Detection mutations of JAK2 exon 12 in patients with JAK2 [v617f]-negative myeloproliferative disorders

Background: Mutations in exon 12 of JAK2 gene are detected as clonal markers in hematopoietic lineages in myeloproliferative disorders [MPNs]. Our aim was, to study the relation between N542E543del mutation of JAK2 gene and myeloproliferative neoplasms in V617F-negative patients

Patients and Methods: DNA specimen from 34 patients and 44 healthy controls were genotyped using ARMs-PCR method. We analyzed exon 12 JAK2 aberration in 34 myeloproliferative cases to be readily detected by both ARMS-PCR and DNA analysis regardless of whether peripheral blood or bone marrow cells was manipulated as the origin of RNA.

Results: In this case-control study, there was no significant difference in Pearson chi square analysis between the patients and control groups in genotype distribution of the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphism rs7869668 of JAK2 exon 12 [P > 0.05]. Also, gene detection finding showed that the patients were negative of JAK2-V617F mutation

Discussion and Conclusion: Present finding on a small number of patients diagnosed of various categories of MPDs revealed and needs more investigation and data for the prevalence and the incidence of the JAK2-V617F mutation. However, the clinical and genotyping of finding a disorder and non-significant correlation between patients and control group in this study in such a small fraction of the patients is unknown

[Rheumatoid arthritis: physiopathological currents and therapeutic implications]

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory rheumatism responsible for osteoarticular destruction and in some cases it can also affect a wide variety of body systems including skin, eye, lung, heart and kidney. Physiopathology of this disease is better clarified. Indeed, hormonal, genetic and environmental factors are involved in the onset of the disease. All these together activate an innate and adaptive uncontrolled immune response which is characterized by an amplified inflammatory reaction particularly of the synovial membrane, site of immune cell infiltrate and significant neo-vascular proliferation. This auto immune process is responsible for the production and release of cytokines, chemokines and metalloproteases contributing clearly to osteoarticular damage. The result of this knowledge is the development of treatments targeting molecules incriminated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and blocking the destructive and evolutionary disease mode

[Allometric growth rate of the spinal cord in relation to the vertebral column during prenatal life in male and female goats [Capra hircus]]

Total and regional allometric growth rates and termination sites of the spinal cord related to the respective vertebra were studied in 36 goat fetuses, from the Ahvaz slaughterhouse. These specimens were assigned to 3 groups, group 1 [CRL 10-20 cm], group 2 [CRL 21-30 cm], and group 3 [CRL 31-40 cm], each consisting of 6 male and 6 female fetuses. Observations in all 3 groups revealed that although the growth of the vertebral column was greater than that of the spinal cord, the difference in growth was not constant throughout the spine. While in cervical and thoracic regions the growth rate of the spinal cord in relation to the vertebral column was almost isometric, in the caudal part of the spine there was marked decline in growth of the spinal cord compared to the respective regions of the vertebral column. Craniocaudally, the allometric growth rate became drastically negative. There was no significant difference [P>0.05] between males and females. Except in thoracic region, all other regions showed significant differences [P<0.01] between similar regions in all 3 groups. In the lumbar region of group 2 no significant difference was found [P>0.05]. As a consequence of the negative allometric growth of the spinal cord in relation to the vertebral column in the caudal part of the spine, the conus medullaris was displaced from S4-S5 in group 1 to S2 in group 3. No significant difference [P>0.05] between male and female fetuses concerning the termination of the spinal cord was found

[Comparing performance of decision tree and neural network in predicting myocardial infarction]

Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common diseases in all societies. Using data mining techniques to generate predictive models to identify those at risk for reducing the effects of the disease is very helpful. The main purpose of this study was to predict the risk of myocardial infarction by Decision Tree based on the observed risk factors. The present work was an analytical study conducted on a database containing 350 records. Data were obtained from patients admitted to Shahid Rajaei specialized cardiovascular hospital, Iran, in 2011. Data were collected using a four-sectioned data collection form. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software version 12 by CRISP methodology. In the modeling section decision tree and Neural Network were used. The results of the data mining showed that the variables of high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia and tobacco smoking were the most critical risk factors of myocardial infarction. The accuracy of the decision tree model on the data was shown to be as 93/4%. The best created model was decision tree C5.0. According to the created rules, it can be predicted which patient with new specified features may affected by myocardial infarction

