Isolation and identification of molds flora in external genital tract of healthy mares

Background: Microorganisms are responsible for development of many diseases, which directly or indirectly affect reproductive performance in mares, like various animal species. Fungi are present at mucous membranes of reproductive tract as mycoflora in warm blooded animals

Objectives: The aim of this study was isolation and identification of molds of external reproductive tract in mares

Methods: Samples were collected from genital tract of 151 mares in different ages from horse breeding farms and clubs suburb of Tehran from April to December, 2014. Age, pregnancy, insemination and mating were recorded. Samples were taken by sterile cotton swabs from 3 different sites, [1] vestibule, [2] clitoral fossa and [3] vagina and transferred under cold condition to the laboratory of Mycology Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran,Iran. Samples were inoculated in Sabouraud glucose agar supplemented with antibiotic [chlor-amphenicol; 0.005] and kept at 30°C for 10-15 days before being considered negative. Fungal identification relied on morphologic and physiologic features. SPSS Version 20 was used for statistical analysis of the data

Results: Totally, 666 filamentous fungi colonies were isolated. Maximum colony [CFUs] were 20 and 37 colonies for each site and horse, respectively. In total, 81.5 percent of mares and 48.3 percent of different sites were positive. The most predominant isolates were Aspergillus spp 362[54.35%], Scopulariop-sis 93[13.96%], Cladosporium 35[5.25%], Penicillium 31[4.65%], Alternaria 26[3.90%], Fusarium 20[3.03%]. Aspergillus took high occurrence with 362 and A. fumigatus with 156 colonies followed by Scopulariopsis 93, Cladosporium 35 and Pencillium 31. A. fumigatus had significant difference among other fungi p<0.05. Among sites, 39.51% for filamentous fungi and 8.17% for both filamentous fungi and yeasts were positive.265

Conclusions: Isolated filamentous fungi could be resident flora of external reproductive tract of mares. These saprophytic pathogen fungi in predisposing conditions could be causative agents of endometritis and infertility in mares

Distribution of ABO blood groups and rhesus factor in a Large Scale Study of different cities and ethnicities in Khuzestan province, Iran

Background: The demand for blood and blood products has increased due to advances in medical science, population growth and increased life expectancy. This has increased the need for various blood groups in Khuzestan province because of the higher incidence of thalassemia and other blood transfusion dependent disorders in this province

Aim of the study: Due to the presence of various ethnic groups in Khuzestan province, several types of blood components are required. Knowing the distribution of blood groups in different blood collection centers and tribes is vital for proper object oriented blood collection

Subjects and methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of 29,922 donors visiting Ahvaz transfusion center, affiliated centers and mobile teams [except for teams established in garrisons] during three months in 2014. Forward and reverse blood grouping was conducted based on hemagglutination and hemolysis reactions. Data analysis was done by Chi-square test using SPSS software

Results: The highest percentage of blood groups in Khuzestan province was related to blood group O [40.21%] with the highest prevalence in Izeh and the lowest in Shadegan. The second most prevalent group was A for which Ramhormoz and Bandar-e Emam Khomeini had the highest percentage, and AB blood group had the lowest percentage and was most frequent in Shadegan. Moreover, blood group B was the most prevalent after group O among different ethnicities except for Bakhtiaris

Conclusion: Our study showed ethnicity-related prevalence. Overall, the blood group O had the highest prevalence and AB the lowest percentage among the ethnicities, indicating a significant difference with studies in other parts of the world

[Effect of 8 weeks aerobic training and peanut consumption on lipoprotein serum levels in overweight and obese men]

