[Identification of mutation for drug resistance gene in cutaneous leishmaniasis]

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a common parasitic disease and one of the health problems world wide. The pentavalent antimonial drugs [e.g. pentostam and Glucantime] are the first line treatment for leishmaniasis, and resistance to these drugs is a serious problem. Using PCR method, this study was carried out to identify the mutation for sodium stibogluconate resistance gene in cutaneous leishmaniasis cases referred to different health centers during 2006-8. This descriptive study was conducted on 150 isolates of leishmania major and leishmania tropica to identify the mutation in drug resistance gene. Promastigote clones were cultured in enriched RPMI 1640 medium and then the genomic DNA was isolated and using a pair of primers, a 400 bp of the gene was amplified. Finally, the PCR products were screened by conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis [CSGE] method and then the mutation was confirmed using RFLP with Sdu1 enzyme. Screening using CSGE and RFLP methods showed that 6.3% of the samples carried a mutation for drug resistance gene. Results showed a resistance for cutaneous leishmania against sodium stibogluconate. Further studies are required to determine the biochemical mechanism of this resistance

[Evaluation of plasma beta-2-microglobulin level in hemodialysis patients with carpal tunnel syndrome]

In dialysis patients, insufficient exertion of amyloid particles can cause beta-2-microglobulin [beta 2M] to deposit in periarticular structures and consequently complications like carpal tunnel syndrome. This study was conducted to evaluate the plasma beta 2M level in hemodialysis patients with carpal tunnel syndrome in Kashan. This cross-sectional study was performed on 60 hemodialysis patients, with more than 10 years history of hemodialysis with low flux membrane through an AV fistula, referred to dialysis center in Kashan. Samples of venous blood [5cc] were taken from each patient to measure the beta 2M level using the ELISA method. The carpal tunnel syndrome establishment was made through EMG/NCV under the supervision of a neurologist. The mean age of participants was 59.3 +/- 13.2 years. A total of 44 subjects [73.3%] had been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. There was a significant difference in plasma beta 2M level in hemodialysis patients with and without carpal tunnel syndrome [52.2 +/- 6.2 and 44.8 +/- 6.1, respectively; P=0.002]. There is a significant relation between beta 2M level and the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in hemodialysis patients. Thus, performing serial beta-2 microglobulin measurement is recommended in these patients

[Morphological and molecular characterization of dicrocoelium isolated from sheep in the north and center of Iran]

Dicroceliosis is a hepatic parasitic disease of clinical and financial significance for both human health and animal breeding. Considering the health and economic importance of the disease, this study aimed to determine the morphological and molecular characterization of 28S rDNA for Dicrocoelium isolated from sheep in the north and center of Iran during 2010-11. A total number of 200 trematodes were collected during an abattoir inspection from livers of naturally infected sheep in East Azerbaijan, Razavi Khorasan, Mazandaran and Tehran provinces in Iran. Adult worms were morphologically identified based on morphometric characterization and 60 specimens were characterized molecularly by sequencing. For molecular study, DNA was extracted and 28S rDNA region was amplified by PCR. Then, Tru1I fastdigest restriction enzyme and also RFLP technique were used to identify the parasite species. Finally, the PCR product was sequenced. A remarked morphological characteristic was that the orientation of testes in all isolates, were in tandem. Position the homological comparison of sequences showed that 28S rDNA in all isolates of Dicrocoelium had 963 bp and were similar to standard strain registrated in Genbank. RFLP pattern from D.dendriticum, which had 4 cut sites, produced 116, 145, 293 and 409 bp fragments. Although the morphological characterization in various provinces was significanly different, molecular identification showed that all specimens were identical [D.dendriticum] and there was not a significant difference between sequences of the collected parasites. Morphological and molecular assays show that Dicrocoelium dendriticum is the only species of Dicrocoelium among sheep in the north and center of Iran

Application of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in chemical fingerprinting: the Niger Delta case study