[ impact of self-care education on life quality of diabetic patients]

Introduction: Among the chronic diseases, diabetes is considered as a silent disease and self caring for these patients deeply affects their treatment and finally their quality of life. This study was conducted to assess the effect of educational programs in promoting the quality of life of diabetic patients

Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 60 diabetic patients were selected by simple random sampling and were divided into two case and control groups. The instrument was a standard questionnaire of measuring quality of life which was completed during an interview before the intervention. After determining the educational needs of the patients, an educational program was held for the case group. The data were analyzed using SPSS-17 and Paired t-test

Results: In both groups, from 60 patients under study, 45 women were aged 50 +/- 3.2: The average change of the quality of life was 65 +/- 5.8 in case group and 41 +/- 3.5 in control group. The results of the data analysis showed a statistical meaningful difference [p=0.001]

Conclusion: According to the findings, the educational program was effective in improving the general health and the quality of life of diabetic patients

Intestinal obstruction in acute inhalational toluene 2, 4-diisocyanate gas toxicity

The isocyanates are widely used as precursors of polyurethane products, as well as carbamate insecticides. Toluene 2, 4-diisocyanate [TDI] is one of the most important commercially used isocyanates. Humans may be exposed to TDI by inhalation, ingestion, dermal and eye contact. TDI is a powerful irritant to the mucosal membranes of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, eyes and the skin. Pulmonary manifestations, especially occupational asthma, are the predominant manifestations after TDI toxicity. Herein, we present intestinal obstruction as an extraordinary manifestation of acute TDI toxicity after occupational exposure. TDI toxicity may cause intestinal obstruction

trend of governmental support from post-graduated Iranian students in medical fields to study abroad

To explore the trend and composition of post-graduate Iranian students who received governmental scholarship during the last two decades. Detailed information about the awarded scholarships and also about the number of post graduate students in clinical and basic sciences in domestic universities were collected from the related offices within the ministry of health and medical education and their trends were triangulated. A sharp drop was observed in the number of awarded scholarships, from 263 in 1992 to 46 in 2009. In the beginning, almost all of scholarships fully supported students for a whole academic course; while in recent years most of scholarships supported students for a short fellowship or complementary course [more than 80%]. Students studied in a wide range of colleges within 30 countries; more than 50% in Europe. Although one third of students studied in UK in the first years, only 4% of students selected this country in recent years. conversely, the number of scholarships to Germany and sweden have increased more than 10 and 3 times during this period. In parallel, the capacity of domestic universities for training of post-graduate students has been expanded dramatically. Although expanding post-graduate education has been one of the main strategic objectives of the ministry of health and medical education in last two decades, it was obtained using different approaches. By time, more attention was to expanding the capacities of Iranian universities, and choosing less but more targeted students to continue their studies abroad

effect of service quality on patient loyalty: a study of private hospitals in Tehran, Iran

Service quality is perceived as an important factor for developing patient's loyalty. The aim of this study was to determine the hospital service quality from the patients' viewpoints and the relative importance of quality dimensions in predicting the patient's loyalty. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2010.The study sample was composed of 943 patients selected from eight private general hospitals in Tehran. The survey instrument was a questionnaire included 24 items about the service quality and 3 items about the patient's loyalty. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to extracting the dimensions of service quality. Also, regression analysis was performed to determining the relative importance of the service quality dimensions in predicting the patient's loyalty. The mean score of service quality and patient's loyalty was 3.99 and 4.16 out of 5, respectively. About 29% of the loyalty variance was explained by the service quality dimensions. Four quality dimensions [Costing, Process Quality, Interaction Quality and Environment Quality] were found to be key determinants of the patient's loyalty in the private hospitals of Tehran. The patients' experience in relation to the private hospitals' services has strong impact on the outcome variables like willingness to return to the same hospital and reuse its services or recommend them to others. The relationship between the service quality and patient's loyalty proves the strategic importance of improving the service quality for dragging and retaining patients and expanding the market share

pretreatment effects of pentoxifylline on aflatoxin B1-induced oxidative damage in perfused rat liver

