[Molecular characterization and phylogenetic study based on matrix gene of avian influenza viruses [H9N2] in Iran during 1998-2008]

Background: H9N2 avian influenza viruses [AIV] A have become panzootic in Eurasia over the last decade and have caused several human infections in Iran since 1998 and inactivated vaccine has been used in chickens to control the disease

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze H9N2 viruses that have infected broiler in Tehran Province, Iran between 1998 and 2008 based on Matrix gene

Methods: The complete coding region of Matrix [M] gene from 8 of H9N2 subtype isolated from chicken flocks in Tehran Province during 1998-2007 was amplified and sequenced

Results: Sequence analysis and phylogenetic studies of H9N2 viruses on the basis of data of viruses in this study and other selected strains available in the GenBank were conducted and determined variations among these sequences at different levels. Sequence analysis revealed a large number of similar substitution mutations and close evolutionary relation among sequences of M gene. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all our isolates belonged to the G1-like sublineage. In this study, it was determined that Iran's isolates have been in two separate branches and have the most similarity with Pakistan, United Arab Emirate and occupied Palestine's isolates

Conclusions: The available evidence indicates that M genes of H9N2 circulating in Iran during the past years were not well conserved. Our finding emphasizes the importance of reinforcing AIV surveillance

[ molecular and clinical survey of feline herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus prevalence in non-vaccinated cats in Tehran, Iran]

Despite the widespread use of vaccines against feline herpesvirus type1 [FHV_1] and feline calicivirus [FCV], clinical signs are still seen in cat population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of FHV-1 and FCV in non vaccinated clinically healthy cats and cats with URTD. Oropharyngeal and conjunctival swabs were taken from 16 cats with clinical signs of URTD and 26 clinically healthy cats. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] and polymerase chain reaction [PCR] were performed to diagnose FCV and FHV-1 infections. In cats with URTD, the prevalence rate of FCV [100%] was higher than FHV-1[43%] but in clinically normal cats the prevalence rate of both viruses was about 50%. Clinical signs in cats with FCV was more various than FHV. Also, the prevalence of both viruses co-infection was 30% and half of them showed clinical disease. The results indicated higher rate of both viruses infection especially FCV in domestic cats in Tehran in comparison with other regions. Stomatitis was seen in 50% of cats with URTD. In 50% of cats with corneal ulcers, contrary to our expectations, FCV was detected not FHV-1. It seems that new variants of calicivirus are more virulent and are able to damage other tissues like cornea and conjunctiva. FCV tends to produce more clinical signs than FHV. Also, infection with new variants of FCV and FHV-1 in healthy cats and cats with URTD is much higher than other regions of the world. Therefore, a revision of vaccines and vaccination program, especially for FCV has become a matter of necessity just like other countries

comparison of hypertonic dextrose and corticosteroid on the treatment of first carpometacarpal osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the first Carpometacarpal joint is a common debilitating problem. Because of the important role of thumb in upper limb function, Pain of the disease, joint's instability and deformity, causes functional disorder of the hand. The usual treatments have various and short term consequences. In this study, the injection of Hypertonic dextrose and corticosteroid in the named joint has been compared. This study was a prospective randomized double blind Clinical trial. In the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic of 501 Army hospital, Among the new patients having the inclusion criteria in the year 1388-89, 30 hands were randomized to each treatment group. A Questionnaire on the Patients' demographic identity was filled out, then the variables on this study and the two comparisons were registered right at the beginning of the study and after one, two and six months consecutively. In both groups 6 months after the initiation of intervention, symptom severity through the factors of pain on joint pressure and pain on movement, Gripping, Eating and Dressing function and the maximum lateral pinch strength were greatly improved, but most of the factors [including pain on pressure and joint movement, Dressing and Gripping function] in Dextrose group versus Corticosteroid were improved more significantly. [p<0.05] According to the findings of this study, Dextrose injection versus Corticosteroid could have a better long term effects and might have lesser side effects

[Determining the adequacy of hemodialysis in hemodialysis units of Kohgilouyeh and Boyerahmad hospitals in 2009]