Chemical fingerprinting is an aspect of environmental forensic investigation which involves chemical analysis of contaminants and associated chemicals to provide source specific information. Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons [PAHs] in the environment have 3 categories of sources namely petrogenic, pyrogenic and biogenic sources. Petrogenic PAHs are generated from geochemical alterations of organic mater. Pyrogenic PAHs originate when organic matter is incompletely combusted. Biogenic PAHs originate as a result of oxidation of microbial or plant derived compounds in older and deeper sediments. PAHs fingerprinting involves the determination of a number of quantitative diagnostic ratios of source specific marker PAH compounds. These quantitative diagnostic ratios may be used to distinguish petrogenic PAHs including phenanthrene/anthracene; benz[a]anthracene/chrysene; flouranthene/pyrene; phenanthrene/[phenanthrene+anthracene] and indeno[1,2,3-cd] pyrene/indeno [1,2,3-cd] pyrene + benzo [ghi] perylene from other sources. In this research over 40 environmental samples from the Niger Delta region were subjected to chemical fingerprinting employing some of the quantitative diagnostic ratios above with the aim of ascertaining the precise nature and source the contaminants. It was found that the PAHs contamination in the Niger Delta is not only emanating from petrogenic sources but other sources contribute significantly

Detection of drug resistance gene in cutaneous leishmaniasis by PCR in some endemic areas of Iran

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is still a health problem in many rural and urban regions of Iran and drug resistance has emerged as a major impediment in the treatment of leishmaniasis. This study aims to determine the drug resistance gene in cutaneous leishmaniasis by PCR in some endemic areas of Iran. Ninety seven samples were collected from ulcers of leishmaniasis patients from some endemic areas of Iran. The Giemsa stained samples were examined microscopically and cultured in NNN and RPMI 1640 mediums for parasite detection. After DNA extraction, PCR was done by a pair of specific primers. For detection of mutation in DNA, first PCR products were electrophoresed on CSGE gel. The suspected samples were compared by sequencing and RFLP results were demonstrated. Comparison of DNA derived from a wild type cell and mutant cell was undertaken by CSGE and sequencing methods. Among 90 isolates [92.8%] examined for detection of mutation in gene with CSGE and RFLP, 10 [11.1%] revealed a disorder in sequencing selection for unresponsive to drug. Drug resistance in cutaneous leishmaniasis to sodium stiboglocanat is probably due to a mutation in a genome. A field study is needed to determine the distribution of drug resistance and other gene mutations involved in unresponsiveness to drugs in leishmaniasis endemic areas of Iran

[Determination of hydrogen peroxide index in the consumption edible oils in fast food shops]

Background and aims: Peroxide is the first compound which is produced after oxidation of fats and oils. When the peroxide level increases to specific amount, adverse taste and odor will be released due to volatile compounds. Peroxides may contribute in different diseases such as; atherosclerosis, progeria, allergic inflammation, cerebral and cardiac ischemia, respiratory distress syndrome and different liver dysfunctions. The main objective of this study was to determinate hydrogen peroxide index in both cooked and uncooked [raw] oils in fast food shops in Shahrekord during 2009 to 2010

Methods: This cross-sectional study was accomplished on 50% of Shahrekords' sandwich shops. In this research, 160 samples were gathered from 40 sandwich shops [4 samples per shop, two samples from uncooked and two samples from cooked oils] in the beginning and the end of the week, respectively. Samples were analyzed for hydrogen peroxide based on Association of official analytical chemists [AOAC]. Allowable standard levels of hydrogen peroxide for solid and liquid oils are 2 meq/kg and 5 meq/kg, respectively. Data were analyzed with application of Mann-Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test using SPSS software

Results: Results showed that peroxide value was more than standard level in all of samples. Peroxide increasing percentages for two kinds of oils were as below: 1- for uncooked oils 45% in the beginning and 25% at the end of the week; 2- for cooked oils 100% in the beginning and 97.5% at the end of week. According to the statistical analysis, there is significant relationship between uncooked and cooked oils in the beginning and at the end of the week both in edible and fried oils [P<0.001]. However; no significant relationship was found between cooked oils in the beginning and at the end of the week both in edible and fried oils [P>0.05]

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, approximately 100% of solid and liquid cooked oils [both edible and non-edible oils] had a peroxide index higher than standard limit. It is highly recommended that health centers authorities try to manage a specific educational program for fast food shops owners and also they have to schedule time table for proper supervision

[Detection of drug resistance gene in trichomonas vaginalis by PCR]