Obesity and saturated fat diet have a negative effect on plasma lipoproteins. The best therapeutic regiment for the treatment of obesity and reduction of serum lipoproteins is a diet containing non-saturated fatty acids accompanied with aerobic exercise. This study was carried to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks aerobic training and peanut consumption on serum Lipoproteins levels in overweight and obese men. This semi-experimental study was done on 36 obese males with age of 41.82 +/- 3.4yr, BMI: 32.38 +/- 2.50 kg/m2 in North of Iran during 2009. Subjects were divided in three equal groups: aerobic interval training, peanut consumption aerobic, interval training and control. Peanut consumption Training group were consumed 50gr peanuts daily. Prior and after training period, serum lipoproteins levels of subjects were evaluated. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16, ANOVA and LSD tests. There was a significant differences between the reduction of total mean serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins in experiment group II [aerobic interval training and peanut] compare to other groups [P<0.05]. Aerobic interval training plus peanut regiment reduce lipoprotein and specifically triglyceride and low-density lipoproteins in overweight and obese men

Health observatories in Iran

The Islamic Republic of Iran, in her 20 year vision by the year 2025, is a developed country with the first economic, scientific and technological status in the region, with revolutionary and Islamic identity, inspiring Islamic world, as well as effective and constructive interaction in international relations. Enjoying health, welfare, food security, social security, equal opportunities, fair income distribution, strong family structure; to be away from poverty, corruption, and discrimination; and benefiting desirable living environment are also considered out of characteristics of Iranian society in that year. Strategic leadership towards perceived vision in each setting requires restrictive, complete and timely information. According to constitution of National Institute for Health Researches, law of the Fifth Development Plan of the country and characteristics of health policy making, necessity of designing a Health Observatory System [HOS] was felt. Some Principles for designing such system were formulated by taking following steps: reviewing experience in other countries, having local history of the HOS in mind, superior documents, analysis of current production and management of health information, taking the possibilities to run a HOS into account. Based on these principles, the protocol of HOS was outlined in 3 different stages of opinion poll of informed experts responsible for production on management of information, by using questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions. The protocol includes executive regulations, the list of health indicators, vocabulary and a calendar for periodic studies of the community health situation

[National and sub national mortality effects of metabolic risk factors and smoking in Iran: a comparative risk assessment]

Mortality from cardiovascular and other chronic diseases has increased in Iran. Our aim was to estimate the effects of smoking and high systolic blood pressure [SBP], fasting plasma glucose [FPG], total cholesterol [TC], and body mass index [BMI] on mortality and life expectancy, nationally and sub-nationally using representative data and comparable methods. We used data from the Non-Communicable Disease Surveillance Survey to estimate means and standard deviations for the metabolic risk factors, nationally and by region. Lung cancer mortality was used to measure cumulative exposure to smoking. We used data from the death registration system to estimate age-, sex-, and disease-specific numbers of deaths in 2005, adjusted for incompleteness using demographic methods. We used systematic reviews and meta-analyses of epidemiologic studies to obtain the effect of risk factors on disease specific mortality. We estimated deaths and life expectancy loss attributable to risk factors using the comparative risk assessment framework. In 2005, high SBP was responsible for 41,000 [95% uncertainty interval: 38,000, 44,000] deaths in men and 39,000 [36,000, 42,000] deaths in women in Iran. High FPG, BMI, and TC were responsible for about one-third to one-half of deaths attributable to SBP in men and/or women. Smoking was responsible for 9,000 deaths among men and 2,000 among women. If SBP were reduced to optimal levels, life expectancy at birth would increase by 3.2 years [2.6, 3.9] and 4.1 years [3.2, 4.9] in men and women, respectively; the life expectancy gains ranged from 1.1 to 1.8 years for TC, BMI, and FPG. SBP was also responsible for the largest number of deaths in every region, with age-standardized attributable mortality ranging from 257 to 333 deaths per 100,000 adults in different regions. Management of blood pressure through diet, lifestyle, and pharmacological interventions should be a priority in Iran. Interventions for other metabolic risk factors and smoking can also improve population health

Life expectancy at birth in rural areas based on corrected data of the Iranian vital horoscope