This study was conducted to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of pentoxifylline [PTX] against aflatoxin Bl [AFB1] exposure in perfused rat livers by evaluating damage marker enzymes, antioxidant defense systems [glutathione, GSH] and lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde, MDA]. Sixteen rats were divided randomly into four experimental groups: control, PTX, AFB1 and AFB1 + PTX. Rats in the control group were infused with Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer. Rats in the AFB1 -treated group received approximately 1 ppm and the PTX- treated group received 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally 24 h before surgery. Alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase levels were increased by AFB 1 and decreased by PTX. PTX also ameliorated the increased concentration of MDA caused by AFB1. PTX did not compensate for the decrease in GSH caused by AFB 1. These results imply that PTX has an antioxidant effect by inhibiting free radicals, and prior treatment with PTX ameliorates the effects of AFB 1 -induced lipid peroxidation but does not compensate GSH depots

[ survey of clinical informations system process in general hospitals of Tehran university of medical sciences]

The benefits of a unique computerized medical records and communication equipments is utilized to collect, storage, process, extract and relate to patient care information and management information. If this utilization is in accordance with the needs of managers and staff of medical records, many of the nation's health system problems will be dissolved. Information systems in health supply system by compiling, analyzing and publishing data provide utilization of information improve the health of the society. The purpose of this study is to investigate the process of clinical information systems in general hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences based on available clinical information system in these hospitals. This descriptive study is an application study that conducted in order to determine the process of clinical information system in general hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences based on available clinical information in these hospitals. The required data have been collected by a valid and reliable questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. With regard to the current condition and the importance of survey of the process of clinical information system in the studied hospitals, the authors provided the desired checklist in general hospitals with studying the related system in America, Australia and England countries, on the basis of country requirements in the form of clinical information system processes. We studied clinical information system processes in departments of admission, filling and retrieving, statistical and coding and also soft wares in this department. It is necessary to create a coordinated and integrated clinical information system with suitable process and empower experts in the field of proper use of data with regard to the position of information system in each organization and its fundamental role in the adoption of accurate policies. We found that relative frequency of clinical information system processes is more than 60% in this department and clinical information system elements was observed 75% in all the departments except admission

Simultaneous determination of preservatives [sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate] in soft drinks and herbal extracts using high-performance liquid chromatography [HPLC]

Chemical preservation has become an increasingly important practice in modern food technology and herbal medicinal products with the increase in production of processed and convenience products. In the present study, a reversed-phased HPLC method for simultaneous determination of the preservatives sodium benzoate [SB] and potassium sorbate [PS] is described. The separation of SB and PS were performed on the C[18-] column and acetonitrile -ammonium acetate buffer as mobile phase. The detector wavelength was set at 254 nm. Separation of the two components [SB and PB] was achieved in less than 6 min. Analytical characteristics of the separation such as limit of detection, limit of quantification, accuracy, precision and reproducibility were evaluated. The range of preservatives found were from not detected [nd] - 2477 mg 1[-1], nd - 328 mg 1[-1] for SB, PS respectively. In This study, has shown that the concentration of SB and PS in the soft drink samples is higher that ADI even for normal consumers, based on maximum limits specified in national standards and on model diets

Evaluation of miltefosine against Leishmania major [MRHO/IR/75/ER]: In vitro and vivo studies

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in 88 different countries. There are an estimated 1.5 million new cases each year, with over 90% occurring in Afghanistan, Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria [Old World] and in Brazil and Peru [New World]. Miltefosine is effective in vitro and in vivo against Leishmania species and it was demonstrated efficacy in animals via the oral route. This study is the first one for evaluating the effect of miltefosine on cutaneous leishmaniasis of L. major [MRHO/IR/75/ER] by in vivo and in vitro studies in the BALB/c mouse model. As it was shown, miltefosine has a better effect on reduction of size of lesion compared to Glucantime[R], also it was not significant by statistical analysis. The results of this study show that miltefosine has a good activity against the proliferation of amastigotes of L. major. The results suggest that oral miltefosine might be a promising approach for developing new anti-Leishmanial drugs. [c] 2008 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

effect of intra canal fluids on the apical seal of root canal fillings using AH26 and rosen sealers

