Genomic diversity of Clostridium perfringens strains isolated from food and human sources

Clostridium perfringens is a serious pathogen which causes enteric diseases in domestic animals and food poisoning in humans. Spores can survive cooking processes and play an important role in the possible onset of disease. In this study, RAPD-PCR and REPPCR were used to examine the genetic diversity of 49 isolates of C. perfringens type A from three different sources. The results of RAPD-PCR revealed the most genetic diversity among poultry isolates, while human isolates showed the least genetic diversity. Cluster analysis obtained from RAPD-PCR and based on the genetic distances split the 49 strains into five distinct major clusters [A, B, C, D, and E]. Cluster A and C were composed of isolates from poultry meat, cluster B was composed of isolates from human stool, cluster D was composed of isolates from minced meat, poultry meat and human stool and cluster E was composed of isolates from minced meat. Further characterization of these strains by using [GTG] 5 fingerprint repetitive sequence-based PCR analysis did not show further differentiation between various types of strains. In conclusion, RAPD-PCR method seems to be very promising for contamination source tracking in the field of food hygiene

Electromy ographic responses of vastus muscles to dynamic postural perturbations in athletes with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Background and Aim: Patellofemoral pain syndrome [PFPS] is among the most common musculoskeletal disorders in the athletes and active individuals

Observation of muscular responses to unexpected perturbations is one of the most common methods to evaluate the neural strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the EMG response of vastus muscles to dynamic postural perturbations in the athletes with PFPS

Material and Method: This study included 10 male athletes with PFPS and 10 healthy male athletes. NPRS scale was used to assess pain. EMG activity of VMO and VL muscles measured during dynamic postural perturbation. The EMG signals were collected using a 16-channel BTS-FREEEMG 300 system, manufactured in Italy. Independent-1 test was used for data analysis

Results: RMS values for VMO and VL muscles in PFPS group, were higher than the corresponding values of the control group by 33.59% and 33.35% respectively, in the forward postural perturbation. There was a significant difference in VL muscle RMS values between the two groups [P=0.04]

RMS values for VMO and VL muscles in PFPS group were higher than those of the control group by 38% and 49.52% respectively, in the backward postural perturbation and there was a significant difference in VL muscle RMS values between the two groups [P=0.04]

Conclusion: The results showed that valtus muscles were more active in response to dynamic postural perturbation in the athletes with PFPS in comparison to the healthy athletes

Patellofemoral pain syndrome and in general joint disorders can lead to dysfunction in the whole sensory-motor system

Therefore, instead of focusing on local symptoms we should examine the whole body in sensory-motor system dysfunction

Identification of Coxiella burnetii by touch-down PCR assay in unpasteurized milk and dairy products in north - east of Iran

Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of the zoonotic disease Q fever, and ruminants being considered as the main source for human infection. Although the main route of infection in human is inhalation of contaminated aerosols, oral transmission by contaminated raw milk or unpasteurized dairy products is also a possible route of infection. Raw milk or dairy products produced from unpasteurized milk may contain virulent C. burnetii. This study aimed to determine the contamination rate of milk and unpasteurized dairy products with C. burnetii. Touch-down PCR was used to examine the presence of C. burnetii on 147 dairy product samples collected from local traditional and commercial markets in Mashhad-Khorasan Razavi province- Iran. 2 of 28 [7.14%] cheese samples, 2 of 26 [7.69%] yoghurt samples, 8 of 23 [34.78%] sheep milk samples, and 2 of 60 [3.33%] cow milk samples were found to be positive for C. burnetii DNA. However, 10 goat milk samples were found to be negative. The results of this study indicate that the clinically healthy dairy livestock and their dairy products are important sources of C. burnetii infection

Modeling the effects of Bunium persicum [Black Zira] essential oil, pH, inoculums size and temperature on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes

