[Prevalence of fungi in patients with allergic rhinitis in Shahrekord, Iran (2009)]

The identification of fungi agents causes allergic rhinitis is crucial for the appropriate diagnosis prophylaxis and treatment of patients suffering from the disease. This study was done to evaluate the prevalence of fungi in patients with allergic rhinitis in Shahrekord, Iran. This case-control study was done on 124 patients whom referred to Kashani hospital in Shahrekord, Iran during 2009. 62 patients with allergic rhinitis were selected as case group and 62 patients without allergic rhinitis were considered as controls. Direct smear and culture of nasal secretion were performed to identify the fungi. Also IgE level's were measured for all participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16, Chi-Square and independent t-tests. The fungi from culture medium of nose exeretion were isolated from 15 [24%] cases and 5 persons [8%] in control group. The most common isolated fungi were Aspergillus [8%] and Penicillinum [6.5%]. In direct smear the fungi agent were found in 23% and 8% in case and control groups respectively. The IgE titre in 31% of cases with allergic rhinitis was higher than 100 IU/mL, but this titre of IgE only was seen in 4.8% of control group [P<0.05]. This study showed that the fungi can be considered as induce of allergic rhinitis

[Effect of combination of achillea millefolium, artemisia absinthium and juglans regia leaves extracts on leishmania major [MRHO/IR/75/ER], in vitro]

Due to side effects of the drug and also tendency of people in using herbal medicine, this study aimed to evaluate the sinerjhist effects of three herbs Achillea millefolium, Artemisia absinthium and Juglans regia leaf combained extract on Leishmania major, so that in case of effectiveness in further studies possible alternative drugs can be formulated. Access to formulation drug without harmful chemical material and without side effects. In an experimental study four tubes were selected and the mixture of three herbs leaf extracts with concentrations of 25 mg/ml were prepared. After 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours sample were tested for dead or alive and also for their mobility of the parasite. Data were analyzed by ANOVA test. This study showed that combaind extracts of these three herbs caused an increase in immobility of the parasites. The rate of immobility had direct relationship with time and immobility was continuously increased after 24, 48 and 72 hours. The result were suggestive that three herbs leaf hydroalcoholic extracts were significantly more effective in reduction of parasite, in vitro [p<0.05]; however, Glucantime after 24 hours and amphotericin B after 30 minute caused immobility of parasite versus 24 hour for plant extract. Our study showed that the extracts of three mentioned herbs had effect on growth of Leishmania major, however further studies are needed to show effects of these herbs in animal models and voluntary infected people

[Purslane [Portulaca oleracea] effects on serum paraoxanase-1 activity]

Background and aim: Purslane [Khurfeh] is one of the richest sources of omega3 fatty acids in plants and it has many antioxidants and minerals in its different parts. High density lipoprotein [HDL] has antioxidant effects because of Paraoxanase-1 [PON1] enzyme which attaches to HDL particles and circulates with it in blood. PON1 is responsible for hydrolysis of oxidized phospholipids. The aims of this study were investigating the Purslane effects on Paraoxanase-1 activity and lipoproteins levels, especially oxidized low density lipoprotein [OxLDL] and to compare these effects with Lovastatin

Methods: Fasting venous blood samples were obtained from patients who were referred to an internal clinic with LDL-C more than 100 mg/dl. Five ml of blood was taken before and 45 days after taking Purslane or Lovastatin. Subsequently the levels of all variables in the samples were measured using standard methods. Results were analyzed using paired t-test and t-test

Results: There was a significant decrease in serum level of cholesterol, LDL-C and OxLDL in two groups after receiving Purslane or Lovastatin [P<0.05]. ApoB was decreased only after taking Lovastatin. PON1 arylesterase activity was increased only in Purslane group following increasing of Apo A1 and HDL-C. Body mass index [BMI] and triglyceride was decreased in Purslane group [P<0.05]

Conclusion: Purslane reduces some cardiovascular risk factors through decreasing OxLDL, LDL-C, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increasing activity of paraoxanase-1 enzyme and HDL-C concentration. In addition, Purslane can increase ApoA1 better than Lovastatin

genotoxicological study in Persian gulf on rock oyster [Soccostrea cucullata] using micronuclei and RAPID assays