One of the main objectives of root canal treatment is to achieve a suitable and 3-dimensional seal in order to prevent tissue fluids and microorganisms from re-entering the root canal system. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of intracanal moisture on the apical seal during root canal obturation using Rosen and AH26 sealers. Sixty-four teeth were chosen according to the inclusion criteria: mature apices, straight canals, no intra/extra-resorption or calcification. The root canals were prepared and randomly divided into six groups, after removing the crowns. Two different sealers, AH26 and Rosen, were chosen and the teeth were filled using the lateral condensation technique in three different settings: dry canal, presence of blood and 2/5% hypoclorite in the canals. All specimens were immersed in methylene blue solution, rinsed throughly and dried. The roots were cut longitudinally into two halves. For dye volumetric measurements, all samples were immersed in 65% nitric acid and the volume of the penetrated dye was measured by a spectrophotometer. Two-way ANOVA was used to compare the leakage of the dye in the study groups. The amount of dye leakage was significantly lower in the AH26 groups [P<0.001]. There was no significant difference between the three clinical settings in the AH26 and Rosen groups [P=0.857]. If the basic obturation principles are carefully administered during root canal filling, intracanal moisture could not affect apical seal, especially when AH26 is employed as a sealer instead of Rosen

[ inhibitory effect of captopril on paraquat toxicity in mitochondria isolated from the rat liver]

The aim of the present study was to show the capability of captopril as a thiol ACEi [angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor], in suppressing mitochondrial toxicity due to paraquat. In this study, rats liver mitochondria were isolated with buffer using refrigerated centrifuge. In order to obtain the minimum toxic dose of paraquat and the effective dose of captopril, different concentrations of paraquat [1 to 100mM]and captopril [0.08 to 1mM]were investigated by determining LC [50], viability indices, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial swelling, catalase activity, GSH and GSSG. Simultaneous treatment of mitochondria with captopril [0.08mM] and paraquat [5mM] significantly ameliorate the mitochondrial toxicity of paraquat [5mM] alone. Our results show that captopril is a effective antioxidant. The antioxidative action of captopril appears to be attributable to the sulphahydryl group [SH] in the compound. This effect may be due to captopril abilities to scavenge reactive oxygen species. Our results indicate that Captopril can ameliorate oxidative stress induced by paraquat and therefore, can be used for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by environmental toxins

role of stress, sociotropy and autonomy in depression

Beck [1983] claimed that personality style of sociotropy and autonomy in a vulnerable factor depression that interacts with stress congruent with same personality style. This study investigates the role of stress, sociotropy and autonomy in depression in a retrospective and case control design. 156 major depressed patients were compared with 78 never depressed and normal people based on sex, age, life, events, sociotropy and autonomy, congruent stresses. Results showed that depressed patients experienced significantly more stresses than normals. Also, sociotrop and autonomous patients had experienced significantly different stresses that were congruent with their personality style. Results supported the role of stress in depression and congruency hypothesis that Beck asserted

[Modulatory effects of barbiturates and their binary combinations on human alpha-1 glycine receptors expressed in Xenopus Oocytes]

To test whether there is a common site of action for intravenous anaesthetics at the glycine receptor, the effects of binary combinations of thiopentone, pentobarbitone, and methohexitone have been tested on human alpha 1 glycine receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes using two-electrode voltage-clamp techniques. During this interventional study, recombinant human alpha-1 receptor gene was prepared and the mRNA was injected into cytoplasmic site of Xenopus oocytes. Two-electrod voltage clamp technique used for pharmacological studies of currents of chloride channels [receptors] from the membrane of oocytes. Then, the effect of three barbiturates on currents induced by agonist on the receptors was measured. Thiopentone [5-40microM], and pentobarbitone [25-400microM], [but not methohexitone] potentiated the glycine-induced [50microM] current in a dose-dependent manner, with the maximum potentiation observed to be 220%, and 400%, respectively. In binary combination with thiopentone, or pentobarbitone, methohexitone reduced potentiation compared to that by the individual anesthetics to 180%, and 280%, respectively. Combination of thiopentone and pentobarbitone [50microM] increased potentiation, compared to that by thiopentone alone. Our results indicate that thiopentone and pentobarbitone both act as positive allosteric modulators at the alpha-1 glycine receptor. In contrast, methohexitone has no action alone but acts as a competitive antagonist to thiopentone and pentobarbitone. We suggest that these three intravenous barbiturate anaesthetics share a common site of action at the glycine receptor

Detection of chlamydia trachomatis from urine specimens by pcr inwomen with cervicitis

