Determination of the antimicrobial property of oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng.) crude aqueous leaf extract against throat pathogens using broth and checkerboard dilution methods

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective:</strong> This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial property of oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) crude leaf extract against pathogens that infect the throat, specifically Streptococcus pyogenes and Candida albicans using the broth and checkerboard dilution methods.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods:</strong> This study employed an experimental study design using broth dilution method for the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615, and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) against Candida albicans ATCC 14053 of P. amboinicus crude extract (PA extract). Checkerboard dilution method was then used for determination of the synergy between PA extract and the standard antimicrobials.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Results:</strong> In vitro growth inhibition of S. pyogenes (MIC 0.13 g/mL) and C. albicans (MIC 0.03 g/mL) was exhibited by the PA extract. The highest concentration of PA extract used in this study was not sufficient to demonstrate bactericidal and fungicidal activity (MBC >0.25 g/mL, MFC >0.25 g/mL). Results of checkerboard dilution method revealed that PA extract when combined with either penicillin (for S. pyogenes) or nystatin (for C. albicans) demonstrated indifference.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The crude extract of Plectranthus amboinicus has the capability to inhibit the growth of both S. pyogenes and C. albicans. This demonstrates its potential use in the treatment of throat infections caused by these organisms.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Key Words:</strong> Plectranthus amboinicus, oregano, antimicrobial, throat infections, herbal medicine</p>

Nationwide seroprevalence, spatial distribution and risk factors of Leishmania in Jordan

Objective: To explore the seroprevalence, spatial distribution and risk factors for Leishmania seropositivity in Jordan. Methods: Blood samples from 872 apparently healthy participants were randomly selected from 11 governorates in Jordan and tested for anti-Leishmania K39 IgG. Risk factors (animal ownership and agriculture practices) and demographic data were also collected using pre-tested and validated questionnaire. Results: Overall, 2.52％ of participants were seropositive for Leishmania spp. Participants living in the Jordan Valley plateau had significantly greater odds (adjusted odds ratio = 3.70, 95％ CI 1.37-9.93) of seropositivity than those living in the Highlands after adjustment for age. Conclusions: This study supports the intermittent reports of cutaneous leishmaniasis outbreaks in the Jordan Valley. Vector control measures in the Jordan Valley should be considered, including insecticide treated bed nets, sugar baits and using flowering plants to attract and trap Phlebotomus papatasi sand flies. Active surveillance in the Jordan Valley is also recommended in light of this and other reports.

effect of hydro-alcoholic extracts of anethum graveolens l. [dill] on amygdala kindled in rats

Background: Although hydro-alcoholic extracts of Anethum graveolens L. had Anticonvulsants effect on PTZ-induced kindling seizure behavior, but on the amygdala kindling in rats induced seizure has not been investigated

Objective: In this study, we evaluated the chronic effects of hydro-alcoholic extracts of Anethum graveolens L. on seizures using electrical amygdala kindling model

Methods: Rats were divided into six groups. They were kindled by stimulating the amygdala by consecutive daily. Then, treated by hydro-alcoholic extracts of Anethum graveolens L. [i.p. 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg] and Afterdischarge Duration [ADD], Stage 4 latency [S4L] and Stage 5 duration [S5D] were recorded

Results: Hydro-alcoholic extracts of Anethum graveolens L. [200 and 400 mg/kg] significantly increased stage 4 latency compare to the control group [P <0.05]. Hydro-alcoholic extracts of Anethum graveolens L. [400 mg/kg] injection stage 5 duration caused by amygdala electrical kindling. Hydro-alcoholic extracts of Anethum graveolens L. [100, 200 and 400 mg/kg] injection significantly reduced ADD induced by amygdala kindling

Conclusion: The data showed that injection of hydro-alcoholic extracts of Anethum graveolens L. has anti-epileptic effect and increases the time required for amygdala kindling and may have anticonvulsant effects

[Comparison of moderate and high volume aerobic training on gene expression of uncoupling protein 1 [UCP-1] in subcutaneous white adipose tissue of wistar rats]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of moderate and high volume aerobic training on the expression of Uncoupling Protein 1[UCP-1] gene in subcutaneous WAT [sub-WAT]

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four rats were assigned randomly into three groups: 1] control [n=8] 2] moderate-volume aerobic training [n=8] and 3] high-volume aerobic training [n=8]. Subjects of training groups underwent continuous aerobic training on the treadmill for 8 weeks, 5 sessions per week at two different volumes of training. The Real Time-PCR method was used to measure the expression ratio of UCP-1 gene