Both micronuclei [MN] and binuclei [BN] as well as RAPD [Random Amplifying Polymorphism of DNA] assays are newly biomarkers which are well-introduced in toxic injury and related genotoxicity studies in bivalve, fishes and even humans. However, there is no record of such studies in Iranian Persian Gulf coast line so far. For this propose, we analyzed frequency of MN and RAPD patterns in gill cells of rock oyster [soccostrea cucullata] [n=30] collected from two area including Dayer [as reference area] and Mahshahr which was already shown oil contaminant are relatively high in this area owing to be oil vessel terminal. Our results showed micronuclei frequency is significantly higher in rock oysters of Mahshahr than Dayer area [p<0.05]. Binuclei cells were also observed in some individuals of Mahshahr. Besides, RAPD analysis indicated less diversity in polluted area individuals. The results of this study suggest that MN and RAPD analyses can be easily considered as a useful tool for assessment of diverse pollution on aquatic organism in coastal area of Persian Gulf

[ prevalence sarcocystis infection in slaughtered animals in slaughterhouse of Shahrekord, using histhopathological method, 2008]

Sarcosystosis is a cosmopolitan protozoan zoonotic infection and is caused by different species of sarcosystis. This parasite can cause contamination in many animals and cause a lot of hygienic and economic effects in society. This study was aimed to determine sarcosystis infection in slaughtered animals of Shahrekord, using hitopathological method. In this descriptive study, 70 samples were obtained from healthy goats and 70 samples were obtained from healthy sheep during summer 2008 Esophagus, thigh, diaphragm and heart of each animal were macroscopically evaluated for having sarcosystis cysts. To prepare a pathology section for microscopic examinations, hearts were kept in formalin and after providing tissue sections, samples were studied using a microscope. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. In macroscopic evaluations of diaphragm of the sheep and goats, sarcosystis cysts were detected 15.7% and 2.8%, respectively. In addition, 7.1% and 1.4% of esophagus from sheep and goats were also infected by sarcosystis, respectively. We also performed microscopic investigations on healthy hearts and found that 80% of sheep's hearts and 70% of goats' hearts were infected by sarcocystis cysts. Considering the high prevalence of sarcocystis contamination in the world and Iran [up to 100%], more studies are needed to detect sensitivity andspecificity of histhopathology method to confirm our findings. Finally looking at the our results it is likely that in healthy hearts some comments should be considered, such as appropriate meat keeping, sufficient cooking, and moving from traditional animal husbandry into industrial husbandry in future

[Study of hydatid cyst in hospitalized patients with operation in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiary province [1988-2007]]

Hydatid cyst disease is one of the most common zoonotic diseases which is mostly due to the inhabitance of Echinococus granulosus larva stage. Iran is one of the hyper-endemic areas for this disease and operation is still the best way for its treatment. It is very important to know the epidemiological aspects of this disease for control and prevention programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate hydatid cyst disease in hospitalized patients with operation in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiary province from 1988 to 2007. In this retrospective-descriptive study patients who were hospitalized due to hydatid cyst operation in Shahrekord Ayatollah Kashani, Brougen Hazrat Vali - Asr and Farsan Seyed- Alshohadah hospitals during 1988-2007 were recruited. Data were collected using questionnaire and were analyzed by chi-square test. Our data showed that from the total of 144 patients, 98 persons were female and 46 cases were male. While the youngest case was an 11 year old boy, the oldest patient was 92 years old. In addition, 93 cases of the patients were tribes or lived in rural areas and 51 cases lived in urban areas. The highest frequency of the disease [44 cases] was seen in 27-41 year old group. The lowest frequency was seen in patients over 72 years old. The highest frequency [87 cases] belonged to housewives and the lowest frequency belonged to government employees. Most of the cysts [97 cysts] were in the right lobe of liver. Left lobe of the liver, right and left sides of the lung were the other locations respectively. Eight cysts were elsewhere. As many people in Charmahal va Bahktiari province live in tribes' style and also human, sheep and dogs are in a very close contact, more education programs are needed for people who are living in rural areas, especially housewives. In addition, infected dogs should be controlled and be treated in case of infection with Echinococus granulosus

