[Epidemiological study of irritable bowel syndrome and its related factors in Sanandaj from 2013 to 2014: a population-based study]

Background and Aim: irritable bowel syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disease which is characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and its related factors in the general population in Sanandaj in 2013-2014

Materials and Methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted in Sanandaj for a period of 12 months, from the summer of 2013 to the summer of 2014. Considering the design effect, a population sample of 430 were selected via random cluster sampling method. ROME III criteria were used for diagnosis of IBS. Logistic regression was used to accomplish the qualitative objectives and multivariate analysis for categorical variables. We used STATA11 software for statistical analysis

Results: we found a prevalence rate of 10.63% for irritable bowel syndrome in the general population in Sanandaj. Concerning gender distribution, the prevalence rates were 11.5% and 9.96% for males and females respectively, which had no statistically significant difference [OR=1.184, 95% CI=0.574 - 2.439]. Although the disease was more prevalent in the patients between 30-40 years of age compared to other age groups, this difference was not statistically significant [OR=0.679, 0.95 CI=0.189, 2.441]

Conclusion: the results of this study showed that the prevalence rate of IBS was higher in Sanandaj city in comparison to other parts of Iran, which can be related to several factors such as diet and lifestyle. Because of the high prevalence of IBS in Sanandaj, we recommend further studies for identification of the causes of this disorder and its exacerbating factors in this city

[Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux and its related factors in Sanandaj, 2014-2015]

Background and Aim: Gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD] is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases and its prevalence rate in various countries, including Iran has been on the rise. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors and prevalence rate of this disease in Sanandaj

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive, analytical study, 430 people were selected via random cluster sampling. Data were collected by carrying out interviews with the participants from May 2014 to June 2015. Using a questionnaire, we recorded data about the demographic characteristics, symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and risk factors for the disease. Then, we measured and recorded the participants' blood pressure, height, weight, and BMI. People who had experienced episodes of mild symptoms of heartburn for two days or more in a week or experienced moderate to severe symptoms for more than once in a week were regarded as cases of reflux. Data analysis was performed by using STATA-11 software

Results: From 410 patients, 41% were male and 59% [241 persons] were female with the mean age of 37.75 years. The prevalence rate of gastroesophageal reflux in the study population was 30%. We found no statistically significant difference between the patients and healthy individuals in relation to the risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux

Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of GERD in Sanandaj, it is of great importance to provide necessary training about the risk factors, prevention, and appropriate treatment of the disease for the public

[Pattern of serotyping and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella in children with diarrhea]

Gastroenteritis due to Salmonella is common in human and considered as a global dilemma of public health. This study was done to determine the Pattern of serotyping and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella in children with diarrhea in Iran. In this laboratory study, 306 stool samples were collected from children with diarrhea in public health centers in Robat-karim, Tehran province, Iran. The specimens were enriched in Selenite F medium and then cultured on Hekton agar. The identification of Salmonella was carried out by conventional method and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to CLSI procedures. Out of 306 stool samples, 7.2 % were identified as Salmonella species, as follow: 7 Salmonella typhi, 6 Salmonella paratyphi B, 3 Salmonella paratyphi C, 2 Salmonella paratyphi A and 4 samples were not identifiable. There was a significant relation between presence of WBC in fecal and salmonellosis [P<0.05]. In drug sensitivity trends, 92.3% of Salmonella species were sensitive to chloramphenicol, ceftizoxime, Nalidixic acid and Amikacin. This study showed that Salmonella was the cause of children diarrhea in 7.2% in this region

[Efficacy of Ciprofloxacin, ceftizoxims and carbenicillin on klebsiella species isolated from hospital specimens]

