[Anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of Lovastatin on K562 Erthromyloidy cancer cell line]

Background and Objective: Lovastatin is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor and used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase results in inhibiting the activity of the Ras proto-oncogene that has mutations in most cancers. This study was done to determine the Anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of Lovastatin on K562 Erthromyloidy cancer cell line

Methods: The K562 Erthromyloidy cancer cell line were cultured and treated with different concentrations of lovastatin. Their antitumor effect on K562 cells were assessed via MTT assay after 72 hours. Hoechst [33342] staining and DNA electrophoresis were used for study of apoptosis

Results: Lovastatin had antitumor effect on K562 Erthromyloidy cancer cell line and this effect increased by incease of time and concentration.The maximum inhibitory effect was 59% in higher concentration [100 M] and 72 hours after the treatment. Reduced cell growth at 24 and 48 hours after treatment was 24% and 43%, respectively. Lovastatin significantly inhibited K562 cell growth [P<0.05]

Conclusion: This study showed that lovastatin has antitumor effect on K562 Erthromyloidy cancer cell line

[Combination thrapy of hydroalcoholic extract of Pistacia atlantica kurdica and fluvoxamine on spatial memory of immobilization rat]

Background and Objective: Oxidative stress causes disorder in the brain processes including memory. Pistacia atlantica kurdica [pistachio] contains antioxidant compounds, oleic and linoleic acid. Fluvoxamine is an antidepressant medicine which inhibits serotonin reuptake. This study was done to determine the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of pistachio and fluvoxamine on spatial memory of male rats under immobilization stress

Methods: This experimental study was done on 30 adult male Wistar rats in 5 groups [n=6]. The control group was not under immobilization stress. Animals in the stress group were just under immobilization stress. Animals in the pistachio group were under immobilization stress and were received 400 mg/kg/bw hydroalcoholic extract of pistachio. Animals in the fluvoxamine group under immobilization stress were received 120 mg/kg/bw fluvoxamine. Animals under immobilization stress, in the pistachio plus fluvoxamine group were received 400 mg/kg/bw hydroalcoholic extract of pistachio and fluvoxamine 120 mg/kg/bw. The radial arm maze test was used for evaluation of spatial memory. After the animals' decapitation, the malondialdehyde and catalase level in hippocampus and the serum level of corticosterone and blood glucose were measured

Results: The stress significantly increased the time of reaching to target, malondialdehyde, corticoestron and blood glucose level, and reduced the catalase in stress group in comprasion with controls [P<0.05]. In the pistachio and the pistachio+fluvoxamine treated groups, the time of reaching to target, malondialdehyde, corticoestron and blood glucose level significantly reduced and the catalase level significantly increased in comprasion with stress group [P<0.05] but fluvoxamine significantly increased the time of reaching to target, malondialdehyde and blood glucose, and reduced the corticoestron and catalase in compared to controls [P<0.05]

Conclusion: The immobilization stress led to attenuation of spatial memory and the fluvoxamine administration as an antidepressant drug caused to deterioration of memory,while the treatment with pistachio extract lead to improve the memory

Household transmission of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in Yazd, Iran

The 2009 pandemic influenza A [H1N1] virus is a public health challenge. Notably, laboratory-confirmed cases do not represent the age group most susceptible to infection. To characterize the age distribution of all cases of H1N1 influenza, we studied the personal contacts of confirmed cases to identify the age group at the highest risk. We investigated the family members of 162 laboratory-confirmed cases of 2009 H1N1 in Yazd, Iran. Family members were retrospectively asked whether they had >/= 2 respiratory symptoms within 7 days of the last contact with the associated index cases. The ages and symptoms of the patients as well as the interval between diagnosis and the onset of symptoms among household contacts were determined using a questionnaire. We identified 596 family members of index cases, 83 [13.9%] of whom developed acute respiratory illness. No acute respiratory illness was found in 104 families [64%]; however, there were 2 cases in 15 families [9.3%] and >/= 3 cases in 4 families [24%]. Household contacts from 5 to 18 years old were more susceptible to acute respiratory illness than those who were >/= 51 years old [RR = 3.174, 95% CI 1.313-7.675 P-value = 0.01]. Individuals