Effects of vitamin C on testicular and seminal characteristics of markhoz goats

The effect of subcutaneous injections of vitamin C on the seminal characteristics of Markhoz bucks [2-4-year-old] was studied. The bucks, trained to serve an artificial vagina, were randomly allotted into three equal groups [n=4] and received daily either zero [1 mL normal saline; control group], or 20 [VitC20 group] or 40 [VitC40 group] mg per kg body weight vitamin C from July 06, 2006 to Oct. 06, 2006. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein at monthly inter, als, and semen samples were collected at 15-day intervals. Testicular dimensions in the scrotum [circumference, width, and length] were also determined on the day before semen collection. The ejaculates were evaluated for volume, sperm concentration, pH, motility, and abnormal and live sperm. Testing measurements were not affected by administration of vitamin C. The abnormal and live sperm. Testicular measurement were not affected by administration of vitamin C. The vitamin C in the blood plasma and seminal fluid, sperm motility, sperm viability, sperm abnormality, and the number of live-normal sperm in the ejaculate. Vitamin C increased the levels of vitamin C in blood and seminal plasma. Both doses of vitamin C increased the percentage of progressively motile sperm showing forward motility. VitC40 injection for 90 days increased sperm motility and the effect was still evident up to 30 days after the cessation of injections. The percentage of live sperm and mass motility showed similar trends. Both doses were equally effective in decreasing the percentage of abnormal sperm. The total number of live and normal sperm in the ejaculate increased by vitamin C injections and the effect was still evident of live and normal sperm in the ejaculate increased by vitamin C injections and the effect was still evident after the injections had been discontinued. The present data indicates the importance of vitamin C in the reproduction of male goats, as also shown for several mammalian species. They further show that under certain conditions, the in vivo synthesis of this vitamin in ruminants might not be sufficient for optimum reproduction

Frequency of Cryptosporidium and risk factors related to cryptosporidiosis in under 5-year old hospitalized children due to diarrhea

Recently Cryptosporidium has gained much attention as clinically human pathogen in immunocompromised cases and young children. This study investigated frequency and risk factors related to cryptosporidiosis in under 5-year old children. Stools were examined by ELISA method to detect Cryptosporidium surface antigen [CSA] using Remel Prospect Cryptosporidium [monoclonal] Microplate Assay. Stool samples were collected from children at admission and were kept at 70[degree sign] C until examination. Data were collected by a standard questionnaire and analysed in Epi info 2002 software. Of 171 children, 8[5%] were infected with Cryptosporidium. Most of the cases [6 cases] aged 2-12 months. Boys were more frequently infected than girls [p<0.05]. Meanwhile, cryptosporidiosis was associated with less breast-feeding and lower birth weight [p<0.05]. Results revealed that the frequency of cryptosporidiosis was similar to other parts of the world. Similarly, lower birth weight, less breast-feeding and male gender were associated with a higher frequency of cryptosporidiosis

[ case of intestinal myiasis due to sarcophaga hemmoroidalis from Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province]

The present case was a 13-year old boy who resided in a rural area in Kourang district from Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province. He had a history of abdominal pain, feeling of filled stomach, loose stool [2-3 times per day], appetite, and weight loss over the past 3 months. He also observed small white motile worms in his stool. In the primary examination, a number of motile larva were isolated and kept in 10% formalin. Subsequently, using diagnostic procedures and morphological characteristics, Sarcophaga hemmoroidalis larva was identified

[Prevalence of cryptosporidium and risk factors related to cryptosporidiosis in hospitalized children under 5 years of age due to diarrhea [Shahrekord-2005]]