Listeriosis is acknowledged as a major foodborne disease throughout the world caused by Listeria monocytogenes. Different factors can affect the growth of food borne microbial pathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of different concentrations of Bunium persicum essential oil [EO] [0%, 0.08%, 0.16%, 0.24%], three incubation temperatures [35ºC, 25ºC, 4ºC], three levels of pH [5, 6, 7] and two inoculum sizes [103 and 105 cfu ml-1] on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in brain heart infusion [BHI] broth. To evaluate effects of explanatory variable on time to detection [TTD] of bacterial growth, parametric survival models based on the log normal distribution were used. All explanatory variables had significant association with TTD [P<0.05]. The final model accurately predicted the growth initiation and inhibition of L. monocytogenes. Key words: Listeria monocytogenes, Black Zira essential oil, Time to detection, Modeling

Intestinal colonization of different Brachyspira spp. in laying hens

Avian intestinal spirochetosis [AIS] is caused by spiral-shaped Gram-negative Brachyspira spp. in poultry. It is known as a cause of diarrhea, low egg production, and increased occurrence of dirty eggs in layer hens. In this study, the presence of some Brachyspira spp. was investigated in laying hens. A total of 100 cloacal swab samples were individually collected from 20 laying hen flocks showing fecal egg staining in northeast of Iran. Using culture and morphologic examination, 41 samples [41%] from 20 flocks were positive; however, by using genus-specific PCR, only 37 [37%] samples were confirmed as Brachyspira spp. Using species-specific primers, single colonization was identified in 18 samples associated with B. pilosicoli [48.6%], while single colonization with B. intermedia was found in only two samples [5.4%]. Simultaneous colonization by B. intermedia and B. murdochii was detected in 3 samples [8.1%]. B. pilosicoli was the most prevalent species in concurrent colonization in 11 cases [29.7%]. Finally, cocolonization by B. intermedia and B. innocens was identified in 3 samples [8.1%]. The results of this study showed the colonization of different species of Brachyspira with dominance of B. pilosicoli in layer hens

Isolation and identification of Helicobacter pullorum from caecal content of broiler chickens in Mashhad, Iran

The presence of Helicobacter pullorum in intestinal tract of broiler chickens may be a potential risk for human health. In this study, a total of 100 caecal samples of broilers carcasses from 20 flocks at a poultry abattoir in Mashhad suburb were tested for the presence of H. pullorum using modified conventional culture method by combination of culturing on Brucella sheep blood agar and a filtering technique. Suspected colonies were determined as H. pullorum using polymerase chain reaction [PCR] by amplifying a 447 bp fragment of the 16SrRNA gene of this bacteria. 41% of caecal content samples and samples from 12 broiler flocks [60%] were determined as positive for the presence of H. pullorum. This is the first report of H. pullorum in Iranian poultry flocks. The results showed high prevalence of this bacterium in broiler chickens in this area of Iran. It seems using combination of conventional culture method and PCR assay based on amplification from conserved genes allows reliable detection and identification of H. pullorum

PCR-based detection of cow and goat milk in sheep milk and dairy products marketed in Mashhad city of Iran

The extensive consumption of milk and dairy products makes these foodstuffs targets for potential adulteration with financial gains for unscrupulous producers. The aim of this study was using PCR assay to detect cow milk in labeled sheep milk, sheep yoghurt, and Lighvan cheese [a traditional ripened cheese produced from sheep's milk]. The assay utilized primers targeting the mitochondrial 12s and 16s rRNA gene. In this study, 35 samples of sheep milk, 35 samples of sheep yoghurt, and 35 samples of Lighvan cheese were purchased from different supermarkets in Mashhad city with different batch numbers. The results showed only 21 out of 105 [20%] samples contained pure sheep milk. Undeclared presence of cow and goat milk was detected in 33[31.5%] and 68[65%] of the 105 samples, respectively. It seems the PCR based analytical method is an applicable technique to monitor adulteration in dairy products

Seroepidemiology of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women referring to the reference laboratory of Zahedan, Iran [2011]