Trichomoniasis is a worldwide protozoan parasitic disease. Considering the importance of the disease in public health and the controversial ideas about the prevalence of drug resistance, this study was designed to determine the prevalence of metronidazole resistance gene in trichomonas vaginalis [T. vaginalis] with PCR-RFLP method in Tehran and in Kashan. In this descriptive study 140 samples of T. vaginalis in patients with T. vaginalis infections were collected and assessed microscopically. Then they were isolated and examined by culturing in dorset's medium, DNA extraction and PCR amplification. The PCR products were analyzed using RFLP and suspected samples were sequenced. All but 7 samples were T. vaginalis positive by PCR. Sixty-two samples [44.4%] were examined by microscopic, culture and PCR techniques; 12 samples [8.5%] by microscope and PCR, 56 samples [40%] by culture and PCR and other 3 samples [2.1%] were positive only by PCR. Two samples [1.5%] were also examined for detection of mutation in 18S rRNA gene with RFLP in Tehran. This study shows that T. vaginalis infections in the female population living in Tehran are metronidazole-resistant. Since metronidazole is considered as the drug choice for T. vaginalis infections, more studies are recommended for identification of the drug resistance mechanisms and prevention of the disease

Study on ITS1 gene of Iranian Trichomonas vaginalis by molecular methods

Trichomoniasis is a worldwide protozoan parasitic disease and metronidazole is a choice drug for its treatment. Because of disease importance in public health and its controversial ideas about the prevalence of drug resistance, this study was carried out. Fifty-two suspected vaginal samples were collected from 2006 to 2007 in Gynecology Maryam Hospital, Tehran, Iran. All isolates were examined by microscopic, culture and PCR techniques. The PCR products were analyzed by RFLP and CSGE methods and two suspected samples were sequenced. Trichomonas vaginalis was identified from all 52 samples. Of 52 isolates, 45 samples were successfully cultured and amplified by PCR except one. Seven were positive only by PCR. Finally, ITS1 fragment was successfully amplified in 51 of 52. CSGE analysis and PCR products digestion by MspI followed by sequencing showed nucleotide mutation at position 209 [C209T] of the ITS1 fragment in two [3.9% of them. The results showed mutation in ITS1 fragment of T. vaginalis in two [3.9%] of Iranian isolates which may be related to metronidazole resistance

[Evaluating the efficacy of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis disease]

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common autoimmune diseases. Early diagnosis can prevent side effects and disability. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody is a specific marker to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide in comparison with rheumatoid factor in rheumatoid arthritis patients referred to Behshti Hospital of Kashan city during 2006-7

Materials and Methods: This diagnostic value study was done on 98 randomly selected rheumatoid arthritis patients and 75 patients with other rheumatic diseases. In this study rheumatoid factor titer>35 IU/ml and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide>6.25 IU/ml were considered positive

Results: Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide compared to rheumatoid factor had a higher sensitivity [73.5% vs. 69.4%], specificity [88% vs. 84%], positive predictive value [88.9% vs. 85%], and negative predictive value [71.7% vs. 67.7%] for rheumatoid arthritis. The use of rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide test together increased the specificity and positive predictive value for diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis to 93.3% and 92.4%, respectively. The mean anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide showed a significant difference in Rheumatoid arthritis [46.8 IU/ml] in comparison to non rheumatoid arthritis patients [5.3 IU/ml]

Conclusion: Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide had a better diagnostic value when compared to rheumatoid factor for detection of rheumatoid arthritis. Also combined use of rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide had a higher specificity and positive predictive value than each alone for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis

[Seroepidemiology of hydatidosis among adult human at Kashan region, Iran in 2008]

Background: Hydatidosis is one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases worldwide caused by the metacestode form of Echinococcus granulosus. The diagnosis of cystic echinococcusis is difficult; using the clinical features of the disease and serological methods help to determine the specific antibody response. Due to medical and economical importance of this disease, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the human hydatidosis among adults in Kashan, a central region of Iran, in 2008

Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 361 serum samples were randomly collected from adult cases referring to the city and rural health centers of Kashan. All the sera in different age groups were examined using ELISA and IFA tests

Results: The age Mean+/-SD in this study was 33.4+/-9.7 years. Only 11 cases [3.05%] using both ELISA and IFA were positive for hydatidosis and the other cases were negative by two methods. The infection rate among males and females was 3.7% and 2.3%, respectively. There was no significant association between hydatidosis, sex and residency

