[Effect of chrysin on AGS human gastric cancer cell line]

Chrysin is a natural and active biological component which is extracted from plants, honey and propolis. Chrysin has anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant propertis. This study was done to evaluate the effect of chrysin on AGS human gastric cancer cell line. In this descriptive - analytic study, chrysin was dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO] and the cytotoxic effects of concentrations of 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 ,50, 60, 70, 80, and 100 µM/ml of chrysin on AGS cells was evaluated. Viability of the cells was determined with MTT assay after 24, 48 and 72 hours and compared to controls. Chrysin inhibited the growth and proliferation of human gastric cancer AGS cell line. The antiproliferative effect of chrysin was dose and time dependent. The IC50 values were determined for 60, 30 and 20 µM, in incubation time of 24, 48 and 72 hour, respectively [P<0.05]. Chrysin proved to have antiproliferative activity on human gastric cancer cells in culture medium

Seroepidemiology of HBV infection in South-East of Iran; a population based study

Hepatitis B virus [HBV] infection is a major risk factor of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma affecting billions of people globally. Since information on its prevalence in general population is mandatory for formulating effective policies, this population based serological survey was conducted in Sistan and Baluchistan, where no previous epidemiological data were available. Using random cluster sampling 3989 healthy subjects were selected from 9 districts of Sistan and Baluchistan Province in southeastern Iran. The subjects' age ranged from 6 to 65 years old. Serum samples were tested for HBcAb, HBsAg. Screening tests were carried out by the third generation of ELISA. Various risk factors were recorded and multivariate analysis was performed. The prevalence of HBsAg and HBcAb in Sistan and Baluchistan was 3.38% [95% CI 2.85; 3.98] and 23.58% [95% CI 22.29; 24.93] respectively. We found 8 cases of positive anti-HDV antibody. Predictors of HBsAg or HBcAb in multivariate analysis were age, marital status and addiction. The rate of HBV infection in Sistan and Baluchistan was higher than other parts of Iran. Approxi-mately 25% of general population in this province had previous exposure to HBV and 3% were HBsAg carriers. Intrafamilial and addiction were major routes of HBV transmission in this province

Malaria screening of blood donor in Zahedan

Transfusion transmitted malaria is an ever present risk in endemic areas and the real threat for blood safety. There is a need for an effective malaria screening program and development of donor deferral criteria for the country. We evaluated the potential usefulness of Elisa screening for malaria antibody and antigen, thick and thin blood film, and polymerase chain reaction [PCR] among Zahedan blood donors. A total number of 384 blood donors in Zahedan in 2009 were screened for malaria parasite by thick and thin blood film using giemsa staining technique, Elisa antibody and antigen test, and PCR. The overall malaria antibody prevalence was 4.7%. In blood donors living in endemic regions, where there were reports for local Malaria transmission, the rate was 7.9%. The results of all antigen test, thick and thin blood films, and PCR were negative. The present donor deferral system seems optimal at present; however, a small risk of transfusion transmitted malaria remains. In an endemic region like Sistan and Baluchestan the use of Elisa antibody test was an interesting alternative for the screening of blood donors

[Knowledge, attitude, and practice on HIV/AIDS among Chabahar high school students in 2007]

AIDS is a pandemic disease that threatens the world population. At first, this disease was transmitted by blood products in Iran; however, it expanded through other routes. Considering this change of transmission pattern, it is necessary to raise the awareness of the public especially high risk groups thereby placing impact on prevention. The present cross-sectional study was carried out to determine knowledge level of high school students of Chabahar city about AIDS. A cross sectional survey among randomly selected high school students in Chabahar city was conducted. The students responded to anonymous questionnaires. Knowledge and attitude were scored. Sample size was 500 and data analysis was performed by SPSS version 17. Out of 500 students, 51.6% [258] and 48.4% [242] were boys and girls, respectively; among them 47.6% had good and 36.6% moderate knowledge about AIDS. Knowledge of girls was estimated to be significantly higher than boys. In 48% of students, the attitude towards HIV positive persons was bad and in 19% good. There was shown to be a direct correlation between attitude and practice with knowledge. Although the knowledge level of the students seems to be good, misconceptions about the routes of transmission were common. There was a substantial intolerant attitude towards AIDS and HIV positive patients. We recommend that strategies for AIDS risk reduction in Iranian high schools to be implemented

