study of plasma concentration [Zinc and Copper] and their relation in rheumatoid arthritis ptarients in comparison to control group

The role of trace elements [Cu, Zn] in chronic inflammatory states has provided interest, as many of them are co-factors in metabolic processes, involving arthricular tissues and immune system function. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate zinc and copper plasma concentration in rheumatoid arthritis [RA] patients, who were referred to the Sari Outpatient Clinics and were compared with control group. We studied plasma concentrations of Zn and Cu in 40 patients with RA and compared them with sex and age matched of healthy subjects [N=40]. Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations were determined by an analysis of 100 Perkin Elmer model flame atomic absorption spectrometer [FAAS]. The plasma Zn concentration in the patient group was statistically lower than control group. The plasma copper was not statistically different in comparison with control group. There was no correlation between Cu and Zn concentration in patient group. In contrast to Cu, there was a significantly positive correlation between Zn and Zn/Cu ratio. However, the decrease of Zn/Cu is more influenced by decreasing the Zn concentration. It appears the decrease of Zn plasma concentration in patients [comparison with control group] is more important than the differences in plasma Cu concentration, but the use of Zn supplement for RA patients needs more investigation

Utilization pattern of antibiotics in different wards of Sari Imam Khomeini teaching hospital

Due to an increase in cases of irrational drug prescription and it's health and economic consequences, evaluation of the rational use of drugs seemed necessary. Among drug groups antibiotics are greatly significant. Utilization pattern of antibiotics in different wards of Sari Imam Khomeini teaching hospital in the first half of 2000 and 2005 were reviewed. ATC/DDD [Anatomic, Therapeutic, Chemical/ Defined Daily Dose] methodology was used. Data showed, use of antibiotics jumped from 95.4 DBDs [DDD per patient's bed-days] to 124 DBDs. Distribution of different class of anti-microbial, showed the highest increase in use of vancomycin and clindamycin. Use of cotrimoxazole and aminoglycosides remained fairly unchanged, howerrs consumption of Penicillin G dropped. In year 2005, ICU ward followed by gynecology, were among the University Hospital departments with the highest consumption of antibiotics. Cefazolin was the most prescribed antibiotics during this study. It appears that there is a need for more national drug policities and drug education program for health care professionals. Evaluation of drug distribution in hospitals seems to be necessary

Evaluation of cellular toxicityfor cisplatin, arsenic and a-cetaminophen in the cancer and normal cell line

Cell culture is a process in which the cells ware isolated from original tissue, dispersed in liquid media and then placed in culture plate where the cells adhere together and propagate. Today, this method is used for assessment of cell toxicity, its mechanisms and effect of different compounds on intracellular components. Clonogenic assay was used for assessment of cell toxicity and amount of cell death after a specific time during which cells were exposed to different compounds. Thus, IC50 in caner cell lines [HePG2, SKOV3 and A549] and normal cell [LLCPK1, CHO and HGF1] was assessed after exposure to cisplatin, acetaminophen and arsenic. Results showed that acetaminophen has maximum resistance and minimum sensitivity in CHO line with IC50 = 16.7 +/- 1.06 HePG2 with IC50 = 18.6 +/- 1.29. On the other hand, cisplatin showed minimum resistance and maximum sensitivity in HePG2 with IC50 = 0.87 +/- 0.07 and HGF1 with IC50 = 1.6 +/- 0.21 and lastly, arsenic showed minimum resistance and maximum sensitivity in A549 with IC50 = 4.59 +/- 0.29 and LLCPK1 with IC50-1 +/- 0.37. According to the evaluated IC50, there were differences between results of sensitivity of cell lines exposed to the three drugs [P < 0.05]. Entirely, resistance in cancer cell lines was lower than normal cells. The results showed the importance of cell defensive mechanisms encountering different substances like glutathione

[Investigation and measurement of pesticidal residues; benomil and mancazeb in cucumber produced in Mazandaran]

Considering the importance and usefulness of fruits in people's daily diet as they play an important role in determining public health and also considering the significance of pesticide residues in foods and fruits, measurement of which has been repeatedly reiterated by WHO and FAO, this research was done. Irregular use of pesticides by farmers knowingly or unknowingly without observing its caress period has led to the contact of these pesticides with humans through foods and fruits and in the long run, they will surely cause chronic complications. In this study, after collecting cucumbers form 76 sample regions, we rinsed them carefully, sliced them thinly and mashed them up. Then, we extracted them three times with n butyl acetate. Later, we evaporated the solvent. At the end, we measured the residue by chromatographic gas [GC] and detector [ECD]. The results obtained were analyzed with the help of two-way ANOVA. It indicated that there is a correlation between the investigated regions and the residual amount [P>0.05]. Calculation of the mean ratings showed that the levels of these two pesticides are higher than the acceptable level in most of the regions. [0.01]