Conclusion: According to the results, the rate of hydatidosis prevalence in this region was high justifying control programs of hydatidosis

[Relationship between pathogen intestinal parasitic infection and wasting and growth stunting]

Malnutrition is one of the most important health problems in developing countries, especially in school students. To determine of relationship between intestinal parasitic infection and wasting and growth stunting incidence among primary students in rural areas of Kashan, in the year of 2008. In this Case-Control study, 65 students with wasting and 65 students with growth stunting were chosen as case groups, also 65 students without malnutrition were chosen as control group. The National Center of Health Statistic [NCHS] growth charts was used as normal standard. The nutritional status was measured by Waterlow classification indicators, [The ratio of weight to height [wasting] and height to age [stunting] for pathogen intestinal parasites diagnosis]. Three serial fecal samples from students in case and control groups was collected during different days, in addition Cellophane tape method for Enterobius vermicularis eggs was performed in all of them. According to data, there were no significant relation between Pathogen intestinal parasitic infection and wasting and growth stunting [P=0.08 and P=0.18] respectively. The possibility of causing major detrimental effect on natural status of children by light parasitism is low

effect of counseling on post traumatic stress disorder after a traumatic childbirth

Adverse childbirth experiences as a trauma can evoke fear and post-traumatic stress disorder in some women. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of counseling on post traumatic stress disorder after a traumatic childbirth. This research was a clinical trial which was conducted at Kamaly hospital in Karaj. Samples [300 women] who had experienced a traumatic childbirth were selected by a convenient sampling method and were randomized into an intervention [n=150] and a control [n=150] group. The intervention group received face-to-face counseling within 72 hours of birth for forty to sixty minutes in a session. The control group just received usual care after childbirth. The data collection tool was questionnaire, which was completed via interview. The measuring variables were demographic characteristic, reproductive history, maternity social support, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests [Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and generalized Fisher's exact test] by SPSS v.13 software. After 4-6 weeks of follow-up there was no significant difference regarding post-traumatic stress disorder between two groups [P=0.295]. At 3-month of follow-up, the intervention group reported less post-traumatic stress disorder comparing with the control group [P=0.001]. A midwife-led counseling plan is effective in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder during a long term

Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in murine model by hydro alcoholic essence of Artemisia sieberi

Considering the prevalence of leishmaniasis in Iran and many side effects associated with pentavalent antimony compounds use in its treatment, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of Artemisia sieberi essence on the experimental ulcers of cutaneous leishmaniasis on BALB/c mice. This experimental research was performed to determine the effect of various concentrations of Artemisia essence in BALB/c mice previously infected with active Leishmania major promastigote. A total of 50 infected BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 5 groups. Three groups [30 mice] were used in the experimental conditions and the others were assigned as the control groups. The experimental groups received 1%, 3% and 5% of Artemisia, respectively. One of the control groups received ethanol 80% and the other received no treatment. The drug was administered by dropping the liquid on the top lesions, three times daily for maximum of 30 d. Every 10 days the ulcers diameter were measured and sampled for amastigote in all groups. Ulcers diameter changes were determined by statistical tests. After 30 days, diameter of CL lesions increased in 1%, 3% and 5% Artemisia concentrations and the control groups. Ulcers got bigger with the more concentration. Treatments could not reduce the diameter or caused small lesions. In addition, the mice direct smears in microscopic studies were positive. To find the effective concentration and the mechanism of the effectiveness of the drug, further investigations with less concentrates of A. sieberi essence are recommended

[Efficacy of oral naltrexone in treatment of pruritus in patients with eczema]

Regarding to the role of opioid receptors in peripheral cutaneous sensations and central itch procession, this study was designed to determine the efficacy of oral Naltrexone in the treatment of pruritus in patients with eczema in comparison with placebo. Thirty eight patients with eczema complaining of pruritus were studied. Pruritus scores were evaluated. Patients were given the placebo [n=20] or Nalterxone 50 mg [n=18] for a two-week period. During the study, pruritus scores were distinguished by a visual analogue scale [VAS] system and recorded in patients questionnaires three times, at the start of study, after 1 week, and after 2 weeks In the both groups VAS score were decreased, although Naltrexon was more effective than placebo in decreasing the VAS scores, both in 1st week week [P < 0.005] and 2[nd] week [P< 0.001]. Adverse events [mainly nausea and sedation were observed in 3 patients [2 in Naltrexon group and 1 in placebo group] Naltrexone is more effective than placebo in treatment of pruritus in patient affected with eczema. Naltrexone might be considered as an adjuvant remedy in treatment of pruritus