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most prevalent parasitic infections worldwide. Contamination of pregnant women with toxoplasmosis may cause fetal death, preterm delivery and congenital Toxoplasmosis. Due to importance of congenital Toxoplasmosis and the need of further study, this research was accomplished in Zahedan. The serum samples [N= 221] were collected from pregnant women referring to reference laboratory of Zahedan in 2011. The IgG and IgM antibody levels against toxoplasmosis were investigated using ELISA method. Out of all samples, 30.8% are IgG positive and 1.4% are both IgG and IgM positive. There is no significant difference between positive and negative groups using Chi-square tests. The main part of pregnant women in Zahedan [69.2%] is serologically negative against toxoplasmosis; therefore, hygiene education to eliminate risk factors especially during pregnancy period seems to be imperative

National guidelines for outbreak investigation: an evaluation study

This paper reports an independent epidemiological study to evaluate the validity of the results of an official investigation into an outbreak of gastroenteritis at a university campus in Yasuj, central-south Islamic Republic of Iran. The official report of the outbreak by the Department for Disease Control at the provincial health centre found only 65 cases over a 5-day period, all females, living in the student halls of residence. This contrasts with a questionnaire survey of 963 students at the same university, which found 395 students [192 males and 203 females], living in residences and at home, who reported at least 1 gastrointestinal symptom over a 12-week period. Within this period at least 2 outbreaks occurred. Such a large discrepancy between the official report and the current study suggests that the health services and the public may have been misled about the proper response to the outbreak.

[Knee extension syndrome: a focus on symptoms and treatments]

Anterior knee pain [AKP or AnKP] is one of the most common disorders of knee. Many studies have been implemented about anterior knee pain and effect of different treatments on this disorder. Todays, this general term has been divided and studied more closely. Knee extension syndrome is one of the common disorders in orthopedic and physical therapy that diagnosed with increased stiffness of quadriceps muscle and causes anterior knee pain. The purpose of this review article is to evaluate this disorder more closely. A literature search was carried out using MEDLINE and SCIENCE DIRECT cite and JOSPT journal database to assess existing literature about anterior knee pain. Furthermore, literatures about the different standpoints of anterior knee pain and effectiveness of different treatments and interventions of anterior knee pain and knee extension syndrome have been identified. Fifty articles have been surveyed: forty-two articles evaluated the effect of different treatments on anterior knee pain. Five articles evaluated the various aspects of anterior knee pain more closely and three ones related to knee extension syndrome. According to these studies results, the causes of anterior knee pain can be classified in two categories: 1] anterior knee pain associated with patellofemoral disorders and 2] anterior knee pain non-associated with patellofemoral disorders. The knee extension syndrome is the cause for anterior knee pain but non-associated with patellofemoral disorders. In this disorder, the tilt angle of patella could be increased and this factor can increase the patients' pain. In contrast to general belief that focuses on tensor fascia lata- ilotiobial band complex [TFL-ITB complex], the rectus femoris muscle stretching should be focused more, because the ilotiobial band has a less effect on patellar tilt

Multiple imputation to deal with missing clinical data in rheumatologic surveys: an application in the WHO-ILAR COPCORD study in Iran

The aim of the article is demonstrating an application of multiple imputation [MI] for handling missing clinical data in the setting of rheumatologic surveys using data derived from 10291 people participating in the first phase of the Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Disorders [COPCORD] in Iran. Five data subsets were produced from the original data set. Certain demographics were selected as complete variables. In each subset, we created a univariate pattern of missingness for knee osteoarthritis status as the outcome variable [disease] using different mechanisms and percentages. The crude disease proportion and its standard error were estimated sgscrately for each complete data set to be used as true [baseline] values for percent bias calculation. The parameters of interest were also estimated for each incomplete data subset using two approaches to deal with missing data including complete case analysis [CCA] and MI with various imputation numbers. The two approaches were compared using appropriate analysis of variance. With CCA, percent bias associated with missing data was 8.67 [95% CI: 7.81-9.53] for the proportion and 13.67 [95% CI: 12.60-14.74] for the standard error. However, they were 6.42 [95% CI: 5.56-7.29] and 10.04 [95% CI: 8.97-11.11], respectively using the MI method [M=15]. Percent bias in estimating disease proportion and its standard error was significantly lower in missing data analysis using MI compared with CCA [P< 0.05]. To estimate the prevalence of rheumatic disorders such as knee osteoarthritis, applying MI using available demographics is superior to CCA