[ effect of teaching communicative patterns of pluralistic family on couples happiness]

One of the basic elements declared in positive psychology is the concept of happiness. Researches have shown that without concerning how achieved, happiness can enhance our health. People who are happy feel more secure, decide easier, and are more satisfied of the people who live with. The aim of the present study was to measure the efficiency of teaching communicative pattern of pluralistic family on the happiness of couples this experimental study was designed to have a pre-test and post test and also a control group. Subjects of this study were comprised of consultation centers clients in Shiraz and was based on random sampling. Forty couples were selected according to the revised version of family communication patterns of Koerner and Fitzpatrick. Two dimensions, namely laisseze fair and protective family patterns, were taken into account through the process of selection. Oxford Happiness Invintory was administered to 40 couples and they were randomly divided into a control and an experimental group. Ten training sessions, 90- minute each, were held for experimental group exposed to pluralistic communication patterns. Three Couples declined and finally 34 couples were analyzed. The test was run for both groups and data was analyzed with covariance analysis method using SPSSI5. The results of the present study revealed that with regard to happiness, there is a meaningful difference in both groups [p<0.005]. The difference also existed between the preset and post test scores of happiness test in both groups [p<0.0001]. However, communication patterns and interaction between both groups did not reach a meaningful level. Based on the finding, it can be concluded that listening to and speaking with each other play a key role in happiness, therefore pluralistic communication methods based on high levels of listing speaking interactions can be effective happiness of couples

[Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding blood donation among Sistan and Baloochestan province blood donors about HIV/AIDS]

Transfusion transmitted HIV is an important issue in every transfusion center. Despite recent improvements in laboratory screening techniques and formulation of rigid standards for blood safety, the risk of HIVcontaminated blood products remains as a potential problem. This study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding blood donation among voluntary blood donors about HIV/AIDS. This is a cross-sectional study in which data were collected through questionnaires.We studied knowledge, attitude and behavior of 440 voluntary blood donors about HIV/AIDS in Sistan and Balouchestan province. Voluntary blood donors' knowledge and attitude were evaluated and their correlation with different variables were compared. The data were analyzed with Chi- Square, ANOVA, Kruscal Wallis and Spearmans rho using SPSS 14. Our results showed that the knowledge levels of 55% of voluntary blood donors about HIV/AIDS were good, 29.5% intermediate, and 15.5% poor. Seventy point one percent of population in the study had positive attitude, 56.9% had neutral attitude and 25.9% negative attitude about HIV/AIDS. The correlation between sex, marriage status, educational status, job, type of donation [voluntary or familial], times of donation [first, repeated and regular repeated] with knowledge and attitude was statistically significant. Relatively high level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS especially in regular repeated donors can be due to acquired information during consultation sessions. Therefore, repeated and regular repeated donors can help improve the blood safety.These findings also highlight the importance of more accurate consultation and the provision of necessary training on HIV/AIDS to voluntary blood donors

Occult hepatitis B virus infection among anti-HBc only positive individuals in the southeast of Iran in high prevalence of HBV icfection region

The persistence of HBV-DNA in the serum of hepatitis B surface antigen negative individuals with or without the presence of HBV antibodies is termed occult HBV infection. From April 2005 to November 2006, we evaluated 110 patients who had only a positive test for anti-HBc. Out of 110 anti-HBc positive samples, HBV-DNA was detected in three cases. Positive samples for HBV-DNA had a level normal of ALT. HBV-DNA can be detected among anti-HBc only positive samples. Therefore, further testing for detection of HBV-DNA is recommended on each anti-HBc only positive individual

[ survey of family history of diabetes in patients with type 2 diabetes in Chaharmahal va Bakhteyari province, Iran, 2008]