Survey of echinococcosis and hydatidosis in Kashan region, Central Iran

Hydatidosis is one of the major zoonotic diseases that cause considerable economic losses and public health problems worldwide. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of E. granulosus in domestic and wild carnivores and the infection rate of hydatid cyst in slaughtered animals and people in Kashan area, central Iran. A total of 142 carnivores including 70 stray dogs, 40 jackals, 22 red foxes, and 10 wolves were examined for the presence of E. granulosus, as well as, 170510 slaughtered sheep, 162665 goats and 13059 cattle for hydatid cyst infection. In addition, 500 inhabitants in rural areas were examined for antibodies to hydatid cyst. Results indicated that 43.7% of carnivores were infected with E. granulosus. Infection rate in slaughtered animals was 2.7%. Overall, the seroprevalence rate in human cases was 2.4%. Eighty-five patients including 47 females and 38 males were hospitalized. The mean annual incidence rate of hydatidosis in human was three cases per 100 000 populations. In general, the situation of the hydatidosis in the livestock and human and echinococcosis in the carnivores of the Kashan is similar to the other zones in Iran

[ survey on carnivore's cestodes contamination in Kashan region]

Objective: considering the role of parasite in contamination of human beings and domestic animals and lacking information in this region, this study was done to determine the prevalence of carnivores, cestodes in Kashan

Design: descriptive and observational study

Animals: a total of 142 camivors involved in 70 dogs, 40 jackales, 22 foxes and 10 wolves of both males and females between 2 months to more than 5 years old

Procedure: this study was conducted on 142 carnivores during four seasons which huntered by shotting. After huntering small and , large intestine, were isolated. Then samples were fixed in 10% formalin and their identification was performed based on parasitological characteristics

Statistical analysis: data were classified with descriptive statistics and chi-square

Results: seven species of cestodes were found in gastrointestinal tract of the samples. Overall contamination rate was 6716%. Contamination rate for species of parasites that found in this study were: Taenia hydaligena: wolf 70%, dog 52.9%, jackal 40% and fox 36.4%. Joyexiella echinorhyncoides: wolf 20%, fox B.6%, dog 11.4%, jackal 7.5%. Echinococcus granulosus: dog 55.7%, wolf 40%, jackal 40%, fox 13.6%. Multiceps multiceps: wolf 40%, fox18.2%, jackal 7.5%, dog 4.3%. Dipylidum caninum: wolf 30%, fox 22.7%, dog lo%, jackal 10%

Conclusion: contamination rate for cestodes especially zoonotic parasites was greater than expectation in Kashan region. In this respect, appropriate controlling measures should be taken and it is recommended to determine the most appropriate preventive method

Survey on physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of PAH-contaminated soils in Iran

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs] are one of the important groups of organic micro pollutants [Xenobiotics] due to their widespread distribution and low degradability in the environment [atmosphere, water and soil]. Some PAHs exhibit carcinogenic and /or mutagenic properties and are listed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency [USEPA] and European Commission [EC] as priority pollutants. In this research three petroleum contaminated sites in Iran were selected in order to separate and classify PAH-degrading microorganisms. Samples were analysed for: soil physico-chemical properties, soil particle size distribution, Ultrasonic extraction of PAH [phenanthrene] and microbial analysis. Ultrasonic extraction method was shown to be a reliable procedure to extract a wide range of PAH concentrations from different soils, e.g. clay, silt, and clay-silt mixtures. Results showed that the extraction rate of phenanthreen in mentioned different soils was in the range of 85 - 100 percent. Results showed that two of three selected sites were contaminated with phenanthrene in the range of 10 - 100 mg/kg of soil, and had a reasonable population of PAH- degrading bacteria, which were enable to adaptate and degradate a concentration range of phenanthrene between 10 and 1000 mg/kg of soil. According to results, it can conclude that, the bioremediation of contaminated soils in Iran may be considered as a feasible practice