Cryptosporidium is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite which is recently known as one of the main causes of diarrhea in children and immunocompromised cases. Majority of studies on this parasite in the last 3 decades focusing on immunocompromised cases has been reported from developed countries and no comprehensive study has evaluated the prevalence and risk factors related to cryptosporidiosis in Iran. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and risk factors related to cryptosporidiosis in hospitalized children under 5 years of age due to diarrhea in Hajar Hospital, Shahrekord. This is a cross-sectional and descriptive- analytical study. One hundred and seventy one stool samples were obtained from hospitalized children under 5 years of age due to diarrhea in Hajar Hospital. They were examined by ELISA method to detect Cryptosporidium Surface Antigen [CSA]. Data were collected by standard questionnaire and analyzed using statistical tests by Epiinfo2002 software. Out of 171 stool samples, 8 [5%] cases were positive for CSA. The highest frequency of infection, 6 cases [6%], was seen in children under 1 year followed by 13-24 months children with 2 cases [4%]. There was a statistically significant correlation between infection with Cryptosporidium and gender. The frequency of infection was statistically higher in boys than in girls [p<0.05]. Also a statistically significant relationship was observed between infection with Cryptosporidium and non-breast fed children and low birth weight [p<0.05]. These results showed that prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in hospitalized children under 5 years due to diarrhea in Shahrekord is similar to other parts of Iran and factors like being masculine, having a low birth weight and non-breast feeding are risk factors increasing the chance of cryptosporidiosis

[Correlation of H. pylori infection and infertility; a survey in Yazd infertility clinic]

Infertility is a worldwide problem. Many different factors may cause infertility. Among them, bacterial infection of the reproductive system is one of the main factors. Recently, some limited investigation has revealed that H. pylori is capable of causing genital inflammation that may lead to infertility. Although known to be a causative agent of gastritis and duodenal ulcers, this species may be transferred orally to the vagina and asymptomatic infection leads to inflammation of the system and finally manifestation of infertility. In addition, infertility may be due to antibodies synthesized against H. pylori cross-reacting with the genital tissue. In the present study, 180 women consisting of 90 cases referred to IVF center of Yazd and 90 matched controls were enrolled. Serum was taken from all women for detection of IgG and IgM using the ELISA technique. A total of 117 [65%] serum samples were positive for Helicobacter, of which 63.3% were from fertile and 66.7% from infertile women. The serum positive population was found to be predominantly in the age range of 25-35, although some 35-42 year olds were also serum positive. When the prevalence of Helicobacter infection status was compared with marriage duration in both groups, it was found that antibody titer in subjects from marriages with durations of greater than five years was significantly higher than those of five-year marriages. In addition, higher antibody titers were found in infertile women with fallopian tube [FT] factor and lower titers in those with polycystic factors. Although the results were not significant, they nevertheless indicate that the Helicobacter antibody titers in infertile women were higher than those of fertile women [P =0.6]. Therefore, further studies are necessary to determine the role that Helicobacter infection plays with regard to infertility among women. Since the antibody titer in infertile cases with FT factor was higher than others, it may indicate that inflammation caused by H. pylori plays an indirect role in the induction of infertility

[Effect of allium sativum extract on acid and pepsin secretion in basal condition and stimulated with pentagastrin in rat]

Allium Sativum [garlic] is used widely in the world and especially in Iran. This plant is used in cooking food as an odorant. In Iran it is believed that it is useful for gastrointestinal disorders. So in this study the effect of Allium Sativumextract on acid and pepsin secretion in rat is investigated. This experimental study is performed on two groups of rats [12 in each group: control group and allium sativum group]. After anesthesia with nesdonal [50 mg/kg, ip], rats had gone under surgical tracheotomy, laparatomy and gasterodeodenostomy. In garlic group Allium Sativum extract [100mg/kg] was introduced into the stomach by gasterodeodenostomy canula. In order to stimulation of acid and pepsin secretion, Pentagastrin was used [25mcg/kg, ip]. Stomach secretion was washed out and acid was measured using titerimetery and pepsin using Anson method. Data was analyzed using T test. Allium Sativum caused a meaningful increase in acid and pepsin secretion in garlic group comparing to control group [p<0.001]. Pentagastrin also increased acid and pepsin secretion in control group [p<0.001]. Using garlic in nutritional regimen causes an increase in acid and pepsin secretion in those using this plant

