Abortificient effect of mulberry white root in mice

Background and Objective: Due to an increase in spontaneous abortions finding a safe and secure method is inevitable. Some medicinal herbs have abortifacient properties. This study was done to determine the effect of abortifacient effect of mulberry white root in mice

Methods: In this experimental study, 50 mice dams were randomly allocated into five groups including control, sham and experimental group 1, 2 and 3. Animals in control group did not receive any substance. Animals in sham group were received normal saline, intraperitoneally. Animals in experimental group 1, 2 and 3 were received doses of 50, 70 and 90 mg/kg/bw of the alcoholic extract of root of mulberry white during the 7th to 12th days of pregnancies, intraperitoneally, respectively. At the 16th day of the pregnancy the uterine tubes of mice were removed and the absorbed fetuses were recorded

Results: The mean of absorb fetuses was 7.4, 7.6, 1.8 and 3.1 in the experimental group 1, 2, 3 and sham, respectively. There was a significant relation between the mean number of aborted fetuses and concentration of strawberry root [P<0.05]. The apparent anomaly in fetus was not recorded

Conclusion: Root of mulberry white has abortifacient effect with dose-dependent manner

Quality of life after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in men with an ileal conduit or continent urinary diversion: a comparative study

To investigate quality of life [QoL] domains with three forms of urinary diversions, including ileal conduit, MAINZ pouch, and orthotopic ileal neobladder after radical cystectomy in men with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In a prospective study, 149 men underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion [70 ileal conduit, 16 MAINZ pouch, and 63 orthotopic ileal neobladder]. Different domains of QoL, including general and physical conditions, psychological status, social status, sexual life, diversion-related symptoms, and satisfaction with the treatment were assessed using an author constructed questionnaire. Assessment was performed at three months postoperatively. In questions addressing psychological status, social status, and sexual life, patients with continent diversion had a more favorable outcome [P = 0.002, P = 0.01, and P = 0.002, respectively]. The rate of erectile dysfunction did not differ significantly between the three groups [P = 0.21]. The rate and global satisfaction was higher with the MAINZ pouch [68.7%] and ileal neobladder [76.2%] as compared with the ileal conduit group [52.8%] [P = 0.002]. Continent urinary diversion after radical cystectomy provides better results in terms of QoL as compared with ileal conduit diversion.

[Effect of alcoholic extract of Tanacetum parthenium on acute pain in rat]

Background: The use of medicinal plants to reduce pain is important. Tanacetum parthenium has been introduced as an analgesic agent in traditional medicine and is widely used to relieve neuropathic pain and headache

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic effect of Tanacetum parthenium ethanolic extract on acute pain

Methods: This study was carried out on 100 male mice weighing 30-35g. Acute pain was investigated using a hot plate test with set point 48 [degree]C and cut off time of 30 seconds. In this experiment 100 mice were divided into 10 groups as follows: 1] control group; groups 2-6 received 10, 20, 30, 40 and 80 mg/kg of alcoholic extract, respectively; group 7 received 100 mg /kg ibuprofen; group 8 received 0.5 mg /kg morphine; group 9 received 0.5 mg/kg naloxone; and finally group 10 received naloxone and extract. Ethanolic extract of aerial parts was prepared by maceration method and later its analgesic effect was studied at different doses of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 80 mg/kg, i.p. The effect of ethanolic extract and fractions were compared with the analgesic effect of morphine and ibuprofen as standard analgesic drugs. Naloxone was used to study the opioid system. Data were analyzed by SPSS using Kruskal Wallis test

Findings: Results obtained from this study showed that the ethanolic extract of Tanacetum parthenium produced an analgesic effect [P<0.05] at two doses of 30 and 40 mg/kg, i.p. The analgesic effect of extract was not lower than that of morphine [10 mg/kg, i.p.], and ibuprofen [100 mg/kg] [P<0.05]. Application of naloxone showed no inhibition on analgesic effect of the extract [P<0.05]

Conclusion: The analgesic effect of Tanacetum parthenium was also comparable to that of morphine and ibuprofen, both well known for their analgesic effects. Further investigations to establish a link between the analgesic effect of Tanacetum parthenium and particular phytochemicals, are recommended