Cardiovascular disease and hemodialysis incompetence are the main factors determining the disability and mortality in dialysis patients. Increasing in adequacy of hemodialysis is quite effective in patients' prognosis. There are several methods for evaluating the adequacy and need of hemodialysis. One of these methods is the assessment of KT/V in patients. This study aimed to determine the adequacy of hemodialysis patients in hemodialysis units in Kohgilouyeh and Boyerahmad hospitals. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study which was conducted at Yasuj University of Medical Sciences in 2009. The study population included all patients under hemodialysis. In this study, 41 patients were eligible for study in hemodialysis units. From all patients, before and after hemodialysis, blood samples were taken and blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were measured. KT/V and URR were used for the evaluation of dialysis adequacy. Collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics [mean, standard deviation] and inferential [one way ANOVA test and t-test] using the SPSS software. Results of this study showed that the mean BUN of patients before dialysis was 69.9 +/- 23/6 and after that was 32/63 +/- 11/96. Minimum KT/V, 0.45 and a maximum of 1.77 with average was 0.94 +/- 0.4. Considering the standard KT/V, 17 patients [41.5 percent] with optimal dialysis adequacy, 3 patients [7.3 percent] near-optimal rate and 21 people [51.2 percent] were less than optimal. The minimum URR was 28% and the maximum was 75% with an average of 50% +/- 0.69 respectively. Considering the URR criteria, 11 patients [26.8 percent] with optimal dialysis adequacy, 10 patients [24.4 percent] near to the optimum level and 20 patients [48.8 percent] were less than optimal. In view of the standard KT/V and URR, much of the patients had inadequate hemodialysis at these hemodialysis centers. Because of the direct connection between the clinical status and adequacy of hemodialysis and mortality, evaluation of the related causes is necessary

[Evaluation of orthodontic treatment needs in 14-18 year- old students in Shiraz]

Iran has one of the highest numbers of young people in the world; therefore, epidemiologic studies of dento-skeletal malformations in adolescents and young adults are important from population health viewpoints. The purpose of the study was to assess the needs for orthodontic treatment according to Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs [IOTN] in 14-18 year old students in the city of Shiraz. 1818 students were selected from four districts of education in Shiraz using random cluster sampling. The dental health [DHC] and aesthetic [AC] components of the IOTN were used as an assessment measure of for orthodontic treatment needs. Also, demographic characteristics of the participants were recorded using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the student and Chi-squared tests. 60% of the students had no need for orthodontic treatment, 28.4% were in borderline category, and 11.7% showed definite needs for treatment. Also, there was a statistically significant association between malocclusion severity and sex or fathers job or education. 14-18 year old students in Shiraz had better dental appearances and did need less orthodontic treatment than in other populations

Survey of peanut fungal contamination and its relationship with ambient conditions in the Bazar of Zanjan

Different food products such as corn, wheat and peanut have shown high potential to be contaminated in suitable environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity. Some fungi can produce toxins, like Aflatoxin, and some of them are carcinogen. The purpose of this research was to study fungal contamination in peanuts being sold in the BAZAR of the city of Zanjan. 20 samples of 50g roasted and salted peanuts and 16 samples of 50g unsalted peanuts [pure] were collected from Zanjan Bazar. Ambient conditions such as light intensity, temperature and air flow of the BAZAR and also the relative humidity of peanuts were measured. Samples were analyzed for fungal colony and were identified using slide culture technique. Results showed that Mold fungi were dominant among the colonies as. Aspergillus flavus [39.1%], Penicillium [9.2%], Rhizopus [7.2%], Mucor [2.5%], Alternaria [1.03%] and Nigrospora [0.5%]. Temperature and the samples relative humidity were higher than the standard range. The results indicated a significant relation between relative humidity, light intensity, temperature and peanuts' type [pure or salted] with level of fungal contamination. Also, roasting and processing reduced the relative humidity of peanuts and the level of contamination. Hence roasting, salting and provision of appropriate ambient conditions can be useful to peanut storage

