Antimicrobial activities of three medicinal plants and investigation of flavonoids of Tripleurospermum disciforme

Rosa damascena, Tripleurospermum disciforme and Securigera securidaca were used as disinfectant agents and for treatment of some disease in folk medicine of Iran. The antimicrobial effects of different fractions of seeds extract of S. securidaca, petals extract of R. damascena and aerial parts extract of T. disciforme were examined against some gram positive, gram negative and fungi by cup plate diffusion method. The petroleum ether and chloroform fractions of S. securidaca showed antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while its methanol fraction had no antibacterial effects. R. damascena petals extract demonstrated antibacterial activities against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. T. disciforme aerial parts extract exhibited antimicrobial effects only against S. aureus and S. epidermidis. None of the fractions had any antifungal activities. Therefore, present study confirmed utility of these plants as disinfectant agents. Six flavonoids were isolated from T. disciforme: Luteolin, Quercetin-7-O-glucoside, Kaempferol, Kaempferol-7-O-glucoside, Apigenin and Apigenin-7-O-glucoside. The flavonoids and the antimicrobial activity of T. disciforme are reported for the first time

Preparation and antibacterial activity evaluation of 18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid loaded PLGA nanoparticles

The aim of the present study was to formulate poly [lactide-co-glycolide] [PLGA] nanoparticles loaded with 18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid [GLA] with appropriate physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity. GLA loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared with different drug to polymer ratios, acetone contents and sonication times and the antibacterial activity of the developed nanoparticles was examined against different gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. The antibacterial effect was studied using serial dilution technique to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of nanoparticles. Results demonstrated that physicochemical properties of nanoparticles were affected by the above mentioned parameters where nanoscale size particles ranging from 175 to 212 nm were achieved. The highest encapsulation efficiency [53.2 +/- 2.4%] was obtained when the ratio of drug to polymer was 1:4. Zeta potential of the developed nanoparticles was fairly negative [-11 +/- 1.5]. In-vitro release profile of nanoparticles showed two phases: an initial phase of burst release for 10 h followed by a slow release pattern up to the end. The antimicrobial results revealed that the nanoparticles were more effective than pure GLA against P. aeuroginosa, S. aureus and S. epidermidis. This improvement in antibacterial activity of GLA loaded nanoparticles when compared to pure GLA may be related to higher nanoparticles penetration into infected cells and a higher amount of GLA delivery in its site of action. Herein, it was shown that GLA loaded PLGA nanoparticles displayed appropriate physicochemical properties as well as an improved antimicrobial effect

[Assessment of stress in medical emergency staff in ardabil province, Iran]

Occupational stress is a chronic disease, which is caused by harsh working conditions, and affects individual performance and physical and mental health. This study aimed to determine the level of occupational stress in medical emergency staff in Ardabil province. In this descriptive analytical study, 103 persons of the emergency stations of Ardabil province in 2011, were studied in terms of stress level by convenience sampling.Data collection tool was a two-part questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic data [the first part] and Harry's stress questionnaire [the second part]. After collection, the Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient, t-test, and ANOVA. Most of research units, i.e., 77 [74.8%] had the mean stress score of between 150-250, which was indicative of stress in them, and 4 subjects [3.9%] had scores higher than 250, which indicated severe stress. These results show that medical emergency staff has high stress during emergency medicine care. Considering that the medical emergency and prehospital emergency medical personnel are an important part of health staff that save lives, and also that stress is an important cause of development and exacerbation of burnout, therefore, a proper management system for facilitating and removing the risks of occupational stress and measures to prevent the consequences, are necessary.

Bacterial contamination of single- and multiple-dose vials after multiple use and intravenous admixtures in three different hospitals in Iran

There is possibility of microbial contamination of any single-dose vials [SDVs], multiple-dose vials [MDVs] and admixtures [ADXs] during the preparation and injection to the patients that could be resulted in bloodstream infection. The goal of this study was to investigate the microbial contamination of MDVs and SDVs after multiple use and ADXs prepared by nursing staff in the treatment room versus those prepared by the hospital pharmacist in the clean room. The sterility of 43 opened MDVs and SDVs, 92 prepared ADXs in treatment room and 17 prepared ADXs in clean room were studied by membrane filtration method. Only one of 92 ADXs prepared in treatment room was contaminated with Bacillus subtilis [%1.1] and none of the ADXs prepared in clean room, MDVs and SDVs had microbial contamination. Although good sanitization practices and training of nurses could reduce the risk of microbial contamination in traditional units, using clean room for preparation of parenteral products could be the best strategy

[ relationship between self-concept and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes]