[Teratogenic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl on the skeletal system and fetal growth in Balb/c mice]

Several studies have shown that many pregnant women use medicinal plants during pregnancy without knowing some of those teratogenic effects. One of these plants is Stachys lavandulifolia that is used for many health treatments. The teratogenic effect of this plant has not been established yet. Therefore in this study the teratogenic effect of Stachys lavandulifolia was investigated in Balb/c mice. In this experimental study, 60 female Wistar rats [30-40 gr, 8-12 weeks old] were randomlydesignated into 6 groups. [2 control and 4 case groups]. Pregnancy was confirmed with vaginal plaque. The doses of 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg of the extracts of Stachys lavandulifolia vahl were injected intra peritoneal [i.p.] to pregnant mice from the 7th to 12th days of pregnancy. The fifth group received saline and theSixth group [control group] received nothing. In the 18th day of the pregnancy the fetuses were removed from the uterine tubes and their weight and height were measured by digital scale and Kullis, then they were painted by red alizarin and their skeletal disorders were checked. Data were analyzed with Chi square and Kruskal Wallis and Dunn post hoc tests. Using different doses of hydro alcoholic extract of Stachys lavandulifolia the fetal growth was impaired and this impairment increasesd with increased doses of the extract [P<0.01]. In the dose of 200 mg/kg inter parietal bone was not observed in 40% of embryos [P<0.01], regarding the extra rib there was no significant difference between groups. In the case of having additional rib, no significant difference was found between the groups. Stachysl lavandulifolia extract has teratogenic effect and using it causes growth retardation and stopping the inter parietal bone formation. Therefore it should be considered as contraindication or use with caution, in pregnancy

[Evaluation of oxidative stress biomarkers of rat liver exposed to acute doses of diazinon]

Diazinon is one of the most important organophosphates [OPs] widely used in agriculture. Some OPs have the potential to produce free radicals and induce disturbance in body antioxidant systems. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of diazinon on oxidant-antioxidant system in rat liver. This experimental study was carried out at Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences in 2010. A total of 28 male Wistar rats [200-250 g body wt.] were randomly divided into four groups including: sham [received corn oil as diazinon solvent] and three diazinon groups receiving different single doses of this substance [30, 50, and 100 mg/kg] through intraperitoneal route. Twenty four hours after injection, the animals were ether anesthetized and liver tissue removed. Following liver tissue hemogenation, the activity of superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione S-transferase [GST], and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] as well as the glutathione [GSH] and malondialdehyde [MDA] levels were determined by biochemical methods. The data were statistically analyzed using the analysis of variance followed by post hoc analysis using Tukey tests. While at concentrations higher than 30 mg/kg diazinon, increased activities of SOD, CAT, and GST with higher level of MDA were observed, the GSH level was significantly decreased when compared with the sham. Also, an increased LDH activity at dose of 100 mg/kg was seen [P<0.01]. Diazinon probably induces the production of free radicals and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. Enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes with depleted GSH content is indicative of oxidative tissue injury and increased MDA level is suggestive of damage occurring in liver membranes

[Isolation of rat embryonic cortical neural stem cells and induction of differentiation]

Neural stem cells [NSCs] play an essential role in the development of embryonic nervous system and have the capacity for self-renewal in the adulthood which may be important for normal functions of the CNS, such as learning, memory and response to injury. These cells exist at different stages of development in different areas of the CNS. The purpose of this study was isolation and confirmation of stem cell and induction of differentiation of the cells isolated from the 15 day old embryonic rat cortex. This was an experimental study on 15 day old embryonic rat cortices [n=6]. 15 days after plug formation in female rats, the animals were transported to the laboratory. Under anesthesia and sterile condition, embryos were removed from the uterus. The meninges were separated by use of a stereoscope and the cortices of the embryos were dissected in HBSS buffer. Then the cortices were cut into small pieces and cultured in DMEM-F12 medium containing bFGF, EGF and B-27 supplement. The medium changed every day to keep the cells in an undifferentiated and proliferative state. DFN medium [DMEM-F12 and supplements N2] without growth factors was used for induction of differentiation. Immunocytochemical technique was used for confirmation of stem cells and detection of various neural cell types. Immunocytochemical evaluation revealed that, these cells were neural stem cells [nestin positive] and had the potential to differentiate in to the neuronal [expression of Beta tubulin III], oligodendrocyte [expression of OSP marker] or astrocyte [expression of GFAP marker]. This is a reliable method for isolation of embryonic neural stem cells and considering their embryonic origin; they can be used to investigate the effect of various agents on the process of CNS development. Also they might be effective in the treatment of neurodegenerative lesions