Infection of MSCs by adenovirus expression system expressing NRF2 as a cytoprotective factor

Poor viability of Mesenchymal Stem Cells [MSCs] following transplantation is one of the major challenges in their therapeutic application. Manipulation of MSCs by the genetic engineering method is one of the strategies used to protect the cells against cytotoxic microenvironment. However, maintaining multi differentiation capacity of MSCs following manipulation is important. We investigated if the manipulation of MSCs with NRF2 affects the multi differentiation capacity. MSCs were isolated from bone marrow. NRF2 was isolated and TOPO cloned into the pENTR vector. The recombinant vector was transferred into pAD/CMV/V5-DEST vector by gateway technology. Recombinant adenovirus was produced in AD293 cells, followed by being infected into MSCs. Expression of NRF2 was verified by RT-PCR. The NRF2 engineered MSCs were exposed to stress conditions followed by the evaluation of the cells viability and apoptosis. Finally, NRF2 expressing MSCs differentiation into osteoblast and adipocyte lineages was studied. NRF2 was successfully expressed in MSCs. NRF2- MSCs differentiation into osteoblast and adipocyte lineages indicating overexpression of NRF2 does not affect the differentiation property of MSCs. Expression of NRF2, a well known cytoprotective factor, by using adenovirus expression system does not intervene in the differentiation capacity of MSCs. NRF2-MSCs might be applicable for stem cell-based cell therapy in future

[Prevalence of metallo-beta-lactamase among imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. isolated from selected hospitals in Karaj [2010]]

Background: Imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. resulting from metallo-beta-lactamase [MBLs]-producing strains have been reported to be among important causes of nosocomial infections and of serious therapeutic problem worldwide

Objective: To determine the prevalence of metallo-beta-lactamase among imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter isolates based on phenotypic methods

Methods: This was an descriptive study in which 140 clinical isolates of Acinetobacter spp. Were initially tested for imipenem susceptibility and later for metallo-beta-lactamase production using combined disk diffusion, double disk synergy test, and Hodge test during 2010. Antibiotic susceptibility of positive metallo-beta-lactamase isolates were further evaluated by disk diffusion technique using CLSI methodology

Findings: Of 140 isolates, 29 [20.7%] were imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter. Positive phonetypic test for metallo-beta-lactamase was 24 [17.1%]

Conclusion: The result of this study is indicative of growing number of nosocomial infections associated with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter spp. in this region leading to difficulties in antibiotic therapy

effect of ethanol on the efficacy of valproic acid in mice

Background and Purpose: Ethanol is known as anticonvulsant and proconvulsant but sometimes has no effect on seizure. There is no report about the role of ethanol on the anticonvulsant effect of Valproic acid [VPA]. In this study, we explore the effect of ethanol on the anticonvulsant effect of VPA

Methods and Materials: In this experimental study, eight groups of mice [25-30 gr] were injected pentylenetetrazol [PTZ] [37mg/kg; ip] every other day [3 times a week]. Groups receiving ethanol [0.5 and 1 g/kg; 7 and 21 continuous days; everyday; ip], PTZ was injected 30 minutes after ethanol. In Valproic acid+ethanol, Valproic acid [100 mg/kg] was injected 5 minutes before ethanol [1 g/kg]. Immediately after PTZ injection, seizure stages were recorded for 20 min. Seizure stage-4 duration [S4D], seizure stage-4 latency [S4L] and seizure stage 1 latency [S1L] were recorded from each mouse after PTZ injection, and data were compared with control groups. The basis of all decisions was a significant level of P<0.05. Data analysis was done in Statistica 5.5

