[Evaluation of demographic and behavioral characteristics of patients using non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory and combinatory drugs related with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding]

Background and Aim: Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] is the second most common cause of peptic-ulcer and a common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding [UGIB]. The aim of this study was to evaluate demographic and behavioral characteristics of the hospitalized patients with UGIB who had been using NSAIDs, in Tohid hospital in Sanandaj, in Iran

Material and Method: This descriptive, analytical study, included patients hospitalized in gastroenterology ward of Tohid Hospital due to UGIB and with history of using NSAIDs and related compounds [from February 2015 to February 2016]. We used a questionnaire to record demographic, social, cultural and clinical characteristics of the subjects. Endoscopy was performed to determine causes of UGIB. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software

Results: 60 patients were men [58.3%] and 43 were women [41.7%] with the mean age of 52.85+/-20.03. 8.4% of subjects had a family history of peptic ulcers in their first degree relatives, 26.9% and 6.8% had history of smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages respectively. 53.3% of the subjects had history of underlying disease of which chronic heart disease was the most frequent disorder [36%]. The most frequent drugs used by the patients were aspirin and ibuprofen [58.3% and 42.7%, respectively]. UGIB associated with aspirin use was more prevalent among the men than women. The main cause of bleeding [67%] was ulcer .There were no significant differences between causes of bleeding and use of NSAIDs, gender, age and age range of the patients. Also there was no significant difference in the mean age between both sexes [P> 0.5]

Conclusion: Considering the role of NSAIDs in UGIB, provision of necessary training for the correct use of NSAIDs [according to indications] and measures to eradicate H.Pylori infection will result in significant decrease in morbidity and mortality from UGIB in these patients

Hematological characteristics and reproduction indices of wild beluga [Huso huso] broodstocks from the southeast of the Caspian Sea

Hematological studies are valuable diagnostic techniques in the medical care of fish, reflecting the health condition and the effects of environmental factors on fish. Due to the high value of sturgeon fish and necessity to recover the brood stock, this study was done to provide data about hematological parameters and reproduction normative of wild brood stock beluga, Huso huso, from the southeast of the Caspian Sea. Hematological parameters including RBC, WBC, hematocrit, hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and differential leukocyte count were determined. In this regard, 7 male and 7 female wild broods were studied. Differences in mentioned parameters between genders were evaluated. The correlations among parameters were also determined. According to the results, the male fish had significantly higher WBC and lymphocyte and lower neutrophil compared to the females. Also, functional fecundity was 447000 +/- 157210 and weight of extracted oocytes was 35.4 +/- 3.78 mg/ cell. The oocytes' long diameter was 4.17 +/- 0.21mm and width diameter was 3.75 +/- 0.19 mm. Egg fertilization rate was 46.7 +/- 24.33%, and larvae weight was 25.48 +/- 1.56 mg. Hematological parameters of juvenile and fingerling reared beluga showed wide ranges, and there are differences in hematological parameters between reared and wild broodstock belugas. These findings highlight the importance of hematological study in wild beluga sturgeon

[ combined effect of lysozyme and zataria multiflora essential oil on vibrio parahaemolyticus]

Various studies have been conducted to show the effects of essences and enzymes on foodborne pathogens in culture media. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil and lysozyme alone and in combination on preventing growth of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in culture media. In this study, the MIC of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil and lysozyme, together and alone, on Vibrio parahaemolyticus, was determined by using macro and microdilution methods. The MIC of Zataria multiflora essential oil determined 0.01% and 0.02% by using macro and microdilution methods, respectively and lysozyme at 1000 mg/mL concentration could not inhibit the growth of V. parahaemolyticus. According to the results of current study, Zataria multiflora essential oil showed better results in comparison with lysozyme, moreover Applying lysozyme and essential oil together did not decrease MIC, but extended the latent phase of V. parahaemolyticus, which considered an important factor in microbiology