Reliability of center of pressure measures during dynamic balance performance

Few studies have assessed the reliability of postural balance measures during dynamic balance performance that introduce additional challenging to postural control system. In addition sometimes in the static conditions some deficiencies of the postural control system may not be revealed obviously therefore the aim of this study was to assess the reliability of postural control parameters during functional performance on force plate in healthy subjects. Ten healthy male subjects [mean age: 25.4 years, weight: 68.2 kg height: 176.9cm] participated in this study. None of the subjects were involved in sport activities. Every subject performed three ISseconds trials of eyes open single leg stance on a force plate during dynamic balance task. Participants grasped object with hand at their waist level and release it at above shoulder level. The reproducibility of the center of pressure [COP] deviations [average speed and length of path] was assessed. All participants were tested on 2 sessions with an inter-measurement interval of 7 days. COP data was collected for each trial. The intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] was used as parameter of intra-session and inter-session [Test-Retest] reliability. The ICCs for intra-session reliability of average speed and length of COP path were 0.89 and 0.91 respectively. The ICCs for inter-session reliability were 0.95 and 0.96 respectively. The study showed high and very high reliability for center of pressure measures during dynamic balance task. Therefore this dynamic performance can be used as a balance pattern in postural control assessment.. These can be used as reliable parameters in dynamic postural control assessment due to high reliability of average speed and length of COP path

relationship between isokinetic squat and vertical jump in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed patients

For the rehabilitation program of the anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed patients [ACLR] strength and functional assessment and comparing with the uninvolved side is in great importance. Strength plays an important role in performing vertical jump moreover. It is performed in closed kinetic chain. Despite this importance, no information exists regarding the relationship on peak force of linear isokinetic and vertical jump score. The purposes of this study werel- To determine correlation between isokinetic squat and vertical jump in healthy and ACLR patients. 2- Comparing the peak force and vertical jump between the involved and uninvolved side of the ACLR patients. Twenty two ACLR patients with 6 months post-surgery and 16 healthy men participated in this study. Their isokinetic squat strength at the testing velocity of 25.4 cm/sec and vertical jump was measured. ACLR patients' peak force and vertical jump were significantly different between the involved and uninvolved side P<0.05. The findings showed low relationship [r=0.425] at the involved side between the vertical jump and peak force of squat, however, there was no relationship in the uninvolved side and the control group. Findings of this study indicate no relationship between vertical jump and peak force of squat. Both testing methods should be used since strength not always correlate strongly with physical performance. Closed kinetic chain isokinetic testing should be used for testing lower extremity strength, while vertical jump should be used to determine performance levels

Isolation and identification of Campylobacter jejuni from poultry carcasses using conventional culture methods and multiplex PCR assay

Campylobacter jejuni is a major cause of food-borne diarrhea in many countries. Poultry and poultry products are known as important sources of human campylobacteriosis. In this study, conventional culture and multiplex PCR methods were compared for the detection of C. jejuni isolated from poultry carcasses. A total of 100 samples, representing 20 broiler flocks, were collected from poultry carcasses after the evisceration stage in the processing line at a commercial broiler slaughtering facility in Mashhad, Iran. In the conventional culture method, samples were processed by enrichment followed by selective plating, and then suspected colonies were isolated on sheep blood agar and tested for morphology, motility, Gram staining, biochemical properties and hippurate hydrolysis activity. For the identification of the Campylobacter genus and its jejuni serovar by molecular methods, a multiplex PCR assay [m-PCR] with two sets of specific primers was used. In the hippurate hydrolysis test of suspected colonies, 76% of the samples were determined as positive, while in the m-PCR assay 28% of cultures harvested were identified as C. jejuni. Two percent of hippurate hydrolyze negative colonies were found positive in the m-PCR test. It appears that the conventional method, based on the hippurate hydrolysis test for detection of C. jejuni, is a less reliable test. The use of the m-PCR method, based on amplification from conserved genes, allows reliable detection and identification of C. jejuni