[ predictor factors of burnout syndrome in Isfahan nurses]

Burnout is the syndrome that nurses encounter with it, threaten their health and decreases the hospital effectiveness. So, the purpose of this article was to determine the predictor factors of burnout in Isfahan nurses. This investigation is a predictor type. Statistical population was Isfahan nurses in 2010. Statistical Sample selected by cluster sampling. Therefore first, from all governmental hospitals [12 hospitals], 5 hospitals, and 3 departments includes psychic, infectious and surgery departments, selected randomly and gotten the questionnaires to all nurses that have the criteria. 221 nurses have the criteria and 210 nurse response the questionnaires. The measurements were: burnout questionnaire [Maslach and Jackson 1993], job Stress questionnaire [Davis, Robbins, and Mackay, 1991], role clarity questionnaire [Sawyer, 1992], and Workload questionnaire [Spector and Jex, 1998]. Data analyzed by SPSS v.16, and used mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum scores, correlation and regression methods to analyze. Findings from stepwise regression illustrated that job stress, role clarity, and workload predict burnout, significantly [sig=0.0001]. In addition, findings indicated that job stress, role clarity, and workload with burnout have significance canonical correlation, therefore to change and moderate the predictors, in order to decrease burnout, it is necessary to get and provide programs in future

[Screening of mitochondrial mutations of A1555G, A 3243G, and A7445G in MTRNR1, MTTL1 and MTTS1 genes in subjects with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss]

Various frequencies of the mtDNA mutations have been reported from different population world wild. Three mitochondrial DNA [mtDNA] mutations including A1555G, A 3243G, and A7445G which occurred in MTRNR1, MTTL1 and MTTS1 genes were considered as the main causes of mitochondrial hearing loss in some populations. To determine the frequency of the A1555G, A3243G, and A7445G mutations in nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss subjects in Gilan. Forty six subjects with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss were screened by provided questionnaire and audiogram from Gillan Welfare Organization. PCR-RFLP procedure was used in order to presence the MtDNA of A1555GA 3243G and A7445G mutations and was confirmed by subsequent direct sequencing. There was no MtDNA of A1555G, A3243G and A7445G mutation in the cohort study of 46 deaf individuals. Investigation of PCR-RFLP of the MTTL1 gene for existence A3243G mutation lead to identification a G3316A variant that destroyed other restriction site, in the other site of PCR fragment. Our finding indicated that possibility the association of mitochondrial mutations with deafness is very low in deaf subjects in north of Iran. According to existence the G3316A that its pathogenesis in relation to hearing loss phenotype has not stabilized, the frequency of G3316A is 1.46% that can be had highlights role of mitochondrial mutation in deafness

[Comparison of Hashimoto thyroiditis in patients with type 1 diabetes and controls]