[ effect of hydroalcoholic extract of mentha piperita [complement treatment] on severity of depressed patients]

Depression is a prevalent psychiatrical disease and among the most disabling psychiatrical health problems in various societies. It has been estimated that, till the year 2020, depression will be the second prevalent disease after cardio-vascular disease and will include 15% of the human diseases. This study was carried out to determine the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Mentha piperita [complement treatment] on patient's depression severity. This is a triple blind random clinical trial research carried out on depressed patients referred to the Shahid Mofateh Clinic of Yasouj city during 2007-2008. The patient's depression severity was evaluated by Beck questionnaire and they were divided into 5 groups as random allocation and each group consisted of 24 persons. Then, Hydroalcoholic extract of Mentha piperita was given to four groups at the rate of 10.0mg, 50.0mg, 100.0mg and 200.0mg respectively per day and the fifth group received placebo. The treatment was continued for a period of two months. After this period, again the depression rates of patients were evaluated with the help of same questionnaire and were compared with the rates before the intervention. Collected data were analyzed with the help of descriptive tests, x[2] statistical test, one way variance analyzed and variance with repeated measurements. The results of the study indicated that the highest anti depression effect was seen in those patients who received 100.0mg and 200.0mg of the extract and the lowest rate allocated to the groups of 50.0mg, placebo group and 10.0mg respectively. Statistical analysis using repeated measurements confirmed the difference at the level of 0.1 between the mean of depression rate of the five research groups before and after intervention [p=0.078]. Based on the results of the current study, spearmint juice at the rate of 100.0mg and 200.0mg can be used as supplement in treatment of depressed patients. However, more studies are needed to find out the proper dose of the extract

[Comparing the glycemic index and some nutrient contents of two types of imported rice with a domestic rice]

Carbohydrate contents of different foods may have different effects on postprandial blood glucose. This study was done to measure and compare glycemic indices and some nutrients in three types of rices. This study was conducted to compare the glycemic effects of 50g carbohydrate in the Basmati, Kazemi and Sorna Perl types of rice in normal subjects. Thirty healthy subjects [13 male and 17 female], aged between 20-40 years, were selected, and were evaluated 4 times at 1 week intervals. On the first day, all subjects consumed 50 gram glucose; they were then divided into 3 groups. Each group consumed one of the 3 rice types, with 50g carbohydrate content each week. Blood samples were collected before and at 15,30,60 and 120 minutes, after taking glucose and rice. At the end of the experiment, all subjects received all three kinds of rice and the Gl was calculated for each rice as the ratio of the incremental area under the 3- hour glycemic response curve to rice, to the incremental area under the 3- hour glycemic response curve to sugar. The glycemic indices of Sorna Pearl, Kasemin and Basmati were 52/2 +/- 5/1, 67/6 +/- 13 and 61/2 +/- 6/1 respectively, the Gl of Sorna peri being lower than the others [p<0/05]. Maximum changes of blood sugar for Sorna Perl, Kasemi and Basmati were 21/8112, 27/4 +/- 6 and 31/7 +/- 5/9 mg/dl respectively. The results of this study indicate that in healthy of the 3 types of rice consumed subjects Sorna Perl had the lowest Gl and GL

[ evaluation of calulus rate in patients with nephrolithiasis]

Some reports show that oral manifestations such as uremia osteomatiis, self bleeding, periodontal diseases, xerostomia and calculus formation are increased in patients with renal disease. Based on similar structural composition and similar process of production of kidney stones and dental calculus, we performed this study to evaluate the prevalence of dental calculus in patients with kidney diseases. In this case-control study, 30 patients with idiopathic nephrofithiasis were selected as case group and 30 sex and age matched healthy persons were selected as control. They had no systemic and periodontal diseases. Silness-Loe plaque index and Green-Vermillion calculus index were recorded for both groups. Data were analyzed by Chi-square, Fisher's Exact test, T-student and Two-way ANOVA. Results of this study showed that there were not any significant differences between case and control groups in amount of plaque and dental calculus P=0.79. Patients with nephrolithiasis are not more susceptible to calculus formation

