Isolation and identification of microorganisms in acne patients

Background and objective: Acne is a follicular skin disease most frequently occurring during the adolescent or the teenage years of a person's life. It has been found that around 85% of teenagers suffer from this skin disorder worldwide. However, acne is not only restricted to teenagers but in many cases continues well into adulthood. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of acne in relation to age in Erbil City, and isolation and identification of microorganisms in acne patients

Methods: Specimens were collected from inflamed and discharging pus from 160 acne patients [74 male, 86 female] attending the Department of Dermatology in Rizgari Teaching Hospital in Erbil city. The cultures were examined using the Vitek-2 compact system

Results: Among 160 samples taken, 150 [99%] were culture positive. From there 70 [46.6%] were male and 80 [53.3%] were female. Only ten [6.25%] samples revealed no growth. The highest prevalence of acne was 32 [20.0%] at age group [15-17] years of both genders. The most frequent etiological agent isolated [aerobically] bacteria from acne patients was Staphylococcus epidermidis [27.08%], and the most common anaerobic pathogen bacteria species were Propionibacterium acnes, 25 [13.02%], while among fungi Candida albicans was the most common fungi representing nine [64.29%] isolates

Conclusion: Gram-positive bacteria were the most common microorganisms involved in acne infection. There are variations in the incidence of acne infection in relation to sex, age, and socioeconomic level

[Glanders, a new vision on an old biological weapon]

Death of one imported tiger from Russia in Tehran Eram zoological garden in winter of 2010 from Glanders opened the new series of discussion about this old zoonosis. After this incident, all the lions of the zoo were euthanized due to the probable contamination with glanders. In present systematic review manuscript, several scientific data banks and websites including ISI, Scopus, Medline, Embase, OIE, CDC, WHO, SID and MAGIRAN had been searched. Also all the books, journals and available congress proceedings in libraries were searched about this issue. As if many epidermis and also zoonotic and infectious diseases may be a biological threat, so having a good knowledge of these kinds of diseases is a necessity for all physicians, veterinarians and public health staffs especially whom they work in Armed Forces. Collaboration between Iran Veterinary Organization [IVO], Ministry of Health and Medical Education [MOHME] and Armed Forces is necessary for controlling the probable biological threat like glanders

Halothane: How should it be used in a developing country?

The anaesthetic agent halothane is still widely used in developing countries including the Islamic Republic of Iran because of its low price. Because of halothane-induced hepatitis, a rare complication, it has been replaced by other inhalation anaesthetics in Western countries; it has been suggested by some Iranian professionals that the Islamic Republic of Iran should do the same. We evaluated various dimensions of this replacement through a literature review to assess the incidence of halothane-induced hepatitis and costs of anaesthetics in the country. We also conducted a questionnaire survey of 30 anaesthesiology/gastroenterology experts about their views on the subject. The results indicate that the incidence of halothane hepatitis in the Islamic Republic of Iran is very low and could mostly be avoided by strict adherence to guidelines. Complete withdrawal of halothane in the Islamic Republic of Iran might not be appropriate at present. Comprehensive cost-effectiveness studies are needed before a decision is made on complete replacement of halothane with other anaesthetics

[ primordial survey of phenylbutazone, dexamethasone and estradiol residues in pasteurized milks of Tehran, Iran as a potential risk for citizens]

Hormones are used in veterinary medicine for different purposes such as treatment, improving animal products, obstetrical cycles, breed performances and enhancing acceptability of feed. The most dangerous drug residues presented in food of animal origin are because of neglecting withdrawal time, masking the sign of diseases in slaughterhouse and using unapproved drugs. Hormone residues in food of animal origin have health impacts on consumers. This survey have been done for determining the probable presence of the most used and dangerous hormones in pasteurized milk distributed in Tehran, capital of Iran. 50 samples of pasteurized milk were randomly collected from Tehran market from different brands and fats [low, standard and full]. Residues of phenylbutazone [PBZ] and Dexamethasone [DXM] were detected by HPLC-UV method according to AOAC instructions. ELISA was applied for measuring of 17- beta Estradiol residues. Minimum detectable residue of PBZ in milks was 2.5 ng/ml. 45 samples [90%] had PBZ from 1 to 58 ng/ml [Minimum Residues Level [MRL] for PBZ in cow milk must be zero per milliliter]. Minimum detectable residue of DXM in milks was 5 ng/ml, which in 30 [60%] samples was more than 5 ng/ml [MRL for DXM in cow milk must be 0.3 ppb]. In 8 samples out of 50 [16%] residues of 17- beta Estradiol was more than natural hormone residue [natural residues of 17- beta Estradiol in milk is 10-30 pb/ml]. Although hormones are vital for many physiological functions of humand beings, but exceeding of them in the body make many health problems. PBZ residue in 90%, DXM in 60% and 17- beta Estradiol in 16% of milk samples pointing a dangerous situation of using veterinary drugs in food animals and their milks

The Role of Nasopharyngeal Temperature Monitoring in detection of a Malpositioned Superior Vena Cava Cannula in an Emergency Coronary Artery Bypass in a Patient With Ventricular Septal Defect