[Studying the effect of perturbation training on gait kinematics of patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury]

Anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] damage is the most common injury of knee. It can change gait kinematics. Neuromuscular training and perturbation treatment programs are supposed to be effective in modifying gait kinematics of patients with ACL damage. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of modified perturbation training protocol on gait kinematics in ACL deficient patients. Ten professional male athletes, between 18 and 45 years, with at least 6 and at most 24 months history of unilateral ACL rupture were enrolled in the study. Kinematics data of hip, knee and ankle joints were recorded using electrogoniameter device during walking before and after ten sessions of perturbation training. IKDC Subjective and Lysholm questionnaires scores were analyzed before and after training. IKDC Subjective and Lysholm questionnaires scores significantly improved after treatment [P=0.005]. Hip range of motion [P=0.02], peak flexion of hip [P=0.02], hip angle at stance phase [P=0.02] and peak dorsiflexion of ankle [P=0.03] were significantly increased after training. Perturbation training probably affects neuromuscular control and modifies feed-forward control, thus it can improve compensatory patterns of ACL deficient patients during gait. ACL deficient patients may adapt their problem with further use of hip joint and increasing hip flexion

[Isokinetic extension torque summation of lower extremity and functional test in patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency]

Knee joint has a major role in various lower extremity activities. Among different elements of knee joint complex; more interest was seen to anterior cruciate ligament because of its alignment, structural complications, more nerve receptors and susceptibility to injury. After injury of this ligament, knee extensor torque decreases but it is believed that this decrease compensated for by muscles of hip and ankle joints. This suggestion has not investigated by isokinetic studies. Therefore, the aim of this research was that if quadriceps muscle torque decreases in spite of rehabilitation process and if this decrease compensated for by hip extensors and ankle plantar flexors? 10 healthy men [age: 22-35 years old] and 10 patients with ACL deficiency [age: 23-42 years old] participated in this study. Plantar flexor muscle strength, quadriceps muscle strength and hip extensor muscle strength were tested by Isokinetic Biodex System 3 at 60 and 180 degrees of angular velocities. Also functional vertical jump test was done for each lower extremity. Will coxson test and Spearman correlation coefficient were used. Results showed that there was no significant difference between mean strength of gastrosoleus, hip extensors and sum of mean strength of gastrosoleus, quadriceps and hip extensors of patient's injured and sound limbs [P>0.05]. Results showed that there was significant difference between mean strength of quadriceps of injured and sound limbs [P> 0.01]. There was no relationship between gastrosoleus, quadriceps and hip extensor summation and vertical jump functional test in the patients and normal subjects [P>0.05]. The results show that compensation occurs in the ankle plantar flexors and hip extensors of injured lower extremity. Thus in spite of significant decrease in quadriceps strength in the injured limb, sum of mean strength of gastrosoleus, quadriceps and hip extensor muscles between injured and sound limbs was not statistically significant. Also there was no relationship between functional test and isokinetic parameters. Thus functional vertical jump test can not be used instead of isokinetic test

Identification of shiga toxin producing escherichia coli O157:H7 in raw cow milk samples from dairy farms in Mashhad using multiplex PCR assay

In this study 130 bulk tank milk samples which were delivered to the Pegah Pasturisation Factory in Mashhad were collected randomly during the summer months. Samples were firstly enriched in modified trypticase soy broth containing novobiocin, followed by plating onto sorbitol MacConkey agar supplemented with cefixine and potassium tellurite for isolation of Escherichia coli O157:H7. Consequently the suspected non-sorbitol fermenting [NSF] colonies were confirmed by biochemical tests as Escherichia coli and then were used for multiplex-PCR assay, using primers specific for O157 and H7 antigens genes and then primers specific for stxl and stx2 genes. NSF Escherichia coli colonies were recovered from 8 samples, and in multiplex-PCR assay one sample [0.77%] was confirmed as Escherichia coli O157:H7. The second multiplex PCR assay showed that the isolate was harboring the stx2 gene. The PCR assay used in this study may be a possible alternative to immunological assays which detect somatic and flagellar antigens. Besides, this procedure determines the potential of isolates for toxin production