Klebsiella species are gram-negative bacteria with positive voges proskauer [VP] reaction. Klebsiella species are found as commensal in human digestive and respiratory system. This group of organisms can create a serious health hazards in hospitalized patients, and their ability to drug resistance is a major health problems. This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of Ciprofloxacin, Ceftizoxims and Carbenicillin on Klebsiella species isolated from hospital specimens. In this laboratory study, 1200 clinical samples were isolated from patients in Imam Khomeini hospital, Tehran, Iran. The identification Klebsiella species were carried out according to conventional biochemical tests. The minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] of carbenicillin, ceftizoxime, and ciprofloxacin antibiotics were determined using Macrodilution broth test. Out of 1200 isolated samples, 25% were identified as Klebsiella species. 73% of identified Klebsiella were obtained from urine samples. Klebsiella.peumoniae with rate of 94% was the most abundant among other species. The results of MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration by using standard microdilution method showed drug resistance range of 16-1024 micro g/ml, 4-256 microg/ml and 0.25-16 micro g/ml for carbenicillin, ceftizoxime, and ciprofloxacin, respectivley. In general, 94%, 6% and 1% of species were resistance to carbenicillin, ceftizoxime and ciprofloxacin, respectively. Ciprofloxacin and Ceftizoxime are suitable for the treatment of infections due to Klebsiella species

frequency of extended spectrum beta lactamase and CTX M-I of Escherichia coli isolated from the urine tract infection of patients by phenotypic and PCR methods in the city of Khoy in Iran

The production of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases [ESBLs] by Escherichia coli is the main cause of resistance to Cephalosporins. In the past decade, CTX-M enzymes have become the most prevalent ESBLs in Europe, Canada, and Asia. In this study, the frequency of ESBL- producing E.coli and molecular detection of the CTX-M-I group was investigated. A total of 400 urine samples were collected from both hospitalized and out-patients in Khoy's hospitals between November 2009 and April 2010. Out of these samples, 188 were identified as E.coli by standard biochemical tests. The antibiotic Susceptibility tests to 10 antibiotics were performed by the-disk-agar diffusion [DAD] method. ESBL production was screened by phenotypic test that including disk diffusion agar and combined disk as recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute [CLSI] Screened isolates were investigated by PCR assay for detection of CTX-M-I group genes. The results show that out of 188 E.coli isolates identified, 56 [29.8%] were producing ESBls by phenotypic test. All isolates were sensitive to imipenem. Overall, 49 [87.5%] isolates were confirmed as CTX-M-I producer by PCR. The results of this study showed that about 30% of the identified E.coli were producing ESBL Therefore, we recommend to use molecular methods in such researches

[Synergistic effect polymyxin B sulphate and trimethoprim on yersinia enterocolotica and closely related species]

Previous studies have shown that polymyxin B sulfate and trimthoprim antibiotics are not individually effective on Yersinia enterocolitica and their closely related species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the synergistic effect of above antibiotics on Y. enterocolitica and their closely related species, from the clinical and the natural environment specimen collected in Iran, and compare them with the isolates that that were obtained from the Pasteur institute collection in France. In total, 73 species from Iran and 25 from the Pasteur institute in France were tested. The microdilution method was used for the MIC according to the standard protocol. The synergistic effect was seen in all tested samples. However, the human species from the Pasteur institute were more sensitive than the Iranian human and the environmental species were less sensitive than clinical specimens [1.6+16 micro gr, 0.4+4 micro gr in French Samples]. The Y. enterocolitica isolates were less sensitive than the related species such as Y. intermedia, Y. fredriksenii, and Y. kristensenii. The synergistic effect polymyxin B sulfate and trimthoprim were more evident on other closely related Yersinia species Y. enterocolitica

Effects of antioxidant supplementation on oxidative stress and muscle injury in elite female swimmers after a strenuous training period