Life expectancy at birth as an alternative summary measure of mortality represents number of years which a newborn will be alive based on the current age specific death rates. As it summarizes death rates across all age range in a given population is the most common summary measure of mortality. The aim of this study was to correct death rates for underreport and estimate life expectancy at birth in rural population of Iran in 2008. In addition, this study aimed to assess the Vital Horoscope system's data quality. Data were obtained from all Health Houses in Iranian villages in 2008. In order to adjust over 5 years old death rates for underreport, we used Brass Growth Balance method. Since this method is not applicable to under 5 years old, we used child mortality rates projected based on the Iranian Demographic and Health survey 2000 to correct death rates. Adjusted life expectancy at birth for males was 71.5 year and for females was 74.4 year. Completeness of the death data was 88% for males and 79% for females. Adjusted child [under 5] mortality rate by sex in males and females was 25.9 and 23.8 per 1000 live births respectively. Adult mortality for males was 167.2 and 98.3 for females per 1000. Data based on Vital Horoscope system are a suitable source to estimate life expectancy and other mortality statistics. Also has an acceptable completeness on death registration. Further studies to investigate accuracy of data from the Vital Horoscope system are suggested

Evaluation of chronic hepatitis B infection in patients with seronegative HbsAg

It is estimated that about 370 million people are chronic carriers of HBV worldwide. Apparently 3% of Iranian populations are chronic carriers of this virus. We aimed to evaluate the viral DNA in biological fluids of chronic hepatitis patients compared to a control group. The current case-control study was designed to evaluate the viral DNA in biological fluids of 70 chronic hepatitis patients compared to a control group using ELISA, PCR and Real Time. All individuals [100%] in case group were HBsAg positive while in control group only 2 individuals [2.8%] were HBsAg positive. Three individuals, in control group were positive using PCR and Real Time PCR indicating that about 7% of those in control group were chronic carriers of HBV. The interesting point was the copy of viral DNA; [5.49 x104, 2.162x103and 7.26x106] for 3 chronic carriers using sera while it was about [5.71x103, 1.45x102 and 2.56x105] using ear cerumen confirming the necessity of investigating for the carriers of HBV in different biological fluid and by different methods. It can be concluded chronic carriers of hepatitis B are much more than what is diagnosed by routine diagnostic tests. On the other hand ELISA alone can not be relied on as a complete test for screening of chronic carriers in hepatitis B. PCR and Real Time PCR are more reliable tests for this purpose

[Pattern of drowning and its burden in northern provinces of Iran [Gilan and Mazandaran] in 2008]

Drowning is a major and serious public health problem in the northern provinces of Iran. It has significant opportunities for prevention. The aim of this study was to review the epidemiological pattern and burden of drowning in northern area f Iran. To examine the incidence and characteristics of drowning in recreational water settings, we analyzed all available data from death registry in 2008 year in Mazandaran and Gilan provinces, located in north of Iran, through a retrospective study. Collective form was based on standard World Health Organization and then the burden of drowning was calculated. During 2008, 158 indigenous [88.6% male and 11.4% female] people from these provinces died due to drowning. The mean age of the drowned was 26.4 [SD=16.2] years. The drowning death rate was 2.9 per 100,000 population in two provinces. Most of cases [85.4%] of drowning occurred in sea and majority of death was in August [29.7 percent]. Number of years lost was 4110 equivalent of 76.1 per 100,000 respectively. Most DALYs was seen to age group 10-19 years. It is highly recommended the findings of this project should be considered for any future preventive plan by health authorizes in those provinces

[Trends of alterations in disparities of mortality in rural areas of different provinces [Iran, 1993-2008]]

Reduction of health inequalities is one of the main objectives of health systems. To attain this objective, special methods for measurement of inequalities are required. This study was performed to assess the trends of disparities of death indices in rural areas of Iran's provinces in a period of 15 years from 1993 to 2008, by use of highest to lowest rate ratio [RR] and index of disparity [ID[isp]]. In this study, we used the data extracted from vital horoscopes or 'Zij' of rural areas in provincial and district areas to study the trend of alterations in disparities of mortality. We estimated the annual index of disparity [ID[isp]] and highest-to-lowest mortality rate ratio [RR] for every index; and the trend of alterations was studied in a period of 15 years. In spite of the regular decreasing trend of mortality indices, the trend of alterations of ID[isp] for NMR, IMR, and U5MR was irregular at different times. The ID[isp] for CDR was increasing. The RRs indices had irregular trends. In spite of obvious improvement in all indices studied in this country, the trends of alterations in disparities of mortality indices were not desirable. We concluded new policies and programs are required to decrease health disparities between provinces