[ study on the effects of garlic essential oil on growth curve and TDH toxin production of vibrio parahaemolyticus]

Vibrio parahaemolyticus causes acute gastroenteritis associated with the consumption of contaminated raw or under cooked seafood. The virulence of vibrio parahaemolyticus is initially attributed to the production of a thermostable direct hemolysin [TDH]. The survey of different concentrations of garlic essential oil [Allium sativum] on MIC, MBC, growth curve and production of TDH toxin of vibrio parahaemolyticus. The effects of garlic essential oil at concentrations of 0, 0.005, 0.015, 0.03 and 0.045% on the MIC, MBC, growth curve and production of TDH toxin of vibrio parahaemolyticus were studied in BHI model. MIC and MBC of garlic essential oil was estimated 0.03%. The essential oil showed significant effect on toxin production, Titers of TDH production in 0 and 0.005% were 1/256 comparing to 1.64 in 0.015% concentration of EO. Concentrations of 0.005 and 0.015% of garlic essential oil reduced the bacterial growth rate significantly [p<0.05] compared to the control group. Garlic essential oil showed to be effective against bacterial growth and production of TDH toxin. Its potential application in food systems may be suggested

[Pathogenicity of Streptococcus iniae in Persian sturgeon [Acipenser persicus] fingerling]

Streptococcosis caused by Streptococcus iniae is one the most important bacterial diseases in aquaculture industry worldwide. This study was aimed to assess the experimental pathogenicity of Streptococcus iniae in Persian sturgeon [Acipenser persicus] fingerling. A number of 400 Persian sturgeon [Acipenser persicus] fingerling weighting 17 +/- 3 g were used. Fish were challenged with a virulent strain of Streptococcus iniae via both intraperitoneal and intramuscular injections at dosage of 4.7×106, 4.7×105, 4.7×104, 4.7×103, 4.7×102 cells/fish. Each treatment group included 12 fish in two replicates. Control fish received 0.1 mL per fish sterile normal saline [0.9% NaCl]. Clinically mortality started after 24 hours post-challenge and the affected fish showed listless, spiral swimming, spot haemorrhages on different parts of bodies particularly at the base of fins, the lateral line around the bone columns, on the base of barbells, mouth and around anal area. Also signs of abdominal distention, hyperemia of intestine, accumulation of bloody fluid in abdominal cavity, lordosis and scoliosis as well as hemorrhages in eyes were seen. The lethal concentration [LD50] of intraperitoneal injection was calculated 1.1×103, 8×103, 3.7×106 cells/fish after 48, 72 and 96 hours post-challenge, respectively. The LD50 of intramuscular injection was 4.8×102, 1.8×103 and 6.4×105 cells/fish at 48, 72 and 96 hours post-challenge, respectively [p<0.05]. No mortality or abnormal signs was seen in control fish up to 14 days post-experiment. The results of this study showed that Parisian sturgeon fingerling is highly susceptible to Streptococcosis

[Effect of Zataria multiflora boiss. essential oil on growth curve and shigatoxin 2 production of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7]

Zataria multiflora Boiss. is one of the Iranian traditional spices and it has antimicrobial effect on the pathogenic bacteria which are agents for some current foodborne intoxications. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Zataria multiflora Boiss. Essential oil on Escherichia coil 0157:H7. Minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC] of Zataria multiflora Boiss. Essential oil [EO] for Escherichia coil 0157:H7 at 35°C, the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of EO on growth curve of bacteria up to 24 hours at 25 and 35°C and also production of shigatoxin 2 [Stx2], at 35°C has been determined. MIC and MBC of EO which have been evaluated were 0.04 and 0.06%, respectively the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of EO on bacterial growth curve during 24 hours has been determined by spectrophotometer device at 25 and 35°C and also production of shigatoxin 2 [Stx2], at 35°C has been determined. Subihibitory concentrations of EO, significantly, decreased the production of Stx2 at 35°C in a dose dependent manner. The results showed that Zataria multiflora Boiss. Essential oil had inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and it can be used as a natural preservative in food industry