[Determining the prevalence of cryptosporidium and measuring of micro nutrients in cryptosporidiosis among children under 5 years in Shahrekord]

Cryptosporidium is a worldwide protozoa and one of the most important causes of diarrhea among under 5 years children and immunocompromized patients. The majority of studies conducted about the parasite is in developed countries and mainly focused on immunocompromized subjects. Also diarrhea and malnutrition are common in young children in developing countries and a reciprocal relationship has been postulated with diarrhea leading to malnutrition and malnutrition predisposing to diarrhea. Therefore this study was carried out in order to find the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection and to assess micronutrient deficiencies in children hospitalized due to diarrhea and to compare micronutrient status in children with or without Cryptosporidium. In this survey 504 stool samples were collected from hospitalized and outpatient children with acute diarrhea [259 and 245, respectively]. Mean while, 114 stool samples were collected from children hospitalized for elective surgery who did not have diarrhea during the past 2 weeks before consultation [control group]. All stools were screened by ELISA method for detection of Surface Cryptosporidium Antigen. In addition serum samples were collected from hospitalized children with diarrhea to assess vitamin A level by HPLC and Zn and Se by ICP-MS technique. Of 504 samples, 12[2%] were infected with cryptosporidium. None of the controls were positive for cryptosporidium antigen. According to gender, there was no difference between girls and boys. Seven cases [58%] of infected children were seen in during spring. The mean of vitamin A and Zn in children with cryptosporidium were lower than other hospitalized children with diarrhea [p<0.05], however, the mean of selenium was higher in infected children although their difference did not reach a statistically significant level. Results revealed that the prevalence of infection with cryptosporidium in this survey was similar to the majority of studies performed in other parts of Iran. It seems that there is a need of laboratory tests to diagnose cryptosporidium infection in watery stools in Iran

Selected epidemiological features of human brucellosis in Yazd, Islamic Republic of Iran: 1993-1998

Brucellosis is a significant health problem in countries where control of zoonoses is inadequate. During 1993-98, we analysed sera and cultures from 792 suspected brucellosis patients who presented with histories of fever, chills, night sweating, weakness, malaise and headache to the referral hospital in Yazd. Cases were investigated by tube agglutination test [TAT] and 2-mercaptoethanol test [2-MET] and a questionnaire was completed for each.TAT titre was > / = 1:1 60 for 745 patients [94.1%] and 2-MET was positive for 42 [5.3%]. Of 745 confirmed cases, 460 were from 1996-1997. Prevalence was highest in summer [39.5%] and more common males than among females. Prevalence was highest among those aged 10-19 years [27.7%]. Most patients had a history of infected cheese, milk and milk product consumption [98%]

Correlation between asymptomatic urethritis with bacteriospermia in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men

Urogenital infection can influence the fertilization potential of the spermatozoa, which may lead to male infertility. The symptomatic urethiritis can change the semen parameters, however the role of asymptomatic urethirtis in fertility is still obscure. In this descriptive investigation, a total of 148 samples from urethra and semen of fertile as well as 146 samples from urethra and semen of infertiles men were examined for the presence of 5 bacterial species including streptococcus group A., Entercoccus, E.coli, coagulase positive and negative Staphylococcus. The rate of infection of urethra and semen of fertile men were 49.22% and 29.05%, respectively. The aforementioned rates were 34.9% and 60.27% for infertile men. The seminal infection was significantly different between two groups of fertile and infertile [p < 0.01]. The results showed that the most common pathogen in semen of fertile and infertile men was Entrococcus with prevalence of 32.60% [14 cases], and 42% [37 cases], respectively. A total of 90 out of 131 samples contaminated with bacteria showed high rate of Leuckocytes [pyospermia]. The remaining 41 infected samples lacked or had low number of leuckocytes. In conclusion, bacteriospermia is significantly higher in seminal samples of infertile than fertile men [p < 0.01]. Therefore, the pathogens involved in urethritis may be involved in male infertility. In addition, seminal culture is necessary for detection of bacteria presence in the semen, and thus it is important to note that presence or absence of Leukocyte in semen may not represent the urogenital infection