Diabetes is a serious chronic illness and needs end of life care behavior that its-reflect will be as a physical, mental and social disequilibrium. Also, self-concept is an overall view of him/her-self that encompass all the strengths and weaknesses of individual. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between self-concept and quality of life in people with type 2 diabetes. This descriptive-correlation study was done on 280 patients with type 2 diabetes admitted to clinic of diabetes in Imam Khomeini hospital at Ardebil. Data were gathered by questionnaires, including socio-demographic status, Farrell and Grant questionnaires and Beck's self concept test. The data were analyzed using SPSS by descriptive analysis, Chi-square, and exact Fisher tests. Most patients with type 2 diabetes had low self-concept [98 [34.5%]] and low quality of life level [123 [43.9%]]. Results of chi-square test [P=0.001] and Pearson correlation [r=0.91] indicated that there was statistically significant relationship between quality of life and self-concept. Our study showed that self-concept and quality of life have direct and positive relationships. Then, we can modify and enhance the quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes, increase their self-concept until they have a suitable self-care and be prevented the physical, emotional and psychological complications of diabetes

Evaluation of thimerosal removal on immunogenicity of aluminum salts adjuvanted recombinant hepatitis b vaccine

Thimerosal, which is approximately 50% mercury by weight is a preservative widely used in vaccines since the 1930's. It meets the requirements for a preservative as set forth by Pharmacopeia challenge test and has been shown to be effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens. In July 1999, the Public Health Service agencies and vaccine manufacturers agreed that thimerosal should be reduced or eliminated in vaccines as a precautionary measure but, due to the lack of appropriate alternative, it is still extensively used in multiple dose formulations of vaccines such as hepatitis-B in developing countries. In this study the effect of the removal of thimerosal in two formulations of hepatitis B vaccines containing either aluminum hydroxide or aluminum phosphate were evaluated in Balb/c mice. These formulations were administered interperitoneally and the titer of antibody was determined by ELISA technique after 28 days. The geometric mean of antibody titer [GMT], seroconversion and seroprotection rates, ED50 and relative potency of different formulations were determined. The ED50 of thimerosal-free formulations were reduced by more than 35% in both preparations. In addition, GMT of antibody titer, seroconversion and seroprotection indicated significantly higher immunogenicity for thimerosal free formulations for both aluminum phosphate and hydroxide adjuvants

Effect of quality of life improvement on type 2 diabetes patients' self-esteem

To study the effects of the quality of life [QoL] improvement on their QoL and self-esteem. This was a random controlled clinical trial study on 123 type 2 diabetes patients admitted to the Diabetes Clinic in Imam Khomeini Hospital at Ardebil, Iran from April 2009 to June 2010. The 30-70 years old participants are afflicted with type 2 diabetes, and randomly divided into 2 groups [experimental group n=61, and control group n=62]. The questionnaires were composed of sociodemographic status, Parrel and Grant, and Rosenberg's self-esteem questionnaires and the quality of life [QoL] improvement plan was codified to educate and evaluate them. A p<0.05 was considered significant. Our study showed that subjects in the experimental group had low self-esteem [13%] before QOL training, and they had moderate self-esteem after the intervention [39%], however, the control group had moderate self-esteem [62.5%] in the pretest, and changed to low self-esteem [12.9%] in the post-test, and there was significant difference in the previous and next intervention [p<0.05]. The QoL improvement had positive effects on diabetic's self-esteem, and QOL as improved may help to reduce the side effects of type 2 diabetes process

Antibacterial activity of endemic Satureja Khuzistanica Jamzad essential oil against oral pathogens

To assess the antibacterial effects of an Iranian endemic essential oil, Satureja Khuzistanica Jamzad [SKJ] when used as an intracanal antiseptic and interappointment medicament. Antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibition concentrations [MICs] of SKJ essential oil with and without calcium hydroxide [CH] against eleven aerobic, microaerophilic and anaerobic bacteria were assessed. The evaluation was carried out by agar dilution and well diffusion methods. The results were measured and recorded by an independent observer. Data were analyzed statistically using student t-test. The MIC for eight species was recorded in 0.31 mg/mL of essential oil. Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a MIC value of 1.25 mg/mL appeared to be the most resistant bacterium; while only 0.16 mg/mL of essential oil was sufficient to inhibit the growth of Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The inhibition zone of the antiseptic oil [at 0.31 mg/mL] with E. faecalis in the well diffusion method was 13 mm; this was comparable with 12.5 mm inhibition zone value of the tetracycline disc [30 micro g]. No synergistic effect was found in combination of essential oil and CH powder. SKJ essential oil with the concentration of 0.31 mg/mL is effective against most of oral pathogens including E. faecalis

Comparison of the adjuvanticity of aluminum salts and their combination in hepatitis B recombinant protein vaccine in assessed mice