[Synthesis and evaluation of 4-fleuroamodiaquine, a novel antimalarial drug against sensitive and resistant strains of plasmodium falciparum]

Resistance to chloroquine [CQ] in Plasmodium falciparum malaria has become a major health concern in the developing countries. This problem has prompted investigators for finding alternative antimalarials that may be effective against resistant strains. Amodiaquine [AQ] is an antimalarial which is effective against many choloroquine-resistant strains of P. falciparum. However, clinical use of AQ has severely been restricted because of its hepatotoxicity and agranulocytosis side effects. The aim of this study was to design and examine the effects of new analogues of amodiaquine. A successful four-step synthesis of a new series of 4-fluoro analogues was designed and applied to the synthesis of an array of 10 analogues. Antimalarial activity of these agents was assessed against chloroquine-resistant [TM6] and sensitive strains [3D7] of P. falciparum. Several analogues have shown potent antimalarial activity against sensitive 3D7 strain of the parasite. The 6h analogue was superior to the pyrollidino analogue 6b against all of the strains examined. The N-tert butyl analogue 6b was potent against choloroquine resistant strains, though it was not quite as active as amodiaquine [AQ] against both chloroquine sensitive and resistant parasites. From the different analogues made, it was shown that the analogue 6h was more potent than the others. However, this analogue has equal or slightly less potent than amodiaquine and chloroquine against P. falciparum. Further studies on the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of 6h are recommended

[Oral manifestations of Crohn's disease in an 11 year old boy; report of a case]

An 11 year old boy was referred to Mashhad dental school for his several oral ulcers with recurrences from 4 years ago. After clinical examinations, the diagnosis was recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Laboratory findings showed anemia, a high degree of ESR and positive CRP. Moreover, he suffered from periodic abdominal pain after eating and loss of weight. This associated clinical signs and laboratory changes required more comprehensive search about possible systemic diseases which can have similar oral manifestations. So, with this objective, he was referred to a specialist for considering his digestive signs. The findings of the colonoscopy revealed that all of the colon was normal but there was increased thickening as well as edema of the terminal mucosa. In the transit of the small bowel, thinning of the distal ileum and loop of geogenum were seen. Also, an increase of the terminal ileum loop was shown. In the serologic finding [ASCA], Anti-Saccharomyces Cervisia was positive. Due to the pain of ankle's leg which then occurs in the sacral region, a decrease of bone density was seen in the MRI. All of these finding approve our strong suspicion to Crohn's disease. Now, he is under treatment by a gastroenterologist

Can stereological studies be helpful in differentiating biliary atresia from neonatal hepatitis?

Cholestatic jaundice is a potentially dangerous condition which is often misdiagnosed by paediatricians as physiological or breast milk jaundice. The two most common causes of neonatal cholestasis [NC] are biliary atresia [BA] and neonatal hepatitis [NH]. Early and accurate differentiation of these two entities is very important as early surgery in BA improves the biliary drainage but the delay leads to irreversible hepatocellular damage. There has been much discussion over the value of hepatobiliary radioisotopic scans, liver histopathological features, serum g-glutamyl transpeptidase [GGTP] levels, and other tests which are widely used for differentiation of BA from NH. Stereology provides practical techniques for extracting quantitative information about a threedimensional material from measurements made on two-dimensional planar sections of the tissues. We suggest that the stereological study of different components of liver tissue may be useful in determining the function of liver and differentiating some liver diseases such as biliary atresia and neonatal hepatitis