Results: Pretreatment of animals with ethanol [1 g/kg for 7 days] decreased cumulative [c] S4D [%31.8 PTZ+Saline]; and with ethanol [1 g/kg for 21 days] decreased cS4D [%48.3 PTZ+Saline] [P<0.001], but increased cS4L [%112.6 PTZ+Saline] and cSL [%116.8 PTZ+Saline] significantly [P<0.001]. Pretreatment of animals with VPA [100 mg/kg] significantly decreased cumulative [c] S4D [%39 PTZ+Saline] [P<0.001], and significantly increased cS4L [%216.8 PTZ+Saline] and cS1L [%149 PTZ+Saline] [P<0.001]. Intraperitoneal injection of VPA+ethanol significantly decreased cS4D [%56.1 relative to PTZ+VPA and %46.1 relative to PTZ+Eth 1 [7]] [P<0.001]; it also increased cS4L [%233.9 relative to PTZ+VPA and %450 relative to PTZ+Eth1 [7]] [P<0.001], but had no effect on cS1L as compared to VPA and ethanol [1 g/kg; 7 days]

Conclusion: The results indicated that ethanol [1 g/kg] functions not only as an anticonvulsant but its simultaneous injection [7 continuous days] also enhances the anticonvulsant effects of valproic acid

Prevalence of chlamydia trachomatis and mycoplasma genitalium in pregnant women of Sabzevar- Iran

As prenatal screening for sexually transmitted infections and treatment of infected pregnant women is not routinely performed in Iran and prevalence of two sexually transmitted pathogens, Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium, in Sabzevar [east of Iran] is unknown, we decided to perform this prospective study. One hundred ninety-six urine specimens of pregnant women attending the specialized maternity hospital of the city were collected and tested by duplex PCR. A total of 31 specimens were positive [15.81%] [27 Chlamydia trachomatis isolates, 13.77%; and 2 Mycoplasma genitalium isolates, 1.02%]. Co-infection with both species was detected in 2 specimens [1.02%]. A significant correlation was found between preterm labor and infection [P-value < 0.05]. The present study shows high prevalence of Chlamydial infections in comparison with Mycoplasma genitalium in this region. Further studies with larger sample size and more focused on different groups at risk are needed for a movement towards prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections [STIs]

Traumatic pseudo-aneurysm and concurrent dissection of the aortic arch treated with endovascular stenting

The pseudo-aneurysms of thoracic aorta are rare and a life-threatening complication of aortic surgery and blunt chest trauma. This article demonstrates a case report of a traumatic aortic arch dissection and formation of a false aneurysm after blunt chest trauma in Iran. A 23-year-old man was referred complaining of chest pain and exertional cough. He had a history of chest and abdominal trauma five months ago after a car accident, resulting in acceleration-deceleration injury. The trauma resulted in an extensive injury on the left side of the chest and abdomen associated with multiple rib fractures, hemopneumothorax and splenic rupture. Splenectomy and left chest tube drainage was performed. The patient was admitted for 15 days. Finally, he recovered to normal and was discharged in satisfactory condition. However, his chest pain and cough restarted and its severity gradually increased. In chest x-ray, a left upper mediastinal mass was detected, which was later confirmed by 64 multi-slice chest CT scan as a false aortic arch aneurysm and aortic dissection. It seems endovascular stent-graft technique for the treatment of thoracic aorta aneurysm may present a good treatment choice with a low risk and less invasive approach

[In vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial effectiveness of zataria multiflora as an irrigant in infected root canals with enterococcus faecalis]

Given the importance of bacteria in the development of periradicular lesions, the eradication of the root canal infection is paramount in endodontic treatment. The use of chemical irrigants during chemomechanical canal preparation is important for disinfection and cleaning of the canal system. The aim of this in vitro study was the evaluation of effectiveness of 1% and 2% essential oil of Zataria multiflora as an irrigant in the elimination of Enterococcus faecalis from the infected root canals. The antibacterial effects of the irrigants in vitro were examined after 15 min, in freshly extracted human teeth with single roots, the canals of which were infected by E. faecalis. 1.2ml of 2.5%NaOCl. 2 2ml of 1% Zataria multiflora. 3.2ml of 2% Zataria multiflora. 4.2ml of sterile normal saline [as control] Paper points used to sample bacteria from the root canals were transferred to tubes containing 5ml of brain heart infusion [BHI] broth. The tubes were incubated and the appearance of broth turbidity was indicative of bacteria remaining in the root canal. The data obtained were analyzed statistically for differences using the chi-squared test, comparing pairs of groups [p < 0.05]. There was no statistically significant differences between the experimental groups [p >0.05]. However, the experimental irrigants were significantly more effective than the saline solution [control group] in disinfesting the root canal. It seems that essential oil of Zataria multiflora was effective at killing E. faecalis. Application of this plant essential oil as root canal irrigants may be recommended following extensive ex vivo and in vivo experiments. The findings recommend further studies of the properties of Zataria multiflora such as toxicity, tissue solving ability, and biocompatibility to be applied for clinical use