Results: Data showed that although the expression ratio of UCP1 gene in the moderate volume aerobic training group was significantly higher than control group [P=0.014], its expression ratio in the high volume aerobic training group did not differ significantly from controls [P=0.36]; neither was the gene expression ratio different between moderate and high volume aerobic training groups [P=0.59]

Conclusion: Results indicate that moderate volume aerobic training, had an obvious effect in inducing UCP1 gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue, while the high volume aerobic training did not. Thus, increasing the volume of aerobic training to high levels may not be a key factor in promoting the non-shivering theremogenesis of sub-WAT

[ comparison between the Effects of supplementary feeding and eCG on fertility and multiple ovulation rate in Zel ewes during summer]

Background: Considering the difference between the rate of multiple ovulation and ovarian activities of different breeds of ewes in different regions, especially out of seasonal breeding condition, finding efficient and effective protocols to induce multiple ovulation out of seasonal breeding would be much appreciated

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine fertility and multiple ovulation rates during summer and investigate the effect of supplementary feeding, and eCG injection prior to mating in the reproductive performance of Zel ewes

Methods: At the beginning of summer, 135 ewes in Savadkooh region [north of Iran] were randomly selected and divided into six groups. The estrus cycles of ewes, except in control groups, were synchronized using a vaginal sponge for 14 days. In groups 1 [n=22] and 2 [n=22] ewes were fed with supplementary feeding for 21 and 8 days, respectively, prior to mating. In Group 3 [n=26] ewes were fed with the same ration as Group 2 and were injected [IM] with 400 IU eCG at the time of sponge withdrawal. Ewes in Group 4 [n=23] just grazed on the pasture and injected with eCG as Group 3. In Group 5 [n=20] the estrus of ewes was synchronized as other groups, but they were not received any other treatment. Ewes in Group 6 [n=22, Control] received no treatment, and as the same Group 1 and 2 were mated with fertile rams for eight weeks. Experimental ewes were mated with fertile rams [1:8] 48 hrs after sponge removal for 96 hrs

Results: The findings showed that the fertility in group 3 was significantly more than group 2 and 5, but there was no significant difference between the others [p>0.05]. The prolificacy and fecundity were significantly higher in groups treated with eCG than the others [p<0.01], however there was no significant difference between groups 3 [with flashing] and 4 [without flashing]

Conclusions: It could be concluded that vaginal sponge and eCG treatment may improve the multiple lambing and reproductive performance of Zel ewes during summer, and supplementary feeding prior to mating, as described in this experiment, cannot make any significant improvement in multiple lambing

[Fetuin-A and high sensitivity-CRP in children with chronic kidney diseases]

Background: Fetuin-A is a circulating calcium- regulatory glycoprotein that inhibits vascular calcification. In end stage renal disease [ESRD], fetuin -A has been demonstrated to be reduced and inversely related to cardiovascular mortality. The present study aimed to determine the effect of renal function on serum levels of fetuin-A in patients with chronic kidney disease [CKD] and to investigate the relationship between fetuin-A serum level and vascular calcification which represents a risk factor for the development of endothelial dysfunction[ED]

Methods: 20 CKD patients on conservative treatment, 20 ESRD patients on regular hemodialysis [HD] treatment, as well as 40 apparently healthy controls of matchable age and sex were enrolled in the study. All the patients and controls were subjected to the following investigations: estimation of serum levels of fetuin-A, high sensitivity-CRP [hs-CRP], creatinine, calcium [Ca], phosphorus [Po4], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], and parathormone [PTH]. In addition, glomerular filtration rate was estimated for cases and controls

Results: There was significant reduction in fetuin-A serum levels in CKD and ESRD patients compared to controls. A significant decrease was also detected in ESRD group when compared to CKD group. The inflammation marker hs-CRP was significantly increased in CKD and ESRD patients in comparison to controls. The increase was also significant on comparing ESRD group with CKD group. A strong inverse correlation was found between serum fetuin-A and hs-CRP, Significantly increased serum levels of ALP and PTH were found in CKD and ESRD patients compared with controls. The increase was also significant in ESRD patients compared with CKD patients. In ESRD patients, Serum levels of fetuin-A showed significant inverse correlations with each of: duration of igalysis, ALP and PTH serum levels, while hs-CRP serum levels showed significant positive corelations with CaxPo4 ratio and PTH serum levels