Several adjuvants have been evaluated for vaccine formulations but aluminum salts will continue to be used for many years due to their safety, low cost and adjuvanticity with different antigens. Two commonly used aluminum adjuvants, aluminum hydroxide and aluminum phosphate have different adjuvanticity properties. Commercial recombinant protein hepatitis B vaccines containing aluminum hydroxide is facing low induction of immunity in some sections of the vaccinated population. In this study, to follow the current global efforts in finding more potent hepatitis B vaccine formulations, adjuvanticity of aluminum phosphate, aluminum hydroxide and their combinations has been evaluated. The formulated vaccines were administered intra-peritoneally [i.p.] to BALB/c mice and the titer of antibody was determined after 28 days using ELISA technique. The geometric mean of antibody titer [GMT, mIU/ml], seroconversion and seroprotection rates, ED50 [ng] and relative potency [micro g/dose] of different formulations were determined. GMT of antibody titer, seroconversion and seroprotection rates showed significantly higher adjuvanticity for aluminum phosphate than other formulations. The ED50 of aluminum phosphate was approximately two fold less than other formulations. Aluminum phosphate showed more adjuvanticity than aluminum hydroxide and their combinations in hepatitis B protein vaccine. The use of aluminum phosphate as adjuvant leads to higher immunity which may result in more protective response in vaccinated groups

Meningioma: A clinicopathological evaluation

As yet no unifying grading system for meningiomas has been adopted. We evaluate epidemiologic factors of meningioma in Iran & degree of agreement between the two commonly used grading systems namely WHO (2000) and Mahmood systems. During a 6-year period 238 meningiomas were selected and reviewed by two independent pathologists using both grading systems. 205(86.1%) cases were benign, 19(8%) atypical and 14(5.9%) malignant. 181(18%) cases were primary and 51(27%) secondary; 35(68%) of the latter benign, 7(14%) atypical and 9(18%) malignant. All intraspinal meningiomas were benign. In benign cranial and spinal types female to male ratios were 1.9: 1 and 1.3: 1 ; while in atypical and malignant types were 1 :1.4 and 1:3.1 respectively. Mean ages were 49.9 for benign. 41.1 for atypical and 50 for malignant types. The most frequent site of involvement in all grades of intracranial tumors was cerebral convexity (31.1 %). The most common subtype was menigothelial (65.1%). Female preponderance seen in benign nonrecurrent meningioma became increasingly less prominent and even reversed in recurrent, atypical and malignant forms. Benign recurrent tumors were similar to non-recurrent tumors microscopically. Kappa value comparing two grading systems was 0.947, so good agreements were found between Mahmood and WHO grading systems.

Evaluation of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region staining in predicting the behavior of meningiomas

The number of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions [AgNOR] correlates with cellular proliferative activity. Comparing nonrecurrent, recurrent, atypical and malignant meningiomas we studied the value of the routine applicability of the AgNOR count in the prognostication of this tumor. Two hundred and thirty-eight meningiomas were reviewed blindly and graded using WHO grading schema. Eighty-one cases were selected and arranged in six groups according to clinical data and grading: 14 benign non-recurrent meningiomas; 14 primary benign recurrent meningiomas and their subsequent benign recurrences; 14 atypical; 11 malignant and 14 spinal meningiomas. Silverstained slides were prepared and mean median and standard deviation of AgNOR dots determined. There was a proportionate increase of AgNOR dots with increasing tumor grade. There was a significant difference between benign non-recurrent tumors versus benign recurrent [P<0.0001] and atypical or malignant [P<0.0001] tumors. A difference was also noted between the recurring tumors versus malignant ones [P= 0.002] but no significant difference was seen between recurrent and atypical; atypical and malignant; intracranial and intraspinal; and primary of recurring meningiomas with their subsequent recurrences. A mean AgNOR count of <2.3 could separate benign tumors from atypical or malignant meningiomas with 93% specificity; and 93% of tumors with benign histology had no recurrence potential if their mean AgNOR count was less than 1.8. This study indicates that in meningioma, the AgNOR count has a good correlation with tumor grading and recurrence, which may aid pathologists and clinicians in predicting tumor behavior

Bioburden of pharmacy prepared eucerin-urea ointments

Pharmaceutical products prepared in pharmacies have the potential of contamination with different microorganisms. This is in part due to the unhygienic environment and also lack of a suitable preservative system. In this study, microbial quality of Eucerin-Urea ointments prepared at different pharmacies in Tehran, at the point of sale and also after two weeks storage at room temperature was examined. All the samples examined immediately after purchase found to have total viable counts of lower than 102 cfu/g. The objectionable organisms e.g. Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, however, were found in about 77%, 45.5%, 9.1% and 4.5% of the samples, respectively. After two weeks storage, contamination levels increased such that about 36.4% of samples were found to have the total viable counts greater than 102 cfu/g and Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. were isolated from 86%, 59%, 18.2% and 9.1% of the samples. Depicted results show that significant microbial contamination of unhygienically produced or poorly formulated products in pharmacies can occur and because of lacking a suitable preservative system, the microbial population will increase during storage which may be harmful to the consumers or patients