ABSTRACT
Hepatitis B virus [HBV] gene and protein variations are frequently been seen in chronic patients. The aims of study were to determine the genotypes as well as the patterns of variations distribution in chronically-infected patients from the central part of Iran. The surface gene was amplified, sequenced and subsequently aligned using international and national Iranian database. All strains belonged to genotype D, subgenotype Dl and subtype ayw2. Of all 62 mutations occurred at 39 nucleotide positions, 31 [50%] were missense [amino acid altering] and 31 [50%] were silent [no amino acid changing]. At the amino acid level, 30 substitutions occurred, however, 3 were in positions 122 and 127, corresponded to subtypic determination. 22 [73%] out of 30 amino acid mutations occurred in different immune epitopes within surface protein, of which 12 [54.54%] in B cell epitopes in 10 residues; 5 [45.45%] in T helper epitopes in positions; 5 [22.73%] in inside CTL epitopes in 4 residues. The distribution of amino acid mutations as well as the ratio between silent and missense nucleotide mutations showed a narrowly focused immune pressure had already been on the surface protein in these patients, led to the emergence of escape mutants in these patients
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Hepatitis B Surface Antigens , Genotype , Carrier State , Mutation/genetics , Polymerase Chain ReactionABSTRACT
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by flagellated protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, which affects both humans and other mammals. Most of the available drugs against the disease are toxic and some are parasite resistance to them. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Mespilus germanica extract on cutaneous leishmaniasis [CL] in BALB/c Mice. Ethanolic extract of Mespilus germanica with 40, 60 and 80% concentrations were prepared. Then, the BALB/c mice were inoculated subcutaneously by 0.1 ml liquid phase culture containing promastigotes of Leishmania major. Ethanolic extract of the leaves of Mespilus germanica in different concentrations, were used topically on CL lesions. The mean diameter of the lesions were decreased, and also the number of parasites in the lesions had declined with complete healing by ending the period time of treatment in 4 mice [26.7%], [p<0.05] and in 9 animals [82%], [p<0.05] respectively, by using the 40% concentration of the extract. Also in a concentration of 60%, mean ulcer diameter decreased, with complete healing in 3 mice [20%], [p<0.001]. In this concentration, the mean number of parasites in lesions had declined [66.4%], with total elimination in 8 animals [p<0.001]. We showed that the extract of Mespilus germanica has the highest effectiveness in concentration of 40%, causing greater reductions in both ulcer diameter and the number of parasites in the lesions compared with other prepared concentrations. Therefore, we suggest the use of 40% extract for the treatment of human cases
ABSTRACT
Osteoarthritis is one of the most important etiologies of pain in weight bearing joints. Our objective was to investigate the efficacy of Subchondral percutaneous drilling for degenerative disease of the knee [DJD] and compare it with conservative treatment. 44 patients with knee DJD were studied from Oct 2005 to Dec 2006. 21 knees [17 patients] underwent surgery, and 29 knees [27 patients] were treated conservatively. Pain, patient satisfaction, pain free active range of motion [ROM], and quality of life were assessed at the time of first visit, 2, 6 and 12 weeks and at the end of one year after treatment. Patients were followed at least for 1 year. Mean age of surgically treated patients and controls was 47.3 and 58.3 years, respectively. Best results for the surgical group were achieved at second week after surgery and many of pain free patients deteriorated at 6 and 12 weeks and at one year. Patient satisfaction and pain free ROM of patients were better in control group in comparison with first group [P<0.05]. Subchondral percutaneous drilling doesn't have the ability of decreasing pressure. Subchondral site is not the source of pain in most patients with DJD. The origin of pain should be investigated in the joint cartilage or other sites. Both these theories need further studies