Type 1 diabetes is the most common metabolic disease worldwide. Thyroid autoimmune diseases is the most common endocrinopathy in diabetes type 1. Therefore, assessment of thyroid function tests and anti thyroid antibodies in diabetic patients [type 1] is beneficial in early. The purpose of this study was to compare the anti-thyroid antibodies in diabetic children [type 1] with healthy children. In this descriptive-analytic study, 65 children with Type 1 diabetes and 65 healthy children who had referred to Children's Hospital in Qazvin were selected by simple sampling. Anti-TG, Anti-TPO, TSH and T4 were measured in both groups. Chi-square, t-independent and Kruskal Valis was used for statistical analysis. The difference between sex and age in both groups [case and control] was not significant but BMI percentile was significantly different. Positive Anti-TG was 10.8% in patients and was 1.5% in controls. The difference was statistically significant [p=0.029]. 16.9% of patients and 3.1% of controls had positive Anti-TPO [p=0.024]. 10.8% of patients had increased TSH and decreased T4 level [Overt Hypthyroidism]. 4.6% of controls had increased TSH and decreased T4 level [Subclinical Hypothyroidism]. The difference was statistically significant for T4. It seems that the prevalence of Hashimoto thyroiditis in patients with type 1 diabetes is more than healthy people. Hence, evaluation of thyroid function tests [TFT] and antithyroid antibodies [Anti-TPO] is necessary to diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune thyroid disorders

[Survey relationship between the severity of hyperemesis gravidarum and fetus sexuality]

Hyperemesis Gravidarum [HG] is the extreme amount of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The incidence of this problem is between 0.3- 2%. HG is multifactorial disorder which fetal sexuality is one of them and some studies indicated the relation between HG and female fetus. Survey the relationship between the severity of hyperemesis gravidarum and fetus sexuality. All medical cases of pregnant women who referred to Alzahra hospital from 1997 to 2007 were considered as a descriptive- analytical study. Known cases of HG were selected [separated] between them. Variables such as fetal sexuality, duration of hospitalization, age, parity, pregnancy trimester, biochemical tests were extracted and analyzed with SPSS 14 and Fisher exact test. Among 197 cases, 150 cases [76.14%] were selected because of their full information 80.2% of women with female fetus, stayed >/= 4 days at the hospital. This amount was 33.9% in women with male fetus [p< 0.0001]. Ketonuria >/= 3+ [P0.016], Hyponatremia [P0.035], Hyperuremia [P0.045] were 16.5%, 41.8%, 62.6% in the first group and this amount were 3.4%, 23.7%, and 3.61% in the second group. 84.6% of women with female fetus and 64.4% of women with male fetus hospitalized in their first trimester [p=0.006]. HG was sever in 79.1% of women with female fetus and 61% of women with male fetus [p= 0.025]. This study showed statistical relationship between fetus Sexuality and severity of HG. The severity of this problem get raised with ketonuria, Hyperurmia, Hypernatermia and hospitalization in the first trimester

[Efficacy and safety of herbal drug, Hypericum perforatum in the treatment of premature ejaculation]

Premature ejaculation is the most prevalent form of male sexual dysfunction. Efforts to develop novel drugs safer than existing therapies are continued. Assessment of efficacy of Hypericum Perforatum in the treatment of premature ejaculation. This is the double blind, randomized placebo- controlled study. In this study were selected 50 married men [18-50 years old] who were referred to urology department of Razi hospital in Rasht from 2007 to 2008 with premature ejaculation were selected. These patients were divided to control and cases groups. Hypericum [160mg tablets] were prescribed for case group and placebo for control group. All participants completed IIEF-15 questionnaire before and after treatment. Intra vaginal latency time [IVLT] was measured before and after treatment. The results were analyzed using chi-square and paired t-test. After 4 weeks, there was difference in IVLT between 2 groups. This difference was statically significant [P<0.001]. There was an increase in two variables of the IIEF-15 [Intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction] in hypericum perforatum group [p<0.001]. In 3 participants drug was discontinued because of adverse reactions. It seems that hypericum perforatum may be regarded as a safe and effective alternative in the treatment of premature ejaculation

[Survey and comparison of the urinary calcium level in normal and calcium stone forming groups]