Reactive oxygen species [ROS] are produced due to prolong and intensive exercises, such as intense swimming training, leading to cell injury. Antioxidant supplementation seems to reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the effects of antioxidant ? vitamin-mineral ? supplementation on oxidative stress and muscle injury indices after a strenuous training period in elite female swimmers. Twenty-four elite female swimmers [aged 12.93 +/- 1.22 years, weight 45.80 +/- 10.39 Kg, height 153.1 +/- 12.9 cm], members of Tehran and Karaj Swimmimg Clubs, volunteered to participate in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups: a vitamin-mineral-supplemented [n=12] and a control [n=12] group. Both groups participated in streneous swimming sessions for a period of 4 weeks [3 times a week, each time swimming 3.5 to 4 km]. Blood samples were taken before and after the period to determine muscle injury indices, such as aspartat aminotransferase [AST], creatine kinase [CK], lactate dehydrogenase, and myoglobin, as well as malon dialdehyde [MDA]. In addition, 100m crawl records were determined at the beginning and at the end of the period. Paired sample and independent t- tests were used for data analysis. Results showed that some of the muscle injury indices, namely, CK and AST, decreased significantly in the vitamin-mineral-supplemented group [p=0.011 and 0.04, respectively]. The decrease in MDA was not statistically significant. Inter-group comparisons showed a difference only with regard to CK [p=0.021]. No significant differences [intra- and inter-group comparisons] were observed in swimming performance. ROS affects exercise-induced muscle injury indices. Vitamin-mineral supplementation can have a beneficial role in such injury

[Association of TNF-alpha promoter G-238A polymorphism and obesity in an Iranian population]

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] is expressed primarily in adiposities, and elevated levels of this cytokine have been linked to obesity and insulin resistance. We, therefore, examined the relationship between this variant and obesity in an Iranian population. Subjects of the Tehran lipid and Glucose Study were classified in two age groups, the under 18 and the above 18; adults were classified in three groups according to their body mass index; BMI<25, 25

[Evaluation of gray scale sonography and Doppler sonography findings in patients with renal transplant rejection]

This study was conducted to compare the sonographic [gray scale] findings with those of Doppler sonography in patients with rejection of kidney transplant. This was a cross-sectional study performed in Hasheminejhad Educational and Therapeutic Center in Tehran. Sonography and then Doppler sonography were performed and primary creatinin level and if needed sequential creatinin levels, were checked. We used a scanner [AU4 mod] with 3.5 and 7.5 MHz probes. The most common morphologic signs in sonography were increased antro-posterior diameter of allografts in 19 cases [31.4%]. Other common morphologic signs consisted of increased cortical echogenicity in 18cases [30%], increased prominanance of the renal pyramid or hypoechogenicity of pyramid in 12 cases [20%], decreased echogenicity of rejected kidney sinus in 7cases [11/7%]. The rarest morphologic sign was focal cortical hypoechogenicity in 2cases [3/4%]. Thirty one patients [51.7%] had positive sonographic findings, 47 patients [78/3%] had Resistive Index [RI] >/-0.8 and 13 patients [21/7%] had Resistive Index>/-0.9. Those with age range of 51-65 years had the highest frequency among all the patients and revealed positive findings in both methods of sonography. In 23.4% of the patients creatinin level was normal. 46 patients [76.6%] had early and fourteen other patients had late onset rejection of the transplant. Doppler sonography [RI] is the best and most sensitive non invasive method for precise and early diagnosis of renal allograft rejection. RI>/-.0.8 has eliminated need of taking biopsy. Findings of sonography were less sensitive than those of Doppler sonography

Detection of acanthamoeba from fresh water using polymerase chain reaction

Acanthamoeba is a genus of amoeba, one of the most common protozoa found worldwide in soil, and also frequently found in fresh water. In healthy individuals, Acanthamoeba spp. can cause ulcerating keratitis which is often associated with the use of improperly sterilized contact lenses. The aim of this study was to detect Acanthamoeba from fresh water collected from some town squares of Tehran by polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. In this study, 22 samples were collected from fresh water. They were cultured on NNA medium after filtration. Culture samples positive for Acanthamoeba were assessed using polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. Thirteen samples [59%] were recognized as Acanthamoeba on culture. Using species-specific primers which amplified a 903 bp fragment of 188 rRNA, 6 [27%] samples from 13 samples which were positive on culture were identified as Acanthamoeba. Acanthamoeba has been recognized as an etiologic agent of Keratitis in people who use contact lenses and also in immunocompromised individuals. So, detection of this organism in water resources and exact assessment of this parasite could have a significant role in prevention of disease

Molecular characterization of dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase gene concerning antifulate resistance of Plasmodium vivax