Diabetes is a multi-factorial and metabolic disease, which is diagnosed by chronic hyperglycemia. Although a few epidemiological researches have focused on the genetic of the type 2 diabetes in Iran, but it is not clear that which of the parents are more important to transmit the disease to their children, mothers or fathers? This study was performed in Chaharmahal va Bakhteyari province in Iran to answer to this question. This survey was a cross - sectional epidemiological study on all diabetic patients in Chaharmahal va Bakhteyari province in 2008. A two-stage random sampling method was used to select 254 diabetic patients. Data was collected by interview and analyzed by stata9 software, using Chi-square test. From the total number of the type 2 diabetic patients, 59% were female. The average age of the patients was 54.8 +/- 8.6 years and the average duration of the disease was 7.4 +/- 5.8 years. A positive history of the disease was seen in the family of 116 patients [45.7%], for example 61.4% of the patients had a family history in their mothers, 19.8% in their fathers, 62.9% in their sisters, 18.1% in their brothers, 40.5% in their daughters and finally 18.1% in their sons. Positive family history was higher in mothers than fathers. This was seen more in sisters and daughters compared to the brothers and sons [P<0.001]. Our findings showed that the chance of having diabetes from the mothers is higher than from the fathers. It means that type 2 diabetes can be inherited from the mothers more than the fathers

[Prevalence of hepatitis C among diabetes mellitus patients in Zahedan]

Several clinical studies have recently claimed that HCV infection could trigger the onset of diabetes mellitus [DM]. In order to determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus [HCV] among patients with type 1, 2 diabetes mellitus [DM] and investigate the influence of several epidemiological factors on HCV infection, we conducted this study. In this case-control study we evaluated 505 diabetic patients [135 male, 370 female with the mean age of 54.5 years] who had referred to Diabetic clinic in Boo-Ali hospital [a teaching hospital in south east of Iran] in 2004. Serologic testing for anti- HCV was done using a third-generation commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELISA] and Real-time-PCR [HCV RNA] in order to confirm the anti-HCV positive samples. Diabetic patients [were divided in two groups according to their HCV antibody status and were analyzed for the following variables: age, sex, type of diabetes, duration of disease, mode of therapy, late diabetic complication, previous blood transfusions, intravenous drug addiction, hospital admissions and major surgical procedures. Then results were compared with the findings from blood donors. HCV infection was detected in one patient who had history of hospitalization and blood transfusion. However, a higher prevalence of HCV infection was not observed in diabetic patients in comparison with blood donors [P=0.46]. There was no correlation between HCV and diabetic type, duration, age, sex [P>0.05]. Upon the results of our study, we conclude that HCV infection is not a trigger factor for DM; therefore it should not be listed among the various extrahepatic manifestations of this viral infection. Although, further studies, possibly multicentre, are needed to estimate prevalence of HCV in diabetic patients

Prevalence of HBsAg and Anti-HCV reactivity in donors embarking on direct blood donation and among first-time blood donors in Zahedan Blood Transfusion Center

Donors embarking on direct blood donation and first-time blood donors contribute to a significant proportion of the blood units collected in our center. However, there are some concerns on the safety of this kind of donation because of the possible existence of incentives for the donor to conceal deferrable risk factors, thus increasing the risk of donation within the window period of transfusion-transmitted infections. We tested the hypothesis that if donors for direct blood donation are less safe than other blood donors, the former would display a higher prevalence of viral markers. This descriptive analytic study was conducted on 7192 donor forms; this number of donors referred to Zahedan Blood Transfusion Service during 2002 [21 Nov]-2003 [19 Feb]. Then, the comparison was made among donors for direct blood donation, volunteer, first time, and regular blood donors. Statistical analyses were performed with the SPSS [version 10.5] and Chi-square test. Our study was conducted on 7192 donor forms. 6345 [88.2%] of the subjects were male, 3264 [45.4%] married, and 1511 [21%] above 30 years of age. Prevalence of HBsAg positivity was 2.3 times higher among first-time donors than repeat donors [p<.0001]. Prevalence of Anti-HCV reactivity was 1.5 times higher among first-time donors than repeat donors [p<.0001]. The rate of HBsAg positivity among donors embarking on direct blood donation was 2.4 times higher than volunteer blood donors [p<.0001], and the rate of Anti-HCV reactivity in the former was 2.4 times higher than in volunteer blood donors [p<.0001]. The age range higher than 30 was significant in the case of HBsAg positive and Anti-HCV reactive blood donors. Basesd on the above results, the contamination rate among donors for direct blood donation and first time donors was more than repeat and volunteer blood donors. This calls for an organized program and a better technique and strategy