Penetrating apex cardiac trauma

Penetrating cardiac trauma is a medical emergency and should be managed as soon as possible. There are some different causes of cardiothoracic injury, which gun and stab wounds are the most important direct cause of penetrating cardiac trauma. Depending on the wound size, penetrating cardiac trauma causes different clinical manifestations. Small stab wounds lead to cardiac tamponade, meanwhile severe hemorrhage and shock are reported for gun wounds. A 45 years old man was admitted with complaints of dyspnea, weakness and severe hemorrhage during a dispute. There were two wounds on the thorax the first wound was in 5th intercostal space at left mid clavicle and the second was in 10th intercostal space at left mid axillary. Breath sounds were going to diminish in the left base. After performing CPR in emergency room, the patient was sent to operation room immediately. In operation room a left thoracotomy was performed. There was a bleeding area on apex. Apex rupture and pericardial rupture were repaired and bleeding was controlled. After 48 hours echocardiography and chest x-rays were normal and the patient was discharged in good conditions after 7 days

[Comparison between CRP and prognosis of patient with CVA in MCA [superior branch] on Golestan hospital admitted patients [2006-2007]]

Regarding to the point that CVA is one of major reasons of mortality in aged people; and various studies about role of CRP in the disease prognosis has been done, in the study we have tried to analyze relation ship between CRP Level during bedridden period and disability rate of patient after a month. The research has been gained via studying on 50 patients [27 men.23 women], which by ischemic Cerebral attack in middle cerebral artery pathway [upper branch] regarding to description, clinical examination and cerebral C.T. Scan of Patient have been confirmed to bed. Age average of the patients is 60-80 years old, which regarding to biochemical test of blood at the time of referral to hospital has been divided into two groups: positive CRP [Ml, infectious and inflammatory disease must be rule out] and negative CRP. At the time of bedridden motor function examination, has been recorded in emergency; and after a month. Motor function of patients has been recorded again, [by referring to their homes]. It is clear that both groups had a same treatment care during one month. Muscular force in CVA patients, before treatment, which had positive CRP in comparison with Muscle force patients before treatment with negative CRP had no meaningful difference [P<0.765]. Muscular force had no meaningful difference a month after treatment in patients with positive CRP in comparison with negative CRP [P<0.262], but changes of muscular force before treatment and a month after treatment was meaningful in patients with positive CRP [P<0.014], and muscular force improvement of negative CRP patients was more obvious. Regarding to the point that in the above research it is cleared those CVA patients. Who had positive CRP in comparison with the patients who had negative CRP, had worse prognosis, and so it seems that role of inflammatory elements in prognosis of CVA patients is considerable and analyzable. It is clear that by Considering CRP factor, we may get new treatment strategies

[Comparison between quadruple therapy and triple therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with chronic dyspepsia]

Helicobacter pylori treatment is advised in all cases of chronic dyspepsia recently but despite several new drugs, treatment failure is probable yet and the choice method to eradicate Hpylori is contraversial. We studied all patients with chronic dyspepsia who referred to endoscopic ward of Imam Reza hospital. After demonstration of Helicobacter pylori infection by rapid urea's test [RUT], these cases were divided into two groups randomly. The first group was treated by Metronidazole, Amoxicillin and Omeprazole and the second group was treated by previous drugs plus Bismuth Substrate for 2 weeks. Then drug side effects were asked during the first and second week and Helicobacter pylori eradication was evaluated by UBT [Urea Breath test] six weeks after the treatment. Among 56 cases in this study 39.3% were male and 60.7% were female and 41-50 years cases were more frequent. 27 cases [48.2%] were treated by triple therapy and 29 patients [51.8%] were treated by quadruple therapy. Most common symptoms during the first week were abdominal pain and flatulence but during the second week the common side effect was flatulence. Although, treatment side effects were rare in the second week and only 25% of patients had significant symptom. Finally the total treatment success rate was 49% and Helicobacter pylori was eradicated according to UBT in 50% by triple therapy and 48% by quadruple therapy. The difference between two methods was not significant, although treatment success ratio was higher in young people. Triple therapy [Omeprazole, Amoxicillin and Metronidazole] is an effective regimen for the first line therapy in eradication of Helicobacter pylori especially in young people