Conclusion: Results of the present study demonstrate that inflammatory processes are increased among CKD and ESRD patients and linked to low fetuin-A serum levels and vascular calcification which represents a risk factor for the development of ED. The interaction of these incidents may be responsible for the development and progression of thrombogenesis in such cases

Management of punctal occlusion post - viral conjunctivitis / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

?AlM: To evaluate the effect of different methods in managing punctual and canalicular stenosis as a complication of viral conjunctivitis. ?METHODS: A retrospective cohort study, including 35 cases of punctal stenosis post-viral conjunctivitis. Cases were diagnosed clinically and treated after 4wk of complete remission from epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. Patients were treated with mechanical dilatation, insertion of perforated silicon punctual plugs or the use of Mini-Monoka stent. ?RESULTS: Six out of 35 ( 17. 14%) had a satisfactory outcome by punctal dilatation alone. Punctal dilatation with insertion of perforated punctal plugs was done in 20 cases ( 57. 14%). Nine cases ( 25. 71%) had punctal dilatation with Mini - Monoka tube insertion. Disease severity and the use of Mini-Monoka silicon tube did not correlate with bilateral eye involvement or involvement of both upper and lower punctum. ?CONCLUSlON: Management of punctal occlusion post viral conjunctivitis may be treated easily using perforated punctal plugs. Silicon intubation with Mini-Monoka might be needed to manage resistant cases.

Assessment of adiponectin as a marker for severity of pulmonary tuberculosis

To evaluate the serum levels of adiponectin in patients with both active and old pulmonary Tuberculosis [TB] and their possible relation with the severity of the disease, forty patients of both sexes suffering from pulmonary TB [20 cases active and 20 cases old] were matched with 20 healthy control volunteers in this study from February 2014 to June 2014. Body mass index [BMI] and serum levels of adiponectin were measured in all subjects. Both BMI and serum levels of adiponectin were significantly different between active TB patients and control. Comparing old TB patients with controls also have the same results. No correlation between BMI and serum adiponectin level in old TB patients was found, while adiponectin levels in active TB patients show a significant negative correlation. Increased adiponectin in serum of TB patients may be a promising marker for severity of the disease independent of BMI

Role of ultrasound guided biopsy of thoracic lesions

This prospective study is to evaluate and enhance the role of ultrasound in biopsy guidance of thoracic lesions. 55 patients were subjected for fine needle aspiration [FNA] and/or core needle biopsy [CNB] from peripheral chest lesions in Ribat University Hospital during the period from April 2011 and October 2012. Samples were analyzed and results were processed by the pathologist. 81 biopsies were successfully taken from 51 [92.7%] patients, while failed in 4 [7.3%]. 41 [50.6%] of the biopsies were taken using FNA and 26 [32.1%] by CNB, while 14 [17.3%] of the samples were aspirations from loculated pleural effusions. The diagnostic yield was 96.2% for CNB, 92.7% for FNA and 95.7% when both of them were taken. The mean duration of the procedures was 20.6 minutes. Immediate complications occurred in three patients, mild hemoptysis in two and chest pain in one. The results showed that US guided biopsies of intrathoracic lesions is safe, quick and the least expensive imaging guided biopsy. The procedure accuracy in obtaining sample is very high. Training chest physician on US will enable them to take active part in patient management and hence cut short waiting time for the procedure and the result, which will free the radiologist for more complex interventional procedures.

Study of allergenicity of petal and stamen in middle-aged ontogenical stage of cytisus scoparius L. in guinea pig

Background: Cytisus scoparius is an ornamental and highly aromatic plant. The petals and stamens in aromatic plants are important allergenic agents. The aim of this study is examination study of allergenicity of petal and stamen in middle-aged ontogenical stage of Cytisus scoparius L. in guinea pig

Methology: In this experimental study, 9 guinea pigs from hartly stirps were randomly selected and divided into three equal groups. Plant extracts were prepared with 16% concentration and injected intraperitoneally to guinea pigs.The first group was considered as negative control [injected with phosphate buffered saline]. The second and the third groups received petal extract and petal + stamen extract respectively. In addition intraperitoneal injections within 4 weeks, once per week, subcutaneous injection was performed in the fifth week. Finally, a week after the last injection was taken blood sampling directly from the heart of animals, and the number of eosinophils, immunoglobulin E and blood sugar levels were measured in experimental groups and analyzed data