Study of methacholine positivity in patients with chronic cough at Masih Daneshvari hospital, Tehran, 2007-2008

While airways reactivity is among the characteristics of asthma, is not considered a sufficient condition diagnostically and the methacholine challenge is a non-specific diagnostic aid in cases of chronic cough and reactive airways disease. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the metacholine response positivity and diagnosis of asthma in patients with chronic cough presenting to a hospital in Tehran during 2007 and 2008. Of 101 patients with chronic cough [with no history of sinusitis, recent pulmonary infection, bronchitis, gasteroesophageal reflux or underlying pulmonary conditions], 51.5% showed reactive airways disease to the methacholine test, 40.6% were unreactive and 7.9% were indeterminate. A positive methacholine challenge test was positively correlated with new wheezing. Although the methacholine challenge test is not a primary test for evaluating chronic cough, if no other reason for chronic cough is found, it may be a guiding test for asthma

[ frequency of microscopic colitis in the patients with chronic diarrhea in Kurdistan province in 2009]

Microscopic colitis is a cause of chronic watery diarrhea which may be accompanied with abdominal pain and weight loss. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of microscopic colitis in the patients with chronic diarrhea in the subspecialty center in Sanandaj in 2009. This was a cross sectional study and included 115 patients with non-bloody chronic diarrhea in Sanandaj in 2009. Sampling method was census. Demographic data were recorded in a checklist for every patient. Then colonoscopy was performed and biopsy samples were obtained for pathological examination and determination of the type of colitis. Fifty patients [%43.4] had microscopic colitis [4.3 collagenous and%39.1 lymphocytic] and 65 patients [%56.6] had not this disease. Female to male ratio was 2 to 3. The majority of the patients were under 40 years of age and the mean values of the age of the patients with collagenous and lymphocytic colitis were 29 and 35.4 years respectively. The frequency of microscopic colitis [lymphocytic and collagenous] in the patients with non-bloody chronic diarrhea was high and the age of onset of this disease in Kurdistan was low, while in other parts of the world the disease occurs in the individuals over 50 years of age

[Hand dermatitis among staff in Loghman Hospital in Tehran]

An investigation of the prevalence of occupational hand dermatitis in Loghman Hakim, a large teaching hospital in Tehran, was conducted. Information concerning the presence of occupational hand dermatitis, frequency of hand-washing and glove consumption, duration of contact with glove and wet environment, past history of hand eczema, personal and family history of atopy, kind of ward, kind of used detergent, underling systemic disease, history of systemic drug consumption, duration of employment, cigarette consumption, and demographic factors [including age, gender, hobbies, and occupation] was collected via a questionnaire and physical examination by dermatologist. To determine the type of occupational hand dermatitis, allergic or irritant, patch test was performed. The prevalence of occupational hand dermatitis was found to be 44% in total population. No relationship was found between occupational hand dermatitis and age, hobbies, frequency of hand-washing and glove consumption, duration of contact with glove and wet environment, cigarette consumption, duration of employment, type of ward, kind of used detergent, underling systemic disease, history of systemic drug consumption, and duration of employment. There were statistically significant differences between two groups of stuff [with and without occupational hand dermatitis] in their gender, past history of hand eczema, and personal and family history of atopy. Out of 43 stuff underwent patch test, 50% had allergic occupational hand dermatitis. The most common positive allergen was nickel. The high prevalence rate of occupational hand dermatitis among intra-hospital staff causes great concern about the health risks of these workers when they would expose to blood-borne diseases

Assessment of radioprotective effects of amifostine on human lymphocytes irradiated in vitro by gamma-rays using cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay

A radioprotective effect of amifostine as well as its ability to modulate the level of spontaneous and gamma-irradiation-induced genetic changes on human peripheral blood lymphocytes has been investigated. Amifostine, known as a potent radical scavenger, has been introduced as the most effective radioprotector, yet it is not completely approved for the clinical use. However, further in vitro and clinical studies are needed to clarify its mechanisms of action. Whole blood samples from healthy donors were exposed to various doses of gamma-rays. Lymphocytes in cultures were treated with amifostine at different concentrations [2, 4 and 6 mm] in the presence or in the absence of 1 IU/ml alkaline phosphatase before or after gamma-irradiation. Standard procedure for the cytokinesis-block micronucleus [CBMN] assay was used to assess the effect of amifostine on radiation induced micronucleus in binucleate lymphocytes. Irradiated blood samples showed an increase in the total number of micronuclei [MN] significantly different from controls [p<0.05]. However, pre-treatment of lymphocytes with amifostine in the presence of alkaline phosphatase, 15 minutes before irradiation, led to a significant decrease in the frequencies of MN and cells with more than one MN [p<0.05]. Amifostine, in its own, produced little or no protection. However, the addition of amifostine with alkaline phosphatase to the cell cultures 15 minutes after irradiation produced substantial radioprotection significantly different from the frequencies of MN induced by radiation alone [p<0.05]. Results clearly indicated that gamma-rays induced MN in lymphocytes in a dose dependent manner. The highest protective effect was achieved when amifostine was phosphorilated by alkaline phosphatase and present before irradiation in the cellular environment, indicating its radical scavenging mechanism of radioprotection. Since the administration of amifostime after irradiation also led to a considerable decrease in the frequency of radiation induced MN, which might be possible for other mechanisms such as induction of cell cycle delay and hence influencing DNA repair, are involved in radioprotection by amifostine

[Prevalence of skin diseases among nursing home patients in elderly home nursings in north of Tehran]

Continuing advances in medical care and nutrition have prolonged the lifespan and expanded the elderly demographics world-wide. Despite increasing elderly population within Iranian nursing homes, there has been a few dermatologic surveys in this field and the prevalence of skin disorders among this group is unknown. This study was carried out between November 2005 and February 2006 in Theran city to determine the prevalence of skin diseases within nursing homes of Tehran. We randomly selected 456 subjects out of 2500 old women and men and investigated their dermatologic and epidemiologic conditions among 2500 elderly subjects, 456[18.5%] were investigated. This study revealed that more than half of all nursing home patients suffered from at least one skin disease, the most common skin disease was dry skin. Seborrheic keratosis and pressure ulcer were the second and third common skin conditions, respectively. There was no case of scabies. Two patient had basal cell carcinoma, and one patient was suffered from Kaposi sarcoma. Our study revealed that skin diseases are important health problems in Geriatric population. The results suggest that dry skin is the most common skin disease within nursing homes which needs further attention of nursing home staffs to satisfy the dermatologic needs of these group of Iranian patients

[Role of cusp coverage in the protection of unsupported enamel in posterior composite restorations]

Background and aim: removal of unsupported enamel is one of Block's important principles in cavity preparation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of bonding materials in the protection of unsupported enamel and sound tooth structure

Materials and Methods: in this study, 30 sound mandibular molars were selected. After cusp reduction, a 3mm depth occlusal cavity with walls consisting of pure unsupported enamel of 3mm height, was prepared. The samples were divided into two groups. In the first group, the cavities were filled by composite. In the second group, the cavities were filled like the first group and the unsupported enamel surfaces were then etched extending 2mm buccocclussally and enamel dentin bonding was applied. These surfaces were finally covered by composite and light cured. The compressive strength of both groups were evaluated by an instron machine

Results: date were subjected to t-student test for analysis. The mean required force to break unsupported enamel was 3440N/mm2 in the first group and 4213N/rnm2 in the second group showing the effective role of etching and buccal coverage of enamel in the protection of remaining weak enamel

Conclusion: the findings of this study suggest that the application of adhesives and coverage of the buccal surfaces support the weak enamel and dentin walls