [LOP], Puls Program [PUL] and Suggested Progressive Program [SUP] and 5 subgroups according to different temperatures of composite during curing [5oc, 20oc, 35oc, 50oc and 65oc]. After thermocycling and dye penetration, measurement of microleakage was done using a stereomicroscope. The data were analysed using SPSS software [ANOVA]

Results: ANOVA showed that both in enamel and dentinal margins, a significant decrease in microleakage has occurred in SUP group. Microleakage in enamel and dentinal margins was significantly higher in HIP group than the other groups. No significant difference was observed in the rate of microleakage among the 5 subgroups with different temperatures

Conclusion: SUP light curing pattern could be considered for improving composite resin restorations as a superior light exposure pattern due to its ability in Polymerization control, reducing polymerization shrinkage stress and microleakage. Prewarming of the composites is a practical and easy way to improve composite properties for dental restorations

Cryptosporidiosis in children with diarrhea submitted to health centers in the west of Iran [Hamedan]

There have been a few reports from Iran concerning infection by Cryptosporidium species, but they have referred particularly to infection in animals and their handlers. This study of infection in humans was carried out over a two year period in a large urban area in a cold region of western Iran. 554 stool specimens were examined with modified Ziehl - Neelson [MZN] staining for Cryp tosporidium spp., along with appropriate methods for other parasites.The infection rate for cryptosporidium spp. was 5.4% in children suffering from diarrhea. In addition, seven patients were found to be co-infected by other parasites. This study revealed that Cryptosporidium spp. are a relatively common parasitic cause of diarrhea in this region of Iran

Echinococcosis in the stray dogs in Hamadan, West of Iran

Sixty stray dogs, one fox and one wolf, were killed around abattoirs and near residential areas in Hamadan area of central Iran, and their intestines examined for the presence of adult worms of Echinococcus granulosus. 29 dogs [49%], but not the fox or the wolf, harbored adult worms of the parasite in their intestinal lumen, with a concentration of more than 1000 worms per intestines in 9 [17%] of dogs. No adult worms of the species Echinococcus Multilocularis were found