55 year-old woman was admitted to the CCU ward of our university hospital due to typical chest pain. The patient received supportive care and was transferred to the operating room for an emergency repair of the ventricular septal defect [VSD] and myocardial revascularization. The surgical team was notified regarding the tolerance to cooling detected by the temperature monitoring and also, the congestion of eye and blanching of forehead. After a few maneuvers, the cannula was repositioned. In a few seconds, the forehead was cooled, while the airlocking episodes were lifted completely and the blanching and chemosis in the face and eyes all resolved. The septal defect was approached through the left ventricle; a 15 in 20 mm foramen, due to the ischemic rupture of the superior portion of the anteroseptal wall, was repaired with a patch of hemoshield. The incision over the LV was then repaired with 2 parallel bands of felt. The patient was operated on and transferred to the intensive care unit

Characterization and in vitro evaluation of piroxicam suppositories

Piroxicam is an effective anti- inflammatory agent; it is an inhibitor of prostaglandin biosynthesis. The Principal advantage of Piroxicam is its long half-life, which permits the administration of a single daily dose. Piroxicam is approved in the United States for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It has been also used in the treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis, acute musculoskeletal disorders, dysmenorrhoea, postoperative pain and acute gout. Therefore, patients with gastrointestinal disorders or after surgery often have difficulties taking drugs by mouth. Rectal administration may be a good alternative to oral administration in these types of situations. Therefore in the present research work, attempt has been made to formulate piroxicam suppository dosage form in Witepsol base. In the present study, the effectiveness of different agents on dissolution and release rate of piroxicam from its suppository base has been studied. Also, the effect of propylene glycol as cosolvent, polysorbate 80 as increasing solubility and colloidal silicon dioxide as suspending agent on the release behaviour were investigated. Finally, the best formulation was chosen regarding their release profile, the time needed for 75% release of the drug [t[75]], and uniformity of formulations

role of preoperative ultrasound in predicting difficulties encountered during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Pre-operative prediction of difficulties which may occur during laparoscopic cholecystectomy can help in reduction of operative and postoperative complications. The aim of our study was to study the value of preoperative ultrasound findings for predicting difficulties encountered during LC and to assess the usefulness of these findings to identify patients at high risk of conversion from laparoscopic to OC. A prospective study of 200 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis in the period between October 2005 and March 2007 in Rizgary Teaching and Howler Private Hospitals in Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq. Abdominal ultrasound was done pre-operatively, the diagnosis of gall stones was made and the presence of ancillary findings was recorded. Five ancillary ultrasound findings were assessed. These included; thickened gall bladder wall more than 4mm, presence of pericholecystic fluid, severely contracted gall bladder, empyma, and gall bladder filled with stones. Ultrasound findings were compared with the operative findings. In 36 patients who had one or more of these findings laparoscopic Cholecystectomy was difficult in 22 [61.1%] of them. The statistical analysis showed that thick wall gall bladder > 4mm has the highest sensitivity [69%] and the presence of pericholecystic fluid has the highest specificity [100%] in predicting difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the presence of more than 2 ancillary findings yielded an accuracy rate of [100%]. Conversion to open cholecystectomy was needed in 13.9% of these patients. The rates of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy and conversion to laparotomy were much lower in those patients who had no ancillary findings [4.3%] and [1.2%] respectively. Preoperative ultrasound findings are of value for predicting difficulties encountered during laparoscopic cholecystectomy which may require conversion to open cholecystectomy

[ effect of isoflurane and sevoflurane on post-op shivering]

Postoperative shivering is one of the complications that can increase the amount of oxygen consumption, so ending in a number of complications. This issue is of paramount importance in patients with an underlying cardiovascular problem. New inhalational anesthetics are increasing trends in hope to decrease a number of complications like postoperative shivering. This study was done to assess the comparative effects of sevoflurane and isoflurane on postoperative shivering. In a double blind clinical trial, the prevalence of postoperative shivering with isoflurane and sevoflurane was compared. 100 patients aged 18-65 years were selected and divided randomly into one of the two groups considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Post anesthesia shivering was assessed and compared in the two groups. Data analysis was done using SPSS software. Student t-test and Chi-Square test were used for data analysis. A p < 0.05 was considered significant. There was no difference between the two groups regarding age, sex and the duration of anesthesia. Also, there was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding the severity and grading of shivering. Post anesthesia shivering is not so much affected using isoflurane and sevoflurane

[Effects of intravenous magnesium sulfate administration on postoperative acute pain followed by spinal anesthesia]

Magnesium is an inorganic ion. There are several products containing magnesium and it has a number of therapeutic properties. Magnesium-sulfate is a very common product and its usefulness has been proven in field of anesthesiology. This study looks at the effect of prescribing intravenous magnesium-sulfate on acute pain following orthopedic surgery of the lower extremities in patients anesthetized with spinal anesthesia method. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 60 patients were selected and were randomly divided into 2 groups. Efforts were made to place both groups under the same method of anesthesia and other variable were kept constant to the best of our ability. One group received intravenous magnesium sulfate under a given protocol and the second one received the same volume of placebo, intravenously. To present the results Mean [ +/- SD] was used and the P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statisticaly significant. There was no difference between the 2 groups under basic variables. Pain reported by the first group who received magnesium sulfate was significantly less at the 1[st], 3[rd], 6[th], and 12[th] hours after the operation in comparison to the group who received placebo. At the 18[th] and 24[th] post-operation hours, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. Receiving intravenous magnesium sulfate following lower extremities orthopedic surgery would significantly reduce the pain in the first few hours after the operation