The recently reported resistance to antimalarials contributes to making the control of malaria more difficult. There is a need to evaluate the current antimalaria regiments to prevent this emerging problem. The aim of this study was to determine dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase gene mutation [pvdhfr] regarding antifulate resistance in Plasmodium vivax. From 2007 to 2009, 117 P.vivax infected blood samples collected from two regions of Hormozgan Province, south of Iran were analyzed using PCR, semi-nested-PCR and RFLP methods. Eighty four isolates [71.8%] showed no mutation in pvdhfr gene of P. vivax known as wild type and 33 [28.2%] of the samples revealed nine single [7.7%], twenty two double [18.8%] and two [1.7%] triple mutations. Genetic diversity was observed by molecular methods in pvdhfr gene of p.vivax in Hormozgan Province suggests that the antifolate falciparum malaria drug [fansidar] is proportionally affecting P.vivax dhfr mutation. Therefore, more studies to evaluate antimalarial drugs that should preferably be effective against both P.vivax and P.falciparum are recommended

[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

Veterinarians and dairy nutrition management: basic concepts and design-it-yourself-a veterinary-oriented ration evaluation program

Veterinarians increasingly play a major contributory role in dairy practice and management. With increasing importance of economical pressures, bioenvironmental limits and increasing demand for higher quality products, veterinarians are more involved in nutrition management and advice, both from an economical view of productivity and preventive aspects of veterinary medicine. The concept of food animal production medicine is the hallmark of such a change from purely diagnosis and treating sick cows to design strategies for disease prevention and economical profitability. One of the essential parts of the new role is to have a good command of nutritional concepts and acquaintance with ration formulation procedures and also softwares. It appears that the available ration formulation softwares are insufficient in view of estimating necessary criteria for dairy practitioners. Moreover, the release of new edition of NRC and subsequent modification of software programs for ration formulation always lag behind the generation of new knowledge in dairy nutrition. This article describes the basic nutritional concepts, as well as a practical approach to design a ration evaluation program based on Microsoft Excel. The program can be designed in a profession-oriented approach

[Comparison of the therapeutic effects of Florfenicol and Tilmicosin in enzootic calf bronchopneumonia]

Objective: to compare the field efficacy of Florfenicol with I Tilmicosin in the treatment of naturally occurring enzootic calf bronchopneumonia

Design: randomized controlled trial

Animals: a total of 70 Holstein calves between 1-6 months old in three daily farms of Mashhad suburb were used

Procedure: calves with visual signs of pneumonia were entered into the trial. After physical examination, clinical findings were recorded. They were weighed and blood samples collected by venipuncture. They were randomly assigned to received either Florfenicol [20 mg/kg bw, IM, 2 injections 48h apart, 35 calves] or Tilmicosin [10 mg/kg bw, SC, 1 injection, 35 calves]. Clinical I measures of efficacy-included mortality, rectal temperature, illness I index scores, assessment of treatment success or failure, and the number of relapses or reinfections. Also, hematological indices, total plasma protein and fibrinogen were studied on day 0 and day 4 after the treatment

Statistical analysis: independent t-test, Mann- Whitney and Chi- Square

Results: There were not any significant differences between two treatment groups [P>0.05]. Resolving clinical sings in Florfenicol and Tilmicosin treatments were, 88.5% [31 cases] and 85.7 % [30 cases] respectively, which were not statistically significant [P>0.05]. No significant adverse reaction was noticed with either drugs

Conclusion: results indicate that Florfenicol and Tilmicosin are comparable in the treatment of enzootic calf bronchopneumonia

Comparison of the conventional biochemical tests recommended for the identification of Escherichia coli in water, in report 71, with the API 20E system

The API 20E technique for identification of E.coli was evaluated and the results compared with those obtained by the conventional biochemical tests recommended in Report 71. The results obtained showed very close correlation between the two methods. A total of 196 [81.6%] out of 240 isolates were identified as E.coli by API. System, while the conventional method identified only 194 [80.8%]. Therefore the recommended tests in Report 71, which are based on very small number of data was found to be acceptable for the identification of E.coli. The results also showed that, all the colonies showing the typical green metallic sheen on EMB agar are not always E.coli, although all the E.coli showed typical green metallic sheen colonies on EMB agar