Awareness, treatment and control of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes mellitus in an Iranian population: the IHHP study

We used data from the baseline survey from the Isfahan Healthy Heart Programme to determine the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes among a representative samples of 12 514 adults living in 3 cities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes was 17.3%, 66.3% and 5.6% respectively. Awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were 40.3%, 35.3%, and 9.1% respectively. The rates for dyslipidaemia were 14.4%, 7.1% and 6.5% respectively, and 54.6% of diabetics were aware of their disease and 46.2% were under treatment

effect of patellar taping on knee joint proprioception in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Proprioception has been found to have a relation to subjective knee function and patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome [PFPS] seem to have larger deficits than asymptomatic individuals little is known about whether taping can restore defects in proprioception or by which mechanisms it can improve anterior knee pain. To determine the effect of patellar taping on knee joint proprioception a pre and post intervention repeated measures design was conducted on 25 male with PFPS [23.6 +/- 3.04 years] and 25 healthy male [23.5 +/- 3.1 years]. Active angle reproduction, passive angle reproduction, and threshold to detection of passive movement tests were measured. Each of the tests was done under taped and no-taped conditions in 20 and 60 degree of knee flexion. We found significant difference between taped and no-taped conditions in active angle reproduction test for both groups [P < 0.05]. The other tests did not show any significant difference [P > 0.05]. Obtained results suggest that patellar taping may improve knee proprioception during active angle reproduction. Two groups could benefit from taping but further researches are needed to determine whether the present results are applicable to other situations or not

[Effect of lactobacillus acidophilus on adults habitual constipation in gastrointestinal clinic of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad: a pilot study]

Constipation is a common problem in elderly subjects. Probiotics have been suggested to improve intestinal motility and to reduce fecal enzyme activity. In this study, the effect of lactobacillus acidophilus tablets on elderly subjects was compared with placebo. Elderly subjects [n = 48] with chief complaint of constipation were enrolled in a randomly double-blind study. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: control group, receiving placebo every 8 hours for one month, and study group, receiving lactobacillus acidophilus tablet every 8 hours for one month. Subjects with lactose intolerance and other pathologic conditions were omitted. At the end of 4 weeks, all subjects were questioned on the relief of constipation and other symptoms. Response to treatment and complications were compared between the two groups. In subjects receiving lactobacillus acidophilus, 50%[13 subjects] responded well and had relief of constipation, 23.1%[6 subjects] showed relative response and 26.9%[7 subjects] did not respond. In subjects receiving placebo, 40% [6 subjects] had relief of constipation, 13.3% [2 subjects] responded relatively well and in 46.7% [7 subjects] no response was seen [p=0.388]. New signs were observed in 5 subjects [19.2%] receiving lactobacillus acidophilus and 1 subject [6.7%] receiving placebo. After 4 weeks, 2 subjects [7.7%] receiving lactobacillus acidophilus and 1 subject [6.7%] receiving placebo re-experienced constipation. Some relief of constipation could be observed with lactobacillus acidophilus tablets, but there was no significant difference between the two groups

Evaluation of the Quit and Win contest for smoking cessation in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Quit and Win is an international biannual smoking cessation contest. Although more than 70 countries participate, few are from the Eastern Mediterranean Region. This study evaluated 4 Quit and Win campaigns in Isfahan province, Islamic Republic of Iran, from 1998 to 2004, documenting participation rates, self-reported 1-month and 1-year abstinence rates and related factors. Participation rates among smokers ranged from 0.7%-2.4% of the smokers in Isfahan. One-month quit rates varied from 41.8% in 1998 to 92.8% in 2004. At 1-year follow-up, self-reported quit rates varied from 22.5% in 1998 to 91.2% in 2004. This model was found to be feasible and successful in our community, and can be implemented in other low-and middle-income countries