Study of the role of A2A adenosine receptors in convulsions induced by the perforant path kindling of hippocampus in rat

Background and Purpose: Previous studies have not properly clarified the role of A2A adenosine receptors in convulsions induced by kindling. In the present study, the role of these receptors in convulsions induced perforant path kindling has been investigated by blocking these receptors [with specific antagonists]

Methods and Materials: This experimental study was conducted on 24 rats which were randomly divided into four groups of six. They were kindled by electric stimulation of the perforant path. In two groups, before each kindling stimulation, antagonists of A2A adenosine receptors [ZM 241385] [500 and 200 =M] was injected to the lateral ventricle of the rats. Control animals were given only the electric stimulations. In the fourth group [sham], the solvent of the abovementioned drug was injected to the lateral ventricle before kindling stimulations. The obtained data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests

Results: Injecting the antagonists of A2A adenosine receptors [ZM 241385] [500 =M] to the lateral ventricle of the rats postponed the process of kindling. Two-way ANOVA indicated that number of stimulations required to reach the convulsive stages were significantly increased [P<0.001, F[4, 40] = 47]. Also, compared with the sham group which received the solvent of the drug, a significant reduction was observed in the duration of depletion waves following accumulation [P<0.05, F[6, 60] = 2.5] in this group

Conclusion: According to the findings, injecting the antagonists of A2A adenosine receptors produces a significant anticonvulsant effect on the convulsions induced by perforant path kindling, and that this effect functions through controlling the effect of endogenic adenosine on A2A adenosine receptors

[ evaluation of calulus rate in patients with nephrolithiasis]

Some reports show that oral manifestations such as uremia osteomatiis, self bleeding, periodontal diseases, xerostomia and calculus formation are increased in patients with renal disease. Based on similar structural composition and similar process of production of kidney stones and dental calculus, we performed this study to evaluate the prevalence of dental calculus in patients with kidney diseases. In this case-control study, 30 patients with idiopathic nephrofithiasis were selected as case group and 30 sex and age matched healthy persons were selected as control. They had no systemic and periodontal diseases. Silness-Loe plaque index and Green-Vermillion calculus index were recorded for both groups. Data were analyzed by Chi-square, Fisher's Exact test, T-student and Two-way ANOVA. Results of this study showed that there were not any significant differences between case and control groups in amount of plaque and dental calculus P=0.79. Patients with nephrolithiasis are not more susceptible to calculus formation

Comparison of brain SPECT with 99mTc-MIBI and CT-Scan in discriminating of radiation necrosis and brain tumor recurrence

99mTc-MIBI has been proposed for use as an imaging agent for various tumors, including breast cancer, lung cancer, lymphomas, melanomas and brain neoplastic lesions. Brain tumors are very common and radiotherapy being major part of treatment following surgery. After radiotherapy, deteriorating clinical status can be due to either radiation necrosis or recurrent tumor. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging offer imperfect discrimination of radiation necrosis and tumor recurrence. In this study, 26 patients with primary brain tumors and deterioration of clinical status after radiotherapy were evaluated. 99mTc-MIBI brain SPECT was performed 10 minutes and 3 hours after IV injection of 20 mCi 99mTc-MIBI. The images were obtained with ADAC dual head camera. Transverse, coronal and sagital views were reconstructed. Focal 99mTc-MIBI uptake was observed in 14 patients. Eight of these patients expired within 6 months. The CT scan was positive in 7 patients and the rest had equivocal or negative results. Of 12 patients with negative 99mTc-MIBI scan, only 2 patients died during the 6 months follow up. Six of these patients had positive, five had equivocal and one had negative CT scan. Patients with negative MIBI scan, radiation revealed higher survival rate. Focal uptake on 99mTc-MIBI scan is probably due to recurrent tumor, with lower 6 months survival rate. It can be concluded that brain SPECT scan with 99mTc-MIBI is a useful method for discriminating radiation necrosis from tumor recurrence in patients following brain radiotherapy