Lung function reference values in Iranian adolescents

There is insufficient information about reference values for pulmonary volumes for Iranian populations. A study of lung function parameters was made on 302 non-smoking healthy Iranian students [152 male and 150 female]. Lung function measures correlated strongly with height but not with body mass index. There were significant differences between some of the measured parameters and American Thoracic Society reference values for Caucasians [P < 0.05]. Of note is the high functional residual capacity [110% higher] and low inspirational capacity [86% lower] in males compared with the reference values

[Clinical evaluation of the effects of radiotherapy on oral mucosa and gingival health in radiotherapy center of Ghaem Hospital]

It is necessary to mention that 4% of malignancies include pharyngeal and oral cancers. One of the treatments is radiotherapy in addition with chemotherapy and surgery. Radiotherapy of head and neck can cause some complications with impression on mucos. Regarding this point, we decided to study different effects of radiotherapy on gingival and oral mucosa. This descriptive analytical study was performed on 30 patients with head and neck cancers referred to radiotherapy department of Ghaem Hospital. Data collection method included interview, clinical examination and patient's medical file investigation. The data was collected through relevant forms. The relationship between deferent dosages of radiation on gingival health and oral mucosa was investigated. Data analysis was done with use of GLM, Cochran, MANOVA tests Via SPSS V. 11.5 software. A significant relationship between irritation of oral mucosa ulcer development, mucositis and increase in radiation dosage was observed. But there wasn't any significant relationship between candidosis, ANUG, perleche and radiation dosage. Periodontal Index [PI], Gingival Index [GI] and Papilla Bleeding Index [PBI] showed on increase, but due to limited time of study, no changes on gingival recession was observed. Plaque Index [PlI] decreased during treatment process due to increase in oral hygiene. There was a direct relationship between oral radiotherapy complications and increase in radiation dosage. With attention to this point that some complications such as ANUG and perleche were not observed, doing a study with longer duration is recommended

[A survey on vascular [alpha]-Adrenoceptors changes in rabbit knee joint due to joint chronic inflammation]

The joint vascular [alpha]-Adrenoceptors change due to acute inflammation from a majority of [alpha]-2 to an equality of [alpha]-1 and [alpha]-2 receptors. This study was done to investigate the role of sympathetic nerves in nerve induced vasoconstriction and changes in joint vascular adrenoceptors due to chronic inflammation. In 21 NZW rabbits, knee joint chronic inflammation was induced by antigen induced arthritis [AIA] method. In experiment day, animals were anesthetized and the carotid artery was cannulated to record blood pressure and jugular vein for injection the anesthetic drugs. The medial belly of gastrocnemius muscle was removed to get access to posterior knee joint capsule and the blood flow was measured by laser flowmetry. Electrical stimulation of PAN resulted in 25.6 +/- 5.6 percent reduction of blood flow measured by laser Doppler flowmetry technique. The half of this response was blocked by prazosine [[alpha]1-agonists] and the other half by youhimbin [[alpha]2-agonist] to 11.8 +/- 4.1 and 10.9 +/- 12.4 percent reduction, respectively but phentolamine completely blocked the constrictor response and reversed it to vasodilation [2.5 +/- 2.1%]. Close intra-arterial injection of different doses of [alpha]-agonists reduced the joint blood flow by the potency rank order of adrenaline>clonidine=phenylepherine, suggesting a balance between [alpha]1 and [alpha]2 adrenoceptors. In previous studies, in normal and acutely inflamed knee joint, stimulation of PAN resulted in 36.5 +/- 4 and 9.9 +/- 2.25 percent reduction of blood flow, respectively that indicated acute inflammation reduces the role of sympathetic nerves in the regulation of knee joint blood flow. Overall this study showed a balance between ?-adrenoceptor subtypes in the chronically inflamed knee joint blood vessels and compared to results of our pervious investigation on acutely inflamed of rabbit knee joint. The sympathetic vasoconstrictor response was mostly recovered without more alteration in [alpha]-adrenoceptor subtypes that happened in acute inflammation