Results: Skin test [Created wheal diameter] and serological tests [levels of immunoglobulin E, eosinophils, and blood glucose] in both groups treated with Cytisus scoparius L. significantly increased compared to controls. Electrophoretic profiles was observed about 4 protein bands [2 light protein bands and 2 pale protein bands] in the range of 27 to 85 kD in the middle-aged petal and about 6 more specific protein bands in the range of 10 to 75 kD in middle-aged petal whit stamen proteins

Conclusion: The results showed that petal of ontogenical stage of middle-aged in Cytisus scoparius have allergenicity property and and this effect is exacerbated when they are together with stamens

[Effect of ethanol on microvascular alterations in the brain cortex of epileptic mice treated by valporic acid]

Antiepileptic drugs can partiality control or achieve the convulsion. There are controversial issues about the use and effect of ethanol to control epileptic convulsion seizers. This study was done to determine the effect of ethanol on microvascular alterations in the brain cortex of epileptic mice treated by valporic acid [VPA]. In this experimental study, 36 BALB/c mice were allocated randomly into six groups including: 1-PTZ [Pentylenetetrazol], 2- Ethanol, 3- VPA+ PTZ, 4- ethanol + PTZ, 5-ethanol+ VPA+ PTZ and control groups. The animal brains were excluded and stained by Hematoxilin and eosin. Thirty-six optical microscopic field from each group were selected and microvascular count were determined. Immunohistochemical method was used for detection of injuries in the vascular brain tissue. Mean number of brain microvascular cortex significantly increaed in PTZ+ethanol and PTZ+ethanol+VPA groups in compare to controls [P<0.05]. Infiltration and thrombophlebitis were observed in vessels and cortical brain tissues in mice which received ethanol and PTZ. Proliferations in endothelial vascular cells were seen in PTZ and VPA+ethanol groups. Immunohistochemical method showed the endothelial cells of PTZ+ethanol groups were more stained in compare to the other experimental groups. Ethanol + PTZ cause cellular infiltration and damage to the cortical brain vessels although VPA reduces histological altheretions

[Hematological and serum biochemical parameters in anemic dogs]

Anemia is a common disorder in domestic pet animals, usually encountered in veterinary clinics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of the anemic dogs and to show practically the value of measuring the corrected reticulocyte percentage [CRP]. A survey was conducted on 500 dogs which referred to small animal hospital of the faculty of veterinary medicine of Tehran university. From this population, a group of 139 anemic dogs was selected with PCV less than 37% and 20 healthy dogs as control group. They were examined for the hematological parameters [RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCHC, RDW, WBC, PLT, Dif, reticulocyte percentage and corrected reticulocyte percentage] and serum biochemical factors [Fe, alanine amino transferase activity,creatinine, total protein and glucose]. The anemic dogs were divided into 3 anemic groups based on MCV and MCHC: microcytic hypochromic [1.44%], microcytic normochromic [21.59%] and normocytic normochromic [76.97%]. A comparison survey was conducted between the results of the 3 anemic and control groups by one way ANOVA and Tukey test. The measurement of hematological parameters indicated that RBC, Hb and PCV decreased significantly in all anemic dogs. The results showed that RDW of microcytic hypochromic group increased significantly compared to control. The reticulocyte percentage of all anemic groups was significantly different from control group, but calculation of CRP showed there was only significant difference between normocytic-normochromic and control groups. One way ANOVA indicated that serum Fe in microcytic-hypochromic group and serum creatinine in normocytic-normochromic group significantly decreased and increased, respectively. Total protein of all groups is significantly decreased compared to control group. There were no significant changes for the other parameters. Based on the result, it is suggested that CRP and biochemical parameters be measured such as: creatinine, total protein, ALT and glucose in addition to CBC, in all anemic dogs

[ effect of resistance training on plasma and skeletal muscles sphingosine-1-phosphate levels of male Wistar rat]