[Seroepidemiological study of hepatitis B virus infection in barbers in the Zahedan region of Iran]

Barbers in Iran may often be exposed accidentally to the blood or bloody fluids of the customers. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV infection in the barbers. This study was a case-control survey. We conducted a Seroepidemiological study to determine the prevalence of HBs Ag and antibody against HBc Ag [and- HBc] among the 103 barber and 110 control subjects in the Zahedan, a city in south eastern of Iran. The prevalence of HBV was found to be higher in the barbers [27% CI=95% 18.3, 35.7] than in the comparison group [9.98%, CI=95%,4.3,15.7]. Twenty - one [75%] contaminated barbers Hepatitis B had more than five years duration of occupation. A significant relationship was found with the duration of occupation and Infection in the barbers [P < 0.001]. Among the seropositive subjects, it was found, that the most of them [89.3%] had been exposed to scissor cuts. [P=0.005]. Our data suggest that HBV infection may constitute occupational hazards for the barbers

[Comparing MRI findings and blink reflex in patients with brainstem strokes]

Introduction: Blink Reflex [BR] is an electro diagnostic test, which is equivalent to the corneal reflex. BR responses are classified as R1, R2 and R2c. Abnormalities of these responses have been reported in brainstem lesions

Objective: This article aims to survey diagnosis of brainstem strokes by BR in comparison to MRI findings

Materials and Methods: Twenty-two brainstem stroke patients were evaluated. Brain MRI and BR were obtained within the first 48 hours in all of them. Ten control cases of similar age and sex were enrolled to the study for determination of normal and abnormal range of BR responses. At last MRI finding were compared with BR responses

Results: from the total of 22 patients, MRI did 21 correct diagnosis of brainstem and BR did 20. BR correctly diagnosed one case, not diagnosed by MRI, and two cases with normal BR was diagnosed by MRI BR responses were also analyzed in midbrain, pons, modullary and cerebella lesions. Brain MRI and BR were successful in diagnosis of the brainstem lesions in 95.4% and 90.9% cases respectively, and each test revealed some cases unidentified by other method

Conclusion: In diagnosis of brainstem lesions, it is better to use clinical findings, MRI and electrophysiological tests together. This policy can minimized the undiagnosed fraction of brainstem stroke and may prevent a catastrophic outcome

Blink reflex as a complementary test to MRI in early detection of brainstem infarctions: comparison of blink reflex abnormalities in anterior versus posterior circulation strokes

Background: early detection of vertebro-basilar insufficiency is of paramount importance. Brain MRI was the only method of diagnosis for many years, but in addition to high cost and delay in report, it may not detect all brain stem lesions. In this study Blink reflex [BR] was evaluated as a complementary test to MRI

Methods: fifty-four patients were studied [27 anterior circulation stroke patients [ACSP] and 27 posterior circulation stroke patients [PCSP]]. MRI was performed within the first week after the onset of stroke. Nineteen age and sex matched healthy people enrolled as controls. BR was performed within the first 24 hours of the onset. Frequency of abnormal blink reflex in ACSP and PCSP was compared with MRI findings. Then abnormal responses in two groups were compared by chi-square test

Results: in both ACSP and PCSP, two patients had normal BR responses, and in 25 patients R1 or R2 components of blink responses were absent or prolonged [92.5%]. R1was absent or delayed in 16 PCSP, but it was abnormal in only two ACSP [P < 0.001]. Abnormal R2 responses were detected in 22 PCSP and 24 ACSP

Conclusion: BR abnormalities had high correlation with MRI findings in PCSP [92.5%] BR can be performed within the first 24 hours of onset of stroke, and its results is available immediately. This test is easy to perform and comfortable for the patient, has low cost, and is available every where. Therefore we introduced BR as a complementary [but not replacing] test to MRI in early detection of brainstem infarctions. Comparison of BR responses in ACSP and PCSP showed that abnormalities of R1 responses had high accuracy in differentiation between anterior and posterior circulation strokes. We concluded that BR responses not only can detect brainstem infarctions rapidly and readily in its early stages, but also can differentiate ACSP from PCSP with high accuracy