[Radiation effect on the number of circulating blood cells in patients receiving pelvic radiotherapy]

There is considerable controversy in scientific literature regarding the need to monitor the complete blood count of patients undergoing radiation therapy. While some advocate weekly examination of the peripheral blood, others deem it unnecessary. Since reduction in the number of blood cells has considerable effect on the treatment outcome, this study evaluates the effect of pelvic radiation therapy on the number of blood cells. This study designed as a cohort study of pre- and post-treatment evaluation. After excluding patients who didn't complete treatment or had problem in first blood count, 51 patients who had received radiation therapy in pelvis area selected, evaluated by taking a blood sample before and 24-48 hours after completion of the radiation course, thus comparing the mean count of the circulating blood cells before and after therapy. The average of hemoglobin and white blood cell count compared by t-test and after stratified patients according to dose and volume to "low", "moderate" and "high" groups, averages compared by ANOVA. Fifty-one patients included 25 male and 26 female evaluated. The mean of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets decreased. However, a significant difference in white and red blood cells was found. In despite of significance difference between means of red and white blood cells, there is no need for blood transfusion or increase risk of infection due to this reduction, so this reduction isn't clinically significant. It is recommended that weekly monitoring of CBC in patients with normal CBC before radiotherapy is non necessary

[Relative frequency of causes of acute pancreatitis in hospitalized patients]

Introduction: In different countries, different etiologic factors are considered to be responsible for acute pancreatitis

Objective: In this study we tried to determine the relative frequency of etiologic factors of acute pancreatitis in our patients

Materials and Methods: This study is a retrospective one and we studied all patients with documented acute Pancreatitis in Poursina and Razi Hospital. 185 patients were studied from1994-1999. Data were processed

Results: From 185 pt, 97[61%] were female and 61 were male [39%]. The ratio of female to male was 1.59. Most patients were 41-50 years old. For 78pts [49%], the etiologic cause was unknown, [Idiopathic].Known causes included: Biliary stone [41%], Alcohol [3.3%], previous surgery [1.9%, and trauma [0.63%]. Mortality rate was 13.3% [21pts] with highest rate in 61-70 year old age group. Diagnoses of 17 cases were revealed after explorative laparatomy

Conclusion: In this study in 49% of Pancreatitis, the etiologic causes weren't known; in other studies 7-21% of Pancreatitis was idiopathic. It may be due to missing of other causes; the biliary stones were the most were the most cause of acute pancreatitis. This is different from other studies in American and European countries

[Seven years outcome of little abdominal anerism]

Introduction: Long-term outcome of small abdominal aortic aneurysms is not well known in Guilan province

Objective: The aim of this study was to follow up of small abdominal aortic aneurysms for seven years

Materials and Methods: Thirty-nine patients with small and asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm [27-41 mm] were chosen from Poursina and a private hospital in Rasht and they were followed son graphically from 1377-1384

Results: Mean follow up time was 4.5 years. There was 1.5 mm aneurismal dilatation per year. [0-9.5mm]. Two patients referred with abdominal pain and sign and symptom of aortic dissection [5.1%] whom have been operated as an emergency case. Sixteen cases needed elective aortic reconstruction [40.8%]. Two of them [5.1%] died postoperatively. Their health status after seven year was 57%. Mean time necessary for aortic rupture was 5.2 years. [1.9-7 years], and mean time for aortic reconstruction was 3.5 years [1.7-7 years]

Conclusion: The fate of small abdominal aortic aneurysms depends on the rate of growth and its size, which occasionally causes death due to rupture. Observations indicate the important of controlling these patients in prevention of side effects