Sphingosine 1-phosphate [S1P] is a bioactive platelet-derived sphingolipid that is involved in regulation of proliferation, differentiation, hypertrophy and anti-apoptosis of cells and activation of satellite cells. The purpose of present study was to examine the effect of resistance training on S1P levels of plasma and skeletal muscles in male Wistar rats. Twenty four 8-week-old male Wistar rats were used in this study. The initial body weight of rats was 190 to 250 gr. All animals were maintained in pairs in an environmentally controlled room at 22°C, 12:12-h photoperiod cycle and allowed normal cage activity. The animals were fed standard rat chow and water ad libitum. After a week of acclimation to the animal facility, the rats were assigned randomly to a control [N=12] or training [N=12] group. Resistance training was done using a 1 meter height ladder with 2 cm grid with an 85 degree incline, and weights attached to rat's tails. The content of sphingosine-1- phosphate [S1P] present in the chloroform layer was determined by means of high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC]. Resistance exercise training increased the total content of S1P in FHL [fast-twitch] [P=0.003] and soleus [slow-twitch] [P=0.008] muscles and plasma [P=0.001] in comparison with control group. It is concluded that resistance exercise training strongly affects the S1P content in fast and slow twitch muscles and plasma

Effect of phytase supplementation on zinc, iron and calcium status in rats fed with diet containing Iranian high phytate bread [Sangak]

Restricted mineral bioavailability of minerals in Iranian breads due to high levels of phytic acid has been reported for more than 50 years. Bread intakes still provide over one-third of the food energy through out the country. Hence improving bread mineral bioavailability can play an important role in decreasing the prevalence of many mineral deficiencies. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of phytase supplementation on blood, liver and bone zinc, blood and liver iron and femur bone calcium in growing Wistar male rats, fed a diet containing high phytate Iranian bread [Sangak]. Thirty weaning Wistar rats were assigned to the phytase [Aspergillus niger] or the control group for 6 weeks. The diet was designed based on Iranian food patterns and 34.2% of energy was supplied from Sangak bread with high amount of phytic acid. Feed intakes, weight gain, liver and femur bone weight did not differ between the groups. Blood zinc was higher in the phytase group [p=0.03], indicating the positive effect of phytase supplementation on blood zinc levels, independent of the growth process. Other variables did not show any differences between groups. We conclude that the addition of high phytate Iranian bread phytase to the diet can improve blood zinc status in growing rats

[ effect of tanacetum sonbolii hydroalcholic extract on PTZ induced seizures in male mice]

Epilepsy has prevalence about 0.5 - 1% of world population. From many years ago, plants used to treat of various neurological diseases such as seizures. The anticonvulsant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Tanacetum Sonbolii was examined in male mice. 60 mice were randomly divided into six groups [n=10], included: A control group [normal saline] and 5 groups receiving Sonbolii extract [150, 300, 600, 900, 1200 mg/kg]. 30 min after peritoneal injection of different doses extract or saline, PTZ [85 mg/kg] were injected and the animal immediately transferred to a special cage, and the seizure behavior was evaluated within 30 minutes. The tonic and colonic seizures were significantly reduced in the groups that received extract compared to control group. The onsets of seizures were difference between treated and control animals statistically. Extract were reduced the rate of death during seizures and was prevented the outbreak of tonic - colonic seizures in some case. Our results showed that the extracts of Tanacetum Sonbolii have strong anticonvulsant effect, and more complementary studies will be done for identifying the mechanism of action and effective material of Sonbolii exact

[ role of minocycline on amygdala-kindled seizures in rat]

Minocycline is an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drug. In addition, its neuroprotective effects have been shown. Since there is interaction between cell death and seizure, the aim of this study is examination of the role of minocycline on amygdala-kindled seizures in rat. In this experimental study, three groups of animals [18 rats], after stereotaxic surgery and 1-week recovery period, received twice daily kindling stimulations. In fully kindled animals of groups 1-3, minocycline was injected intraperitoneally in doses 12.5 [n = 7], 25 [n = 5] and 50 [n = 6] mg/kg, respectively, 60 minutes before stimulation. After discharge duration [ADD], stage 4 latency [S4L], Stage 5 Duration [S5D] and Seizure Duration [SD] were recorded and compared with related control groups [the same animals that had received saline 1 day before]. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to represent a significant difference. In fully kindled animals who had received minocycline [50 and 25 mg/kg], ADD decreased significantly. When minocycline was delivered, S5D decreased 38.3% [p < 0.001], 34% [p < 0.05], and 100% [p < 0.001] in 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg group animals, respectively. S4L and SD parameters respectively increased and decreased significantly only in group 50 mg/kg. According to the obtained results, it may be concluded that in fully kindled rats, application of minocycline has anticonvulsant effect on kindling model of epilepsy