[ effect of intra-articular magnesium sulfate on postoperative acute pain in knee arthroscopy]

Magnesium as an inorganic ion has several products containing it and has a number of therapeutic properties. A very common product, magnesium-sulfate has been proven in field of anesthesiology. This study looks at the effect of intra-articular injection of magnesium-sulfate on acute pain following knee surgery for diagnostic arthroscopy in patients undergoing general anesthesia. 60 patients were selected and divided randomly to 2 groups in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. All anesthesia and surgery methods were the same in both groups. One group received intra-articular magnesium sulfate and the second group received the same volume of placebo. Postoperative pain scores were checked at the 1[st], 3[rd], 6[th], 12[th] and 24[th] hours after the operation by a Visual Analog Scale [VAS] pain assessment scoring system. To present the results Mean [ +/- SD] was used and the P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups for basic variables. Pain reported by the first group who received intra-articular magnesium sulfate solution was significantly less at the 1st hour postoperatively, than the other group [8.7 +/- 1.05 vs 5.53 +/- 1.91, respectively]. Also, at the 6[th] and 12[th] hours postoperatively, the difference was significant [p<0.0001]; but it was not at the 2[nd] 18[th] and 24[th] hours, postoperatively, in comparison to the group who received placebo [p>0.3]. In patients undergoing general anesthesia for arthroscopic knee surgery, intra-articular magnesium sulfate solution significantly reduced pain in the first few hours after the surgery

[Transfusion of unmatched packed cells in a life threatening emergency case]

In some emergencies, blood transfusion is required while there is no time for crossmatching, antibody screening, and ABO/Rh typing. O negative blood can be used when there is not sufficient time for crossmatch. A 68-year-old woman was transferred to the hospital cause of trauma. Due to her hemorrhage and paleness, intravenous isotonic fluids followed by 1 unit of O negative, 2 units of B positive, and 2 units of AB positive packed RBCs were administered. Her blood group was determined to be AB positive. She had neither any hemolytic symptoms nor any other problems and was discharged from the hospital. In emergencies when there is not enough time for crossmatching and antibody screening, O negative blood can be administered

Passive immunization with candida albicans antiproteinase as a prophylactic tool against the candidiasis

Life threating fungal disease is now a frequent substantial of' the Immunocomprimised host population. Candida infection has risen throughout the era of antibiotics and immunosuppressive chemotherapy. To highlight the need for- alternative immunprophlactic tool .Therefore the need to develop prophylactic or therapeutic immunoglobulin against candidacies 12.5 mg/ml. of Candida albicans proteinase enzyme was injected S/C into a group of five rabbits weighing 3 Kg. with complete Freund's adjuvant. Antisera were collected from the animals after 28 days. 0.2 ml of this antisera given I/V into two group of rabbits; followed by 0.1 ml of the antiserum one of these groups as control. the 2[nd] group challenged with 2.8*I0

case report of a systematic error in blood transfusion

Hemolytic transfusion reactions have been one of the most common causes of transfusion related mortalities and morbidities. Increased vigilance and use of newer technologies could lead in decreased rate of complications. A 19-year-old man with a broken leg, under anesthesia and surgery, received 2 packs of RBCs. Afterwards, he admitted in the intensive care unit of the hospital for supportive care. Later assessments revealed that the transfused blood, confirmed by the hospital blood bank, had not been really isogroup. Transfusion related medical errors are still inducting a considerable rate of mortality and morbidity in our health system. Systematic approaches [including enhancement of the role of hospital transfusion committees] to lower these complications could lead in decreased rate of errors

Ultracellular changes in cryptococcus at non-permissive temperature

Actively growing cultures of Cryptococcus diffluens at 27°C were shifted to 37°C at early logarithmic phase. Ultrathin section of theses cells were examined by electron microscopy at different intervals. Within a few hours cells showed swelling of mitochondria and accumulation of fat like vacuoles. Twelve hours later changes in cell membrane were seen, followed by lamellated structures filling intracellular space with many dense particles. More drastic changes were noted 48 hrs after the shift, such as discontinuity of the plasma membrance and loss of cell contents

Acne vulgaris, a clinical study with special reference to diet and testosterone level

One hundred and fifty seven acne vulgaris patients [102 females, and 55 males] were studied. The range of their age was 12-30 years [mean 20.4 years]. The disease is more severe in males, while it is more common in females. Family history seems to have an important role in this disease. Sixty Seven% of the females showed premenstrual exacerbation of their acne. However they had a normal testosterone Ievel Restriction of carbohydrate and fatty rich diet improved clinical conditions of these patients