Temporal stability of torque parameters and induced perception following muscle fatigue

Muscular fatigue is common problem that an athlete faces repeatedly during sport competition or therapeutic exercise. Undoubtedly, fatigue affects the precision of subjects' performance and limits the range of physical and sport activities. Muscle fatigue advantages and disadvantages have been reviewed in many previous studies. To challenge this controversy fatigue evaluation requires reliable, stable and precise methods of analysis itself. Researches on muscle strength and subject's perception of fatigue have been done in many studies. Therefore; researchers in this study focus on temporal stability of both subjective perception of fatigue and produced muscle torque after fatigue. Fifteen healthy female between 20-30 years of age, who at least had some non-professional light sporting activities once a week, volunteered in this research. Each of volunteers was evaluated in 3 different sessions. The first session was to familiarize the volunteers with the Isokinetic tests. For the main test, each of the volunteers was evaluated once and then after one week interval. At each session after warm up, perceived fatigue was measured using Visual Analog Scale. Then Average peak torque and average power maximal concentric Isokinetic of quadriceps were measured at the velocity of 60 degrees per second. To perform the fatigue protocol, subjects were asked to perform successive maximal quadriceps contractions until the three subsequent quadriceps torque output drop below 50 percent of maximal torque output. Afterwards, for re-measurement average peak torque, average power and perceived fatigue were evaluated similarly. The interaclass correlation coefficient [ICC] of average peak torque, average power and visual analog scale before performing fatigue protocol were calculated%81.6,%87.4 and%47.9 respectively. The repeated ICC after fatigue has estimated%59.9 >%64.4 and%96.6 respectively. This research demonstrated that Isokinetic temporal stability parameters were high before fatigue. In other words, both torque and power are reliable in two repetition times in a session, as well after one week interval between. After fatigue; the stability rate of torque and power recorded by Isokinetic were repeatable and this repeatability has been moderate to high. However; VAS showed a completely opposite results, in which before fatigue the stability of imagined local fatigue perception has been very low and was not significant, although after fatigue the VAS showed high repeatability

Reliability and minimal detectable change of foot arch height index device

This study was aimed to examine the reliability of a developed device measuring [arch height ratio] index. 40 feet [the right and left foot of 20 subjects] were measured. Foot length was measured from posterior aspect of calcaneus to the tip of longest toe and dorsum height was measured at the midpoint of total foot length. All measurements were assessed in three weight bearing conditions of 10, 50 and 90 percent of total body weight on three occasions [10 minutes and five days after the first measurement] by a single rater. Finally the arch height ratio index was calculated. The ICC values in different conditions of 10, 50 and 90 percent of total body weight in 10 minutes after the first measurement were calculated 0.96, 0.97 and 0.92 and in five days after the first measurement were calculated 0.97, 0.97 and 0.91. Minimal detectable change values of arch height ratio index in all conditions of measurement were 0.01. Simplicity of usage, low cost and high reliability of this device is highly recommended for clinical and research use

presence of Listeria monocytogenes in raw milk samples in Mashhad, Iran

The purpose of this preliminary study was to determine the prevalence of raw milk contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. In this study, 100 bulk tank milk samples were collected randomly and delivered to Pegah Pasteurization Factory in Mashhad. For isolation and identification of L. monocytogenes, the samples were first enriched using cold enrichment method in Listeria enrichment broth, followed by plating onto supplemented Oxford agar. For final identification of suspected colonies a multiplex-PCR assay, using two pair of primers was employed. The prs primers are specific for putative phophoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase [prs] gene of Listeria spp. and the LM lip1 primers are specific for prf A gene of its monocytogenes serovar. Using this method, the contamination of raw milk with L. monocytogenes was determined to be 4% and the sensitivity of the primers was 3.5 x 10[3] cfu ml[-1], and the specificity was determined to be 100%. Considering the high specificity and sensitivity of the employed multiplex-PCR assay, it is recommended to use this method for the identification of suspected colonies of Listeria spp. And L. monocytogenes