[ effect of low-frequency electrical stimulation on amygdala-kindled seizures in rat]

Low-frequency stimulation [LFS] [< 5 Hz] is a suitable approach for treating seizures caused by epilepsy. Different patterns of LFS have different effects on epileptic seizures. Since no LFS pattern has so far been determined to have the best efficacy in seizure quenching, this study investigated the effect of 60-min application of LFS on amygdala-kindled seizures in rat. In this experimental study, two groups of animals [14 rats] received twice-daily kindling stimulations after stereotactic surgery and a 1-week recovery period. In group 1 [n=6], fully kindled animals received daily kindling stimulations for four days, while in group 2 [n=8], kindled animals received LFS [1 Hz, 0.1 ms pulse duration, ½ afterdischarge threshold intensity] four times [in 24-hour intervals] exactly before kindling stimulations. Afterdischarge duration [ADD], stage 2 latency [S2L], stage 4 latency [S4L], and stage 5 duration [S5D] were recorded and compared with related control groups [the same animals that had received only kindling stimulation]. Data was analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's test for within-group comparisons and Student's t-test for between-group comparisons. The first LFS application resulted in a significant increase of S2L and S4L by 91.5% [p < 0.05] and 79.5% [p < 0.01] compared with control group, respectively. Four-day consecutive LFS applications decreased S5D significantly, so that the first LFS application decreased S5D by 100% [p < 0.001]. In the first 2 days of LFS application, ADD decreased significantly by 46.9% and 40.4% [p < 0.05], respectively, relative to control. The results suggest that LFS application immediately before seizure initiation has anticonvulsant effects

[Effect of red onion intake on serum uric acid, lipid profile and paraxonase activity in hyperuricemic rats]

Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by an increase in serum uric acid levels and Reactive Oxigen Species production, and considered as a risk factor for gout and oxidative stress- induced diseases. The antioxidant effect of dietary polyphenols in control and decreasing of oxidative damage have been confirmed previously, therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of red onion intake on serum uric acid levels, lipid profile and paraxonase activity in hyperuricemic rats. In this experimental- interventional study, 24 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, hyperuricemic, normal and hyperuricemic rats receiving onion. Hyperuricemia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 250mg/kg potassium oxonate. Onion was administrated by oral gavage at dose 5g/kg. The intervention took 2 weeks. At the end of study, serum uric acid levels, Lipid profile and paraxonase activity were determined and data was statistically analyzed. In healthy rats, effect of onion intake on serum uric acid levels and lipid profile were not statistically significant, but paraxonase activity was increased significant in comparison to healthy control group. The intervention in hyperuricemic rats caused to a significant decrease in uric acid levels and significant increase in paraxonase activity in comparison to hyperuri- cemic control rats. There was a significant positive correlation between paraxonase activity and HDL-C, and significant reverse correlation between paraxonase activity and uric acid concentrations [p<0.05]. Onion intake by decreasing of uric acid levels and increasing of paraxonase activity could be effective in control of hyperuricemia and improvement of antioxidant capacity in hyperuricemic rats

[Prevalence and severity of primary dysmenorrhea and its relation to anthropometric parameters]

Primary dysmenorrhea is a common medical disorder in young women that affects their quality of life. According to the research studies, overweight and obesity increase biosynthesis of the prostaglandin; and consequently increase the severity of dysmenorrhea. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and severity of primary dismenorrhea and its relation to anthropometric parameters. In this descriptive-analytical study, 388 students from Ahwaz University of Medical Sciences were selected using random cluster sampling. Demographic data were collected using a questionnaire. The height and weight, BMI, fat mass, waist and hip circumferences, waist to hip ratio [WHR] and waist to height ratio [WHtR] were measured. Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] was used to evaluate the severity of dysmenorrhea. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation test. The p<0.05 was considered to be significant. Mean age of the participants was 20.7 +/- 1.8 years. The mean age at menarche was 13.4 +/- 1.2 years. Moderate or severe dysmenorrheal were experienced by 71.65% of the participants. The severity of dysmenorrhea was significantly related to body fat mass, waist circumference, hip circumference and WHtR [P<0.05]. However, there was no significant relationship between the severity of dysmenorrhea with weight or BMI. Anthropometric parameters that are associated with central obesity such as waist circumference and WHtR are more related to the severity of dysmenorrhea. Increased visceral fat mass is a more effective predictor for dysmenorrhea. More studies are needed to clarify these relationships