Urinary stones are the third common disease in the urinary system. Because there is not any study about Hypercalciuria in normal people and patients with stone in our province [Guilan], we decided to evaluate and compare the level of urinary calcium in normal people and patients with urinary stones. Survey of the urinary calcium level in normal and calcium stone forming groups. This is a descriptive, retrospective study. Our cases were the people who had attended to Razi Hospital outpatient ward during 2004-6 and included 502 people without history of urinary tract stone [group 1], 391 patients with history of an episode of urinary tract stone [group 2] and 109 patients with history of more than one episode of urinary stone [group 3]. We extracted requested information such as age, sex, Urine Ca 24h level, serum Ca level and stone analysis from the files and data analyzed by t-test. The most common stone was Calcium Oxalate [95%]. The mean level of urinary calcium was 156 +/- 7 mg/dl in group 1, 163 +/- 7 mg/dl in group 2 and 183 +/- 5 mg/dl in group 3. There was a significant statistical difference between these 3 groups [p<0.05]. Hypercalciuria is a risk factor for stone formation, so we can use as a protective method to inhibit stone formation

[Assessment of functional recovery of contusive spinal cord injury by administration of [-]-Deprenyl in rats]

In this study, the functional recovery of female rats with contusive spinal cord injury [SCI] model was evaluated after administration of [-]-deprenyl. A total of 18 Sprague Dawley female rats were selected for the study and randomly allocated into equal groups [n=6]; control, sham and [-]-deprenyl-treated groups. All animals were laminectomized at T13 level. Based on the weight dropping technique contusion was induced in both control and [-]-deprenyl-treated groups. [-]-deprenyl group received daily injections of 0.1 mg/kg [-]-deprenyl and other group received intra peritoneal [IP] injection of equal amount of normal saline for 14 days. BBB test was carried out in all groups at the first day and at the end of each week after induction of injury for eighth weeks. Spared tissue volume and the number of motoneurons at the site of lesion were measured and compared by means of frozen sections of spinal cord. In contrast to control group, [-]-deprenyl-treated group showed a significant increase in motor ability at all times except for the first day [P <0.05]. In the [-]-deprenyl-treated group the mean volume of spared spinal cord and the mean number of motor neurons were more than those of control group significantly [P<0.05].The results of this study indicated that [-]-deprenyl probably protected motor neurons and spinal cord white matter; hence, it caused motor recovery in contusive SCI model in female rats

Effect of basil [Ocimuin Basilicum L.] essential oil on gray mold control and postharvest quality of strawberry [cv. Selva]

Essential oils are complex volatile compounds produced in different plant parts, which are known to have various functions in plants. The objective of the present study is investigation of the effect of Basil [L. Ocimum basilicum L.] essential oil on gray mold control and postharvest quality of strawberry. This experiment was carried out In vitro and In vivo conditions. In In vitro condition Basil essential oil was used at 250, 500, 750 and 1000 microL.L[-1] concentrations with "Paper Disk Method" and "Solution Method". In second stage Basil essential oil applied at 60, 250, 500 and 1000 microL.L[-1] concentrations with "Paper Disk Method" on strawberry fruits. Results of In vitro experiment showed that Basil essential oil at all applied concentrations inhibited Botrytis cinerea growth completely. The results of In vivo experiment showed that basil essential oil at applied concentrations inhibited B. cinerea growth on strawberry fruits completely in comparison to controls. Also basil essential oil at 60 and 250 microL.L[-1] concentrations showed positive effects on some fruit quality characteristics e.g. color, titrable acidity, total soluble solid, Vitamin C and firmness. Therefore treated fruits with basil essential oil at low concentration had higher TA, TSS, Vitamin C, firmness and color values compared to control fruits whilst high concentrations of basil essential oil [500 and 1000 microL.L[-1]] induced burning sepal and led to toxic signs on fruit surface. All applied concentrations of basil essential oil affected fruit flavor especially 1000microL.L[-1] reduced fruit firmness and Vitamin C content It can be concluded that basil essential oil due to higher antifungal properties, acts as an alternative to artificial fungicides in controlling of fungal diseases but more research is needed to identify the proper formulation

Effects of low level of lead exposure on blood pressure and responsiveness of the rat isolated heart to adrenergics