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common agent of urogenital infections in both men and women. Diagnosis of chlamy-dial infections is based on isolation of bacteria in tissue culture media that requires at least 48 to 72h. Polymerase chain reaction [PCR] is a sensitive and specific method for detection of small quantity of bacterial DNA in clinical samples. The first goal of this study was to perform a PCR testing for detecting of C. trachomatis from urine samples and after that to identify the frequency of C. trachomatis among cervicitis women and at the end, to identify the potential risk factors for chlamydial genital infection. From August to October 2002, a total of 122 consecutive women with cervicitis who attended Obstetric and Gynecology Clinic of Shoosh, Tehran-Iran were involved into the study. After DNA extraction from urine specimens, PCR tests were performed. C. trachomatis genome was detected in 14 of 94 [14/9%] urine specimens. The highest C. trachomatis cervical infection frequency was found in women with 28 to 38 years old group, elementary education level group, and in users IUD for contraception. The results of this study indicate that PCR technique is a useful method for detecting C. trachomatis in urine

Evaluation of some natural zeolites and their relevant synthetic types as sorbents for removal of arsenic from drinking water

The purpose of this study was to find a relatively inexpensive method for removal of arsenate and arsenite from drinking water. The capability of Iranian natural clinoptilolites, relevant synthetic zeolites A and P and Iron[II] modified of them was investigated for the uptake of arsenic anions from drinking water. Data obtained from ion-exchange using batch [static] technique showed that among the investigated zeolites, modified synthetic zeolite A was the most selective sorbent for removal of arsenic. In this study, the influence of factores including temperature, arsenic concentration, pH and zeolite particle size on removal of arsenic species from water was also determined and studied

Paraoxonase and arylesterase activity among hypercholesterolemic patients

Human serum paraoxonase [PON] associated with high density lipoprotein [HDL], has been postulated to have a role in protecting low-density lipoprotein [LDL] against oxidative damage, which has led to the proposal that PON is an anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory enzyme. It has genetic polymorphism at the 191 [R••••>Q] and two alloenzymes A and B and three phenotypes A, B, and AB. We examined the activity of arylesterase and paraoxonase among healthy individuals and in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Equal activity distribution was observed among males and females for both enzymes. Arylesterase activity displayed a normal distribution in the population under study. However, paraoxonase activity demonstrated a three modal activity. Population distribution of A, B and AB polymorphism were 46, 10 and 44% respectively. A significant direct correlation between paraoxonase activity and triglyceride levels was observed [p<0.05] whereas arylesterase activity was similar among hyperlipidemic and control groups. The lack of a significant relationship between lipids and lipoproteins and PON phenotypes, suggests that PON phenotypes do not influence the lipid profile

Purification and molecular analysis of BCG antigen 60

Tuberculosis remains as an important socioeconomical and medical problem throughout the world and especially in Iran. Early and timely diagnosis of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis is vital to initiate prompt treatment. Current diagnostic methods are either slow or lack enough sensitivity or specificity. Several mycobacterial antigens are involved in the complex interaction with the immune system of the host. Their identification is important for both diagnosis and protection against mycobacteria. Antigen 60 [A60] is a thermostable antigen found in the cytosol of M. bovis and M. tuberculosis. An ELISA test using A60 is designed for diagnosis of tuberculosis with satisfactory results. In previous studies, A60 has also showed a protective effect against experimental infections and useful immunotherapeutic effects in promotion of cancer development. In the present work we tried to purify A60 from the cytoplasm of BCG. A60 was purified by exclusion gel chromatography using sepharose 4B. A60 was recognized by bidimensional immunoelectrophoresis with anti-BCG and anti-A60 antiserum, where it appears as the less mobile component. In agarose electrophoresis, A60 showed only one band but in immunodiffusion it showed two immunoprecipitinogen lines with anti-BCG anti-serum. In analyzing with dot blotting, both cytoplasm and cell wall of BCG showed positive reaction with anti-A60 anti-serum. When A60 was fractionated by SDS-PAGE and analyzed by western blot using anti-A60 antibody, 65,46,40, 38 and 35 KDa protein fractions were identified. It is concluded that A60 is a macromolecular antigen of BCG with a molecular weight of 10[6]-10[7] Da and is a lipoprotein-polysaccharide complex which contains several proteins. A60 is present in both cytoplasm and cell wall of BCG and can easily be purified from BCG vaccine using exclusion chromatography by sepharose 4B, to be used for designing diagnostic tests for TB