Exposure to low levels of lead increases blood pressure in humans and animals. Although there are controversial reports about the exact mechanisms of lead-induced hypertension, many factors such as alteration in the cardiovascular responsiveness to endogenous substances including catecholamines could be one of the mechanisms involved. In the present study, the effect of lead acetate on the systolic blood pressure and responsiveness to beta-adrenergics was investigated in rats. Through their drinking water, three groups of rats were exposed to 100 ppm lead acetate for periods of 4, 8 or 12 weeks. The blood pressures of the rats were monitored throughout the study. The rat hearts were isolated and perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution [pH = 7.4] at 37°C and gassed with 95% O2 + 5% CO[2]. The heart rate [chronotropic] and contractile [inotropic] responses were recorded before and after adding isoproterenol at multiple concentrations to the perfusion solution. The mean blood pressures in the 8 and 12-week lead-treated groups were significantly higher than that of the control group [P < 0.01]. The chronotropic response to many doses of isoproterenol was significantly increased in the 12-week lead-treated group compared to that of the control group [P < 0.05]. The inotropic response to this drug was significantly increased in both the 8- and 12-week lead-treated rats [P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively]. Our results indicate that low-levels of lead increase systolic blood pressure as well as both chronotropic and inotropic effects of beta-adrenergics, which could imply an important role in the pathogenesis of lead-induced hypertension

[ impact of the model of patients integerated management training on physicians' performance]

How to care for the patients has a principle role in the quality of the services provided, so patients' management is one of the major duties of doctors. However, in Iran there is not comprehensive program to achieve the goal and medical training is based on diseases while it should be patient based. This study tries to provide a practical approach in training how to manage patients. In this research 60 general practitioners working in urban health centers in Isfahan were randomly selected and studied. 30 phsicians from health center number 1 were put in case group and the other 30 from health center number 2 were placed in control group. In conducting the project 4 physicians who had received necessary training worked as instructors. In the beginning of the study, the case group attended in theory classes about integrated patients management, and at the end of this class a package of integrated patients management was given to them. Then the plan was performed practically in the field. Throughout the study both case and control group received the usual training of health centers. The performance of the physicians were evaluated through check list both in the beginning and end of the study. Before the study the mean scores of physicians' performance in both groups was the same; however, after the intervention the mean score of the case group was significantly higher than that of the control group. In the end of the study the mean score of clinical performance in case group was 48.9 and in control group was 42.1 [P<0.05], mean score of management performance in case group was 38.6 and in control group 32 [P<0.05], and mean score of training performance in case group was 26.4 and in control group 22.1 [P<0.05]. Results indicated that integrated management training can enhance educational, clinical and management performances of physicians

Is bladder cancer more common among opium addicts?

Many environmental and occupational risk factors have been proposed for bladder cancer, among which opium consumption has been considered in few studies. We designed a study to determine the relationship between opium consumption and bladder cancer. In a retrospective, case-control study, male patients with bladder cancer, who had been referred to our hospital in a three-year period, were selected. Data regarding age, gender, smoking, and opium consumption were collected from patients' records and compared with data of a control group, consisting of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]. Fifty-two male patients with bladder tumor [group 1] were compared with 108 patients with BPH [group 2]. Of the patients with bladder cancer, 36 [68%] were smokers, of whom 12 were also opium addicts. In general, 13 [25.5%] patients were opium consumers [one opium consumer was not smoker]. From 108 patients with BPH, 25 [23%] were smokers, of whom, 5 were also opium addicts. Mean duration of cigarette smoking was 31 +/- 13.6 and 20.2 +/- 14.7 years in patients with bladder cancer and BPH, respectively. The duration of opium consumption was 11.9 +/- 1.4 and 6.2 +/- 1.3 years in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The duration of cigarette smoking and opium consumption in group 1 was greater than that in group 2. In addition, smoking increases the risk of bladder cancer 3.8-fold [OR=8.3, 95% CI=1.8-7.8]. Simultaneous cigarette smoking and opium consumption increases the risk of bladder cancer 6.2-fold [OR=6.2, 95% CI=2.04-18.7]. There are few studies regarding the carcinogenic effect of opium on bladder. We demonstrated that, the incidence of bladder cancer in smokers, who are simultaneously opium consumers, was higher than in patients who were only smokers. Simultaneous opium addiction and cigarette smoking may have some roles in the pathogenesis of bladder tumor. However, further studies with large sample sizes are warranted